May 2009 by Rebel Roar

3501 3501 Rebel Rebel Run Run Fairfax, Fairfax, VA VA 22030 22030 FHSRebelRoar@gmail.com FHSRebelRoar@gmail.com

May 13, 18, 2009 February 9 Volume LXXVI, Issue 6

This month in

4 5 6 7

12 & 13

Calendar How effective was the Depression Screening? Find out what happened at Career Day Chip Barker talks parking lot safety

It’s the end of the school year. See how students and teachers are dealing with burning out

RebelFEATURES

14 15 16

RebelCOMMENTARY

8 & 9

A little overweight? Ask Kevin. A week without wheels

RebelENTERTAINMENT

10 & 11

RebelSPORTS

CoverSTORY

RebelNEWS News Briefs and

Did you hear...?

Unlimited text comes with unlimited access

Poon’s Playtime: Barbie Dress Up BIg Families: Are these parents human, or more like rabbits? Student Spotlight: My Nguyen’s flashy fashion

Movies you could find in the $5 bin at Wal-Mart

19 20 21 22

Playoff beards everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Get ready for Prom with our prom preview

New cupcakery wins the appetite of locals

Sports Briefs Crew rows its way to victory Girls softball has a home run season

RebelPREVIEW

Rebel TRA COVERAGE

Photo taken by Lindsey Bush

Staff 08-09

Entertainment Editor Michael Dadok Myriam Tchatchouang

Editor in Chief

Features Editor

James Lee Catherine Treyz

Anurag Bhatnagar Annelise Jensen

Managing Editor

Sports Editor

Andrew Dilworth

Jean DeOrnellas

News Editor

Copy Editor

Dan Webster Kevin Poon

Commentary Editor Kevin Dowd

Aditya Bhatnagar

Business Manager Jordan Sharpe Aneela Wadan

Photography Editor Lindsey Bush

Staff Writer

Noor Abughannam Brian Berenbaum Abdoul Bouarfa Jacob Fulmer Steven Kendall Eric Lesher Melissa Lin Caitlin Noone Wardah Rashid Allie Sawyer Zafar Shaw Emily Taylor 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.

From the

Editor’s Desk

As the 2008-2009 school year nears its end, the Rebel Roar is getting a first look at its new editorial staff. We will continue to bring you interesting articles and everything you have come to expect from the Rebel Roar. Our goals include making the paper more appealing to Fairfax High School, increasing readership, and making you more involved in the stories we publish. This month we are featuring a spread on the end of school blues. Our colorful middle spread includes interviews from your fellow students and your favorite teachers. It should be an interesting look at how people at FHS respond to end-of-year stress. Also, Kevin Poon reports on interesting computer games, and courtesy of the Bhatnagars, this month features information about living healthy. We are also spotlighting junior My Nguyen and her creative, colorful clothes. In response to recent events, staff writer Ian Perry reports on parking lot safety, featuring junior Chip Barker. Here at FHS, the goal is to keep students safe. Recent happenings in our school parking lot have sparked an interest in student drivers and safety. Our new editorial staff includes sophomore Lindsey Bush as our managing editor, sophomore Alex Woodill as our entertainment editor, juniors Kevin Poon and Anurag Bhatnagar as features editors, junior Kevin Dowd as our new sports editor, juniors Allie Sawyer and Annelise Mikos as commentary editors, junior Melissa Lin as news editor, juniors Aditya Bhatnagar and Brian Berenbaum as copy editors, juniors Dan Webster and Jake Fulmer filling the new position of art director, and sophomores Emily Stone and Emily Buzzard as the Business Managers. As a whole, our staff brings experience and skill to the table for the 2009-2010 school year. As your new Editors-in-Chief, we will strive to provide you with a paper of which you can be proud. Our paper is based on the students and events that occur at FHS. We encourage comments and suggestions regarding our publication. Please feel free to send us an e-mail at fhsrebelroar@gmail.com. The Class of ‘09 has just a few more weeks! Sincerely, Your new editors-in-chief, Andrew Dilworth, ‘10

Jordan Sharpe, ‘11

Photo taken by Jordan Sharpe

News Briefs

•

Fair

Facts

Junior Victoria McCrave and senior Luke outstanding performance in the musical. Warnock were filmed to • The Academy Dance Show was appear on Channel 9 news held on May 15 and 16 at 7:30. on Wednesday, May 8 as a • Sophomore Steven Kendall is result of their distinguished currently in first place in the Midachievements on the Fairfax Atlantic region cycling competition. Crew Team. The entire tournament ranges over Fairfax High School held the a period of five months and holds a Most Improved Breakfast competition every weekend. on April 30. Students who • Junior Aubrey May was showed major improvement in awarded a Certificate of Merit for her classes were personally invited continuing work in the field of Dance to attend a breakfast during at the Kennedy Center. school. • May 4 to May 8 was Teacher The spring musical held their Appreciation Week. On behalf of the first performance on May 1. A staff members, the school provided a Funny Thing Happened on the free lunch and drinks by Baja Fresh. Photo taken by Dan Webster Way to the Forum received a • Sophomores Atif Javed and high rating from the Cappies Review. The pit Aneela Wadan recently participated in the orchestra, junior Mikail Faalasli, and seniors Optimist Club of Central Fairfax Oratorical Zach Goubeaux, Sheila Faalasli, and Jeremy Contest. Both Atif and Aneela won first place in Tuohy were all nominated for awards for their their categories.

