The Highlander - Issue 4 - January 2019

VOLUME LXII • ISSUE 4 • JANUARY 2019 • MCLEAN HIGH SCHOOL • THEHIGHLANDERNEWS.COM • @MHSHIGHLANDER

CONTENTS NEWS

OPINIONS

3

Government shutdown poses challenges in the area

16

Editorial: McLean should expand language courses

4

McLean begins trial with blue light alert system

17

FCPS should implement internet safety course

5

U.K. encounters hurdles with Brexit plans

18

Trump’s presidency mirrors the Nixon administration

FEATURES 7

Seniors celebrate college acceptances

8

Catching up with college freshmen

9

Highlander of the Issue: Thu Hoang

10

Meeting our teachers’ children

11

10 Qs w/ John Dowling

IN-DEPTH ON THE COVER

4 9

19-23 HIGHLANDER PEOPLE OF THE YEAR: The Highlander names its 2018 Leader, Athlete, Creator and Entertainer of the Year.

Cover photo illustration by Anna Brykczynski, Maren Kranking & Jack Stenzel

SPORTS

A&E

24-25

13

Bakeshop bakery achieves perfection

26

Wrestling team suffers due to injuries

14

21 Savage’s new release tops previous albums

27

Athlete of the Issue: Lindsey Stirling

15

TheatreMcLean prepares for Lord of the Flies

28

Finish Line: gymnastics

Girls and boys varsity basketball defeat Langley

24-25 19-23

26

Letter from the Editors Dear McLean, It may be a new year, but luckily it’s still the same Highlander!

Drawing inspiration from Time magazine’s People of the Year edition, our In-Depth helps you get to know our selections for McLean’s Leader, Athlete, Entertainer and Creator of the Year. These titles are based on nominations made by 400 students, who selected both teachers and students as candidates for each role.

Collectively, the People of the Year reflect an intriguing pool of students and faculty at McLean, each with a broad range of interests. Whether it’s “professional doodling” or outstanding leadership, the selection of winners demonstrates just how involved and passionate the McLean community is. We encourage you to take a look in order to learn more about the depth of McLean’s students and faculty.

Although the In-Depth will provide a unique look at McLean, we insist that you broaden your horizons with our other sections as well. The entire staff has dedicated a lot of effort to this issue, and we cannot wait for you to read it!

Make sure to follow @MHSHighlander on Twitter and check out thehighlandernews.com for updates until our next issue. Come by room R133 or email us at thehighlanderstaff@gmail.com with any questions, concerns or letters to the editors, which we will do our best to print.

Yours truly, Maren Kranking, Maria McHugo & Jack Stenzel

Volume LXIII • Issue 4 • January 2019 • McLean High School thehighlandernews.com • @MHSHighlander 1633 Davidson Road McLean, Virginia 22101 Editors-in-Chief

Maren Kranking, Maria McHugo & Jack Stenzel

Managing Editors

Alex Mandanas, Imani McCormick, & Jeremy Siegel

Photography Editors

Anna Brykczynski & Julia McElligott

Website Editor-in-Chief

Dasha Makarishcheva

Advertising Manager

Rebeka Rafi

Design Editors

Anya Chen & Dasha Makarishcheva

Copy Editors

Emily Jackson & Eric Mizusawa

News Editors

Dana Edson & Nicholas Lohman

Features Editors

Addie Brown, Rebeka Rafi & Sabrina Vazquez

A&E Editors

Carla Ballard & Anya Chen

Opinions Editors

Sebastian Jimenez & Jessica Opsahl-Ong

Sports Editors

Ben Brooks & Jack Shields Reporters

Matthew Abbott Zach Anderson Camille Blakemore Talia Blakemore Nick Boyer Michelle Cheng Jackson Clayton Nolan Fitzsimmons Kyle Hawley Anna Grace Hopkins Elizabeth Humphreys

Emma Johnson Haine Jung Waseema Khan Isaac Lamoreaux Cordelia Lawton Rohan Mani Dua Mobin Sam Naemi Brooke Newell Eren Parla Marina Qu

Adviser

Katie Romhilt Charley Roth-Douquet Ava Rotondo Brandon Sauter Sarah Solis Tessa Stenzel Thara Tha Skye Sunderhauf Nicky Varela

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.

Advertising Policy: The Highlander sells ad space on each page of the paper except on the front cover, Opinions section and InDepth article. The staff reserves the right to reject any ads it deems libelous, obscene, disruptive or otherwise inappropriate.

To Submit a Letter to the Editors: 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.

‘17 Pacemaker Winner; ‘15 Pacemaker Finalist; ‘15, ‘17 AllAmerican; ‘12, ‘13, ‘14, ‘16 First Class; Hall of Fame

‘14, ‘16, ‘17, ‘18 George H. Gallup Award; ‘15 International First Place ‘18 Crown Finalist ‘17 Silver Crown Winner ‘15, ‘16 Gold Crown Winner ‘05, ‘07, ‘12, ‘13, ‘14, ‘15, ‘16, ‘17, ‘18 CSPA Gold Medalist

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NEWS

Government hits a wall U.S. faces longest government shutdown KYLE HAWLEY REPORTER MICHELLE CHENG REPORTER

D

ue to disagreements regarding the 2019 spending bill, President Donald Trump and Congress failed to meet the deadline on Dec. 22 to keep the government running.

On Jan. 12, the shutdown became the longest shutdown in U.S. history.

Nine major federal agencies, such as the State and Justice Department, have been closed since Dec. 22. Even the Smithsonian museums have closed their doors.

Over 800,000 employees have been affected by the shutdown. Air safety is under siege because TSA employees are calling in sick due to lack of paychecks. The FDA is not operating, increasing risks of future food outbreaks and public health concern. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture also announced that farmers have been cut off from their federal funds.

Especially in McLean, where many families work for the government, individuals feel strained by delayed or canceled paychecks.

“The government shutdown has impacted my family because now I have become the primary breadwinner in my family,” STEM Design teacher Libby Settlemyer said. “My husband works for the federal government and is furloughed right now.”

In response to the shutdown, FCPS hosted two hiring events for temporarily dismissed federal government employees interested in substitute teaching positions. Both events met capacity with 200 registrants at each, and more hiring events are being planned.

FCPS also announced that all students

whose families are affected by the shutdown will be provided breakfast and lunch each day and will not have to pay during or immediately after the shutdown.

“In order to help our families affected by the shutdown, we have been holding hiring fairs for furloughed workers to become substitute teachers, and we have been allowing students to go into negative balances on lunch accounts,” said Ryan McElveen, FCPS School Board Member-at-Large.

Not only does the lack of income affect parents and teachers, but students also have to deal with the financial consequences.

“My dad has to work and he’s not getting paid,” junior Sophia Belvedere said. “My parents are both really stressed and we’ve canceled two vacations so far because of [the shutdown].”

When Trump was sworn into the presidency, he made it clear that he would follow through on his most infamous campaign promise, constructing a wall funded by the Mexican government.

In 2017, Congress provided the Department of Homeland Security $292 million to construct a 40-mile wall in the highest priority locations: San Diego, El Centro and El Paso. In 2018, Congress offered the president $1.375 billion to begin construction in the southwestern region.

Rejecting the deal, Trump is now demanding $5.7 billion to finish the U.S.-Mexico Border Wall.

On Jan. 3, the 116th Congress took office, putting the Democrats in control of the House of Representatives and reelecting Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the

Graphic by Dasha Makarishcheva | Page design by Dana Edson

House. Trump’s chances of seeing a wall fell dramatically.

Officials such as U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), who is the representative of many students at McLean, are working to manage the consequences of the shutdown. “[Rep. Wexton] is working tirelessly to reopen the government,” a spokesperson from her office told The Highlander.

While Republicans and Democrats debate, dragging the shutdown on for more than a month, legislation has been implemented to diminish its negative consequences.

On Jan. 16, the 26th day of the shutdown, President Trump signed a bill, passed unanimously by the U.S. Senate, guaranteeing many of the 800,000 dismissed workers their missed wages as soon as the government shutdown ends. This bill also covers compensation for any work done during the shutdown.

These past few weeks have the American people wondering when the two parties will put aside their differences and find common ground. Citizens are beginning to worry about long-term repercussions from the shutdown.

“We are very fortunate in that I’ve got a job and we’ve got savings, and now my husband is...working on some projects around the house. It’s kind of like having my own built-in person who’s doing my chores for me, so in that regard, it’s been wonderful,” Settlemyer said. “But in the long term, it’s not going to be great.”

This report was last updated on Jan. 17.

JANUARY | NEWS | 3

A bright future for school safety McLean pilots visual alert systems for FCPS AVA ROTONDO REPORTER

T

he P.A. system echoes through the hallways, loudly announcing a lockdown. A heavy knock on the classroom door makes the students fall silent. They fold themselves under desks and hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.

In response to recent mass shootings, the blue light system McLean is piloting for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is ushering in a new era of school security.

