the
S G N I H T N I MA
Junior Minahil Amin, and her non-profit organization here in Northern Virginia make a difference in helping women and children all the way in Pakistan.
What started as a rumor, the “iPad� has become a reality. The latest Apple creation is sweeping the Apple world by storm, for better or worse.
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Meet the Piano Man, senior Joshua Rickwald. Go behind the script music to learn what it takes to be a pianist and composer in the Fairfax Academy.
ted derway. The Uni un re a s ic p m ly uver Winter O ntinues its l count, and co The 2010 Vanco a ed m e th g in st Winter ly lead petition. The 21 m States is current co f o ys a d g remainin ary 28. success into the n Sunday, Febru o se o cl a to e m Olympics will co
From participating in Fairfax Idol to recording for Omega Records, sophomore Jaime Boyd sings her way to fame.
Tryouts for spring sports took place this week, starting February 22: see how the off-season conditioning prepared teams for the 2010 regular season.
With the praise that comes from creating a renowned newsmagazine that includes opinionated pieces comes the occasional Letter to the Editor.
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- - Virginia High School League First Place in Newsmagazines 2008-2009 - Staff 09-10 Editors in Chief Andrew Dilworth Jordan Sharpe
Managing Editor Lindsey Bush
News Editor
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Commentary Editors
Art Directors
Entertainment Editor
Staff Writers
Annelise Jensen Allie Sawyer
Zafar Shaw
Sports Editor Kevin Dowd
Copy Editors
Melissa Lin
Brian Berenbaum Aditya Bhatnagar
Features Editors
Business Managers
Anurag Bhatnagar Kevin Poon
Emily Buzzard Emily Stone
Jake Fulmer Dan Webster
Chip Barker Abraham Hassan Steven Kendall Samantha Lerner Makeda Martin Kyle Moodhe Matt Reihing Emily Robinson Emily Taylor Boa Thai Aneela Wadan Alex Woodill
Adviser
Lauren Millette
The Rebel Roar is published as a public forum of student expression. Letters to the Editor are 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.
letter from the editors O
h, the second semester is upon us, Rebels, and the first half of school has been quite memorable, but thank goodness, we are less than halfway to the end of the year! For seniors, that means the hourglass of your high school experience has almost run out, and freshmen: get used to this for three more years. The start to the second semester was hit dead on by a record breaking amount of snow. The snow effected The Rebel Roar just like it effected every other aspect of the school day. We compressed our usual 24 page newsmagazine to 16, in order to have a February issue. Welcome back, we hope you had a splendid part II to your Winter Break. This month, the Rebel Roar has spotlighted the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics in our middle spread. Take a look at the competition between countries, and the most celebrated American athletes this winter. The U.S. is running on all cylinders, leading the medal count over fiercely competitive Canada, the host country. All standings are accurate as of February 23. In this issue, we highlighted the non-profit organization, WADA, led by FHS student Minahil Amin, which helps women and children get the health coverage they need in Pakistan. Also, we have featured two individuals that stick out at FHS. Sophomore Jaime Boyd received the Young Artist People’s Choice Award for her songwriting, and has hit the recording studio to begin her singer/songwriter career. Senior Joshua Rickwald, a composer in the FHS Academy, will be performing in the MCT Fest on March 12. Check out “Piano Man” to see what Rickwald is all about. Be sure to get a copy of our March issue that will focus on AP, Pre-AP and Honors courses and the importance of thinking twice before you enroll. Thank you for the continued support. If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to email us at fhsrebelroar@gmail.com. Go make me proud,
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News
VA STARS bringing technology to students
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any people know how hard school is when you don’t have access to a computer, and some students at Fairfax do not have their own computers. In a time when families’ budgets are getting tighter, it is hard to find the money to purchase a new one. These things make the VA STAR program so important to Fairfax, but what exactly is VA STAR? VA STAR provides free computers for students who need them. The Virginia Student Training and Refurbishment program is “good for the students getting the computers so they can do well in school,” said junior Jonathan Aspromonti, the Vice President of Community Service for FBLA. The program accomplishes this by taking old computers, fixing their broken parts, and installing new software on them. As Vice President, Aspromonti worked closely with one of the FBLA advisors, Mr. Campbell, in order to achieve their shared goal of putting on the first and only successful VA STAR program in Fairfax County. Mr. Campbell said that “the computers come free of charge from the state of Virginia.” Other than supplying the computers, everything is left up to the Fairfax FBLA to make fixing and refurbishing the computers possible. The first VA STAR meeting was held on October 21, and a horde of FBLA members showed up to find out
what they could do. It quickly became clear that the program was off to a great start, but problems also arose for those organizing the event. “[Having] free space to work on the computers and cutting down the workforce [of volunteers] to those who are committed” were the major problems according to Mr. Campbell. Despite these setbacks, VA STAR was able to begin fixing the computers and installing software. “If you’re directing VA STARS, you spend seven to ten hours a week. If you’re just working on the computers, about five hours a week,” Aspromonti remarked. After months of labor and weekend sessions, the project is coming much closer to its conclusion. The ultimate goal of VA STAR is to help Fairfax students who need a computer, but it is important that they know how to apply. The Fairfax High School website, http://www.fcps.edu/FairfaxHS/, has the application on the home page and applications can be obtained in the main office. These forms must be turned in by March 4 to give students the opportunity to get these computers free of charge. Mr. Campbell and Aspromonti both hope that students will take advantage of this opportunity.