Calendar of Events 1 -Spring Musical (7:30)

-Spring Musical - AP Exams start -Teacher (2:00)

- Cinco de Mayo

Appreciation Week begins

6 13

- Mother’s Day

7 14 -IMPROV show

- PTSA meeting -SOL testing begins

-Northwestern University Information session

-SATs at Fairfax - Spring Musical (7:30)

8– Spring Musical

(7:30) - End of Teacher Appreciation Week

-Spring Musical (7:30)

-Interims mailed

- Academy Dance Show (7:30)

-World Anti-Terror- -National Maritime ism Day Day

News

Calling Attention to Depression

ut of all the teenagers that struggle with emotional and behavioral problems, only 30% receive intervention or treatment. Out of all the students that attend Fairfax County Public Schools, about 2000 kids are clinically depressed. FHS recently took a step towards helping those who were possibly depressed. On April 13, Fairfax held a depression screening, where counselors and other speakers went to different classrooms, showing videos on depression. The videos Sophomore Nina Udeshi takes her depression screening, Photo taken by Aneela Wadan told real life, relatable stories of teens that were at one point depressed and suicide, compared to the national score, fewer Rebels received the help they needed in order to turn their life have actually attempted suicide. around. Afterwards, a test was taken that evaluated how Ms. Miller believes that, “It is very important now depressed you were or if you were depressed at all. that the students have seen the video that they are now Sophomore Nina Udeshi, one of the students that letting friends and peers know. But some of the students helped organize the screening believes there is help are not doing anything about it and are not letting available. “Depression is serious and, if left untreated, themselves get help that will benefit them.” can worsen to the point of becoming life-threatening. If Senior Se-A Han said, “I thought it was a good depressed teens refuse treatment, it may be necessary opportunity to help those who are suffering from for family members or other concerned adults to seek depression, but don’t know it.” professional advice,” she said. But sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, teens Junior Allie Bosco who was present during the become depressed. Many factors can contribute to screening said, “At first when I heard of the idea I depression. Studies show that some depressed people thought it was lame. But when the screening took place have too much or too little certain brain chemicals. and they talked to us, I thought it was well organized Also, a family history of depression may increase the and pretty effective.” risk for developing depression. Other factors that can Ms. Miller, who was the main person behind the contribute to depression are difficult life events, such depression screening, has evaluated the results. as death or divorce, side effects from some medications According to the results 1,022 FHS students said “yes” and negative thought patterns. to at least one of the questions on the survey. EightyAlthough this is a dangerous case in many high one students have thought about killing themselves and schools, it is possible to receive help. Counselors, friends, fifty have actually attempted suicide. Out of the 1,022 families, and other outside sources are willing to listen. students, 102 were supposed to have follow ups but a lot Now all you have to do is make the big step and ask for could not because they did not write their name on the help. survey, which was optional. The FHS pyramid scored the highest on the depression test of all of the other school pyramids nationwide. . Although more students Aneela Wadan ‘11 Business Manager at FHS suffer from depression and have considered

Career Day Hits Home

Guest Speakers Provide FHS Students with options for future opportunities

FBI agent W.K. Williams talks to juniors and seniors about the importance of high school education. Photo taken by Lindsey Bush.

to impress, and “Dream It, Learn It, Live It”. Gene Chun, of the NASCAR Technical Institute, talked about choosing the right career. “When I was in high school, I didn’t know where I wanted to go, where I wanted to be,” he said. Chun advised following your passion, doing what you want to do for the rest of your life. The other presentation for freshmen and sophomores was a Dress to Impress seminar. FCPS employee Kay Walters showed students what to wear and when to wear it. “By the time you graduate, you should have an essential wardrobe of a least ten go to pieces,” she said. She showed the students how to use one piece in a variety of different outfits. Sophomore Will Andrewes, one of the Dress to Impress participants, said, “I was hoping it wasn’t going to be totally lame, but I ended up learning a lot.”

n Thursday, April 23, Fairfax welcomed over 50 speakers for Career Day. Juniors and seniors were given the opportunity to listen to professionals talk about their occupations. Mrs. Maureen Kim, head of the Career Center, said, “I hope it will help them make more informed decisions when they graduate.” The speakers included an architect, engineer, sports lawyer, pilot, and more. One speaker, retired FBI agent W.K. Williams, emphasized how his high school career had a big impact on his job. “As investigators, you have to have a deductive reasoning ability. You have to solve the puzzle and you will use all of your educational experience to do so.” Agent Williams highlighted the importance of a high school education, convincing the listeners that all of their core classes will be necessary for job in the FBI, as well as any other job they may choose. Many other speakers also informed the students about their professions, and the educational process it took to get them there. Between 8:45 and 10:25, while juniors and seniors were rotating through their Career Day schedule, freshmen and sophomores were learning how to dress Senior Vandana Parvvathi Virginia Supreme Court Justice

“It was really cool. He gave us a lot of information I need to know. I eventually want to become a judge so it was good to hear everything I needed to know.”

Sophomores Kyle Boswell and Grace Oak participate in the Dress to Impress seminar. Photo taken by Lindsey Bush Overall, Career Day proved beneficial to students. Senior Gian Bretana said, “It was good to see the things you would want to major in.” Guest speaker Justice Millette said of the event, “I thought it went real well. It was well organized and clear for the speakers to know what to do. I also think that the students were very attentive.”

Jordan Sharpe ‘11 Business Manager

Junior Nick Burton Sports Marketing

‘It showed me more alleyways and things I could do to help me become a better sports marketitst.” Photos by Lindsey Bush and Zafar Shaw

Senior Melissa Stephenson Air Force

“My favorite part was learning about how going to high altitudes can be so dangerous. Your blood can boil and it can just be really dangerous.”