It is currently installed in the band room and cafeteria and will be evaluated for its effectiveness.

“We started to have a renewed interest in these lockdown procedures when we became inundated with the school shootings that were happening… The problem is, [band] classes are much bigger than anyone else’s,” band teacher Christopher Weise said. “When there are 80 people in a band who are playing instruments, we are not able to hear the announcements that we are going into a lockdown.”

Instead of making announcements over the PA systems, a blue light signal will turn on in the case of an emergency. With this new system, the chances of serious security breaches will decrease dramatically.

“Our kids are not safe,” Weise said. “[The band has] the biggest group of kids.

We’re in the front of the school. If someone comes in the front door, we might not even know that there’s an emergency going on.”

If there were a real emergency and a room did not lock down, the end result could be devastating. McLean’s Safety and Security Specialist, Buddy Sekely, took it upon himself to come up with a viable solution to this problem.

“I called the main Safety and Security office at school board headquarters and asked them if they have run into that problem before,” Sekely said. “They have this system in place at one of the hearing impaired centers at Woodson High School, but nowhere else in the county.”

In the large and noisy band classes, this technology can be used under different conditions, but for the same purpose.

Instead of being reliant on sound, classes are visually alerted of the emergency.

4 | NEWS | JANUARY

“When the light is flashing, that means there is an emergency in the building and [the class must] go into lockdown mode,” Sekely said. “Right now, we have [them in] the band room and the cafeteria, the two noisiest rooms in the building.”

FCPS decided to make McLean the pilot school for this system. Once McLean tests these systems, FCPS will make a decision as to whether or not they will be useful in schools county-wide.

“Now they’re looking at putting this system in every band room and every cafeteria in the country,” Weise said. “No one realized that this was a problem until we started complaining.”

School Resource Officer Scott Davis believes this system is revolutionary.

“I love it… Any way we can alert more people [in cases of emergency] makes me happier, so I’m 100 percent on board with that,” Davis said. “This is another thing that helps us do the right protocol and follow the procedures we already have in place.”

Sekely is already thinking to the future and hopes to install the lights in other areas of the school as well.

“Think about how noisy it is in the hallways during class changes,” Sekely said. “[Instituting more blue lights is] for down the road, maybe.”

Assuming drills go well using the blue lights at McLean, schools across the county can be assured they are as secure as possible.

“Not that you ever want some type of tragedy to happen, but if it were to happen, we would be safer for it,” Weise said. “It takes the guesswork out of [our safety]. Are we going to be playing during the announcement or not? It [used to be] a gamble. But [now], because of the light, we’ll know.”

The blue light technology has yet to be tested in a drill setting, but teachers and students alike are eager to see how it performs and are optimistic about its expected benefits.

“It’s a win-win solution, I think. It’s certainly better than what we had before.

We’ll have to see during the next lockdown drill if it’s helpful or not,” Weise said. “I am thankful that we brought up these concerns and someone did something to address it.”

SAFETY SHINES — FCPS representatives install the blue light system in the band room. The alarm visually alerts classes by flashing blue in the case of an emergency. (Photo by Ava Rotondo)

Page design by Dasha Makarishcheva & Ava Rotondo

Vote leaves Brexit in chaos

Prime minister’s historic defeat in Parliament leaves questions for U.K.’s future CORDELIA LAWTON REPORTER

E

ver since the United Kingdom’s vote in 2016 to leave the European Union, the U.K. has been in a constant state of turmoil.

Prime minister Theresa May negotiated a deal with the EU, but has been facing opposition within Parliament.

May canceled the vote on her Brexit plan in December 2018 due to a lack of support.

Her leadership was then challenged by a noconfidence vote.

On Jan. 15, May’s plan was voted down by a historic number of votes. Shortly after, a no-confidence vote was issued again but May survived it. As the March 29, 2019, deadline for Brexit approaches, it is uncertain how Brexit will be resolved. The only thing that is known is that its resolution will impact millions of lives.

Senior Asia Kurtalic is from Croatia, a member state of the EU, and was hoping to go to college in the U.K. “It would be significantly cheaper as they offer a discount price for EU citizens,” Kurtalic said. “With the exit from the Union, I was unsure whether [it] would still be a

“

THEY’LL LOSE... THEIR STANDING ON THE WORLD STAGE IF IT SEEMS LIKE THEY’RE JUST AT THE MERCY OF THE WHIMS OF THE PEOPLE.” — EMER JOHNSON SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER viable option.”

With a failed deal, 2016 campaign issues and a divided government, a second referendum is increasing in popularity. This would allow U.K. citizens to re-vote on Brexit.

“During the time of the original

Potential scenarios after May’s plan was voted down Extension granted by EU

Extension denied by EU

Renegotiation

2nd referendum

No-deal Brexit

General election

referendum, a lot of misinformation was spread [like] the [campaign to leave the EU’s] misleading statements [that] 350 million pounds a week [could be gained] for the national health service, which was recently disproved,” Kurtalic said.

A recent poll in The Hill found that if the referendum were held immediately, the U.K. would remain in the EU, with 54 percent of those polled in favor of remaining a part of it.

While many support the second referendum, there are concerns as to how it could reflect on the country.

“I do think it would be great if they didn’t exit the EU, but I don’t know if Theresa May thinks it’s going to make Britain seem wishywashy,” social studies teacher Emer Johnson said. “They’ll lose... their standing on the world stage if it seems like they’re just at the mercy of the whims of the people.”

A no-deal Brexit, which is increasing in likelihood due to the time constraint, is thought to be the worst case scenario.

It would enforce a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland. Johnson’s class is currently discussing the effect this could have on Northern Ireland.

“We were looking at a hard border [between the two]...and what ramifications that would have versus the [current] open border where there’s a lot of economic

Infographic by Dasha Makarishcheva | Page design by Cordelia Lawton

benefits,” Johnson said.

There have been multiple conflicts over whether Northern Ireland should be in the U.K. or Ireland. If the border is enforced, many are concerned it could cause violence.

Johnson’s father was an immigrant from Ireland and a lot of her family still lives there.

“They’ve been through the problems of the 60s [a period of civil war in Northern Ireland] and they’re hoping it won’t result in that again,” Johnson said.

Having survived the no-confidence vote, the question of what May will do next persists.

“I was just listening to a report that suggested she is...going to make some overtures to different groups that oppose the Brexit plan,” Johnson said. “[She is going to] basically propose a very similar plan again and then hope people take it because... they would be seven weeks away [from the deadline].”

Whatever the outcome, it is clear that diplomatic ties with the U.S. and the U.K. will not change.

“It is for the U.K. and the EU to work out the terms of a Brexit deal that works for them,” a State Department spokesperson told The Highlander. “We look forward to strong relationships with both the U.K. and the EU no matter what they decide.”

JANUARY| NEWS | 5

6 | NEWS | JANUARY

Early Highlanders get the worm Seniors receive early college acceptance letters

FEATURES

ZACH ANDERSON REPORTER

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Sebastian Pardo ike his mother, Sebastian Pardo will go to Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

“I mainly chose Cornell because of the strength of the engineering program, combined with the fact that it has opportunities to study business at the same time. They also have a great rowing team,” Pardo said. “Cornell was something me and my family always talked about.”

“Having legacy and being Hispanic definitely helped my odds, but most importantly I maintained really good grades... I also included that I spent a lot of time doing crew and volunteering... which helped set me apart from other kids who may have identical grades and scores,” Pardo said. “I also used my essays and extracurriculars to try to show how I was committed to becoming an engineer with business and political knowledge, which I think fit really well with the type of student they were looking for.”

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WILLIAM & MARY

Aarushi Desai lanning to major in public policy and government, Aarushi Desai will be attending The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.

“The [students] are just so nice and genuine,” Desai said.

“Everyone I met [when] I toured was so friendly and welcoming. I wanted to surround myself with those...people.”

“I think the main thing that got me in were my essays and how my extracurriculars tied into them,” Desai said.

“I chose to apply early because I knew I loved the school and I knew I would hear back sooner than most people would, [which] would be a relief. This is my dream school,” Desai said. “It has everything I could possibly want and need.”

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Photos & page design by Zach Anderson

DUKE UNIVERSITY

Caroline Howley ince she was a child, Caroline Howley has dreamed of going to Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina.

“Duke has been my dream school ever since I was 10 and I picked them to win the NCAA championship for my family’s March Madness bracket,” Howley said. “I chose Duke every year after that, and when it came to applying to college, I knew that I had to choose Duke.”

“After a series of injuries, I realized that applying to my dream school was a better fit for me than running track at another institution,” Howley said. “I think a combination of grades, classes, test scores, and extracurriculars is probably why I got in.

Duke has a lot of unique programs focused on community service that set the university apart for me, and I did my best to convey in my application how I saw myself participating in such programs.”

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VIRGINIA TECH

Camron Khaliq urther west, the Virginia Polytechnic Institute is located in Blacksburg, Virginia, where Camron Khaliq will be heading this fall.