Kyle Moodhe ‘10 Staff Writer
Electives fair takes over Commons
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ue to the “snowpocalypse” these past few weeks, the electives course fair was moved to Friday, February 19. What was originally supposed to be held in classrooms was held in the school commons during lunch periods. Students were given the opportunity to view the numerous stands set up by both teachers and students. Academy classes also participated as schools, such as Chantilly, set up booths so that students could see projects in their curriculum. Electives that were present included Orchestra, Art, DECA, Chorus, and Booths were set up by different Dance. electives for students to explore. Photo by Melissa Lin.
Melissa Lin ‘10 News Editor
News Briefs 4
Senior Kevin Dowd receives his award for being the Gatorade Viginia Runner of the Year. Photo by Andrew Dilworth
The FHS Cheer team receives their rings for winning the state title at halftime of the South Lakes basketball game. Photo by Andrew Dilworth.
News
WADA: one project, one student, helping hundreds.
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new student to Fairfax High School, junior Minahil a working website, www.wadapromise.org. Here she Amin, has already established a lasting impression. delineated her goals and her irrevocable vow: “We will She has proven herself to be an integral bring healthcare to the women and chilpart of the band and has demonstrated dren of Pakistan.” Amin attributes such her superior academic skills. However, desires to her ties to her home country Amin’s philanthropic actions surpass of Pakistan. She realized that the povall expectations of a high school stuerty in Pakistan is such a problem that dent. healthcare is not a priority for the govLast October, Amin began to fill out ernment. the Articles of Incorporation to establish Amin plans to fund her pilot project a non-profit organization in order to in the mountains of Pakistan in a village “establish health institutions for womcalled Birote, where her family knows en and children in the underprivileged the people and owns part of the land. and remote areas of Pakistan through From individual donations to setting up the work of dedicated and passionate a 5K at the end of May, Amin thinks that individuals.” These forms required Minahil Amin works hard to di- this money can spring WADA to sucAmin to define a mission statement, rect WADA. Photo by Abraham Hassan. cess. goals, address and analyze the issues, If you have any questions about plan a pilot project, create a name for the organization, WADA or want to help, Amin would be more than hapand post such information on a website. The name was py to address you. You can contact her via the website the first she checked off of the list. Amin chose to name stated above or you can just talk to her in the halls. the non-profit WADA; “in English, ‘WADA’ stands for Wondrous Achievement Despite Adversity and in Abraham Hassan ‘10 Urdu, [it] means promise.” She then had to establish Staff Writer
Snow snow go away...or not?