Chip “Wheels” Barker P

arking lot safety has become a big concern for Fairfax would usually do. “I never knew how bad not using in the past couple weeks due to the recent accident. your legs would suck,” Barker laments as he sits in his Since then, rumors have circulated through the school wheelchair. Chip says he does not want sympathy or about what actually happened. Finally, junior Chip pity, though. He wants to carry on as a regular student Barker tells his story. while his injuries heal. It happened on March Fortunately, Chip is 27 right after school in back on his feet already; outside the front parking lot. He of school, that is. He is able to was trying to hold up a walk on crutches outside of student from leaving the school but must use the wheel parking lot or just slow her chair in school because his down. “I was just messing physician is worried he could around,” Barker tells, “I get knocked over and hurt sat on the hood of her car again. The doctor says it will and had my feet on the be May 22 at the earliest before ground. Then she started he can walk without assistance. to speed up so I picked my More good news is coming as feet up and thought, ‘Oh, well. It was recently reported crap,’ as the car continued that Barker beat junior Nick to move. Then she slowed Kipouros in basketball for once. Junior Chip Barker plays a friendly game of basdown when I didn’t expect Barker’s inspiration is Kenny ketball with junior Nick Kipouros . Photo taken by it and I lost my balance and Brian Berenbaum. from “Backyard Basketball” and rolled off.” claims he now has a four-foot The car continued to slowly roll onto Barker. The vertical. driver frantically hopped out of the car, forgetting to When it comes to life and parking lot safety Barker put the car in park so it would stop trying to run over expresses what he learned, “Don’t assume something Barker, and accidently slammed the door on Barker’s won’t happen to you.” He hopes his message will reach thumb. Underneath the car, he instructed her to open the reckless and unbelieving minds of students such as her door to release his thumb. In a matter of seconds, Fink. “Life has its speed bumps. I was fortunate enough close to ten people hurried over to lift the car off of him. to be one,” Barker jokes. “The car was left in drive the whole time so when they Perry ‘10 lifted it off of me the wheels of the car kept spinning Ian Staff Writer right next to my face,” Barker explained. Though most of Fairfax’s parking lot safety rules are Two more people grabbed Chip and dragged him out based off one’s common sense of safety, there are from under the car. By that time, the EMTs were already written rules which students must abide by. Fairfax on the scene and checked Chip for injuries. They cut Head of Security Will Gideonse and other security his newly bought clothes off for further examination guards are outside every morning and afternoon and then lifted him onto a stretcher and drove to the making sure these guidelines are followed. Things do hospital. Days later, leftover physical trauma induced get past them, though. Two life-threatening incidents pneumonia. “There was stuff in my lungs that they made as well as several accidents have occurred this year me cough out. It hurt, and tasted awful,” Barker said. due to students’ ignorance or disregard for these rules. He emerged from the incident with a fractured right “I’ve never seen anything like it,” says Gideonse. He orbital, a broken left hip, two cracked lower vertebrae, urges students to behave normally and obey the six broken right pelvis, and many scratches and bruises. He new 15 mph speed limit signs posted around the returned to school on April 13 in a wheelchair. Though school. According to the Fairfax High School Parking many students are now more concerned with parking Agreement, “Students will be charged in a Court of lot safety, some students are still in disbelief about the Law for any violations of the State of Virginia Legal severity of the incident. “I thought he was faking,” Codes.” Parking permits will also be suspended or claims senior Matt Fink. forfeited without refund if any such violations occur. The accident has affected Chip’s life in both good and “It’s really been an eye-opening year,” Gideonse bad ways. Barker now roams the halls on wheels rather concludes and says he hopes the junior class will pick than his injured legs. He says he can’t do the things he up the slack next year.

Commentary

Ask Kevin

Kevin Dearest, I’m trying to shed some excess flab before the pool/beach season rolls around. I’ve been experimenting with dieting strategies and easy weight loss methods for quite a while now and all of them have failed thus far. What dieting strategies and weight loss methods would you suggest to lose some unwanted weight? Sincerely, Fat Frances Well, Frances, you aren’t alone this season as many just like you are struggling to lose those extra pounds. Not everyone has a perfectly chiseled figure such as myself, but I can still sympathize with those who don’t. There was a day, though, when I was a bit chubby. Until I was 12 months old, I struggled with pudgy looking arms and legs. Pictures from back then are difficult to look at. If you are only looking to loose a few pounds, then some light to moderate exercise in combination with diet will do the job. But if you are looking to sink a bigger boat, then more extreme measures must be taken. Ultra marathons are becoming increasingly popular and many races cover a distances from 100-140 miles. Say you weigh in at around 200 pounds. An ultra marathon will eliminate more than 20,000 calories. The trick to this is you can’t eat anything one day before or after the race. It’s part of the challenge… I’ve heard of “compulsive eating” and “eating away the pain” as excuses for a poor diet. The first step should

A couple of ultramarathons later, and you’ll have this wonderful body. Photo design by Jake Fulmur be to eliminate excuses and start clean. Find another activity to do in times of crisis besides eating, no matter how comfortable food may be. For example, a good friend of mine took up street fighting in place of food as a coping mechanism. She broke her jaw, had it wired shut, and lost 20 pounds due to malnutrition. She looks great in that new bikini! No matter how qualified to answer a question on diet I may seem, my only real advice is to be creative. Mental strength against your weakness is crucial. Conventional diets will produce results, sure, but when fido dies you will turn to your beloved KFC for consolation. With a sound mind and some planning however, such a vicious cycle can be avoided. Mental strength and fortitude will hopefully turn you towards street fighting, not fried chicken.

