The Highlander - Issue 4 - February 2020

Volume 64 • Issue 4 • February 2020 • McLean High School • thehighlandernews.com • @MHSHighlander

HIGHLANDER ONLINE NEWS

Website Editor-in-Chief: News Editor:

Dasha Makarishcheva Aleena Gul

Features Editors: A&E Editor:

Grace Gould & Mae Monaghan Cc Palumbo

Opinions Editor:

Saisha Dani

Sports Editor:

Matthew Zarkani

Quiz bowl team defeats Langley, wins regionals Arnav Gupta & Kaan Kocabal The McLean quiz bowl team was undefeated at both districts and regionals on Jan. 11. They will compete at the state level in Williamsburg on Feb. 29.

McLean MUN team wins Outstanding Large Delegation Award at GFMUNC V Aleena Gul McLean Model UN won the prestigious award at a conference held at Gar-Field High School. Their victory means bright prospects for upcoming national competitions.

McLean duels it out during school day dual Josh Bass & Paarth Soni The student body gathered to watch the Highlander wrestling team take on Mt. Vernon during the school day on Dec. 18. The team won 48-33, competing in front of one of their largest crowds ever.

Highlander patrons As a student-run program, The Highlander would like to thank our generous supporters who make it possible to print our newsmagazine. Listed below are this year’s contributors. We would also like to thank all of our anonymous supporters.

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Letter from the editors Dear McLean, Our rivalry with Langley has heightened to a level that has attracted the attention of local news, parents and law enforcement. As the rivalry becomes increasingly heated, it is creating a sharp divide in our community.

The Highlander staff decided to investigate the other side of the rivalry, sending six staff members to spend two full school days at Langley, one of which was the day of the Jan. 10 McLean-Langley away basketball game. Our staffers got to fully experience life as Saxons.

This issue’s in-depth article, “We are all Highlanders,” provides a look into the similarities of the cultures and academics of the two schools, while highlighting what makes each school unique.

Yours truly, Nicholas Lohman, Ava Rotondo & Dasha Makarishcheva

thehighlandernews.com|@MHSHighlander Editors-in-Chief: Nicholas Lohman & Ava Rotondo Design/Website Editor-in-Chief: Dasha Makarishcheva Managing Editors: Ben Brooks, Dana Edson, Sebastian Jimenez, Jessica Opsahl-Ong, Rebeka Rafi & Jack Shields

Copy Editors:

Zach Anderson Addie Brown Emily Jackson Ally Liu

Photographer:

Skye Sunderhauf

Artists:

Jackson Clayton Arin Kang Dasha Makarishcheva Jayne Ogilvie-Russell

Digital Media Editors: Zach Anderson Erica Bass

Designers:

Taylor Olson Marina Qu

Advertising/Circulation Managers:

Rebeka Rafi Sydney Langston Assistant

Social Media Manager: Erica Bass

News Editors:

Addie Brown Cordelia Lawton Marina Qu

Features Editors: Maya Amman Emily Jackson Dua Mobin Katie Romhilt

A&E Editors:

Michelle Cheng Elizabeth Humphreys Isaac Lamoreaux

McLean High School 1633 Davidson Road McLean, Virginia 22101 Reporters:

Noah Barnes Andy Chung Saisha Dani Ariana Elahi Emily Friedman Arnav Gupta Ana Paula Ibarraran Kaan Kocabal Athena Le Thomas Lohman Emily Mance Shruthi Manimaran

Swetha Manimaran Victoria Mollmann Kara Murri Sam Naemi Cc Palumbo Benjamin Pham Laine Phillips Paarth Soni Skye Sunderhauf Lauren Thompson Lia Vincenzo Matthew Zarkani

Adviser: Lindsay B. Benedict

Editorial policy:

The Highlander is a designated public forum in which students can express themselves, discuss issues and exchange ideas. School officials do not exercise prior review on this publication or its online counterpart, and student editors are in charge of all final content decisions.

Opinions Editors:

Advertising policy:

Erica Bass Heran Essayas Kyle Hawley

The Highlander sells ad space on each page of the magazine except on the front cover, opinions section and in-depth article. The staff reserves the right to reject any ads it deems libelous, obscene, disruptive or otherwise inappropriate.

Sports Editors:

To submit a letter to the editors:

Josh Bass Rohan Mani Nicky Varela

Fact Checkers: Grace Gould Aleena Gul Mae Monaghan

Please email it to thehighlanderstaff@gmail.com or bring it to room R133. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to laws concerning obscenity, libel, privacy and disruption of the school process.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

contents on the cover

22-29

We are ALL highlanders: The other side of the rivalry Photo illustration by Ava Rotondo

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12-13 14-15 16 17 18 19

20 21 30-31 32 33

McLean’s local news Virginia state news Addition of interior security cameras Honoring Black History Month FCPS excuses absences for protests U.S.-Iran tensions grow

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Highlander of the Issue: Akshitha Kalavakonda Stress teachers face George Bridges shares his story 10 Qs w/ Seth LeBlanc

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Dungeons & Dragons club New electives

VHSL One Act Competition The Highlander’s Thai restaurant review

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Editorial: Life360 app invades privacy Voting age should be lowered Increase minimum wage Satire: public displays of affection

Senior John Buser produces music Harry Styles album review Lack of awards for female directors ‘17 Pacemaker Winner; ‘15, ‘19 Pacemaker Finalist; ‘15, ‘17, ‘18 All-American; ‘12, ‘13, ‘14, ‘16 First Class; Hall of Fame ‘14, ‘16, ‘17, ‘18, ‘19 George H. Gallup Award; ‘15 International First Place

‘00, ‘18, ‘19 First Amendment Press Freedom Award

‘19 Crown Finalist; ‘17, ‘18 Silver Crown Winner; ‘15, ‘16 Gold Crown Winner ‘05, ‘07, ‘12, ‘13, ‘14, ‘15, ‘16, ‘17, ‘18, ‘19 CSPA Gold Medalist

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McLean basketball’s successful season Sports opinion: cutting weight Athlete of the Issue: gymnast Tara Stewart Finish Line: Valentine’s Day edition

‘14, ‘15, ‘16, ‘17, ‘18, ‘19 VHSL Trophy Class; ‘11, ‘12 First Place Winner; VHSL Savedge Award

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LOCAL NEWS

Possible renovations come to school and downtown ADDIE BROWN COPY & NEWS EDITOR

McLean High School

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s overcrowding persists, McLean is in drastic need of more space to house its 2,185 students. While one proposed solution is to redistrict students to underpopulated Langley High School, another viable solution is adding a modular.

Modulars are buildings that are constructed off-site and put together on-site. At McLean, it would act as a smaller, separate school building.

Currently, there are no definite plans to implement a modular, but the idea has been discussed at multiple school board meetings.

This modular would replace the trailers as a more lasting setup.

“A modular is a longer term fix, as they have toilets and water. So with a mod, you don’t have to go back in to the school to go to the bathroom,” said McLean parent Norah Molnar, who spoke at the Jan. 27 school board meeting.

Though a modular would help make the school less crowded, Molnar worries it could decrease the chances for future renovations.

“If they give us a modular, it will likely push us back on the renovation queue because the CIP [Capital Improvement Program] is coming up with new criteria, and one of them is likely to be ‘do you need a capacity enhancement?’ If we have a mod, we wouldn’t need a capacity enhancement, as the CIP views it as a permanent solution,” Molnar said.

McLean is scheduled for a renovation in 2048. Even though a modular installation could push back that renovation, it would aid McLean students in the short term.

“It’s obvious that McLean needs an addition more than any other high school in FCPS,” said freshman Josephine Phillips, who also spoke at the Jan. 27 school board meeting. “A modular would allow [students in] areas in talks of being redistricted to stay at McLean and give us a lot more room.”

Downtown McLean

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t’s no secret that downtown McLean and its surrounding community is one of the most rapidly growing areas in the DMV. Despite McLean’s exponential growth, much of its downtown area is in desperate need of an update.

To meet these growing demands, Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust is planning on focusing his time on a renovation project for the area to make it a more friendly and enticing location for McLean families to spend their time.

Foust said he hopes to transform the space by creating more ground-level retail and restaurants as well as adding a public gathering area to welcome pedestrians.

“McLean is fairly large, and the revitalization plan will focus on a single core area. The peripheral area where there are a lot of convenient shopping, drug stores and ground-level parking will probably not change that much,” Foust said. “People who love McLean for its convenience will not be disappointed.”

This plan will likely not come into effect anytime in the near future, so current McLean students will miss out on the benefits the revamp will provide.

“It will take years to fully implement the plan because the decisions are in the hands of private landowners for the most part,” Foust said.

“We have to give them a plan that incentivizes them to revitalize, but we can’t require them to do so because it is their private property.”

Despite the ambitious efforts of the revitalization plan, Foust and others working on the project aim to avoid urbanizing the community too much and to find a solution that will please every resident of McLean.

“Nobody wants to create a second Tysons Corner,” Foust said.

“This will result in discussions with the community about traffic and school impacts which we will address and hopefully find a consensus.”

MCLEAN’S FUTURE — This map shows the preliminary concept for the downtown McLean renovation.

The renovation will take place within the black dotted lines and includes public park spaces (green), new buildings (gray) and easier ways for pedestrians to get around safely (orange).

(Photo courtesy of John Foust’s office)

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Page design by Addie Brown

VIRGINIA NEWS

State deals with gun law rally and bill propositions

ADDIE BROWN COPY & NEWS EDITOR

MARINA QU NEWS EDITOR

CORDELIA LAWTON NEWS EDITOR

NEW VOICES BILL AMENDMENT EXCLUDES SECONDARY STUDENTS

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irginia’s New Voices legislation, HB36 was passed by the education subcommittee—the same one it failed in last year— on Student Press Freedom Day, Jan. 29. The bill advanced to the full committee on Feb. 3; however, to many middle and high school journalists’ disappointment, it was passed with an amendment limiting the protection to college students only.

In response to the 1988 Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier Supreme Court decision that states school administration has the authority to remove controversial articles from public school publications, the New Voices bill protects student journalists’ rights to exercise press freedom in school-sponsored media programs.

“The only way to correct for these violations of their rights is to ensure that Virginia Code unequivocally reflects the belief that Constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of speech and the press do not end at the schoolhouse door,” FCPS School Board member emeritus Ryan McElveen said in a statement to the subcommittee.

This legislation would also protect journalism teachers from being laid off for allowing journalists to publish articles that school officials disapprove of.

“[This bill] would help students learn that they have their own voice and that they don’t need to be checked by administrators and adults,” McLean High School yearbook editor-in-chief Julia Raymond said. “I think that’s such an important skill to have when you get older, and it’s pretty empowering when you know that what you’re writing is true to you.”

As the professional news media focuses more on national and global issues, student journalists fill in the gap for local news reporting.

“Student reporting on a local community covers a niche part of society that is often overlooked by professional papers that lack the resources to provide sufficient coverage,” Yorktown High School online newspaper editor-in-chief Joseph Ramos said.

The New Voices Bill would accommodate the rising importance of student journalism. Despite the cloudy future for high school reporters, the fight for their rights will continue.

“In this era when students are admirably exercising their First Amendment rights more than ever before,” McElveen said, “Whether through verbal advocacy, protest or the written word, our institutions must evolve to protect them.”

PRO-GUN ACTIVISTS RALLY IN RICHMOND

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housands of people gathered in Richmond for a pro-gun rights march on Jan. 20, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Virginia’s Governor Ralph Northam declared a temporary state of emergency before the march because of claims of violence from white supremacist and nationalist groups.

Security was on high alert due to the fear of repeating the incident at the Unite the Right rally in 2017 that killed one person in Charlottesville.

Northam declared a weapons ban on capitol grounds, meaning protesters had to go through security in order to march in front of the capitol building. Thousands gathered outside the grounds, carrying a range of weapons including handguns and militarystyle weapons.

Protesters chanted “USA” and held posters criticizing Virginia’s new democratic majority government’s gun control bills. Virginia became a blue-led state last election in Congress for the first time in 26 years, leading to an increase of gun control bills.

Despite concerns, the protests went without any major incidents and people cooperated with law enforcement.

Additional reporting by Shruthi Manimaran & Nicholas Lohman

EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT RATIFIED

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lmost one hundred years after it was first introduced, Virginia became the last state needed to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) on Jan. 27, decades past the deadline.

The ERA would ensure all citizens are subject to equal treatment under the Constitution, regardless of sex.

Proposed by women’s rights activist Alice Paul in 1923, the ERA passed in Congress in 1972 but failed to receive ratification from three-fourths of states.

“I think it’s a good amendment and should have been ratified a lot sooner than it did,” senior Farah Nasir said. “It’s a basic human right.”

Desite the excitment, the amendment’s final state ratification was behind the seven-year deadline. On Feb. 10, the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on extending the deadline for the ERA.

CHECK OUT THEHIGHLANDERNEWS.COM FOR UPDATES ON THE NEW VOICES BILL AND THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT FEBRUARY | NEWS | 5

UNDER CONSTANT SUPERVISION

McLean takes action with addition of schoolwide security cameras AVA ROTONDO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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tudents are now under the watchful eye of interior cameras. The number of security cameras on campus is being increased to protect students and their belongings.

The project was funded by an eightyear-old savings account containing over $100,000 without an assigned purpose.

Adding cameras has been an ongoing project initiated by instances of theft at McLean. Last year, exterior cameras were added and updated around the school, and some interior cameras were added in the athletic locker room area.

“For over a year now, we’ve had two cameras down in the locker room area in the hallway, not in the locker rooms,” Safety and Security Specialist Buddy Sekely said. “For a while, we were experiencing a lot of thefts down there during the school day and on game nights. We haven’t had a theft problem down there since.”

As a result, interior cameras will be placed throughout the halls—but not in bathrooms or classrooms—and additional cameras will be placed outside, behind the stadium area.

Principal Ellen Reilly was a proponent for adding more cameras throughout the school.

“The main reason is for the safety of everybody,” Reilly said. “The first thing that comes to everybody’s mind is a shooter, but a kid could walk out of the building who has a mental health issue. It could just be somebody getting hurt by another person or doing something in the after-hours.”

This danger was proven when the band room was broken into a few years ago.

