Issue 11

A

ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

the Spring band concert

BY JEANINE BARAKAT Circulation Manager After months of rehearsal and preparation, Band and Orchestra students were finally able to perform and display the result of all their hard work. On Thursday, May 29, Band and Orchestra held their annual spring concert, led by Orchestra teacher Mrs.Ammerman and band teacher Mr.Witkowski.

In order to prepare for the spring concert, students began practicing their pieces months prior to the event.

"We prepared for about three months, we've even had one of the pieces for about five months now, "junior Almaz Abedje said.

Although many of the students had multiple priorities to fulfill along with the concert, which included testing and schoolwork, they each pulled through and were dedicated in nailing their pieces down. All the students dedication and hard work was shown in their superb performances! see CONCERT pg. 5

Seniors get ready for graduation

BY CHELSEA ALFONSO Special to the A-Blast After four long, memorable years and piles of work, the senior class will be walking across the stage at DAR Constitution Hall, receiving their diplomas in exactly a week. With Prom just occurring this past Friday, seniors realize how quick time is flying by.

"Prom really hit it hard, making me realize how close we are to graduation," senior Trami Ly said.

Seniors will be provided with four tickets during rehearsal on June 15.

There will also be a senior reflection at 7 p.m. in Clausen Hall for seniors to reflect on their life in high school.

Although graduation provides freedom and is a beginning of their adulthood, these students have been together since freshman year, some since elementary or middle school.

Graduating and leaving off to college, is a whole new experience, as some students go on to college or moving out of state.

"I realized that this is the class I've been with for the past four years, and this is what I'm leaving behind as we all graduate," Ly said.

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Taste of Annandale Local restaurants collaborate for festival

BY MARIA SUAREZ Circulation Manager For the first time ever, Annandale will host the Taste of Annandale, a community celebration where 20 local restaurants showcase their cuisines.

The Taste of Annandale is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event will take place along Tom Davis Drive in central Annandale, between Columbia Pike and John Marr Drive.

Not only will there be cuisine tasting, but also live entertainment all day long.

Different types of music groups will be playing with Tahitian dancers performing and several bands playing roots, rock, and Persian music.

Annandale Terrace Elementary School's jump rope champions will also be performing.

Other activities that will occur are a chili cook off between the fire department and police department and a 5K "Diamond Dash."

Two randomly selected runners will win a half carat diamond, donated by the title sponsor Lambros Goldsmith. The 5K will begin and end at the Annandale United Methodist Church on Columbia Pike.

"The idea is to promote community engagement and getting the community involved as well as supporting youth," editor of the

Annandale Blog Ellie Ashford said.

A steering community, made up of local stakeholders and chaired by Reverence Clarence Brown, created the Taste of Annandale as a way to enhance community participation.

Proceeds gained from the Taste of Annandale will assist the Annandale Youth Fund, a program meant to create projects to strengthen life in the Annandale community.

"I'm looking forward to it because it looks like a lot of fun. I can't wait to taste all the types of foods," junior Seham Ahmed said.

All students and teachers are encouraged to attend the new celebration and experience all the different sides of Annandale.

"I'm looking forward to the different types of foods and different ethnic groups that will be represented," Business teacher Howard Dwyer said.

The Taste of Annandale will have a majority of options for people with different tastes to try and many booths lined up the road.

"Annandale is consisted of diversity where we have so many beautiful, wonderful individuals, and citizens who call this home," police department, officer Gun Lee said.

"By having the Taste of Annandale, I want people who are not a part of Annandale to learn more. Hopefully this would increase visitors and the business aspect."

The Taste of Annandale is meant to attract people who are living in the Annandale community, but also those who are new to the area.

"Everybody should attend. It is for families and for people of all ages," Ashford said.

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Long-time faculty members retire Beloved staff say good-bye

BY JAROD GOLUB Special to the A-Blast One of the most unexpected retirements this year is that of Principal Vincent Randazzo.

Randazzo announced his retirement to the faculty in a meeting after school on Friday, May 22.

Before working at AHS, Randazzo worked as a Fairfax Couny police officer. "He put in 25 years a Fairfax county police officer and however many years he put in at Annandale," English teacher Bill Maglisceau said.

He's earned it and deserves it. Hopefully he's got good plans to make sure everything goes well for him."

Randazzo has been principal at AHS for four year, and has been working here for 14 years.

"I taught English 10 when Mr. Randazzo was teaching English 10 as well, and we both had the same English 10 Honors kids," Maglisceau said.

"Together we built a good program and did a good job with the kids and making sure the kids were on task having the same sort of ideas and what not."

During his time as principal, Randazzo has been involved in a lot of changes at AHS, including the introduction of the Atom Pride initiative, and being involved in having Michelle Obama come to speak at AHS. Another hard-hitting retirement from this year is that of long time teacher John Hawes.

As Hawes walks around his classroom, room 294, it is easy to tell that he has been teaching here for a while. After 15 years, he has accumulated a lot of things, including posters made for him by a number of

his former students and a wall in the back of his room filled with magazine covers and comic strips.

One poster uses dramatic visuals to claim that Hawes was a spy prior to beginning his career as a teacher.

While this is not exactly true, Hawes did do work for the government.

"I worked in the state department, I did the foreign service," Hawes said. "While I was in the foreign service, I did a lot of East West arms control, I did NATO alliance affairs, negotiations with the former Soviet Union, that kind of stuff. But I did a variety of other things too.

In India I was an economic officer, for example. In Ethiopia, I was the one person in the embassy who was trained in Amharic."

Hawes, work for the state department allowed him to travel all around the world for his job. He has done work in Naples, Calcutta, New Delhi, Vienna and Brussels. However, most of his work was done in Washington.

As a teacher here, Hawes was able to interact with a lot of students with many different backgrounds.

"One thing that I have gotten from working with so many different students is food. I have been able to experience a great variety of foods from all around the planet," Hawes said.

Hawes began teaching here 15 years ago after retiring from the state department.

"When I retired from the state department, I was looking for something which might vaguely fit what I do. I'm not an expert in law, medicine, mathematics, I am a generalist.

That's what diplomacy is, it's a generalist field, so is teaching," Hawes said.

During his time here, Hawes has taught government, geography and theory of knowledge.

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VOLUME #60 ISSUE 11

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Principal Randazzo poses for his faculty picture in the main enterance.

Throughout his years teaching here, Hawes has made an impact on many students, even those who he just met this year.

"I was so scared the first quarter, because every time [Mr. Hawes] would call on me, I would mess up and stutter. But as the year progressed, I learned that he is very understanding and kind," senior Julia Nguyen said. "I love his teaching style and I'm so thankful to have had the chance to be with him this year."

While Hawes has made an impact on his students, his students have

also made an impact on him.

"Every year there is a new crop of students, and they're always different than the last," Hawes said.

"Who knew that I was going to meet a student who worked in Black-Jewish relations? Who knew someone was going to make me a poster from Sun Tzu? Who knew someone was going to make me a poster that says 'teaching is just a day job?' I've met a lot of great students throughout my time teaching."

Individual students have had their impact on Hawes, but he has

also taken different lessons away from his teaching experience as well.

"I have become a little bit better at keeping my mouth shut," Hawes said. "I think I have learned a little about being quiet and letting the students answer the questions, because eventually they will come up with the answer. And what you want to do in teaching is give them the space to come up with it." see RETIREMENT pg. 5

The "Roaring 2015" senior Prom

BY TEAGAN FOTI News Editor

What are your plans for the summer?

Staying home/ hanging out with friends: 38 %

Going to the beach: 29 %

NINA FAIRMAN

Working: 25 %

Summer classes: 8 %

As the night came to a close, seniors Arvin Duco and Nina Fairman were named Prom king and queen and shared a dance to "Earned It" by The Weeknd, which was one of the many popular songs played throughout the night.

The final dance for the class of 2015 was a night to remember. The "Roaring 2015" themed evening, based largely on the book The Great Gatsby, impressed students and faculty with intricate 20's themed decor and memories to last a lifetime.

Many students were impressed with the theme and enjoyed the decorations and the atmosphere of the dance.

"I really enjoyed the vibe of it," senior Kiet Do said, "I'm a big fan of that time period."

Prom was held at the Hilton Hotel in Alexandria and was tirelessly worked over by the senior class and class sponsors, who believe that the most exciting part of Prom is arriving at the venue to see everything

finalized and put together.

"We spent a lot of time figuring out what decorations we wanted to buy in order to bring out our theme of Roaring 2015, which corresponds. to the Great Gatsby feel." senior class officer Soriya de Lopez said.

The Prom was a product of countless hours of preparation and fundraising by the senior class, who over the prior four years have held a plethora of fundraisers in and out of school like Matchmaker and events at Flight in order to provide funding for the night.

All the hard work paid off for the seniors who got to experience a night to remember "My Prom experience was more than anything I could've asked for," senior Kara Hoisington said. "I wish I could relive it over and over!"

Prom was all that was expected of it and was definitely memorable and a great way to round out high school for the class of 2015.

Hoisington's advice for student attending future Proms: don't let drama or a few bumps in the road get in the way of the total outcome of your night.

The senior field hockey girls posing at the Belle Haven Country Club

Summer festivitiess

Beach houses Read all about students in their Outer banks beach houses Photo 13

Check out all the activities and concerts coming up in the area Lifestyles 14

Fifa women's team Fifa 16 to introduce women's national teams Entertainment 18

2 EDITORIALS

June 9, 2015

Caitlyn Jenner's big debut A shocking and courageous transition Bruce Jenner is now a woman. The public is reacting uproariously- emotions ranging from congratulatory acceptance to forthright disgust. Caitlyn Jenner made her debut when Vanity Fair released the front cover photo for this month's magazine.

The notorious "Call me Caitlyn" caption and the shocking photo of Jenner with wavy long hair in a white bustier caused an uproar throughout the world. The photo spread like wildfire in social media and was covered on several news broadcasts.

Following Bruce Jenner's "I Am A Woman" interview with Diane Sawyer in April, there was an immense amount of backlash directed towards Jenner and divided opinions have arisen. Despite many commendations, criticisms abound.

Many simply disapprove with the choice on a fundamental level. A large portion of the population is uncomfortable or unfamiliar with transgender people, and see Jenner's switch as the manifestation of a perpetual problem in society- the tendency of media to embrace more liberal concepts such as the LGBT community's lifestyle, that oppose the traditional image of sexuality and gender identity.

The issue is also exacerbated by Jenner's image. While one generation sees her as the picture of masculinity, an undoubtedly male Olympic decathlon star, another simply sees her as a Kardashian. The antics of a reality star and of a sports star are viewed differently, and preconceptions can easily amplify

WWW.VANITYFAIR.COM

BY SADIE MODICA Editorials Editor

Caitlyn Jenner poses for her photoshoot with Vanity Fair.

or minimize the notion.

Along with the transphobic audience, a lot of the criticism derives from Bruce Jenner's past athletic career as an eminent track and field star. The public is arguing that if Jenner had always identified herself as a woman, then she should not have competed as a male. There are petitions being signed in attempts to strip Jenner of her athletic achievements and medals. Some are even encouraging her to personally return the titles as a former track and field athlete.

Additionally, much of the controversy is centered around Jenner's recent selection as a recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2015 ESPYS. Many believe that she doesn't deserve the award, and

that other nominees such as Lauren Hill and Noah Galloway are more fitted to the honor.

The problem with this judgement is that there weren't nominees. The way the award works is an autonomous decision is made by ESPN to honor one person for their bravery.

This is not to say that she is any more brave or less brave than Galloway and Hill, and many other deserving, valiant people.

On the contrary, Jenner has become an inspiration to much of the world. Her brave decision touched the hearts of many, and their support can be seen in the social media outpour that ensued following her big reveal. The tag #CallMeCaitlyn began trending worldwide, accompanied by an overwhelming amount of praise and positivity. The

iconic image of Jenner in her Vanity Fair cover shoot was extremely prevalent and fans and stars alike applauded her transformation. Despite being in the spotlight, Jenner had the courage to defy social norms in order to be happy, people respect that.

Supporters believe that as an esteemed luminary, it must have taken an immense amount of bravery for her to shed her guise as the macho athletic idol and bare her true identity to the world.

Jenner's identity was indeed a well-hidden secret. In her Diane Sawyer interview, she revealed a strong intrinsic gravitation towards all things feminine- she reportedly began crossdressing at a young age, and identified but privatized her gender

dysphoria. There were some close calls.

In the mid-1980's, Jenner had to turn to a seasoned publicist and handler of PR crises by the name of Alan Nierob for help. A New York Times reporter was attempting to write a story about Jenner's crossdressing habits and Nierob skillfully shut it down.

Now, about 30 years later, Jenner has turned to Nierob for a different kind of publicity assistance. Neirob has been the guide behind the campaign to explain Jenner's transformation. The masterfully-executed plan began late last fall. The highly anticipated ABC interview with Diane Sawyer was the first promotion of Jenner's upcoming docuseries, "I am Cait."

Jenner began hormone therapy after the end of her second marriage, but abruptly stopped when she began dating Kris Kardashian. After their divorce, in addition to restarting hormone therapy, Jenner underwent a 10-hour facial feminization surgery in March of this year. The operation reportedly took twice as long as expected, but Jenner believes it was worth the risk. As of now, she has not had gender reassignment surgery.

Jenner is not alone. According to the Gender Centre, about one in every 2,500 males in the United States has already undergone gender reassignment surgery to become female. This statistic does not account for trans male-to-females who haven't had the surgery, such as Jenner herself.

Transsexualism is not as rare as it is often portrayed to be. With the step that she has taken, Jenner has not only been true to herself, but true to the entire LGBT community. Normalcy can only be attained through exposure.

Here's to hoping that the exposure of Jenner's true identity can help people be more accepting of the trans community, and help the trans community be more accepting of themselves.

Why don't we have a valedictorian?

Confusion over speeches at graduation Valedictorian has been a coveted title in America for as long as we can remember. Students vie for the highest grade point average so that they can give a heartfelt speech at graduation and brag that they hold the title.

On June 16, the senior class of Annandale High School will graduate in Constitution Hall. The nervous students will sit in their red caps and gowns and listen to their beloved principal, teachers and counselors give speeches about how amazing the past four years have been.

In the past, the valedictorian would give the highly anticipated speech addressing and praising the hard work and effort put into all of the graduates' high school careers. The speech would be fraught with humor, hope and finality. It would inspire and potentially bring tears to the audience's eyes.

Now, however, Annandale students can no longer expect to see the student with the highest GPA up on stage.

Instead of recognizing only the student with the highest GPA, the names of the students with the top 10 are read off by the announcer.

"Personally, I am upset that the popular tradition was not upheld by Annandale High School," Annandale alumni Tracy Nguyen said.

This is meant to eliminate the unhealthy competition and disappointment that may occur when the title is intact. The competition may lead to unnecessary stress

SADIE MODICA

BY SADIE MODICA AND JULIE NGUYEN Editorials Editors

Annandale graduates will be wearing a red cap and gown at the ceremony.

and breaches of the honor code as some students would be desperate enough to cheat and improve their grades.

Contrary to that opinion, some believe that the competition is helpful.

"I think the title actually promotes healthy competition and I don't think there's anything wrong about it," Nguyen said. "It pushes students to do better and strive for excellence."

To this day, there are still several students who are unaware of this decision. Surely enough, that means parents are also kept in the dark about this subject.

"I was actually unaware that there was not a valedictorian until the day of my graduation. I was shocked when there was no recognition," Nguyen said.

Surprisingly, the choice was not made by Annandale itself. The removal of the title was enforced throughout

all of the high schools in the area as the conclusion was made by the Fairfax County board.

In 2008 Fairfax County followed the lead of many high schools nationwide by eliminating the valedictorian title in order to favor groups of honor graduates. Rather than acknowledging one sole student, the schools would credit groups of outstanding seniors.