Kevin Dowd ‘10 Commentary Editor

E=MC ^ (useless) I

n modern education, many students have complained that most things they learn in science classes will not affect their daily lives, often wanting to focus on topics that they would actually deal with. Those who make the curricula for science classes generally believe that all knowledge is beneficial; the more exercise their brain gets, the better. Neither of the two sides has reached a compromise, and it is surprising that the latter hasn’t been implemented yet. Instead of teaching ideals that will rarely be implemented in real life, teachers should focus on topics that both apply to the real world and help students become better thinkers. An annoying recurrence in most science classes is attempting to apply the principles taught to the wrong types of real world situations. It creates the illusion of learning something useful, but unless you’re going to work in that field, you won’t ever use them. As an example of learning useless material, some students may be asked to find the velocity of a NASCAR racecar

at a given point in time. However, few things in life are so clear-cut and you’ll likely need to use calculus for more real world applications, which isn’t as common in school as algebra. Instead, students could ask themselves more relevant questions like, “If the car collides into a wall at this general angle, how likely is it the driver will survive?” Here, if you were the only witness at such an event, you can advise incoming paramedics on the likelihood of certain injuries, saving valuable time and energy. Hopefully the day will come when ordinary science students will learn more important sciences like the importance of nutrition, and not focus on problems like, “How long it will take for a velociraptor to intercept you given these values.” Because let’s face it, if you somehow find yourself in that situation, you should be using knowledge on finding a place to hide or escape instead of worrying about how long until you’re eaten.

Michael Dadok ‘09 Entertainment Editor

The life of a car-less student A

car is a huge responsibility, which is normally a huge On Friday, I was ready to spend every moment of the turn off for teenagers. However, it is more than that: weekend with my friends, but I was virtually grounded it is freedom, mobility, and entertainment. So it is no at home without my car. I was offered rides a few times wonder why the only thing teenagers dream of is to own from friends, but I was too depressed over the poor a car as soon as possible. The only thing worse than not condition of my car. My horrible week ended on Sunday having a car is losing the one you already have. I have when I was abandoned at home 20 minutes before I had filled countless weekends driving from house to house to go to work. just hanging with my friends. Never in my life had I been So when my car started punished so severely for an making a horrible screeching unavoidable situation which was sound, I was devastated. I not a result of my own negligent knew that if a single costly actions. The point of this narrative repair was required, my mom is not to give my own pathetic would make me get rid of my story, but to comment on the allbeloved automobile. obsessive dependence teenagers However, due to the have on their cars. magnificent relationship I I was taught a very valuable have with my best friend, lesson: without my car I am I was able to get a deal at a helpless. From the moment I got car repair shop through her my license and my first set of keys, father. The only catch was no distance was too short to walk, that it would take an entire no event was too insignificant to week to transport the car, attend. My expenses skyrocketed have work done on it, and get because I was able to go shopping it back. So I am sad to say that almost anytime and anywhere, not I spent a whole seven days to mention spending money on gas without a vehicle. I alternated and my portion of car insurance. A getting a ride to school with weekend job very easily covered my mom, taking the bus these expenses, but I cut into and driving with friends. Of my summer savings and I am course I had the misfortune watching my college money slowly of experiencing this tragedy disappear. throughout the wettest, Owning a car is a very important coldest week of spring. The rite of passage, but maybe it is day I got my car back was too accessible and too great a A wet, rainy afternoon spent waiting for the the warmest, most beautiful responsibility for teenagers in Cue bus. Photo taken by Briana Wilson day of the year. Fairfax. The week I was without The first day of being carless, a Monday, I completely my beloved car was a terrible time, but I saved about forgot to secure a ride for after school, so when my $80.00, burned off 534.6 calories (two hours of walking) excruciatingly painful track practice ended I was and spent some quality time with my loved ones while left scrambling for a ride. I shivered in the 40 degree riding along with them. weather- in the rain- for an hour before my mom got off The experience taught me an important lesson that work. The next day I planned to skip practice in order to I hope can be passed on to the rest of you. A car has catch up on my mountains of AP homework. I planned a lot of implicit demands. It requires time, energy, and ahead and laid it out on my bed and ditched my running money for upkeep. For me, money slipped through my clothes. So when I missed my bus that afternoon I didn’t fingers at an alarming rate. That wasn’t the only sacrifice have any homework to do while waiting for a ride, I made; I spent so much time away from home because and I couldn’t even go to practice. I had a track meet of my mobility that I missed out on family time and, for Wednesday, which went fine, until I arrived at Fairfax a runner, I have grown remarkably lazy. I’m not saying after the meet only to wait in the rain for my brother that teens shouldn’t have cars or that they can’t handle to get off work and pick me up. Thursday, I arranged the responsibility, but that they should appreciate the to have my mom pick me up after practice. Of course, privilege and use their vehicle wisely. practice ended early and my mom got off work late, I Allie Sawyer ‘10 waited an hour only to have my friend take me home. Staff Writer

Got Gossip?

Entertainment

h my God, did you hear about what Amanda did over the weekend?” We’ve all heard it, and most of us have even done it. I’m talking, of course, about gossiping. Gossiping is a vicious cycle that never seems to end. No matter where you go or where you hide, there is gossip that is bound to be heard or told. Many adolescents are affected by gossip even at the young age of seven or eight. “I don’t even know how or why I know half of the stuff I know. My friends will randomly tell me information about someone that I don’t want to know, it’s unbelievable,” says Catherine Smith*. Although we may not want to gossip or know about it, we still find ourselves lured in every single time we hear something new and shocking about someone. For some people, gossip even ruins their self-esteem. A lot of times when we hear gossip and spread it, and the person whom the gossip is being spread about gets mad, people wonder why the person is so mad if what’s being said is true. Most of the gossip that is being spread around probably wasn’t meant for anyone to hear or know about. “When you hear people talking about you and what happened over the weekend when you were intoxicated, it’s really embarrassing; I don’t want anyone to know about that, because I’m not exactly proud of what happened.” says Joanne Stevenson. Gossip can either really affect your life, or it can have no affect at all. For some people gossip can positively affect their social lives and how they are seen by their peers. Rumors that are spread frequently have no effect on some people’s lives. In fact, some people thrive off hearing people talk about them whether it’s good or bad because they just simply enjoy being talked about. To those people, the more that they are talked about the

