Issue 7

Editorials questions whether or not the legal drinking age should be lowered to 18 years of age

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10-11

Arts previews several of the acts at Jan. 20’s STAND Benefit Concert

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By the numbers

In-Depth

Photo

Sports X-tra

dissects the 2012 presidential election

looks at two students’ new clothing line, Chroma Season Apparel

explores if Letterman jackets are still in style at AHS

4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003

Informiing the Atoms siince 1954 4

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2012

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The number of performers in the STAND benefit concert See page 8

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The number of official candidates on the Republican ballot See page 11

93

The percentage of students who passed their science SOLs last year See page 4

$150

The starting price for a Letterman jacket See page 15

Sophomore Parents Night tonight in Clausen Hall Parents of sophomores can attend an information session tonight at 7:00 p.m. in Clausen Hall.

They will learn about how their children can prepare for their final two years of high school.

School to start before Labor Day if initiative is passed

Three-year teacher tenure policy could be eliminated McDonnell to oust ‘lousy’ teachers

BY NASHIA RASHID News Editor Governor Bob McDonnell is pushing for vast K-12 education reforms that will affect teachers if his proposal is passed. One of his controversial reforms is to get rid of the tenure system, which is a contract that is implemented in Virginia schools.

It keeps teachers from getting fired if they have worked for three years. The tenure system also works in conjunction with the teacher review system, where teachers are evaluated based upon the success of their students.

By getting rid of the tenure system all together, McDonnell argues that it will get rid of lousy teachers. McDonnell asserts that the current tenure system in Virginia protects bad teachers and said that his proposals are meant to keep the successful and effective teachers and principals in schools.

McDonnell proposes a one-year

(703) 642-4229

GOVERNOR PROPOSES EDUCATION CHANGES

The number of shirts two AHS students currently have in their new fashion line See page 13

review period for teachers, this would take away the job security most teachers in the current system are used to.

“I think they should evaluate based on both systems – on a yearly and tri-annual basis. There are safeguards in both systems, I’ve done both and I don’t see much of a difference,” Principal Vincent Randazzo said.

“Tenure” continues on page 5

NASHIA RASHID

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ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

the VOLUME #57 ISSUE 7

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English teacher Jan Kamide is unhappy with the current tenure system.

Would allow more time for testing prep

BY NASIHA RASHID News Editor Students can expect a change to their summer vacation if Governor Bob McDonnell gets his way. McDonnell announced various proposed changes to the K-12 Education in Virginia for the year of 2013-2014. One of the changes is the repealing of the Kings Dominion Law which has been in effect for 25 years.

The 1986 law states that schools are restricted from starting and opening schools before Labor Day. The law was proposed by Kings Dominion Amusement Park and the hospitality industry to make sure that the first day of school would not interfere with the revenue brought in by family vacations that were planned towards the end of the summer. They argue that they need teenage employees up until early fall. In addition, the Virginia tourism industry is known for making many generous campaign donations earning them the ability to influence state lawmakers.

BY ANNIE CURRAN Co-Editor in Chief

The best of Broadway Desserts On your smartphone, scan the code above using the application “QR Code” to view highlights from the 2012 Broadway Desserts performance.

Senior Kardo Omerbell views the Iraq War differently than many people at AHS. Where many students have seen U.S. soldiers fight on the news in a distant country, from the comfort of their own home, Omerbell sees U.S. soldiers fighting in his home country. He is not happy about the recent withdrawal of troops from Iraq.

“Pulling out what a big mistake,” Omerbell said. “Iraq will go back to how it was in 2003 and all the American and Iraqi lives will go to waste. I’m Kurdish, I was born in Iraq, I understand what is going on.

And pulling out was a big mistake.”

Omerbell lived in Iraq for the first four years of his life, before coming over the U.S. in 1996. He has lived in Annandale ever since.

After watching the occupation of Iraq closely, he only fears for the future of his country.

“I mean it already has [gone back to the way things were before]. Look at the news,” he said. “Soon their will be civil war. Without the U.S., Kurds and Arabs will be fighting for power.

for the army. They had just moved to Rochester, New York. A newlywed living without her husband in a new city, the year he spent in Iraq marked a difficult time in her life.

“It was bad,” Tufts said. “I was grateful when he was sent home.”

“Iraq” continues on page 5

SARTHAK BATRA

Students and faculty share mixed opinions on troop withdrawal

Senior Kardo Omerbell lived in Iraq for four years before moving to Annandale in 1996.

“Education” continues on page 5

Do you think that the Kings Dominon Law, which states that school must start after Labor Day, should be repealed?

Yes: 42 percent

No: 58 percent

This poll was conducted on www.theablast.org from Jan. 10 to Jan. 14 and includes 45 responses.

Skipping School

AHS transitions after Iraq War And that would lead to the country dividing into two or even three parts.

Not really what the U.S. wanted, was it?”

Omerbell is not the only one at AHS whose life has been changed by the occupation of Iraq, as after eight years and over 4,000 military deaths, the last American troops were withdrawn from Iraq on Dec. 18.

Chemistry teacher Elizabeth Tufts had been married for only a month when in June 2008 her husband was sent to Iraq as a computer hacker

McDonnell announced that he was planning to propose changes to education in Virginia, especially to unfunded state mandates put on local school districts, which includes the Kings Dominion Law. Namely, he wants to repeal the law so as to give schools the option to determine their own calenders allowing for more flexibility.

GRAPHIC BY ANNIE CURRAN

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Some students resort to hiding in the bathroom

BY MARWA ABDELAZIZ News Editor Students are starting to think of new and unheard-of ways to skip school, or at minimum their least favorite class. Most teachers and administrators no longer easily fall for the common excuses used by students.

While the classic excuses, such as an illness or medical appointment, may work for those who know how to present their case in a convincing way, there are only so many times that they will work until the attendance assistants become suspicious.

Skipping class has become very frequent due to the widespread belief that “skipping is way too easy at AHS,” according to senior Ghanim Alsaadi.

There are various ways students choose to miss class, the first being through the clinic.

“Students just come in here and lie about some of the things,” clinic secretary Tracy Shakespeare said.

“Most times it’s just ‘I’m sick’, ‘I have a headache’, ‘I have my period’, ‘I have cramps,’” she said as a student walked in at the same time and claimed, “I’m dizzy.”

“Skipping” continues on page 5

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EDITORIALS

Jan. 18, 2012

Drinking age needs reform Age necessary to drink alcohol should be lowered

The media cuts off candidates On your smartphone, scan the above code using the application “QR Code” to view a story about how the media is giving special attention to certain candidates while ignoring others.

QUOTE COLLECTION The A-Blast wants to hear your opinion. Your response to the following question might be featured in our Quote Collection:

What do you think about lowering the drinking age and how it would affect high school students?

E-mail your response to: ablast.editorials@gmail.com

What do you think about the the current drinking age in America?

BY GABY CAMILLI Staff Writer Eighteen years old: the end of childhood and the beginning of adulthood. The age when Americans are allowed to die and kill serving their country, when they are allowed to vote and have a say in who will lead their country, but not allowed to drink alcohol?

For years the United States’s rather old drinking age of 21 has sparked much controversy throughout the nation. In the 1970s, the legal drinking age was lowered to 18 in many states. But, in 1984, the high number of deaths caused by drinking and driving led to the federal government’s decision to enact The National Minimum Drinking Age Act. This act required the states to raise the drinking age back to 21 or have the states lose a chunk of their funding for transportation systems.

It is time that our government lower the drinking age back down and start treating our 18 year olds like actual adults. By lowering the drinking age, teens will be less inclined to partake in dangerous drinking behavior and be more responsible with alcohol on the whole.

Teenagers are constantly thrill-seeking by breaking the rules. One of the reasons why teenagers find alcohol so appealing is because it is their “forbidden fruit.” Since alcohol is illegal, it has “cool factor” for many teens. By lowering the drinking age to 18, you can eliminate this taboo temptation.

The experience in Europe has been that teenagers who are exposed to alcohol by their parents at a younger age are less likely to put themselves in dangerous situations with alcohol compared to teens without this exposure. If the drinking age was lowered, teens could get taught by their parents how to drink responsibly and would not be so tempted to binge drink.

Binge drinking, which is defined as consuming five or more alcoholic beverages in one sitting, is a major health hazard among teenagers. According to the Camp Recovery Center, about 90 percent of teens who drink in the United States binge drink.

These alarming numbers are probably due to the fact that they weren’t exposed to safe drinking habits at a younger age.

Officials are worried that lowering the drinking age back to 18 would increase drunk driving rates, as seen in the 1980s. But, when The National Minimum Drinking Age Act was put in place, adults were responsible for many of the drunk accidents along with teenagers. Drinking while driving was looked at in a much more casual manner several decades ago. It was a lot more common to see people

EMILY OLIVER

For additional online content, including the story listed below, visit www.thea-blast.org.

drinking alcohol while driving, as seen in many popular television shows from the time. Back then, people were not as aware of the dangers of drinking while driving as they are now. Our knowledge on drunk driving has expanded greatly and people are much smarter about drinking in this day and age.

Many of the drunk driving-related accidents that occur are due to underage drinkers. After a night of drinking, underage teens are often too scared to ask for a ride from their parents, so they typically find themselves driving under the influence to avoid getting in trouble. But, if the

drinking age was lowered, these underage drinkers would feel more comfortable asking their parents for rides. They would also be able to use designated driver services, which would keep more and more intoxicated drivers off of the roads. Safe-T-Ride is a designated driving service with affordable rates that helps keep drunk drivers off the road and safe.

Some may point out that teens mixed with drinking can lead to no good. But if the government gives teenagers more responsibilities such as being allowed to drink, they will be more likely to act responsibly.

Next school years should start earlier Kings Dominion Law needs to be repealed

—Rabail Ashar freshman

BY DANIEL PARK Editorials Editor “I think the drinking age is too low because when people are 21, their brains haven’t fully developed even though they think they have.”

—Herson Palma sophomore

“It is ridiculous because everywhere else it’s 18 and even in Europe it is 16.”

—Jeremy Osorio junior

“I think the age should be a little higher because teenagers are starting to drink illegally and it’s getting reckless and stupid.”

Much to the horror of students, school may start even earlier next year. Legislators will debate a bill that, if passed, would allow schools to open before Labor Day. This law would bypass the “Kings Dominion Law,” which restricts schools from starting classes prior to Labor Day. Despite the initial feelings of contempt and resistance from students, this is a bill that should be welcomed. The timing of the school year would be changed, not its length. This would give high school students and teachers ample time to prepare and review material for standardized tests that come around June.

This idea is nothing new. Schools can apply for waivers from the Board of Education to let them start school before Labor Day. Many schools apply annually for these waivers; in fact, 77 of the 132 school districts in Virginia received a waiver for the 2011-2012 year.

This law would eliminate the need for applying for a waiver, allowing school districts and boards to focus more on their students than the schools themselves.

The main reason that the Kings

If Governor McDonnell’s proposal is accepted: • Students will have several more weeks to prepare for standardized tests with set testing dates • The school board will be able to decide the date school begins, regardless if it’s before Labor Day • Students will gain Labor Day as a student holiday • Employed adults in Virginia will now be able to take jobs previously held by high school students

Dominion Law was first proposed in the 1980s was because amusement parks thought that only high school students would be willing to serve as employees, in addition to the fact that these businesses needed high school labor. Now, with the recession, there is a huge spike in unemployment. There is high doubt that amusement parks will not be able to meet their employment quota when so many Americans are left without jobs. High school labor is no longer quintessential to the amusement park business, so the law is outdated and should be reformed or removed.

Another beneficial result of repealing the law is that Labor Day would no longer be part of the summer break. Labor Day would then be a school holiday, giving

students more rest during actual school weeks when they need a reprieve from arduous classwork.

This would be helpful for students that have to manage their time well, especially for those in their senior year that are swamped with college applications.

Additionaly, most colleges start school before high schools do. Many AHS students have had to say goodbye to their graduated friends in mid-August. Why is there a few week period between the start high schools and colleges? Having the schedules of high schools and colleges sync up would not only give high school students a better sense of what to expect in college, but also the mentality that they are no different from college students, in turn empowering them.

DANIEL PARK

“It should be 18 because that’s the smoking age and people underage drink all the time.”

In addition to a change in teacher tenure, Governor Bob McDonnell is also proposing that the state allow more charter schools and that officials move toward lengthening both the school day and the school year. This is where the real battle will be fought. If these measures are approved, the board can expect huge resistance from parents and especially students.

However, the idea of opening schools earlier than Labor Day should be supported. All that it would do is give school boards the flexibility to conform more easily and create a conductive environment better suited to each of their unique needs, and nothing else would be acceptable. It’s as simple as that.

—Visoda Heng junior

Staff ff “I think it should be lowered to 18 years old because that’s when you are an official adult.”

—Jonathan Gonzalez senior

“There are definitely arguments for both sides. I do not think most 18 year olds are responsible enough, but we ask them to go to war and vote so it’s hard to justify that.”

—Christopher Bagot English teacher

Annandale High School Vol. 57 No.7 4700 Medford Dr. January 18, 2012 Annandale, Virginia 22003 phone: (703) 642-4229 email: theablast@gmail.com fax: (703) 642-4299

The A-Blast is an award winning newspaper that strives to inform, educate and entertain the student body and community.

Published every three weeks, The A-Blast will not print any material that is obscene or libelous; or that which substantially disrupts the school day, or invades an individual’s right to privacy. The A-Blast is an independent, open forum for discussion that is printed at the Springfield Plant of The Washington Post. Signed letters to the editor of 250 words or less may be submitted to room 262 or mailed to the school. The A-Blast reserves the right to refuse advertisements. All submissions become property of The A-Blast, Copyright, 2012.

EDITORIALS

Jan. 18, 2012

For our sake, please work Congress must improve performance in the new election year

5 reasons lawmakers need to do their jobs: 1.

BY THE A-BLAST EDITORIAL STAFF Congressmen, please, enough rhetoric already. 60 Minutes has already shown us that you have made millions of dollars off internal stock trading and speculation, and have passed laws to clandestinely make it legal.

We might be young, but we are not blind. In fact, many of us will be voting this coming fall.

We have also seen the unfortunate result of passing legislation too slowly. Citizens of Northern Virginia have been furloughed and laid off while the idea of compromise has become foreign in the halls of the Capitol Building.

It is increasingly harder for us to find jobs during the summer, or after-school, as those that are filled

by Americans who must live off such low salaries.

More importantly, it is harder for us to pay our way through college.

For some members of our generation, it seems that the words of financial magazine Accountancy Live’s Pat Sweet, are coming true: unlike generations past, our generation might be poorer (after inflation) than the preceding generation. But we still have time.

Clearly, there is no panacea to all of these woes (or if there is, not one that can be brought about in a day, month, or year), but we have grown up in a decade of fruitless rhetoric while watching our parents

3 Trending Topics

Many students are approaching the age at which they can vote and have grown up observing a system that is broken.

2. Young people are having difficulty finding jobs in an economy in which many students must help their parents pay for daily expenses.

New twitter page devoted to problems at AHS, called @annandaleprobz sets a poor tone for the image of AHS

3. Third parties are becoming increasingly popular among voters, threatening the seats of many Congressional representatives.

4. The youth has demonstrated that they are dissatisfied with the current “status quo” through demonstrations such as Occupy Wall Street.

5. For the first time in U.S. history, financial experts have been predicted that many members of the Millenium generation will be poorer than their parents.

desperately search for jobs.

And we are ready to give you an earful about it.

Some people are even listening to us. The idea of a powerful third party in the 2012 elections (be it for president, or for Congressional districts) is becoming increasingly real. Our generation has seen a back and forth bicker between two parties that cannot seem to work together.

In fact, some of these parties have raised millions of dollars before nominating a candidate.

Americans Elect, just one of these groups, has received support and signatures from nearly 2.8 million Americans.

AHS students participate in a rousing Broadway Desserts this past weekend at George Mason University

Statistics also support the notion that Americans are tired of the political culture they have seen.

According to the Reason Foundation, Americans would seriously consider voting for a thirdparty presidential candidate in the 2012 presidential elections What does all of this mean?

Change up, or be changed.

The Occupy Movement has demonstrated that the educated youth of this nation are ready for a cultural change.

Social networking sites, which our generation has developed, allow for an even more candid conversation about politics than has ever before

been seen.

So, Congress, speed it up. We want to see legislation that will reduce wasteful spending and curb our carbon footprint.

If it sounds like political rhetoric, then do not be surprised to find someone who will be parroting it and robbing you out of your district seat.

Of course, culture change does not happen within a single election, as history has shown us. But, it can start somewhere.

Simply put, conduct yourselves honestly, before we head to the polls with a grudge against the status quo.

Paul’s popularity is perplexing Facts about Paul: N oah’s otes

Editorials Column

By Noah Noa N oah h Fitzgerel Fitz Fi tzge gere rell His answers in debates always receive thunderous rounds of applause, he is the most popular candidate among the GOP youth and he is a fervent libertarian. He’s not Mitt Romney, Rick Perry, nor Rick Santorum. He is Ron Paul.

Why the big hullabaloo over Rep. Paul?

According to Harvard’s Institute for Politics, out of all of the candidates in the GOP field, Paul is the most popular among my generation.

I cannot find such a statistic more troubling.

Paul’s administration is the one that would benefit my peers the least. Why? The answer is that he is a libertarian. His rhetoric, which praises a lesser influence of government over corporations and businesses, is attractive to the anti-establishment, idealist tendencies of the youth. However, what I truly believe makes Paul so popular is our generation’s lack of understanding of the true nature of libertarianism.

Ask Annandale

With which political party do you align yourself?

NONE 21%

INDEPENDENT 18%

REPUBLICANS 22%

DEMOCRATS 38%

These statistics are based on a Jan. 9 survey of 136 AHS students distributed during White Day A-lunch.

Paul is a libertarian running under the Republican name. According to Paul, he is doing so because running under a third party label would not give him a viable chance to attain the presidency. So, what is libertarianism? Here’s a little political philosophy 101.

Someone who is a libertarian adheres to a strain of political philosophy called libertarianism.