“Someone stole some pretty pricey instruments and parts, and we weren’t sure who it was,” senior saxophone player Benjamin Hacker said. “It showed us just how vulnerable the band room can be.”

This incident spurred the installation of cameras in the band room two years ago.

“More security was needed in the band room,” Hacker said. “The purchase of much better security cameras was necessary.”

Based on the success of the band room additions, Hacker feels that the purchase of the schoolwide hallway cameras is worth it.

6 | NEWS | FEBRUARY

“The pros are clear. The cameras really do help with security,” Hacker said. “I think this is a good change.”

EVERYBODY HAS VIDEO NOW; IT’S JUST TODAY’S SOCIETY. IT’S NOT GUARANTEED THAT EVERY DAY IS GOING TO BE A GOOD DAY.” - BUDDY SEKELY SAFETY & SECURITY SPECIALIST The project cost the school a total of about $150,000. The location of the cameras, or even how many were bought with that money, is unclear. Neither Reilly nor Sekely know the locations or number of cameras being installed currently, indicating confusion surrounding the process.

They did mention that the new system will change responses to incidents and include a feature that assures a quick rescue.

“If we were having an incident in the

94%

100%

OF U.S. PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS HAD SECURITY CAMERAS AS OF 2016

OF FCPS HIGH SCHOOLS HAD SECURITY CAMERAS AS OF 2018

*Data obtained from National Center for Education Statistics

*Data obtained from Fairfax County Public Schools

McLEAN SPENT

SECURITY FOOTAGE IS STORED FOR

$150,000 INSTALLING NEW CAMERAS

building, the police department could access our cameras live so they could see what’s going on,” Sekely said.

This works in tandem with an updated server, improving the school’s entire security system.

These installations and updates are a reminder of the current state of school safety nationwide.

“Everybody says McLean is a safe place— until it’s not,” Sekely said. “Parkland was a community just like McLean... Columbine was a community just like McLean... Are we in a school that’s in a high-crime area? No. But you put 2,500 people in a building, and something is going to go wrong.”

The new cameras align with the current state of security measures.

“Think about it now—where in today’s society do you go, other than maybe your own home, where you’re not on video?

Everybody has video now; it’s just today’s society,” Sekely said.

Even if security cameras are now the norm, Sekely said he is hopeful the footage they collect will remain uneventful.

“It’s not guaranteed that every day is going to be a good day,” Sekely said. “I’ve been here for 22 years, and we haven’t had a bad day yet. It’s my intention to keep it that way.”

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30

DAYS

Page design by Ava Rotondo | Infographic by Dasha Makarishcheva & Ava Rotondo

HONORING Black History Month DMV celebrates black history throughout February ALEENA GUL ONLINE NEWS EDITOR CC PALUMBO ONLINE A&E EDITOR ARIANA ELAHI REPORTER

Afropolitan DC Black Heritage Experience at Saint Yves.

Free DNA testing to help discover true African roots and heritage.

Family Day at the Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park.

Activities for families highlighting African American Culture.

1220 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC

16501 Norwood Rd., Sandy Spring, Maryland

Black History Month art exhibit opening at the Manassas Center for the Arts.

Art exhibit opening reception and viewing.

Black History Month Voices from the Past: Overdue Recognition Art Gallery.

Evening of music, poetry readings and art.

15402 Emerald Way, Bowie, Maryland

9419 Battle St., Manassas, Virginia

Black History Month OCN Book Fest at the Waldorf Culture Center.

Family event supporting African American authors and entrepreneurs.

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eburary is Black History Month, and D.C. is an epicenter of this celebration of black heritage. FCPS recognizes this month, and at McLean, students and faculty have shown their support of it with displays around the school. However, many agree that more work must be done to emphasize Black History Month and the deep meaning it holds. “I wish that black history wasn’t just relegated to a month. I wish it was something more widely discussed all of the time,� social studies teacher Julia Braxton said. “February is the shortest and the coldest month. It just makes me wish that black history was more prevalent outside of that month and that we could put more of a focus on lesser known figures throughout the year.� “Black History Month is a month where I can celebrate part of my cultural heritage,� sophomore Gianna DiReumante said. “There’s a lot of things that black people have done for this world that people don’t know about, and I know I learn something from African Americans every day.� “History classes work on making sure students understand people from other backgrounds,� social studies teacher Corinne Mazzota said. “By going through the history of African Americans, the history of women in the workforce and different non-white males in society, hopefully students grasp that it’s important to learn about and respect their culture.�

109 Post Office Rd., Waldorf, Maryland Page design by Cc Palumbo | Graphics by Aleena Gul & Ariana Elahi

FEBRUARY | NEWS | 7

supporting future changemakers

WALK ON — McLean Students walk out of classes to protest the lack of gun control on March 1, 2018. The nationwide March for Our Lives movement sparked in response to the Parkland school shooting in Florida in 2018. (Photo

by Maren Kranking)

FCPS allows excused absences for civic engagements advantage of their close proximity to D.C., which provides an accessible platform for students to express their opinions regarding airfax County went viral on Instagram and Twitter on Dec. political and social issues.

19, 2019, when students reposted Washington Post and CNN “Social activism is a great opportunity for us to learn about real coverage of a new FCPS policy. policies and advocate for change,” said Akard, who has protested in The school board announced that it will allow one day of excused the March for Life in past years. absences for students who wish to engage In 2018, then-junior Kimya Shirazi in civic activism. This is one of the first arranged a walkout at McLean in response to policies of its kind in the country, which the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School went into effect on Jan. 27, 2020. shooting in Parkland, Florida. This walkout FCPS IS SETTING AN Upon hearing about this change from received full coverage on ABC 7, but due to EXAMPLE FOR ALL news outlets and celebrities’ Instagram the lack of civic engagement policies at the SCHOOL COUNTIES posts, FCPS students shared the news on time, she experienced backlash.

TO FOLLOW IN social media, showcasing their pride.

“I was told if I went through with the ENABLING THEIR “I saw on Snapchat that ‘Stay Tuned’ planning, then every account of another had done a story about [this policy], and I student cutting class or causing a disruption STUDENTS TO freaked out that this was getting national as a result of the walkout I planned would be BECOME RISING attention,” junior Claire Akard said. “I my responsibility,” Shirazi said.

CIVIC LEADERS.” loved seeing everyone repost. [Leonardo] Shirazi said she believes McLean students’ DiCaprio posted—it’s so crazy that activism helped to bring about this new - BRITTANY PENG celebrities know about what’s happening FCPS policy. Politically involved McLean JUNIOR in Fairfax County.” students participated in demonstrations like Proposed by school board member the March for Our Lives and Women’s March emeritus Ryan McElveen, the policy acknowledges the rise in student and lobbied in Richmond even prior to the passage of the excused activists and public education’s responsibility to train students to absence policy. participate in democratic society.

“We ensured there was news coverage every time [we walked out]; “We’ve certainly seen over the past several years how students are consequently, no one could really argue with what we were doing making their voices heard, and this [protocol] provided an opportunity because it had gained so much attention,” Shirazi said. “I’m really for us to build on that student engagement and formalize a process proud of McLean students because we paved the path for future through which they can make their voices heard,” McElveen said. school districts to follow FCPS’s example.”

From protesting in the Fridays for Future youth climate strikes At the time of the school walkouts, each school implemented a to lobbying in Congress, students in Fairfax County have taken different policy on how to handle the students’ absences. Afterwards, MARINA QU NEWS EDITOR

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Infographic & page design by Marina Qu

in 2019, McElveen introduced the idea of civic engagement absences to the school board.

“The issue we’re trying to solve with this policy is that some FCPS schools allow civic activities to be excused absences while others do not. So, this very explicitly gives every student one day a year.”

McElveen said.

Under the revision of FCPS Regulation 2234, secondary school students could receive one partial day off per school year to take part in community actions and social activism.

“It’s a ‘personal things absence,’ but you just have to check in at school once that day. We have to deal with accreditation issues in state based on student absenteeism, so we don’t want this to be considered a full-day absence, but in essence [it] is a full day,” McElveen said.

Some students hoped the policy would allow multiple excused days, but they see the importance of not abusing the new guidelines.

“I think the one day policy is supposed to encourage students to stay in school as much as possible and only skip school when it’s something super important to you,” Akard said.

Similar to other pre-arranged absences, students who wish to participate in social engagement activities are required to submit a form two days in advance to prove that the activity is taking place.

“If you guys follow the rules and get your pre-arranged absence, and you believe that [social activism is] something that you’re committed to, I hope that you do it,” Principal Ellen Reilly said.

While passionate students are looking forward to engaging in society outside of classroom, Reilly stresses the importance of remembering public schools’ primary responsibility: guaranteeing student safety and ensuring classroom instruction.

“When we hear absences, administrators are like, ‘What about class? What are students going to miss? How much work are they going to miss? And then how are they going to make it up?’ So it causes all those problems,” Reilly said. “But I hope that [students can] advocate for themselves and be able to share their thoughts.”

To many civically active students, this change in policy relieves their stress about class absences being unexcused.

“I’m truly thrilled that I get to participate in protests and marches without fear that my grades will drop,” Akard said.

Students think the policy will help them become responsible community leaders.

“FCPS is recognizing how powerful the youth’s voice is,” junior Brittany Peng said. “They also recognize that we are capable of amassing power to incite changes in our communities and lead our society to be just, inclusive and empowering. FCPS is setting an example for all school counties to follow in enabling their students to becoming rising civic leaders.”

Despite students’ overwhelming praise for the policy, others recognize that protesting under this regulation is no longer a form of civil disobedience.

“To a certain degree, [the policy] devalues the true meaning of protesting. Most successful protests in history cause a disruption and face resistance. It’s why they gain attention and capture people’s drive to ignite change,” Shirazi said. “But regardless, it’s a step in the right direction, and I’m glad it happened. It’s for the best.”

In the coverage in The Washington Post , the FCPS policy towards excused absence was described as a “conservative backlash.” McElveen doesn’t see it this way.

“The article from The Washington Post and elsewhere cash this in as a conservative versus liberal issue, which I completely disagree with,”

McElveen said. “I think no matter where you are in the political spectrum, you’ll be able to take advantage of this [policy]. We’ve really crafted the policy language so that it’s as broad as possible, and we are not choosing some activities over others.”

Peng highlights the importance of political engagement and its effects on the future of the younger generation.

“We have to know what’s going on. Not only do we have to know what’s going on, we have to care about what’s going on,” Peng said.

“The decisions coming out of D.C. affect every American, especially when our political climate is so polarized. We all have a place in our democracy and, therefore, a stake in our society.”

42%

of students are willing to participate in civic engagement activities even if they are unexcused

79%

of students are willing to participate in civic engagement activities when they are excused

86%

of students believe they have the power to impact society *Data obtained from a poll of 209 McLean students

FEBRUARY | NEWS | 9

Happy Hour every day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

6829 Tennyson Dr. McLean, VA 22101 Phone: (703) 848-2456 Fax: (703) 827-7341 info@myGourmetBasket.com

CONFLICT EMERGES BETWEEN IRAN AND U.S. U.S.-Iran tensions grow after assassination of Iranian general

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ALEENA GUL ONLINE NEWS EDITOR | SAISHA DANI ONLINE OPINIONS EDITOR

ran’s top general, Qassem Soleimani, was killed by a U.S. missile strike ordered by President Donald Trump on Jan. 3. This unexpected start to the new year could bring serious consequences in the future.

Soleimani was considered to be one of the most influential Iranian commanders, spearheading important operations in the Middle East as the leader of the Quds force against ISIS. Iran is widely accused of supporting proxies in various parts of the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, Syria and Yemen. These groups are pitted against the U.S.’s agenda in the region and pose a threat to national security.

“While the U.S. and Iran are having conflicts with one another, American-Middle Eastern allies will be on edge and highly protective of the U.S.,” said junior Peter Awabdeh, a Syrian student who is a member of Model UN. “This situation, if large enough, could partly divide the Middle East.”

The threat of terrorism in the Middle East is a critical factor impacting Iran’s next move and its neighboring allies.

“The conflict really affects many of Iran’s allies, especially Syria and Lebanon, who have become large in the media due to Islamic terrorism,” Awabdeh said. “Syria and Iran have become allies ever since the Iran-Iraq war and have supported one another for a long time.”

Soleimani, along with Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy commander of the Iran-backed militia in Iraq, were at the Baghdad International Airport when the general was assassinated by an armed American drone.

U.S. State Department officials stated Trump feared Soleimani was plotting an attack that would kill hundreds of Americans, so he ordered the airstrike.

Iran retaliated by sending missiles to Iraqi bases holding U.S. troops.

Over a million mourners took to the streets in Iran to grieve their widely beloved general and declare their hatred for President Donald Trump and the U.S. On the other hand, some Iranians congratulated Trump on the attack, as they viewed Soleimani as a corrupting influence on the Iranian government.

In the U.S., supporters of the attack are satisfied with Trump’s decision to kill a terrorist while critics suggest that Trump didn’t have the

right to infringe on Iran’s national sovereignty.

“Donald Trump’s decision to kill the Iranian general is irrational and has no clear justification,” said junior Toleen Malkawi, a Jordanian student. “Trump continues to take advantage of the vulnerability of Middle Eastern countries and uses the U.S.’s title as a superpower as a threat.”

Others say Trump’s execution of the attack is an abuse of his power as president.

“The problem is that the president didn’t offer intelligence to Congress prior to the attack,” social studies teacher Ian Howell said. “So the president is certainly violating federal law.”

The attack on the Iranian general didn’t end the chaos. On Jan. 8, hours after Iran’s missile attack at the U.S. base in Iraq, the Iranian government mistakenly shot down Ukraine International Airlines flight 752, killing all passengers on board. The Iranian government announced that the shot was “human error,” as they thought the plane was a cruise missile, blaming the crash on the tensions caused by the U.S. As a result, thousands of Iranian protesters took to the streets, demanding those involved in the crash be executed and fueling a new round of anti-government sentiments just two months after deadly protests rocked Tehran.

While some people are concerned with the possibility of a World War III, it is unlikely this conflict will escalate into a world war.