"Fairfax County did away with [the title,]" graduation coordinator Bonnie Vining said. "It's been that way since I started working with graduation in 2008 but it's the president, vice president, and the three executive board members of the senior class [that give speeches]," While a lot of people oppose the change, claiming that it mars tradition and takes away an age old right and a dream from those with the highest GPAs, many others enjoy it.

Dos and Don'ts of Finals

Staff CO-EDITORS IN CHIEF Summar Ayoub Zeke Yonas MANAGING EDITOR Alex Zernik NEWS EDITORS Mohamed Elhag Teagan Foti EDITORIALS EDITORS Julie Nguyen Sadie Modica COPY EDITORS Linus Bumbaca Sharon Sanchez IN-DEPTH EDITORS Binqi Chen Aseal Saed SPORTS EDITORS

Ryan Gammon Nebeyu Solomon SPORTS XTRA EDITORS Raphael Yu Marem Atef PEOPLE EDITORS Conrad Shartel Julie Swenton WEEKEND EDITORS Biruk Negash Cayley Byrne INTERNATIONAL EDITORS Nancy Evora Tim Gray ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS Daniel Yenegeta Ahmad Ayub

LIFESTYLES EDITORS Thida Pathammavong Tipyan Omar HEALTH EDITORS Phuong Nguyen Sabrina Hawa PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORS Soulisa Pathammavong Marilyn Rivas ART EDITORS Alaina Garay Kailyn Garay ACADEMICS EDITORS Marife Baragano Kiara Patino WEB EDITOR/MASTER Christopher Han HEAD VIDEOGRAPHERS

Faisel Hassen Bailey Oliver

Do your review. This is the most important test of the year!

AD MANAGER Hussein Salem CIRCULATION MANAGERS Jeanine Barakat Maria Suarez STAFF WRITERS Andrew Nunez Rachel Shogren Halley Thadeus Julius Miller Crew McCarthy PHOTOGRAPHER Tooba Siddique ADVISER Alan Weintraut

"I like how what we do do is honor the top 10 GPA graduates and then the number one person kind of gets a special recognition which I think is really nice," Vining said. "I'm not sure why they took that speech away from that top person."

Many people have expressed their discontentment over the years but the practice was continued. Even so, there are some good points to the elimination of the title. The road to valedictorian is long and stressful, and it can turn into a competition for top students. Instead of dividing these exceptional students, in eliminating the title FCPS hoped to unify them, so that instead of losing out on recognition by a fraction of a point on their GPAs, they would be congratulating each other on four years of excellence.

Additionally, by changing the tradition and introducing new speakers with new roles, high schools are raising the question: who deserves to speak at graduation?

Some believe that it is the class officers.

"I think it's also nice that the class officers who work so hard all year, they get to be the ones who get to speak to the rest of the class. I like that," Vining said.

The five officers that deliver speeches have held positions for the entire school year, and most of them have held other class officer positions throughout their high school careers. The board of class officers are always behind the scenes, working hard to promote class spirit, raise money for their class and ensure that the students have a great senior year, with a focus on endof-the-year events such as Prom and the All Night Grad celebration. These students lead and aid their class in every way possible, so it makes sense that they are the ones who get the chance to give that final speech at graduation.

But regardless of that, it is just hard to let the title go. The valedictorian and the whole class might feel sleighted by the loss of the traditional speech, and the loss of the potential closure it could give.

Annandale High School Vol. 60 No.11 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003 703.642.4229 June 9, 2015 Adviser: Alan Weintraut ajweintraut@fcps.edu

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 emailed to theablast15@gmail.com or 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, 2015.

Don't freak out.

Treat it like any other test, just one that requires more review.

Believe in yourself.

You have been preparing for this test all year.

Do not skip breakfast before the test. You will feel hungry later on.

EDITORIALS 3

June 9, 2015

Take advantage of your summer Students plan to take on jobs over the break

BY JULIE NGUYEN With summer break just around the corner, most students are ready to unwind and escape the overwhelming pressures of high school.

Although some students may be traveling out of the country or simply lazing around the house, there are several who have different ideas on how to spend summer break.

Some students have taken it upon themselves to be productive over their three months of freedom.

Whether it be taking summer classes, studying for SATs or preparing for college, these students are ready to use their summer breaks to their advantage.

Most commonly, students are known to apply for jobs over the long recess. From working at Panera Bread to being a lifeguard at the neighborhood pool, there is a wide variety of jobs that can be suitable for high schoolers.

All students should take on the challenge to work if they do not have any other commitments. This way, they will be able to earn some extra cash and develop valuable life skills.

From June to September, students aim to earn money in order to fill up their wallets.

"It's nice having an income and having the skills that you can use later in life." junior Georgia Stenberg said.

Making money gives students a sense of independence and shows that they no longer need to depend on their parents as much.

Getting a job and working signifies how much they have grown and matured.

"You'll always have some spending money and you'll gain some sense of responsibility and experience in the real world."

COURTESY OF RACHEL NEARY

Editorials Editor

Sophomore Rachel Neary works as a lifeguard at her local pool.

sophomore Juliana Iglesias said.

Aside from earning money for personal use, getting a job is also a helpful way to save up for college.

Starting early with college preparations will benefit in the long run because the cost for higher education is pricey. Especially with student loans and college tuitions being popular issues in today's society, it is notably important to get a head start.

"I decided to get a job in order to have my own money and to save for college." junior Ben Petruzziello said.

Typically, students are hired as retail workers or cashiers, both of which are jobs that do not require much experience or education. Most of these jobs revolve around social circumstances where the employees are obligated to act accordingly.

By working at a young age, teens are

able to acquire a series of skills that will be helpful to them in the future. They will most likely develop communication skills, leadership skills, business and financial skills, and proper public etiquette.

"I wanted skills that I could use later in life and to help during college too." Stenberg explained.

In addition to learning new skills, students who have summer jobs are building up their work experience. This can help when they are ready to apply for new jobs in the future because employers tend to look for applicants that are familiar with the work force Experience is one of the largest considerations that an employer uses in deciding who to hire. .

"I believe that getting a job in high school benefits your levels of experience from a young age, making you more proficient in the

skills needed to have a full time job after finishing school." Petruzziello continued.

Most students are not prepared or willing to give up their summer breaks and would much rather be hanging with friends during their well-deserved hiatus from school.

They feel that by having a summer job, their schedules would be too packed and there would be no room for enjoyment. "[I learned] responsibilty and time management, Iglesias said. "If my time management is bad, I really won't have a summer."

It is important for those teens who work to be able to balance their time between working and having fun with friends. Their jobs won't be the only subject on their minds for 24 hours each day, but they are expected to have their priorities in order.

"The people that I work with, they give

me time off," Stenberg said. "They allow me to tell them when I can't work, so they're really flexible."

Sometimes employers are lenient when it comes to changing shifts or taking a day off during the summer. Especially if those working are teenagers, the management will hopefully understand that teens want to enjoy part of their summer.

"I can always switch shifts with someone or get a sub when something comes up." Iglesias said.

Even if jobs do meddle with the social lives of teenagers, it's only occasionally.

There are still several occasions and opportunities for students to loosen up despite working for several days of the week.

"Having a job interferes with summer vacation in that you're at work when you could be sleeping in or being with friends, but there's plenty of time for that if you only work part time." Petruzziello said.

There is also the possibility that a student could do both at the same time. It's easy to make friends with other teens in the workplace, so that work and fun are balanced.

Most parents encourage their children to apply for jobs. It ensures that their children are being productive rather than wasting their days sitting on the couch.

"I think it's important because otherwise students have a lot of free time on their hands and idle hands make the devil's work."

Annandale mother Kelly Spitzer said.

Some even expect their children to pay for part of their college tuitions and require them to have jobs. In order to prepare for that time, it is essential to save up.

"I decided to get a job to save money for college," Iglesias added. "You can save early so you'll have more money when the time comes."

Rather than staying in debt for many years, students with jobs will be able to pay of some of their loans by the time their out of college.

Clearly, having a job is beneficial in multiple ways. Even if it is time consuming or sometimes stressful, the pros outweigh the cons.

Heard in the Hall: What are your plans for the summer?

"I plan on going to "I plan to sleep and go the pool every day to the pool a lot" because it's kind of my home away from home TYLER WESTFALL in summer" freshman

"I plan to pursue art in more forms and I am also working at Menchie's and running."

JESSICA ROOP

JESSICA FERSON

freshman

sophomore

"I am going to be playing football. I'm going to have to make a lot of sacrifices."

"I'm going to be working at my camp and I'm going to Niagra Falls."

DANYOM BEYENE

ASHLEY CHA

sophomore

junior

"I am going to work at Maguill's restaurant."

"I plan to help Coach Harris with the cross country team."

TONG NGUYEN

DANIELA ROMERO

junior

senior

"I'm going to Vietnam for about a month."

KIET DO senior

Senior pranks get out of hand Uncertain plans at Annandale for senior prank Although a senior prank has been under discussion, there have been no big attempts to have a senior prank and nobody has gotten into any serious trouble. This of course is a good thing, but many students love the idea of having a big funny joke set up with all their classmates at the end of their last year in high school.

Arrangements are under way for a senior prank but will they be hampered by the strict rules against it?

Annandale should have a senior pranks policy where pranks are allowed to take place if they get accepted by the administration of the school. This way seniors will have one more thing to look forward to in their last year and still make sure the safety of everyone is secured.

School-approved pranks could be harmless as long as the school is prepared to deal with it beforehand. It could be fun for upperclassmen and underclassmen alike.

In the past, there used to be a senior stampede that would take place at the end of the year. Seniors would run through the hallways all around the school throwing papers everywhere.

It was a fun way to finish off their last year as high school students before they're off to college and bigger places. Running around the school they have been in for four years with the rest of their classmates most likely brought great feelings of joy to each of the seniors.

The stampede is no longer done at Annandale because of the countless injuries and problems it brought.

In the last years, the stampedes got out of hand as some students were injured.

The stampedes also always left a big mess for the janitors to clean. They were stopped because it was unfair for the janitors to have to go through the entire school cleaning the clutter of paper all over the floor that was a result from the chaos.

Since then no big attempts have taken place to have a senior prank and nobody has gotten into any serious trouble. This of course is a good thing, but many

MOE ELHAG

BY JUDY NANAW Special to the A-Blast

A common senior prank is blocking hallways with water-filled cups.

students love the idea of having a big funny joke set up with all their classmates at the end of their last year in high school.

In recent years, there have been attempts of having senior pranks that never really worked out. There would be small random incidents where a small group of seniors would gather and try to commence a prank, but it never worked out for fear of getting in trouble with the school or even the police.

Senior pranks would be so much fun and definitely unforgettable for every senior. Leaving high school brings mixed emotions for everyone- relief and happiness and sadness, but it is very important to leave with a laugh and knowledge that you and all your

NOTABLE PRANKS · Senior nap time · Balloon blockade · Bring your dog to school day · Desks on the field · Camp out · Wall of Post-It Notes · Duct-tape toilet paper · Cereal sinks · Selfie chaos · Mariachi band · Auminum foil craze

peers left something for the school to remember your class by.

Senior pranks are popular traditions that take place in high schools all around America. The idea is for the soon-to-graduate students to leave a funny and memorable sign of their class at their high school even though sometimes senior pranks don't turn out to be so innocent.

There have been countless incidents in high schools where senior pranks have gone awry. The students who take part in these pranks are being punished by being banned from graduation, faced with criminal charges, and even jailed.

For example, in Sequoyah High School in Madisonville, Tennessee, seniors who were involved in a

senior prank that went too far were not able to participate in their graduation ceremony. They were told that they will have to pick up their diplomas another time as they were stripped of their opportunity to walk across the stage.

Almost half of the senior class showed up to school with supplies of glitter, balloons, toilet paper, and many other objects. Their plan was to decorate the school with these random items, intending to keep it fun and harmless.

According to the Monroe County Schools Director, Tim Blankenship, the incident was a disgraceful act. The prank led to damaged school property.

"The prank resulted in severe vandalism of the hallways, restrooms, and classrooms of the school, it was a reprehensible act," Tim Blankensip said.

At Chopticon High School in Southern Maryland, 72,000 ladybugs were released in the halls and classrooms of the building by five people as their senior prank. The thousands of insects that were ordered online left the school in havoc and four juveniles were charged with burglary for forcing open a door of the school at 3:40 a.m. in order to place in the bugs.

"It was a mess, when you walked in the building, they covered the walls and hallways, flying around, and they were all in a pile in different areas of the building." a school staff member said.

In South Iredell High School in Troutman, North Carolina, students were evacuated after a senior prank triggered a bomb search to take place at the school. The prank that took place in South Iredell led to two students' arrest.

Two seniors organized a prank to place alarm clocks in unused lockers and have them go off at different times. What was meant to be harmless left them with a charge of hoax by using a false bomb in a public building, which is a felony.

What was meant to be a joke had left no one laughing when the entire school had to be removed from the building in order to ensure the safety and security of all the students and staff members.

Annandale High School is not able to have senior pranks take place. It does not have an official senior prank operation where pranks can get approved by the administration in order for the jokes to stay safe.

4 NEWS

June 9, 2015

Senior awards ceremony Students praised for academic excellence

BY CHELSEA ALFONSO Special to the A-Blast

PHOTO COURTESY OF SORIYA DE LOPEZ

About 100 students were recognized and awarded for their achievements in their classes. AHS held a formal event that appreciated the school's finest overachievers in the auditorium.

During the ceremony, it was announced that AHS seniors won an approximate total of $2.5 million in scholarships. Senior Soriya de Lopez received the highest number of awards, with a total of five awards overall.

On June 4 at 7 p.m., a select few of students who have showed hard work and dedication throughout their four years of high school and were finally awarded for their excellence by their teachers. The event not only include seniors, but a few juniors as well.

Students who got scholarships from colleges were asked to stand up and be recognized for their achievement. Students were not only given awards, but also scholarships for their academic achievement or their leadership. Senior Peter Baek was awarded the James G. Finch Scholarship for having an outstanding leadership and for participating in school and community service.

Awards were handed to students who showed excellence in each department, foreign languages, athletics and extracurricular activites. Closing the awards ceremony, 35 IB diploma candidates were called out and were given their cords as they walked on stage.

Senior Soriya de Lopez helped sort out IB diploma candidate cords. She received the highest number of awards.

Theatre rises one more time ESOL students ready to bring a flare to the stage MOHAMED ELHAG

BY MOHAMED ELHAG AND JAY GUTIIERREZ News Editor and Special to the A-Blast The AHS theatre program will be performing William Shakespeare's As You Like It on June 16 at 6 p.m. The play is a pastoral comedy that follows the heroine Rosalind and her cousin Celia as they seek refuge and end up in the Forest of Arden.

The speech and drama teacher Noelle Vinas and ESOL teacher Leslie Chekin are taking charge and leading the production on its endeavour to success. There are 25 cast members in the play, rehearsing diligently and as often as possible in preparation for their opening scene.

Theatre students rehearsing one of the scenes of "As You Like It" Monday after school.

Unlike many of the previous productions put on by the theatre, there is a productive twist. Well-known theatre students will be acting alongside ESOL students. Although they may seem small, programs like these are what really define the presence of diversity that makes Annandale high school unique.

The ESOL department hopes that this will be a good learning experience for the ESOL students participating. "It provides an

excellent opportunity for ESOL students to reinforce reading skills, analyze literature, foster creativity and work on team skills," Chekin said."They create art."

Performing a play helps improve the literacy skills of ESOL students involved in the production. They take this idea to the next level and perform Shakespeare.

The students are taking this challenge and hope to make the best out of it.

PTSA SENIOR CONGRATULATIONS Christian Mark Firbaben: Congratulations son! We're so proud of you! Love, Mom & Dad. "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail." -Raplh Waldo Emerson

Rachael Allshouse: We are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished.

Your future is yours to build and we are confident you will surpass all expectations. Keep up the good work and believe in yourself because we do!