“The main reason for choosing Virginia Tech was because it has a mixture of all the things I am passionate about: good football, strong science department and a seemingly fun social aspect. Plus the in-state tuition helped in choosing,” Khaliq said. “I applied into the college of sciences, but am still picking my major. I have narrowed my choices down to biological sciences, nanoscience or economics.”

“I think I got into [Virginia Tech] because of my GPA and my participation in extracurriculars [and], more specifically, having a leadership role,” Khaliq said.

JANUARY | FEATURES | 7

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College freshmen come home

The Highlander catches up with last year’s graduates

MEET THE FRESHMEN: Caroline Song

Calvin Zug

Carnegie Mellon

Bucknell University

Rustin Abedi William & Mary

What is the most interesting thing that you’ve done at college?

“The most interesting thing that I’ve done in college was during a late night in my studio.

I accidentally cut off part of my thumb with my knife and had to be rushed to the emergency room at three in the morning.”

“[An] event on campus had one of those inflatable obstacle courses and I challenged my friend to a race. We agreed that the loser had to bleach their hair, and he beat me, so I had to bleach my hair.”

“I went to a Halloween date party dressed as the Joker, and it was a hit. A dormmate of mine helped with the makeup, she was able to be very realistic and resemble Heath Ledger’s character to near perfect degree.”

What is the first thing you did when you got home?

“I came home at one in the morning, so the first thing I did when I came home was take a shower in my own shower and sleep in my real bed. It was one of the most relaxing nights I had in three months.”

“My friend was driving me back home, but he was bringing a cat his fraternity had found back to his family. The cat peed on me twice, so I had to sit three hours in the car with cat pee all over my legs, so the first thing I did was go straight to the shower.”

“When I arrived in the afternoon, my parents served me traditional Persian food, which I hadn’t had in quite a while. It made me realize how much I had missed them.”

HIGH SCHOOL REGRETS “I only have one regret, which is not taking AP Psych in high school so that I could’ve tested out during college. It’s really hard for some reason and everyone is failing. But it’s fine. I’m fine,” Song said.

8 | FEATURES | JANUARY

“I wish I went to Chick-Fil-A more because the nearest one to my school now is 45 minutes away, and I don’t have a car,” Zug said.

“There were more nonacademic activities, whether they be clubs, social events or even finding more time to hang with friends, that I could have engaged in,” Abedi said.

Reporting by Dana Edson & Nicholas Lohman | Photos by Anna Brykczynski

HIGHLANDER OF THE ISSUE

The road to Princeton Thu Hoang lives out her American Dream ALEX MANDANAS MANAGING EDITOR JACK STENZEL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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enior Thu Hoang is Princeton-bound. However, it isn’t her acceptance letter to the prestigious university that stands out the most about her—rather, it’s the journey she took to get it.

“When I saw that letter the first thing that popped into my head is that I achieved the American Dream because when I came here 14 years ago, I really didn’t see myself going to a school like Princeton, the number one school in America... It’s totally surreal,” Hoang said.

Hoang’s family made the dramatic move from Vietnam to the U.S. when she was 4. Her father was one of the Vietnamese Boat People, a part of the famous refugee stream that sailed away from their home country after it was ravaged by the Vietnam War. Her uncle, also a refugee, sponsored her family to come to the U.S. When they first moved to the U.S., Hoang and her family experienced hardships that many McLean students probably haven’t encountered. They lived in a one-bedroom apartment with 14 other people and had to endure racism and xenophobia, as well as the struggles of adjusting to life in a country where they didn’t speak the language.

“Because I don’t know English, I was bullied by both my [in-laws] and customers,” Hoang’s mom Hai Le said as Hoang translated. “I worked at a nail salon for over 12 hours, seven days a week, all the while being ridiculed for my English. [I] didn’t even feel like a human sometimes.”

Hoang learned English and developed an understanding of American culture faster than her parents, leading her to care for them Photo by Kimya Shirazi | Page design by Jack Stenzel

in ways that most kids never have to.

“At the beginning it was like the blind leading the blind,” Le said.

“She was also the reason I came here, so when she thrived, I felt reassured that I made the right decision to come.”

As Hoang and her family settled into their new life, she quickly realized the uniqueness of her situation but also the opportunity it provided her.

“When I came here [I had to get used to the fact] that my parents were not like normal American parents, so I can’t expect from them what other kids can expect from their parents,” Hoang said. “The experience of parenting my parents just made want to learn more, and it shaped everything academic and personal about me.”

Hoang’s peers say they find her desire for academic excellence infectious.

“Anyone [who has] had a conversation with Thu knows her objective has always been to gain knowledge for the purpose of using it to help others,” Hoang’s close friend Kimya Shirazi said. “I couldn’t be more proud of a school like Princeton for not only recognizing Thu for the both kind, smart and passionate individual she is, but also for the person she is going to become.”

Initially, Hoang thought that, if she were lucky, she’d go to a community college after high school. Now she’s set to attend the university that U.S. News and World Report deems the number one college in America.

“Thu told me a story where, a few years ago, she told someone, ‘I want to go to Princeton,’ and they told her she wouldn’t be able to get in because she wasn’t ‘groomed for it,’” Shirazi said. “I’m so proud that she proved you don’t need to be groomed for it.”

JANUARY | FEATURES | 9

Math teachers’ multiples

Family factors talk about how they function at school REBEKA RAFI ADVERTISING MANAGER & FEATURES EDITOR

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unior Andy Ricketts, who is currently taking Precalculus Honors, gets to experience the teaching of his very own mom, Dr. Crissie Ricketts.

“She’s the best precalc teacher in the school,” Andy said.

Having a parent as a teacher does have its perks.

“He does ask me questions the night before the test...[and] he asks me questions while I’m trying to watch TV,” Dr. Ricketts said.

Although Andy is Dr. Ricketts’ son, she treats him the same as her other students.

“It’s pretty much business as usual for me,” Dr. Ricketts said. “He effectively ignores me during class. Which is totally fine. I mean, he puts his head down and gets his work done.”

However, this might not have been the case in his most recent math class with his mom.

“I haven’t paid attention in the last three days of class,” Andy said. “I have no idea what a directrix is.”

Dr. Ricketts is not sure that Andy would visit her if he wasn’t in her class.

“I don’t know if I would see him at all... because he would not come by, other than to get food,” Dr. Ricketts said.

Andy facetiously agreed that the greatest advantage of having his mom as a teacher is the food that he has access to.

“I got food right here and we got the mini fridge right here and we got the lunches up here,” Andy said. “It’s all about the food.”

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M

ath teacher Beth Musick has two daughters that attend McLean: junior Angelina and freshman Bella Lopez.

Although this is Angelina’s third year at McLean, it did take some getting used to seeing her mom in her high school.

“My freshman year, I made her promise not to come into any of my other classes,” Angelina said. “But I’m glad that she is my teacher [now]—I’m more comfortable asking questions than other students might be.”

Ms. Musick confirmed Angelina’s freshman year request.

“If I saw her in another class I was not allowed to acknowledge her,” Ms. Musick said.

Both kids agree that it is still a little awkward deciding how to address their mom.

“I don’t know what to call her in class. I don’t want to call her ‘Ms. Musick,’ because that’s a little weird for me,” said Angelina, who has her for Precalculus.

Due to their different last names, people are usually surprised they are all related.

“It’s funny seeing people’s reactions when they find out,” Bella said.

It is evident that they all are close.

“I’m comfortable with her, like I don’t care if she comes into my classes or not, and I’ll say ‘hi’ to her,” Bella said.

Although it seems that the girls are comfortable with having their mom around, Ms. Musick avoids embarrassing them.

“Sometimes I have to think, like, ‘Okay, I’ve got to make sure I’m not going to do something that would embarrass my children,” Ms. Musick said.

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enior Ben Freeman has been in two of Karla Freeman’s classes, Algebra I and Geometry, which Ben claims was beneficial.

“Oh yeah, I can never miss an assignment,” Ben said.

Even though having a parent as a teacher does have its advantages, Mrs. Freeman ensures she treats him like she would any other student.

“I try to treat him like everyone else, but I did let people know that he was my son and sometimes I would make up word problems and tease him,” Mrs. Freeman said.

Mrs. Freeman jokingly claimed that Ben enjoys the perk of getting food from his mom.

“I think that he likes that I have a refrigerator and a microwave,” Mrs. Freeman said.

They have a genuine bond and aren’t embarrassed seeing each other in school.

“Yeah, we have never been weird like that, like, pretended that we weren’t related,” Mrs. Freeman said.

Although they seem to be casual with seeing each other in school, Mrs. Freeman has used him for examples during class.

“She did call me fat one time,” Ben said.

“I did an inverse variation problem and I put him on a seesaw with his little nephew and Ben was the big fat one and his nephew was the little kid,” Mrs. Freeman said.

But overall, this mother-son duo gets along during school.

“It’s been nice to have him here,” Mrs. Freeman said. “We even have lunch together sometimes.”