“Common peace-keeping organizations such as the UN will actively monitor the conflict and urgently intervene if it affects innocent human lives,” Awabdeh said. “Nuclear programs have become fairly developed since the last world war, and allies have been formed globally. If any form of attack occurs on any side, there will be a loss on both sides, which would just be inefficient for Iran and the U.S.” One thing’s for sure, Iran and the U.S. will not be shaking hands any time soon. Most importantly, Howell suggested, leaders of both sides need to use strategic planning to sustain viable international relations.

“If you’re going to play the world game like checkers, you should expect some blind reaction.

If you’re going to play it like chess, then you’ve got to plan many moves ahead,” Howell said.

“If you don’t think consequentially, you’ll have a failed policy.”

Page design by Saisha Dani & Aleena Gul | Infographic by Aleena Gul & Dasha Makarishcheva

Current Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, is elected

2013

Iran signs the Nuclear Deal

July 2015

Donald Trump backs out of the Iran Nuclear Deal

May 2018

U.S. places first round of sanctions on Iran after exiting the Nuclear Deal

Aug. 2018

U.S. kills Iran’s top general, Qassem Soleimani, by ordering an airstrike in Iraq

2020

FEBRUARY | NEWS | 11

Highlander of the Issue

Paving the way for gender equality

McLean student travels across the globe to help empower women LIA VINCENZO REPORTER

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enior Akshitha Kalavakonda will never forget the first time “[When I found out she was going to Bihar] I was definitely a little she heard Gayathri Devi speak. That morning, her volunteer nervous for her because it’s not exactly the safest part of India, but group had gone to Devi’s house, a one-room hut she shared with I was also really proud of her for risking her safety so that she could her husband and two children. A single bare light bulb illuminated help other people,” said Kalavakonda’s friend, senior Bela Bhatnagar. the room. As she walked in, Devi’s simple greeting seemed to move Upon arrival in Bihar, Kalavakonda was confronted with third mountains—‘Namaste.’ world conditions. Most people in the area “Even though that doesn’t seem like such live in small one-room houses, so she stayed a big thing, it was for us [because it was] in a hotel.

SOME OF THEM coming from someone who had never said “There wasn’t a place for me to stay a single word to us and we were all just in because some of them don’t even live in a DON’T EVEN LIVE IN A shock,” Kalavakonda said. “It felt really nice house. One of the ladies was literally living HOUSE. ONE OF THE to see someone break out of the shell that in a pig pen,” Kalavakonda said.

LADIES WAS LITERALLY they’d built around themselves for so many In the rural and conservative state, female LIVING IN A PIG PEN.” years.” education levels are varied and inequitable.

Devi is one of several women Kalavakonda Some of the women Kalavakonda met had - AKSHITHA KALAVAKONDA helped this summer in India. With Jeevika, made it through grade school, but others SENIOR an Indian non-governmental organization, only knew the basics of agriculture. she spent a month volunteering to help “We had to teach them from the empower women in order to bring them and their families out of beginning to end. One of the things that we did was making honey poverty. so we started teaching them about the bee, and what the bee does,” Kalavakonda traveled to the northeastern Indian state of Bihar, Kalavakonda said. which is infamous for its high rates of corruption, violence and rape.

The women learned about more than just basic necessities. The In the past, the area had been run by gangs, and the conditions were program had a strong focus on building their self-reliance, so the so dangerous that people could not leave their houses. women would be independent enough to work and bring their 12 | FEATURES | FEBRUARY

families out of poverty. In order to improve their quality of life, the women needed to discover the quiet strength hidden inside themselves.

“You need to be able to find your own identity as a woman, as a person, [in order] to help your whole family,” Kalavakonda said.

One of her goals was to build the women’s confidence. When Kalavakonda first arrived, Devi was too scared to say a single word to any of the volunteers.

At first, Devi would only nod or have her husband speak for her. Once she sent Devi’s husband away and introduced her to other women with similar stories, Kalavakonda began to notice a difference. She avoided being overly forward and spent hours talking to Devi until one day Devi finally said ‘hi.’

“That was probably my favorite memory because this woman who was too scared to even talk to other women finally got the courage to say something,” Kalavakonda said.

Devi now has a job managing a bank. Her income has helped her family move out of its single-room hovel and into a much nicer home. With her new job, Devi is working to send her children to college.

“Before she thought that her daughter was not allowed to go college because she was a girl but now she’s like, ‘I’m getting enough money to send both my son and my daughter to college,’” Kalavakonda said.

WHAT A VIEW — Looking out ov er the rural scenery of Biha r, one would ne ver know the problems wom en face here.

Kalavakonda traveled here to address thes e issues.

Akshitha P PICTURE — U RO G A R thri Devi TIME FO ht) and Gaya rig r a (f a d n er villagers Kalavako pose with oth t) h rig m o fr (second rs. and voluntee

Kalavakonda plans to return to India to continue to advocate for gender equality, garnering support from her friends and family.

“She’s really willing to risk a lot to do things that she’s passionate about, which is helping people, helping women especially. I think it really just shows her dedication to wanting to make other people’s lives better,” Bhatnagar said.

This passion has inspired her future dreams. Kalavakonda hopes to one day start her own non-profit organization, so she can help even more people improve their lives.

“I want to be able to make sure that people who are oppressed right now are able to find a voice and can come out of this social hierarchy that we’ve created,” Kalavakonda said.

She believes that taking on the challenge to travel somewhere new and help others is an eye-opening experience.

“In McLean we live in such a bubble that we don’t see much of what’s actually happening outside in the world, and [if you’re considering volunteering abroad], I think you can learn so much from going,” Kalavakonda said.

Volunteering has helped Kalavakonda make memories she will never forget.

“The best thing that I got out of this trip was just seeing so many women break society’s preconceived barriers and break what had always been tradition,” Kalavakonda said. “They have taken control of their own lives and said, ‘We don’t have to stand for this anymore. We’re just as competent as you. We’re not inferior in any way, and we can show you that we’re not.’”

Page design by Isaac Lamoreaux & Lia Vincenzo | Photos courtesy of Akshitha Kalavakonda

FEBRUARY | FEATURES | 13

SWAMPED A

Stress plagues Mc

NICHOLAS LOHMAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“H

old on just a sec,” English teacher Anna Caponetti said. Less than a minute into our interview, we had already been interrupted by a student question. On her list of priorities, the student was next, but until then, Caponetti had to block out the classroom distractions that were pulling her in a million directions and focus on the question I asked her: “What causes teacher stress?” Luckily, I already had my answer.

A working mother of three, Caponetti’s day starts early and ends late. By 6:30 a.m., she is at school and gearing up for a morning walk, which she ends at 7:30 to answer emails and post announcements. After teaching all day, she sometimes stays after school as late as 5 p.m.

“When I get home, I make dinner, do homework stuff with the kids, reading and bedtime. That’s generally all said and done around 9 p.m. From 9 to whenever I will try and grade,” Caponetti said. “I mean, there have been days I’ve gotten no sleep. I’ve gotten no sleep whatsoever. It tends to catch up with you the following day. Like you’re running on fumes from the first day.”

Stressful days like this are common for McLean’s teachers. In a poll of 40 teachers, all but five rated their stress levels at a five or above on a 10-point scale. Caponetti said she feels their struggles are nearly invisible.

Forced to maintain an unfrazzled image

How many hours do McLean teachers grade/work after school on an average school day?

14 | FEATURES | FEBRUARY

for their students, teachers conceal their emotions in the classroom, which has consequences in their daily lives.

“I have no patience for my biological children when I get home, which is not fair, and obviously, I have three children who I love and I’m very invested in and have more rights to a happy, well-adjusted mommy,” Caponetti said.

IT’S LIKE A NEVERENDING CYCLE OF STRESS, OF WANTING TO PROVIDE THE BEST AND DO THE BEST THING.”

- LINDA CHANG ENGLISH TEACHER

Entering the stressful environment as a new McLean teacher this year, English teacher Linda Chang was initially shocked by what she experienced.

“I was told that stress levels with students are very high here. So I came in with that understanding, and I did see it. I did not realize that the stress would be as high for teachers as well,” Chang said.

She clearly remembers one stressful moment towards the end of the first quarter that affected her mental health.

15

Percentage distribution of teacher stress

13 9

grading

2

“Stress levels were high, SIS was down and I was trying to get grades out. I just remember feeling so heartbroken about how much stress all the students were putting on themselves. And I remember I cried, I cried during my prep time,” Chang said. “Our students are held to a higher expectation.

And that translates to us because we want the best available to you guys. It’s like a neverending cycle of stress, of wanting to provide the best and do the best thing.”

Teachers’ struggles affect the quality of students’ learning as well.

“When teachers are stressed it can be hard for us to learn and work with them. This, in turn, creates stress for us,” senior Analisse Kirby said.

Even more frustrating, teachers’ efforts can sometimes go unpaid, as their 35 contracted hours in Fairfax County are often a fraction of the amount of time spent on the job.

“There’s not enough time to do everything that we’re supposed to do to be even just a proficient professional. There’s always going to be work that you take home with you, which is not the case for most of my friends my age or older who work professional jobs, yet they get paid more,” Caponetti said.

“Public education works on the invisible labor of teachers that is totally unpaid. We get paid for seven and a half hours, so you do the math. Any teacher who stays after the bell for more than 20 or 30 minutes is not getting paid to do it.”

Caponetti is right—the math is alarming.

1

excessive obligations

late work

time constraints

6%

6%

8% 8% 14%

lesson planning

<1 1-2 2-3 3-4 hours

>4

student misbehavior

class size

40% 18%

*Data gathered from a poll of 40 McLean teachers Infographic & page design by Dasha Makarishcheva & Marina Qu

AT SCHOOL

McLean teachers If she arrives at 6:30 a.m. and leaves at 5 p.m., then grades for an hour in the evening, her workday is over 11 hours—more than 1.5 times longer than teachers’ contract hours, and even that is a conservative calculation.

In the case of an all-nighter, her workday increases to 18 hours.

Beyond the lack of monetary compensation, teachers feel unappreciated by their students, who often fail to recognize their hard work.

“When I feel like I’m working around the clock, giving all this feedback, not sleeping and forfeiting basic things you need to ensure good health, and students are not doing the minimum, that stresses me out,” Caponetti said.

The constant conflict between teachers and students, though, is complicated.

Students pile on four, five, six AP courses and are unable to fully focus in any one class.

Recent changes to the AP program have worsened the issue.

“They’ve changed the rubric system in AP to be incredibly Byzantine and even more worthless,” Caponetti said. “[Because of this] students enroll in so many AP courses, and I think that creates stress for them. That then gives us stress, because we’ll assign something that is meaningful, but there’s this tug of war between other things.”

Teachers constantly race to meet the expectations of the competitive environment students believe only pertains to themselves.

“It’s not even just like you can close your door and go, ‘All right, I’m just gonna do my best job, I’m not going to deal with any outside societal peer pressure,’” Caponetti said. “Administrators are constantly fielding calls about, ‘Well, you assigned this assignment, [another teacher] assigned something totally different. Yours involved more or less work, your grading was more or less stringent.’ There’s this desire for all parity.”

Principal Ellen Reilly attributes the competition to deeply rooted attitudes in Northern Virginia.

“With the environment in general, it’s impossible not to feel pressure,” Reilly said. “I think that if we looked at [ways to change] traditional high school, pressure from teachers would go away. They know they have an AP test at the end of the year and their kids need to get top grades, so they can get into this college. That’s what they feel at the end of the day. And it shouldn’t be.”

Addressing the issue of teacher stress at McLean is a daunting task, but

the current administration has made efforts to do so.

“It’s gotten better in the time I’ve been teaching,” Caponetti said. “There’s much more building each other up and we’re collaborating and sharing materials. We also have a lot more resources for newer teachers who don’t have families and are more likely to become totally indentured to this job.”

Reilly recommends teachers explore ways to focus more on their mental health and less on grading and other work.

“What is a rule teachers would set in place so that they have a well-balanced life? What are those things that they enjoy?” Reilly said.

“They can put those as a priority and not just focus on schoolwork.”

FEBRUARY | FEATURES | 15

BRIDGES BREAKS BARRIERS

Junior George Bridges on coming out and speaking his truth SHRUTHI MANIMARAN REPORTER SWETHA MANIMARAN REPORTER

C

oming out of the closet is hard when the door is bolted shut. For junior George Bridges, kicking it down was his only option.

“I never really knew that there was a word for gay. I didn’t understand what coming out was,” Bridges said. “[Being closeted] was causing a lot of anxiety for a 13-year-old.”

Bridges, who identifies as gay, came out to his parents on vacation in a hotel room. He asked his sister, Maddie, to break the news to them via text while they were on a walk.

“My mom came in, in tears,” Bridges said.

“My dad was trying to calm her down. She told me to come talk to her.”

The situation escalated and Bridges’ mom, out of exasperation, flung a book across the room.

Bridges understood his mom’s reaction because of the family’s devout Mormon background. It changed his relationship with his parents forever.

“I felt uncomfortable with my parents. I actually wanted to go back into the closet,” Bridges said. “Me and my mom didn’t talk for at least four weeks after I came out. We didn’t know what to talk about.”

Around this time, Bridges started high school in a conservative town in Illinois.

Even though he was out, members of the

community did not accept his openness.

“Somebody painted the word f****t on my front door. I had a brick thrown through my window,” Bridges said.

He was no longer safe at school.

I WOULD TELL MYSELF TO WALK THROUGH [THE HALLS] WITH YOUR HEAD HELD HIGH, DON’T LET YOUR CROWN SLIP AND KEEP YOUR MIDDLE FINGERS POINTING UP.” - GEORGE BRIDGES JUNIOR “A kid who was a white supremacist would tell me that him and his KKK group are going to burn a cross on my front yard if I don’t leave,” Bridges said. “My first game cheering, a dude drove by in a truck and threw a noose into my arms. [Another] guy put his forearm against my throat and threatened to kill me if I didn’t kill myself first. I told this to the [high school] administration, and they said ‘boys will be boys.’”

But were boys just being boys when George was chased by a car full of harassers on his way home from school?