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onsult any Facebook status, the week we got off due to the giant blizzard of 2010 was God sent. Unfortunately, the repercussions may outweigh the fun we had on our school free week. One event cancelled due to the snowpocalypse was the annual Science Fair. To some people, this would come as a relief, but for those who actually did a science fair project, it was a disaster. A whole semester’s worth of work down the drain. What a waste! Junior Victoria Tran says she was “…deeply saddened by the decision to cancel the science fair. I just wish we had the chance to convey our ideas to the judges in person.” The science department has decided to choose which 22 students should move on to be judged in Regionals, which will be held March 19-21. With this unrelenting attack of snow, there’s been lots of talk about what we will or will not have to make up. We’ve all heard the rumors. Some say that they’ll add a half hour to the end of each day; others say that
they’ll declare a “State of Emergency” and we won’t make up any snow days from now on. Freshman Tim Riley-Ryan thinks “It’s unnecessary to make up for all the snow days, there’s too many for it to be effective.” But one thing’s for sure: as of right now, we are over the snow day limit of three, by eight. We’ve had two winter breaks! Freshman Julia Pfeiffer loves the snow and said “I had fun being snowed in at home, but now I’m ready to be able to get out again.” The first attempt to begin making up snow days was rejected by more snow on President’s Day! It seems the late presidents have spoken, refusing to allow school on their day of honor. With about 50 inches of snow and counting, there’s no telling what the school board will do. Whether they decide to add to the year, or just leave it how it is, with this unpredicted leave from school, there is much to catch up on.
Nikki Strickland ‘13 Staff Writer
Upcoming Events: • Rebels on the Rise Breakfast will be on February 25. • Interims will be issued to students on March 11. • March Madness Student Faculty Basketball Game will take place on March 16 •Rebel Round Up will be on March 16. School will start three hours late.
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Commentary
Hot
The Buzz
Not Designed by Dan Webster.
Groundhog Day I love Groundhog Day. Who doesn’t get a rush of excitement just thinking about the importance of the groundhog’s shadow? Why we don’t get a day off from school for a holiday that is as significant and meaningful as the continuation of winter is a question that has yet to be determined. As Rebels, we need to start a cause. I’m thinking Facebook group and tee-shirts. This is serious.
Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day is an excuse for annoying girls (myself possibly included) to wear pink and put stupid ribbons in their hair. Hallmark commercialized V-Day so they could bank off of girls getting mad at their significant others when they don’t get anything for this insignificant holiday. It was only fun in elementary school when you got to decorate shoe boxes and give each other cheap valentines.
Chocolate milk I don’t know why I have just fallen in love with chocolate milk at the ripe age of 17, but it is so chocolatey and deliciously pure. I am upset that I missed out on 16 years of chocolate milk drinking, but ever since I began my chocoholic endeavors, things have been looking up for me. The whole week we got off because of snow? You can thank the chocolate milk gods. Yes, skeptics, they do exist.
Abercrombie & Fitch I know this has nothing to do with chocolate milk, but A&F is getting on my last nerve. There is nothing that is “HOT” that could even pertain to this pretentious store. Almost all of their clothing items turn people into a giant walking advertisement. Also, whenever you walk into the store employees look at you like you are the ugliest person they have ever seen. Whatever happened to customer service?
Two-hour delays There is nothing like waking up in the morning and then checking the TV to see that you can have two more hours of sleep. Unfortunately, we live in Fairfax County so two hour delays come sparingly. This is why next year I plan on attending school in Fauquier County. Every time there is any chance of precipitation, wind, or extreme cold, they cancel school. You can subscribe to my new school’s newspaper if you want to continue to read “The Buzz”.
Going to school till June Will someone please tell me why FCPS insists on keeping the students in school until mid-June? By the time we get out of school it is already hot out, the birds are chirping and everyone is twitter pated. I would much rather start school at the end of August and get out in May. However, the way that things are going with Mother Nature lately, it looks like we will be making up snow days until August.
Formspring.me There is nothing funnier than spending a day looking at people’s Formspring pages. This website, which features anonymous question asking, has brought so many laughs to FHS. Not only does Formspring allow for an individual to find out what people think of them, but you truly learn how crazy people are as soon as things turn anonymous. No really, freaking psychotic.
Omegle I am not sure if I understand Omegle correctly, because I am not creepy enough to use it, but I get the basics. Pretty much, you log on so you can talk to strangers. What are you kids thinking? Didn’t your parents teach you when you were like four to never talk to strangers? Life lessons, people! Half the people are just looking to kidnap idiots like you anyway. Fact: kidnappers target idiots.