Photos & page design by Rebeka Rafi

10 Qs with

John Dowling

(Econ/U.S. Government Teacher) Reporting & photos by Matthew Abbott Page design by Bryan Chung

What’s the best part about being a dad?

What’s the best baseball game your team has ever had?

Seeing your kids grow and figuring stuff out, and also seeing them develop their own personality.

Last year, we were playing Langley and we lost the lead.

It really felt like it was over. We ended up getting the bases loaded and one of our seniors hit a three run double to tie it. We won in the next play.

If you could re-live any moment in your life, what would that moment be?

The first few days when both of my kids were born.

What’s the best part about teaching at McLean?

The kids. You guys bring a lot of energy and positivity to the classroom.

If you could be in any comedy movie, what would that movie be?

Which song really hypes you up?

The original Super Troopers because they’re goofy but they have fun.

“Can’t Stop” by Red Hot Chili Peppers.

What is your go-to comfort food?

Mexican food in general, like tacos or burritos.

What five words would you use to describe yourself?

Diligent, sarcastic, competitive, great-dadjokes, yeet.

What is your ideal place to retire?

Near a lake or beach.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People who are inconsiderate.

People who don’t park between the lines, that sort of thing. I get frustrated when people don’t respect the other people that are around them.

JANUARY | FEATURES | 11

www.TheWashingtonUpdate.com

12 | FEATURES | JANUARY

A&E

Bakeshop A recipe for perfection IMANI McCORMICK MANAGING EDITOR

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s an avid baker, I hold local bakeries to a very high standard. Georgetown Cupcake? Dense and dry is bad enough, but they should really ease up on the frosting. Village Sweet? Talk about a homebaked disaster. But Bakeshop? What can I say? This place has redefined perfect.

Bakeshop is a family-owned business, serving classic homemade treats. Ranging from decadent macarons to layered cakes, Bakeshop sells every baked good imaginable.

Beyond the atmosphere, what makes Bakeshop so perfect? One word: cupcakes.

Bakeshop has mastered the art of cupcakery, the cornerstone of a successful bakery. It is difficult to make a cupcake whose size, texture and consistency are so heavenly, and of course you also have to consider the frosting-to-cake ratio.

Unlike Bakeshop, I prefer to make strawberry cupcakes using fresh fruit.

However, their strawberry shortcake cupcake tastes far from artificial. The shortcake base has a light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth after the first bite. The baby pink frosting beautifully complements the strawberry-infused shortcake.

Their toffee crunch cupcake hits home pretty hard, and I am a sucker for anything with toffee. Sweet vanilla buttercream adorns a moist chocolate cake, generously topped with a crunch. This cupcake is

truly a confectionary masterpiece.

Cupcakes are just one of Bakeshop’s many quintessential desserts. The bakers put out a mix of new macaron flavors daily, some of my favorites being “blizzard” and “cookies n’ cream.” “Blizzard” is intricately designed with a blue and white marble swirl, garnished with nonpareils and a minty filling. “Cookies n’ cream” goes above and beyond the typical Oreo taste.

Each layer contains a calculated amount of crushed Oreo, achieving the perfect level of sweet.

I took a risk and tried one of their more seasonal treats, an apple cinnamon roll. Initially, I was skeptical because the roll appears much thinner than your usual cinnamon roll. After my first bite, however, I was pleasantly surprised to discover it was soft, chewy and flaky through the middle. The roll contains hints of apple and cinnamon and an even layer of vanilla cream cheese icing.

My Bakeshop adventure concluded with some promising cookies: “spicy gingersnap” and “peanut butter pillow.”

Both cookies have a chewy center and crispy edge, each standing out with their unique flavors.

The sugar-crusted “spicy gingersnap” cookies have an old-fashioned, wholesome piquancy. Each bite of the “peanut butter pillow” cookie is rich and sweet, almost as if a Reese’s cup turned into a cookie.

Arlington’s Bakeshop manages to turn classic homemade desserts into unique treats that everyone can enjoy.

1025 N Fillmore St G, Arlington, VA 22201

Rating: 5/5 Photos & page design by Imani McCormick | Infographic by Anya Chen

JANUARY | A&E | 13

21 Savage has a heart after all Savage’s sophomore studio album tops previous work MARIA McHUGO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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nown as 21 Savage, Shayaa Bin Abraham-Joseph dropped his sixth work since the 2015 release of The Slaughter Tape mixtape on Dec. 21, i am > i was. Revealing a transition from brutality to blessings, the new album shows the world Savage truly is greater than he was.

This release follows a year of philanthropy for the 26-year-old rapper. In March 2018, he unveiled his Bank Account Campaign, a charity effort to promote financial literacy for kids. In August, Savage hosted his third annual Issa Back to School Drive in his hometown of Atlanta, providing uniforms, haircuts and supplies for students.

Savage also gave up jewelry in 2018, inspiring young rappers to practice humility.

The nature of Savage’s most recent deeds are mirrored both lyrically and stylistically on the new album. “[i am > i was] is definitely a change from 21’s previous albums,” senior Nikhil Jivan said. “There’s a lot less talk about gang [violence] and a lot more about his family and his work.”

Opening with a soulful sample from East of Underground’s “I Love You,” the first track on i am > i was embodies Savage’s musical shift from the get-go. The song “a lot” juxtaposes a romantic melody with Savage’s hard lyrics. Rather than glorifying his conquests, Savage expresses remorse for his inability to remain faithful while supplying reason for his cold exterior. He explains, “My brother lost his life and it turned me to a beast/My brother got life and it turned me to the streets.” Still, Savage recognizes his good fortune despite his challenging background.

On the DJBooth website, writer Yoh Phillips says “a lot” is incomplete without rapper J. Cole’s unlisted feature. Cole’s lyrics regarding prayers for the infamous artist Tekashi, who was recently imprisoned, have evoked both criticism and respect.

“Cole just popped up with no invitation.

I bet Cole is great at surprise parties,” Phillips said. “Was that a [Tekashi] line? Man, Cole’s heart is big, maybe too big. This is a great verse. This is a great song.”

This is not the only track on i am > i was with an unlisted feature. There are nine

14 | A&E | JANUARY

artists besides Cole featured on the album, including Offset, Post Malone and Childish Gambino. Savage removed their titles from the tracks, following an unlisted feature trend first seen on Travis Scott’s Astroworld in August 2018.

“4L” is the last track on the album, featuring Young Nudy, who happens to be Savage’s actual cousin. The title of “4L” refers to the cousins’ shared crew, which has

become a staple of both artists’ work. “‘4L’ is for life. That’s really some family [stuff]. Everything for life,” Young Nudy said in an interview with DJ Smallz in 2016.

“If I blow up and get some million dollars off of that rap [game], you best believe the whole East Atlanta is turning up. Everybody is going to be out there flexing and having that money.”

In comparison to “a lot,” “4L” is more reminiscent of Savage’s previous work, disregarding the gun-slinging cowboy melody in the back. The lyrics target artists who are superficially gangster, claiming they alter their character to bolster their image.

Beyond the individual tracks, Savage plays with a few central themes on the album, one being the distinction between

love and loyalty. There are slight references to this theme in songs such as “4L” and “break da law,” which are more indicative of previous styles, yet the concept is most openly explored on fresher tracks.

Savage’s lyrics on “ball w/o you” epitomize this theme of love versus loyalty: “I’d rather have loyalty than love, ‘cause love really don’t mean jack… Loyalty is an action; you can love and hate me and still have my back.”

Savage has overcome a great deal of adversity in his life, and the transformation from hardship to success forces him to question the validity of love. Along with this track, Savage examines this concept on “all my friends” and “letter 2 my momma,” an unexpectedly sweet message to his mother. “‘ball w/o you’ is my favorite song because it’s about his love life, [which is] not something 21 opens up about in his music,” junior Nik Moncalieri said. “Although it’s not the normal 21 that raps about guns and drugs, it’s still a great song.”

Paired with soulful background tracks, the emotional capacity revealed on i am > i was is what separates this album from Savage’s previous work.

While the discrepancies between talk of love and talk of 12-car garages are apparent, Savage manages to maintain the crucial aspects of his musical identity in i am > i was.

He does not waver in his deadpan delivery or his comedic lyrics, two vital components of the rapper’s sound. Contrary to popular belief, i am > i was may have proved that Savage does, in fact, have a heart—even if it is cold. Nonetheless, 21 Savage remains the most gangster rapper in the game today.

RATING: 5 Ms OUT OF 5

CHECK OUT A SONG-BY-SONG REVIEW ON OUR WEBSITE:

Page design by Maren Kranking & Maria McHugo | Artwork by Maria McHugo

TheatreMcLean flies high Imaginative take on Lord of the Flies will thrill audiences

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ISAAC LAMOREAUX REPORTER

magine being stranded on a deserted island: the sand under your feet, the rain beating down on you and trees towering over you. TheatreMclean aims to transport their audiences with their production of William Golding’s classic, Lord of The Flies.