Erin Johnson: Congratulations AHS grad on your many AHS accomplishments! You made it despite the pre-school years! Go conquer College of Charleston in Erinstyle! Love you - Mom, Dad and AJ

Kayla Hylton: Congratulation to the beginning of your new success. You are awesome and you did it, now let's continue. Love you, Aunt Valerie

Christopher Vaides: Congratulations! We are so proud of everthing you hve accomplished! We look forward to seeing where the next part of your journey will take you. Mom, Dad & Sister

Sara Abraham: We love you Sara!! We know you will succeed in life beause you are amitious and hard working. Have fun in college and at the same time be serious in your work! May God be with you. Love you so much. Mom

Jarod Golub: Jarod, we are so proud of you and your accomplishments and can't wait to see how your next chapter reads.

Congratulations to you and all your friends.

Kayla Hylton: Congratulations, Kayla!!

We know you will do well at LaSalle University. Love, Mom, Dad & Corey

Spring band concert

CONT. "RETIREMENT"

CONT. "CONCERT"

Hawes grew up and worked in the World War II and Cold War eras, so for him, 21st century problems are a lot different than problems when he was growing up.

"You kids have an approach to the 21st century that I can't fully comprehend. I look at the 21st century, and I see all of these issues and problems that need to be attacked vigorously, and I feel depressed," Hawes said. "But you kids, you're digging into the 21st century, and I look around and I see young people who are actually attacking them with this energy, and that's impressive. It inspires me, gives me hope. My students give me the energy to keep going."

Other retiring teachers this year include IB Diploma Coordinator Shirley Campbell and Administrative Assistant Carol Leventhal.

"I'm leaving to be closer to my parents in Stafford. So I will working in Stafford County school system," Leventhal said.

AHS is a very special place for many of the faculty members that work here, and it will always be a place where they feel at home.

"This really is a home for me," Leventhal said. "I'm going to miss the students most of all, they keep me young and active and in the know of what's going on in the world."

Students have an impact on

"I was very pleased with the concert," Director Joseph Witkowski said.

"The beauty of live performance is that there will always be unique things that happen. We had some of our finest moments on the stage Thursday night, but we also have a few that I think we would all like another shot at it," "It is really exciting to be contributing to new music and premiering it. Thursday night's concert also featured the Annandale High School Symphony Orchestra (AHSSO), which has been a collaborative effort between the band and orchestra. Mrs. Ammerman and I have been rehearsing with those students just once a week since February, and I was particularly pleased with the accomplishments The band performing "La Plante" in the auditorium for their spring concert. of that group."

For many seniors, this was one beautiful experience yet we get to gradually shrinking as more people of their final performances with look forward to a new opportunity have stopped playing," Abedje said. their band/orchestra family. to make different art when we start While many newcomers will be "This year's seniors are such the next project." joining band next year, Mr.Witkowski a special group of young people," With the senior's departure, is hopeful that each student will be Witkowski said. They have had students will be rising up to occupy dedicated to reaching their individthree band directors in their careers the previous seniors positions. Also, ual potential. at AHS and have been versatile, new students will be submerging strong and enthusiastic in my time themselves into the art of music here. Their contributions have been and join band and/or orchestra. amazing and critical and I appreci"I really hope to get the word ate them so much. It is bittersweet out about band and get more peobecause we have an ending to a ple involved because the program is

teachers, and teachers also have a

things that he has done in his life.

profound impact on students.

"Mrs. Campbell has been my support system through everything from school and college applications to teachers, friends and even boys," senior Divakaruni Chowdhary said.

"She has been like a second mother and I would be extremely upset if this wasn't the year that I was leaving as well, because high school for me just wouldn't be the same without Mrs. Campbell."

"I'm really going to miss joking around with [Mr. Hawes] and learning from him, since he teaches a lot from experience," senior Kaitlyn Cook said. "He has done it all, and I can only aspire to do half of the

Happy retirement Mr. Hawes, you will definitely be missed!"

Many teachers like to leave parting advice or wisdom to their students, and this year is no different. "[If I were to give advice,] I would quote Kung Fu Panda. Guys, there are no accidents. If you are going to succeed, there are reasons for that, this is not an accident," Hawes said.

"This does not mean that things are random. It does mean that what you put in today pays back tomorrow. We tend to look at life as a whole mass of random stuff, but it ain't."

Mr. Hawes created a close relationship with many colleagues including Mr. Kelly.

CHLOE LOVING

Teacher retirements

ALL NIGHT NIGHT ALL

GRAD CELEBRATION

CELEBRATION Graduation Night Night Graduation at Audrey Audrey Moore Moore Rec Rec Center Center at 10:30am -- 5:00pm 5:00pm 10:30am

$45.00thru thruJune June12th 12th -- $60.00 $60.00after afterJune June12th 12th $45.00

Games, Prizes, Prizes, Food, Food, Music Music && Entertainment Entertainment Games, Formsavailable availablein inthe themain mainoffice officeor oronline online Forms www.annandalehsptsa.com www.annandalehsptsa.com “freeand andreduced reducedlunch” lunch”price priceavailable availablethrough throughyour yourcounselor counselor “free The All Night Graduation Committee gratefully acknowledges the generosity of the following Families, Individuals, Vendors and Community Supporters: PHANTOM BALL Osman B. Koroma Mary Johnson & Brian too Tracy Schall/Kurt Shultz The Kindling Family Terry Boyd Irene Fakulujo Arnold & Barbra Golub Caryl & Harold Salters Rhys & Elvie Buntua Ms. Adrienne Robinson The Lauderdales Andrea Shore & Scott Lieberman Brian and Laurie Lindberg The Lefbom's The Hoisington Family Pam Odom Jim and Kathy Ryan Heather and Don Vogus Francisco and AnnMarie Leal Lamb Family Andrew and L Ever Petruzziello Alison Robinson

Ken Manahl Bob and Laura McLean Stratton and Lupe Shartel Tom and Lori Uglietta Su Sie Lim Abas and Eilenn Adenan Brenda Klisowsky Jane Carey Paul and Janet Hines Amie Richitt Sheila and Chuck Cuyjet Karen Kurland Chris and Anne Wuhrer Trina and Larry King The Foti Family Andy Butler Joe and Karen Curtin The Allshouses Anne Hoover & Lorren Schields Sue Licatovich Marty & Liz Flynn Bottcher Family

David and Beth Oliver Laurie and Mike McCann Tom and Judy Pendergast Sonia Arias Danitria Bradley VENDORS & COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS North Springfield Civic Association Annandale Women's Club Alyssa Getsey, The Pampered Chef Consultant Audrey Moore Rec Center BJ's - Alexandria Chipotle - Springfield Magill's Chick-Fil-A - Tysons West Starbucks Coffee - Backlick Shopping Center Gold's Gym - Backlick Shopping Center McDonalds - near Leesville Blvd Trader Joe's - Falls Church Dale Abrams (Temporaries Now) Giant Food - Backlick Shopping Center Swiss Bakery - Ravensworth Shopping Center

JOESPH WITKOWSKI

NEWS 5

June 9, 2015

6 ACADEMICS

June 9, 2015

Students push through to end the year

KIARA PATINO

BY KIARA PATINO AND MARIFE BARAGANO

Junior Natnael Weldegiorgis is working hard on his school work to end the year on a good note.

Academic Editors As the end of the year approaches, students seem to become less motivated and less involved in their school work. The sights and sounds of summer linger in their minds as they attempt to drag themselves through their everyday routines.

"With summer around the corner, that's really the only thing on my mind," junior Amanda Adenan said.

However, junior Natnael Weldegiorgis is pushing through these last couple of weeks and staying focused through the endless distractions that students can succumb to. Weldegiorgis is an IB diploma candidate who spends countless nights working hard on his assignments.

Maintaining a 4.0 average is essential for Weldegiorgis to reach his goal of entering Cornell University. To achieve his goals he works hard in all his classes and participate in after school activities.

"Since the school year is ending, I want to make sure all the hard work I have done doesn't go to waste," Weldegiorgis said.

Nicer weather causes kids to catch an itch for the outdoors, and they would rather be in the sun than indoors trying to do their homework. Distractions such as summer jobs and the

opening of the pool put their minds farther and farther away from the books.

The students who are affected most are the seniors. Senioritis is a common term used to explain the drastic decline of effort put in by seniors at the end of their high school careers.

This usually occurs after most seniors have been accepted into colleges.

Dreaming of their next path in life and the promise of a fresh start, it is the last of their worries to continue with their regular lifestyles.

Students feel like they have put a lot of effort into their final year, so it is their mission to coast through the final days.

"I've already taken all of my IB exams and most finals, so I don't really feel the point of trying as much anymore," senior Ahmed Elnour said.

Nine months of sweating, cramming, studying and pushing their brains has caused fatigue that can only be cured with the scents of summer in the air.

"I feel like I've already put in so much work that I'm exhausted and feel like I have nothing left to give," junior Molly Gormley said.

Many kids feel the same. As they try to complete the year, many teachers have already assigned their last projects and students are just waiting for finals week to come. There are also those like senior Jared Lefbom who feel like they haven't put effort in the whole time.

"I don't really feel the need to try," Lefbom

said. "I figure, why start now? I need to save my effort for college, that's been my motto throughout high school."

This feeling is also felt through the majority of the junior class. Seeing many of their senior friends graduate and move on in their lives makes them want to do the same.

"It's hard seeing some of my really close friends leaving for college knowing that I have to stay here another year," Gormley said.

It is important for students to finish strong at the end of each year, because the summer that lies ahead is more than worth it.

But seniors no longer have the mentality to try in school, they want graduation to come as fast as possible.

"I don't try in school anymore because I'm already in college, I'm doing enough to get by," senior Erin Johnson said. "The less work I do, the more enjoyable my life is and my classes aren't doing much either so I just watch Netflix."

Teachers encourage their students to work as hard as possible till the end of the year. They want their students to finish their classes with a bang.

"Senioritis is a rite of passage for all seniors that ends in a dramatic fashion on graduation night. All teachers want them to end on a good note," marketing teacher Mick Strand said.

It's time for all AHS students to just try and get all their final assignments turned in and work as hard as possible to end the year well.

What are you most excited for this summer?

"I'm excited to hang outdoors and explore everything nature has to offer."

"I'm excited to hang out with all my friends at the pool and to make money working."

"I'm excited we don't have to go to school anymore."

GREG STRATTON junior

SARAH DEIBLE

TYLER SAPP

"I'm excited to be able to work this summer and to meet new people."

junior

SAAD FAROOQ sophomore

"I'm excited to spend time with my friends and to tan at the pool."

"I'm excited to go to the beach."

JENNY MCCANN senior

CAITLIN SCHWARTZ

"I'm excited for being able to sleep in and having no school so I can hang out with my friends whenever."

sophomore

DAVIAN GONZALEZ junior

senior

SAT Word Search

IB spotlight: Ariana Islam How do you keep up with your academics and social life?

I never sleep. It is definitely something that requires a lot of sacrifices in terms of social activities, but I make time one way or another.

COURTSEY OF ARIANA ISLAM

What are your studying habits?

The question is, what AREN'T my studying habits? I probably use 10-15 different methods to organize my extraneous thoughts within each specific subject area.

What is your favorite IB subject?

My favorite IB subject was definitely IB Music.

I tend to like math oriented subjects too but the experience I had with Ms. Ammerman's methods as well as my personal affinity for complex music courses... it is my favorite class ever.

What are your plans after high school?

I am going to George Mason University, and I will be majoring in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Music Technology.

How were your IB exams?

The IB exams were extremely exhausting! All the tests basically required whole days of study sessions... gotta get those college credits.

What was your extended essay topic?

My extended essay topic was a musical links investigation between the Classical Indian music of Ravi Shankar and the music of alternative 90's rock band Radiohead. Loved it.

Is your only focus academics?

No. Definitely not. I do not think regular high school is a place for smart people. There are bigger issues in the world that we never talk about. There are no classes on poverty, police brutality, the cost of independence or contraception... I think that the academics offered here are non inclusive of some of the most important global issues we should be learning about. Also, I care about music way more.

Who or what has helped you on your IB journey?

Fatima Tauqir is the main reason I'm graduating with this. Bennett Collins is also a motivating factor.

Archetype Clemency Disinterested Flout Ingenue Mendacious Paucity Protean Sophomoric Venal Archives Cliche Disparage

Word search word box

Flustered Ingrate Mercenary Peccadillo Protege Soporific Veneer Articulate Clientele Disparity Fly-by-night Inimical Mercurial

Pedant Protocol Sparse Venerate Artifice Coalesce Dispassionate Forensic Innate Merge Pedestrian Provincial Specious

Do you have any future advice for diploma candidates?

Venial Assiduous Cogent Divert Fractious Inscrutable Mettle Pellucid Punctilious Spurious Verbosity Assuage Cogitate

I would say don't do it because someone told you to. Only do it if you personally feel that you want to. It's not worth it to put in the work if it is not something you really want to do.

You'll be miserable.

Who is your favorite IB teacher?

My favorite IB teacher is definitely Ms. Ammerman. She basically sent me on my course to excelling and exceeding in music, especially in theory and composition.

What school do you want to go to and why?

Honestly, I want to go to UCLA or USC; they're the only universities who offer my preferred minor of "music industry."

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I see myself working with in some field of the engineering world. Tracks in sound and audio are the fields that I am specifically interested in. Hopefully I'll be living on my own with a home in Los Angeles, California.

HEALTH 7

June 9, 2015

Future leaders of health care Seniors passionate about medicine pursue health related careers in college Peter Baek

Aspiring to find a cure for cancer

PHOTO COURTESY OF PETER BAEK

What particular area of medicine are you interested in?

I am interested in pediatric oncology and I'm hoping to pursue a double major in Health & Human Biology and Public Health.

What made you pursue this path in college?

I initially was attracted to a path in medicine after witnessing the death of my grandpa from laryngeal cancer. It was a very difficult time for my family and I. I guess I found my inspiration and passion for cancer biology in the hopes to prevent others from experiencing the same hardship associated with cancer.

What do you want to contribute to improve the health of your local and global community?

I would like to contribute to innovative treatments and therapies for cancer patients and ultimately a cure.

What do you think will be the most difficult aspect of this field?

I think the most difficult aspect of this field is the persistent nature of cancer. It is perfectly engineered to survive, but hopefully with new medicine and technology, the field of oncology will improve.

Have you had any prior experience in volunteering at hospitals or clinics? How did these facilities help your understanding of the medical community and its impact?

I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to take part in both the clinical and research side of medicine. Interning as a researcher at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Health has given me hands on experience and a behind the scenes of the hard work that goes into cancer research.

However, volunteering at the Inova Fairfax Hospital and initiating the STEM enrichment program Project BEST at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital as offered a more personable approach that allowed me to interact with patients. Overall, I realized how vital each sector is and that research and clinical practice go hand in hand.

Senior Peter Baek poses while doing an experiment in a lab.

Soriya de Lopez

One... two... clear!

PHOTO COURTESY OF ORIYA DE LOPEZ

What particular area of medicine are you interested in?

The health care field that I'm interested in studying is nursing.

What made you pursue this path in college?

I chose this path because I knew that I wanted to make a genuine difference in the lives of others. I remember when Mrs. Roth asked me what subjects I liked, and although I said I liked subjects like science, I ended up settling on the fact that I just want to help people when I grow up.

What do you want to contribute to improve the health of your local and global community?

I felt like nursing combined everything that I loved: helping others, science, medicine and meeting new people. It seemed like a fun, challenging, and exciting career. I'm not 100 percent sure if that will be my path, I am looking forward to study nursing at Georgetown University's Nursing and Health Study School.

What do you think will be the most difficult aspect of this field?

I love trying new things, and although I'm not a big fan of blood and needles, I think being surrounded by those things and learning about all the possibilities of this career will be a life-changing experience.

Have you had any prior experience in volunteering at hospitals or clinics? How did these facilities help your understanding of the medical community and its impact?

I plan on becoming either a labor, delivery, neonatal and or pediatric nurse because I've always loved babies and children. I have a bit of an obsession with watching shows about new mothers and the thought of helping a mother or child is really heartwarming to me.

I would love to someday travel the world as part of a health organization and be a nurse without borders.