Libertarians believe in a school of thought that creeds an absolutely limited government whose function it is to solely facilitate the honoring of contracts, protect man’s unalienable rights and maintain a sense of law. According to libertarians, everything else should be a private function.

This school of thought is attractive to those who have money due to its lack of any sense of social welfare. Entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid would be scrapped in such a government. Under libertarianism, where there is no form of government regulation on any entity whatsoever, the rich would be able spend their money (the form of influence in a libertarian society), and grow the amount they have, in whatever way they choose.

As for the poor? Well, for lack of a better expression; they are screwed. Public education

Starbucks raises the cost of “tall” brewed drinks by $.10, increasing the overall price to $1.84

Performers Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles name their child “Blue Ivy,” who was born on Jan. 7 PHOTOS FROM PLANCAST.COM, GO4COSTUMES. COM, YOURLOGORESOURCES.COM, DIAPERS.COM

How do you think that Congress has been performing recently?

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Ron Paul is currently a Congressman representing the 14th district of Texas

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Dr. Paul, by profession, his a medical doctor who earned his M.D. from Duke

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Paul is a self-professed Libertarian

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Paul has run under the Republican ticket before in 2008

“The congressmen have been slacking off a lot.”

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Under the current 2012 elections, Paul is the most popular candidate among the youth

— Lizbeth Laime

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At 76, Paul is currently the oldest candidate in the 2012 race

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He is currently ranked second in the 2012 race

does not exist in a libertarian society, nor does the concept of subsidized housing, minimum wage standards or union bargaining rights. Basically, if you’re rich, you’re going to stay rich, and if you’re poor, you’re going to stay poor.

Ideally, a libertarian might tell you, a poor person could accumulate wealth by successfully navigating the market. By successfully holding a job, he or she could receive a salary that is based off the standards of the market.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way.

An example would be the 2008 financial crisis.

By no means was the U.S. government operating under a libertarian system, but in essence, Wall Street was. Investing companies enjoyed a regulation-free system in which they could handle their funds in any way they chose, so long as investors saw positive returns. The rest was history. Companies bought tens of thousands of sub-prime mortgages that made vast amounts of money in the short-run, only to fall flat in the long run.

And now my generation is telling me that they want a president who will attempt to deregulate America’s financial system? Does history not repeat itself? Give me a break.

sophomore

“I have not been impressed with their performance.”

—Kevin Tran

junior

“They are not working well together.”

--- Andrea Lopez junior

“They haven’t worked as well as they have in the past.”

What do you think about the

QUOTE COLLECTION RESPONSE: legalization of marijuana?

There are so many different opinions when it comes to how to approach the controversial topic of the legalization of marijuana.

To put it bluntly, I believe that the government should legalize marijuana; but before judging me, it is important to consider this option.

How has society changed?

Recent generations, specifically ours, have grown up with the idea that you should do what you love, and in some cases, that just might be marijuana.

The people who are doing it are going to do it whether it is legalized or not, so why not legalize it and then put a tax on it?

The government will happily accept the money, and the dollars generated from taxing marijuana might help to reduce the fiscal woes of the U.S. government.

Moreover, regulating the marijuana industry might cause gangs and drug cartels, who profit off of the illegal drug trade, to disappear.

Though they are not exactly the

same, it is important to compare this issue to prohibition.

Think about the speakeasies; people are most likely to, by nature, participate in things simply because they are told not to, or simply because of the attraction of such prohibited items.

Therefore, it is not a matter of preference. Instead, it is simply a matter of raising revenue.

Politicians often talk about reducing the deficit. While it is highly unlikely that the trillions of dollars that comprise the deficit

will be made up in tax revenue from marijuana sales, taxing such an item will certainly help reduce the cost somewhat.

Regulating the marijuana industry just might be a solution to many of the financial woes that this nation is facing.

Other European nations have enacted regulatory laws on marijuana, and I believe that the U.S. should follow a similar model.

- Madeline de Mello junior

— Tamera Demessew senior

“Clearly, both sides are not working well together and they need to start learning how to compromise.”

— Kellie Burke

government teacher —Compiled by Noah Fitzgerel

NEWS

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Jan. 18, 2012

Broadway Desserts a success Changes made this year to improve show

News Briefs AIA to hold poster contest The Atoms in Action anti-bullying awareness club will hold a meeting today during collaboration in room 328. The club is sponsoring a poster contest that promotes antibullying. The poster contest will end Feb. 10. For more information about the contest or the club itself contact counselors Ilana Reyes and Carrie Schaefer or S.A.M Program Academic Adviser Hassan Mims.

There was a huge audience turnout this weekend at the annual Broadway Desserts show performed at George Mason University. The show was performed on Jan. 16 and 17. With various improvements made to the show this year, the show recieved generally very positive remarks from the audience, the choir students, and their director Jessica Lardin.

“We have a new ensemble, called Women’s Comarada,” Lardin said. “They are an additional ensemble that will be performing in Broadway Desserts. But it is pretty much the same tradition, just a really high quality show with kids who have spent a lot of time preparing.”

With usual positive feedback, a few flaws stood out which caused several other changes to have occurred as well, ones that the audience might have appreciated.

“We actually shortened the show a little bit,” Lardin said. “Over the years, it has kept growing and ended up being three hours long. So this year it is only around two hours, which is more than enough.”

This year there is a fresh batch of freshmen performing in Broadway Desserts, including freshmen Deanna Gowland and Gabrielle Lewis.

“My sister, [Victoria Gowland], was a senior here last year,” Gowland said. “I’ve seen Broadway Desserts before, but now I have a behind-the-

Class of 2013 bake sale The junior class will be holding a bake sale today right after school by the cafeteria until 2:30pm. They will be selling pizza, cupcakes, cookies and all of the merchandise.

JV math meet today This year’s fourth Junior Varsity Math contest will be held on today at 2:00-2:45 p.m. in the cafeteria.

Students should bring a pencil and a calculator to use for the contest.

GSA meeting after school The Gay Straight Alliance will meet today after school at 2:15 p.m. in Trailer 6. All are welcome to help make posters and ribbons for “No Name Calling Week.”

COURTESY OF BRIAR CREEK PHOTOS

BY NADIA ELGENDY Staff Writer

Seniors Max Talley and Christina Miller perform a musical number together last weekend at George Mason Univeristy.

scenes perspective of how everything is prepared.”

“The process is different than what everyone sees on stage,” Lewis said. “[Although] we’ve done an ensemble, we didn’t have to go through the process until now. It’s really cool to see how far we’ve gotten.”

Unlike plays in the theatre department, a lead role is not present in Broadway Desserts. It consists of different songs that are accompanied by dances. However, several participants have one song in mind that stood out above the rest.

“‘Love is my Legs’ is a very funny song,” Gowland said. “It’s about a man who is in a wheelchair and learns how to walk.”

“There aren’t as main acts,” Lardin said.

“That’s one of the great things about Broadway Desserts is that every actor receives equal acclaim, attention and importance in the show.”

“The first and the last acts are the best,” Gowland said. “It’s tradition to have everyone perform in them, and [the audience] sees everyone as one, big family.”

Pending decision on school cameras Community still split over internal cameras in schools

BY ANNIE CURRAN Co-Editor in Chief The Student Advisory Council (SAC), which consists of the top SGA leaders from all FCPS high schools, has voted unanimously against internal security cameras. The School Board disagrees, as on Dec. 15 they voted to implement security cameras in schools, passing the initiative by an eight to four vote. Now it is up to each school’s principal to decide if they want to install the cameras and how many they feel they need, although students from the panel are still not happy.

“Personally, I feel the money could be used for other things,” senior SGA president Lena Nour said. Nour is a member of the SAC and, after having a dialogue with her peers, decided to vote against the cameras. “There are other things at AHS that could be funded. They’re not necessary.”

Principal Vince Randazzo has not yet decided whether or not he will have cameras installed at AHS. He must first wait for the policy to be approved by the county and will then begin to research the policy guidelines, camera vendors, and where the money to pay for them will come from.

“We will have a discussion as a school,” Randazzo said. “For me, it’s not a hot-button issue.”

Braddock District Member Tessie Wilson, who is no longer on the board after deciding not to seek re-election, voted for the installation of cameras.

Wilson believes that the exterior cameras currently at AHS were very helpful in limiting gang activity, which was once a major problem. She wants people to understand that the cameras will not be used to

Students reflect on PSAT night On your smart phone, scan the above code using the application “QR Code” to view a story on PSAT Night held on Jan. 12.

AJ MCCAFFERTY

The Battle of the Classes

Senior Angelica Bolds encourages the senior crowd to sing along in karaoke.

AJ MCCAFFERTY AJ MCCAFFERTY

Senior Leadership member Tatiana Niang announces the winning class.

-The implementation of internal security cameras is determined by the principal’s discretion -Cameras would be installed in “hot-spots” where crime would most likely occur -Implementing the interior security cameras is estimated to cost $881,000 -Some schools may have these cameras fully installed as early as the end of the school year. monitor live activity.

“The tapes will only be used after a serious incident has occurred to determine who may be responsible,” Wilson said.

Wilson feels she has received much support from parents of special education students on this matter.

“Special education students are often bullied more often than regular education students, and these parents believe the cameras may show who instigated an incident in a way a verbal discussion could not,” Wilson said.

Mason District Member Sandy Evans, the other representative on the board for AHS, did not agree with installing security cameras and, along with voting against the measure, was one of three members to vote for a proposed extension.

Highest passing rates for science SOLs Extra effort of science department pays off

BY ANNIE CURRAN Co-Editor in Chief

Senior Micaela Filsoof pies security specialist KW Williams in the face.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE CAMERAS

“This proposal sends us down the wrong path,” Evans said. “Rather than creating an atmosphere of respect and trust, it says, ‘we’re watching you.’”

Evans cites the lack of evidence that the cameras will reduce crime. She feels that there is not a specific goal in mind for using the interior cameras, unlike with the exterior cameras. She is also worried about their cost, which is estimated at $881,000. It is because of this that Evans believes the cameras are a “poor use of our limited resources.”

“Parents are being told it’s for their child’s safety.

But these cameras will at the most give a false sense of security,” Evans said. “They can’t replace adult supervision, and they certainly can’t replace a safe and respectful environment.”

The AHS PTSA was one of two PTSAs in the county to oppose the implementation of the security cameras. Their reasons for opposition included the monetary factor of paying for the cameras, as well as the invasion of students’ privacy. Other parents were neutral about the issue.

“Now that the vote has taken place, I am encouraged by the fact that the board has given leeway to allow individual high school principals to work with their school communities to determine whether or not to move forward,” PTSA President Emily Slough said. “And I think continuing the dialogue between the AHS administration and the community would be welcome and might help shed more light on the pros and cons of this issue.”

In the coming weeks after the policy is approved, the administration will begin making decisions on how to proceed. Safety and Security Specialist Chris Tippins believes that it is a possibility that some high schools will move quickly to install the cameras.

“It’s totally possible that schools could have them at the end of the year,” Tippins said.

Biology teacher Jenna DeNicola is teaching her first year at AHS, but the pressure is already on to prepare her students for the SOLs. For the 2010-2011 school year, the science SOLS had a 93 percent passing rate.

This is up three percent from the previous school year, meaning they passed the No Child Left Behind initiative Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). The science department is now hoping to do even better this school year.

“It’s a little intimidating,” DeNicola said. “We want to best ourselves, but there’s not a lot of room to do that.”

DeNicola says her first priority is to teach the students the material and then she offers many practice SOL questions in class. She says her classes move at a rapid pace so that her students have all the knowledge they need going into the test.

“It’s a lot of material, a lot of ground to cover in a short period of time,” DeNicola said.

There are three science SOLs students at AHS can take; biology, chemistry and earth science. Many students fear the tests because of the math processes that are involved. Senior Veronica Leiva, who takes many IB courses, was very apprehensive and worried about her

chemistry SOL. She felt even more pressure going into the test since she was taking a honors class and wanted to score well.

“I was worried about passing,” Leiva said. “It was difficult because there were a lot of calculations and so many things you had to remember to do correctly.”

To prepare, she received extra help from her teacher by staying after school. One of the tools that helped her the most were long packets of released SOL questions. Although she believes the test was the most difficult science SOL she has ever taken, she was able to pass the test.

She credits her teachers for preparing her for the test.

“All the packets and after school work, it helped a lot,” Leiva said.

Last year, black students had a 91 percent passing rate, Hispanic students had a 91 percent passing rate, white students had 97 percent passing rate, Asian students had a 98 percent passing rate, students with disabilities had a 88 percent passing rate, economically disadvantaged students had a 92 percent passing rate and students with limited English proficiency had a 92 percent passing rate.

Science department chair Isaac Boakye says that these are the highest scores the department has had while he has been at AHS. He thinks such results came as the culmination of more teacher collaboration in the department. Most of the teachers were using the same types of tools, such a practice tests,

Science SOL Passing Rates (2010-2011)

Black Students: 91%

Limited English: Proficiency 92%

Hispanic Students: 91%

Students with disabilities: 88%

to prepare their students.

“Since the teachers were all doing almost the same things, it was difficult for a kid to slip through the cracks,” Boakye said.

He is also proud that the scores increased in all of the sub-groups, meaning every race increased their scores, as well as students with disabilities, students with limited English proficiency and students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Even with these scores, Boakye is hopeful that the science department will improve the scores in the coming school year.

“We’ll try to do even better,” Boakye said.

Biology teacher Caroline

White Students: 97%

Economically disadvantaged: 92%

Asian Students 98%

Gergel agrees with DeNicola that the students must be taught the science before they can prepare for the test. One unique tool she uses with her students is teaching them word etymology. She hopes that if the student sees a question and is confused, they can break down the word in order to try to find the right answer.

Gergel does not fear the test this year, and deals with the small amounts of students who are struggling by asking them to stay after or sending their parents e-mails.

“Most of them make a good deal of effort,” Gergel said.

NEWS

Jan. 18, 2012

Students reflect on Iraq War said. Despite his fears, Omerbell is still grateful for what the U.S. did for his country.

“I thank this country for saving me, my family, and even my people’s lives,” Omerbell said.

AHS community describes everyday impact of War “Iraq” continued from page 1

Although her husband was not happy with his computer hacking job in Iraq, he always felt safe. Even so, unlike Omerbell, they are both pleased that the occupation of Iraq has ended.

“It’s about time,” Tufts said. “We still have other family members there, so it’s nice to know they’ll be out of there.”

Despite the end of U.S. military involvement in Iraq, troops are still fighting in Afghanistan.

Tufts says she is unsure of whether her husband will be sent there to hack computers.

“There’s always a chance,” she said.

Senior Steven Lose also shares Tufts sense of relief, because his uncle served in the Air Force and flew in and out of Iraq from 2003 to 2008.

“I was always worried, but it’s safer than having him in the Marines,” Lose said. “I feel relieved now that I know he’s safe.”

Lose says his uncle is also relieved to be home and that it is unlikely he will go to

“

senior

Afghanistan.

“He’s glad to be home permanently,” Lose

”

He says that is happy the troops are home safe, but he is still worried about Iraq’s future without the U.S. troops. He also is critical of President Obama.

“I support our troops pulling out, but think about the ones who died, think about the reasons why they were there,” Omerbell said.

“Those lives will all go to waste just because our president wants to have another four years [in office.]”

“We should have the option to start before labor day, it puts us in line with the testing schedule and benefits the students,” Principal Vincent Randazzo said.

Some Virginia schools request waivers to allow them to open before labor day, however that circumstance is available to schools which experienced a high number of snow days for a duration of eight years.

Many schools in our district do not qualify for the waivers, including AHS, and therefore are forced to comply with the law. WTOP reports that 77 of the 132 school districts requested and qualified for the waivers during the 2011-2012 school year indicating that there needs to be a change to the law.

In terms of testing schedules, teachers and students require a great deal of time in order to prepare for IB, AP, SOLs and other standardized tests and exams.

“It would be great if the law were repealed and schools started earlier.

Name: Visoda Heng Grade: 11 “I think it’s stupid because I would have less sleep. I don’t need anymore school than that. I enjoy my summertime. People are used to two months of travel.”

Q: What is it like to work in such a diverse school?

A: Gaithersbrug high school was very diverse, they also have a huge Hispanic population. Diversity here is much different, we have a larger Asian and Middle Eastern population.

Name: Eric Mejean Grade: 10 “I am okay with it, at least we get out earlier.”

Q: Did you take over all of Cliff Hickman’s students?

A: Yes, I’m taking over all of the students with the last names A-BEC.

Name: Eric Mejean Grade: 10 “Personally, I don’t like the idea of a longer school year because I enjoy traveling and relaxing during my summer break.”

McDonnell proposes alter to tenure system Changes from tri-annual to annual review of teachers “Tenure” continued from page 1

Tenure is based on experience and performance and is reviewed every three years based upon teachers’ performance and depending on the evaluation, pay is also determined by the number of years a teacher has worked.

Along with tenure, teachers sign a contract with the county where they work which keeps them from leaving midway through the year. However, if McDonnell’s proposal is passed the contract would be invalid and teachers would be able to leave if they were to get another job offer.

“This is a major issue that gets ideological, it is a political red-herring,” IB Geography and Theory of Knowledge teacher John Hawes said.

It would also be more feasible for administrators to let go of teachers if there was a oneyear evaluation period.

“I just think it’s another example of teachers being treated as the enemy. Everything directed

PROPOSAL FACTS —1 year evaluation period for teachers.

—Reducing number of diplomas offered to students from 7 to 3.

—Dual enrollment for high school students, giving them the opportunity to work towards an associate’s degree.

at improving education is directed at teachers,” English teacher Jan Kamide said, “We already have to secure advanced degrees, we are required to supplement our training continuously and at our own expense.” It is Kamide’s first year teaching at AHS, but she has been a teacher for a total of

Guidance Counselor Joseph Mazzarella came to AHS a month ago as the replacement for the retiring Cliff Hickman.

Q: What is your education background?

A: I went to Rider University and did my Masters at Johns Hopkins University in school counseling.

GRAPHIC BY NASIHA RASHID

“Education” continued from page 1

Time is the number one thing lacking in education, it would definitely help us out with IB and SOL tests, “ IB Biology teacher Claudia Lemus said.