Students gossiping. Photo taken by Myriam Tchatchouang more popular they become. “I don’t mind when I hear people talking about me, whether it’s about my outfit or about what happened over the weekend. There is no such thing as negative gossip, because either way you’re being talked about.” says Molly Simmons. Whether or not gossip is good or bad for you, you should always think about what you’re going to say before you choose to say it. You could hurt their feelings. Make sure you watch your back when it comes to gossiping, because before you know it, everyone might be talking about you. *All names have been changed to protect the individuals involved.

Emily Taylor ‘11 Staff Writer

A Funny Thing Happened At Fairfax

n May 1, The Fairfax Drama Department opened the play “A Funny Thing that Happened on the Way to the Forum”. The play tells the story of a love-stricken Hero, played by John Miller, who is set on being with a woman who has been sold to a Roman Captain, played by Zach Goubeaux. Helping Hero out in his struggle are his two slaves, played by Jeremy Tuohy and Mikail Faalasli, who seek to gain their freedom.. Although containing what could be perceived as a very serious plot, the play is actually a hilarious comedy. Filled with puns, innuendo, and enough sarcasm to sink a ship, Forum provides quite a laugh. The high quality music, acting, and set design added with the hilarity of the story make Forum a very entertaining and enjoyable experience.

Photo taken by Lindsey Bush

Dan Webster ‘10 News Editor

wb r o

a cks

Bodacious movies from the 80s & 90s

f you are looking to have a most triumphant weekend you could veg, with some bodacious movies. During the 80’s and early 90’s, movies were so close to real life and at the same time so far from it. With movies like Sixteen Candles, films showed a more realistic view of high school. On the flip side, movies like Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure showed a less realistic, yet highly entertaining version of high school life. Here is a most excellent list of some 80’s and early 90’s movies:

Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure

Rated: PG Summary: Bill and Ted are best friends and are both failing their history class. Ted’s dad is threatening to send him to military school if he doesn’t bump up his grade in history. When Rufus, a dude from the future, shows Bill and Ted how to time travel, the boys find themselves thinking that “something strange is afoot at the Circle K.” They begin to collect important historical figures such as Napoleon and Joan of Arc for their final history project. If you liked this movie, you might like these: Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey, Back to the Future, Can’t Hardly Wait.

Encino Man Rated: PG

Summary: Best friends and outcasts, Dave and Stoney, find a caveman in Dave’s backyard. They name him Link and try to teach him how to be a normal teenager. When Dave and Stoney take Link to school he becomes very popular and they become a little bit more popular too. Matt, the most popular guy in school, finds out that Link is really a caveman and tells everyone else. Will they believe Matt’s story or think he’s crazy? If you liked this movie you might like this: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

Better Off Dead Rated: PG

Summary: Lane Meyer’s girlfriend, Beth, just dumped him and is now dating Roy, the ski team captain. The French foreign exchange student, Monique, helps Lane with his skiing to make him good enough to beat Roy Can Lane beat Roy and win back Beth? If you liked this movie you might like these: Say Anything, 10 Things I Hate About You

Sixteen Candles Rated: PG-13

Summary: It’s Samantha Baker’s Sweet Sixteen, but everyone has forgotten due to her sisters wedding. Sam’s birthday keeps getting worse: her grandparents, who are there for the wedding, take her room; the boy she likes doesn’t notice her; the foreign exchange student has to go with her to the school dance; and the leader of the geeks is trying to get her attention. Will Sam survive this heinous birthday? If you liked this movie, you might like these: Never Been Kissed, Pretty in Pink

Lindsey Bush ‘11 Photography Editor

Stop, Drop, and Roll... Before yo

It has been nine months since the beginning of the school year, and the brains of students and faculty alike are being put on the backburner. After nine months of homework, tests, and quizzes, everyone is ready to finish their AP tests, SOLs, and finals and get to their long-awaited summer vacation. These are just some of the stories of teachers and students who are pushing through the stress of testing to complete their year in one piece.

How Stressed Are You? 1) How much time do you spend on homework daily? a. Homework....? c. 3-4 hours b. 1-2 hours d. more than 4 hours 2) How many weekends have you felt overwhelmed this year? a. none c. 3 b. 2 d. 4+ 3) How many AP tests did you take? a. none c. 2 b. 1 d. 3+ 4) How many hours do you have to spend with friends per day? a. 3 or more c. 1 b. 2 d. none 5) How many days per week do you go home and cry? a. none c. 3-4 b. 1-2 d. 5-6 If you answered mostly AYou are minorly stressed out. If you answered mostly BYou are somewhat stressed.. If you answered mostly CYou need to buy time.

If you answered mostly DYou’re on your own.