So far, I have had experience in the health field by volunteering at INOVA Fairfax Hospital as a patient transport volunteer and at my job where I am a gymnastics instructor for children with special needs. Both of these activities have helped me prepare for nursing by interacting with children and patients.

Senior Soriya de Lopez will attend Georgetown for nursing.

Popular restaurant chain is the first to go completely organic

BY PHUONG NGUYEN AND SABRINA HAWA Health Editors A hungry person will likely witness two sights when entering a Chipotle restaurant: a long row of taco and burrito bowl ingredients juxtaposed with an overhanging sign that reads "A farewell to GMOs." Chipotle has become that first major restaurant chain in America to eliminate the use

of genetically modified food products in their menu.

"I think the use of no GMOs in food in large restaurant chains such as Chipotle is a very good thing," senior Chelsea Alfonso said. "Since a lot of people eat there, it is an easy way to implement healthy food into people's lives."

The company's recent initiative serves to uphold their motto "food with integrity" by allowing consumers to purchase menu items made with organic ingredients from sustainable sources.

Chipotle has eliminated genetically modified corn and soy found in their tortillas and cooking according to the company websites.

However, the task of removing the use of GMO ingredients has met its challenges

because the restaurant chain's meat, diary and beverages are indirectly involved in the GMO food industry.

For example, the beef found in your burrito bowls comes from cows that may have been feed with genetically modified feed prior to its recent exclusion.

Likewise, Chipotle's switch to using completely organic ingredients has furthered the debate on whether GMOs are safe to eat and what foods classify as non-GMO. Last month, scientists at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark suggested the idea of crossing genes from ancient plant species and modern plant varieties in order to ensure drought resistance according to the New York Times.

The process, known as precision

breeding, is qualified for a non-GMO classification in the United States. This is because genes from the same plant are crossed together to a new variety.

However, precision breeding conflicts with the term "organic" as the plants are genetically altered through the addition or deletion of genes, despite the fact that the same are from the same plant.

However, organic products are not economical choices for many AHS students.

"While stores that sell organic foods are very convenient, it can be somewhat pricey," senior Jarod Golub said.

Since Chipotle has taken steps to eliminate its reliance on GMOs, other brands Chipotle recently unveiled its new advert. are likely to follow.

SABRINA HAWA

Chipotle says no to the GMOs

8 PHOTO

June 9, 2015

A Roaring Prom

COURTESY OF ARVIN DUCO

As the year ends, seniors spent their last night together at their Great Gastby themed Prom on June 5th held at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center

COURTESY OF MAREM ATEF

Before their night began, a group of senior girls pose for a photo in front of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington D.C.

COURTESY OF MEG HUA

On your smartphone, scan this code using the application "QR Code" to read the Fox online article about Duco winning Prom king.

COURTESY OF NUHAMI MANDEFRO

Student Arvin Duco was featured on Fox news due to being voted Prom King by his senior class. Although Duco was supposed to attend the special education Prom, he had the opportunity to attend the formal one. Many of his classmates voted for him to represent them on their special night. This heart warming event has touched not only AHS, but the whole community.

COURTESY OF VICKY LOPEZ

A group of sophomore, junior and senior boys pose for a squad picture in Washington D.C. with the Washington Monument in the background.

Seniors Kevin Rivas, Andre Lopez, D'Andre Villa, Vicky Lopez, Andrea Pereira and Fatou Niang take a photo underneath a gazebo.

COURTESY OF AIMEE CABRERA

Senior boys leave their dates and gather together to do the typical girl pose in front of a gazebo at Green Springs Garden, located in Alexandria near the Little River Turnpike shopping center.

COURTESY OF NUHAMI MANDEFRO

Seniors Meg Hua, Kaitlyn Cook, Ravyn Hankinson, Nina Fairman and Rahel Tecle, all members of the leadership executive board, come together for a group picture.

Senior Aimee Cabrera poses with her date junior Grant Thompson in front of the gorgeous scenery at the Bell Haven Country Club.

COURTESY OF RICKY LAM

COURTESY OF MEG HUA

Accompanied by their dates, 18 girls including sophomores, juniors and seniors, stood on the steps of the Bell Haven Country Club with their dresses coordinated by the colors of the rainbow.

In front of the pond at Green Springs Garden, mother of senior Kara Hoisington helps put on senior Ricky Lam's boutonniere, while she watches and photobombs their picture.

ARTS 9

June 9, 2015

Students go to Kings Dominion At the past competition, orchestra and choir won multiple awards Arts Editor The orchestra and the choir participated in a competition at Kings Dominion on May 23, 2015. In the orchestra the Philharmonic Strings received the highest score of all of the instrumental groups. Both Philharmonic and Artiste received first place in their categories as well as best overall instrumental musician and the Sinfonia received second place.

"Going to the competition and winning first place was great, spending the whole day at the park with my friends was a bonus," sophomore Mollie Valorose said.

The festival choir also gave it their all and got first place in the mixed choir division and got the overall best choir.

"Before we actually got on the bus that morning, we waited for almost two hours for them," sophomore Ivana Jarin said. "Most of us were probably really salty by then and just slept it off on the bus ride there. Once we got to the competition part of it, of course, we

played our hearts out to win."

The competition was held at Courtland high school which is not too far from Kings Dominion, so they celebrated their winnings

"Going to the competition and winning first place was great, spending the whole day at the park with my friends was a bonus!"

Mollie Valorose sophomore at the park.

"When we were on our way to Kings Dominion, everybody just went crazy with excitement. I was one of them too. We were singing random Disney songs in the background. Everything turned out pretty

well in my opinion. It just sucked how we didn't have time to ride all of the roller coasters there."

"I was very excited when Annandale came home with a clean sweep," sophomore Anna Yates said. "It felt like validation for the arts program. It says that we can be just as competitive as the sports program.

The best part of the trip was competing because performing is always so much fun and getting good reactions out of people is always so rewarding."

Orchestra and the choir had so much fun riding on the roller coasters and doing so well at the competition.

"I was not surprised because I know we are a great choir," sophomore Rose White said. "Everyone else's reaction was very excited. Shout out to all the seniors for making this year amazing. I wish you good luck at college."

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGELA AMMERMAN

BY ALAINA GARAY

Orchestra and the choir pose for a photo at Kings Dominion after their competition.

KELSIE LICATOVITCH

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELSIE LICATOVITCH

Q & A with artist Kelsie Licatovitch

Q: What is it that you do and what got you into doing it?

A: I am an artist. I chose to continue art through high school because it was always my favorite subject and it is a really fun elective.

Q: What materials do you use for your artwork?

A: Typically our materials and media are chosen for us, but when I get to choose, I choose acrylic paint with a canvas or drawing with graphite.

Q: What is it about creating art that you

Artist Kelsie Licatovitch made this artwork for her best friend, sophomore Gabriela Jordan, as a birthday gift

enjoy?

A: I enjoy art because it is fun and you can do whatever you want with it. There are endless choices of what you can do.

Q: What sets creating art apart from other types of art?

A: I think I am set apart from others because not everyone likes or is good at art so I consider it a special skill to be good and successful at art.

Q: What advice do you have for other young, developing artists?

A: My advice is to not get upset if something doesn't look the way you want it to, it most likely doesn't look as bad as you think.

Q: What do you plan to do with creating art in the future?

A: I actually plan to major in art in college and find a good career in art.

Q: Do you have a favorite piece of artwork?

A: Out of all of the projects that I have done in class, my favorites are the ones that I do on my own, like my drawings and paintings.

One of my favorites is a present I made for my friend (the picture below). I spelled out her name on mini canvases that I painted and I incorporated things that we have done over the years. For example, I added

an apple in one of them because when we were at the outer banks a few years ago, she was drinking apple juice but she started to laugh so she spit it out all over me.

Q: What would you say to someone that wants to get into creating art as well?

A: My advice is, if you want to start creating art don't have super high expectations, be realistic.

10 in-depth

June 9, 2015

in-depth 11

June 9, 2015

Oh, the places you'll go!

Class of 2015, you've made it! After four years of blood, sweat, and tears, it's finally over! As you begin a new chapter in your life, we wish every one of you the best of luck. Here are the official college decisions of our seniors. Congratulations!

Chowdhary, Divakaruni Eltahir, Aya Kha, Lynn Tran Le, Todd Nguyen, Diana Shao, Qianqian Prencipe, Holly

Curtin, James

Steinberg, Shira

Mamo, Yokabed

Dang, Victoria

Daniel, Hiwot

Collins, Bennett

de Lopez, Soriya

Getachew, Brook

Carayiannis, Efstathia Hayes, Lee Yoseph, Beza

Fruchterman, Richard

Hall, Austin

Aderton, Stephen Carey, Jane Elnour, Ahmed Fairman, Nina Lamb, Robert Lewis, Gabrielle Manahl, Richard Marintcheva, Kristina Mohammed, Ayman Pratt, Jason Reid Yoon, Kyung

Baek, Peter

Tran, Tho

Zemaryalai, Marsel

Hendrickson, Andrew

Figueroa Saavedra, Shulamy Shoop, Jordan

Foulks, Zoe

Abutaa, Rasel Alba Baldelomar, Jessica Arevalo, Jessie Ayele, Yonatan Buntua, David Fares, Moesha Firaben, Christian Hogye, Nathan Huynh, Tiffany Lam, Ricky Ligonde, Astrid Ly, TraMi Nguyen, Julia Nguyen, Julie Niang, Fatou Pereira, Andrea Shamma, Yassmin White, Thomas

Dad, Awo Degefu, Bethelhem Delarosa, Juleine Diggs, Shawn Do, Thuy Du, Carmen Duong, Kenneth Duran, Beverly Elamin, Mohamed Emran, Sumaiya Faisal, Madeeha Fakhra, Nadia Farah, Mohamed Fechhelm, Carl Flores, Nicholas Franjie, Kristel Furney, David Garrett, Tatyana Gonzalez Quinteros, Damaris Guardado-Rodas, Karen Guarino Murillo, Nicolle Gul Sharif, Raafia Haddou, Omar Haileselassie, Betelhem Haj-Assaad, Khalil Haj-Assaad, Shireen Herbas Torrico, Silvia Hernandez Flores, Jorge Hidalgo Erquicia, Juan Higgins, Christopher Hinojosa, Jose Huynh, Danny Jang, Ou Jaradat, Amin Jeizan, Julia Jones, Tatianna Kamara, John Kamara, Mary Kenney, Anthony Khalif, Rahma Khilji, Isra

Abdella, Wahib Aboagye, Abigail Addy, Ikechukwu Adu-Gyamfi, Darlyn Aguilar, Shayne Ahmed, Hana Al Taii, Sura Ali, Ahmed Ambrocio, Abel Ambrosio, Michael Amin, Delwer Anaya De Leon, Josue Aragon, Jonathan Argawanon, Ghilyn Arias-Bonnilla, Oscar Arriola, Maria Asanza, Andrae Ashar, Rabail Aslam, Abdul Aslam, Samia Atehortua Gutierrez, Natalia Ayub, Henna Bangura, Akim Banzuelo, Edwin Banzuelo, Phoebe Beingolea, Ana Bernal Rodriguez, Estuardo Bethelmy, Branden Bobadilla Ruiz, Mariela Bonilla, Katherine Bui, Vinh Carrico, Stephen Castellon-Cajina, Melvin Chavarria Amaya, Nadia Chute, Katie Coaquira, Gabrielle Colomo Escobar, Carlely Cook, Madeline Corea Ortega, Patrick Cutrera, Bennett

Miller, Wesley

WINCHESTER FAIRFAX Puryear, Brianna

King, Jason

Leal, Andrew

Lee, Destiny

Golub, Jarod

Odum, Lakecia

Johnson, Erin

Girmay, Sara

Wilson, Kevin

Wilks, Tamirra

LEXINGTON

Pimentel-Mejia, Jorge Popal, Mohammad Portillo-Rivera, Kelbin Quiroga Alcocer, Ruddy Quiroz Cordova, Joshua Jairo Ramirez Cisneros, Ramos Giron, Brenda Randhawa, Jeawanjot Rehberg, Allison Reid, Tristan Reyes Rocha, Reyes, Rodrigo Reyes, Sandy Reyes, Wendy Reyna Urbina, George Rivas Barrientos, Cynthia Rivas, Kevin Rivas-Majano, Denis Rodriguez Ortega, Diana Rojas-Tapia, Diana Romero Lopez, Daniela Romero, Alyssa Rose, Breahna Ry, Brandon Sakyi, Stephanie Sanabria, Michael Sarker, Sahara Sejas, Juan Sesay, Alusine Sethi, Zaryab Shahzadi, Saba Sillah, Francis Silva Abasto, Diego Silva-Leon, Victor Singh, Dilsher Suarez Coronado, Kevin Suddoo, Khabeer Tamrat, Samuel Tauhidi, Ahmed Tokhi, Ghazal Tran, Thao Urbina Guardado, Carla Vaides, Christopher Velasco, Melisa Velasquez, Michael Venegas, Pamela Vergel Paredes, Walter Villatoro, Valerie Vo, Tha Weddle, Dorothy

ANNANDALE Abebe, Iman Al-Kahfah, Ammar Alam, Adnan Alderete, Cespedes, Marco Do, Kiet Do, Minh Quan Farooq, Umar Farukh, Mubeen Gebrehiwot, Aviad Gomez-Sejas, Christina Gosalvez, Isabel Gutierrez, Jonathan Hamza, Muhammad Hines, Amber Islam, Ariana Joseph, Doreen Kim, Daniel Mejia, Christian Naieem, Iman

ARLINGTON FREDERICKSBURG

Lefbom, Jared

HARRISONBURG Abuhasheesh, Sultan Lee, Jennifer Tauqir, Fatima Zahoor, Sahrain

Khilji, Sehr Khoury, Georgio Koch, Louis Koppie, Cameron Lam, Thomas Le, Christina Le, Nhan Lewandowski, Shannon Lima, David Kao’O Linares, Erick Lopez Reyes, Hector Lopez Vasquez, Andre Lopez Zepeda, Jhorman Luu, Johnny Machorro Destephen, Daniela Mahjabin, Ishrat Martinez Hercules, Juan Massis, Victoria McNally, Andrew Mekuria, Alex Mendoza, Jose Miranda, Rachel Mohamed, Khalid Mohammed, Abdulrahaman Mohmand, Abdulrahman Molina Camacho, Richard Molina, Anderson Morales, Melvin Mouchkelly, Rania Munoz, Saraih Naveed, Syeda Negussu, Firanol Ngo, Jeffrey Nguyen, Angie Nguyen, Duyen My Tran Nguyen, Kevin Anh-Tai Nguyen, Ky Nu Gia Nguyen, Sunny Truong Nho, Je Hee Nur, Bilaal Abdullahi Orozco, Josues Henriquez Ortiz Pozo, Maria Stephany Osei, Mavis Panesar, Sangeeta Paredes Guardia, Brandon Parrado, Alex Pedro, Marcia Pena-Morales, Jose Perez Galindo, Maribel Pham, Kenny Pham, Vy

CHARLOTTESVILLE LYNCHBURG

Abraham, Sara Alghoraiyr, Saif Ehsan, Hawa Lopez, Victoria

RICHMOND

Nguyen, Alexander Nguyen, Phuong Nguyen, Quangminh Odom, Caitlin Orellana, Gerardo Quintanilla, Yesica Rais, Shermeen Rashid, Aniqa Rasoli, Toba Salazar Flores, Sergio Strong, Kimberly Tadesse, Tsion Tarqui, Berta Torres, Karen Troxel, Benjamin Ray Vaca Soliz, Mario Vargas, Alan Villarroel, Adriana Vuong, Cao Zeb, Muhammad

King, Lisa Gibbs, Antonio

BLACKSBURG

Ko, Nathan Villa, D'Andre

Mandefro, Nuhami

WISE Pendergast, Megan

WILLIAMSBURG NEWPORT NEWS

RADFORD

Hylton, Kayla

NORFOLK

Centellas, Luz

Schields, Brenna Jamialahmadi, Nilofar

Bersal, Nelson

Hamlett, Devin Kamara, Abu

Lien, Emily

Noranbrock, Jonathan Taylor, Zachary

Aboagye, Paul Courtney, Shawn Deen, Mustapha Diaz Iglesias, Katy Hankinson, Ravyn Lakkis, Reem Merida, Daiana Niner, Richard Odria Hopkins, Kaytlin Payne, Gabriela Qualley, Samuel Sapp, Tyler Solorzano Gonzalez, Renatta Turner, Leah Van Balen, Allyson

What are you most excited for in college?