Starting in early September as opposed to late August serves as a disadvantage to students who require the additional time to prepare for standardized tests. Starting late has a greater impact, although it may not be apparent students who are given less time to prepare for exams and more idle time seem to be falling behind in education and general productivity.

Sports would also be experience changes to their scheduling and practices during the summer depending on when school begins.

However some students are not open to the potential change. “I would move to another state because I want my summer break. I usually go on vacation’s the entire summer,” sophomore Nelofar Jamdar said.

Although some students acknowledge the fact that the proposal would be beneficial to students they are still averse to it.

“In theory it’s a good idea but students aren’t to agree to it, they’re not going to like it,” sophomore Caroline Edwards said.

Guidance Counselor: Joseph Mazzarella

Q: Where did you work before?

A: I used to work at Gaithersburg high school in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Schools could open before Labor Day Proposal would repeal King’s Dominion Law

Get to know Joseph Mazzarella

Pulling out was a big mistake.

Iraq will go back to how it was in 2003.

—Kardoo Omerbell

Senior Kardoo Omerbell fears Iraq will have a Civil War

5

10 years.

There are additional K-12 proposals, such as the reduced number of diplomas offered to students from seven to three.

He proposed to create an advisory committee to help those applying to charter schools and the establishment of a path for licensor for online teachers and accrediting virtual schools.

McDonnell also wants to have the opportunity for students to participate in dual enrollment where they are able to work towards an associate’s degree while in high school.

An undetermined amount of funds will be allocated for third and fourth graders who are having issues with reading.

In addition, businesses will be given tax credits if they donate to scholarship funds and the creation of a pilot program for ninth and tenth grade students to provide lessons on leadership and preventative health care.

If the proposals are accepted by the general assembly, the changes will come into effect during the 2013-2014 school year.

Q: How do you plan on building relationships with Seniors who had Hickman for four years at AHS? A: I’ve been taking the last 2 weeks calling down seniors and knowing where they are with college applications and academics. I’ve got to hit the ground running.

Battle of the Classes

Seniors Hiba Abuelhawa and Evelyn Jaramillo boo the freshmen.

Students find new ways of getting out of class “Skipping” continued from page 1

Another method is through their parents, whether the parents know it or not.

“A young lady called her mom to just come get her,” security specialist KW Williams said. “So I stopped the car and told her she couldn’t leave but her mother got out and cursed me out in her language.”

Fortunately, not all parents are as willing to allow their children to miss school. “[Students] bring fake letters or make false calls to check out, but we get suspicious and call the parents or we compare the parents’ signatures from the past,” attendance secretary Shirley Altounian said. “Sometimes they tell us they have to go to funerals and then we find out there was no funeral.”

A third way to skip class, usually used by students who have nowhere to go outside of school, is to hide around the school for a few hours.

One student, who wishes to remain anonymous, stored a sleeping bag in her locker and used it to sleep through math class in the large bathroom stall in the upstairs social studies hallway. The bathrooms are hot spots for anybody looking to take a break from learning.

“Some have been hiding in the bathroom with their feet up on the stall,” Williams said. “And sometimes they’re taking their lunch in there with them too.”

The last way, and perhaps the most risky, is to just leave school grounds without notifying anyone.

While it does go against SR&R guidelines and could get one in serious trouble, as Principal Vince Randazzo spoke of during the Jan. 12 morning announcements, most students find themselves able to get away with it.

“You just ask to go to student services and leave,” an anonymous student said. “We either go out to eat or just chill, and we’ve never gotten caught.”

Other students can’t help but get caught while attempting to sneak off

A group of sophomores participate in a tug-of-war against freshmen students.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MARWA ABDELAZIZ

Creative skipping methods pose problem

Some students spend hours in the school day in the bathrooms just to get out of class.

school grounds.

“I’ve seen students trying to jump the fence in the back and then getting their pants stuck and torn,” Williams said.

Getting caught for skipping is not only embarrassing; it usually results

in referrals and detentions. Cutting class does not seem worth it, as it only hurts the students, but apparently many aren’t understanding that.

“These kids just do all sorts of things, it’s crazy,” Williams said.

Senior student participants cheer after winning Battle of the Classes on Jan. 13.

-Photos by AJ McCafferty

PEOPLE

6

If you could get a tattoo of anything what would it be and why?

Jan. 18, 2012

Impression by expression Students explain how they portray themselves to others through their own appearances

BY GABY CAMILLI Photographer

“I would get Ranger Red from Power Rangers because his symbol means power and intelligence.”

— Fenan Ghirmay freshman “My tattoo would probably be something in Chinese because it would be a conversation starter.”

High school is filled with experiences that can shape who a person is as an individual. These four years help many students find out who they really are, so it is very important that students celebrate the sense of originality that comes from this learning experience.

“I think people in general can dress or do whatever they want with themselves and be prepared to hear criticism and take the best or worst,” sophomore Nikita Coelho said. “As long as you enjoy what you wear it’s no one else’s business.”

With many rules and regulations on what a person is allowed to say or do at school, most students take advantage of AHS’s non-uniformed dress code as a way to express themselves as unique individuals.

“I express myself through what I wear and I dye my hair a lot. I think it looks cute and lets people kind of get a hint of who I am through my appearance,” freshman Rachel Feldbauer said.

More and more students at are being seen with crazy-colored dyed hair, piercings, tattoos and all types of “out-there” clothing. Students are not

necessarily doing this for personal attention, but rather to illustrate their true personalities.

“It’s really important to express yourself because you look and feel good if you’re wearing something that really makes you feel like your own self,” sophomore Jennifer Nguyen said. “I kind of like to wear the colors that represent what I feel and what I wear is what I like and reflects my personality.”

These popular ways of expressing yourself through your appearance often disappear once you reach the real world. This is one of the reasons teens commonly use their appearance as a creative outlet to express themselves.

On the other hand, there are students who say they don’t care about their appearance. Some students come to school without taking the time to worry about whether their clothes and hair are just right because comfort is the most important thing to them.

“I like to dress casually when I come to school because it’s comfortable and when I wear comfortable clothes I’m a lot happier,” junior Julia Copenhaver said.“Plus, it is way too early in the morning to be putting forth effort.”

“I don’t necessarily go out of my way to dress crazy and stand out to express myself, but I do think it is important that people get this opportunity to let people know what they’re like and who they are inside,” freshman Aaron Pierce said.

—Cynthia Weiner sophomore

Uniqueness in body art and clothing

“I would get an owl because they symbolize poetry.”

“I got my nose pierced at the end of eighth ghth grade because I moved into a differentt school and I wanted to be a little different erent from everyone else. I also thought it was cool and it expresses me as an individual.””

“I would get my mom’s name tattooed on my back because I love my mom and she’s my hero.”

—Christopher Villena junior

—Jonathan Gonzalez senior

“Having a m mohawk isn’t a hairstyle, it’s a lifestyle.

I’ve had this hairstyle for a year, after seeing it on someone else and liking it. It shows that I’m a little crazy.”

—Eddie Feia junior

—Ashley Parada senior

––Compiled by Chloe Loving

Celebrity Birthdays “I wear my bracelets because they all have sentimental value, either I’ve made them or they were a gift from some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. They represent PLUR, which stands ands for peace, love, unity and respect. I get a lot of them from concerts or events and I hope ope to get a lot more bracelets when I work at the he EDM festival at the end of January.”

February 1 Lauren Conrad 2 Shakira 3 Isla Fisher 4 Alice Cooper 5 Jeremy Sumpter 6 Axl Rose

26 35 36 64 23 50

ERTY

— Addy Bramson junior

AFF A.J. MCC TION BY

20 44 36 47 48 26 31 3 43 32 30 23 31

—Carly Potts sophomore

“I got my tattoo for my 16th birthday at Handmade Tattoo Parlor. It’s a dream catcher and they’re re something I remember from my childhood. I have three feathers, one for each sister. The middle feather is the longest, representing myself as the middle child.”

ILLUSTRA

January 19 Shaun Johnson 20 Melissa Rivers 21 Emma Lee Bunton 22 Diane Lane 23 Mariska Hargitay 24 Mischa Barton 25 Alicia Keys 26 Suleman Octuplets 27 Patton Oswalt 28 Nick Carter 29 Adam Lambert 30 Khleo Thomas 31 Justin Timberlake

“I got my belly button pierced when I was fourteen and I like the look of it. It reminds me of th the beach and looks good when I wear a bikini. It shows my self expression because I’m not afraid a to do something different.”

—Jessica Jessica Hotter senior

“I wear these pants because I think they look good. I feel like it’s the new styl style and I feel like jeans are for more casual events. I like to wear them because they show what my style is compared to others.”

—Erick Estrada sophomore

THIS ILLUSTRATION IS AN IMAGE COMPILED FROM ALL SIX INDIVIDUALS DISPLAYED ABOVE.

Who am I? • This is my eighth year teaching at AHS.

• This is my seventh year teaching at AHS.

• I attended the College of William and Mary.

• I attended Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts.

•I majored in international relations and Spanish.

•In my spare time, I travel.

• I like to listen to anything that sounds good.

• I have traveled to Spain, Ireland, Italy, England, France, Portugal, Scotland, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Rwanda, Mexico and I am still adding to the list!

• My favorite part of working in a school is working with my students.

• My motto is: “Life is too short, enjoy it while you can!”

Meet: Kunny Kou On your smartphone, scan the code above using the application “QR Code” to see a profile of an AHS student.

• I majored in near eastern and Judaic studies and minored in theater.

• In my spare time, I participate in acting, stage managing and producing theater and sing in chorus.

• I like to listen to Led Zeppelin, Spin Doctors, The Who, The Beatles and musicals.

• I have traveled to Egypt, Turkey, Mexico, Greece and Israel.

• My birthday is Oct. 1.

• My favorite part of working in a school is working with the students and seeing them learn.

• I played basketball.

• My motto is: “Just take it one step at a time.”

• My favorite TV show is How I Met Your Mother.

• My birthday is June 15.

• My favorite store is J. Crew.

• An interesting fact about me is my birthday was celebrated the wrong day the first 15 years of my life.

• I played street hockey.

–Compiled by Megan Flynn

To find out who these teachers are, visit www.thea-blast.org/category/student-life/people/

HEALTH Do exercise supplements work?

Jan. 18, 2012

Differing opinions arise as teens turn to protein to improve athletic performance

7

How do you stay energized?

“I sleep and that keeps me energized. I also bike and longboard.”

BY ESRA GOKTURK Health Editor

—Charlie Sattock freshman

“I go running, I eat healthy and I drink a lot of water.”

AJ MCCAFFERTY

After a grueling winter track practice, junior Jae Min Kim returns home, where he fixes himself a glass of Nesquik with an added ingredient: protein. For two years, this has been Kim’s routine every other day after practice, when he uses supplements in an attempt to “get big.”

“When I use [protein supplements], I notice a difference in my weight and size,” Kim said.

Kim, who plays sports year-round, is just one of many AHS students who have begun using protein and workout supplements out of a desire to maintain their fitness and gain muscle mass.

“I wasn’t expecting it to work, but [the protein powder I use] really does help,” junior Stephen Oakes said.

Oakes’s exercise routine includes drinking one shake in the morning and another within 15 minutes of working out.

“I’ve definitely been getting results with swimming, but I haven’t noticed any physical changes,” Oakes said.

This use of protein supplements raises questions about their actual effectiveness, as students and teachers hold varying beliefs concerning whether the supplements benefit athletes or instead hinder their performance.

Most people already consume sufficient protein in their daily diets, which means that they do not need an extra amount. In fact, many supplements exceed the daily recommended amount of protein.

Instead of using such supplements, athletes can gain protein through the foods that they eat, as excess protein consumed through supplements can merely turn into calories.

Head Swim & Dive Coach Neal Jarvis advises his swimmers against taking protein shakes and supplements, recognizing the extra calories that they can create.

“In most Western diets you get more than enough protein and your body cannot store it for very long and most of it ends up passing through you. The shakes are not necessary, especially if you’re not working out,” Jarvis said.

Many supplement users are also unaware of the effects of the substances they consume in

Junior Justice Garrish lifts after school for varsity wrestling practice. Athletes can gain muscle before competitions through weight training classes. Many high school sports discourage and sometimes ban the use of energy supplements.

terms of how they affect one’s body. Creatine, a main ingredient in most workout supplements, is widely used by athletes to enhance athletic performance and build muscle.

When creatine is not consumed as part of your daily diet from foods such as fish and other proteins, your body produces it naturally.

If excess creatine is consumed, your body’s muscle stores increased amounts of creatine and phosphocreatine, which studies have shown can enhance athletic performance in the short term.

However, many studies indicate that creatine does not have an effect on long-term athletic performance or exercise involving muscular endurance.

“I’ve been using them for about a year and a half and they’ve shown good results,” junior Justice Garrish said.

Many supplements also contain high levels of caffeine. Caffeine is a common energy booster, so it makes sense that it would be an ingredient in workout supplements.

However, high levels of caffeine, combined with strenuous exercise can lead to serious health problems. That being said, such supplements, including energy drinks, are strongly discouraged for high school athletes.

Since many athletes strive to perform at their

minute

5meals

By Betsy Kruse and Esra Gokturk

Try this new take on the classic PB&J sandwich to eat healthy in the new year

peak, the side effects of these protein supplements seem like enough to turn one away. In fact, short term side effects include muscle cramps, nausea and digestive problems, though they vary depending on the product. Although there have not been any concrete studies on the long term effects of these supplements, there are indications that they may cause future kidney damage.

“I don’t really think [supplements] are a risk,” senior Delwyn Molina said. “If you continue to work out they are nothing but beneficial for your body.”

However, supplements alone are not enough to make a difference.

“For the supplements to work, a certain regiment of diet and exercise has to be followed and most highschoolers do not do that,” athletic trainer Chris Austen said.

That is not to say that protein supplements need to be avoided altogether. There are supplements and beverages that are safe if consumed properly and can produce the results that their makers advertise.

“I think it depends on what you are trying to do,” senior Alec Villafana said. “If you want to bulk up, I think the supplements help; if you’re trying to lose weight, they probably don’t.”

Try this gourmet grilled cheese sandwich to quickly fill you up without consuming many calories

Cheese Melt Ingredients Needed: 1/2 teaspoon of spicy mustard, one slice of whole grain rye bread, one slice of sharp cheddar, one slice of tomato, caraway seeds

Cashew-Strawberry Crunch

Serving Size: 8 chips Average Calories: 340 per serving Nutritional Grade: B

REALSIMPLE .COM

Ingredients Needed: Two tablespoons of cashew butter (can be substituted with peanut butter), five Triscuits, 1/2 tablespoon of honey, five strawberries 1.) Spread cashew butter on the Triscuits.

2.) Drizzle honey over the cashew butter.

3.) Wash and slice strawberries in half and place on the Tricuits.

4.) Place on a plate and enjoy!

—Griselda Jimenez sophomore

“Going to the gym and running. I drink a lot of water and eat healthy.”

—Diana Hurtado sophomore

“I play soccer, I run every single day and I wrestle my little brother.”

—Alaa Haj-Assaad junior

—Compiled by Andrea Melendez

Start 2012 with a new fitness routine Calf raises: Start standing straight up, flat on your feet. Raise yourself up on your toes and slowly lower yourself until you are again standing flat on your feet.

Repeat 25 times.

Curtsies: Put your hands on your hips and place one foot in front of the other.

Lift your back heel and turn your front out.

Squat down and bend your knees in opposite directions.

Repeat 15 times and then switch.

1.) Spread spicy mustard evenly on bread.

2.) Place a slice of cheddar cheese about on the bread, leaving a small amount of space around the edges of the bread.

3.) Put in the oven and broil until the cheese has melted. Be sure to watch closely to prevent the sandwich from burning.

4.) Place a slice of tomato on top of the cheese.

5.) Sprinkle the sandwich with caraway seeds.

6.) Place on a plate and enjoy!

Serving Size: one melt Average Calories: 213 per serving Nutritional Grade: B+ Elbow to knee: Stand with your feet shoulderwidth apart.

Lift your knee and touch it to your opposite elbow while twisting your torso.

Switch and lift opposite knee.

Repeat 30 times.

Brain damage from soccer On your smartphone, scan the code above using the application “QR Code” to view an article on the dangers from heading soccer balls.

What are you most looking forward to at the benefit concert?

“I’m not going because I’ve never heard of it.”

—Mona

Hajhassan freshman

“I’m looking forward to seeing all of the great performers.”

—Amanda Villafana sophomore

“I really want to see Ms. Gould perform.”

—Kyle

Jamieson junior

Jan. 18, 2012

Annual benefit concert nears STAND club hopes to raise funds for genocide

BY MARISSA URIARTE Staff Writer Looking to contribute to a great cause? The Students Take Action Now Darfur (STAND) Benefit concert strives to stop global genocide.

With just two days left, performers clean up their acts in preparation for the Jan. 20 event. Performances including Oh! Satellite, Townhouse, Paula Naanou, the step team and dance team meet to rehearse their routines for the upcoming show.

STAND organization tries to raise awareness and money for the different genocides that are happening in the world today. All the money you donate though your $7 ticket goes to the STAND organization and ends up in the hands of communities in need.

“It’s supporting such a great cause and there are many people that are in need of help and with their [student] support, we can make an impact on their lives,” STAND president Anais Flores said.

Last year, the concert raised about $800, which was all donated to the Genocide Intervention Network. This organization works closely with world leaders and anti-genocide activists in the fight against genocide worldwide by creating a permanent anti-genocide constituency. Countries such as Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo are the focus areas in reducing mass genocide.

“STAND is a wonderful, wonderful group and I would do anything to help out,” psychology

EMILY BLANK

8

ARTS

Senior Erik Hoff plays a song he has prepared for the benefit concert for fellow senior Sarah Holmlund.

teacher Katie Gould said. She will be singing “Travelin’ Solider” by Bruce Robison and “I want to Hold Your Hand” by the Beatles. There will be ten performances on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium, all of which are students and teachers of AHS. “There are moments when helping with STAND feels like a lot of work on top of teaching, but I’m reminded that organizations like STAND highlight that every human being has dignity and I hope that students will come to support the concert,” sponsor Amy Graham said.