Name: Jack Bechert Grade: 11 After School Activities: 8 hours of weight lifting, a total of 18 hours of football, basketball, and lacrosse. How have your studying habits devolved over the school year? “[I] started off the year strong and studied for almost all my tests. Now I can barely find the time to study, and when I do, I don’t have the energy.” Homework time per night: 3-4 hours Hours of sleep each night: 6 hours Relax and De-Stress Techniques: Excercise a lot, get lots of sleep on the weekends. What makes you a burned out student? “The combination of sports all year, homework, and three AP classes gives me very little time to relax and catch up on sleep.” Stress Level:

Name: Mr. Swientoniowski Subject: Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 Honors How has your teaching devolved? “[My] patience is wearing thin.” Time devoted to school, outside the classrooom: “I’m here till at least 5:00, and I’m here before 6:00 each day.” What makes you a burned out teacher? “Trying to ensure all students are champions.” Stress Level:

ou Burn Out! Name: Mo Gaily Grade: 10 How have your studying habits devolved over the school year? “I’ve been focusing on some subjects more than

others.” Homework time per night: 2 hours Hours of sleep per night: 6 hours How many hours have you devoted to preparing for SOLS and AP tests since Spring Break? 15 hours Has your level of stress increased from last year? “Yes, because I am taking more rigorous classes.” What makes you a burned out student? “I put in a lot of effort, and have no free time to relax.” Stress Level:

Name: Ms. Melnick Subject: Government/ Student Government/Leadership After School Activities: Leadership and Assistant DSA for Mr. Gordon in Athletic Dept. Relax and De-Stress Techniques: “I have two dogs, that I go home and spend qualtiy time with. I talk to them, and they don’t talk back. I also have a garden and a green thumb.” Why are you so burned out? “I think teaching is a hard profession. You have to be prepared. And bring your ‘A’ game. There’s no down time.” Signs You’re Burned Out: “In September, my hair was fresh and bouncy, but now in May my hair is not as bouncy and tan and gray.” Stress Level:

Name: Mr. Bird Subject: Physics Honors After School Activites: Science Dept. Chairperson, National Honor Society Advisor. Time devoted to school, outside the classroom: 1-2 hours spent grading papers, and responding to e-mails. Relax and De-Stress Techniques: Watch TV, play with my two kids, sleep. What makes you a burned out teacher? “I don’t think I am burned out. ‘Burned out’ is the result of years and years of work, not the progression of a single year.”

Name: Victoria Sachs Grade: 11 After School Activities: 10.5 hours of Dance per week. Homework time per night: 1-2 hours Test Prep: Every R&R since Spring Break, 1-2 hours at home. Relax and De-Stress Techniques: Watching Law & Order, knitting, wearing my Snuggie. Has your level of stress increased from last year? “I think my personal level of stress has increased a little. I’m taking 3 AP Classes this year. But my teachers aren’t holding back as much this year.” Why are you so burned out? “2nd period AP US History! And Precalc Honors.”

Stress Level:

Photos taken by Zafar Shaw, Anurag Bhatnagar, Aneela Wadan, and Kevin Dowd.

Sexters beware! T

Features

echnology these days has advanced so much that people have quit talking on the phone and would much rather text message. Almost 70 percent of American cell phone users send at least one text message per day. It’s a quick way to get short bits of information, update someone about your whereabouts or just simply catch up with friends or family. Other people, however, use texting to send pictures to exploit their body; this is called “sexting.” Sexting is the act of sending nude pictures of your body to someone via text message. Teenagers become alienated by the labels that society is giving them. Teenagers from Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York faced child pornography charges because they possessed nude pictures of their classmates in their phones. Why do they even bother sending these pictures? It seems as though teenagers just don’t know what to do with themselves, but exploit their bodies. These girls or boys who send out the pictures think it’s innocent because

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A student receives a “sext” from one of his buddiesConsequences of participating in “sexting” are dire. Photo taken by Kevin Poon.

they are only sending it to one person, but in reality the person who receives it has all the power. In a survey out of 1,280 young adults, held by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unwanted Pregnancy and CosmoGirl.com, 22 percent of girls and 18 percent of boys said they have electronically sent or posted nude or semi-nude images. States like Vermont have been thinking of legalizing sexting for a simple reason: to protect the dignity of 13-18 year-olds. They don’t think teenagers should be prosecuted as sex offenders for consensual conduct. If this law passes it will be one of the first to give teens legal protection. Ex-Assistant Principal Ting- Yi Oei, of Freedom HS in Loudon County, was arrested on charges of child pornography. In an article in the Washington Post he explained his situation. The “sexting” had been discovered by the faculty at Freedom and Oei called in a student to confess about the situation. The student then sent the picture to his phone so he could send it to his computer as evidence. At the time this seemed like a good idea, but then school officials started questioning Oei and found the picture in his cell phone. He was charged with “failure to report suspected child abuse.” After being charged, the attorney dropped the charges, but then came back and said that if he didn’t resign he would be charged with child pornography. Oei has been cleared of the legal charges, but his reputation has been tarnished forever. This incident only emphasizes whether or not sexting should be considered a crime. Teenagers who send nude pictures through their phones are aware of what they are doing. In reality, the real criminal, if there really is one, is the person sending the picture.