Emily Buzzard ‘11 6
Business Manager
Ask Kevin
Grand Canyon all pale in comparison to the sight of an eminently hazardous tower of greenish fire and dense yellow smoke rising into the sky. So, if you and your Dear Kevin, Over the past couple of weeks, I have been trying to plan friends like to make your own fun (fire) like I do, then a sort of spring break trip for myself and a small group you need not go further than the middle of nowhere in of friends. Obviously, I am limited by time constraints Virginia or any other place where police don’t care as (we only have a week off) and by cost (I’m not that rich). long as you haven’t killed someone. If you are one of those people who is harder to entertain I was wondering if you had any suggestions as to where I might find a good 6-7 day spring vacation spot. Any than myself, then a warmer, more tropical experience may be more to your liking. I’ll never forget my trip suggestions would be greatly appreciated. to Mexico last spring which included stops at Cancun, Mexico City, and many other sketchy locals. Aside from Sincerely, the belligerent drug dealers and cartels, Montezuma’s Vacationing Vanessa revenge, the swine flu, and the black lung I developed while in Mexico City, it was You asked the right guy about vacation a beautiful trip. If none of those things planning. I’ve been known to make three bother you or your friends, take a trip on or four day weekends into overseas down to America’s splendid beard. adventures. With an entire spring If you’re looking to cool off or if you vacation, your options are endless. But just aren’t willing to part with winter just considering money and time are limited yet, a ski trip for you and your friends will in your case, you may want to stay in the turn out great. But if you are like me and Western hemisphere. some wussy skiing just doesn’t spark your That’s not to say you’re missing out extreme side, the North Pole sure will. on all of the fun. From my experience, My last visit up north was complete with My recollection of the Roanoke leaf I can tell you that the best trips are ice fishing, and polar bear wrestling. If fire. Photo courtesy of microscopiq.com. often the ones closest to home (but not you’re up to the challenge, the North Pole too close). One trip I will never forget just might turn out to be one of your favorite vacation is my trip to Smith Mountain Lake near Roanoke, VA. spots. Haven’t you ever wondered what Santa is up to The first thing we did when we got there was rake up this time of year? Nothing. a leaf pile roughly the size of a small house, douse it with a cocktail of lighter fluid and gasoline, and light Kevin Dowd ‘10 it up. The Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids of Giza, and the Sports Editor
iHate the iPad S
hiny, elegant, advanced, overpriced. These four words could only be referring to one of two things: a Ferrari or an iPad. Consumers have learned to expect nothing short of amazing from Apple. However, it seems that Apple may have come up short with their newest gadget. I purchased my first iPod Shuffle in the summer before sixth grade, and I think that it would be fair to say that I’ve been in love with Apple ever since. To date, I’ve owned four different types of iPods and one MacBook. I love Apple and I love its director, Steve Jobs. But now, I’m just disappointed. The iPad, which was launched on January 27, was hyped for months. For the majority of 2009, business speculators and hopeful tech geeks across the web were trying to guess what the iPad would look like and what it could possibly do. Unfortunately, the excitement that the iPad received was undeserved. What can the iPad do? It’s an MP3 player, an e-reader, and a netbook- all in one. It can run over 140,000 apps and has a 9.7 inch LED lit touch screen display. But like a Ferrari, the iPad is just another pointless luxury. It starts at a whopping $499, and runs up to $829. What can’t the iPad do? It has been praised for its amazing video playback quality, yet you can’t even insert a DVD; it can only play what’s bought on the
iTunes store. Plus, with the exception of YouTube, most online videos can’t even be viewed because its flash software isn’t compatible with JavaScript. So why would you buy the new iPad? Honestly, I don’t know. If you already have an iPod or a Kindle, the iPad is a complete waste. Essentially, it’s a smartphone that can’t make calls or take pictures. “It’s phenomenal to see a whole web page right in front of you...it is unbelievably cool,” Steve Jobs said in the iPad’s debut ceremony. But hold on a second…couldn’t you just view the web on a much larger computer monitor? Yes. Because there are actually people in this world who will buy anything that’s shiny and made by Apple, the iPad will be sure to make a decent amount of money, despite its lack of new features and overwhelming price. Personally, I have a lot of better things to spend $499 on, especially considering that I already have an iPod and a computer. But even if I was iPod and computerless, I would invest in something more worthy of my money than an iPad. As of now, the iPad is scheduled to begin shipping in mid-March. So if you have a few hundred extra dollars lying around the house, go ahead, buy it… but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Sam Brott ‘11 Staff Writer
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Vancouver Canadians have yet to “Own the Podium” T
he Vancouver Olympics were supposed to be Canada’s time to shine. Despite breaking their gold medal drought at home, the Olympics on the whole have been a disappointment for the host country. They are currently in fifth place in the total medal count with ten, behind the United States, Germany, Norway, and Russia. The United States has had a strong run in alpine skiing and short track speed skating, helping lead it to a Olympics-leading 25 medals, including seven golds. Along with continued dominance in the snowboarding events, Americans in these three sports have totaled sixteen top three finishes. With five days left of competition (as of Tuesday, February 23), we can still look forward to the exciting finals in ice hockey, curling, short track speed skating, and snowboard slaloms, among others. Updates can be found on NBC on television and at www. vancouver2010.com.