It’s still not to late to help contribute your efforts. STAND welcomes new students to help make posters, sell tickets and attend their

meeting Jan. 18 after school in room 265. “We welcome newcomers anytime,” Graham said.

STAND also hopes to educate teenagers on what’s happening around the world because many of them do not know. With last year’s achievements, STAND officers hope to bring the same entertaining show.

“All the performances were amazing, some singers even wrote their own songs that relate to your life,” treasurer Visoda Heng said, “you’re just in a room full of people who care to help others, and it’s pretty astonishing to see the amount of students that would go to the concert rather than hang out with their friends on a Friday night."

Get pl gged in: meet the performers

“I’m excited to see Paula Naanou sing, because she’s so good!”

Townhouse Band

Sarath junior

Paula Naanou “I’m looking forward to supporting a great cause.”

Style: Pop/Rock Grade: 11 “I’m really looking forward to performing at the benefit concert and I hope I can make people smile during my performance. I plan to perform ‘Make You Feel My Love’ by Adele, the piano version of ‘Pumped Up Kicks’

by Foster the People, and ‘Oh La La’ by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.”

—Mauricio Iriarte junior

“I’m working the show, but I’m looking forward to seeing the many performances.”

Dwyer senior

“I want to see Oh, Satellite perform.”

EMILY BLANK

—Kelly

Chris and Jasmine Style: Pop/Rock Grade: 12 Members: Jasmine Lee, Chris Groshan “This is our first year performing in the benefit concert and it really feels like a debut for us because it’s a big step forward to my whole dream of becoming a singer and Chris’ of becoming a musician. Chris and I clash sometimes when it comes to what songs we’ll choose to perform and working by myself would be great, but it’s too much pressure being alone, so having someone as comforting and patient as Chris balances the pressure and calms me down. We’re really looking forward to seeing Ms. Gould perform the most, because we saw a video clip of her singing freshman year and it was really cool.” senior Jasmine Lee said.

Katherine Gould Style: Acoustic World History and Psychology Teacher

Popular local singer/songwriter releases longawaited EP On your smartphone, scan the code above using the application “QR Code” to find out about local talent, Chelsea Lee, and her most recent artistic accomplishments.

“We’re really looking forward to performing in the benefit concert this year. It’s always an interesting experience because everyone in our band has such a great personality.

We plan on performing ‘Mr. Blue Sky’ and ‘Rockaria’ by Electric Light Orchestra and a really funny song

by The Beards called ‘If Your Dad Doesn’t Have a Beard, You’ve Got Two Mums.’ We have six people in our band playing a mix of trumpet, electric guitar, bass guitar, drums, and piano, so we’re really excited!” junior Andrew Riddle said.

Full list of performers:

—Cynthia

Quintanilla senior

Style: Alternative Rock Grade: 11 and 12 Members: Andrew Riddle, Jordan Winkler, Paulina Stehr, Michael Lavelle, Bobby Stevenson, Willie Labarca, Ned Danyliw COURTESY OF TOWNHOUSE BAND

—Nisha

“Last year was my first year that I was asked to perform in the benefit concert and I couldn’t be more honored to be asked to perform again this year. I am thrilled to be part of such a wonderful production that is raising money and awareness for such an important cause. I am so excited to listen to my students and support them that night as well, because we have so many talented young men and women at this school who are doing such a great thing to support social justice in this world. I plan on performing ‘Travelin’ Soldier’ by the Dixie Chicks and ‘I Wanna Hold Your Hand’

by The Beatles. I want to dedicate the song to anyone who is in love--gay, straight, or bisexual--because all love is equal.”

Chris and Jasmine Paula Naanou Ms. Gould Townhouse Band Gwen Levey Oh, Satellite AHS Dance Team The Waysarers The Step Team Zack

ACADEMICS

Jan. 18, 2012

IB recipients return to AHS Graduates receive their diplomas and encourage current candidates

9 ASK Abby Academic Advice Column

BY BREKHNAA GULL Academics Editor

By Abby Barnes

AHS alumni and IB Diploma recipients from the class of 2011 visited AHS on Jan. 5 to receive the IB Diploma. They also encouraged the 2012 IB Diploma candidates to continue on their current path.

“The road to this point had been challenging, but fulfilling. Curiosity and wanting to challenge myself made me sign up for IB and it was worth it,” Polette Centellas said. She is currently a freshman at University of Virginia and she was the Valedictorian for the class of 2011.

“The graduates were very inspirational in delivering key messages about the diploma preparing them for college and how it empowered them,” Shirley Campbell IB Diploma coordinator said.

The IB candidates of 2012 and 2013 listened attentively to the 2011 graduates in order to receive advice about the IB program.

“The IB Diploma is worth it. It teaches you great skills like time management and it gives you lots of credits for college,” Gessica Azzam, freshman at George Mason University, said.

“The candidates saw how the benefits extended

To receive input on the IB program, a cross-section of students in various classes were asked on January 10 to write down the first word that came to their mind when the word, “IB,” was given. The more responses there were for a word, the larger the word appears in the world cloud. The word “hard” scored the highest, with 21 responses. 172 responses were collected.

into college; they got to see the end results of their hard work and how it is all going to be worth it,” Campbell said.

Though many underclassmen are still debating about whether or not they should take the IB route, it is crucial that the decision is made early on so that they may choose their classes properly.

“It is difficult, but doable, and what you get out of it is more than what you could imagine right

now,” Centellas said.

Although most of the returning recipients saw the IB program as valuable, some AHS students had contrasting feelings toward the IB program.

The A-Blast conducted an activity where students were asked to write down the first word that came to mind on an index card when given the word “IB.” Students gave various replies including “challenging” and “overrated.”

Meet the IB Diploma recipients of 2011 POLETTE CENTELLAS

VICTORIA KO

University Of Virginia

University of Virginia

Major: Engineering

Major: Undecided, probably biochemistry or

2011 class Valedictorian with 4.7 GPA

biology

Advice: “Stick with the program because you

Advice: “The advice I have for juniors is if you

learn new qualities like time management and

are unsure [of going for the IB Diploma], just

learning how to manage time help get sleep.”

do it. My twin [did not go for the IB Diploma] and got wait listed at UVA, and we had similar credentials.”

ALAY TEDLA

ELISA FIGUEROA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State

Stanford University

University

Major: Undecided, probably biology

Major: Chemical engineering

Advice: “Although sleep is an issue, keep

Advice: “Just do [the IB Diploma]. It prepares

worrying about your grades because they’re most

you for college. I have about four hours of

important.”

classes each day and 20 hours of free time to do whatever I want.”

LINDA CHITAYAPUNTAGUL

KIDIST KETEMA

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State

John Hopkins University

University

Major: Biology or Physics

Major: Chemistry

off last minute and don’t pass by a point or

Diploma], just stick with it because you’ll feel

two.”

really happy [you did] because it really prepares you for college.”

BASHIR WARSAME

AYA IBRAHIM

The College of William & Mary

Swarthmore College Major: Economics Advice: “For juniors, [concerning your] extended

Advice: “To seniors: you should not stress out

essay and college applications, get started ASAP

too much. It’s your last year of high school, [so]

because it’s a lot of stress and it’ll be really hectic

have fun.”

Dear Otherwise Engaged, You should usually listen to teachers who say that you cannot handle their class. After all, it is their job to evaluate you and help you achieve superlative academic success. However, you seem to have already figured out why your grade is not as high as it should be.

Your dilemma is most likely due to the lack of time caused by being involved in too many extracurricular activities. The most important thing right now as an IB candidate—and listen close—is that you are able to maintain your good grades. The most fundamental part of the IB program are students that excel academically.

Your many extra-curricular activities are not going to matter as much when you find out you have to re-take a core course due to lack of time management skills.

If you can manage your time well (i.e. go directly to your desk to start your homework immediately after softball practice) and are still struggling with that F, it is time to consider making major extracurricular cuts.

- Abby Have a problem? E-mail Abby at abby305@gmail.com

Advice: “Study for the IB exams. People slack

Advice: “If you’re unsure [about the IB

Major: Undecided

Dear Abby, I have an F in Algebra II! But it is only because I never have time to study. My teacher says I should switch out, but I don’t want to look like a slacker. The thing is, I’m an IB Diploma candidate, so there might be bigger consequences to switching out. I’m involved in track, Young Democrats, GSA, softball, Model UN, Social Studies Honor Society, and orchestra and I also have a Fairfax County internship. Help me please!

- Otherwise Engaged

before winter break.”

Class of 2012’s IB Experiences SARAH KNENLIN

KUNNY KOU

IB Diploma Candidate

IB Diploma Candidate

“It’s a lot of work, but your health should come

“I think it taught me my strengths and

first. If you don’t have your health you don’t have

weaknesses. If I had a chance to do it all over

anything, and if you lose sleep over work, you

again I would not because there were a lot of

won’t get anything done. If I had a chance to do it

different requirements we had to meet like

all over again, I would, because I don’t like taking

having SLs and HLs.”

boring classes.”

DANIELLE TURNER

ANTHONY YOUNG

IB Diploma Candidate

IB Diploma drop out

“IB classes have taught me to not just memorize

“There is a pretty heavy workload and I’d rather

the material, but to think it. If I had a chance to

improve my GPA than get the IB Diploma. If I

do the IB Diploma all over again I would because

had a chance to do the diploma all over again

I know that the skills I have developed will be

I probably would have taken it a little more

useful in college.”

seriously and assumed that the course work

Vocabulary Words CLEMENCY Noun Disposition to be merciful and especially to moderate the severity of punishment due PEDANT Noun Person insists on strict adherence to rules or narrow learning; unimaginative COALESCE Verb To grow together or into one body; unite so as to form one mass; blend together VERBOSE Adjective Containing more words than necessary; rambling

would be the same as pre-IB classes.”

Class of 2013’s IB Experiences ANDREA LOPEZ

SAHIL CHWALA

IB Diploma Candidate

IB Diploma Candidate

“The IB Diploma is supposed to be challenging

“The IB curriculum is hard because the classes

and hard for students that want a taste of college,

are college level courses, but it’s also beneficial

but I will stick with it because I want to challenge

because it prepares your for college work.”

myself by taking IB classes.”

Seniors applying to colleges On your smart phone, scan the code above using the application “QR Code” to view a video about colleges seniors have applied to.

10

IN-DEPTH

Jan. 18, 2012

That’s what they said: While on the campaign trail, the republican candidates have made numerous statements. These earned a “False” or “Pants-onfire” rating on Politifacts.com’s truth scale.

“Any child born prematurely, according to the president, in his own words, can be killed.”

Claims that in the stimulus package “is anti-Christian legislation that will stop churches from using public schools for meeting on Sundays, as well as Boy Scouts and student Bible study groups.”

“ [Planned Parenthood’s ] early objective was to help kill black babies before they came into the world.”

Students missing from political discussion Presidential primary provokes little interest in teenagers Newt Gingrich

“Speaker Pelosi ... has been busy sticking the taxpayer with her $100,000 bar tab for alcohol on the military jets that she’s flying.”

Michelle Bachmann “We’re only inches away from ceasing to be a free market economy.”

Mitt Romney

“Our kids can’t openly celebrate Christmas or pray in school.”

Rick Perry

“A new national poll shows the majority of the American people believe we should have a gold standard” for U.S. currency.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY TRICIA O’NEILL

Herman Cain

ILLUSTRATIONS BY TRICIA O’NEILL

Rick Santorum

DANA FILIPCZYK Staff Writer For those interested in politics, every four years, it “that time” again. The new presidential election season is gearing up, the Republican Party presidential primaries have begun, and political parties are preparing for the big date in November.

Despite the national attention to the election, AHS students are mostly uninterested.

Students with a great enthusiasm for politics join the Young Democrats and Young Republican clubs, but this year even they seem to be struggling.

Young Republicans was formed so that conservative students could meet and help advertise for an upcoming election, but second quarter has almost ended and the club has yet to be fully organized.

Club officers have not been elected either, and members have been struggling to choose a viable Republican candidate to endorse.

“They’re just divided,” Young Republicans sponsor and Government teacher Fred Zuniga said. “When we had our first meeting, we had a few kids, maybe two or three who liked Romney, but the others didn’t. Two or three liked Gingrich, but the others didn’t. They want a perfect candidate, someone who appeals to every one’s interests, but there isn’t one, and that is why they are divided.”

But division is not the only issue lowering enthusiasm about these clubs. The media was willing to begin coverage in February of last year, but for many students, the timing is too early. The new year and the Republican Party primaries have only begun and neither party will have a nominee officially announced until the conventions take place in late August and early September.

“This year is an off year, but when September

starts the Young Republicans can start up,” Zuniga said. “Every other year is a curse.”

But student’s apathy is not just a result of the date. Some students simply do not care, while other’s find the political process hard to follow and that they have little knowledge on the issues.

Vote?

“I’m not interested because the issues are too complicated,” sophomore Joselin Hoyos said.

As junior Luisa Olivo sees it, students are also involved in time consuming school work and other extra-curricular activities instead of paying close attention to the election.

“I don’t have the time [to follow politics],” Olivo said.

Zuniga, however is more hopeful for the future.

“These kids are all worried about their college essays and applications,” Zuniga said. “Don’t be down because these kids aren’t engaged. They’ll get engaged, it just takes time.”

Many students also feel that some of the issues don’t concern them. Most may not be old enough to

vote in the next election.

Other students are disillusioned with the political process, and the lack of unity in the government creates a harsh environment that dissuades some students from being involved. “[Politics] are too dramatic and I don’t like the fighting between the political parties,” junior Alba Campos said. “They tell you they’re going to do something, and then they don’t; they’re liars.”

According to the presidential race survey recently distributed, 60 percent of students affiliated themselves more with the Democratic Party compared to 14 percent for the Republican Party.

President Barack Obama is believed to be the clear candidate to win the primary for the Democratic Party. He is virtually running unopposed. The majority of the students who favor the Democratic Party do not have much to be involved in right now.

With the Republican party, even though the process of the primaries is beginning, due to less support, student interest in this election is low.

The layout of this election so far compared to the 2008 election has possibly played a big part as well. The 2008 election is considered one of the most historic presidential elections of all time, where the nation could of potentially had the first African American or woman president.

“That election was really close and it was exciting,” Zuniga said. “Obama and Hiliary were so exciting. There’s no excitement now.”

Caucasus and primaries for the Republican Party have been held in states so far that may not pose any interest to the students. The Virginia primary may influence enthusiasm, but it will not take place until March 6.

“I would just like kids to get involved, and to find out about their government and vote, because if you don’t then the participation is very low and it won’t be reflective of what we want,” Zuniga said. “Our government is only as good as its people.”

Ron Paul

Defining Terms

What you need to know about the issues:

Liberalism: A political and social philosophy founded on the importance of liberty and equal rights

ILLUSTRATIONS BY TRICIA O’NEILL

Democratic Party: Party that generally supports a socially liberal and progressive platform, particularly on issues of social justice

Noninterventionist: A foreign policy that political leaders should avoid alliances with other nations while maintaining diplomacy

Libertarian Party: This political party favors minimally regulated markets, strong civil liberties and freedom of trade and travel to all foreign countries

Conservatism:

Republicans

Interventionism:

Republican Party: Also known as the GOP (Grand Old Party) they support close adherence to the constitution and a limited federal government

Republicans

Democrats

• consumers informed to choose best plan for themselves • against government control of system • foster competition between private companies to lower costs

• support government regulation • preserve traditional understanding of marriage of health care • traditional family structure • passed and support Affordable provides best stable Care Act environment for children • tax cut to small business to • state’s right not to recognize compensate for employe same-sex “marriages” coverage

Republicans

Democrats • generally support same-sex marriage • majority support LBGT antidescrimination laws • do not include issue in party platform

Abortion

Gun Control Democrats

• gun ownership enables • support federal gun licensing Americans to defend themselves, • support tough gun control property, and communities • increase obsession restrictions • oppose federal licensing of lawincluding ban on semiabiding gun owners automatic weapons • gun control laws penalize lawabiding citizens, not criminals

A political and social philosophy promoting traditional institutions and gradual change in society

A policy of proactive involvement in another nation-state’s economy, society, or politics

Gay Marriage

Health Care

Republicans

Democrats

• believe abortion is an assault on the sanctity of innocent human life • work with women to provide other choices besides abortion • 14th Amendment’s protections should apply to unborn children

• protect women’s right to choose • support Stem Cell Research • educate teens about abstinence and contraception • some oppose legislation protecting born-alive failed abortions

Education

Economy Republicans

Democrats

Republicans

Democrats

• lower taxes on families and individuals • tax credits for heath care and medical costs • support employers providing automatic enrollment in taxdeffered savings programs

• passed Recovery Act • cut taxes on working families • strengthen consumer protection for credit card or bank loan holders • tax cuts to small businesses and “green” businesses

• English First approach • Support parental options, such as home schooling and all boy/girl classes • “No Child Left Behind” program

• Provide next generation access to first-rate education • Students loan reform to make college more affordable • Instituted “Race to the Top” • Provides incentive for educational improvement

–Compiled by Liz Wilson from various official party platforms

IN-DEPTH

Jan. 18, 2012

11

Where are on the political spectrum?

Take this online quiz to learn more about your political ideology:

CONSERVATIVE

REPUBLICAN 44%

11%

–Compiled by Abby Converse

Young Democrat’s view on the election Q. With the way the Republican party presidential primaries are going, do you believe Mitt Romney will ultimately end up winning the nomination, or is there another contender to take the lead?

A. I don’t believe Romney can ultimately win votes in other states therefore it will be more possible for Ron Paul. He is considered the most liberal candidate, so he will be able to achieve votes from both parties.

Q. What do you think are Obama’s strongest achievements to cite in the election?

A. Many critics argue that President Obama has not done much as president. In my opinion, I disagree because it is not easy for him to pass anything with the majority of the House being Republican. Obama’s strongest achievements are getting a health care reform bill passed through Congress. During Bush’s presidency, he had many attempts to hunt down Osama Bin Laden. Unlike Bush, President Obama actually got the task done.

Q. How well do you think Obama has addressed economic and unemployment issues-- two of the top issues for the presidential election?