“Lord of the Flies has been a passion project of mine for a while,” theater director Phillip Reid said. “It was the first professional show I ever did, and I told myself that if I ever got a chance to do it, I would do it in a completely different way.”

This show will be unlike anything TheatreMcLean has produced before. From large, breathtaking set pieces to small, intricate details, the technical department is challenged to deliver.

“Lord of the Flies is insane. I based a lot of our more traditional set pieces in realism, in creating a very immersive experience in both the London and the jungle aspects of the experience,” said senior Piper Phillips, head of set design. “And because Lord of The Flies is supposed to be an immersive experience, like Disneyland, as opposed to a traditional play, I’m pushing to add as many little details as possible.”

Members of TheatreMcLean are taking great strides to make their audiences feel like they’re on a deserted tropical island.

“We’re making it rain on stage. We have these 15-foot trees that we borrowed from other professional theaters that you can actually climb on,” Reid said. “We are trying to build our own pig-like body and head that you can pour blood in and like actually stick your hand in and get blood on it which is crazy. Yeah, it’s gonna be wild.”

Although the play will be performed in the auditorium, audience members will actually be seated on the stage, creating new obstacles for the cast and crew.

“There are challenges too because they’ve never performed in a round,” Reid said.

“There’s different acting styles—it’s really different to perform when you’re surrounded by the audience, rather than the audience being in front of you.”

In addition to having an unusually short amount of time between this production and TheatreMcLean’s fall musical, cast and crew Page design by Isaac Lamoreaux

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT — Claire A’Hearn, Lauren Grobman, Bryn Kirk, Easton McCollough and Amanda Flores get in character at a rehearsal for Lord of the Flies on Jan. 15. (Photo by Anna Brykczynski) members are faced with juggling multiple responsibilities.

“With such a short rehearsal period, we have to work really hard in rehearsals to get things done efficiently and cleanly,” said senior Kristen Waagner, who plays Jack, one of the main antagonists. “I am also one of the choreographers for the show, so I juggle my responsibilities for both my roles in the production.”

Despite these challenges, TheatreMcLean works together to create their productions, and Lord of the Flies is no different.

“My favorite part of being in a production, as cliché as it might sound, is seeing everything come together. There are a lot of amazing technical elements to this show, and I can’t wait to see everything happen at once,” Waagner said. “That’s a huge part of why I love theater: the teamwork.”

Many of the cast and crew members in the production are now seniors, having participated in several productions throughout their four-year theater careers.

“This is my first year where the freshmen are now the seniors, so I’ve been with this group of kids for all four years,” Reid said.

“I know their abilities and they’ve grown so much, and I’m so proud of what they’ve done. It’s amazing to watch them work.”

The seniors who are in the production feel the pressure not only because it is their last year of high school theater, but also because

Lord of the Flies is TheatreMcLean’s Cappies show, meaning it’s their only production eligible to be nominated for the prestigious regional awards.

“This is a very heavy senior show, on both cast and designers, so for many of us, it’s our last Cappies show, so it’s some of our best work yet as a department,” Phillips said.

“This kind of theater is really rare at the high school level, so at the very least it’s a cool artistic experience for the price of a movie at AMC.” Lord of the Flies promises to be one of the most immersive and innovative productions TheatreMcLean has accomplished yet.

“Terror. Like a full-on fever dream. I feel like it’s crazy—you’re gonna be surrounded by these trees that’ll be overhead. [It] gets wild,” Reid said. “I’ve never tried something like this before. It is truly a thriller. I feel like they’re doing such a great job with it.”

COME SEE LORD OF THE FLIES

JAN. 31 - FEB. 3 GO TO theatremclean.org FOR TICKETS JANUARY | A&E | 15

OPINIONS McLean must diversify language courses

A globalized world needs a globalized language curriculum

the number of jobs looking for bilingual speakers has nearly doubled. According to the New American Economy, the number of jobs requiring bilingual speakers rose from 240,000 to 630,000 from 2010 to 2015. ith an increasingly diverse student While many of these jobs require a second body, one would expect McLean language, say Spanish or Chinese, which are to offer a wide range of language classes; currently offered at McLean, other languages however, the school only provides some of such as Korean and Arabic are growing in job the language classes available in the extensive market recognition.

FCPS catalog.

“I believe that we should institute more McLean offers Spanish, French, German, specialized language classes,” Perrault Latin, Chinese and American Sign Language. said. “Adding more [classes] would widen On the other hand, other FCPS schools offer students’ range of choices, which facilitates such McLean as Russian, offers Korean, :Arabic, their search for aAmerican preferred profession.” nguageclasses classes Spanish, French, German, Latin, Chinese and Sign Language Vietnamese and Japanese in addition to Especially in a country as diverse as the those at McLean.

U.S., a population with a fundamental BEING ABLE TO CONTINUE In fact, some of the classes McLean of multiple languages is nguage classes which FCPS offers :Spanish, French, German, Latin, understanding Chinese American Sign Language, TO LEARN THE LANGUAGE does not offer are among the world’s most integral to overall success. common. For example, the Arabic language Over the past couple years, McLean has MAKES NEW STUDENTS hasphasing 313 million native speakers, while expanded the number of languages available AP Italian out LIKE MYSELF MAINTAIN A Russian has 154 million and Japanese has to students with the addition of Chinese 128 million. These are three of the top 10 and American Sign Language 1. According SENSE OF MY CULTURAL most between spoken languages worldwide, yet none to assistant classes principal which Jeffrey FCPS Barham, offers omparison language classes which McLean offers vs. all language IDENTITY.” of them are offered at the school. administrator of the world languages Although Korean and Arabic are offered department, further lingual expansion will — SEUNGWOO CHOI as academy classes, they are not readily only occur if students demonstrate interest SOPHOMORE accessible to students at McLean. Sophomore in certain languages.

Seungwoo Choi says the inclusion of more “Once again, it’s about the students— language classes in the school would make “Having more classes to choose from what you guys want and what you guys foreign students feel more comfortable in would also reduce the popularity of other need,” Barham said. “If we have a strong their new environment. language classes, making them smaller and need for something, we will always look into “I think there should be more specialized giving students a more personalized and that.” language classes because it allows people like focused learning experience,” junior Evan To recognize the rising importance of me to be more comfortable at school,” Choi Perrault said. world languages as well as the diversity of said. “It [also] allows others who want to Having more languages to choose from its student body, McLean must consider learn about a different language to be able also broadens students’ career options, expanding its foreign language program. to do that.” as an increasing number of jobs require Without student activism, however, this For Choi, who recently moved to the a basic fundamental understanding of a endeavor will be nothing more than a lofty U.S. from Korea, a formal class taught in his second language. Over the past couple years, goal for the future.

The staff editorial represents the opinion of the majority of The Highlander editorial board

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original language is vital to maintaining his cultural ties.

“Being able to continue to learn the language [lets] new students maintain a sense of their cultural identity,” Choi said. “[My academy class] reminds me of my Korean culture.”

Additionally, a wider variety of classes would reduce crowding in the more popular courses like French and Spanish, which would lessen the pressure on teachers resulting from a growing student body. Smaller class sizes would be an added benefit for students.

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LANGUAGE CLASSES OFFERED IN FCPS JAPANESE KOREAN ARABIC CHINESE SPANISH FRENCH GERMAN VIETNAMESE RUSSIAN ITALIAN* ASL [AMERICAN LATIN *AP Italian phasing out SIGN LANGUAGE] classes offered at McLean 16 | OPINIONS | JANUARY

Reporting & page design by Rohan Mani | Infographic by Anya Chen

Surfing the web safely

Students need a mandatory class about internet safety JACKSON CLAYTON REPORTER

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early 60 million Americans have been affected by identity theft, and the internet has become the primary gateway for these dangers. Even with such risks, many students still do not understand how easy it is for hackers to steal identities or cause harm.

To combat these dangers, students should be taught how to safely navigate the internet. “[On the internet], you open yourself up to possible identity theft, you open your computer up to these viruses that could destroy your computer, you open yourself up to losing content that you created, so there are a lot of risks of browsing without understanding the ramifications,” SchoolBased Technology Specialist Nishi Langhorne said.

Although the internet has many threats, it is still one of the best tools for research and communication with teachers and classmates.

“The internet can be a very valuable tool for browsing, it can help students with research, it can help students understand a topic better [and] it can help students pursue an interest that they might want to study when they get to college,” Langhorne said.

While the younger generation might appear to know everything about the internet and online safety, it is rapidly evolving and

Cartoon & page design by Jackson Clayton

hackers constantly discover new exploits and methods that compromise the safety of internet users.

“I have seen a lot of people who are really incapable of understanding what the dangers are on the internet—you see them clicking pop-up ads left and right. It’s more about the awareness that needs to come out first because people need to understand what they are up against, especially because we need the internet for everything nowadays,” said sophomore Harsh Dhayal, a member of the Technology Student Association.