SHOWING SPIRIT — As one of the few male cheerleaders on the McLean team, George Bridges has a big role in rallying up the crowd for football games. He started cheer his freshman year in Illinois. (Photo by Marina Qu) 16 | FEATURES | FEBRUARY

“My life went into slow motion. I was being hunted,” Bridges said. “This wasn’t just being boys being discriminatory—this was them wanting to actually hurt me.”

After the vandalism of Bridges’ home, his mother realized the severity of the situation.

“I was so upset. I wanted to burn down the town for what they were doing,” Jennifer Bridges said.

The only solution was to move. At the end of his freshman year, Bridges transferred to McLean. His relationship with his mother was still very strained.

“It kind of felt like a two-year long rejection,” Bridges said.

Bridges joined the Gender Sexuality Alliance, where its sponsor, Seth LeBlanc, encouraged him to reach out to his parents.

It wasn’t until Bridges watched Love, Simon, a movie about a gay teen coming out, that he decided to take LeBlanc’s advice. “[After watching Love, Simon], I was like, ‘Why can’t I have that?’” Bridges said. “So I wrote a four-paragraph message to my mom that basically said, ‘This is who I’m going to be for the rest of my life. If you’re not gonna accept me for being gay, then I’m not going to come home today.’”

The ultimatum was what persuaded Bridges’ parents to finally communicate honestly with him. His mother told him that she would support him the best she could, no matter what.

McLean has been better for Bridges, although there are a few exceptions.

“Kids at McLean kept calling me a f****t, and it felt like someone was stabbing me. It hurt,” Bridges said.

With the help of the administration, Bridges continues to battle homophobia. He has learned a lot from his struggles.

“Coming out in high school has helped me understand my community. [But] it’s your decision. Don’t ever let anyone push you out of the closet,” Bridges said.

After having gone through hell and back, Bridges knows exactly what he would tell his 13-year-old self.

“I would tell myself to walk through [the halls] with your head held high,” Bridges said, “don’t let your crown slip and keep your middle fingers pointing up.”

Page design by Shruthi & Swetha Manimaran

10 Qs with Seth LeBlanc

(Creative Writing/English 11 Honors Teacher & GSA Sponsor) Reporting by Isaac Lamoreaux Photos by Isaac Lamoreaux & courtesy of Seth LeBlanc Page design by The Highlander staff

1 2

If you could meet any famous person, dead or alive, who would it be?

It would definitely be Walt Whitman. He is my favorite poet and favorite literary figure. I feel like he changed poetry for the whole world.

I feel as if he would have some sage advice for me.

What is your favorite part about being the GSA sponsor?

I didn’t have a GSA in high school, and I think I really would have benefited from one. So, being able to offer that to students, something that I didn’t have, and having a community to tap into is really important. I love doing it; it’s one of my favorite things about my job.

3

If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be doing?

I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I can’t really imagine doing anything else, but I guess I would be a starving writer. But instead I get to teach writing and write—economically, it’s a much better profession.

4

8

5

9

6

10

If you could get an exotic pet, what would you get?

A mountain viscacha, Google it—they’re really cute. Credit to Annika Harley.

How receptive do you think students are to the LGBTQ+ community?

I think that they’re pretty receptive. There are very kind students here, and I have experienced little to no homophobia or transphobia from students in general.

Where would your dream vacation be?

My dream vacation would be a tour of Southeast Asia.

I really want to go there.

I’ve always wanted to, but it’s quite expensive.

7

Do you have any pets?

I have two cats, Jasper and Eloise. Eloise is a Maine Coon and Blue Russian mix, and Jasper is a short hair tabby.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I’m from Louisiana, so it would have to be gumbo!

What is your favorite book?

The book that got me into reading was The Giver by Lois Lowry, so that’s still really an important book to me. My favorite book that I go back to read again and again most often is Leaves of Grass

by Walt Whitman.

What is something that you wish was edible but isn’t edible?

Books! If books were edible, imagine all the flavor in all the different kinds of books. Think about it, like The Stranger would taste disgusting and like Huckleberry Finn would taste like cake.

FEBRUARY | FEATURES | 17

A JOURNEY INTO DUNGEONS & DRAGONS Distinct club is on the rise and capturing the student body’s imagination SWETHA MANIMARAN REPORTER

V

enture into the depths of a treacherous they gave me a character sheet, and they started me cave as a valiant knight, sword in hand, off immediately with absolutely no training. I played slaying dragons and defending your fellow it throughout the dorm, and I’ve been playing it companions without ever leaving your since,” Dobson said. home (or physics classroom).

The club is mostly student-led and has seen an For those who aren’t familiar with nerd upsurge in popularity, culture, Dungeons & Dragons is a staple game “I try to get members acquainted and resolve any that pulls kids and adults into an alternate universe disputes during a campaign,” Ganley said. with endless possibilities.

Since the beginning of the school year, the D&D Creativity and cooperation dominate the club has grown to 30 members. As more newcomers world of Dungeons embark upon their unique & Dragons, journeys, the leaders work a game to make sure everyone has a [STUDENTS ARE in which great experience.

NOW] THE MIGHTY players “As the number of people can create and number of [Dungeon ADVENTURERS SLAYING fantastical Masters] expands, it is a MONSTERS AND JUST characters and balance of power to try to BEING THE HEROES THAT venture on dangerous keep a central focus on the THE WORLD DESERVES.” campaigns with their game, and so delegation is - MICHAEL ATEN friends. And some mouthsomething I have learned to JUNIOR watering snacks. take advantage of,” Ganley Walk into one of D&D’s said. club meetings and get ready for boisterous greetings Junior Michael Aten is one of the members who from a diverse range of students, the rolling of dice can be found in Y202 every Thursday after school, and hopefully some of junior Duncan Fitzsimmon’s vanquishing monsters and exploring battlefields. delightful lemon bars.

“I think my favorite part of [being a Dungeon D&D was created in the basement of two Master] is when you throw everyone in the table Midwestern mages named Gary and Dave in 1972. for a loop, and you make sure that everyone has a Since then, it has spread all over the world. good time, because everyone lives in the moment In a campaign, a Dungeon Master creates a for just one second,” Aten said. “They’re no loose plot which constantly revolves around the longer players sitting around. They’re participating players’ choices. the mighty adventurers slaying Characters can be mundane and relatively monsters and just being serious—or the exact opposite. the heroes that the world “I’ve made a character in the past named ‘Miami deserves.”

California,’ a day drinking IT manager...so it doesn’t Joining D&D gives students have to make sense. It’s whatever [players] want,” said and adults the opportunity to let junior Mary Kate Ganley, the club president. loose at school by enjoying the story the Physics teacher Christopher Dobson chose to Dungeon Masters create. sponsor the club because it brings him back to his “I like role-playing in an environment college days. where it is expected that we’re going to “[My roommates] introduced me [to the game]; be silly,” Dobson said.

18 | FEATURES | FEBRUARY

Illustration & page design by Dasha Makarishcheva & Arin Kang

NEW ELECTIVES ON OFFER A look at McLean’s newest electives

DUA MOBIN FEATURES EDITOR & AVA ROTONDO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

TEACH FOR TOMORROW

F

un yet practical, Teach for Tomorrow helps students gain a greater understanding of the teaching profession.

“Students have the opportunity to really understand what it takes to be a quality teacher—the theories behind it, the methodology teachers use and the amount of time put into developing quality lessons,” English teacher Lawrence Letkiewicz said.

For those looking to pursue a teaching career, this elective puts a unique focus on the skills crucial for success in the field. It also establishes important relationships between students and existing professionals.

“If you are a McLean student and you have thoughts about becoming a teacher, this course is a fantastic way to set you up for success in the future,” Letkiewicz said. “It not only prepares you to do well in college when you pursue an education degree, but if you complete both level one and two of this course, and you go to an approved college, you are guaranteed a job in Fairfax County.”

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE

C

lassroom learning intersects with hands-on experience in Computer Technology Assistance, where students help Highlanders with their tech problems. The elective was introduced this year prior to the FCPSOn initiative, hoping to resolve issues stemming from the launch of student laptops.

“Students gain real world experience by learning how to provide customer service and support, troubleshoot technical problems and manage time,” Technology Support Specialist Brian Stagliano said.

In addition to providing tech support, students are encouraged to explore related areas that interest them.

“This course gives students a choice-based learning environment where skill exploration and self growth is achieved,” Stagliano said.

Senior Jonathan Zou, who is enrolled in the course this year, said it is different from any others he’s taken at McLean.

“We don't have a set routine for what we do every day,” Zou said, “because different problems arise on a day-to-day basis.”

CYBERSECURITY FUNDAMENTALS

N

ow more than ever, the internet is taking over education.

Cybersecurity Fundamentals, an elective focused on internet safety and privacy, works to make the internet a less dangerous and more beneficial platform for students. Business and information technology teacher Karyn Kolly introduced this course to McLean.

“Because cybersecurity affects everyone, from us as individuals to big organizations to the government, [the course will] focus on how we can secure information, data and keep passwords secure,” Kolly said. “It introduces students to emerging technologies that keep infrastructure secure and examines different cyber threats.”

Students will gain a deep understanding of the internet, be exposed to professional opportunities relating to cybersecurity and have the opportunity to receive Microsoft’s MTA—a security fundamentals certification.

“Students will see if this is something they are interested in and want to pursue as a career,” Kolly said. “I’m excited for students to be exposed to it. Everything is driven by technology.”

Graphics & page design by Ava Rotondo

PEER TUTORING

T

he lives of McLean students are often chaotic. They have limited time and tremendous stress. Science teacher Jennifer Choumil and social studies teacher Michael Stone decided to remedy this problem by starting the Peer Tutoring elective.

“Peer tutors will extend their knowledge of how people learn and how people benefit from learning,” Choumil said. “Students have access to peer tutors during the school day and, as the program builds, will have access to [more] tutors.”

Having tutors available during school hours means McLean students will not have to worry about finding time and money for private tutors. The student tutors themselves will learn, too.

“The benefit to the community is to work on the tutors’ strengths in leadership, successful educational experiences and unique ideas in improving McLean’s learning community,” Choumil said. “Peer tutors will learn leadership and communication skills, basically Portrait of a Graduate skills, that will help them beyond the walls of McLean.”

FEBRUARY | FEATURES | 19

ONE ACT WONDER

TheatreMcLean advances in annual VHSL competition DANA EDSON MANAGING EDITOR MICHELLE CHENG A&E EDITOR

T

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT — TheatreMcLean rehearses for the VHSL One Act Competition. They advanced to super regionals with their performance of “Variations on a Theme” by Ed Monk.

20 | A&E | FEBRUARY

heatreMcLean rolled half a dozen suitcases into the VHSL One Act Competition on Jan. 25 and rolled out with an advancement to super regionals.

In the competition, each school performs a short one-act play in an allotted time—this year, they get 35 minutes—and the performances are rated by a panel of judges. The top schools move on to super regionals and then to the state competition.

“It’s important for McLean theater because it’s where we can demonstrate our strengths in front of other theater programs from the area,” said senior Analisse Kirby, the P.A. announcer in the play.

This year’s regional competition was held at Yorktown High School, where TheatreMcLean performed “Variations on a Theme”

by Ed Monk.

In the play, the main character, a senior named Nick, is waiting at a train station to send his girlfriend Meg off to college. However, the couple had a huge fight the night before, leading Nick to imagine all the different scenarios that could play out at the train station.

Unlike more traditional TheatreMcLean productions, “Variations on a Theme” allows each actor to create their own individual portrayals of the characters. “[An] interesting concept of this show is that there aren’t really ‘main roles,’” said junior Ben Cudmore, the play’s assistant director.

“Most of the scenes are performed by an imaginary Nick and Meg, creating a more ensemble-based show. We have such a talented cast of actors working together to put on this unique production, each having their own authentic interpretations of Nick and Meg.” In preparation, TheatreMcLean held daily rehearsals for the week leading up to the performance. Cudmore is eager to have their hard work pay off in the final product.

“What I enjoy the most [about] watching the rehearsals is seeing what new and creative ideas the actors have for their roles and the playful and fun environment the rehearsal space provides,” Cudmore said. “All the effort and practice the actors put in can be seen on the stage, which makes the hours of rehearsal definitely worth it.”

Their hard work paid off. TheatreMcLean tied for first at the VHSL competition, but after two additional rounds of counting, McLean was placed as the runner-up by one point to Langley’s theater program and will compete in super regionals on Feb. 13.

Three McLean students, juniors Graham Cole, Will Chapman and Sanjna Kaul, received recognitions as All-Star Actors for their performances, with Cole winning Best Actor.

“Overall it was a pretty great day,” Kirby said. “I love it. As performers, getting to perform what we worked so hard for is one of the best feelings in the world.”

Photos by Michelle Cheng | Page design by Dana Edson & Dasha Makarishcheva

TIME FOR THAI

Esaan’s authentic cuisine is a must-try in McLean

EMILY JACKSON FEATURES & COPY EDITOR SKYE SUNDERHAUF PHOTOGRAPHER

W

hile Esaan may not seem like much from the outside with its small sign and unassuming exterior, the instant you enter the door, the atmosphere completely shifts.

The restaurant is cozy with adorable details, including wooden tables and succulents decorating the windowsills.

Although it is on the smaller side, the size only adds to its charm.

It has received multiple awards and was also included in the Washingtonian’s “100 Very Best Restaurants” in 2018 and 2019.

We ordered two entrees, including the Yum Moo Yor, which had pork sausage with tomatoes, red onions, scallions, cilantro, lime and fresh chili.

Based on its appearance, the entree looked unusual with flat, triangular pieces of sausage and vegetables on top of the meat. The pork sausage was a little spicy (and could have been spicier if requested), but the sour lemon sauce and assorted vegetables were able to offset the heat.

We also ordered the Labb tofu dish, which consisted of crispy fried tofu and fresh herbs

On the menu...

CHERRY ON TOP — The sticky rice with Thai custard is one of two dessert options. This hot and cold treat was a delicious finishing touch.

TERRIFIC TOFU — The Labb tofu entree features crispy, lemony tofu with a side of roasted purple rice. Its unique flavors made it memorable.

Photos by Skye Sunderhauf & Emily Jackson | Page design by Skye Sunderhauf

with a side of roasted rice to mix in. The tofu was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, almost like a salad crouton, and was a texture paradise, perfectly soaked in flavor.