A. In office, Obama has mostly tried to protect the people who contribute to the economy. Obama has prevented credit card companies from imposing arbitrary rate increases on customers. This protects those who are already financially unstable while allowing them to spend more with lower credit rates. Obama has implemented tax cuts for 3.5 million small businesses so that employees can have health care. What I find most important is that he eliminated subsidies to private lenders of student loans and protected student borrowers. also significantly expanded Pell grants, which help low-income students pay for college.

Q. What effect do you believe Obama’s performance in office will have on the upcoming election?

A. A lot of voters have not noticed what President Obama has done and a lot of them do not want to see him in the second term. I think that everyone should allow Obama to have a second term so that he can pass his bills and at least attempt to

11%

13%

How influential do you think the Tea Party will be during the election process?

ILLUSTRATIONS BY TRICIA O’NEILL

Paul Singh’s opinion on Obama’s presidency and the primary

34%

31%

EXTREMELY LY

In 2009, the Tea Party Movement emerged on the political scene as a response to the fiscal irresponsibility that landed the United States in a recession. The movement was labeled a phase due to its extremist views. However, three years later, the party has not faded into the dust, but rather, it has grown and expanded its influence throughout the Republican Party.

While the Tea Party’s endorsement has swayed many elections and could have led to Republican victories, the movement does not directly affiliate itself with either party. It does, however, serve as a bridge between the far right and moderate Republican views.

The Tea Partiers have in a sense become the bullies of Washington, threatening use of their voting influence if voting demands are not met.

Many liberals have labeled the movement and its participants as terrorists, pointing fingers at the movement as a catalyst for the partisanship that has left millions of Americans dissatisfied with the political system. Others argue that the movement could be necessary in solving some of America’s biggest issues.

“I’m in complete agreement with the motive,” senior Evan Washington said. “We are so far in debt that this movement could possibly alleviate that.”

Many of the more moderate Republicans have little choice in voting, as failure to adhere to the

To what to degree are you in favor with Tea Party policies?

VERY INFLUENTIAL

BY TRICIA O’NEILL In-Depth Editor

likely be not in the votes they could win, but the votes that they could steal from another party.

Having an additional dominant party could, without a doubt, benefit the American system.

However, this third party would have to fall in the middle of the Republican-Democratic spectrum of ideology in order to have any lasting impact. The Tea Party, with its extremist views, does not meet this criteria. Therefore, it can only survive while attached to the back of the Republican Party.

NOT AT ALL

Tea Party’s agenda could lead to a new source of competition during re-elections.

The question of what the Tea Party means for America remains at the forefront of many Americans’ minds. Can our country continue to run amid the blind partisanship of today’s politicians?

Republicans must make the decision of whether their target voting audience should be conservative liberals or extreme conservatives. Some believe this could lead to the emergence of the Tea Party as a dominant political party that could rival the Republican and Democratic Parties.

“I agree in principal with their goals of reducing bureaucracy and improving transparency,” senior Derrick Hollenback said. “But I’ve yet to see anything from them that shows they’re anything more then a subset of the Republican party.”

However, even if the Tea Partiers decided to nominate their own candidates for office outside of the Republican Party, there is no real way for them to win. Their political ideology when it comes to issues such as homosexual marriages and other “hot-button” topics effectively eliminates a substantial portion of potential voters.

“From what I’ve seen they’ve been extremely discriminatory, hateful and are mainly radical Christians who would like to turn America into a Christian theocracy,” Hollenback said.

There is no real way for them to ensure their goals are executed and accomplished without the help of the Republican Party. However, if they did become their own party, that is not to say they would not have an influence when it comes to elections, as the votes they would receive would have to come from one of the two parties. Their power would

A look at the group and its dependence on the Republican Party

36%

STRONGLY IN FAVOR

Why the Tea Party will remain a movement

7%

6%

7% MOSTLY IN FAVOR

ABORTION: Abortion should be illegal regardless of the situation, as it is taking a human life.

Abortion is no different from murder.

IMMIGRATION: Immigration is taking jobs away from Americans and creating a financial drain on our government, which has to pay for their health care and schooling for them.

On your smartphone, scan the code above using the application “QR Code” to take a political ideology quiz by the PEW Research Center

NEUTRAL

ENVIRONMENT: The government should take some measures to protect the environment as long as they do not interfere with businesses, as this could create another drain on our economy.

GAY MARRIAGE: Our country was founded upon Christian principles, which dictate marriage is between a man and a woman. Gay marriage should not be legalized.

MODERATELY

GAY MARRIAGE: The government should stay out of marriage all together. Let everyone be allowed a civil union, and leave marriages to the church.

ENVIRONMENT: The government has already done too much. It is not the role or the right of the government to interfere in issues such as the environment when scientists still debate whether global warming is an issue.

MOSTLY AGAINST

ABORTION: Women should have the right to choose whether or not to have children or not, the government should not be able to choose for them.

IMMIGRATION: Our country was founded upon immigration.

It also leads to a workforce that is willing to work hard and more talented individuals.

ABORTION: Women should have the right to choose in some situations.

However, there should be some restrictions based on circumstance.

IMMIGRATION: We should grant citizenship to immigrants here illegally because it is better to know who is in our country. We should then take measures to secure all borders.

SLIGHTLY

DEMOCRAT

ENVIRONMENT: The government needs to take further steps to protect our planet. This may mean taxing companies who are responsible for high greenhouse gas emissions.

STRONGLY AGAINST

LIBERAL

GAY MARRIAGE: Gay marriages should be legalized in all states, because the government should not have the right to choose who we can and cannot marry.

Survey Methodology: The survey was distributed during all lunches on Wed, Jan 11. Of the 200 surveys distributed, 150 were returned and counted

bring our economy back into a surplus. The last president to do that was a Democrat and I believe a Democrat will do it again.

Q Do you believe the Republican party could potentially steal away reelection from Obama and Paul Singh why?

A. It is possible for the Republican Party to win the election. However, they have candidates that argue the troops need to be sent back, that make claims that they cannot back up, that focus on Republican issues (gun control and abortion) and therefore are not gaining Democrat votes. I want Obama to win the For the full interview, your smartphone to election, but it is too soon to tell use scan the QR code. if the Republicans will take the presidency from him.

How to Register to Vote

1

The first step in registering to vote is making sure you are eligible. This means you must be at least 18 years of age, be a resident of Virginia and a U.S. citizen. In addition, you cannot be registered or plan to vote in another state.

2

If you are eligible, you can then pick up a form at DMV locations, public libraries, voter registration offices or from armed forces recruitment offices. You may also print one out from online at www.sbe. virginia.gov.

What the student’s have to say about the election 3 46%

Which political party do you identify with most?

28%

Which Republican candidate do you think has the best chance?

Unsure 20%

23%

1%

EXTREMELY

1% VERY

MODERATELY

R. PAUL

HUNTSMAN

8%

SLIGHTLY

20%

11% PERRY

SANTORUM

5% ROMNEY

TEA PARTY

LIBERTARIAN

INDEPENDENT

13% 7% 6% 14% REPUBLICAN

DEMOCRATIC

29%

NOT AT ALL

60%

Yes 39%

No 41%

How knowledgable do you If you are over 18, are think you are about the you planning to vote? candidates?

–Compiled by Abby Converse

You must ensure that you fill out the application before the registration deadline. For primary and general elections, this is 22 days in advance. For special elections this is between seven and 13 days before the election.

4

Once the form is mailed or submitted, a voter registration card should arrive by mail shortly after. If it does not, contact your local registrar’s office.

12 Annandale American Stories: first- person accounts of immigrants coming to America

Pakistan: Home sweet home

INTERNATIONAL

Jan. 18, 2012

MADE IN CHINA

Popular clothing companies cause hardship for others

BY JOE SEHRER Staff Writer

The North Face. Nike. Adidas. For students at AHS, these are high -end labels and brand name clothes, shoes and accessories. However, for kids oversees, these labels represent low incomes and tense, oppressive environments for both them and their families.

Teens in school have begun to learn more about fashion than anything found in a textbook, but there is one thing that still remains a mystery: who exactly produces these

brand name labels?

“It makes me feel like a jerk, because other kids are suffering to make my shoes,” sophomore Jordan Fox said.

The Organic ConsumersAssociation reports that after being exposed, major clothing companies such as Gap and Nike have admitted to knowledge of worker exploitation and abuse, making a promise to turn the sweatshop environment around.

Gap, a large clothing company with stores nationwide, including a location in Tyson’s Corner, has pleaded guilty to substandard and dangerous work environments for those who produce their goods. It has discovered severe working conditions in its factories, which consist of child labor, 80hour weeks and labor similar to slavery in Mexico, China, India and Russia. It has since discontinued its contracts with these factories.

Nike, another worldwide clothing powerhouse that

specializes in sports wear and shoes, was exposed for its poor factory working conditions in Indonesia and Thailand.

Workers that have been victimized by the sweatshop environment have come forward with their complaints about poor working conditions, poor pay, dangers that have resulted in the loss of workers’ limbs and work weeks that exceed 77 hours. Nike has since provided a list with details concerning approximately 700 factories and organized a task force to monitor the meeting of pay, hours, and working condition requirements.

There are sweatshop factories dispersed throughout several countries, with extremely low wages that leave workers in poverty. According to data from the Independent Organization, China, where a vast majority of brand labels, likeAbercrombie and Fitch and Vera Bradley.

For the remainder of the story visit www.thea-blast.org.

Nora Kennedy, junior The North Face jacket: El Salvador

Where in the world?

A high performance company for hiking and backpacking equipment, The North Face is one of the most commonly worn brands of outdoor apparel.

BY SABA SHAHZADI Special to The A-Blast Do you know much about Pakistan?

Pakistan is very special country. The differences between Pakistan and the United States are the education, the food, and the culture. I lived in Pakistan for 11 years before I came to the United States.

The education in Pakistan is very different from the U.S. Education is not important in Pakistan because the students don’t take it seriously. In the United States, education can help you get a career. You will have future from education. I feel that in the United States education prepared me for my future.

The food here is very different from Pakistan. Pakistani foods are spicy.

Bariyani is one of the spiciest foods in Pakistan. The food here is not spicy and I am used to eating spicy foods. I think that the U.S. food makes people fat and it doesn’t have much taste. Pakistani foods taste better than United States foods and it’s healthy food.

In Pakistan we wear different clothing than the U.S., such as the shalrwar kamazze which is a long dress with long scarf. In United States people wear pants, shirts and shorts. Pakistani clothes are more comfortable. Pakistani clothes are more comfortable than United States clothes.

I miss my friends in my country. I want to visit Pakistan again. Things that make Pakistan wonderful are the food, education and culture. Moving to a new place is hard for me. I still miss my friends in school and the food. I want to wear a shrawer and kameaz. They make me comfortable.

Connie Tran, junior Ugg boots: Australia This notable shoe brand, originally made for surfers, is made in Australia out of sheepskin.

Amy Reynolds, sophomore Sperry Top-Siders: China Known as an iconic American company, Sperrys were originally created

by Paul Sperry to maintain traction on slippery boats.

Astrid Liogonde, freshman Aeropostale sweater: China A brand that specializes in casual wear for teens, Aeropostale has 885 stores nationwide.

Christina Le, freshman Jansport backpack: Thailand A prominent brand internationally, Jansport bags can be utilized for several purposes, including school and camping.

Goye Neway, sophomore Jordan Concords XI: China Fantaically admired by shoe enthusiasts, Jordan 11’s were worn by basketball legend, Michael Jordan, from 19951996.

Faith Paletti, sophomore Vera Bradley lunch box: China

Minh Do, freshman Hollister shirt: Cambodia

A leading company for specialty designer bags, Vera Bradley was first created by Patricia Miller and Barbara Bradley in order to create luggage with a more feminine appearance.

Madhav Kumar, sophomore American Eagle hoodie: Vietnam

A retail chain of Abercrombie and Fitch, Hollister is a popular surf-inspired clothing brand.

Since its first store opened in 1977, American Eagle has become known as a trendy high quality clothing corporation.

Compiled by Christine Tamir, Joe Sehrer and Chloe Loving A:

Match the company logo to the country in which the majority of its products are produced.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

K.

12.

L.

Made in China On your smart phone, scan the above code using the application “QR code” to read the rest of the story above.

Hungary is where this phone company produces its phone, the Torch.

Malaysia is where this electronic company produces its Blu-ray player.

Matching Answers: 1, J; 2, D; 3, H; 4, A; 5, C; 6, F; 7, G; 8, E; 9, I; 10, B; 11, L; 12, K

Information compiled from Productfrom.com

PHOTO

Jan. 18, 2012

What’s it like to own a clothing company?

13 If you had a clothing line, what would it be called?

“I would name it ‘Kyle’s Handy Dandy Clothing.’”

—Kyle Goettlicher freshman

SARAH BERGEN

Seniors Andy Tran and Matthew Noelle have begun their quest to become the next big high school clothing designers. The pair recently released three different colored $16 shirts through Chroma Season Apparel, their new clothing line.

Tran packs up shirts to send to costumers that they’ve found through online promotions.

“I would call it ‘Hannah’s Secret’ because everything’s a mystery.”

—Hannah Coulter sophomore

Q&A with the owners

“I would name it ‘Finally 22’ and put it right next to Forever 21. It would have all prodigy clothes like South Butt and all the funny brands.”

Q: What encouraged you to begin your own clothing company?

A: We wanted to start up something that would be memorable enough to stay with us for as long as possible. We both grew up loving band “merch” and clothing lines. Seeing all these designs made us want to come up with ideas ourselves.

SARAH BERGEN

Q: How did the name Chroma Season Apparel originate?

A: The word chroma is short for the word chromatic, which pertains to music and colors. It’s just a name that we thought would stick out in today’s modern scene.

Seniors Matthew Noelle and Andy Tran are the owners and creators of Chroma Season.

Q: Are you planning to release anything else?

A: We’ve been keeping ourselves productive and coming up with ideas. We’re planning on releasing tank tops for the spring collection.

—Kyle Peich sophomore “I would name my clothing company ‘Frisky’, and it would have every type of clothing you could think of.”

—Francisco Lam sophomore

What do you hope to see next from Chroma Season Apparel?

“I think it’d be awesome if they made boxers.”

“I would name it ‘Toro’s Exchange.’

It would sell designer clothes.”

—Omer Haleem junior

“I really hope they make tank tops, and in the cranberry color.”

—James Barker sophomore

—Bayley Brill sophomore

—Kalie Rosati junior

“I would love to see them make tank tops! A lot of people would buy those for summer!”

—Jessica Campanilla senior

—Emily Krause senior

SARAH BERGEN

“I just want to see them succeed in whatever they want to do next and to have fun doing it.”

“I would call it ‘Jessica’s Boutique.’ I would sell casual dresses and accessories.”

Tran works diligently on a new design that will be released on shirts in their spring line.

“I would have a store full of cardigans. I’d call it ‘Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.’”

—Amy Graham English Teacher

COURTESY OF ANDY TRAN

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SARAH BERGEN

—Compiled by Priya Adhikary & Olivia Lafferty

Tran and Noelle began by ordering 50 shirts to launch their clothing line. They plan on ordering more and eventually designing newer merchandise to expand to a larger variety of costumers.

1. Design your t-shirt CustomInk and Uber Prints are websites that allow you to design on a t-shirt template. You can add pictures, and words, in addition to changing the font on your shirt. These websites, along with many others, also allow you to see an estimated price for your shirt.

Juniors Kalie Rosati, Visoda Heng and Joe Rolen show off their Chroma Season Apparel shirts. Each purchased a different color shirt to add to their wardrobe. Plum, charcoal gray and blue are the colors available.

2. Print your clothing American Apparel and CCI Printing are companies through which you can get your designs printed on higherquality fabric. CCI Printing can also help you with your designs. Both sites charge a set-up fee in addition to the final cost of your merchandise.

3. Set up an online store BigCartel and StoreEnvy are among many sites that allow you to create your own online store. You can design the site’s layout and add the content that you wish to sell. BigCartel will not take a percentage of your sales. For both sites you can purchase an account in order to sell more than five items.

Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Lee On your smartphone, scan the code above using the application “QR Code” to view pictures from the boys varsity basketball game against the Lee Lancers.

Jan. 18, 2012

What do your dreams say?

Advice Column

to solve real life problems ROWAN SHARTEL Lifestyles Editor

-Quitting Quandaries Dear Quitting Quandaries, Honesty is the best policy. However, telling the absolute truth isn’t always the most effective way to go; everybody knows how hurtful it can be. Therefore, you should cushion the blow by telling your sponsor how important the club is to the school and thank them for all the hard work they have been doing for the organization..

After easing the tension, simply explain how the club doesn’t fit in your schedule and how you have to focus on your priorities before you are able to tack on any more extracurriculars. This way, the sponsor will understand that you can no longer be a member of their club, without being given the impression that the club isn’t good enough for students to want to participate in.

-Carli Have a problem? E-mail Carli at: carli.loeb@gmail.com.

What is your favorite winter accessory?

“

Recurring Dreams These dreams reflect a message or idea in life that someone finds important and is trying to realize or overcome. They can be caused by a specific situation in life, and are generally are trying to tell the dreamer that there is something that troubles them frequently on a subconscious level that they need to work out.

“When I was a kid, I had a recurring dream I was in a house on fire. It wasn’t a house I knew, but always the same house. I didn’t wake up scared, but I had it every once in a while.”

Russell Kee guitar teacher

I think dreams are the key to your subconscious.

”

ROWAN SHARTEL

Dear Carli, I recently decided to join a club because I thought it would be fun and look good on my college application. The problem is that I’m not enjoying it at all and want to quit, but don’t know how to tell the sponsor that it’s not for me. What should I do?

We’ve all had dreams before. Some we remember, some we forget and some are just plain strange.

“My favorite dream that I have ever had was that I helped write the Declaration of Independence, and Ben Franklin gave me the thumbs up,” history teacher Jonathan York said. “It wasn’t accurate, though, because George Washington was there, and he wasn’t there at the real signing of the Declaration.”

Most dreams reveal small issues or insecurities in life, such as how a dream about being chased shows someone is running from their problems. While these problems can range from small to significant, psychologists who interpret dreams believe they are good indicators of the problems.