Andrew Dilworth ‘10 Editor-in-Chief
Snowboarding and Skiing results Snowboard Cross Men’s 1. Seth Wescott (USA) 2. Mike Robertson (Canada) 3. Tony Ramoin (France) Women’s 1. Maelle Ricker (Canada) 2. Deborah Anthonioz (France) 3. Olivia Nobs (Switzerland) Halfpipe Men’s 1. Shaun White (USA) 2. Peetu Piiroinen (Finland) 3. Scott Lago (USA) Women’s 1. Torah Bright (Australia) 2. Hannah Teter (USA) 3. Kelly Clark (USA)
The overall medal leaders as of February 22: Norway, the United States, and Germany. Illustration by Dan Webster.
Downhill Men’s 1. Didier Defago (Switzerland) 2. Aksel Lund Svindal (Norway) 3. Bode Miller (USA) Women’s 1. Lindsey Vonn (USA) 2. Julia Mancuso (USA) 3. Elizabeth Goergl (Austria) Super Giant Slalom Men’s 1. Aksel Lund Svindal (Norway) 2. Bode Miller (USA) 3. Andrew Weibrecht (USA)
Women’s 1. Andrea Fischbacher (Austria) 2. Tina Maze (Slovenia) 3. Lindsey Vonn (USA) Super Combined Men’s 1. Bode Miller (USA) 2. Ivica Kostelic (Croatia) 3. Silvan Zurbriggen (Austria) Women’s 1. Maria Riesch (Germany) 2. Julia Mancuso (USA) 3. Anja Paerson (Sweden)
Chip Barker ‘10 Staff Writer
Olympics Top U.S. performers
Evan Lysacek, figure skating Lysacek won the men’s figure skating gold medal with a huge performance in his free program routine, coming back from second place to beat Evgeni Plushenko of Russia. Photo courtesy of blog.zap2it.com.
Bode Miller, alpine skiing Miller earned a bronze in the men’s downhill event and a silver in the Super Giant Slalom (Super G), losing in the Super G only to heavy favorite Aksel Svindal of Norway. However, he earned his long-awaited first gold medal in the super combined thanks to a very strong second run. Photo courtesy of TIME.com.
Apolo Ohno, short track skating He earned bronze in the 1000m race and silver in the 1500m race, bringing his medal count to an American record of seven medals, including two golds. In the 1500m he lost by a mere .3 seconds. Photo courtesy of apoloantonohno.com.
Shaun White, snowboarding White won the snowboard halfpipe competition again, without even needing his second run. He nailed his new trick, the Double McTwist, en route to a score of 48.4 out of a possible 50 points. Photo courtesy of examiner.com.
Lindsey Vonn, alpine skiing Vonn won the gold in the downhill, beating out fellow American Julia Mancuso by less than a second. This followed a bronze medal in the women’s Super G and a disappointing race in the super combined event, in which she did not finish. Photo courtesy of nj.com.
The piano man
Entertainment
J
oshua Rickwald isn’t necessarily a “piano player.” In fact, that is not what he wants to be referred to at all. “I am more of a composer. Piano is just my choice instrument of composing,” Rickwald said. However, what Rickwald does play on the piano, he is very good at, to say the least. He may have started a little later than the general pianist population, but at age 12 Rickwald began playing by ear and picked up the instrument easily. As a matter of fact, Rickwald did most things differently than the general pianist population. His parents never pushed or prodded him into practicing, and when he started studying the piano privately at 15 he made sure that his tutor would do the same, “I told my teacher what to do. I let him know that I wouldn’t keep playing and I wouldn’t be interested if the piano became a chore.” So lessons began. The tutor followed Rickwald’s ultimatum, and Rickwald still continues to study with his private teacher at GMU. Our music based academy pulled Rickwald towards Fairfax from his previous private school near his home Photo courtesy of Joshua Rickwald in Herndon. We are lucky to er Technology, and spends the rest have Rickwald playing and comhis school day at Fairfax to make posing with our music program I knew that I wouldn’t of traveling simpler. Rickwald will at Fairfax today. be interested if the piano perform at Music and Computer Now he is enrolled in two Technology Fest along with other became a chore.” Fairfax Academy courses, AcAcademy students on March 12. tor’s Studio and Music ComputBeing the realist that he is, Rickwald knows that the music industry is not always as prosperous as the big stars have it. Because of this, he wants to go to NOVA post-graduation in order to get some experience in whatever field he may choose to pursue: at this point he is leaning towards something medical. This way, he can have a backup plan under his belt so he won’t have to go back to school if the music industry doesn’t work out. After Rickwald finishes his time at NOVA, he intends to continue in his study of music in either New York City or London. The piano may be a “hobby” of Rickwald’s, but he plans on turning composing into a career. With an immense amount of talent in his hands and a supportive family behind him, don’t doubt for a second that Rickwald will be able to make his dream a reality.