"Studying and meeting new people, especially girls."

Ik Addi

"Just seeing the campus and having new experiences."

Jasmin Shamma

"Meeting new people and a new experience" Sharoon Arshad

"Taking classes I'll actually need for my major.Âş Gabby Payne

"Finally getting to study where I want."

Emmanul Kwakye

Nguyen, Douglas O'Neill, Michael Abdulkader, Samira Aluning, Lorenzo Barrie, Chernor Cabrera, Aimee de Mello, Sarah Elahi, Leila Fakulujo, Ayobami Goettlicher, Kyle Hassan, Ahmed Iglesias, Catalina Kenney, Rochelle Kitila, Nebiyou Reagan, Cody Shuey, Dominic

"Seeing new people and having a fresh start."

Laelle Mekonnen

Allshouse, Rachael Andoh, Bernard Hoisington, Kara Haberle, Melissa Rivera, Sabrina

Lynch, Ricque Wright, Andre

Choo, Villemaire Hackfeld, Annika Keck, Molly McCann, Jennifer Mohamed, Sophia Park, Victoria Robles Galvez, Alexandra

Carter, Ryan Kalulu, Effie

Yoon, Kyung Britton, Carter Kwakye-Dompreh, Emmanuel Rivas, Emily

Tran, Henry

International Schools Abouelhagag, Rana Kyeremeh, Lydia Alfonso, Chelsea Martinez, Paola Amoaful, Doreen McLean, Angela Aparicio Portillo, Eylin Mekonnen, Laelle Arshad, Sharoon Metzel, Sarah Awan, Urmia Molla, Kidus Barahona, Luis Peralta, Kristen-Marie Cheffena, Saron Quiroga Rodriguez, Daniela Cook, Kaitlyn Rambal Pinero, Daniela Dagnachew, Hiwot Rodrigo Echegaray, Enzo Faris, Samah Smith, Christian Garcia, Alina Tecle, Rahel Ghoramah, Omar Thanh, Long Hernandez, Angie Tieu, Kathy Joseph, Amanie Tieu, Katie Kebrom, Blin Velasquez, Jenna Koroma, Joseph

Thomas, Gillian

Blystone, Philip

Kerfoot, Justice

Employed:

Jain, Ritika

Leon Garcia, Karel

Aguirre De Leon, Heidy Amador, Karen Arevalo Esquivel, Kevin Bejjani, Shawn Coimbra, Rodrigo Garcia Bailon, Jovan Gonzalez Hernandez, Rafael Gonzalez Siliezar, Jonnathan Haggins, Diallo Hancock, Madelyn Herrera Mendoza, Norma Holt, Matthew Hurtado Pacheco, Francis Johnson, Aaron Kim, Jae Lord, James

Blanco, Esteban Carreno Calderon, Hernan Cruz-Guevara, Alexander Martino, Benjamin Salinas, Daniela Marquez, Josue McClary, Marquel Mercado Parra, Mariana Pereira, Eunices Pever, Caitlin Phan, Linh Pineda Ramirez, Milton Posada-Hernandez, Carla Soriano Ramirez, Keydi Sorto, William Thomas, Robert Yansaneh, N Yillah Zafar, Mohamad

International:

Chavez Bejarano, Kathering Jamal, Rabia Khan, Atiqa Khan, Hajra

Senior outcomes provided by the career center. Results are of May 27, 2015.

12 INTERNATIONAL

June 9, 2015

FIFA FIASCO

Students share their reaction to FIFA's scandal

BY TIM GRAY International Editor FIFA's executive committee has been accused of bribery, game fixing and illegal acceptance by different countries that hosted the World Cup. Two weeks ago, on May 27, Swiss officials raided FIFA's headquarters in Zurich upon request of the U.S. arresting seven people.

Meanwhile, the Department of JusFIFA, the International Federation of the Football Association has been accused of wire fraud, money laundering and bribery since 2010. tice reveals indictments brought onto 14 people, totaling to 47 counts of money their teams. now, but this is just the first time they FACTS ABOUT FIFA laundering, racketeering and wire fraud.

"Many countries have already have been accused in a global scandal," Students at AHS react to FIFA'S scandal Hassen said. stopped trusting FIFA because this is not and were shocked by the new evidence that the first time something like this has hapFaisal Hassen, president of the AHS · FIFA was with so many came out. pened, Hassen said. soccer club shares his opinion on the founded on officials and "I was scared when I heard about the scandal and tells how this issue will affect The U.S. had been dragged into this May 21st, 1904, players sent allegations towards FIFA because the dis- other federations that have relations with scandal because FIFA officials had been in Rue Saintto war, the coveries could ruin future seasons and I did FIFA. laundering money and committing wire Honor, Paris, organisation s not want their discoveries to interrupt other fraud in the states, reports claimed.

"This will affect other soccer corporaFrance. survival was in leagues," Senior Omar Haddou said.

"Jeffery Webb, who is the President of tions such as CONCACAF and/or UEFA bedoubt.

Students and members of the Soccer cause both of those corporations are tied · The same North America's soccer federation, was Club are already discussing the issue since with FIFA in a way," Hassen said. day FIFA was · FIFA s current one of the seven people arrested in Switfounded, headquarters it has gone viral. zerland," Hassen said.

The scandal has gained worldwide atthe German are located "One of the main reasons we created tention due to soccer's reputation as one Students are anticipating the end of Association in Zurich, this club was to discuss soccer related is- of the most popular sports in the world this scandal so that FIFA may crawl out of declared its Switzerland. sues and this issue is too big not to be dis- and the fact that it has been played for this pit and reemerge with stronger trust intention of cussed," junior Faisal Hassen said. and values around the world. centuries. · The FIFA affiliating The unsealing of the 47-count indict"I think FIFA's ratings will become "FIFA is soccer's world governing acronym is through a ment includes FIFA officials accused of ac- body, so I believe sooner or later they will better. With the right council, they could French, but is telegram. cepting bribes totaling to over $150 million, regain their trust, but it will not be anymake the world's greatest and largest continued to in return for providing lucrative media and time soon," Hassen said. · Because of use by many sport even better," Hassen said. marketing rights to soccer tournaments as World War I, other countries.

After the scandal came out to the Due to all the scandals that FIFA has rebounds over the past 24 years. spotlight, FIFA's president announced in a faced throughout the years, fans from all "FIFA has been corrupt for many years around the world have stopped trusting conference his resignation. He had been

president for more than 17 years before stepping out.

"At first I did not have a feeling that all FIFA has done would come back to get them. Sepp Blatter seemed like a private person and heavily secured. But in the end, I'm happy he has resigned for the right reasons," Haddou said.

Students are hopeful that with the new leadership, FIFA will gain its strength back.

"I think that FIFA will come back from all of this and establish a more stable leadership. I believe they'll do the exact opposite of what Blatter did," Haddou said.

FIFA is currently searching for a new presidential candidate amidst the chaos.

Students hope the organization will make the right choices.

"My respect for FIFA will increase due to a new presidency; I'm sure they will find the right candidate," Haddou said.

Students are confident that the scandal will not affect members of the club since their love for soccer goes beyond FIFA and corporate barriers.

"I do not think the global scandal will affect Soccer Club but it affects everybody that watches or travels to big soccer games or tournaments such as the World Cup," Hassen said.

Students appear to have faith in the new candidates for president. Sepp Blatter's two personal favorites come to mind, Luis Figo and Michael Platini.

"I believe FIFA will learn from its own mistakes because FIFA can't afford to repeat the same mistakes again," Hassen said.

In 2010 it was announced that Russia had won the bid for the 2018 World Cup, and Qatar had won the bid for the 2022 World Cup. Some of the only viable explanations of this involve FIFA executives accepting bribes from Qatar in order to increase their chances of winning the bid.

The past few weeks have been hectic for FIFA and its fans, with allegations popping up day by day from people, companies and governments. FIFA is slowly but surely losing the trust it has built around the world over the years.

Fans are anxious to get back to watching the soccer they love without the conspiracy constantly circling around it.

American Stories Students from different backgrounds share their experiences I lived in Bolivia with my mother until I was 11 years old. Because my parents were separating, I was left to live with my mom.

My dad wanted me to have a better life and future, So he decided to bring me to America. I lived in Bolivia for a long time and I was scared to move. Moving to America would be a big change for me.

On my way to America, I was very scared because I had never been inside an airplane before. When I was a little kid, I saw movies that had airplanes crashing into the ocean.

Also, I was scared that my mom was going to stay by herself in a dangerous country.

I was nervous to meet my dad because I had never met him before. I was scared of what my family would think of me. Everything was new.

My first year in America was hard because I had to learn a new language. I was very good at Spanish, but English was hard and different. Making new friends was easy because a lot of Bolivian people were in my Daniel Rivero came from Bolivia to the U.S. classes.

I like America because everything is clean and or- BY DANIEL RIVERO CUELLAR ganize. You do not see bad people on the street, and I Special to the A-Blast also see people work hard like my dad.

My dad has a nice job in Washington D.C. He works for me. long hours to provide for my family.

America is different than Bolivia because you have He is a nice person. He always makes everyone more opportunities and better education here. laugh.

You also meet different kinds of people and make When I got here, my dad helped me with my home- new friends. I am very thankful that my dad brought work and my English, but sometimes he does not have me to Virginia. My life is better here than it was in Botime to help me because he has too much work. I try livia. my best to make my dad proud. My dad wants the best

I had a golden opportunity to start a new life in a new country. I was born and raised in America.

However, my culture and origins are Indonesian.

When I was young, I never wanted to go to Indonesia. Despite the fact that I had to, I still did not want to .

However, I went to Indonesia with my mom and my brother. When I arrived In Indonesia, There were three differences between America and Indonesia that stood out to me. Those were atmosphere, transportation and school.

The atmosphere in my country is so hot, flooded and crowded.

In America, it is sometimes hot and sometimes cold, less noise and not that many people. It's better to live in America than Indonesia because of the atmosphere.

The transportation in my country is horrible. There is always heavy traffic, driving on the right and reckless driving because many people can bribe supervisors for their driver's license.

In America there is not as much traffic or reckless driving. Cars are expensive because of taxes in my country.

Many different, otherwise unapproved cars are used because there is no emission test and the government does not care about its people's health.

The school in my country is much different. In my old school, we took 13 classes and had school on Saturdays.

Some teachers can hit students if they are not behaving.

In my country we had to wear uniforms; in AHS we can wear whatever we want.

Country Spotlight: Spain Spain offers a variety of beaches, architecture, food and traditions you can enjoy during the summer.

Spain has excellent dishes that tourists enjoy. Gazpacho, the fried fish of Malaga, the cheeses of Manchego, the cochinillo of Madrid and Segovia are a few dishes that are enjoyed by people.

Also, something great about Spain is its monuments. The Alhambra Palace, the Mezquita of Cordoba and the Alcazar palace in Seville are historical monuments that are visited every year by thousands.

Because Spain is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the country attracts thousands of people visiting the beach..

Beaches found in the Canary, Barcelona, Costa de la Luz, Valencia and Torre del Mar.

Muhammad talks about his life in America.

BY MUHAMMAD SAADYA Special to the A-Blast In conclusion, it is very different in America. Even though my country is not anything like heaven, I miss it a lot.

What was your reaction to the FIFA scandal?

Location: Europe Population: 47.27 million

Capital: Madrid

Most visited place: The Alhambra

"I don't like it because they should now be taking money from other people, especially for that reason."

"I do not think it was right what they did."

REMI SALINAS sophomore

"I think that it is wrong for them to take other countries money."

ARIANNA WARD

JACK MCCROSSIN

sophomore

freshman

PEOPLE 13

June 9, 2015

Students and their Outer Banks houses Maddie Little Junior Maddie Little owns a beach in Duck, NC. Her and her family go to the beach and stay at the house every August for two weeks. Little loves how the beach is basically like a larger backyard to her house that she can visit. "I love to just lay down at the house and tan, and also go out to eat with her family to eat good food," Little said. Her favorite thing about the beach house is her salt water pool in her backyard because it feels like she can always be at the beach.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MADDIE LITTLE

Beau Hatch Junior Beau Hatch owns a house in Duck, NC. His family bought the house six years ago. They rent it out whenever they are not using it. They bought the house because it was the newest house on the island at the time and it's in a row of houses behind the oceanfront houses. His family goes down for weekends during the winter about every other weekend. Hatch likes his house because it's peaceful and quiet. The name of his house is "Here Comes The Sun."

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEAU HATCH

Left, Beau Hatch and his sister, freshman Grace Hatch, at a pier in the Outer Banks. The two love going to beach every year, and look forward to it all year.

Right, two of their cousins accompany them at their house.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TUCKER MACK

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEAU HATCH

Tucker Mack Junior Tucker Mack owns a house in Duck, NC. His dad bought the house in 2012. When they are not using it, they rent it out. They chose their house because of size and location. "I visit about five times a year for like a week each," Mack said.

His favorite thing is the theatre room that he has in his beach house basement. "My favorite memory is spending a week with my friends there and the house was completely renovated after we bought it to make it a lot nicer," Mack said. The name of his house is "Point Of View." When in Duck, Mack loves to go to the donut shop called Duck Donuts.

Ben Danholz Junior Ben Danholz owns a house in Duck, NC. His family bought the house four years ago. They will rent it until Danholz is out of college. They chose the house because it was on the sound and it is a short walk to the beach. Him and his family go for two weeks every summer, spring break, Thanksgiving and for long weekends whenever they can.

"I love kayaking in the ocean, jet skiing and fishing," Danholz said. His favorite memory was driving his jeep on the beach with some friends to the Virginia state line.

Duck Donuts is a chain that exists here and down in North Carolina. Duck Donuts has a variety of donuts, all made fresh and even customizable. They are truly a luxury down in the Outer Banks.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TUCKER MACK

The name of his house is "Family Tradition." Danholz's family has been going to this house for almost 20 years. Since his house is on the sound side of the Outer Banks, him and his family are able to kayak, paddle board and other water activities.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEN DANHOLZ

14 LIFESTYLES

June 9, 2015

Kim Kardashian-West Into The Blue

Vanessa Hudgens Summer 70s of Love

Top: $17.90 Forever 21 Ankle jeans: $24.90 Forever 21 Shoes: Vinyl heel court $35.99 Zara

Lotus maxi dress: $118 Free People

COURTESY OF SLIDE THE CITY

Expand your horizon and take an adventure

SLIDE THE CITY IN D.C.

Nicole Richie Orient

COURTESY OF VIRGINIA SAFARI PARK.

Location: Arlington, VA Tired of going to your neighborhood pool and want to do other things besides jumping off the diving board? Spice up your swimming experience and head to the new Slide the City in DC. You have the choice of a single, triple or unlimited slider which ranges from $15-$60. It's not your usual day at the pool and it's an inexpensive way to cool down from the summer heat!

Kendall Jenner Uniformity

Abstract floral Kimono: $17.90 Forever 21 Leather cross body purse: $22.90 Forever 21 Shorts: $49 Urban Outfitters Tights: $7.90 Forever 21 Ankle boots: $25 H&M

Romper: $19.80 Forever 21 Cross body bag: $39 Zara Shoes: Dazie-HI $65 Vans

Jennifer Lawrence Modern Romance

VIRGINIA SAFARI PARK

Popular Summer Trends: Vogue Edition BY: JEANINE BARAKAT Circulation Manager

As we emerge into the summer season, students contemplate on what to wear to keep cool while maintaining a fashionable look. The fashion industry is always changing and they're always bringing back old trends along with new ones.