FCPS briefly attempted to institute a mandatory middle school class teaching students how to browse the internet, but it was opposed by parents.

“I remember back when I taught middle school it was called Technology Tools, and when it first came out they wanted to make it mandatory,” Computer Science Principles teacher Karyn Kolly said. “They wanted every kid to do it in the seventh grade, and parents fought it and said, ‘Kids already know everything about the internet and about working with computers,’ so they couldn’t make it mandatory.”

Students may know how to play online games and watch videos, but many of them don’t know how to be safe on the internet.

Avoiding phishing scams, detecting viruses and creating secure passwords are useful skills that can ensure safety.

“[Kids] know how to play games, they know how to watch YouTube videos, they know how to socialize with their friends, but they don’t know things about viruses, how to use certain educational tools, how to research [or] how to cite electronic sources. They don’t know all that,” Kolly said.

Lessons related to internet safety and digital citizenship can also be woven into many other curriculums from elementary through high school. Digital citizenship is defined as appropriate and responsible behavior with technology use.

“Any time a teacher is requiring research, that is a great opportunity and teachable moment to go into internet safety and how to present yourself,” Langhorne said.

However, the best way to ensure students are safe on the internet is a dedicated course.

A class is currently being tested that teaches students some of these concepts.

“There is a new course that was piloted called Cyber Security Fundamentals. [It] would get into some of the different scams and different ways to secure your computer, your phone and what to look out for,” Kolly said.

Even with these measures, no one can ever truly be safe on the internet, but chances of being one of the 60 million Americans affected by identity theft each year can be minimized by understanding the internet’s risks and how to prevent them.

JANUARY | OPINIONS | 17

Trump follows in Nixon’s footsteps

Nixon is important to remember as the drumbeat of impeachment begins SARAH SOLIS REPORTER

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n the summer before the presidential election of 1972, five men broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters located in the Watergate building. When caught by a security guard, this crime became the starting point for one of the most intensive investigations of a sitting president in American history.

The Watergate scandal resulted in Richard Nixon’s resignation as word of impeachment hearings surfaced. For President Donald Trump, talks of an investigation arose when he asked Russia to hack into Hillary Clinton’s emails.

“I will tell you this, Russia: If you’re listening, I hope you’re able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing,” Trump said at a news conference in Florida in July 2016.

Coincidentally, Russian agents attempted to hack Clinton’s email server for the first time that day, according to The New York Times.

Looking at the Trump presidency and the Russia probe, only Nixon’s presidency and the Watergate scandal are even close to being comparable. During their investigations, both presidents were accused of obstructing justice and were suspiciously adamant in stating there was no need for investigations.

They also had an eerily similar way of claiming the media targeted them in a “witch hunt” as a way to discredit the investigations.

“I have the absolute right to PARDON myself,” Trump tweeted on June 4, 2018.

The classic sentiment that no man is above the law never seemed to reach the ears of Nixon or Trump. They have, in parallel, shared the belief that the president has the ability to escape indictments and outrun the statute of limitations.

“Well, when the president does it, it means that it is not illegal,” Nixon said during a four-part broadcast interview with CBS in May 1977.

The suspicious way Trump and Nixon handled their investigations is another crucial similarity. When Trump fired former FBI director James Comey, the lead official pursuing the criminal investigation into Russian collusion in the 2016 presidential election, it came as a shock to all.

18 | OPINIONS | JANUARY

For Nixon, trying to shut down his investigation came in the form of the Saturday Night Massacre. In 1973, Nixon commanded his Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General to fire special prosecutor Archibald Cox, but both responded by handing in their resignations.

“No one stood up to Trump and said, ‘I refuse to do that.’ Trump himself fired Comey,” U.S. History teacher Emer Johnson said. “So in that way it seems different, [but] I think the idea of trying to fire the head of the investigation to limit your visibility is [similar].”

While there are major differences between these firings, one being that the Watergate investigation was much further along, Trump has shown his desire to end the investigation multiple times. His attempts mirror Nixon’s response to his own scandal.

“A clear similarity between the two is stark denial. A year into the Watergate investigations, Nixon continued to deny the allegations of treason and expressed overwhelming disgust in the proceedings,” junior Sophie Howery said. “This is very similar to Trump’s response. Even with Michael Cohen and Paul Manafort’s guilty convictions, Trump and his administration

continue to deny even a hint of wrongdoing.”

According to The New York Times, Trump had given an order to White House counsel Donald F. McGahn II to fire Robert Mueller. In an act of defiance resembling that of Nixon’s Attorney General, McGahn threatened to resign, causing Trump to back down.

Another significant connection between Trump and Nixon is their distrust and hatred for news outlets, especially those that expose their wrongdoings.

“They are both secretive. They are both desperately trying or tried to manipulate U.S. access to them,” government teacher Ian Howell said.

Nixon is notorious for his “Enemies List,” which included 56 journalists and a conspiracy to poison columnist Jack Anderson.

“The press is your enemy... Enemies.

Understand that? … Because they’re trying to stick the knife right in our groin,” Nixon said to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a taped phone conversation.

Just as it was during Nixon’s presidency, it is important for the public not to let Trump’s disavowing of the media shield his own Watergate.

Page design & photo illustration by Dasha Makarishcheva Photos obtained via Gage Skidmore & the CIA on Flickr under a Creative Commons license

IN-DEPTH

2018

PEOPLE YEAR

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nspired by Time magazine’s Person of the Year, The Highlander presents McLean’s People of the Year. On Dec. 20, 2018, The Highlander staff polled students to find out who they thought should be the entertainer, creator, leader and athlete of the year. With nominations from more than 400 students, we were able to select the top candidates and determine the strongest nominees in each category. The following four individuals represent the best of McLean in 2018.

OF THE

TALIA BLAKEMORE REPORTER MAREN KRANKING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MARIA McHUGO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Page design by Maren Kranking | Photos by Anna Brykczynski | Photo illustration by Jack Stenzel

JANUARY | IN-DEPTH | 19

A BBI HOBBS

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very student at McLean has likely heard before her volleyball matches. senior Abbi Hobbs sing. As lead singer “[It sounds] weird, but I really like being of jazz band, vice president of both the the center of attention,” Hobbs said. “I get a Madrigals and Treble Choir and a member of rush [when I perform].” an Arlington church choir, Hobbs has fully Hobbs has been a member of the immersed herself in the musical community. Madrigals, the school's top choir, since her Hobbs has been singing since 4th grade, sophomore year and recently joined jazz when she joined her elementary school’s band. Her favorite experience was performing choir. She has also played the piano since at Jammin Java with the band in June. she was young and taught herself to play the “Jammin Java was really fun, just because guitar when she was in 6th grade. it was the first time I was singing with all the “Abbi has always listened to unusual music lights [on me],” Hobbs said. for her age. She’ll listen Being a member of to country, classic rock, three choirs and jazz opera and Spanish guitar band, as well as taking I’M REALLY BIG all in the same playlist,” voice lessons, Hobbs her father, Layton Hobbs, has a tight schedule.

ON PEOPLE said. “She had a unique Hobbs also plays on DOING WHAT ability to play [songs] on a club volleyball team the piano or guitar right and strives to keep up MAKES THEM after hearing them.” with schoolwork. Still, HAPPY.” Despite her varied music remains her true taste in music, Hobbs passion. primarily sings classical “I usually try to put songs. Over time, her love for performing has music first. I just enjoy it a lot so it’s not that grown, whether it be hymns in church, songs hard to fit in,” Hobbs said. “It takes up a lot in a concert or even the national anthem of my time, but it’s fun.”

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Hobbs’ parents are proud of not only her accomplishments, but also her development as a performer and person over the years.

“Each time [she performs] she gets a little more comfortable with the spotlight, but we also see her being more comfortable with other high-pressure situations in life,” Layton said. “We are proud of how Abbi cheers for and supports others when they are under pressure...because she’s learned first-hand how important the support of her friends and classmates has been to her success.”

Hobbs aims to pursue singing in college and beyond; she is currently in the audition process and is planning on majoring in Vocal Performance. As a career, she hopes to either perform as a singer or teach music.

The dedication Hobbs has shown to musical performance, though, is sure to bring her fulfillment and success in the future regardless of her career choice.

“I’m really big on people doing what makes them happy,” Hobbs said. “I get really upset when I hear [something] like, ‘I’m going to be a doctor just because my parents want me to.’ I think that you should do what you enjoy.”

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eing influenced by his father, doodling is almost second nature for history teacher Dylan Wedan. Wedan began drawing at a young age, inspired by his family and the work of illustrators he admired.

“I began drawing as a very young kid.

My dad is an artist, and a very good one.

He makes charcoal images and sells them,” Wedan said. “As a kid, my imagination was captured by…Angus McBride. I also fell in love with the art of Trina Schart Hyman.”

Wedan specializes in his own category of medieval and ancient warrior doodles. While he has never pursued a professional interest in visual art, he refers to himself an expert doodler.