“I think dreams are the key to your subconscious,”

ROWAN SHARTEL

By Carli Loeb

York said. “It’s things that you are thinking about and is originally obtained and processed by someone who has studied psychology and human nature, dreams become dwelling on.”

Not all dreams are negative, though, such as dreams easier to understand once the basics are understood,.

“Sometimes things happen in your life that you don’t about flying, which convey the message that a person is in even notice consciously,” freshman Sarah de Mello said. control of their life and actions.

“I don’t think dreams will solve your problems, but I do “In your dreams, you subconsciously realize what the importance of the event was.” think it’s a good way to see what’s This is a beneficial way for going on in your life,” junior Brooke students to be able to better Terry said. understand themselves and Dreams can also have themes, also their lives. It can be a god such as food, animals, weather and way to reduce stress and solve love. These are larger categories with problems. many variations, but tend to send —Jonathan York Dream interpretation the same message when interpreted. began in ancient Egypt and For example, dreams with an animal ancient Greece, when it was theme suggest physical problems or feelings in life, but depending on the animals seen, the mainly related to contact with the supernatural or with problem can be more or less severe. This way, more specific the gods. In recent times, Ann Faraday began publishing dreams that do not fit under categories such as “falling” or books in the 1970s about dream interpretation that helped “school” can still be evaluated. Some dreams are extremely bring it into more relatable modern terms.

Regardless of whether or not students believe that unique and specific, and may not be as revealing as they dream interpretation will help them with their daily lives, are merely amusing.

A good thing about dream interpretation is that it is the practice of it can be as entertaining as it is informative. not difficult for a student to do. Although the information

ROWAN SHARTEL

Carli’s Students share their thoughts Corner on using dream interpretation

ROWAN SHARTEL

14

LIFESTYLES

Nightmares People who are more sensitive or pensive than others are more likely to have nightmares, which are dreams that have a bigger impact on a person during the day and create lasting images. They may be occurring as a way for the brain to remind someone that there is a problem or issue in their life that they need to address, or simply as a reflection of anything that is troubling a person.

“I had a nightmare where someone was stabbing me and I died.”

Sabrina Romano senior

Lucid Dreams

Teeth Dreams

These dreams mean that people can control what they are doing in their dreams and have a conscious feeling or knowledge that they are dreaming.

They reflect a new perspective on life, a sense of confidence or a recent accomplishment. They also show that people have control of their decisions.

These dreams, which are very common, are mostly centered around teeth falling out. This reveals a fear of how others perceive you or of not being good enough for others. They can also be related to growing up or having your image changed.

“I was skateboarding while holding a note card over some gravel and I decided to change the gravel into the note card so it went away.”

“I sometimes dream about my teeth going crooked again because I had braces for 1.5 years.”

Gunnar Thompson junior

Drew Berdo sophomore

“Scarves because they’re like a necklace, but more useful since they go with any outfit.”

---Keyri Quinteros sophomore

“Scarves because they have a lot of designs and also keep me warm.”

--Raheemah Tauhidi junior “Hats! The ones with decorations make me happy.”

---Keyara Jackson sophomore

“Leg warmers because they’re fashionable and keep my legs warm.”

--Leslie Asencio junior

Chase Dreams

Falling Dreams

School Dreams

Food Dreams

These dreams are related to stress in a person’s life and are usually an indicator that one is “running away” from a problem he or she is encountering. The person or thing chasing them can be an aspect of themselves or their life that they are having difficulty with. A way to cope with these dreams is to determine what is causing stress in one’s life and confront it.

These dreams are usually related to the feeling of being overwhelmed, which is why falling represents a person losing his or her balance in everyday life. They can also show that a person feels like he or she has failed at something recently.

They occur during the early stages of sleep, which is why it is common to wake up from such dreams with a jerking feeling in the body.

These dreams are usually related to tests or time, which indicate that there is something in someone’s life that is causing them to think of a deadline or a time constraint. The feeling of being unprepared for a challenge, regardless of if a person is actually prepared in real life, can also lead to these dreams.

These dreams represent a need for energy or a fear of losing what you already have. If you have a dream about eating something that you dislike, it shows that you currently resent some aspect of your life at the moment.

“I had a dream I was being chased by a clown and it was really scary because no matter how fast I ran the clown was always right behind me.”

“I had a dream I fell off the track while I was running, but I didn’t hit the ground, I just kept falling.”

“I’ve had dreams where I’ve gotten up, gotten dressed, and gone to school, and then I wake up late and realize that it was all a dream and it never actually happened.”

“I remember I once had a dream that I was eating ice cream while sitting in the snow.”

Jae Min Kim junior

Connie Tran junior

-Compiled by Allison Ilagan

Interpreting your dreams On your smartphone, scan the above code using the application “QR Code” to read more dreams interpretations.

Josh Musih sophomore

Melissa Pratt sophomore

-Dream descriptions are from Dreammoods.com

Style for the new year

“Scarves because they’re really comfortable.”

---Jansen Taudinez junior

ROWAN SHARTEL

“A hat because it keeps you warm.”

ROWAN SHARTEL

ROWAN SHARTEL

ROWAN SHARTEL

--Holly Prencipe freshman

The year of 2011 came and went very quickly. The new year represents a time of change for many things, and one of the biggest changes people want to make has to do with their fashion choices.

Many people want to know the trends for the upcoming year, and fashion analysts have already predetermined some things we will see in the near future.

There are online websites that track the upcoming trends, and from what I have seen, the main styles for the upcoming year are not that different than those found in the past year.

These websites are for runway trends, giving you insight into some higher fashion.

They do not deal with trends that are worn by most of the high school population.

Retro styles will be making a comeback, specifically those fashions from the eras of the 1920s and the 1970s. It seems a bit contradictory to me that both styles will be

featured because fashion in the ’20s was all about minimalism and bland colors, whereas fashion in the ’70s was full of bright colors and daring patterns.

The ’20s promoted the idea of boyish chic for girls and the minimalist side of flapper dresses, short haircuts and feathered headbands.

The ’70s introduced disco and a new era of color. It was the decade of hot pants, bellbottoms, bright floral, bird prints, platform shoes and kitten heels.

Some of those features will be seen in fashion this year.

The new colors that are going to be seen the most are tangerine red, oranges, yellows and tequila lime, but designers are also making counterpart designs that feature bleaker colors for those who are not daring enough to wear such bold colors.

I suggest choosing a little bit from both trends. For example, pair a bright jacket with an otherwise neutral outfit.

Not only will this highlight the jacket or piece that you choose, but you can also play up one of your best features.

Think wisely in the next year about what styles you choose, as certain trends should stay in their own era. For example, big hair needs to stay in the ’70s.

Trending applications Temple Run Temple Run is an app that has recently hit iTunes. In the game, the person playing is a man running along the top of a high-walled temple being chased by monkeys from behind.

The person playing can swipe side to side to avoid obstacles as well as slide his or her finger to jump over things while collecting coins. The object of the game is to continue in this manner for as long and far as possible.

PRICE: FREE

FiOS Remote The FiOS Remote allows you to control your television from your iPhone. This app allows you to change channels using a keyboard, adjust volume, use DVR as well as pause, rewind and play.

PRICE: FREE

Instagram Instagram allows the user to upload a photo taken from his or her phone and apply a variety of special effects to it. After you edit the photo, you can share it with other Instagram users on the photo stream. The photo is also saved to your mobile device to post on social media websites.

PRICE: FREE

Available for iPhone and iPod touch through the iTunes app store.

SPORTS X-TRA

Jan. 18, 2012

Letterman now lackluster?

15

The evolution of the letterman jacket

Students and faculty reflect on a previously popular trend

BY NGAN PHAM Sports X-tra Editor

SOURCE: ANTENNA YEARBOOK

In decades past, the letterman jacket was a staple article of clothing for high school athletes, but that is not the case anymore. It seems as though parents have failed to pass on this tradition to their children because of the lack of letterman jackets among the student body.

Despite receiving a letter and multiple stars, many varsity athletes choose to ignore the opportunity to attach the symbols of achievement to a jacket. Other students see the value in their jackets and wear them with pride.

“They’re comfy and warm, but they’re too expensive and too big in girls sizes. This is probably the main reason why people don’t buy them anymore,” sophomore Jennifer Nguyen said.

Letterman jackets derived from letterman sweaters, which were first established at Harvard University in 1865. The Harvard baseball team embroidered a large “H” on its gray flannel uniforms, though only the best players were allowed to keep this letter.

Varsity jackets gained popularity in the early part of the 20th century and had transformed into wool jackets with leather sleeves by 1930. Letters were typically handed out to upperclassmen during the height of the jackets’ popularity.

Today, jackets cost anywhere from $150 to $180 and are sold at select athletic stores. Anyone can get a jacket, but students must be a member of a varsity sports team or school-sponsored activity to earn a letter or stars to attach to their jacket.

“I’ve earned a letter and a few stars, but I didn’t get a letterman jacket because they’re really expensive and a bit ridiculous,” junior Ashley Whittle said. “I think that they can be good memories, but the letters and stars that I got from the sports I participated in are good enough for me, especially since they will last just as long.”

Some students purchase a letterman jacket immediately after receiving a letter.

SOURCE: ANTENNA YEARBOOK

A.J. MCCAFFERTY

1967: A pair of varsity athletes kid around.

Senior Jessica Hotter’s letterman jacket features a varsity letter from softball, her name and the year she will graduate.

obtaining a jacket. Additionally, athletes may not want the attention that these jackets create, causing them not to purchase one themselves.

“I think people who get letters or pins from clubs and extracurricular’s don’t get letterman jackets because they don’t think they require as much of a physical effort as sports do,” junior Stephen Oakes said, “I got a letter for swim and stars for golf, chorus and swim.”

Many students believe that letterman jackets are exclusively for varsity athletes, but academic achievement letters, club pins and team district, regional or state championship patches can also be attached to the jackets.

“I’ve gotten a letter and stars from cheer, gymnastics and track. I think [a letterman jacket] is an American tradition in schools for varsity athletes, who should be proud to wear them,” senior Ashlyn Nisker said.

1970: Cross country runners talk on the bus during a ride to one of their meets.

SOURCE: ANTENNA YEARBOOK

“I have a jacket and I think it is a good way to show my accomplishments from sports and other activities,” junior Andrew Boyd said. “My jacket is going to be an important memory of my high school life.”

The jackets are not just a thing of the past, as the trend also seems to be popular at other schools.

“I still have my jacket. [They] were definitely popular when I was in high school since 50 to 60 percent of people had one,” science teacher Neal Jarvis said. “I think they are popular today, just not [at AHS] for socioeconomic reasons. If you go to Robinson, they’re very popular.”

Jarvis went to AHS and graduated in 1997. His jacket featured a letter and stars that he earned in swim and track.

On the other hand, some may fear the concrete tradition deeming letterman jackets an athlete’s possession, which could discourage students who participate in chorus, band or clubs from

1989: Seniors walk to school in the morning from the church parking lot.

—Deysi Palma freshman

“They’re just right because the money helps support athletics in the end.”

—Diego Magnani freshman

“I don’t think they’re too pricey because they’re good quality and people get them personally embroidered.”

—Allie Vogus sophomore

“They’re a bit overpriced and I think they should have a discount for people with free or reduced lunch.”

“They’re too expensive because they’re just jackets and it isn’t fair because in this area, athletes might not be able to afford them.”

“I don’t think they’re too expensive because people spend a lot of money on North Faces, so they can afford it.”

“Yes, because the economy has been down and not many people can afford them, especially those that are good at sports.”

—Aine Kohler sophomore

—Christina Uglietta junior

—Aisha Yansaneh junior

—Kevin Tinoco senior

“Yes, because you can’t put a price on talent.”

2002: Seniors pose for their Most Athletic superlative for the Antenna yearbook.

—Marissa Shartel senior

Atoms around the ice arena Watch the Washington Capitals practice

Q and A with senior Wicksie Tu Q. When did you start ice skating and why did you decide to do it?

A. I started when I was six years old and I had gone through a million sport choices before I actually settled down. I immediately signed up for classes after one public session at Fairfax Ice Arena. I really liked it because I could go really fast without having to do much; it was as close to flying as you could get.

Q. How often do you practice and compete?

A. From elementary to middle school I used to practice five days a week for an hour and a half either before or after school, and then three days a week during high school, but I stopped competing after my sophomore year so I honestly go when I want to now.

Q. Do you plan to continue ice skating after high school? Why or why not?

A. Yes, I’m actually qualified to become an instructor so I plan to do that when I move to New York City to attend Fordham University as a part- time [job] or hobby.

For the rest of the interview, scan the barcode on your smartphone.

—Brittani Gonzales junior

“At Caps practices, you pretty much just watch them and then wait outside for them once the practice is over. You’re stuck waiting there for a little because they’re showering. I’ve gotten signatures from players that have retired such as Olaf Kolzig and newer players like Brooks Laich and Nicklas Backstrom. People should go to these because they’re fun and free! It’s a way for newer fans to learn about the game and learn players other than Ovechkin. It’s also really awesome when you get to take pictures with them and get their signatures!

Go Caps!”

Clare Lazar junior David Belay junior Luke Lundy junior Bryan Harrod senior

* Second, third and fourth place tied.

Come to the Publications Lab (room 262) after school on Jan. 20 to claim your prizes!

—Natalie Ford senior

“I’ve gone to many practices, and it’s always cool to see the players so close. It’s fun to be able to watch the drills they do and how they interact with each other when they’re in a more relaxed environment. After they practice, some of them come over to sign stuff on their way to the locker room, but sometimes no one comes over. Sometimes you have to stand outside and find them on their way to their cars, but they’re usually pretty nice about it. I’ve met a lot of people, including Karl Alzner, John Carlson, Marcus Johansson and, best of all, Brooks Laich. I’ve been to lots of Caps games and there is no doubt that they are fun, but games can be expensive if you don’t Senior Kyle Kowalczyk poses with Capitals forward Marcus Johansson. have season tickets. Any Caps fan would enjoy going to a practice because it’s a really cool experience Visit Capitals practice at Kettler Capitals and it’s free!”

Iceplex above the Ballston Common Mall —Kyle Kowalczyk senior

1 2 3 4

627 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800 Arlington, VA 22203

BECCA HENDRICKSON

COURTESY OF WICKSIE TU

Tu performs the Biellman spin, in which the ice skater pulls his or her free leg above the head while spinning on the other.

2012: Senior Justine Niner shows off her letterman jacket. She lettered in softball.

Winners of the College Football Contest

With tickets to hockey games being so expensive, many Caps fans are finding it more and more difficult to go to games and watch their favorite players. A cheaper alternative is going to Caps practices at Kettler Capitals Iceplex, located atop the parking the garage at Ballston Common Mall.

Fans can see players get more ice time and try out tricks that may not be seen in a game. They may also have the chance to meet players and get autographs or pictures.

“I’ve been to about 15 Caps practices and they are so much fun. Watching them all work together and laugh is so cool, instead of them just being so focused at the games. After they practice, they come out and talk to all the fans and sign stuff if you bring it. You can have actual conversations with them too and take lots of pictures. It’s a fun experience and people should go because you can see someone famous and when you’re watching a game, you can say, ‘I met them.’”

A.J. MCCAFFERTY W

“Not really because those who really want it will work hard to get it, so the price doesn’t matter.”

SOURCE: ANTENNA YEARBOOK

Do you think letterman jackets are too expensive?

Kenzi Wright commits to play lacrosse at Occidental College On your smartphone, scan the code above using the application “QR Code” to view a story on Wright’s commitment.

Junior Austin Chavez sprints in the last few meters of his 500-meter race; he finished in sixth place.

Boys carry on the season with wins and top performances in both meets and tournaments The 16-4 wrestling team has had one of its best seasons in recent memory and has set its sight on districts.

“We’ve had our most successful year in many years but it doesn’t matter.

It’s the end result that matters,” Head Coach Keith Sholders said.

The team’s record in the regular season in 16-4.

All teams in the Patriot District compete at the AAA level, but only certain individuals who do well are seeded, or ranked, in the tournament standings.

The team with the largest number of high achievers overall will be named district champion.

Over winter break, the Grappling Atoms participated in the Dec. 28 NJ Collingswood Christmas Tournament, finishing the best they have in years and taking first place as a team with a cumulative score of 170.5 points.

“I like away meets because you get to see a different competition than you do at home meets,” junior Jack Johnson said.

Johnson was one of the main contributors in the win, as he was named champion in the 138 lb class. Other high finishers included junior Bryan Jefferson in the 285 lb weight class and seniors Dane Harlowe, Allen Cabrera, John McCollom and Ali Ali-Musa in the 120, 160, 195 and 220 lb weight classes, respectively.

Senior Rawand Shamdin, who wrestles in the 120 lb class, placed fourth overall in the tournament.

The team took third in the ten-team Canner Duals tournament in Biglerville, PA on Jan. 7. The varsity wrestlers won five of their six meets at Biglerville HS, losing only to Spring Ford HS 23-44.

The boys were triumphant in their Jan. 11 away meet against South County, winning by a large margin with a score of 52-28. This helped avenge the team’s Pack the Pit loss to South County last year.

This year’s Senior Night will be held against Lake Braddock on Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. in the upstairs gym. Students who arrive early will receive free white

BY SAMIR SHAH Sports Editor

Senior Roland Andoh continues the 4x200-meter relay. The team went home as meet champions.

-photos reprinted courtesy of Andrew Kicinski

Freshmen Ayman Mohammed and Tyjerjuan Hughes practice new moves in the mat room.

Both JV athletes are working hard to earn a spot on the varisty squad.

t-shirts to aid them in participating in the ‘white out’.

The Jan. 14 home tournament against Centreville, Lake Braddock, Woodbridge Senior, Battlefield, Cosby, Loudoun Valley and Tuscarosa ended too late to be covered in this issue.

The team’s next meet will be held at 9 a.m. on Jan. 21 at T.C. Williams.

The tournament will include opponents Lake Braddock, Robert E. Lee, South County, W.T. Woodson, West Potomac, West Springfield, and T.C. Williams.