Unlike anything we had tried before, the unique combination of purple roasted rice with the lemony tofu and crisp herbs hit perfectly on our taste buds.

Emily traveled to northern Thailand last year and found that similar dishes and flavors are served in that region. However, both entree plates could’ve used a little less lemon, due to their slightly excessive sour flavor.

Following our delicious main courses, we decided to choose from two dessert options: the sticky rice with Thai custard or the banana in coconut milk. We chose the sticky rice, which we were beyond satisfied with.

This amazing dish didn’t look like much at first, with grayish rice and a custard on top that resembled hummus. We hesitantly decided to dig in but were immediately overjoyed that we did.

The warm, sweet sticky rice contrasted with the colder, vaguely caramel-flavored custard in a unique way, allowing both of the mild tastes to complement each other.

In terms of texture, the rice and smooth Thai custard were an incredibly pleasing combination. This dessert was definitely a great finish to our meal.

The authentic Thai food and great dining experience made our time at Esaan amazing, and we both highly recommend it as a top restaurant in McLean. The delicious, authentic Thai food and cute ambience are truly unrivaled.

FEBRUARY | A&E | 21

Six McLean journalism students attend Langley HERAN ESSAYAS OPINIONS EDITOR

KYLE HAWLEY OPINIONS EDITOR

JESSICA OPSAHL-ONG MANAGING EDITOR

E

veryone loves a good crosstown rivalry. The deafening cheers and battling bleachers raise school spirit as rivaling teams clash on the court. High schoolers love it. Hollywood loves it. McLean is no exception when it comes to its rival, Langley.

From McLean students shouting “this is our town” to Langley students holding up signs declaring “go back to your townhouses,” the rivalry between McLean and Langley has intensified and evolved to violence and immaturity.

Following each game, it has become a tradition for students from McLean and Langley to meet at McDonald’s, amplifying the tension. Last year, this descended into an all-out brawl following the Highlanders’ victory over the

22 | IN-DEPTH | FEBRUARY

JOSH BASS SPORTS EDITOR

JACK SHIELDS MANAGING EDITOR Saxons in their annual away basketball game, causing police intervention and media coverage.

“The McDonald’s was essentially really packed and you could sense that there was tension when you entered,” junior Mawni Mahdavi said. “We were the only McLean kids there and then once the Langley kids arrived it boiled over and all hell broke loose.”

In response, police officers station themselves outside of local brawl hotspots after games, including McDonald’s, Santini’s and Chipotle. “[Last year], the police showed up about five minutes after the fight had ended. They came and scattered everyone and ended the rest of the ongoing fight,” Mahdavi said.

Despite these conflicts, some students believe that the rivalry makes the annual games more exciting.

Additional reporting by Zach Anderson

ey for two days to explore the infamous rivalry “I think [the rivalry] is at a good point. There is enough tension between the two schools, but not enough to where it’s harmful to the students or the school,” Langley senior Spencer Brooks said.

Although the history of the rivalry has deep roots, it has been intensifying at an unprecedented rate. Students have brought the rivalry to a personal level, where they frequently attack individuals attending either school.

“It’s always been around, but I think it has gotten worse over the years, and I think social media contributes to it a lot,” said varsity football coach John Scholla, who graduated from McLean in 2008. “Most of the time it isn’t even from the players.”

The newfound intensity of the rivalry is forcing coaches, school administrators and local law enforcement to prepare for these rivalry games in new ways to avoid conflicts.

“As a coach, you do your best to view it as another game and prepare the players accordingly. You want your players to be level headed, focused and prepared in order to execute,” Scholla said. “Having been a player and now a coach in this rivalry, I can tell you that as a player, it is easy to get distracted and let your emotions take over.”

Page design by Heran Essayas, Jesscia Opsahl-Ong & Taylor Olson

Some of these distractions include explicit chants from one student section to another such as “f*** Langley” and “our girls are hotter” or shouting “bulls***” whenever one section disagrees with a call. These sayings are also expressed on posters brought to the games.

This year, both schools decided to take a more civilized approach. McLean principal Ellen Reilly and Langley principal Kimberly Greer urged the student sections to avoid vulgarity and other altercations. They also forbade students from bringing posters to prevent insensitive comments.

“As we have seen—once this year, once last year— sometimes people were overtaken with their emotions and their desire for their team to win. So there have been times where a few of our students have made poor choices. I would start by saying that’s not all of our kids,” Greer said.

“Something that I really have tried to do is to institute a reminder, especially around that time that we’re playing you all, just about what our expectations are. It’s about who we are as a school community, what is really the message that we want to send to others regarding Langley and what we believe, so I think that’s been really positive.”

Most students find these standoffs to be a fun way to

FEBRUARY | IN-DEPTH | 23

interact with the game, as well as increase the competitive nature of the environment. Though it may be fun in the moment, the rivalry appears to have reached a point of no return.

“The rivalry isn’t going anywhere anytime soon,” Scholla said. “Hopefully both schools can work to create a culture where the games are competitive and the trash talk and banter is friendly, but the vandalism, targeting and fighting isn’t occurring.”

As the rivalry intensifies, administrations from both McLean and Langley hope students remember the friendly nature of this rivalry.

“It’s sports. It’s not anything that is going to be life-altering or life-changing. We all represent, in some aspects, the same community,” Greer said. “We do have a group of kids who live in McLean, I mean, our school has a McLean address. So we just need to focus on the bigger picture.”

These tensions will continue to worsen with the debate over the proposed redrawing of the districts, which is intended to alleviate overcrowding at McLean.

The history of the McLean-Langley rivalry extends beyond sports. The topic of boundary adjustments between the two schools first came up in the 1970s. In a 1978 Washington Post article discussing boundary changes, the tensions were clear.

In the article, Langley students distinguished themselves from McLean students by describing their school as superior.

One student described Langley as a place with people who “come from all over the world; they’re more cultured and intellectually stimulating than the ones who end up going to McLean.”

At the time, Langley parents were against the proposal of sending approximately 70 students to McLean. They feared their kids would suffer academically and not remain in a culturally diverse community. According to the article, the community viewed Langley as “The School to attend in McLean—one that attracts the sons and daughters of the community’s more wealthy residents, including congressmen, diplomats and a number of celebrities.”

Families who moved to the area because of Langley were upset about this redistricting. Jean Schwartz, among other parents in a neighborhood affected by the change, even hired an attorney to try to keep their children at Langley.

“Everybody was really unhappy because the reputation between the two schools at that time was very unequal,” Schwartz said in an interview with The Highlander.

Some people in the community thought the purpose of the boundary change was to create more economic balance.

“It was not a large disparity. I mean, it was never large, but I think it was a perceived one,” Schwartz said. “I don’t know whether they thought perhaps if you had more affluent families, more attention would be given to the school. But I think there was a perceived difference at that time.”

Forty-two years later, McLean and Langley are modifying boundaries that echo the changes made decades ago. McLean is currently 116% over capacity, containing over 2,350 students, when the building capacity is 1,993. On the other

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE — Proposed by the Fairfax County School Board, this map shows all three potential scenarios of the boundary redrawing. The first scenario is to remove only the Colvin Run area from the McLean High School district and the second is to remove the Spring Hill area. The third scenario involves shifting both areas to Langley. These three scenarios were presented at community meetings in December and are not the final proposals.

MAP KEY Colvin Run Spring Hill Remaining McLean district

*Map obtained from FCPS

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ANGUS ON THE LOOSE — Angus poses against a painting of Langley’s mascot, Otto. Surprisingly, a handful of Langley students and staff mistook Angus for their mascot. Maybe the two schools aren’t so different after all. (Photo by Heran Essayas)

hand, Langley only has 1,973 enrolled, while their recently completed renovation allows for a maximum of 2,370. Langley is projected to maintain or decrease this number over the next five years. McLean is expected to continue increasing enrollment.

On Dec. 2 and 4, 2019, the Fairfax County School Board hosted two boundary scope meetings, one at McLean and one at Langley, to engage the community in the discussion of the potential changes. At these meetings, they presented the boundary options to account for the growing student body of McLean.

“The Tysons area is growing exponentially. So, our area, the DMV, is going to grow by 1.5 million in the next 25 years,” said McLean parent Jo-Anne Sears, who attended the Dec. 4 meeting.

The split-feeder elementary schools, Colvin Run and Spring Hill, are under review since some students who attend them are already districted to go to Langley. At the meetings, three main scenarios for the boundary readjustment were highlighted.

One scenario considers sending all students who attend both elementary schools to Langley, while the other two consider redirecting only one of the schools.

McLean and Langley are on the list of priority recommended boundary adjustments in the county. Any changes will be effective for the 2020-21 school year.

One of the main issues people discussed at the meetings was grandfathering, allowing current students to remain at McLean. Parents said students should not be forced to transfer schools if they are capable of providing their own transportation. Over 70 comments supporting grandfathering were recorded at the meetings.

While there are no immediate plans for McLean’s renovation—due to its recent renovation in 2005—members of the McLean High School community are concerned that McLean’s was not as effective as Langley’s, which cost $70 million, compared to McLean’s $8 million.

One parent commented that in terms of the renovation, “McLean’s Chevette is not equivalent to Langley’s Tesla.”

Parents at the boundary meetings expressed concern about the lack of statistics regarding the populations of the potentially affected areas.

“As a data-driven person, I can’t give you my best feedback, unless I have [the statistics]. I think that in many cases Fairfax County school staff is unprepared and not ready to have this conversation,” Sears said. “They haven’t done their homework.”

These upcoming changes may further the tensions between Langley and McLean students because of their strong school ties.

The Fairfax County School Board has not decided whether current McLean students will transition into Langley next year, but this shift will most likely change the dynamic of both schools.

FEBRUARY | IN-DEPTH | 25

While four members of The Saxon Scope, Langley’s newsmagazine, experienced the stress of passing through McLean’s blue hallway in between classes, six staff members of The Highlander spent two full school days at Langley to investigate the other side of this fierce rivalry.

McLean and Langley’s journalism departments swapped students to attend their opponent’s school during the week of this season’s first rivalry basketball game. Students shadowed hosts who took them around to their classes. Teachers at both schools encouraged the students to participate in their classes, whether it be tests, lectures, discussions or projects.

The superiority of Langley’s building itself was obvious from the experience. Considering they received a $70 million renovation just two years ago, this isn’t surprising. After four years of construction, they have the privilege of a modernized, up-to-date school building.

“traffic jams,” allowing students to travel between classes in well under the allotted seven-minute transition time.

Langley students also do not have to attend classes in trailers. McLean has 18 trailers, with plans for potential expansion, while Langley has numerous empty classrooms.

“The trailers I observed at McLean were very similar to the ones Langley had before our renovation when I was a freshman and sophomore,” said Langley senior Ashley Saxenian, a Saxon Scope reporter. “I forgot how cramped they were and how difficult it could be to move around in them.”

While Highlanders have to walk in the freezing cold or pouring rain to make it to their trailer classes, Saxons remain inside throughout the entire day, where the building’s temperature is comfortably warm and well-regulated.

“Working in a newly renovated building is incredible.

It’s much quieter just in terms of how it functions,” Fisher said. “I remember that when the heat or A/C came on in my classroom at McLean, you could barely hear yourself think, and half the time, it was either incredibly hot or super cold.”

THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHERE A FEW OF OUR STUDENTS HAVE MADE POOR CHOICES. I WOULD START BY SAYING THAT’S NOT ALL OF OUR KIDS. SOMETHING THAT I REALLY HAVE TRIED TO DO IS TO INSTITUTE A REMINDER, ESPECIALLY AROUND THAT TIME THAT WE’RE PLAYING YOU ALL, JUST ABOUT WHAT OUR EXPECTATIONS ARE.” - KIMBERLY GREER LANGLEY PRINCIPAL

With new classrooms and desks, lounge-like “common areas” located throughout the school and bathrooms with dividers plus miraculously intact stall doors, the Langley facilities themselves are notably better than McLean’s.

“I think the up-to-date building helps benefit student learning in a few ways,” said former McLean social studies teacher Lindsey Fisher, who is now the school-based technology specialist at Langley. “Our renovation came with newer furniture that’s more conducive to flexible seating, and there’s a lot more student common areas equipped with comfortable places to sit and charging stations to give students some alternate places to do work or hang out without sitting on the floor.”

The quality of Langley’s building only emphasizes McLean’s growing need for a renovation to the main building, especially in light of the overcrowding issue. Although Langley’s hallways are far from empty, they are significantly less crowded than the halls of McLean. There were no major

26 | IN-DEPTH | FEBRUARY

Langley has been considered the nicer school since the renovation, which supports the perception that their students are economically advantaged. Contrary to popular belief, the financial status of families at both schools did not contribute to the value of the renovation.

The reputation of Langley students boasting about being affluent has been prevalent for years. At sporting events, McLean students chant “Daddy’s money” at their Langley opponents. The “rich Langley kid” stereotype has a longstanding place in the trash talk of the rivalry.

“Here at Langley we have Jaguars and Corvettes in the parking lot. Over at McLean they have pickups and Chevys,” a Langley student said in a 1978 interview with The Washington Post.

This stereotype contributes to real animosity.

“From a McLean point of view, Langley kids are always looking for something to start and they think they’re better in a way. They just kind of think they can walk around and the

world’s their oyster, so the aspect of ‘Daddy’s money’ and all that has some truth behind it,” Mahdavi said.

Actually, McLean and Langley are both affluent. McLean’s percent of students eligible for free and reduced lunches is around 8% and Langley’s is around 2%, compared to the FCPS rate of 28%.

“I notice the ‘Daddy’s money’ stereotype alive and well at McLean as well as Langley,” Fisher said. “You can look at the Langley and McLean school profiles to see that there is a difference in free and reduced lunches, which is a measure of students in need. What it looks like to me based on the eye test is that we have similar numbers of wealthy students, but McLean has more students in need than Langley.”

Socioeconomic levels still play a role in the quality of education at Langley.

“There’s a belief that our kids somehow have extra. We’re a Fairfax County Public School just like every other school, so the county gives us allotments based upon the number of students,” Greer said. “What we do have, which is really huge, is very involved parents. But that’s not something unique to Langley. I think if you look at a number of schools in Fairfax County, you have parents who want their children to do well and that are working to the ends of making sure that happens. Sometimes when parents have more resources, maybe they’re able to support in a different way.”