“I have not done anything serious with my talent, and that’s just what it is—natural talent. This makes me an expert doodler, but no true artist,” Wedan said.

Despite his ongoing passion for doodling, Wedan says he could have further honed his skill if not for an interest in literature and other intellectual pursuits. His doodles have yet to become more than a hobby.

“I suspect that if I had cultivated my talent I could be skillful, but the cultivation

of my visual-artistic talent never spoke to which I love,” Frothingham said. “I also me in the way, say, my attempts to cultivate think that his creativity makes him very literary talent or intellectual pursuits spoke personable and [it’s] the reason why so many to me,” Wedan said. students are comfortable talking with him.”

Wedan says there is little intersection At the same time, senior Bryce Liquerman between his artistic talents and his teaching appreciates Wedan's ability to combine his career. passion for history with his talent for art.

“When trying "I enjoy Mr. to illustrate a Wedan's drawings of concept, typically soldiers," Liquerman having to do with THAT'S JUST WHAT IT said. "They fuse his maps, my ability of history IS—NATURAL TALENT. knowledge to approximate with his artistic skills, Great Britain or and show that he is a THIS MAKES ME AN the Rio Grande man of many talents."

EXPERT DOODLER, on the whiteboard Although Wedan quick is sometimes BUT NO TRUE ARTIST.” recognizes the handy,” Wedan differences between said. “But that’s his teaching career about it.” and his facility for art, Nonetheless, senior Elinor Frothingham doodling will always be one of his favorite says the opposite. Frothingham believes his pastimes. It is truly his creativity that makes creativity, a component of Wedan’s artistic Wedan stand out. nature, makes him a better teacher.

“Humans are finite and can’t specialize “I think Mr. Wedan’s creativity is holistic in everything,” Wedan said. “And visual art in that it’s apparent in his teaching style, never captured me as more than an enjoyable personality and his drawing—all three of pastime.”

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JANUARY | IN-DEPTH | 21

A A RON H A LE

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enior basketball captain Aaron Hale acolytes,” Hale said. “I’m also the director of may not be the flashiest player, but his the coat drive and book sale at my church, leadership is what truly sets him apart. [which benefits] Arlington Pediatric Center.

“I’ve been in education a long time, and Last year I collected over 300 coats and raised it’s not very [common to $3,500.” see] that type of respect and In October 2018, confidence in an 18-yearMiller nominated Hale old,” Director of Student MY GOAL IN LIFE for the Champions of Activities Greg Miller said.

Award for IS TO BE A PART Character Hale has played varsity his leadership qualities, OF SOMETHING seen both in and out basketball for two years and varsity football for one the classroom. The THAT IS LARGER of year. In both sports, he has Fairfax County Youth THAN MYSELF.” Council awards this to demonstrated his excellent leadership skills. someone who exhibits “I’ve never talked to “the basic traits of good anyone who doesn’t respect him,” Miller said. character: Respect, Responsibility, Caring, “It comes down to the way he treats people Trustworthiness, Citizenship and Fairness.” with respect.”

Hale was honored as the Dranesville District Hale is not only a varsity captain, but he is recipient. also a council member for the Class of 2019, Hale’s father served in the U.S. Army part of the McLeadership program and an National Guard for seven years, and Hale active participant within his church. hopes to follow in his footsteps.

“I am an acolyte captain, in charge of ”My goal in life is to be a part of something training and recruiting people to [become] that is larger than myself,” Hale said. “I’m

“

22 | IN-DEPTH | JANUARY

interested in joining the Army because you represent a country that is so much greater than yourself.”

Miller and boys varsity basketball coach Mike O’Brien, as well as countless others, have recognized his character and expressed their admiration.

“Aaron demonstrates [many] leadership qualities: he’s committed, passionate, vocal, displays leadership by example [and] has a great work ethic,” O’Brien said. “He’s a leader in any capacity, not just on the basketball court.”

Hale applies his own perception of leadership to the many roles he fills.

“A leader can’t effectively lead without respecting his followers and having his followers respect him. While it may seem like a simple thing to do, I think it is often overlooked in today’s society,” Hale said.

Hale’s presence makes him a role model for countless others in his community.

“I have a 3-year-old son, and we’d be really lucky if he turned out like Aaron Hale one day,” Miller said.

ELLY GLEN N

T

he life of junior Elly Glenn is consumed by sports. At the age of 5, Glenn played soccer, softball and basketball, motivated by her community in Argentina. Since entering high school, not only has Glenn joined the varsity basketball team, but she has attended the Regional Championship for both cross country and track, breaking 19 minutes for the three-mile run.

Glenn was not always a runner. During her freshman year, she joined the cross country team just to occupy her fall season.

“I had never done track before high school and my mom was really shocked when I told her I was going to try out,” Glenn said. “I showed up the first day and...I didn’t suffer, so I was like, ‘This isn't so bad.’”

Little did Glenn know how far she would excel in the sport, becoming a captain for cross country by her junior year. “[Running] has made me feel different about what I can do. I never knew I could [run] until freshman year when I started. It proves that you don’t really know what you can do until you try it,” Glenn said. “It hurts

a lot, but you are rewarded for it.”

Beyond her athletic involvement, Glenn After a successful cross country season, also manages to participate in a number of Glenn chose to drop soccer and softball clubs and activities. for the spring in order to pursue track. She “I participate in Big Macs and Best joined the JV basketball team in the winter.

Buddies. Best Buddies is definitely my Glenn says competing in a team sport as favorite club. I go to church [and] participate well as an individual sport is an interesting in service,” Glenn said. “I’m pretty much contrast, yet there are similarities. consumed by sports…but I [like] to try “Honestly, there isn’t a huge difference different things.” between the two because if you are working In terms of personal goals, Glenn looks together, you're always going to have to to compete in States for track this year and be able to support people continue pushing herself. that are running on the Having achieved such court or the track,” Glenn success in a new sport PAIN IS JUST said. “[You] watch your and an old one, Glenn WEAKNESS teammates and cheer them encourages all athletes to on, and you help them out.” keep training and keep LEAVING THE Senior Kaitlyn Irons motivated.

BODY.” has played basketball with “If you think you’re Glenn for three years. bad at something, keep "Since her freshman year, trying it. It’s good to Elly has matured tremendously on and off push your body’s limits, to know what you the court," Irons said. "She makes everyone can really do, and you never really know want to work harder and she has a great unless you keep pushing harder,” Glenn said. attitude. She's always working to get better." “Pain is just weakness leaving the body.”

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JANUARY | IN-DEPTH | 23

SPORTS Work hard, play hard

Highlander boys varsity basketball rebounds after slow start EMILY JACKSON COPY EDITOR

A

s the winter season continues, boys varsity basketball continues to improve.

Their record is currently 8-4*. The varsity team is extra motivated to finish the season strong after coming off a big rivalry win against Langley on Jan. 11.

The Highlanders jumped ahead to a 20-point lead early, but Langley closed it to just two points in the third quarter. Still, the Highlanders rallied and pulled out a 67-58 victory, led by senior captains Evan Stout and Matias Prock.

“Our goal for the season is to win the district title and of course to sweep Langley,” Stout said.

The team had a rather rough start to the season, losing their first two games to Heritage and Fairfax. However, they immediately bounced back with a fourgame win streak, starting with an impressive 69-61 win against Tuscarora on Dec. 1.

The following wins were against Marshall, Westfield and Centreville.

Over winter break, the boys attended a tournament in Florida in order to become closer as a group.

“It allowed us to bond a lot and become a band of brothers,” senior Brian Aka said.

“I feel like we enjoy being with each other even more.”

The team has unique traditions and routines they perform before games to help them win and bond together.

“We don’t wear our shooting shirts

STRIVING FOR SUCCESS — Varsity player Brian Aka dribbles in for a layup at the game against Langley on Jan. 11. McLean went on to beat Langley 67-58. (Photos by Anna Brykczynski) anymore and before games we usually eat Skittles,” junior Mason Davis said.

As the boys varsity team continues their hard work, they look forward to the tough games that await.

“South Lakes [on Feb. 5] will probably be our hardest matchup,” coach Mike O’Brien said.

Even so, the players said they feel prepared

HANDS UP — Highlanders in all black cheer on their team against Langley. At the final buzzer, fans waved goodbye to their rival.

24 | SPORTS | JANUARY

for the challenges ahead.

“I’m feeling pretty confident about the season,” Davis said.

Including the win against Langley, the Highlanders have won three of their last four games and seven of their last nine.

“We’ve had a string of three wins and a big win against Westfield [on Dec. 7] at home, so we’re just trying to progress every day. So far, so good,” O’Brien said.

The boys are taking the season game by game and coming out with better results than ever before, beating Langley at home for the second year in a row.

The rematch takes place on Jan. 25 at Langley. Following this game, McLean wraps up their regular season with Herndon, Washington-Lee, South Lakes and Yorktown before heading into the postseason.