Paola Bauza ‘11 Staff Writer

Poon’s Playtime: Barbie and her poodle O

n May 28, 1851, the Ohio Woman’s Rights Convention convened. Their efforts, combined with other women suffragist chapters, helped to bring about dynamic social changes. To celebrate this almost unofficial “Women’s Suffrage Month,” I have decided to dedicate this addendum of Poon’s Playtime to all the women of Fairfax High. “I love dressing Barbie up. My favorite springtime combination for her is the purple dress, light-blue heels, and the diamond tiara. As for her poodle, I usually just pick out a nice sweater and diamond collar for Chubbs [the poodle]. The simple drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for even me to dress Barbie up to look like a princess,” says junior Jerry Yen-Ming Chen. With a wide assortment of exquisite clothing on the left and Barbie and her poodle on the right, there are endless combinations of clothing that can keep one entertained for years. The articles of clothing range Junior Lyndsey Dowell practices her doll-dressing skills from long, flowing gowns and crystal heels to denim during lunch. Photo taken by Kevin Poon. trousers and sneakers for Barbie and mini-sweaters to spandex outfits for the poodle. If you’re feeling really daring, you can put Barbie’s dress on the dog! Only the greatest of games have this depth of interspecies clothe sharing. Although there is no scoring system, the objective of the game is to better educate oneself in the practice of dressing for the occasion. To do this you must imagine a setting in your mind, then dress your Barbie according to the occasion. For example, if you were imagining a barbeque party, you would pick out the skimpiest articles of clothing in the wardrobe (take this as a hint, ladies) to suit the hot and sweaty barbeque setting. If you think you’ve got a winning combination, take a screenshot and email it to your friends—daring them to challenge your champion doll-dressing skills. “When I was playing yesterday, I got the best combination of this nice looking springtime dress and some blue high heels that just made her eyes radiate confidence and beauty. When my friend and I compared our outfits, his formal gown and crystal heels outfit was no match for mine,” said sophomore Varun Takanti. To help continue the Year of Champions and to become a champion doll-dresser you should visit www. barbie-dressupgames.com. Barbie and her puppy are just waiting for your expert fashion advice. It may seem easy, but rest assured it’s no easy feat to make a nice looking outfit. One off-colored earring can send an outfit from the “Stellar” category straight into the “Lackluster” category. With this single game, the men of Fairfax High will come to appreciate the hard work that the gals put forth in order to look good for them.

Kevin Poon ‘10 News Editor

Fascinating families: M

is bigger really better?

any people couldn’t imagine having 18 kids in quintuplets were exploited because they were the first set their family, and that could be the reason for of quintuplets ever known to survive infancy. Because the success of TV shows about large families, and the it was unprecedented, the quintuplets gained a huge constant flow of gossip surrounding the Octo-Mom and amount of attention. In 1935, the government took the Angelina Jolie. children away from their mother to “protect” them, but If you haven’t heard about Nadya Suleman, aka the quintuplets ended up becoming a tourist attraction. Octo-Mom, then you are probably living in Antarctica. Some environmentalists argue that having so many Practically every day she is children is irresponsible because it’s mentioned in the news. People bad for the planet. But it could also are fascinated with her and the be argued that living alone has an idea that she gave birth to eight impact on the environment, too. children in January. Many students disagree Suleman and her children with the idea of having such a are not the only family that is large family. Sophomore Shary currently in the spotlight. On Tchatchouang said, “Clearly big the channel TLC, there are three families don’t work out because shows documenting the lives of there are too many people with large families. They are Jon and different personalities living Kate Plus 8, about a family with together.” This has been proven by two sets of multiples, twins and the recent reports of fighting and sextuplets. There’s also Table for infidelity between Jon and Kate 12, about the Hayes family with of Jon and Kate Plus 8. There’s no three sets of multiples. Lastly, the doubt that the strain between them most unbelievable one is 18 Kids will negatively affect their young and Counting, about the Duggar children. family.Why are these shows so Freshman Claudia Argueta popular? Maybe people are just disagrees with having large families curious about how these clans for other reasons, “I don’t think function. it’s a good idea to have such large Controversy surrounds families because children will be large families, though. People neglected and they’ll act out,” she Clearly big families don’t said. worry that with so many kids, there couldn’t be enough work out because there are too The concerns with having a large individual attention given family including possible neglect, many people with different per- economic troubles, and even being to each child, or that it’s not economically possible for the sonalities living together. different make many people shy family to support that many away from the idea. But they don’t -Shary Tchatchouang people. Others disagree with think about the possible good it Photo taken by Zafar Shaw the use of in vitro fertilization, could do, like teaching children or IVF treatment, to conceive to work together with people at a some of the children. Kate from Jon and Kate Plus 8, and young age, and the fact that you are never alone. You Nadya Suleman both used this fertilization technology. might want to wait to decide what your opinion is until Some people worry that the attention given to these you see for yourself the madness that is an episode of children only emphasizes the abnormality of coming 18 Kids and Counting or Jon and Kate Plus 8, though. It is from such a large family. All of these problems are not pretty crazy. new, though. Although large families used to be more common, sets of multiples were not. In 1934, the Dionne Emily Stone ‘12

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Staff Writer

Fast food=fast fat

welve-hundred. It’s a little more than half the student population at Fairfax, it’s a pretty bad SAT score, and, surprisingly, it’s the number of calories in one Chipotle Burrito. Fast food has become an indispensable part of our lives; it’s cheap, readily available, and delicious. But are these advantages sufficient enough to dismiss all the adverse side effects associated with fast food? Junior Kyle Fowler believes so. “Moderation is very important, of course,” he said, “but how can anyone resist food like Chipotle’s burritos!” The media, never hesitant to share the astonishing facts associated with these “convenience” foods, has played a major role in bringing out the negative consequences of indulging in fast food. Men’s Health recently compiled a list of some of the unhealthiest foods in America. Photos taken by Brian Berenbaum. Though some, like Lonestar’s 20 oz. T-bone steak, are obvious selections, others are a complete surprise. The popular Chipotle

burrito is 16th on the list, with a staggering count of 1,179 calories. Other popular dishes that made the list include the 5-Piece Chicken Selects from McDonalds (#20, 830 calories), the Quizno’s Classic Italian Sub (#14, 1510 calories), and, as “the worst food in America,” the Outback Steakhouse Aussie Cheese Fries (2900 calories). Not many have the willpower to stop eating out altogether. Fast food’s influence on our culture is evident from its prevalence in all mediums, from the T.V. to newspapers. Who can resist the mouth-watering advertisements, or the weekly coupons and deals? Instead, one should limit how much one eats. Forcing down two burritos from Chipotle will fulfill your calorie-count for the day, so stick with one. Not even Chipotle takes precedent over your health.