McLean students have the same advantage because of their comparable economic level. Students attending both schools do not differ as much as they appear.

Longfellow Middle School feeds into both McLean and Langley, creating an overlap between the student bodies.

Throughout the school year, students put the rivalry aside and remain friends with the people they spent their elementary and middle school years with.

“I am still friends with some of the people from Longfellow, and I live in McLean, so I am always involved in the surrounding community,” Brooks said.

Students view the rivalry as a way to demonstrate their school spirit, but the students’ enthusiasm differs in the days leading up to the games.

On the Friday of the basketball game hosted at Langley, the school’s theme was a blackout, yet during the school day, the halls were filled with a variety of colors—including red.

“To me, it looks like McLean students are more likely to participate in spirit days, but Langley students have a more organized social media presence to distribute that information,” Fisher said.

While there is competition between the two schools, there is also competition within each school. Langley students care about their grades just as much as McLean students do and are highly motivated.

“I think that the achievement culture and amount of pressure on students—whether it’s self-inflicted, from parents, based on social norms or something else—is really similar. Students at both places feel a lot of pressure not just to succeed but to excel, which takes a toll on their mental health,” Fisher said.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT — On Jan. 10, McLean traveled to rival Langley High School for the annual doubleheader basketball game. Throughout both games, McLean maintained its strong school spirit. Although signs during the games were banned, Highlanders snuck in newspapers to cheer on their team. (Photo by Marina Qu)

JANUARY | IN-DEPTH | 27

Despite similar academic atmospheres, some Langley students bragged about their second place holding as the best high school in Virginia, according to U.S. News & World Report. McLean is currently ranked third and has occasionally placed above Langley. “[Langley] is a place where kids are all, for the most part, focused on the same thing, which is what I like to term it as a tradition of excellence,” Greer said. “They hold themselves to high standards, but they also hold our school and community as a whole to high standards.”

While there isn’t a noticeable gap in academic quality between the two schools, the style of teaching differs. At Langley, a majority of the classes are lecture-based, while at McLean, teachers use the project-based learning (PBL) system, where students use alternate activities to apply the knowledge they acquire.

“I think McLean teachers have had more exposure to digital tools and learner-centered instruction, so they’re more likely to take risks and try blended learning approaches and PBL,” Fisher said. “With that said, the teachers at Langley are willing to try those things—they just haven’t seen quite as much of it as McLean teachers have, which is my job.”

Another difference between the two schools is the freedom students are afforded. Langley students must remain in the cafeteria during lunch and are not allowed to leave without receiving permission from a hall monitor.

“The expectation in any high school is unless there are extenuating circumstances, like not enough space, that kids would remain in that area to eat,” Greer said. “We have a very beautiful building, you know, $70 million renovation, and so we are stewards of the taxpayers’ resources. We need to do all that we can to maintain our spaces.”

Students at Langley are required to have a hall pass to leave the classroom and only one person is allowed to use the bathroom at a time. While it may not seem like a significant difference, it represents the varied cultures at the two schools.

The Langley administration and teachers appear to be more controlling of the student body throughout the school day.

“For example, the giant staircase right when you walk in or little nooks with armchairs where you’re supposed to be able to study during Saxon Time—you’re not allowed to use them,” said Sophie Camus, a McLean senior who moved from Langley after freshman year. “They have no trust for these kids.”

McLean’s administration allows students to have more freedom, like being able to leave the cafeteria and not strictly regulating hall passes.

“This is my belief that you guys have not done anything to have me take that privilege away from you, and it is a privilege,” Reilly said. “I trust you guys, and I want to maintain that. I don’t want you guys to feel like you’re on lockdown.”

The Langley administration’s involvement in students’

28 | IN-DEPTH | FEBRUARY

SPREADING DISEASE — In my last five minutes of being at Langley, I found a friend I hadn’t seen in a while. She introduced me to one of her friends, who, upon finding out that I’m a McLean student, asked why “I was infecting their school with my McLean germs.” I’m sure that it was a joke—or at least I hope it was.

After that, I felt like an outsider, but luckily I was about to leave.

- Heran Essayas

JUSTICE SPEAKS — I joined a Langley senior in her AP Government class. As a junior, I’m not enrolled in a gov class, but I’m already knowledgeable on the federal courts. Being me, I participated in the class. Apparently, this class rarely talks, so the teacher enjoyed my participation. While answering questions, he asked his class how they could let a McLean kid one up them.

- Kyle Hawley

A COLD WAR — I got to experience a vastly different schedule than what I’m used to at McLean. I sang the Russian alphabet in front of a Russian 3 class and was lectured on the superiority of Langley compared to McLean in a U.S. History class. Still, most of my Langley teachers attempted to incorporate me into their lessons. And, no, Physics isn’t any easier away from McLean.

- Jack Shields

Six Highlanders share their experiences shadowing Langley students CAUGHT IN THE LOT — During Government, the sub began to describe his experience subbing for McLean, which he did not look upon as fondly as his experience with Langley.

After feeling slightly disrespected on behalf of my school, I was privy to seeing the mad dash to the parking lot that Langley kids had been hyping up all day. After 25 minutes and 17 seconds of waiting to leave the lot, I wished I had run as well.

- Jessica Opsahl-Ong

BASS IN GYM CLASS — Shadowing host Aiden O’Connor, my schedule at Langley featured third period Health and Physical Education.

When Aiden handed me a gym uniform covered with Langley logos, I declined it out of pride for McLean, which attracted negative attention from some students. But I would do it again if it means not representing the Saxons.

- Josh Bass

AWKWARD TIMING — At the end of my first day, as I used the bathroom, I heard a scuffling coming from near the urinals. I realized it was two male students pushing each other around aggressively. “What are we gonna do? Kill McLean! Let’s f****** kill some Highlanders,” they yelled. I returned to class after hiding in the bathroom for nearly 15 minutes.

- Zach Anderson

lives is evident in the principal’s daily P.A. announcements.

In her morning segment, Greer talks about activities going on around the school and any issues she feels she needs to address, before eventually concluding with a passionate “Hail Saxons!”

Although she has good intentions in communicating with the student body, Langley students were quick to share their criticisms on the overbearing administration and it seems to be a regular topic of conversation.

During lunch, students mentioned various times they were unsatisfied with decisions made by the administration.

These conversations coincided with the stricter rules for Langley students and teachers.

There are reasons for these stricter controls, including issues in the past with fighting and drug use, but they still make students feel distrusted.

“I honestly do think that this kind of unfairness these kids felt—these kids felt like victims in their own school where they’re supposed to feel safe,” Camus said.

Students also lamented that while some may engage in improper behavior, the administration should not view everyone as a participant.

“You’re always proving yourself and there wasn’t really a space to fail or grow, and some of that is FCPS and some of that is modern high school culture,” Camus said. “But having the admin always assume you’re the bad guy or some evil, drug-dealing teen—it doesn’t help.”

Both schools have taken steps to minimize unsafe behaviors of students, including their actions surrounding the rivalry.

“It’s just about us helping students remember what a positive rivalry looks like,” Greer said. “When you start damaging things or fighting or engaging in negative behavior, at that point it is no longer a rivalry.”

From McDonald’s brawls to vandalizing each other’s schools, McLean and Langley have repeatedly crossed lines in an effort to exemplify their school pride.

To prevent this behavior, both administrations issued reminders of proper sportsmanship for their teams and student bodies.

These ideas have influenced students. During the second rivalry basketball game, McLean students avoided negative exchanges with Langley.

“I thought that our team and crowd was positive [during the second game at McLean]—they cheered on our team,” Reilly said. “They didn’t go too far down the road of being negative towards the other team.”

Both schools’ administrations plan to continue encouraging this positivity.

“It’s just really helping our kids remember that we need to focus on cheering for our team and showing class and being a class act, win or lose,” Greer said. “It’s about how you carry yourself and what you’re promoting. That is what I’m trying to help them learn, which is really a life lesson.”

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Underground Artist Senior John Buser follows his childhood dream of becomng a music producer KATIE ROMHILT FEATURES EDITOR

S

enior John Buser sits in his basement studio in the early hours of the morning, his face illuminated by the neon light of his computer screen. He is surrounded by dozens of instruments and surfaces covered with professional equipment as he mixes a cacophony of sounds until it merges into one fluid song.

Everyone knows the artists who sing hit songs, but few see the behind-the-scenes work that goes into them. Music producers create everything but the lyrics of a song, overseeing the process of matching the instrumentals to the vocals. Buser does exactly that.

“I’ve always done music,” Buser said.

“It’s always been a huge passion, and music production just seems like the next step.”

Buser composes the music and the openings of a piece. After he finishes the instrumentals, the piece goes to the songwriter, who adds lyrics to the sheets of 30 | A&E | FEBRUARY

music to make it become a full song.

Buser usually collaborates with the songwriter from the beginning of the process.

The songwriter has the job of creating the melody, while Buser oversees the process.

“Yes, [I do write some songs], but I also love to collaborate with others and work

THERE’S A LOT OF PEOPLE I WOULD NEVER HAVE EVEN HUNG OUT WITH IN THE FIRST PLACE, BUT YOU CAN FIND SOME REALLY COOL TALENT IN WEIRD PLACES.” - JOHN BUSER SENIOR

together,” Buser said. “I am very rarely the lead songwriter. I work with someone to write a top-line, but we usually do it together somewhat with me mostly just making revisions.”

Although Buser brings in other people to collaborate, he has control over the music.

“Being a producer, I’m the one who’s in charge of the final say of what officially will be the lyrics, and who’s going to be the one singing on the song,” Buser said. “We find the artists who will make the song be something completely different. We usually go through a few of them find whoever fits the track the best.”

Buser was one of 80 kids who had the opportunity to attend Grammy Camp, a program created by the Grammy Foundation that attracts up-and-coming musicians to work with established professionals.

“Essentially, you get to work with the top people in that field that are in the industry right now,” Buser said. “You also get to work Photos & page design by Katie Romhilt

with not only other people that have the same passion and the same drive in the same area, but also in the different areas of the music industries.”

Buser had the opportunity to learn from singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor and DJ Slushii.

“I went to the Grammy Camp for the first time, [and] they brought in Slushii and we were able to work on projects together.

We got to sit down and work on mixing and some composition ideas,” Buser said.

“Meghan Trainor came in as a guest speaker for a week. She sat down and had a Q&A session.”

Often, the most interesting people Buser collaborates with aren’t big-name artists.

“There’s a lot of connections that you meet, even locally,” Buser said. “There’s a lot of people I would never have even hung out with in the first place. But you can find some really cool talent in weird places.”

Instead of surrounding himself with celebrities, Buser likes to support his friends’ music.

“I’d say a few of those who I look up to most are actually the peers I currently work with like Harrison Finks, Blake Stokes or Echo Lynn, just to name a few,” Buser said.

“Honestly, the most talented, realest people I know.”

“[JOHN] IS VERY INTELLIGENT. HE’S IMPULSIVE IN A GOOD WAY—HE KNOWS HOW TO IMPROVISE AND MAKE IT SOUND NATURAL, AND I THINK THAT’S VERY SPECIAL.” - NICK NORTON LEAD GUITARIST Besides producing music, Buser is in a band called Woodhurst. He’s the lead keyboardist and also organizes all the events for the band. They play different gigs, sometimes for money and sometimes without getting paid, and they release music videos on YouTube. “[John] is very intelligent,” said junior Nick Norton, the lead guitarist of Woodhurst.

“He’s impulsive in a good way—he knows how to improvise and make it sound natural, and I think that’s very special.”

Buser started learning classical piano when he was 2. After that, he began focusing on different parts of the music production process.

“I always kinda knew I wanted to produce music from the first time I heard Avicii or

Skrillex,” Buser said. “But I didn’t know it was called production or much of what in entailed until I was 10.”

His passion for producing has inspired him to move out to Los Angeles and pursue music production as a full-time career.

“I skipped junior year, so I’m graduating this year,” Buser said. “I’m moving out to L.A. at the end of June and will be going to school there for a year or two, studying electronic music production. In September, I’m moving into a house with a few music friends...and building a full studio in it.”

This will be a big step for Buser, but his peers in the industry believe that his talent will prevail.

“If there’s anyone who can do it,” Norton said, “it’s John.”

BUILT-IN STUDIO — Top left: John Buser demonstrates the mixer he uses during live shows. Below: Buser makes edits on sound components he’s already recorded.

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A FINE LINE BETWEEN FUN AND BLEH

Harry Styles’ new album lacks the genius of its predecessor LAUREN THOMPSON REPORTER

A

fter his first solo album shocked fans and critics alike with raw, acoustic, British rock chords and close-to-themicrophone, yelling lyrics like “I’m having your baby! It’s none of your business,” listeners were eager to hear what sounds Fine Line would explore.

Would it signal the return of boy-band pop, continue in the rock-star vein or usher in a whole new sound aesthetic? Would it be a combination of all of the above?

The last theory proved true. Fine Line ricochets from fun (but forgettable) summer songs to rock, funk, soft lullabies and even straight-up folk. Just as there is something for everyone to love, there is something for everyone to hate.

The first few songs are my “hates.” They capture the soft, giddy, in-love feeling, but quickly grow monotonous and fade into a soloist’s worst fear—background music.

“Watermelon Sugar” and “Sunflower” suffer the same fate. They lack Harry’s signature depth and experimentation.

But their empty, irresistible catchiness would pair perfectly with poolsides and convertibles, and sometimes that’s all a song is for.

Still, Fine Line does have its redeeming qualities. The minor notes of “Golden” are

32 | A&E | FEBRUARY

Sony

sweet and melancholic, and the “Adore You” music video embodies the whimsy and nerve that separates Harry Styles, solo artist, from Harry Styles, One Directioner.

“She” is Harry at his best. His voice immediately melds with, but is not overtaken by, powerful, acoustic piano notes. He tells a story. Words become images.

“Mitch played that guitar when he was a little, ah, influenced,” Styles said in a Rolling Stones interview. “Well, he was on mushrooms, we all were. We had no idea what we were doing. We forgot all about that track, then went back later and loved it.”