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Emily Buzzard ‘11 Business Manager
Entertainment
Chick flicks of the season Valentine’s Day
With an ensemble of A-list actors such as Taylor Swift, Taylor Lautner, Queen Latifah, Emma and Julia Roberts, Jessica Alba and more, Valentine’s Day takes viewers into the lives of multiple love stories that take place in the city of Los Angeles. This movie, meant for chick flick fanatics or those who enjoy romantic comedies, follows the love life of engaged couples, teenage love, and little kid love. The film follows the ten people over a single Valentine’s Day Photo courtesy of New as they find their way through romance. line cinema production.
“I really thought the movie was cute. Even guys who claim to not like chick flicks were laughing.” --Junior Roshni Patel
Dear John
A lot happens between John Tyree (Channing Tatum), a young soldier, and Savannah Curtis (Amanda Seyfried), a studious college student, over Spring break. Within weeks they fall in love and are torn apart because of John’s deployment to fulfill his duty. While spending only spontaneous short moments together, they keep in contact through a stream of love letters. Unfortunately, these letters yield consequences that neither lover could foresee.
“It made me cry. The challenges and sacrifices make you feel happy with what you have too.” --Junior Natalie Verbiest Photo courtesy of imdb.com.
Aneela Wadan ‘11 Staff Writer
Advantage Driving School, Inc. Visit us at our website to sign up today!
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10th Graders and Parents: Please plan to attend the Second Annual‌
Sophomore Parent/Student Preparing for College Night Thursday, March 11, 2010 7:00 pm FHS Multi-purpose Room (MPR) Back by popular demand‌ Speaker: Mr. Randy Doss Vice President for Enrollment and Campus Life Guilford College Mr. Doss will present an informative and fun program specifically designed to help 10th graders and parents plan for college. His presentation includes a mock admissions exercise. Come learn how Admissions Officers make their decisions! You will not want to miss this important event!
For more information or questions, contact: Mrs. Maureen Kim, Career Center Specialist, at 703-219-2204 or Maureen.Kim@fcps.edu
Features
Fairfax’s own idol: S
Jamie Boyd
ophomore Jamie Boyd was one of over 270 artists under twenty-one, and Boyd’s performance won her the who entered the Songwriters’ Association of Young Artist People’s Choice award. Washington’s contest, which was held on October 27 Her success didn’t stop after she won the award. A in the Baird Auditorium at the Smithsonian Museum few days after the contest, Boyd received a call from the of Natural History. Twelve Vice President of Broadcast of these songwriters were Music, Inc. asking her to selected to perform in lunch to discuss her future front of a full audience of as an artist. He became over five-hundred, which her manager and got her a included Lamont Dozier, producer. Since that time, a distinguished Motown Boyd has spent many singer and member of hours in Omega Studios Holland-Dozier-Holland, in Rockville, Studio 8121 a songwriting team that in Silver Spring, and is considered to be one Recording Arts Studio in of the greatest in popular Fairfax. She is now on her music. The contestants’ way to her first album, performances were which she admits is a hard followed by a medley of process, but one that she Lamont Dozier’s famous From top to bottom: Boyd records for her first album, thoroughly enjoys. “In the Motown songs, including which will be produced by Broadcast Music, Inc. She future, I can’t see myself “Sugar Pie Honey Bunch”. performs the song on the piano. Photos courtesy of Jamie Boyd. doing anything other than Boyd’s performance, “Runnin’ on Empty”, was strong enough to be selected as one of these twelve finalists. The audience then selected two winners, one for the category of over the age of twenty-one and the other
music,” she said.