This summer season the fashion industry, followed by retail stores, have introduced summer trends which are both light and stylish. Vogue recently introduced a summer trend guide with five trends for the 2015 summer season.

The first trend on Vogue's summer trend guide is a flash from the past, with the "Summer 70s of Love". 70s fashion is being reintroduced in a modern light with an abundance of relaxed prints.

"I love wearing hippy styled clothing, they're so comfy and relaxing!" junior Elizabeth Andia said. "It gives me a modern, yet original look!"

Students planning on going to festivals or concerts such as Coachella this summer should refer to this hipster based trend. This kind of look also

goes hand in hand with some unique bohemian styles.

For those who prefer a more professional yet stylish look, the Orient trend is the way to go!

Vogue conjured up the Orient trend with inspiration from the East. It's a striking and clean cut look that is usually associated with kimono shaped clothing, waist belts and decorative prints. Kimonos are known for being loose and light which helps individuals cool down in the blazing summer heat. Clothing associated with the Orient trend tend to involve exotic prints and colors.

Fashion icon Kim Kardashian-West is closely related with this next trend, due to her close-knit relationship with all things denim. This trend is "Into the Blue" and involves everything blue!

"I love wearing denim on denim because not everyone usually wears it and it's sort of an edgy look!" junior Kadijah Sesay said. "You can never go wrong with denim on denim because you can wear it during any season, it's super chic!"

The following trend offers a dressier look, which can apply to your outfit for a lunch date

with some friends, or a special event. "The Modern Romance" proposes a girly and sweet look associated with lace-textured clothing. Modern Romance aims to produce a daring or flirtatious look. Adding red or a dark colored lipstick can make your outfit more sophisticated and edgy.

The final trend for this summer season goes by the name "Uniformity." Uniformity is for all those who aim for a natural and calm look. It's a modern look mixed with neutral colored clothing, which produces a elegant and classy appearance.

"It's a simple yet stylish look and it's easy to pair with simple or statement necklaces." sophomore Tara El-Achi said.

All of these new summer trends are a great way to stay stylish this summer and to try something new! You have a variety of trends to choose from when planning the perfect summer outfit.

These trends could be used to dress up or down depending on the occasion and your mood. View the outfits of your favorite celebrities for inspiration and incorporate it with your own style.

Location: 229 Safari Lane, Natural Bridge, VA 24578 If you're an animal lover and tired of the small-scale petting zoos, the Virginia Safari Park is the place to visit! You're given the opportunity to get up close and personal with over 100 exotic animals as you drive through the park. Enjoy this safari park with family or a group of friends.

You're able to do all this for only $17.95.

COURTESY OF GO APE

Dress: $29 nicedress.storenvy.com Sandal heels: $24.95 H&M Wallet: $29 Zara

TREETOP ADVENTURES

Location: 5537 Centerville Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188 Get in touch with your wild side and maneuver through trees during your Treetop Adventures. Here you're offered a wide range of activities such as zip lining and jumping off tarzan swings. It's a great way to exercise and have fun outdoors. You also get to see a breathtaking view of nature.

What's your go-to outfit for the summer season?

"During the summer my favorite trends are tie-dye shirts, cut jeans and a nice hat."

TYLER SAPP

"A lace bralette with a flowy tank, a pair of palazzo pants and birks."

LEE HAYES

senior

senior

"Tank tops because suns out, guns out."

DAVID PARK junior

"Backless dresses because I like the breeze that hits my back."

EDEN MESFIN

"My go-to outfit is a white t-shirt, cargo shorts, and my Crocs."

SAAD FAROOQ

"Flowy shorts and a crop top because they're both very light."

MADIE WALSH

junior

sophomore

sophomore

"I wear shirts, shorts, some Nike socks and some comfy shoes."

MOEEZ OMER freshman

"Flip flops, shorts, a nice blouse and sunglasses."

GENESIS LARA freshman

GET READY FOR SUMMER Flume

Juicy J

Wednesday, June 10, 8:00 @ Echostage

Wednesday, July 17, 8:00 @ Filmore Silver

Lana Del Rey: Endless Summer Tour

Nicki Minaj

Thursday, June 11, 7:30 @ Jiffy Lube Live

Wednesday, July 22, 7:00 @ Jiffy Lube Live

Edward Sharp

Milky Chance

Tuesday, June 16, 7:00 @ Echostage

Monday, July 27, 7:00 @ Echostage

Hozier

Wiz Khalifa

Saturday, June 20, 8:00 @ Merriweather Post Pavillion

Saturday, June 27, 7:00 @ Merriweather Post Pavilion

Luke Bryan: Kick the Dust Up Tour

J Cole: Forest Hills Drive Tour

Friday, June 26 & Sat, June 27, 8:00 @ Jiffy Lube Live

Sunday, August 9, 6:30 @ Jiffy Lube Live

Kehlani: You Should Be Here Tour

Landmark Festival

Friday, July 14, 7:00 @ U Street Music Hall

Sat&Sun, September 26 & 27, 11:00 @ West Potomac Park

SPORTS X-TRA 15

June 9, 2015

RACING TO THE END Senior Aviad Gebrehiwot commits to D1 school for track

couple of professional runners. As far as pros, I would have to say Haile Gebresallasie. He is old now but he is a genuine person off the track and he always made me excited for races.

Q: How does your time change when you transition from cross country to indoor track?

A: Transition from cross country to track is always rough.

We go from long runs and high mileage to more intense speed workouts. I consider myself to be a lot stronger in track than in cross country but the beginning of the season I have no foot speed or turn over in me. It also gets really cold.

Q: How do you think you have improved since freshman year?

A: I feel like I improved a lot since my freshman year. Believe it or not, I was much skinnier and I was a lot less mentally strong. That , combined with a lot more racing experience helped, me improve

Q: Who pushed you to be the athlete you are today?

A: Coach O'hara is the person who pushed me to be the runner that I am today. Not only did he teach me just about everything I know about running, but he also pulled the more competitive side out of me and helped me become stronger mentally.

Q: How much do you run outside of practice?

A: I run a lot outside of practice during the summer. I run about 40-60 miles a week. During the season, I do 9-10 mile long runs along with four mile recovery days.

Q: How do you get yourself ready before a race?

A: I used to pump myself up with music and to try and get rid of the nerves but I learned that just being able to tell myself to relax, focus and visualize things helps me much more.

Q: Why did you choose to commit to GMU for track?

A: A lot of things went into that decision. The coach was previously the head coach at Stanford when they won a national title, so I trust him to coach the team and I. I have people to chase that are better than me, but I still come in with respect. Mason is also strong in my major.

Q: What advice do you have for upcoming runners?

A: My advice to future runners is to not overthink things and don't let the nerves beat you. Running is a mental sport as well as physical.

Q: What type of food do you eat before a meet?

A: I used to carbo load a lot like pasta, but then I had a superstition of eating pizza because I had one really good race after I ate pizza the night before. I eventually stopped that and now I eat just about anything other than junk food.

Q: How much rest do you get in between each season?

A: I only have two weeks in between Cross Country and Indoor Track and a week between indoor and outdoor track and only two weeks after outdoor track is over I start summer training.

Q: Who did you look up to as a runner?

Senior Aviad Gebrehiwot, racing in the mile event at Conference on May 20, 2015 at Lake Braddock's track A: There are a couple of people I look up to. I do look up to a

RUNNING THROUGH TIME Freshmen: 2011-2012 PR Three Mile Run- CC 17:22.00 5000 Meter Run- CC 17:32.99 3,200 Meter Run- Outdoor 9:57.01 1,600 Meter Run- Indoor 4:50.06 1,600 Meter Run- Outdoor 4:45.56 1,000 Meter Run- Indoor 2:55.77

Sophomore: 2012-2013 PR Three Mile Run- CC 16:14.00 best 5,000 Meter Run- CC 16:31.60 3,200 Meter Run- Indoor 9:53.34 3,200 Meter Run- Outdoor 9:50.85 1,600 Meter Run- Indoor 4:36.82 1,600 Meter Run- Outdoor 4:36.80

Junior: 2013-2014 PR Three Mile Run- CC 16:13.00 5,000 Meter Run- CC 16:23.80 3,200 Meter Run- Indoor 10:02.41 1,600 Meter Run- Indoor 4:30.02

Senior: 2014-2015 PR Three Mile Run- CC 15:30.00 5,000 Meter Run- CC 15:57.00 3,200 Meter Run- Outdoor 9:30.78 1,600 Meter Run- Outdoor 4:18.49

Q: What awards or titles have you received while at AHS? A: Over the years, I have received nine First Team allConference awards, three First Team all- Region awards, one First Team all- State award, and one all met honorable mention. I was also on the all run Washington team.

I got three invitational titles, two atomic achievement awards, I got the athlete of the year award for track this year. I got 12 varsity letters for all 12 seasons that I ran.

Q: How do you manage to balance school and sports?

A: To be honest, running helps me with my work. I work better on a schedule. When I have a lot of free time I just waste it and lounge around. I am used to being busy and having a lot on my plate. At the same time it is pretty tough to get home after a really hard day at practice and get through piles of homework.

Q: What goals have you set for yourself as a runner in college?

A: I do not have exact standards that I have set in my mind to hit in college. I just want to keep improving, be able to race at conference and help Mason get more conference titles.

16 SPORTS Atoms swinging for the fences

June 9, 2015

Multiple Atoms baseball players had acknowledgements in the conference 28 hits, 22 RBI s, 25 runs, a batting average of .418, a slugging percentage of .627 and an on base percentage of .506.

"Overall, our regular season was very well but I was really disappointed with the result of losing the first round of districts because I thought we were one of the better teams playing right now," Courtney said After his last season for the Atoms, Courtney hopes to continue playing in college.

"I plan on playing at Radford, preferably walk on," Courtney said.

Now that the Atom's season is over, they will be looking forward to the next one. They want to keep improving and make sure that they don't have a repeat of what happened this year in the first round of districts.

With four seniors leaving and new players coming up, the next season looks bright under the wings of Coach Porter.

BY JULIUS MILLER AND SHEILA AGUIRRE Staff Writers

SHAWN COURTNEY STATISTICS PHOTO COURTESY OF SHAWN COURTNEY

Senior Shawn Courtney pitches the ball playing 21 games and attempting 79 pitches throughout the season

Courtney was named first team all conference utility and player of the year.

"It was an exciting accomplishment, my team helped a lot when it came to helping me accomplish that goal,"

Struggling season for Lax Staff Writer Annandale boys varsity lacrosse finished the regular season with three wins and 12 losses. It is the team's second consecutive season with losing records. The season has brought mixed feelings due to some of the larger schools with dominant and stronger sides.

"Well we didn't get as many wins as we would have liked, but the guys put in a good hard 12 weeks and had a great experience," Coach Bill Maglisceau said. "The seniors stayed focused the entire time and their class did their best to help them have some good nights on the field."

Coach Maglisceau has been coaching for 22 years and has found success within them, most notably in his 2010 season.

Maglisceau led the team to the district finals where they were knocked out by a margin of three goals, and finishing the season with 12 wins and two losses.

"I provide a good experience

· ROE-3

· CS-1

· PA-79

· FC -2

· SB%- .875

· AB-67

· CL-0

· PIK-0

· H-28

· BB-9

· GIDP-0

· 1B-16

· K-9

· GITP-0

· 2B-11

· AVG-.418

· XBH-12

· 3B-0

· PA/BB- 8.778

· TP-42

· RBI-22

· BB/K- 1.000

· AB/HR-67.00

· R-25

· C%- .866

· BA/RISP-.364

· HBP-3

· SB-7

Track finishing strong

have done better in conference," Maglisceau said. "We could have played better., hopefully we will do better in the future."

The Atoms Lacrosse team played in the first round of districts against W.T. Woodson, losing 5-13 after a 4-15 defeat just two days prior to the match. Despite the loss, we can look forward to next season.

PHOTO COURTESY OF YEARBOOK

for the guys." Maglisceau said "I make practices skill based so they can improve everyday and go home feeling better about their skills," "I focus on fundamentals and try to only have a few beliefs that the team revolves around, like getting ground balls and clearing to the wings and shooting for net, things that players can remember and get better at, to help us find success."

"As far as weaknesses go, I need to try to do a zone defense as opposed to man-to-man. I' m a big believer in man-to-man but I think I need to look at zones a little more and also try to focus on slowing down the game and possessing so that teams we are playing can't go on runs," Maglisceau said. "When we get the ball, we should take 45 seconds off the clock before we run a play and try to sub guys in who are fresh so we can give our defense and goalie a rest".

"The season had its golden moments with a win against Lee and a close game against nearby school T.C. Williams. They lost to T.C 9-10 in overtime on May 8. We could

BY CREW MCCARTHY

Courtney said on receiving this award.

This was a much deserved award for many reasons.

Courtney had some very impressive stats over the 2015 season. For example, in his 67 at bats this season, he had

· GP-21

Senior Nelson Bersal running with the ball

Out of those numbers, many have also moved onto states such as Gebrehiwot for the 1600 and 3200 meter run, Andoh for the 100 and 200 meter dash and Ligonde for the triple jump.

Additionally, the 4 x 100 meter relay team, consisting of Edwin Banzuelo, Nathan Hogye, Michael Heng and Bernard Andoh will also be moving on to states. Some of the people mentioned have also qualified for nationals. Ligonde, Andoh and the 4x100 meter relay team have all qualified for nationals in their respective events. With all the hard work comes great memories, especially for seniors.

"My favorite memory was at the Lake Braddock invite when I got the win in the 100 and 200 meter run" Andoh said.

The outdoor track team has had a tremendous season with a great overall record, fighting through adversity and working hard. The future looks bright for boys track .

BY FAISAL HASSEN Head Videographer The 2014-15 outdoor track team has done exceptionally well throughout this season. Track had numerous athletes head off to conference, regionals and a select few are going to states and nationals.

"My expectations coming into this season weren't very high. It went 10 times better than I thought it would," senior Bernard Andoh said.

From the girls that went to regionals, senior Astrid Ligonde finished seventh in the 100 Meter Hurdles and second in Triple Jump.

From the boys, sophomore Jacob Weber finished eighth in the 110 Meter Hurdles, senior Khalil HajAsaad finished ninth in shot put and Aviad Gebrehiwot finished fourth in the 3,200 meter run.

The outdoor team had five athletes advance to the finals in conference and 11 athletes that qualified and competed in regionals.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNANDALEATOMS.COM

The varsity baseball team fell to T.C. during their first round of districts, May 19, which concluded their season. The Atoms were able to achieve a 14-7 record for their regular season. The varsity baseball team had not finished above .500 in nine years.

In order to obtain their 14-7 record, the varsity players focused on their health.

"We do some conditioning and weight lifting, also lot of the varsity players are enrolled in weight training," head coach Daniel Porter said.

The main goal of the boy's season was to compete for Conference and Regional Championship. Unfortunately they did not achieve their goal, but Porter had nothing but praise for the team.

"I am proud of everyone on the team and how well they played and how hard they worked to be successful," Porter said. "Unfortunately we did not achieve our goals, but I am still very proud of all they did achieve," coach Porter was named conference coach of the year.

"It was an honor because it was voted on by the other coaches in the conference, so it was nice to see that they respected what we were able to accomplish as a team during the regular season," Porter said.

A strength Porter says he portrays is that he cares for every young man on the team and wants to help them achieve their personal and team goals. He makes practice plans based on what he feels the team needs to do to improve.

With a tied record with Lake Braddock, they became second all team. The team had many of their players make first and second conferences. Juniors Colin Corey and Tim Johnson earned first team conference honors.

Second team was made up of juniors Aaron Boyd, Mason Farman, Grant Thompson and senior Hector Lopez. Also Junior Nathan Corcoran received an honorable mention.

However, senior Shawn Courtney received a much more prestigious award.

Senior Bernard Andoh runs at an invitational.

Heard in the Hall: What is your favorite memory from the season?

Girls Soccer: "Scoring a goal in soccer."