Track truckin’ on Girls at top game Varsity and JV boys compete in meets to show off talent and prepare for districts

Senior Ahmed Bile sprints the last lap of his mile, looking back for any competition. Bile easily won the race with a time of 4:21.21.

SAMIR SHAH

BY KATE GRANDCHAMP Copy Editor

The boys indoor track team has continued its regular season by curtailing its own competition in multiple meets to prepare athletes for districts in order to show off their speed in the new year.

The team exemplified its depth with multiple wins at the Jan. 7 Montgomery Invitational meet, which was held at the Prince George’s County Sports Complex. The varsity team is the returning Northern Region Champion, and took home the gold in multiple events, including the mile race and the 4x200-meter race.

The JV team competed at Episcopal against other schools in the district the same day.

“Track is like a big chess match where you are trying to maximize your points by putting your athletes in the right spots, and we are still trying to figure that out at this point in the season,” Head Distance Coach Dave O’Hara said.

All-American senior Ahmed Bile debuted in the mile run after practicing with the team for several weeks. He managed to make the win look easy with a time of 4:21.21.

The ease with which Bile ran his race is exhibited by the fact that he completed the first half of the race in 2:13, only to speed up during the second half with a time of 2:08 even when the second half of the mile is usually slower.

“I felt good during the race; [it] wasn’t the fastest but it was a good first race back and I can’t wait to really get into it,” Bile said.

The 4x200-meter relay consisting of junior Alex Ellison and seniors Roland Andoh, Walter Manlen and Dylan Van Balen became meet champions with a time of 1:32.36.

The 4x400 relay consisting of Manlen, Andoh, junior Austin Chavez and Bile placed second overall at the meet with a time of 3:31.53.

The junior varsity meet at Episcopal also resulted in many strong performances, including a win by the 4x800-meter relay with a time of 9:01 and a strong 1000-meter run from junior Draven Pike with a time of 2:51.

The next meet for the varsity team will be held at Virginia Tech on Jan. 28, while the next JV meet will be held on the same day at Episcopal. These meets will be the last chance for runners to show off their talent before the Patriot District competition itself.

Junior Alex Ellison competes in the 300-meter dash. Ellison also contributed to the first place 4x200-meter relay finish.

Team continues to improve; JV and varsity race well in multiple meets with top finishes

BY SAMIR SHAH Sports Editor The varsity girls track team is in much better shape than it has been in past years. This year’s team has more athletes than ever before that are able to compete at a higher level and bring medals home for the team.

The team has had two meets thus far: the Montgomery Invitational, which only involved a small group of varsity athletes, and a JV meet at Episcopal. Both meets were successful for the girls with multiple personal records and top placements.

“I think the girls team did really well at the meet,” junior Rowan Shartel said. “Our 4x200-meter relay got our personal record and placed high, and everyone did great in their individual events.”

The 4x200-meter relay finished with a personal record of 1:51.80 and placed 16th overall at the meet. Other outstanding varsity performances included senior Monique Diggs, who ran a time of 8.02 in the 55 meter dash. Sophomore Desiny Anderson also placed ninth overall in the long jump with a length of 16 feet and 5 inches, and Diggs closely followed with a 15 feet and 1 inch.

The girls JV team had many personal records, including sophomore Kelsey Jones, who finished the mile with a time of 6:30.

The team’s next meet will be on Jan. 28 when a small group heads to the prestigious meet at Virginia Tech. The JV team will also compete at Episcopal again before districts.

Their performances there will set the tone for their succes in Patriot District competition.

COURTESY OF ANDREW KICINSKI

Senior Richard Maku lands in the sand pit during the long jump.

Wrestling continues success

Sophomore Destiny Anderson sprints before her long jump. Anderson finished with a length of 16 feet and 5 inches.

COURTESY OF ANDREW KICINSKI

Boys Indoor Track: Montgomery Invitational

Jan. 18, 2012

COURTESY OF ANDREW KICINSKI

16

SPORTS

Senior Monique Diggs jumps in the long jump. She closely followed Anderson with a length of 15 feet and 1 inch.

Girls B-ball prepares for districts Varsity team works hard to reach goals, continue to improve in district preparation

Girls Basketball vs. T.C. Williams On your smartphone, scan the code above using the application “QR Code” to view a story about the girls basketball game against T.C. Williams.

The girls varsity basketball team has been working hard this season to reach its goal of finishing as one of the top three teams in the district.

The team practices every day after school in order to improve its skills and game tactics.

“Each game and practice I feel like we’ve been getting better,” Head Coach Patrick Hughes said.

The team has consistently been improving, which is shown by their 7-5 record. The Lady Atoms were 3-1 in the Patriot District as of Jan. 12, which means they were tied for second place.

The team is working on its

SAMIR SHAH

BY PRIYA ADHIKARY AND OLIVIA LAFFERTY Photographers

Junior Diana Hurtado takes a shot at a recent practice. Hurtado is one of many returning varsity players to the team, serving as a crucial leader in the team’s success thus far.

defense and efficiency on the court by running plays over and over again during practice in addition to regular conditioning. They even hold some practices on the weekend and during breaks.

“In practice we run a lot of our plays. We do a lot of drills against each other,” freshman Erin Johnson said. “We’ve only had a few bad games and we’ve only lost one for districts.”

The team is getting closer to its

goal with every win. The girls are pushing themselves to their full potential in order to try and win most of their games this season.

“Our goals this season are to get to regionals and beat West Springfield,” junior Gaby Ripani said.

From the beginning of the season, when the team lost to West Springfield, its players have had their minds set on beating their rival.

“I think if we execute the game plan then we will do really well,” Hughes said.

The team had won its last four games as of Jan. 12, though its most recent match-ups against South County and T.C. Williams ended too late to be covered in this issue. The next game for the girls will be held on Jan. 20 at W.T. Woodson.

The next few district games are crucial to the team’s success, as their results will be indicative of the team’s standing in the Patriot District.

SPORTS Boys look to district match-ups Jan. 18, 2012

Basketball shows improvement in loss to Bruins, prepares to take on district rival Woodson

Boys varsity basketball schedule

Jan. 20 vs W.T. Woodson Jan. 24 vs West Springfield

BY PARKER GILLCASH AND CJ AFTERGUT Sports Editor and Co-Editor in Chief

Jan. 27 @ West Potomac Jan. 30 @ Lee Feb. 2 vs Lake Braddock Feb. 7 @ South County Feb. 10 vs T.C. Williams

CHLOE LOVING

With less than a minute remaining in the fourth quarter, time became the enemy for an Atoms team struggling to earn their second win of the season.

Down by three, the Atoms were on the verge of forcing overtime with the district-leading Lake Braddock squad, a goal that became a reality when sophomore Michael Tran drained a three-pointer with less than 30 seconds on the clock.

This possibility, however, soon faded from the minds of those in attendance, as Lake Braddock scored two points on its following possession and the Atoms were left helpless to watch as their valiant effort fell short in the 56-58 loss.

“Our team played very well against Lake Braddock for almost the entire game,” senior Monte McCarthy said. “We had them beat up to the last four minutes of the fourth quarter, but we failed to execute and lost it.”

Despite the loss, many members of the team are aware of the strides they have made, recognizing the improvement that has marked their season thus far.

“It showed major improvement and I feel confident we will be very successful in the rest of our district games,” McCarthy said.

“It was our best game so far and I was excited and proud of the team,” senior Amiel Terry added.

Head Coach Robert Terry also cited the team’s improvement, noting its increased energy and strong defensive performance in the loss to Lake Braddock.

“The energy has improved drastically since the start of the season,” Terry said. “I thought

17

Boys varsity basketball

Junior Darius Williams attempts to beat a Lee defender. The team recorded its first win of the season against the Rebels.

defensively we pressed them and caused chaos.”

Now halfway through their season, wins have not come easy for the Atoms, who also fell to nationally ranked Montrose Christian 24-77 on Jan. 11. The team was 1-10 before taking on South County on Jan. 13 and T.C. Williams on Jan. 17, both of which ended too late to be covered in this issue.

All that remains for the team are seven district match-ups, giving the Atoms a chance to face off against opponents they have already seen once this year. This will begin on Jan. 20, when they square off against W.T. Woodson at home.

“The key to breaking them is to press them and execute our offense,” McCarthy said.

“I’m excited to play Woodson on our home court,”

senior Tyler Schwartz said. “Our team is more equipped and skilled to win the game.”

This match-up is especially important to the Atoms, as upsetting one of the district top seeds could supply the team with much-needed momentum heading into the postseason. “[We need to] continue to grow offensively as far as execution and knowing when and where to take good shots and what a good shot is,” Terry said. “I think our kids are starting to realize our potential and we’re going to be hard to beat the second half of the season.”

To view the results from the Atoms’ games against South County and T.C. Williams, visit www.thea-blast.org.

Freshman Austin Hall brings the ball down the court to set up the offense.

Swim prepares for final meet of season Boys team aims to finish successful season with a win

COURTESY OF BETH OLIVER

BY WILLIAM BENNETT Staff Writer

COURTESY OF BETH OLIVER

Junior Alexis Garretson competes in the 200-yard IM against West Potomac. The girls team fell to the Wolverines despite an improved performance from the previous year.

Sophomore Mark Slough swims freestyle in a relay event. Slough and the boys team defeated West Potomac 177-138 to bounce back from their two losses the week before.

The AHS swim and dive team will conclude their regular season on Jan. 20, when they will take on the T.C. Williams Titans in their senior night meet. They aim to use this final meet to prepare for districts, which will be held on Jan. 27 and 28.

“Do or do not. There is no try,” Head Coach Neal Jarvis said, quoting Master Yoda of Star Wars. “We’re entering into a vision quest.”

Although the boys team will likely earn a victory, the Titans have a handful of girls who could pose a serious challenge to the girls team in the individual events.

“It will be interesting to see how we stack up against those teams,” sophomore Trevor Barry said.

After starting the year 2-0 but falling to West Springfield and W.T. Woodson on consecutive nights to drop to 2-2, the boys swim and dive team felt it necessary to bounce back with a victory. They came out strong in their following meet, beating West Potomac by a score of 177-138 on Jan. 6.

“We brought our A-game tonight,” sophomore Noah Wolfenstein said.

“I must say the team had a quality meet,” junior Joe Rolen said. “I cut three seconds in my 200-yard freestyle, so I was pretty boosted.”

“I dropped a ton of time in my 200-yard IM,” junior Dylan Gore said.

The strong performance of the dive team once again proved to be a

major factor in the boys victory over the Wolverines.

“The dive team helped the swim team win by sweeping first through fourth place,” junior Paul Helfgott said. “We also provided them with encouragement to try and be as good as we were that night.”

“We carry the team,” freshman diver Kyle Goettlicher said.

The girls team fell to 0-5 in the meet, losing by a score of 101-211.

However, they showed tremendous improvement after having lost to the Wolverines by almost 200 points last year.

“The girls team did way better against West Potomac this year than we did last year even though we lost,” junior Tessa Iglesias said. “We tried our hardest and had a lot of fun.”

“We improved tremendously since the last time we faced them,” sophomore Melanie Bennett said.

The girls dive team looked muchimproved as they tuned up for their final meet of the season.

“We’ve improved a lot since the beginning of the year, but we still need to improve more,” senior dive captain Jazmine Bounds said.

Many AHS supporters attended the meet, which created a spirited environment for the athletes.

“It was definitely our best meet this season as far as team spirit,” senior Adam Wattenberger said.

“Also, a lot of people had best times.”

The team hopes to maintain this momentum heading into districts.

“Districts really captures the essence of what swim team is all about,” junior Alex Lash said.

Last week’s meet against Robert E. Lee ended too late to be covered in this issue of The A-Blast, but visit www.thea-blast.org for official scores and results.

Is Tebow being unfairly criticized?

Tim Tebow may be the most polarizing figure in sports today. You either love him or you hate him, there’s no in between. He quickly rose in popularity after taking over as the Denver Broncos starting quarterback on Oct. 23. The struggling Broncos were 1-4 and their season did not look promising.

When Tebow took over, he was immediately faced with criticism about his skills. He won his first game as a starter, and was still criticized. He then led the Broncos to six straight 4th quarter come-from-behind victories, which were quickly dubbed with the moniker, “Tebow Time.” And yet sports analysts and former professionals still said that he wasn’t a real NFL quarterback and couldn’t throw the ball.

The New England Patriots halted the win streak at six, but Tebow persevered for the rest of the season and eventually led the Broncos to a spot in

COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

Sports Column

Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow kneels down to pray before a game. This position is now known as “the Tebow.”

the play-offs. And yet he was still criticized. The wild card win against Pittsburgh should remove any doubt concerning his skill as a quarterback.

In my opinion, a good quarterback is someone who can play hard and pull out the victory, and

Tebow can do just that. I personally don’t see why all the “experts” say he can’t throw the ball. His game-winning overtime pass to Demaryius Thomas looked pretty nice to me. Of course it also entailed a fantastic 70-yard run by Thomas, but Tebow recognized that he was open and hit him in stride.

Tebow is being unfairly attacked because of his Christianity. He is very open about his faith and mentions “his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” in nearly every interview. Not only that, but he reads passages of the Bible to his teammates before games and prays multiple times throughout the competition.

Tebow has also popularized a praying position in which he kneels down on one knee and bows his head, which has become known as “the Tebow.” The pose is now so widespread that it has become the new planking, as people post pictures of themselves “Tebowing” in all sorts of odd places.

An athlete, regardless of the sport, should not be judged based upon his or her faith. Tebow can run the ball better than most quarterbacks in the NFL and there is nothing wrong with his ability to throw. He is still very young and has lots of time to learn and gain experience as a quarterback. On top of that, he has already proven himself as a leader even as such a young player and has demonstrated the qualities needed to be a good playmaker.

Then why wouldn’t you play him? I don’t care if he’s not throwing 60-yard bombs and making flashy plays, he gets the job done. If believing in Tebow is considered bandwagon, then I guess you can say I’m on it.

Senior Monte McCarthy jumps to get a rebound against Lake Braddock.

Junior Sanar Shamdeen prepares to shoot a free throw. Shamdeen led the Atoms with 27 points vs the Bruins.

Senior Amiel Terry drives to the hoop.

-Photos by Andrea Melendez

Boys varsity basketball On your smartphone, scan the code above using the application “QR Code” to view a video of the team’s outlook on the season.

18

Upcoming Movie Releases

ENTERTAINMENT

Jan. 18, 2012

Most Anticipated of 2012 This year will feature the return of a popular franchise and the beginning of a new one The Hunger Games March 23

RED TAIL: This film, based on real events, chronicles a group of African-American pilots during World War II. Jan 20

HAYWIRE: During a black ops mission, super soldier Mallory Kane is betrayed by her own, forcing her to run under a determination to evade her betrayers. Jan 20

Student Tweets:

“Taking down the christmas tree used to be such a blower. Now I barely care. #loosingchildhood” ---Medhane Berihun sophomore

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Rhys Ifans After back-to-back amazing performances in Crazy, Stupid, Love and The Help, Emma Stone has proved she can play any role thrown at her.

This summer, Stone takes on the role of Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker’s love interest.

In his earlier years, Peter Parker, portrayed by Andrew Garfield from The Social Network, battles his human problems while simultaneously battling his budding superhuman problems.

Although Spiderman may seem overused, this so called “untold story” has a very skeptical buzz surrounding it. The success of the film will be determined this summer when it makes its debut among tough competition with The Dark Knight Rises coming out soon after.

The Dark Knight Rises July 20

Safe House February 19

--Visoda Heng junior

--Abdel Mohammed freshman

“This Year I’m looking forward to The Dark Knight Rises. I love the action, acting and special effects!

“Safe House, it looks like it has a lot of action and suspense”

--Erika Aguilar sophomore

--Jessica Campinilla senior

–Compiled by Sarah Omer and Allison Illagan

Devil Inside disappoints

--Carlos Reyes sophomore

Director William Bell fails to deliver anticipated fear

BY SAMIR SHAH Sports Editor

---Naela Wallace junior

“I just want you to know, You deserve the best, you’re beautiful #bestlineever.”

--Nina Caballero senior

New Show: The Finder

On your smartphone, scan the code above using the application “QR Code” to read a review of FOX’s new show, The Finder

AHS’s most anticipated movies of 2012

“The Vow, because it looks adorable and romantic”

“I’m looking forward to The Avengers, because it brings all the classic heroes into one action-packed adventure”

“Count Your Blessings NOT Your Problems;).””

“Jay-z’s song to his newborn daughter>>>>”

Starring: Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds The saying goes ”out with the old and in with the new,” but viewers can hope for the best of both worlds with Safe House.

The Change-Up’s charismatic playboy Ryan Reynolds teams up with veteran movie star Denzel Washington in this highly anticipated spy thriller.

Reynolds plays Matt Weston, a young CIA agent put in charge of protecting a safe house harboring a feared fugitive. Tobin Frost (Washington). When the safe house is attacked by an unknown party it is up to Weston (Reynolds) to keep himself and the fugitive out of danger.

While people continue to assume that any movie starring Washington is a must-see, it will be up to viewers to decide whether or not Safe House meets their expectations.

What movie are you most looking forward to?

“A true friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.”

--Sophia Jorgenson freshman

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth Last year, several IB English I classes had the pleasure of reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins for free reading, and many admit that it became their favorite novel.

When announced it was becoming a movie this past year, the novel was sought out by many as eager readers rushed to finish it before the movie’s release this spring.

With an award-winning performance in X-Men: First Class, Jennifer Lawrence scored the major role of Catniss Everdeen, the beloved star of the young adult novel turned film.

Although few books made into movies do any justice to their novel counterparts, AHS remains hopeful as anticipation for the movie builds.

Starring: Christian Bale, Joseph-Gordon-Levitt and Gary Oldman It’s been four long years since The Dark Knight was released. It is arguably the greatest movie ever. Viewers couldn’t get enough of its all-star cast and suspenseful story line.

The wait is almost over. Picking up eight years after The Dark Knight, the franchise’s third installment features Batman’s return as a terrorist leader named Pave (Tom Hardy) overtakes Gotham City.

With tickets for the midnight premiere in IMAX already sold out, the buzz surrounding this film is more than theaters can handle.