Brian Berenbaum ‘10 Copy Editor
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Training for 2010
Sports
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h, the smell of spring is in the air. You know what practiced blocking passes, coverage, and clearing the I’m talking about, the smell of brisk wind, new zone.” leaves, and baseball diamonds. Smell it? If not, then TENNIS you’re probably not an athlete. Fairfax High’s spring In a game where players are constantly running sport athletes have been feeling the season coming since back and forth, tiring out in the final set isn’t an option. the dead of winter, as they prepared for yet another try- Therefore conditioning in the offseason is vital for a out. But just how did these Varsity-hopefuls prepare tennis player to have success when it counts. Coach themselves? Let’s find out. Nancy Wadden made sure that her girl’s team is prepared BASEBALL with once a week workouts. Despite a poor season in SOCCER ‘09, Coach Simonds’ Rebels For soccer, anywhere from plan to come out strong five to 15 players showed up for this time around. Most conditioning three times a week, baseball players definitely and as a warm-up they jogged got a good head start on around the track for two miles. this season by attending What they did after their warm-up after-school weight lifting varied from practice to practice. sessions twice a week. The On some days they head up to the workouts were specifically weight room for lifting, while on for baseball, with exercises others they’d simply scrimmage designed to help players against each other. But no matter throw the ball harder, hit what drills they did, it wasn’t it farther, and run faster. going to be a walk in the park. “The squats are the On a scale from 1-10, “a seven,” is hardest,” sophomore The fieldhouse comes alive on the first day of how hard freshman Michael Rice Kody Sherlund thought of spring sports tryouts. Photo by Kevin Dowd. says the workouts were. the drills, “You can really SOFTBALL feel the burn.” Coaches Corey Stokes and Lesley Hassen took a much To add on to what was an already busy schedule, the more relaxed approach to winter conditioning. “We team had once a week hitting and pitching practices at have many players who play more than one sport, and an indoor baseball facility in Chantilly for players who we wanted these girls to be able to focus on the sport wanted to come to tryouts more prepared to play. they are playing during those seasons,” says Hassen, LACROSSE “We don’t want to have them feel as if they are limited Lacrosse is a very unique sport, so it’s easy to see why to one sport.” the players’ offseason practices were unique as well. The But that, of course, doesn’t mean that softball players coaches left it to the athletes to take it upon themselves totally forgot about the game. Many of the girls also to work out in the winter. Afterschool workouts were play for travel teams that have facilities they were lead by the experienced seniors three times a week. allowed to use for any type of practice they might have “To start off the practice we usually conditioned with needed to get ready for the season. As for conditioning, long distance runs, sprints or jogging,” says freshman “Occasionally the seniors got a group of girls together to Dani Hannan, one of the 10-15 players who normally do a workout as well,” Coach Hassen said. went, “Then we either did some passing, catching, and Walker Carlson ‘13 shooting drills or broke into offense and defense. The Staff Writer offense worked the ball around the net while the defense
Gustman is Mid-Atlantic Trainer of the Year
E
veryone who plays a sport here at Fairfax knows that we have a great trainer in Mr. Gustman. And it shouldn’t be a shock to anyone that he is good enough at what he does to win an award for it. And that’s exactly what he did. Gustman is the recent recipient of the 2009 NATA (National Athletic Trainer’s Association) Secondary School Gatorade Service Award. He is one of 14 10 winners nationwide.
“Communication with coaches and parents,” Mr. Gustman says, is the greatest factor in being successful in helping students through injuries and putting them back on the field healthy. So next time you walk into the training room with tendonitis, a sprain, or any other injury, rest assured that you are in good hands.
Kevin Dowd ‘10 Sports Editor
RUGBY VIRGINIA Boys & Girls
In Rugby Any Player Can Pick Up The Ball, Run and Score
YOU CAN PICK IT UP
FPYC RUGBY U-19/U-17 Spring 2010
REGISTER NOW
AT: www.fpycsports.com --- First Training is February 15, 2010
HAVE FUN – PLAY RUGBY Bill Brownley - Director of Fairfax Police Youth Club Rugby
billbrownley@aol.com, 703-629-2835 These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, the Diocese of Arlington or this school.