Maybe that’s why the central meaning of the song is so ambiguous. Does it center around his ex, like many of the other songs seem to? Or is he shedding himself for a story persona? These layers of intrigue are just one of the reasons it is, as Harry said, “phenomenal.”

Another song, “Treat People With Kindness,” can be described in three words—big Queen vibes. But after the opening chords, his voice makes it clear that he is putting his own twist on a style Queen popularized, not shamelessly making a Walmart version of the iconic group’s music.

“It started simple, but I wanted to have

this big epic outro thing. It just took shape as this thing where I thought, ‘That’s just like the music I want to make,’” Styles said. “I love strings, I love horns, I love harmonies—so why don’t we just put all of that in there?”

That thought process characterizes all of Fine Line. Harry is celebrating his freedom from the constraint of singing to a massively mainstream audience with four other boys and the “prove yourself ’’ trap that comes from being an ex-boy band member.

“Now I look at a track list and these are all my little babies,” Styles said. “That’s a big difference, rather than every 20 minutes you go, ‘Oh, I remember this one.’”

Fine Line is an above-average pop album, with daring genre diversity and flashes of genius. But many songs are simply boring, and the main theme feels muted. It falls flat in comparison to Styles’ previous album.

He’ll have to try harder if he wants to create a new classic.

Yet, his passion for music convinces me that he will reach his ambitions eventually.

If you want to hear the second leg of his unfinished journey, give Fine Line a listen.

Final Rating: 3.5/5

Page design by Dasha Makarishcheva | Graphic by Lauren Thompson

AND THE OSCAR GOES TO...

Female directors shut out of major awards SHRUTHI MANIMARAN REPORTER

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t’s awards season, and along with the glamorous dresses and red carpets comes something as old as Hollywood itself— pretending women don’t exist.

Female directors have once again been pushed to the sidelines in this year’s awards despite directing groundbreaking films that feature diverse stories.

“The Oscars aren’t known for their inclusivity by a long shot, but this year takes the cake,” junior Mary Kate Ganley said.

No women were nominated for Best Director at the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards.

“It’s a poor excuse to say that there were no woman directors this year because women didn’t make any good films. There are films directed by women nominated [for other categories], so what made them unworthy of the Best Director nod?” English teacher Elise Emmons said.

For one, Lorene Scafaria’s movie Hustlers, based on a true story about how a group of strippers managed to steal from rich men, was lauded for breaking production company records and becoming a blockbuster hit.

The film garnered Oscars buzz for Jennifer Lopez and is arguably one of her best performances on screen, yet Lopez and Scafaria received no nominations.

The Farewell is a film from Lulu Wang that earned Awkwafina a Golden Globe for Best Actress. It’s about a Chinese American woman who deals with cultural clash when her traditional Chinese grandmother doesn’t know of her own cancer diagnosis.

The movie has a higher Rotten Tomatoes score than 1917, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Irishman—three of the leading Best Picture nominees.

Wang is the only woman nominated for Best Original Screenplay, yet she didn’t get a Best Director nod.

Greta Gerwig, a critically acclaimed director, came out with the movie adaptation of the Louisa May Alcott classic, Little Women. It attracted high praise and even got six nominations in other major categories,

including Best Picture. However, Gerwig was left out of the Best Director category.

“The movie didn’t direct itself,” Ganley said. “[Gerwig] should get the credit she deserves.”

In the 92 years the Oscars have existed, only five women have been nominated for Best Director. Only one has ever won the award.

WE SEE [FEMALE DIRECTORS] AT THE OSCARS YEAR AFTER YEAR, BUT IT’S AS IF THE DOOR IS ONLY HALF OPENED FOR THEM.” -ELISE EMMONS ENGLISH TEACHER Even so, the lack of women in this year’s categories is shocking, especially after the #MeToo movement shed light on Hollywood’s mistreatment of actresses and opened the conversation on inequality.

Cartoon by Jayne Ogilvie-Russell | Page design by Shruthi Manimaran

“We see [female directors] at the Oscars year after year, but it’s as if the door is only half opened for them. Women are represented at awards shows when there’s an outcry, but once the dust settles, it’s back to the same old,” Emmons said.

The lack of awards recognition points to a larger problem of women not being taken as seriously as men when it comes to directing.

“Just look at classics like The Hurt Locker, Clueless and Point Break—all directed by women, and most not getting credit. We never see female directors’ names tossed around the same way we hear Hitchcock, del Toro or Tarantino,” Ganley said.

The question is no longer whether or not women have the means or talent to create interesting stories that will attract viewers.

It is whether they are going to be given the credit and acclaim they deserve.

The Academy needs to recognize that times have changed and that good stories don’t necessarily mean they’re male-driven anymore. Good stories create a voice for the voiceless. Good stories change the way movies are made.

FEBRUARY | A&E | 33

BIG MOTHER IS WATCHING Life360 app is an unfair invasion of privacy The staff editorial represents the opinion of the majority of The Highlander editorial board

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oing out with friends shouldn’t be an ordeal. Maintaining a social life is critical to balancing the common stresses of life, but a new development in the app world has taken parenting to an extreme.

There’s nothing wrong with having rules to follow or curfews to obey, but at a certain point, parenting can simply become overbearing. That limit is reached when parents turn to Life360, an app that allows them to track almost every aspect of their child’s location and travels. A staggering 50 million families use Life360—the amount of parents monitoring their children sounds like something from George Orwell’s 1984.

I’D RATHER ESTABLISH A RELATIONSHIP BASED ON TRUST AND LET MY CHILD FAIL THAN HAVE ONE WHERE I [CONTROL THEM].”

- IAN HOWELL SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER

Life360 and other tracking apps are not a good way to parent or discipline your child.

Thanks to the infamous app, even when given permission to go out, students are still subject to nonstop scrutiny and invasion of their privacy.

While they’re having fun with their 34 | OPINIONS | FEBRUARY

friends, with a simple tap, their parents can bring up a screen that displays their location for the past several days. Another swipe reveals the student’s top speed while traveling, as well as the exact times they arrived at and left various locations.

While some parents might prefer this level of control, it can be harmful to a teenager’s development. It’s imperative teenagers learn to make good decisions on their own. When they reach adulthood, they need to survive independently.

“I’d rather gamble on my child than not,” social studies teacher Ian Howell said.

“I’d rather establish a relationship based on trust and let them fail than have one where I [control them].”

Proponents of the app argue that without Life360, parents can’t fully trust their teens.

“We have a legal duty to take care of you kiddos. No offense, but kids don’t always make the best decisions,” McLean parent Norah Molnar said.

Yes, teenagers don’t always make the best decisions, but making these decisions is how they grow in life and learn from their mistakes.

The app has no power of enforcement.

Life360 cannot prevent a teenager from inevitably disobeying their parents. Since the app makes it hard for students to avoid parental detection, the ways they choose to remain under the radar can be dangerous.

“There have been times where we have gotten away with [sneaking out] because we left our phones at home, which is something that I think a lot of people do,”

an anonymous sophomore said. “It’s more dangerous, but it’s smarter in order to avoid getting caught by Life360. You could also bring someone’s phone who doesn’t have Life360 and just rely on that one phone.”

There are other ways to sneak around with Life360.

“If you turn off your cellular data for Life360, it shows your last location where the cellular was on,” another anonymous sophomore said. “This way, you can sneak around while your parents think that you are at home.”

Life360 is a waste if children can avoid all of its features. Although some people believe it builds trust, it truly destroys the bonds between a parent and their child.

“I sometimes tell parents that they want to approach [parenting] the way Reagan did with the Soviets when they drew down their arms—trust, but verify,” said Jennifer Weaver, a McLean parent and child psychotherapist.

Exposing teenagers to real life situations is crucial to future adults.

“When my child hits 18 and goes off on her own, I really want to feel that I’ve put her in situations where she had to do things by herself [and] with confidence,” Howell said.

Parents, delete Life360, and prepare your kids for the real world by treating them like mature individuals.

Reporting by Maya Amman & Sebastian Jimenez | Illustration by Jayne Ogilvie-Russell

Lower the voting age

Students have too little input on their future CORDELIA LAWTON NEWS EDITOR

I

mmature. Inexperienced. Influenced. All of these words are used to prevent teenagers from being able to vote.

Lowering the voting age is an idea that is rarely discussed, as teenagers have no voice in politics without the ability to vote.

This is starting to change with democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang, who addresses the issue in his campaign.

Voting decides school policy, laws within states and policies nationwide, all of which have lasting impacts. Why, then, can students not be involved in the policies that will affect their own future? Without their votes, politicians have no incentive to listen to what the future generations want.

“I think that the biggest argument is that 16-year-olds are not mature enough to know who they would want to vote for, that they might be influenced by other people because [they] are perhaps more impressionable than someone who’s of legal age,” Government teacher Julia Braxton said.

EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS IN GOVERNMENT STILL AFFECTS THEM, WHETHER THEY’RE PAYING TAXES OR NOT.” - GRACE WHITE SENIOR Sixteen-year-olds are allowed to drive in several states. It’s funny that they’re considered mature enough to drive, yet too immature to vote. Being able to drive suggests students are also independent enough to form their own opinions.

Others think 16-year-olds shouldn’t vote because they aren’t living on their own and paying taxes. In reality, some students do have jobs and pay taxes.

“Everything that happens in government

Countries where the voting age is 16

(Information found on World Atlas)

still affects them whether they’re paying taxes or not, and they soon will be paying taxes,” senior Grace White said.

National elections have a significant impact on students’ lives, but local and school elections have an even larger one.

“The Fairfax County Board of Directors makes a lot of decisions: when to start school, how many snow days and how much tax money should go to school,” German teacher Karen Wolpert said.

Wolpert thinks the voting age should be lowered, but gradually. She said 14-year-olds should be able to vote in school elections, 16-year-olds in local and state elections and then 18-year-olds in national elections.

“You should learn things step by step,” Wolpert said. “You get involved in the very local politics of your school first.”

Local elections are arguably more important than national elections as legislation directly affects everyone within that state. It would make more sense for students to be able to vote in both. If they’re able to handle local elections, then they can handle less impactful national elections.

The scope of issues addressed by the different levels of elections vary and build on each other. There usually are two to three candidates to chose from. It’s hard to believe that 16-year-olds are incapable of deciding

Infographic by Taylor Olson | Page design by Cordelia Lawton

between two different people and voting for the one in their best interest.

A lot of high school students are politically active and getting involved in movements like March for Our Lives and the Fridays for Future climate strikes, even when they don’t have the power to vote. These students deserve to be listened to, and those who aren’t civically active or politically informed are unlikely to vote.

“I feel it’s best that they push forward voting and things that [allow the government] to have a mind on the future,” senior Nathan Zhu said.

Braxton is concerned by the lack of a nationwide requirement to take a high school government class. Most students have only been taught world history by age 16.

“I think that if we’re going to lower the voting age, there needs to be some minimum requirements across the country to be able to educate people to make the right decision, or the decision that is in their best interest,” Braxton said.

It’s important to remember that government classes haven’t been required nationwide in the past, so generations have voted and are voting without ever taking one. Let’s modify the curriculum and lower the voting age to allow for a more educated electorate.

FEBRUARY | OPINIONS | 35

MINIMUM WAGE, MINIMUM LIFE

Minimum wage should be raised due to high living cost HERAN ESSAYAS OPINIONS EDITOR

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very year, the cost of living goes up.

College education is getting more expensive. Buying a house is getting more expensive. Despite these rising costs, the national minimum wage remains constant.

Adults who work jobs with a lower pay are not able to save much money due to the high cost of living, potentially forcing them to live a lifestyle that is not adequate for their personal needs. The nation must increase the minimum wage to ease the lives of lowerpaid workers.

The national minimum wage is set at $7.25 per hour, which was changed from $6.55 per hour in 2009. Since this raise, it has lost 9.6% of its purchasing power due to inflation.

“Since inflation makes a dollar worth less, if a minimum remains constant, workers are actually getting paid less in real dollars. Their money buys less than it did in previous years because of inflation’s impact on the rise of prices,” AP Economics teacher Joseph Dwyer said.

When accounting for inflation, minimum wage had the highest purchasing power in 1968. Despite regular increases since then, workers are not able to sustain themselves with a minimum wage paycheck.

In order to support their families, lowerpaid workers often have multiple jobs and

encourage their children to work as well. By raising the minimum wage, families will be able to pay their bills more easily without being consumed by tireless hours of work.

“I worked as a McDonald’s cashier for one year, and I worked around 14 to 17 hours a week,” junior Malcolm Rodgers said. “Most of my coworkers were middle-aged or older, and I was one of the youngest there. Many of them worked other jobs or longer hours than I did.”

Currently, 29 states have a state minimum wage that is higher than the national, and D.C. has the highest at $14 per hour, demonstrating that it isn’t feasible to afford living while earning only $7.25 per hour.

In McLean, the median cost of a house is $955,800, compared to the U.S. average of $226,800. The cost of living is determined mainly by the price of housing, meaning that McLean has a significantly higher cost of living than other cities across the U.S. Consequently, many minimum wage workers cannot afford property in McLean or other expensive cities.

Junior Clare Brady, a current employee at McLean Hardware, noted that the already expensive price of the building would make raising the minimum wage detrimental to this local business.

“People complain about the high prices, so they cannot charge more than they already do, meaning they probably [would] not be able to hire as many employees,” Brady said.

Actually, raising the minimum wage has not had a negative impact on the national employment rate.

“The biggest factor to consider is how large an increase in wage it would be,” Dwyer said.

“Classical economists argue that raising the wage will cause firms to demand less labor, but in case studies in the real world, this has not always been the case since firms need labor in order to produce their products.”

Raising the minimum wage benefits the national economy as well. Workers are able to earn money, and therefore they are able to spend more money.

Though raising the minimum wage may potentially affect small businesses, it is more beneficial to the population and will improve the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of U.S. residents.

According to a 2014 Congressional Budget Office report, increasing the national minimum wage to $10.10 would allow for 900,000 people to no longer be in poverty.

With 38.1 million people in poverty in the U.S., this change would be extremely beneficial to those who earn a wage near the national minimum.

“It would allow unskilled workers to have a wage where they could provide for themselves,” Dwyer said.