Coming off a handful of difficult seasons, it is already evident that McLean is bouncing back and looking ahead to the postseason. “[My goal for the season] is to hopefully win the district championship,” Davis said. *Updated Jan. 15 Page design by Dasha Makarishcheva

Dribbling towards dubs Girls varsity basketball shoots for success SKYE SUNDERHAUF REPORTER

H

ighlander basketball is currently in the heat of competition, participating in district play against a number of rival schools.

“I think we have a good enough team to win districts this year,” said senior Mariane Auza, varsity girls co-captain.

Girls varsity basketball kickstarted the new year against Herndon in the Liberty district opener. The final score was a 76-68 victory for McLean.

On Jan. 11, the team went up against their biggest rival in their second district matchup.

The Highlanders ended up beating the Langley Saxons with a final score of 61-49.

“We have such a good team this year, so I’m excited,” said sophomore Kendall Jones, a member of the team.

The girls’ 2018-2019 season started up in late November.

Their first game was on Nov. 27 against Oakton, a top team in Fairfax County. The resulting score was 49-54, with McLean losing by a small margin. Even with this first loss, the team still looked good for the remainder of the season.

“We didn’t win, but we played really well and it was very close,” Jones said.

Oakton is not a team McLean plays during districts, only in the early season.

Although it was a good test of strength, beating Oakton is not necessary for district tournament success.

“The girls have each set individual goals and a team goal in order to be successful this season,” varsity girls basketball head coach Jen Sobota said.

The second game the team played was on Nov. 30 against TJ, and McLean won 59-49.

The girls hope this result will reflect the rest of the season.

After those first two games, the team won seven more, including games against Marshall, Madison and Fairfax. They only lost two from late November up to the end of winter break. Their end-of-season games look promising based on how the team has been doing so far.

The team has been able to win games throughout the season, but the girls have other goals beyond winning.

The captains of the team this year—seniors Mariane Auza, Natalie Hedrick, Kaitlyn Irons and junior Elizabeth Dufrane—want the girls to have fun while they are playing.

“I want us to come together and play as a team and just enjoy it. Basketball is supposed to be fun,” Dufrane said. “At the end of the

HUDDLE BUDDIES — The McLean girls varsity basketball team holds a team huddle during the game against Langley on Jan. 11. Coach Jen Sobota gives the team a pep talk and a game plan.

CLOSE COMPETITION — Natalie Hedrick takes a shot during the Langley game on Friday, Jan. 11. McLean crushed Langley with a final score of 61-49. (Photos

by Maren Kranking)

day, it’s not about the wins and losses, it’s about the memories made along the way.”

Some fun traditions include playing music in the locker rooms before games to get excited and going out to breakfast after weekend practices.

“We always go down to the locker room and play some music. We usually play ‘Party in the U.S.A.,’” Auza said.

Last season, their record was nine wins and 13 losses. The majority of games the team did lose were only lost by about four points.

“We are hoping to turn some of those losses into wins this season,” Sobota said.

The team improved greatly from last season, even with the loss of five seniors.

This year, there are only three seniors on the team of 13 girls. This team is on the younger side, which means there is a lot of potential for the coming years.

“With all our younger players, we are building for the future,” Dufrane said.

Page design by Skye Sunderhauf

JANUARY | SPORTS | 25

MASTERING THE MAT — Freshman Nathan Fishman contends with one of the wrestlers from Washington-Lee High School at a varsity match at McLean on Jan. 9. (Photo by Anna Brykczynski)

Wrestlers take down the season McLean wrestling team works to achieve past greatness DUA MOBIN REPORTER

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fter the wrestling team’s hard knockdown last season, McLean wrestlers have been working tirelessly every day to get back up.

McLean faced setbacks last year after multiple dedicated wrestlers graduated in 2017 and others suffered injuries, leaving few to carry the team.

“Last year was my first year and we didn’t do very well as a team because we had many people injured,” sophomore Ethan Scurlock said.

Injured wrestlers included senior Yazeed Salameh, who fractured his vertebrae, as well as senior Thomas Murray, who suffered other injuries. Salameh and Murray are two of the team’s captains this year.

“Some of the lows were when I injured my knee this year and when I injured my back last year,” Murray said.

Kenneth Jackson has been coaching wrestling at McLean since 2007. He faced some tough losses at the start of his career.

“Some of my lows were my very first year here when we only won one match the entire season, finished last place in the district and crucial injuries occurred,” Jackson said.

26 | SPORTS | JANUARY

The team’s dedication and Jackson’s growth as a coach have led to spells of peak performance.

“2015 was one of our highest highs. We ended up fourth in the state for Virginia wrestling,” Jackson said.

The team has struggled with the difficulty of the sport and the number of athletes who quit mid-season, leaving them with a deficiency of wrestlers in each weight class.

Many freshmen from football enter the wrestling season, expecting it to be similar to football.

“We had 14 freshman football players finish the [wrestling] season last year, but two returned this year,” coach Ryan Mills said.

Currently, the wrestlers are working to bring the team success and continue their individual journeys.

“I was in third grade [when I started wrestling],” Scurlock said. “I might have started at too young of an age because I wasn’t focused, but I think getting started and doing some youth wrestling before high school really helps.”

Almost every day, the team undergoes an intense practice which consists of various exercises to help them with conditioning,

technique and endurance.

“Sometimes we will go outside for a run and a sprint workout. Sometimes we will go the gym and have a workout there,” Murray said. “Then we go inside, have our warm-up and then we alternate between conditioning and technique for the rest of practice.”

While practices can be challenging, they can also be a fun experience for the wrestlers.

“We’ll do one of our conditioning units which is called animal action in which we have to imitate animals,” Salameh said.

Many wrestlers have seen their hard work pay off at the 11 competitions the McLean wrestling team participates in throughout each season, including district championships.

“When I won the Rumble in the Jungle tournament, that was crazy. It was a very surreal experience,” Salameh said.

Despite all the challenges the McLean wrestling team has faced, they hope to bring districts home this season.

“I am really hoping that we are going to be district champs,” Murray said. “I think we have plenty of kids that can win their own district titles but I think Coach Jackson is really pushing us to win districts this year.”

Page design by Dua Mobin

ATHLETE OF THE ISSUE LINDSEY STIRLING SENIOR TRACK ATHLETE WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COMMIT TO CNU? I started looking at Division III schools and found Christopher Newport. When I toured it for the first time I just fell in love with the campus right away.

WHY DID YOU START TRACK? I used to play basketball, and I started to realize that I was pretty fast. My school had a track team so I joined it in 7th grade. I really liked it so I decided to continue.

“

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF TRACK? Sophomore year winter season at districts. I was running the 55m dash and I made it to finals, which determines who makes it to regionals. I then ran the finals and made it to regionals, which I was super excited and surprised about.

It helped me realize that I was pretty good at running and that I had the potential to get even better.

I HAVE GROWN CLOSER TO MY TEAMMATES OVER MY FOUR YEARS AND ALWAYS HAVE A FUN TIME AT PRACTICE.”

WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A CAPTAIN? As a captain, the basic responsibilities include taking attendance and leading the warm-up and stretches at the beginning and end of practice.

We also make sure everyone on the team knows what to do during practices or meets and that they are cheering for their teammates. We make sure people feel included and know what they are doing.

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT TRACK? Being on a team. I have grown closer to my teammates over my four years and always have a fun time at practice. All the people on the team, including the coaches, are supportive and inspire you to do your best, which makes it rewarding.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO TRAIN FOR COMPETITIVE TRACK? It takes hard work and dedication to train for track. If you really want to run and get better, then you will. As long as you put in the work and have the right mind set, then you are on the right track.

Page design by Imani McCormick Reporting by Brooke Newell & Anna Grace Hopkins | Photo by Anna Brykczynski

JANUARY | SPORTS | 27

THE

FINISH LINE

How well does the gymnastics team know their coach?

We asked two senior team members questions about Courtney Molle.

GO-TO STARBUCKS GYMNASTICS ORDER WHAT IS COACH MOLLE’S...

COURTNEY MOLLE

SARA VAVONESE

SAMANTHA WILSON

GO-TO SNACK

GOLDFISH

CLIF BAR

CLIF BAR

BIGGEST FEAR

SNAKES

BEING MURDERED

SPIDERS

FAVORITE COLOR

PINK OR PURPLE

PURPLE

PINK

MOST LOVED EVENT

BEAMS

BARS

BEAMS

MEET RITUAL

LUCKY RED SOCKS WITH ELEPHANTS ON THEM

LUCKY RED AND WHITE UNDERSHIRTS

RED AND WHITE UNDERSHIRTS

EASTER

BIRTHDAY

CHRISTMAS

FAVORITE HOLIDAY

28 | SPORTS | JANUARY

VARSITY CO-COACH

SENIOR GYMNAST

SENIOR MANAGER

Page design by Anya Chen & Maren Kranking Photos & reporting by Anna Grace Hopkins & Brooke Newell