Anurag Bhatnagar ‘10 & Myriam Tchatchouang ‘09 Features Editor & Entertainment Editor

Photos taken by Jordan Sharpe and Lindsey Bush.

My Nguyen: Taking fashion to the next level

olka dots and plaid, animal prints and stripes; these are just some of the combinations that Junior My Nguyen puts together every morning before walking into school. The final touch to one of her outfits, a colorful bag, and snake skin boots make her one of the most unique individualists at Fairfax. My began creating these fun ensembles at a young age. For many years now, she has been a walking, talking model for individuality. Fashion for some is matching colors and making sure that everything looks trendy and approving by their peers, but for other people, such as My, choosing to mix and match is what makes you who you are. “You don’t have to buy expensive stuff to be fashionable; you just have to know how to match your clothes. One piece can match so many outfits,” My says. In recent years, teens have relied on the popular stores to create cool and “in” outfits, instead of being unique and wearing whatever they want. Unlike most teenagers, My chooses to wear different outfits and is proud of it. “You should go with your own style. Don’t copy style and be confident in what you wear,” she says. My also advises to shop at a variety of stores, “I don’t have a favorite store. I shop everywhere.” Limiting

yourself to one store also limits yourself to one style. As seen in our hallways, My shows off her own uniqueness in what she wears. “Dressing up is something fun to do. It makes you do something that you want to.” From bracelets, to hats, to boots, My has a style of her own. On estimate, My owns a hundred of bracelets. Her favorite kind of shoes are colorful high heels. Hats and socks are her favorite accessories, as you can probably tell by the colorful hats and crazy socks. My’s accessories make the outfits, providing the final touch to any ensemble. Being unique is something that many people have a hard time doing. Whether it’s through your personality, occupation, or clothes, it’s ideal to be true to yourself. My Nguyen shows all of us how to be confident in what you wear, and how to excel at something you’re passionate about. When My grows up, she wants to become a fashion designer, or do something that focuses on the art aspect of fashion. In years to come, My’s style will be incorporated into her own designs, following her rules of “mix, match and mess.”

Jordan Sharpe ‘11 Business Manager

Here at Fairfax, we are accustomed to losing. Going an entire season without winning a game is not rare for Rebel athletes. Because we live in the D.C. area, supporting losing professional teams occurs just as often. Remember the last time the Redskins won a Super Bowl? What about the last time the Wizards won a game? I do not even think that the Nats are worth reporting. You may be noticing the uproar of Capitals fans in the hallways at school. Caps paraphernalia is everywhere, and people besides me are obsessing over the defensive hunk Mike Green. This sudden fan increase may be because people in Northern Virginia have finally seen the hockey light, but is most likely because they are the only professional team in this area that is worth supporting. Caps fans everywhere were elated when their team was crowned with the title of Southeast District champions, and got to go to the first round of the Stanly Cup Playoffs. This excitement was quickly replaced with disappointment after the first four games against the Rangers. The caps were in a 3 to 1 deficit, and had to win the next three games in order to go to the next round of the playoffs. Very few teams in history have done this, but the young team turned up their game and came back, eventually winning the series. All the momentum from the series with the Rangers soon fizzled out when the Caps faced the Penguins. Excitement buzzed all over the D.C. area after the Caps won the first two games of the series, and some were expecting a sweep. The Penguins came into the match up with star Sidney Crosby and a desire to score, while the Caps seemed effortless at best. They lost the next two games in Pittsburgh, and eventually the series in game seven on Wednesday night. While it is hard to be optimistic in times like these, as devout fans we must stay behind our team, regardless of their success. I mean, you don’t stop supporting the Rebels even if the most attended sporting event is the girls’ Powder Puff games, right? Luckily, D.C. area sports fans have previous experiences for dealing with loss, and I am sure that we can get through the off season together. My goodbyes to all of you loyal Caps fans out there, I will see you next season. Save your red shirts and faux Mike Green mohawks, and maybe you can get 50% off Theodore gear to sport next winter. As Washingtonians it’s our duty to persevere, and then support our Russian team.

Sports

The Verizon Center was red hot during Game 7 of the Capitals-Penguins series. Photo taken by Emily Buzzard.

Emily Buzzard ‘11 Staff Writer

Sports briefs

- Senior Sidarth Balaji and sophmore Jason Luu take the Concorde district title in doubles play. Balaji also took first in singles play followed by Jason Luu who claimed second. -Crew: Men’s lightweight boat claims 2nd place finish at state competition and will advance to National competition. -Students who wish to participate in a sport at Fairfax next year can receive physicals here at Fairfax on Wednesday, June 3 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. The enrollment form can befound on the athletics website www. fairfaxhighsports.org under events

and announcements -Girls varsity softball finishes their season with an impressive 12-6 record.The Northern Region tournament will begin on May 22 - Boys and girls track will compete at Lake Braddock Secondary School in the Northern region championships On Thursday and Friday, May 21 and 22 -The Fairfax High School Dance Team took 1st Place in both the Jazz and Hip Hop Divisions at the Spring Kings Dominion Spirit Competition.

Photo taken by Zafar Shaw.

Spring sports wrap-up Sport

Boys’ Tennis Girls’ Tennis Softball Baseball Boys’ Soccer Girls’ Soccer Boys’ Lacrosse Girls’ Lacrosse

Record

5 Wins, 8 Losses 2 Wins, 7 Losses 12 Wins, 4 Losses 3 Wins, 14 Losses 2 Wins, 8 Losses, 1 Tie 1 Win, 10 Losses, 2 Ties 4 Wins, 8 Losses 2 Wins, 8 Losses