A small raise would change so many Americans’ lives for the better. The government needs to prioritize the lives of citizens over economic gain.

MINIMUM WAGE IN THE UNITED STATES Number of states with a minimum wage above ...

Amount of states with a minimum wage above $7.25

Amount of states with a minimum wage of $7.25

*Data obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor

36 | OPINIONS | FEBRUARY

Page design by Heran Essayas | Infographic by Heran Essayas & Dasha Makarishcheva

PDEW

Keep your affairs out of the hallways ZACH ANDERSON & EMILY JACKSON COPY EDITORS

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alking down the halls, nothing brightens our day more than witnessing public displays of affection, commonly known as PDA. No matter how awful a day is, everyone agrees witnessing teenagers caressing each other’s fully dressed bodies during school hours surely improves it. Nothing demonstrates the integrity of a young adult like putting their one-month relationship’s feelings out there for the world to see.

From the staff here at The Highlander, we just wanted to give a huge shoutout to all the amazing students that put their affection on display in the hallways. You inspire us, and we don’t know how we would get through a day without seeing just how strong the grip of young love truly is.

We totally understand your need to hold hands with your boyfriend or girlfriend for five more seconds even though you know you can see them when the school day ends. Without a doubt, school is the perfect place to demonstrate your deep connection with another human.

All jokes and sarcasm aside, y’all are bold. What gives you the right to force this perversion upon our eyes?

But then again, who would have the audacity to hide their need to be touched from the entire student body? It’s not like any of us are thinking, “God only knows what’s going on behind closed doors.” Right?

Don’t just take our word for it, though. We students aren’t the only explorers in this rampant breeding ground that is high school.

We know our teachers absolutely love passing the entwined bosoms that scatter the halls. After all, it’s every adult’s dream to work in the stables and continually witness a woman nuzzling her horse after a long morning’s ride. Instead of going out and adopting a neglected pet or working at a zoo, your teachers chose to work here at McLean High School, so please give them a good show!

You’re better than animals in the sense that you not only fondle and stroke each other’s manes, but you choose the most public habitats to occupy. And for that, we are so grateful.

Standing beneath the air conditioning unit of a trailer to share that final warm embrace with your significant other seems truly magical. In fact, it’s just one of the many romantic locales available for you on the campus of one of the most crowded schools in the DMV. If it’s too cold to procreate outside, the school has graciously gifted you dozens of couches to choose from. Kick off any of the kids who are just trying to sit on those couches to catch a rest during the day—boring!

Seriously, we’re proud of you for maintaining a high school relationship, but you need to keep in mind that you’re sharing this building and grounds with thousands of other students.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Now knock it off.

Page design by Zach Anderson | Photo illustration by Skye Sunderhauf

FEBRUARY | OPINIONS | 37

‘Ders Drive toward Success

Basketball teams roll through the season

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NICKY VARELA SPORTS EDITOR

ast year’s McLean basketball season ended in disappointing fashion at the hands of early playoff exits, but both the boys and girls teams have remained hungry and competitive this winter.

Former juniors and sophomores have stepped up to the plate this season and continued the intensity the now-graduated seniors left behind.

Both teams are led by seniors with something to prove. Drexel commit Elizabeth Dufrane hopes to pilot her Highlander squad to insurmountable glory. Former Gonzaga Eagle Randy Shephard, after losing his last season to injury, continues the precedent set by the Class of 2019’s successful season.

Despite their relatively slow start to the season, the boys team understands what they need to do in order to build on the standards set by the team last year. Expectations still run high among players to compete in the Liberty District and the broader region, based on last year’s accomplishments.

“I think we can win a lot of games and surprise a ton of teams. We lost a lot of great players, but this group has great chemistry and can compete with almost anybody in the region,” Shephard said.

The girls team has continued to rock the competition, as displayed by their hot start, which is currently placing them with the second most wins in the Liberty District. Despite the loss of several highly

EASY SPLASH — Senior Elizabeth Dufrane puts up a shot at the top of the key against Langley on Jan. 10. Dufrane broke McLean’s all-time scoring record on Jan. 15.

38 | SPORTS | FEBRUARY

skilled seniors, the Class of 2020 has stepped up to provide a leadership role to their less experienced teammates. “[Being a leader] is fun. It’s challenging,” Dufrane said. “It’s definitely something that I’ve had to work on throughout the years and learn from past seniors, past captains, different teams I’ve been on and just kind of learn what works, what doesn’t work. So that way, I can be the best for the team going forward.”

With an 18-7 regular season record last year, the girls team has their eyes set on the Liberty District title—and getting some shiny, new hardware for the trophy case.

“This year, we’re just trying to continue on the winning path that we had set [last year], once again try to go back to the lower district finals and win at least a game in regionals. [We hope to] also get a Rotary Cup this year, which hasn’t been done since my freshman year,” Dufrane said.

Jan. 10 marked the first matchup between the Highlanders and their rival, the Langley Saxons. Both the boys and girls teams succumbed to Langley’s impressive defense and struggled to get the ball rolling on offense.

“We needed to produce more on the offensive side specifically. We needed to not rush our shots and relax in order to properly run the offense,” Shephard said.

The rematch between the two schools occurred on Jan. 31 at McLean in front of a raucous home crowd. Despite sluggish starts, both the girls and boys prevailed over the Saxons. The girls ended with a score of 50-45 and the boys with a score of 42-33. While the wins were certainly impressive, both programs remain imperfect.

Thankfully, both teams have identified their areas of improvement and are focusing on mastering those skills in order to exceed the performance of the former squads.

“We need to continue playing tough defense and shooting the ball well. At times we have trouble scoring, so if we can score a little more efficiently, I think we can pass the expectations set by last year’s team,” Shephard said.

Evan Stout, a freshman at West Virginia University and star “big man” for last year’s boys basketball squad, understands that while those prospects are hopeful this year, they don’t have to replicate what his team did last year. “[They don’t] have to meet the expectations that we created,” Stout said. “They have to keep getting better each week and focus on what Coach O’Brien is telling them in order to improve week by week and get closer to the goals they had before the season started.”

The girls’ head coach, Jen Sobota, is confident in her team’s ability to surpass what last year’s team did. Their resilience and never-giveup attitude has made them a great group of players.

“We are on the right track to get there. We are learning not only from our losses, but also from our wins,” Sobota said. “We are putting in the hard work and dedication it takes in order to get better each and every day to pass our expectations.”

Page design by Nicky Varela | Photos by Marina Qu & Katie Romhilt

HOOPING HIGHLIGHTS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Clockwise starting from the top left: Senior Mason Davis (#4) puts up a shot over the Saxons on Jan. 10. Junior Aaron Bremser (#1) shows off his handles with a crossover against Yorktown on Jan. 28. Senior Elly Glenn (#4) sinks a free throw in her game against Chantilly on Dec. 3. Sophomore Mia Fitzgerald (#10) dribbles past a Langley defender on Jan. 10.

FEBRUARY |SPORTS | 39

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SPORTS OPINION

Cutting Weight Must be Cut Wrestlers unhealthily lose weight for competitions LAINE PHILLIPS & EMILY FRIEDMAN REPORTERS

S

even pounds. It may not seem like a lot, but it’s the amount of weight 113-pound sophomore Michael D’Avena lost his first week of the wrestling season this winter.

Cutting weight is an unhealthy practice where athletes purposely decrease calorie intake to lose several pounds in a short period of time. It is most common in wrestling, but it is also done in other sports.

“I think about [losing weight] almost 24/7 now. It’s kind of a lifestyle,” D’Avena said. “I’m almost always thinking, ‘Should I eat this? Should I not? Do I eat this big meal?

Do I not? Do I wear this to practice or that?’

Everything goes into wrestling now.”

Wrestlers are sorted into categories called weight classes for competitions. They often feel pressured by their coaches to drop weight in order to fill all the classes for a meet.

“I usually have to make weight the day of a meet. The night before at practice I’ll wear sweatpants to sweat a lot more, and I won’t eat dinner or breakfast until weigh-ins,” sophomore varsity wrestler Brigham Devore said.

These tactics result in growing boys never feeling completely full. In extreme cases, this leads to eating disorders. According to PBS, wrestling accounts for almost three of every four instances of eating disorders among male athletes.

Although professional wrestlers often cut

weight as adults, there are added risks for high school students. Teenagers are growing and should not be restricting their diet.

“Obviously, if somebody is starving themselves to make these specific weights, that is going to have a negative effect on their body,” varsity wrestling coach Kenneth Jackson said.

According to Health.gov, the average active teenage boy should be eating around 3,000 calories a day. A lack of sufficient caloric intake can lead to low energy levels and irritability.

I THINK ABOUT [LOSING WEIGHT] ALMOST 24/7 NOW. IT’S KIND OF A LIFESTYLE.” - MICHAEL D’AVENA SOPHOMORE & VARSITY WRESTLER Wrestlers also focus on losing weight generated from excess water stored in their bodies.

“Everyone cuts weight, so if you cut out fat in water weight, you still keep your muscle weight and then you have the advantage of being stronger,” D’Avena said.

Although cutting fat and water weight can be good, prolonged periods of cutting calories causes the body to go into muscle

atrophy, in which case the body resorts to burning off necessary protein.

If athletes lose weight the right way, they are not at risk of muscle atrophy, but oftentimes teenage wrestlers do not follow proper protocol to cut weight.

“Now, does [cutting weight] happen where [the athlete] doesn’t [cut weight] the right way? Of course. High school kids aren’t always known for their responsible behaviors,” Jackson said.

The Virginia High School Sports League enforces a weight control program in all the high schools in the area, and the regulations are tweaked every year to help protect the athletes.

At the beginning of the year, wrestlers take a urine test to record how hydrated they are and a fat test to see what body percentage fat they are. Results tell athletes and coaches the lowest possible healthy wrestling weight.

“Back in the day, it used to not be that way. You wrestled whatever weight class you could get to. Now there’s regulations behind it,” Jackson said.

Still, athletes skip meals and overwork their bodies. They even limit how much water they drink. Throwing up due to overexertion is common, which can lead to dehydration. “[We lose weight by] conditioning.

Wrestling practices are two or two and a half hours, whatever coach sees fit. There are two water breaks a practice—if we’re lucky,” D’Avena said.

These practices often affect life outside of practices, concerning even the families of athletes.

“My parents didn’t like [that] my coaches were asking for small meals. They didn’t like me showing up at dinner with a banana or some broccoli. They told me they didn’t want me to drop to 106 [pounds],” D’Avena said.

In order to avoid unhealthy weight loss and eating disorders, athletes need to be informed of the risks of unhealthy weight loss behaviors. The normalization of cutting weight must stop.

Comic by Jayne Ogilvie-Russell Page design by Emily Friedman & Laine Phillips

FEBRUARY | SPORTS | 41

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ATHLETE OF THE ISSUE:

TARA STEWART SENIOR GYMNAST

HOW HAS GYMNASTICS INFLUENCED YOU? It has helped me build confidence in myself, because as I’m doing it I have to overcome hardships. Recently, I had a mental block on something, and I just got past it. Being able to fight through feeling like you’re gonna fall on your head every single time you do it is hard, but my teammates and coaches [have] helped me to get through it.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GYMNASTICS MEMORY? I love going on travel meets with my team. Traveling together makes everybody come together in a different way. Winning states my freshman year was also a really big thing. It was a very emotional and awesome experience. I loved going to Silver Diner after all of our weekend meets. They were great bonding experiences.

WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE EVENT? My favorite event to do is floor, because you’re able to get lost in the music and have fun on your own.

It’s kind of like a performance, so your personality gets to shine through, and I’ve just loved it.

WHAT IS AN EMBARRASSING GYMNASTICS MOMENT YOU’VE HAD? In gymnastics, there’s a lot of embarrassing moments. One time, I was doing tap swings, which is easy—little kids do that on the playground. When I was in the back of my swing, my hands slipped off.

I fell on my head and got a concussion.

“

If you’re able to find what makes you happy, then you can stick through anything.”

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR FUTURE GYMNASTS? Find what makes you happy and really cherish that.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve definitely not enjoyed gymnastics as much, but I’ve found what’s made me happy, [which is] why I actually started this sport and stuck with it. So if you’re able to find what makes you happy, then you can stick through anything.

Reporting by Kara Murri & Saisha Dani | Photo by Kara Murri

WHAT DO YOU DO TO PREPARE FOR A MEET? I eat carbs the night before, and I listen to good music, either upbeat or country. I always try to have fun with my teammates because if everybody’s having fun, the meet can be good. If you compete thinking you’re confident in yourself, then you actually do better.

WHO IS YOUR INSPIRATION? I would say my coach, Kurt, [with the] Arlington Aerials, because I had him when I was really young.

He always knows the right thing to say. He knows how to take into account everybody’s personalities and how they’re feeling. He wants everybody to do well and to make a really big impact on others.

FEBRUARY | SPORTS | 43

THE

FINISH LINE FAVORITE ROM-COM?

VALENTINE’S DAY PLANS?

VALENTINE’S DAY PRESENTS?

FAVORITE PRESIDENT?

CESAR RODRIGUEZ

FOREVER MY GIRL

HANGING OUT WITH FRIENDS

CHOCOLATE AND FLOWERS

ABRAHAM LINCOLN

SOPHIE TURSI

NOTTING HILL

GOING TO PRACTICE

CHOCOLATE

RICHARD NIXON

16 CANDLES

SWIMMING AT THE VHSL REGIONAL MEET

BOX OF CHOCOLATES AND A BIG TEDDY BEAR

TEDDY ROOSEVELT

LA LA LAND

SINGING VALENTINES FOR CHOIR

CHOCOLATE-COVERED STRAWBERRIES

JAMES MADISON

VISION QUEST

WRESTLING PRACTICE

A DISTRICT TEAM TITLE

ANDREW JACKSON

WHAT ARE MCLEAN ATHLETES’...

FRESHMAN, TRACK

SOPHOMORE, CREW

OWEN THOMAS JUNIOR, SWIM

MIRANDA MA SENIOR, DANCE

KEN JACKSON COACH, WRESTLING

44 | SPORTS | FEBRUARY

Photos, graphics & reporting by Taylor Olson | Page design by Highlander staff

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