CATLIN SHWARTZ freshman

Boys Lacrosse: " Bonding with my teamates and learning a new sport."

ALAN KOKILANDA freshman

Boys Track: "When I went to conference for spring track and I jumped 10 feet in the pole vault."

Girls Tennis: "Monday madness because I enjoyed playing with my friends."

JEREMIAH BETHEA

Baseball: "Beating Lake Braddock in a district playoff game."

MYKIM LE

CORY PRINGLE

sophomore

junior

Baseball: "My favorite memory was beating Lake Braddock at home."

TIM JOHNSON

sophomore

Softball: "We always sung pitch perfect songs and one practice we all switched positions. It was really fun ."

junior

Boys Track: "Going to states" NATHAN HOGYE senior

ASHLEY GIDDINGS junior

Boys tennis ends in dissapointing fashion

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ANNANDALE YEARBOOK

Staff Writer

Junior Todd Le swing at a ball during a tennis match.

As the spring season rounds down, boys tennis ends with a disappointing 2-12 record.

It has been rough throughout coach Steven Zaret' s first two seasons coaching the Atoms and the light does not seem to be shining at the end of the tunnel anytime soon.

With the top four best players all being seniors Todd Le, Alex Parrado, Lorenzo Aluning and Jonathan Noranbrock leaving to go to college. the Atoms have to start from scratch.

"We were competitive and never gave up," Zaret said.

The Atoms didn't give up, but unfortunatly they didn't provide the results.

Both Le and Parrado lost in the first round of singles in conference and the doubles team of Le and Parrado as well as Aluning and junior

BY JULIUS MILLER Staff Writer

Nebeyu Solomon also lost in the first round in conference.Because of this, Coach Zaret is planning for the future.

"We implemented the no-cut policy encouraged by the United States Tennis Association," Zaret said. "This allowed us to develop players on a JV and gives us a larger talent pool for the future."

"We will get out and hit as much as we are allowed to and I would like to get the guys into the weight room," Zaret said.

The boys have been working hard all season and are preparing to work even harder in the offseason.

Next season the boys look to improve and go far in the conference tournament but it looks like there is a long road ahead of them.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE ANNANDALE YEARBOOK

BY CREW MCARTHY

Season wrap-up

Sophomore Luka Fernandez swings at a ball during a tennis match

The girls tennis season started well with a win over Hayfield High School in an exhibition match, but once the regular season started, they began their track on a bumpy road.

In the regular season, the girls only beat one team, Robert E. Lee Coming into the conference tournament for singles were seniors Sarah Metzel and Soriya De Lopez. for doubles seniors Metze', and De Lopez as well as the doubles team of Luka Fernandez and Lucie Lefbom.

Both Metzel and De Lopez lost in the first round of singles, but as a duo they advanced past the first round. Sadly, the duo of Fernandez and Lefbom lost in the first round of conference.

With a lot of talent added to the roster, the Atoms will be having optional practices and tennis lessons to improve for next season.

Coach Hassan Mims is going into his fifth season next year wanting to improve on the fundamentals of the game.

"The season went well" Mims said. "It was exciting experimenting making zero cuts and working with an expanded roster." said Mims.

"Having such a diverse group of beginning tennis players on the team was refreshing and dynamic."

"Their are 22 out of 28 players are maintaining a 3.50+ GPA. Sarah Metzel and Soriya de Lopez represented AHS in the District doubles tournament. They won a round. That is our first victory in the district tournament in a couple years." with the season being over the girl look to work hard in the off season and improve for next year.

SPORTS 17

June 9, 2015

2015 AHS FALL PREVIEW Student athlete: Janan Gokturk

Head coach: Mike Scott

Head coach: Cindy Hook

Last season's record: 6-5

Last season's record: 13-6-1, Patriot Conference 7 champions

Key games: "Some of our key games for next year are against Centreville, Lake Braddock, South County and West Springfield."

Player outlook: "This upcoming season we are looking to build on our success from last year and win the conference title and to host a home playoff game."

Junior Tucker Mack runs the ball down field to escape a defender against T.C. Williams last season.

Key players: "Some of our key players for next season are Ashley Britton and Jenny Kang."

Key games: "Every game is a key game."

Player outlook: "I think it will be a fun season and we are going to have to work just as hard as we did last year if we want to defend our Conference title."

Biggest rival: "Some of our biggest rivals are Woodson and South County because they're pretty good and games against them can go either way. South County will be hun- Junior Janan Gokturk uses her stick to regain gry for revenge next season since we beat them in the Pa- possession from a Centreville opponent last season. triot Conference championship last season. We have to be ready for whatever they bring to us."

Biggest rival: "Our biggest rivals are Lake Braddock and South County, they have a lot of returning players and talent and those games will be very exciting next season."

Top competition: "Every team will be tough competition because we have a very competitive Conference; last year most of the schools in the Conference finished with the same Conference record. Every game will be played with full heart and hustle."

Top competition: "Our top competition is Lake Braddock because we know a lot of the players and coaches there."

Volleyball hungry for more wins next season

Boys XC runs towards an excellent season Student athlete: Shawn de Lopez

Head coach: Nikolay Petrov

Head coach: Carl Klein

Last season's record: 4-12

Last season's record: N/A

Key players: "The key players are our setters, Brooke Thadeus and Hannah Shartel, mostly because they're giving everyone else on the court an opportunity to hit it back to the other team. The libero is also a very important position."

Key runners: "Key runners in the coming season would be anyone who has been committed to XC in the past few seasons, we have new and talented freshmen coming in with the start of every season, so I'm excited to see who turns up."

Key games: "The key games in my opinion are the first game of the season and the last game of the season. Of course I want to win every game but these games are the most important, it's always good to start the season off with a dub. Ending the season with a win is also important because it is your last time playing with the rest of the team, especially for the seniors."

PHOTO COURTESY OF SYMONE JENKINS

Student athlete: Symone Jenkins

Junior Symone Jenkins sets up the ball up for one of her fellow teammates during one of her games last season.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHAWN DE LOPEZ

Key players: "Some of our key players for next year are Tim Johnson, Beau Hatch, Colin Corey, Greg Stratton, Sergio Martinez, Nate Stamp, David Park, Malik Moten and Jaylen Jackson."

PHOTO COURTESY OF TUCKER MACK

Student athlete: Tucker Mack

PHOTO COURTESY OF JANAN GOKTURK

Field hockey seeking to defend conference title

Football to improve on last season's success

Key meets: "On a personal standpoint, every meet is important as you try to better your time, no matter what race. As a team, varsity invitationals are key."

Runner's outlook: "We're definitely losing some talented runners in the coming season--including most of our varsity, but I'm very optimistic as talent is consistently cycled with the start of a new year."

Junior Shawn de Lopez runs ahead several of his opponents to get first place during one of his meets this past season.

Biggest rival: "Our biggest rival is, as defined by tradition, W.T. Woodson High School."

Player outlook: "I think this season is going to be very interesting considering the whole program is getting new coaches. It's going to be a good experience though, I just hope our team has a great season next year."

Top competition: "For the past seasons that I've been with Annandale's XC team, our coach has always emphasized the importance of training early in the summer in preparation for the upcoming season. Upon his observation, other schools, especially Woodson and Lake Braddock, do this very consistently and as a team on their own time: he reffered to this as the key of their talent. Essentially, the sooner one trains, the better one gets--practice doesn't make perfect; rather it makes for improvement. I will be training early this summer."

Biggest rival: "Our biggest rival is definitely West Potomac. That's mostly because we always have tough games against them and we've had some beef with them in the past couple of seasons."

Top competition: "The toughest competition in our Conference is South County. Since they have a deep bench, they don't have to rely on their starters to get the work done, it will be very tough for us to compete with them next year."

PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY GIBBS

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEVIN HAMLETT

SENIORS LOOK FORWARD TO COLLEGIATE SPORTS

Senior Tony Gibbs bull rushes through the line and demolishes the quarterback getting the ball for a touchdown.

Senior Devin Hamlett jukes out the Oakton lineman to break a tackle and score for a touchdown.

Q&A with Tony Gibbs:

Q&A with Devin Hamlett:

By Rachel Shogren and Halley Thadeus Staff Writers Q: Where are you going to play collegiate football?

A: At Wesley College in Delaware.

By Ryan Gammon Sports Editor Q: Where are you going to play collegiate football?

A: The University of Virginia-Wise.

Q: How did you decide on this college?

A: They gave me money to play football.

Q: How did you decide on this college?

A: I like the D2 program. Also, the teacher to student ratio is important for my parents and it is in-state.

Q: What are you doing to prepare for college sports?

A:" I am in the weightroom to prepare for college sports.

Q: Did you earn a scholarship?

A: Yes, I earned a partial ride.

University of VirginiaWise Location: Wise, VA School colors: red, white and silver Conference: Mountain East Conference Position in college: Corner and Safety Last year's record: 2-9

Q: Have you met any of your coaches or teammates?

A: Yes I have, I am also going to room with my team.

Q: What are you doing to prepare for college sports?

A: I am working out, doing cardio.

Wesley College

Q: Have you met any of your coaches or teammates?

A: I met the coaches, I met some of the team online.

Location: Dover, DE

Q: What are you most looking forward to?

A: I am looking forward to playing football and doing schoolwork the most.

Q: What will you miss most about playing on a high school team?

A: I am going to miss wearing red and white the most.

Conference: Atlantic Central Football Conference

Q: What will you miss most about playing on a high school team?

A: What I will miss most about playing in high school is the school spirit at the football games.

School Colors: Navy blue and white

Position in college: Linebacker

Q: What are you most looking foward to in college?

A: I am looking forward to starting at a collegiate level of competition.

Last year's record: 12-2

Q: What music do you listen to before games?

A: I have been listening to the same play list since sophomore year. It helps me calm myself before I turn up on the field.

From soccer to the Marines

Senior Daniela Salinas puts in the grind to achieve a first place trophy at the Iron Women Championship.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIELA SALINAS

BY Ryan Gammon Sports Editor From the four hour sleep days to the brutal boot camp, Daniela Salinas is ready to accept the challenge and join the Marines.

While some drill sergeants can be easier than others, one thing stands out: their slogans.

"They probably say 'put up' or 'shut-up' the most," Salinas said.

Serving in the military, specifically the Marines, has been a dream of Salinas' for a long time.

"I have always looked up to

people with uniforms on," Salinas said. "I chose the Marines because they are the most elite fighting force.

They are also the hardest branch physically and mentally and I wanted to challenge myself."

Going into the Marines can be a hard task for those trying to be the best of the best. Being fit is important if you want to keep up with the others.

"I work-out basically everyday, I power-lift on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Then I have Marine PT on Tuesdays and Thursdays." Salinas said.

Having to go to Parris Island in South Carolina can be a long way from home, so there are some sacrifices she has to make to become a Marine.

"I am going to miss most of my free time, I will miss my girlfriend , I will really miss my pet turtle, I will miss my very close friends and lastly I will miss my family a lot," Salinas said.

While she tries to overcome the hardships to come during boot camp and the field of battle, we give a big oorah to future Marine Daniela Salinas.

18 ENTERTAINMENT

June 9, 2015

What movie will you watch?

Jurassic World

Fantastic Four The Fantastic Four return in this brand-new reboot distributed by 20th Century Fox. The team returns with another origin story, this time more accurate to the comics. Reed Richards (Miles Teller) is a young genius who is destined to do great things. He's been chosen by famous Dr. Franklin Storm (Reg E. Cathey) to partake in an experiment that aims to make a major scientific breakthrough - interdimensional travel.

Chosen along with Richards are Dr. Storm's children, Sue Storm (Kate Mara), Johnny Storm (Michael B. Jordan), as well as Richards' childhood friend Ben Grimm (Jamie Bell) and programmer Victor Domashev (Toby Kebbell).

Something terrible happens during the experiment and the group has a devastating experience in the new dimension.

They all emerge with different powers, all of them related to how the characters themselves are.

It is up to the team to not only learn how to control their powers and use them for good, but to save the world from the threat of Domashev, who suffered a terrible transformation and adopted the name Doctor Doom.

"I want to see Fantastic Four because they're giving an African American guy a role meant for a white guy."

"I want to see this movie because I liked the trailer and the twist to the plot."

GELILA RETA

JASHON REAMS

junior

junior

Ant-Man

Southpaw Southpaw is a sports drama film starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams and Forest Whitaker.

Billy Hope (Gyllenhaal) was a great boxer and had just become the Light Heavyweight Champion of the world. Hope, at the peak of his career, holds a party to announce his retirement.

Celebrations ensue and everyone is happy.

Suddenly, after getting in a small argument with another boxer at his retirement party, his wife (McAdams) is accidentally killed.

His life begins to rapidly spiral downwards and he is eventually deemed to be unable to properly take care of his daughter, forcing his daughter to be taken away from him by the court.

His last chance to win back his daughter and become his former self is to re-enter the boxing world by training with trainerTick Willis (Whitaker).

Gyllenhaal has been featured in various roles ranging from genre to genre, like Donnie Darko, Brokeback Mountain and Love & Other Drugs.

McAdams and Whitaker are also very wellrespected actors, starring in Mean Girls and The Butler, respectively.

The park is open once again in Jurassic World.

This time, the story takes place on Isla Nublar, the fictional island where the original Jurassic Park movie took place, However, this movie takes place 22 years later.

Chris Pratt stars as Owen Grady, a Velociraptor trainer who works at Jurassic World. Bryce Dallas Howard plays the park's operations manager, Claire Dearing.

In order to boost the amount of visitors, the park's geneticists create a new hybrid dinosaur. When the dinosaur escapes and endangers all of the park's attendees, as well as Dearing's nephews, Gray (Ty Simpkins) and Zack Mitchell (Nick Robinson), it is up to Grady and the park security to stop it.

This is the fourth movie in the Jurassic Park film series, the last one, Jurassic World III, released in 2001.

This is Pratt's second action-type movie he's starred in, after the highly successful Guardians of the Galaxy.

The movie comes out on June 12 in theaters and definitely looks to be a summer hit.

"I want to see this movie because Jake Gyllenhaal is my favorite actor."

BRANDON HO sophomore

"I want to see this movie because I'm a big fan of all the Marvel movies.

HENNA AYUB senior

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be ant?

Explore the Earth when you're the size of a crumb?

With the new Marvel movie Ant-Man, Paul Rudd does exactly that. He plays Scott Lang, a former criminal given the opportunity of a lifetime - to take Hank Pym's (Michael Douglas) place as the Ant-Man. The secret of the Ant-Man technology has been guarded by Pym for years, but he needs to find a successor, as Pym is getting too old.

Given Lang's skills as an expert thief, he is the perfect candidate for the job. However, Darren Cross (Corey Stoll) has other plans.

After taking over Pym's company, Cross creates a militarized version of the Ant-Man suit - the Yellowjacket suit.

It is up to Lang to stop Cross and his plan.

Ant-Man has been a very important character in Marvel Comics and is finally getting his first live-action film appearance.

Although there are changes to the story, like every other book-to-movie adaptation, it definitely looks to be a hit, adding a comedic tone similar to Guardians of the Galaxy.

FIFA 16 introduces women's teams Women's national teams to become playable OMAR HADDOU Special to the A-Blast EA Sports recently released ground-breaking news for FIFA fans. The company is adding women's national teams to their top-selling franchise. The news arrived just in time as the Women's World Cup is this summer, taking place in Canada.

The game will feature national teams from Germany, USA, France, Sweden, England, Brazil, Canada, Australia, Spain, China, Italy and Mexico. All teams are playable on modes such as Match Day, Offline Tournament and Online

Friendly Matches. Women's national teams will compete exclusively against other women's national teams.

This revolutionary event marks the first major use of women in a well-known sports video game.

Since there are only 12 teams, EA Sports took the time to head scan every woman player and recreate them in virtual form. With all-new in-game animations, 3D player modeling and life-like head scans, the women's national teams are genuinely rendered in the game.

From running motion to facial animations and hair movement, players will look and move just like they do during real competition.