Although it is unusual for tickets to go on sale so far in advance, the anticipation for The Dark Knight Rises is so large it could surpass Avatar, one of the highest grossing films in history.

ONE FOR THE MONEY: Stephanie Plum, played by katherine Heighl, is a heartbroken, out of luck bounty hunter determined to capture her ex-boyfriend, causing her job and heart to be put on the line. Jan 27

THE WOMAN IN BLACK: Traveling to a deserted town, Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliff plays a young lawyer battling the towns vengeful ghost while being chased by his own. Feb 3

The Amazing Spider-man July 3

Scenes of exorcisms taking place, flailing body parts and mindless, psychotic people screaming unintelligible nonsense seemed promising for the type of movie to leave one covered in goose bumps and in shock. Since late 2011, the previews for the Devil Inside had hyped up the film to many prospective viewers.

Many theaters had anticipated lines of people waiting to watch the premiere at midnight on January 6th and although the lines didn’t disappoint, the film did. Despite making $34.5 million on its opening weekend, viewers had no positive words for the film.

Based off of the 1989 case of Maria Rossi and her homicide spree of three people during the process of her exorcism, she was released as not guilty due to the fact that she was diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder and sent to an institution in Rome. About 20 years later, her daughter Isabella Rossi makes a documentary based on her mother’s case determined to figure out what really happened to her in 1989.

The movie begins and upon arriving to Italy, Isabella takes a class in Vatican City to learn more about exorcisms and ends up meeting two priests who perform unlicensed exorcisms to those who were turned down by the church.

After having talked to the priests, Isabella decides to go visit her mother the next day at the Centrino Mental Hospital. Unsure of what her mother’s recollection of events and the validity of them, Isabella tries to get any type of information out of her.

During the visit, Maria asks Isabella to leave and when she doesn’t Maria begins act up revealing hauntingly true facts of her daughter’s life despite no previous knowledge of the events.

The following day, Isabella meets up with the two priests trying to find out if her mother is insane or demonically possessed. The priests work through the exorcisms, which to them is not only a part of their religion but a science as

This survey was conducted during Atom Time and D Lunch on Monday, Jan. 9. Out of 300 surveys, 274 were returned and counted.

well.

Going forth with a different exorcism, Isabella and her cameraman prepare the setting as the priests prepare for the exorcism. The scary effect begins to pick up as the women’s body is shown as one of the priests lifts the covers off of her, the sight of her tangled body brings out a few shrieks from the audience as they cant help but stare at her disturbing contorted body.

The fear is palpatable in the theater as the women says Isabella’s name even though it was never said and breaks free from her bed crawling onto the walls.

Eventually, they grab hold of her and things settle down. Convinced that her mother may be possessed Isabella takes a chance and its agreed that her mother will be exorcised one more time.

All hell breaks loose in the same fashion as the previous woman and the mother appears to be “exorcised” afterwards. Time passes and it’s obvious to viewers that the spirit once within Maria has traveled to one of the priests.

As if the film couldn’t be more predictable, during the baptism of a baby the priest shows “signs of possession” as Isabella and her cameramen try to stop the priest from harming the baby.

Suddenly, the police come and before you know it, the priest has killed himself and Isabella’s wounded rushed to the hospital. The other priest realizes the demonic spirit travels from person to person and he rushes to the hospital unsure of who is possessed.

Already too late, Isabella has gone mad attacking everyone she can get her hands on. The spirit seems to multiply and everyone is becoming ‘infected with the demon’ until the priest is the only one left.

At the conclusion of the movie where viewers expect to have a small explanation, we are left only with a website telling the audience to look into for more information of the Rossi case there.

Don’t buy into the hype; The Devil Inside is a waste of time and money. The ending only added to the frustration and confusion viewers felt. Its lack of a solid plot and ending the scary effects of the movie alone still don’t make the movie worth watching or waiting for it on DVD

ENTERTAINMENT

Jan. 18, 2012

Artists you should know for 2012 From hip hop to techno heres some of the hottest performers in the music industry to look out for

Upcoming concerts

Avicii

The Weeknd

Song suggestion: “Initiation”

Song suggestion: “Enough is Enough”

Canadian R&B artist Abel Tesfaye, known as The Weeknd, is currently on the rise.

In 2010, an album was released under an anonymous artist, which turned out to be Abel.

Since then, The Weeknd has released a three part album consisting of House of Balloons, Thursday and Echoes of Silence.

You may have heard Tesfaye on Drake’s album Take Care in the songs “Crew Love,” “Good Ones Go,” “Practice” and “The Ride.”Although there is no word of a tour yet, expect one in the near future.

Club song remixer and music producer Tim Bergling, best known under the pseudonym Avicii is quickly become a mainstream DJ. Bergling has topped UK charts for tracks such as “My Feelings for You”, “Collide”, and “Fade into Darkness.” His modern take on classic house music creates a unique and rock-like club sound.

For the past three years Bergling has been constantly touring various venues, universities, and clubs around the United States, as well as Canada, the U.K., and Australia.

Childish Gambino

D.R.U.G.S. Tuesday, Jan. 24 The 9:30 Club

Before You Exit

Song suggestion: “Bonfire”

Song suggestion: “End of the World”

Donald Glover, widely known as Childish Gambino, is an upcoming rapper. Other than rapping, he is most famous for his acting career on the NBC show, Community, as Troy Barnes.

Childish Gambino is one of the few rappers who produces his own beats and writes his own music. He got his name from a “Wu Tang Clan name generator.” He has a total of four albums and two mixtapes. His most recent album, Camp, was released this past Nov. Signed by Glassnote Records, he is making his way to the top of the ladder as a successful upcoming rapper.

Gambino is going on the “Camp Gambino Tour” and on mar 20 he will play at The National in Richmond.

Four boys from Orlando, Florida, Connor McDonough (vocals/guitar), Riley McDonough (vocals/bass), Braiden Wood (guitar) and Thomas Silvers (drums) makes up the pop boy band Before You Exit. The ages of the four boys range from 16 to 18.

The band recently got off world-wide tour with Maryland locals All Time Low. Their EP Letting Go is available for purchase on iTunes.

Toronto, Canadian native Valerie Poxleitner, goes by the name Lights. Her synth, techno, electropop sound could most commonly be described as the female version of Owl City’s Adam Young. In fact, she toured with Owl City in May of 2010 and was featured several times on his CD. Throughout her music career thus far, she’s received rewards such as Favourite Canadian Solo Artist, Pop Album of the Year and Best New Artist. Her debut album The Listening sold over 40,000 copies.

Her newest album Siberia was released in October of last year, if you’re interested in seeing her live she’ll be playing a show at the 9:30 Club in DC on Feb. 5.

Song suggestion: “Keep Your Head Up” Andy Grammer is climbing the charts as a modern pop reggae artist with a hint of R&B. He is a Los Angeles, California native but was raised in NewYork.

After graduating from California State University in 2007, and pursuing his music carreer, Grammer signed to S-Curve Records where he released his first self-titled album, Andy Grammer.

His hit single “Keep Your Head Up” can be heard on MTV and on the radio. Do you like what you hear? Check out Andy Grammer at Jammin Java on Feb. 8.

“DBSK, this band is great with handsome boys.”

“Foster The People because they have a great and new sound.”

—Huyen Nguyen freshman

—Amber Hines freshman

MATT NATHANSON Sunday, Jan. 29 Rams Head Live!

Lights

Song suggestion: “Toes”

Andy Grammer

What bands and musicians do you feel will make a name for themselves in 2012?

19

“KidInk, because he has a good flow of music and he knows what he’s talking about.”

—Daniel Velasco sophomore

“A$AP Rocky because he’s worth listening to.”

—Brenda Velasco junior

“Falling In Reverse, because their music is about a member of their band.”

DOWN WITH WEBSTER Tuesday, Jan. 31 Jammin’ Java

NICK CARTER Friday, Feb. 3 Rams Head Live!

AUGUSTANA Saturday, February 4 The 9:30 Club

—Kevin Moya senior

Former AHS student talks about new band 2003 alum Brian Morgenthaler introduces Bandits and Beggars, his new local band.

DIA FRAMPTON Saturday., Feb. 4 The Recher

Q: Introduce yourself and your position in the band.

A: My name is Brian Morgenthaler and I play lead guitar in Bandits & Beggars Q: When did you attend AHS? A: I was there for my sophomore year in 2003.

Q: Who was your favorite teacher/class?

A: Hands down, Mrs. Edwards! She and her husband had a child so she left half-way through my ye,,r but I always looked forward to biology despite the fact I hate biology!

Q: What bands would you compare your sound to?

A: Thrice, Manchester Orchestra, the Dear Hunter, (hopefully a little) Muse, As Cities Burn, Deas Vail, but I’ve hear people say The Killers and The Fray too.

Q: How would you describe your music to somebody?

A: We are an “indie” rock band. Although we are influenced by these bands above and others, I would say we have a unique sound. Our music varies from high energy tone to smooth vocal and guitar melodies. We try not to stick to the generic four-chord, pop/ rock formula.

Q: How do you feel Bandits & Beggars is different than other bands today?

A: Our music carries a stronger message. We naturally write about our faith in Christ as opposed to writing about simple complaints in life (i.e. girls, family life, our dogs…).

Q: What do you consider the biggest problem in the music industry today?

A: There are a lot, but the biggest would have to be the fact that labels tend to wine, dine, then take advantage of amazing musicians. It’s sad to know my friends have bitter tastes in their mouths from labels. But the music industry is starting to level out as a whole, becoming a more horizontal model as opposed to a vertical model; with all of the social network possibilities, bands no longer have to climb to the top to be heard.

Bobby Morgenthaler, lead guitar for Bandits and Beggars, is pictured second from the right.

Q: Living in such a strong music scene like Virginia, do you think it helps or hurts you as a band?

A: I feel it helps! It pushes us musically and personally to not be in the scene and fade into the background.

Q: What advice could you give to a high school musician trying to make it in the music industry today?

A: Don’t for a minute believe that signing is the end all. I have found that hard work, as cliché as it is, will always pay off more in the end. Also, never limit yourself! Everything from studio gigs, to writing for movies and video, to co-writes with others; it will never get old. It can’t ever get old!

A DAY TO REMEMBER Sunday, Feb. 5 GMU Patriot Center

Q: Where can people listen to your music? Where can they buy it?

A: They can listen to us on most of the major social media sites like Facebook, Reverb Nation, MySpace and Pure Volume. Our first EP came out Jan. 7 at Jammin’ Java, and it is now for sale at any of our shows and will be available on iTunes soon! We’ll be sure to get the word out on that as soon as we know.

Q: Any last words? Anything you’d like to add?

A: It took me almost a year to convince our lead singer, Josh Dodd, to start a band with me after my farewell to another local band and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys to make music with!

BONE THUGS-N HARMONY Sunday, Feb. 5 The 9:30 Club

THIRD EYE BLIND Monday, Feb. 6 Rams Head Live!

Enter Shikari album review Scan the code above on your smartphone to read a review of Enter Shikari’s new album.

20

WEEKEND

Jan. 18, 2012

Q&A with Kazaxe Instructor Mimi

Q: What are some of your biggest accomplishments as an instructor?

A: Definitely being able to teach here at Kazaxe.

Q: What kind of good things have you received from this type of job?

A: I’ve made really good friends here and met such great students.

Q: Besides loosing weight, what else can people benefit from participating in Kazaxe?

A: You gain a lot of confidence because I think people become a lot more happy just coming here and enjoying themselves.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is new to Kazaxe?

A: One should be confident; you have to be ready to have a lot of fun and always bring positive energy because that’s the most important.

Q: What are some good tips prior to coming to Kazaxe?

A: Bring a lot of water, lots and lots of water. You don’t really need to do much before coming, just expect to sweat a lot while you’re having fun.

––Compiled by Carola Rojas

2012 class bulletin Order your class merchandise from Annette Janwatin

Kazaxe owner Azuka Boutcher whips her hair as she leads a fundraiser, Megaxe, to help those in need.

Two energetic boys high-five as they pose for a picture while jumping off of the Jumper into a pit of foam.

COURTESY OF ALEX BROWN

COURTESY OF AZUKA BOUTCHER

Q: How did you become an instructor for Kazaxe?

A: I’ve been an instructor for three years. At first I was just a student at Asuka’s class, but then I got addicted to it so I became a zumba certified zumba instructor and started teaching at Kazaxe.

COURTESY OF WWW.REBOUNDERZSTERLING.COM

Bom

Senior Alex Brown has been rock climbing for five years now. He often practices at Sportrock’s indoor gym.

Jump out of the winter slump Climb off of your couch and dance your way into an indoor adventure KAZAXE What’s better than being able to work out enough to drip sweat while simultaneously having fun? Zumba, a Latin inspired dance fitness workout appropriate for any age, let’s you experience exactly that. Kazaxe, owned by Azuka and her crew of other zumba professionals, has zumba classes just about every single day of the month, excluding Sundays and holidays.

Boot-camp classes are also offered Mon. Thurs. at 7:40 p.m. The dance classes have a variety of time slots available, including 5:15 p.m., 7:40 p.m. and 8:50 p.m. for people with already busy schedules. Although, times may vary depending on Kazaxe’s occasional special events and fundraisers. For a more detailed schedule, check out the calendar on their website from the link given below.

Every class costs $5 and it is not necessary to buy any type of pass or subscription, although there are package deals for regular customers. The dance classes are definitely for people who enjoy dancing and would like to take their interest to another level. Unlike the dance classes that burn off only a few calories, the boot-camp is designed for those that are ready to get toned muscles and an overall fit body. Kazaxe does get somewhat crowded every once in a while, so be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Website: www.azuka-bom.com Location: ABGC Bingo Auditorium 6200 D Little River Tpke

REBOUNDERZ

SPORTROCK

Jump into walls and body-slam yourself on the floor without any injuries. Rebounderz offers a 14,000 square foot arena full of rebounding surfaces, making it the perfect place to work off those leftover holiday calories.

The indoor trampoline arena, called the Jumper, is family-friendly and completely safe. All guests are trained how to use the Jumper before entering the arena. Safety gear, including padded helmets, safety shoes and ankle bracelets, are provided to all Jumper participants for no additional fee.

Every Friday night, from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Rebounderz offers Friday Night Frenzy. For $35, participants can jump as much as they want and then chow down on pizza. Rebounderz also has dodgeball games and Rebound with Jimmie for those looking to learn how to become a better jumper.

Rebounderz is open from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Mon. - Thurs., 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fri. - Sat. and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sun. Open Jump costs $15.75 for the first hour and $12.75 for each additional hour. Or, participants can jump for 30 min. for only $10.00. Non-jumper guests 18 and under must pay $3 each.

Check the website for the company’s Daily Dealz.

Forget going to the gym day after day to stay fit. Instead, try rock climbing at Sportrock as an enjoyable recreational activity that will keep you in tip-top shape.

Grasping for rock after rock, scale the many 20 and 40-foot walls available at Sportrock. But don’t let a little fear of heights stop you from all the fun. Climbers are attached to a rope to prevent them from falling and getting injured. And no worries if you have never climbed before, as there are many classes and events open to members and non-members alike.

You can go alone or with a group as rock climbing serves as a fun outing with others.

Sportrock offers team building activities that allow you to bond with your groupmates. You can also reserve a party at Sportrock online, in person or over the phone.

Sportrock is open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Mon. - Fri. and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sat. - Sun. The daily cost for those 13 years of age or older is $18. Gear rental is $11, shoes and harnesses cost $5, chalk bags cost $2 and belay devices and locking carabiners cost $3.

“Just go check out a climbing gym nearby [you], and just try it,” said senior Alex Brown, who frequently climbs. “It’s a good work out and it’s really fun.”

Website: www.rebounderzsterling.com

Website: www.sportrock.com

Location: 22400 Davis Drive Sterling, VA 20164

Location: 5308 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 22304

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Besides typical Korean and Chinese restaurants, there aren’t many other Asianstyle restaurant options to sit down for a meal in this area. So, if you are looking for a new place that will fill you up while leaving you completely satisfied, then Thai cuisine may be right up your alley.

Thai Ghang Waan Cuisine is located in the Brookfield Shopping Center, not too far from AHS. Don’t let the bland exterior of the restaurant turn you away. The quaint interior has dim lighting, modern furniture and an abundance of small Thai decorations. As great as the interior appears, the food itself is even better.

Like any other Thai cuisine, this restaurant is known for incorporating traditional spices into its well-prepared dishes. It is also original in the sense that aside from typical Thai dishes, it serves some of its own unique Thai entrées.

Thai Ghang Waan Cuisine offers a variety of meal options to fit your hunger needs. For

a lighter meal, try the soups and salads. For a heavier meal, try the curry, noodles or fried rice or pick from one of the restaurant’s many entrées and specialties. But save room for dessert, because the restaurant also has a few mango-themed options to choose from.

In terms of entrées, the Pad Gai Him Ma Pan is an excellent choice. A plate of crispy, fried chicken is mixed with chopped onions, carrots, celery and cashew nuts. The meal is covered with a well-balanced amount of a sweet and sour sauce and includes a bowl of white rice on the side.

Another meal to try is the Kapow Thai.

This plate of chicken stir-fried rice includes bits of scrambled eggs, carrots and onions.

Slices of lime are set on the side for those who enjoy the bitter spritz of lime juice on top of their rice. Although many other Asian countries have fried rice plates, the Thai fried rice differs from the rest because it is not as oily.

On top of its delicious dishes, Thai Ghang Waan Cuisine has excellent customer service.

The kind manager walks around serving food and continually checking up on customers and their satisfaction levels.

The restaurant isn’t too crowded on weeknights, so there is little to no wait to get a table. However, parking can be difficult in the small parking area in front of the restaurant on any given night.

If you’re looking for a nice night out with friends or family and a great meal, Thai Ghang Waan Cuisine is the place for you.

CAROLA ROJAS

BY REBECCA MALZAHN AND CAROLA ROJAS Weekend Editors

Thai Ghang Waan Cuisine

REBECCA MALZAHN

R

estaurant eviews

Above: Both the Kapow Thai and the Pad Gai Him Ma Pan are top choices at Thai Ghang Waan Cuisine.

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7056 Spring Garden Drive Springfield, VA 22150