Alex Morgan is one of the huge faces in the new game.

She, along the rest of the United States Women's National Team, were heavily featured in the trailer. Canada's Christine Sinclair and England's Stephanie Houghton were also among the superstars to model for this game.

They created moves and filmed shots to be pictured in the game.

Senior Daniela Quiroga was quite excited when she heard the news. "I thought it was really cool! It's about

Alex Morgan was one of the many players to appear in the trailer for FIFA 16's announcement of women's teams.

time female players were represented and allowed to kick butt (literally)," Quiroga said. When the game releases, Quiroga will be playing as the United States Women's National soccer team. Senior Lorenzo Aluning will be playing with a completely different team: Germany's

National Team. "I think it's cool that EA is exploring this.

Bringing both genders into a game that is loved by many.

I can't wait!" Aluning said. "I may try the women's teams for a bit, but I love Dortmund and I am unstoppable with them."

In seven days, EA will be presenting gameplay news at E3, which is an annual trade fair for the video game industry. It is used by many video game publishers and accessory manufacturers to reveal and advertise their upcoming games and game-related merchandise. They will definitely show the women's national teams in action.

At last year's E3, FIFA conducted a stage demo for FIFA 15, and are likely to do the same this year, presumably with the women's teams as well.

The game will be released this year on September 26.

According to a representative from EA Sports, the game will be available for PC, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS4 and PS3. There isn't a 3DS or PS Vita version.

Having women's teams will change the game drastically and increase their demographics. EA is making FIFA 16 more entertaining for both genders.

What is your favorite FIFA team to play with?

"I play with Manchester United because I always win with them."

ALEX CROMWELL freshman

"I play with Watford because I like to see people get mad when I beat them with a small team."

"I play with Bayern because Gotze is the best."

SAUD SHAH

"I play with Classic XI because it has the best players and they all have high ratings."

sophomore

NAOL BAYISA

ANANDA POUDEL

junior

junior

RYAN PEICH

"It doesn't matter what team I play with because I'm the greatest."

"I play with PSG because I 'Dare To Zlatan.'"

"I play with India because India is my native country."

SEHAM AHMED

ADITYA CHATURVEDI

junior

junior

"Dortmund, because of Marco Reus."

LORENZO ALUNING senior

sophomore

TITUS’S DRIVING SCHOOL “Taking pride in road safety”

Why choose Titus's Driving School Over Others?

"Titus is a great teacher and helps you become a safe driver. In just a week, I learned so much about driving and gained a lot of valuable experience."

— Michael Ambrosio, senior

1. The school is bonded and insured 2. Students do not need 45 hours driving time prior to the program 3. Parents and students can check yellowpages. com for school reviews 4. Students don’t have to pay until they get their drivers license 5. If you bring your friend along, you get $25 off your payment Contact us by phone or email (571) 217-1441 (703) 751-2391

Fax: (703) 879-5943 info@titus-driving-school.

“Titus’s Driving School is the best driving school for any new drivers.

I learned how to drive through him and from day one, all he dealt with was driving safely. He would always remind us that when driving, you must be safe because being behind the wheel is the only course in which you are handling your life and potentially that of others.”

— Emmanuel Kwayke, senior

19 ENTERTAINMENT Surf 's Up: a perfect summer album

June 9, 2015

BY DANIEL YENEGETA, AHMAD AYUB AND JAROD GOLUB Entertainment Editors and Special to The A-Blast

Surf rolls in at just under 52 minutes of intense, mind-bending trumpet solos and guitar riffs, hard-hitting lyrics coupled with sing-songy verses, surprise guests and an overall stellar album experience.

Before you keep reading, it is important to realize that this is not a Chance the Rapper album. It is the product of The Social Experiment working together with other artists. Chance was in no way the only artist that had an influence on the outcome of this album, so the album's triumphs and shortcomings cannot be credited to him alone.

Surf is the breakthrough album from Donnie Trumpet (Nico Segal, Donnie Trumpet EP, Illasoul) along with the rest of The Social Experiment, a group comprised of Trumpet, Chance the Rapper (Chancellor Bennett), Greg "Stix" Landfair Jr., Nate Fox and Peter Cottontale (Peter Wilkins).

The Social Experiment is a group of friends who have forgone solo careers to make music with one another. Trumpet used to be a member of the band Kids These Days along with Vic Mensa. However, after the group's fallout, Trumpet was left all alone.

After soon realizing that he just wanted to make music with his friends, he helped form The Social Experiment. The venture has led to singles such as "Wonderful Everyday," "No Better Blues" and "Sunday Candy."

The album also features a number of uncredited artists on a number of the tracks, most noticeably, "Warm Enough," which features artists Noname Gypsy, Chance and J. Cole. There are also the more out-there and unexpected appearances of King Louie and Quavo on the track "Familiar."

The point of not crediting any of these artists is that the listener does not know what is coming next. It is impossible to tell, on first listen, whether they will receive a soft, melodic interlude like "Nothing Came to Me," or a more energetic song in "Go." Surf begins and ends in the same way, with gospel melodies and flowing rhythm that draws the listener in, leaving them wanting more until the very end.

"Miracle" starts off with a dream-like mix

of strings and synthesizers that create an ebb and flow of sound mixed with periods of quiet that make way for Donnie's trumpet and Chance's raps that open up the album.

Chance opens the album with a verse filled with positive messages and gratitude for the miracle of life, conveyed through lyrics like, "If it's a miracle/to be alive and well."

"Miracle" also introduces the influence of gospel music into the album. The gospel influence adds a different tone to the album that contrasts with the trumpet interludes and rap lyrics, and probably stems from Chance's upbringing and his love for gospel music.

After "Miracle" comes the up-beat, playful style of "Slip Slide," featuring veteran rappers Busta Rhymes and B.o.B. After the hook following B.o.B.'s verse, there is a short pause and then more dream-like instrumentation as Chance sings, "It ain't so easy, it's not so hard, but it's just too easy to sit back down," referring to how easy it is to lose one's footing in the ever-changing music industry. The song focuses on the trials and tribulations of working in the music industry, but also touches on the trophies that come with success in that line of work.

Next up on the album is "Warm Enough," which features guest verses from Noname Gypsy, Chance and J. Cole. Verses from NoName and Chance mix well together, with overlapping lines that build a story throughout the song. "Warm Enough" touches on how people do not always meet the world's perception of them. NoName Gypsy sings "Who are you to tell me/I'm not warm enough for summertime?" She implies that she has been put in a specific category that she doesn't really identify with.

The song also shows an overlying theme of love throughout the three verses, with Chance and NoName relating their verses through the concept of love. NoName raps "Who are you to love me and not call me by my name?" The theme of love continues through to J. Cole's verse where he raps about his shortcomings and sins in relation to a woman who he compares to a flower.

The next song on the album, "Nothing Came to Me," is three minutes and 30 seconds of Donnie showcasing his trumpet skills. The musical interlude of "Nothing Came to Me" contrasts sharply with the fiery verses in "Warm Enough." The song begins

PHOTO COURTESY OF VICE

The Social Experiment delivers on their debut album

The Social Experiment consists of Donnie Trumpet, Chance the Rapper, Nate Fox, Peter Cottontale and Greg "Stix" Landfair Jr.

with sharp, echoing trumpet notes that seem almost discomforting until halfway through the song when other trumpets join in the background, providing a soothing chord progression for the rest of the track.

"Nothing Came to Me" pairs with the other musical interlude on the album, "Something Came to Me." "Something Came to Me" shares similar musical elements with "Nothing Came to Me," however, they differ as well. There is more of a structure right off the bat with "Something Came to Me" as Donnie Trumpet plays over an actual beat in the song. As the song continues, the playing becomes more and more complicated, while "Nothing Came to Me" is relatively simple in comparison.

Going back to chronological order, after "Nothing Came to Me" is the feel-good track "Wanna Be Cool" which preaches values of staying true to yourself and not trying to be like other people. The song also exhibits a great beat with trumpet riffs that pull the listener in and layered with rap verses that keep them there. "Wanna Be Cool" features verses from Big Sean and Kyle, while Chance and Jeremih sing on the chorus.

Kyle, a relatively unknown rapper compared to the other rapper on the track, Big Sean, delivers a solid and humorous verse, using lyrics like "Baby got her jeans from Goodwill/But I bet that [expletive] look good still." Kyle succeeds in conveying the

message of the song through this humor.

After the positivity of "Wanna Be Cool," "Windows" takes on the same message but devoid of the humor and lightheartedness of the previous song. The song begins with a warning from Chance for listeners to "Keep [their] head away from the windows/Keep [their] arms inside the ride," warning them to stay within the confines of society and not do anything dangerous. However, Chance refutes this statement in the chorus when he says "Don't you look up to me/Don't trust a word I say," implying that he is a bad role model and that his fans should not use him as an example for how to live their lives, and not to trust the words that he writes in his songs, but to trust themselves more than they trust him.

"Caretaker," the next song on the album, adds on to the melodic elements of "Wanna Be Cool." The song is slow and smooth, with D.R.A.M. singing the first and only verse of the song over soft keyboard chords and finger snaps. D.R.A.M. is singing to a lost love who has left him for another man. He offers to take care of her, even though she has left him.

"Familiar" is a fun song to sing along to, while delivering a message about people that follow societal norms and behave like everybody else. Chance expresses his distaste for "basic girls" by saying, "Forgive me but you look familiar." Quavo's verse is

CONTINUATION

On your smart phone, scan this code using the application “QR Code” to read the rest of Surf’s album review.

Astro Davis releases Cloud 6

A$AP Rocky drops a solid project in A.L.L.A.

Q&A with Astro Davis How does it feel now that you've released Cloud 6?

It feels great, I've been working on the tape ever since January. It feels good to have it out in my second year of making music.

BY HUSSEIN SALEM Ad Manager

How did you get your start making music?

I started out writing poetry and making cartoons and photography. Music eventually became more serious when me and Kid JC started working together.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROLLING STONE

The Harlem-born rapper Rakim Mayers, also known as A$AP Rocky, recently released his third album, At.Long.Last.A$AP. This album is titled similarly to his previous two projects, Live.Love.A$AP and Long.

Live.A$AP. The album was originally expected to release on June 2, but ASAP Rocky decided to change the release date to May 26 after the album was leaked online.

A.L.L.A. features some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Future, M.I.A., Schoolboy Q, Kanye West, Juicy J, Lil Wayne, Rod Stewart, Miguel and many more.

The death of A$AP Yams, Rocky's advisor and longtime friend, greatly affected the making of the album.

Yams executively produced the album and was the inspiration for the album's cover artwork.

After taking a two year break, Rocky released a single from the album, "Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2 (LPFJ2)", on January 7, 2015.

The music video for the song was produced by Rocky himself. Rocky premiered a track called "M's" in an interview with the Red Bull Music Academy. On the album, a remixed version includes a verse from New Orleans rapper, Lil Wayne. Rocky then released the album's second single, titled "Everyday", featuring Rod Stewart, Miguel and Mark Ronson.

On May 19, 2015, Rocky released a music video for a song titled "L$D", which had tons of positive feedback, receiving over four million views on YouTube. The video shows Rocky wandering through the streets of Tokyo, Japan. The slow tempo track is nicely paired with a very vivid and psychedelic music video. Halfway through the video, Rocky previews

one of the highlights of the entire album.

One of the more unexpected features, Quavo usually raps over hard trap beats, so it was a pleasant surprise to hear his verse fit in so well with the soft melodies.

The next song, "SmthnthtIwnt," continues with the idea that material possessions aren't as important as they are made out to be with lyrics like "I can't give a [expletive] about the fabrics that I found in my closet."

The track also continues with religious themes, as Saba raps about his uncle's death and his grandma's advice, saying "Pray, that's what grandma said/You still alive, you are not dead."

"Go" is a fast paced track featuring Eryn Allen Kane, Jesse Boykins III and LiLi K. on the hook, along with Mike Golden and Joey Purp delivering verses. This is the only song where the album's title is referenced. In the outro of the song, "Surf's Up" is repeated seven times, as guitar riffs bring the song to a close.

How long did it take to put the mixtape together?

It took me six months (ironic.)

What's next for you now that you've dropped Cloud 6?

I plan on going to NYC and Cali before June ends, and start performing and looking for events. I also want to release my music videos and shirts.

Astro Davis's Cloud 6 dropped on June 2.

A$AP Rocky released his third album on May 26 after the album was leaked

the first verse of "Excuse Me" as a sneak peak to the album.

"Last time I was more concerned, subconsciously, with doing something mainstream," Rocky said in a recent Rolling Stones interview.

"Once I did that, I not only proved to the world but to myself that I could do anything that I wanted."

With 18 songs on the album, A.L.L.A. contains many slowed down songs but still delivers more hardcore rap and lyricism than Rocky's previous albums. "I always been in that direction, I just got slept on. My swag overshadowed everything. I'm tired of [expletive] like, 'What is he gonna wear, some wack [expletive]?' or something. I hope they're watching."

The intro to the album, "Holy Ghost," starts off with a quote from "O Brother, Where Art Thou" and contains several religious representations. The theme of the song is about selling one's soul to the Devil while trying to succeed in life at the same time. Rocky closes the

song by begging the Holy Ghost to help him.

The fifth track of the album, "Excuse Me," was leaked as Rocky plays the first verse in the "L$D" music video. Rocky starts off the song by saying "Wealth is in the mind and not the body," inspired

by Pharrell Williams; this was a slogan for him back from his debut album. In this track, Rocky describes life filled with plenty of hustling, expensive purchases and paying dues. The slowed down beat, produced by Rocky himself, shows his subdued swagger.

Overall this was a great album with terrific production, exuberant flows and excellent features. Rocky exhibits characteristics of vintage Lupe Fiasco, East Coast hip-hop and trap rap all in one album. One thing that Rocky didn't excel at is consistency. He couldn't regularly drop a first-class song, track after track, which is difficult to do on an 18 track album. Rating 8.7/10

"It was great, the feeling of performing and getting to be on stage is the dopest feeling," Davis said of his Heritage Night performance.

Is there any meaning behind the title "Cloud 6"?

I chose the title Cloud 6 because it's cloud nine upside down, and I feel like I'm not yet on cloud nine. I have a long way to go with my music and art. Also, six is my favorite number, I began knowing what I was gonna do around 2006 around the age 11.

Who are your biggest influences when it comes to music?

I have a lot of musical influences like Kanye, Nas, Busta, Chance, Joey Bada$$, Drake, Frank Ocean, Odd Future in general and a lot of old school like Jungle Brothers, WuTang Clan, Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, it varies on how I feel.

"I used to play well in middle and elementary school, when I also played the alto sax," Davis said of playing the piano. "Now I'm sort of learning again."

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMIR DAVIS

Dope movie shows box office promise

BY DANIEL YENEGETA Entertainment Editor

Dope is a coming of age film that is sure to see box office profits upon release

The summer movie season is here, and films from a wide range of genres will be hitting the box office soon. One of those movies, Dope, releases in theaters on June 19, the last day of school, and many students are eager to see the movie.

"I would definitely watch it as soon as it comes out," senior Beza Yoseph said. "It seems like there's finally a movie representing young African Americans in a normal light. Instead of them being maids or slaves or abused people/abusers, they're high school students just like us."

The film is centered around a high school geek

named Malcolm, played by Shamiek Moore, with a passion for 90s hip hop. He is bothered at how his story seems "cliche," raised by a single mother in a poor neighborhood with high ambitions. He has perfect grades, near perfect SAT scores and a close-knit group of friends.

Things become complicated when Malcolm catches feelings for a girl named Nakia (Zoe Kravitz). Malcolm decides to go to a birthday party being thrown by a drug dealer named Dom (A$AP Rocky), unaware that Dom is also seeing Nakia.

Later, Malcolm accidentally leaves the party with Dom's drugs. Being caught with drugs would ruin Malcolm's Ivy League dream, so he and his friends have to get rid of the drugs as soon as possible,

without getting into trouble with law enforcement or with Dom and his crew.

With a cast made up predominantly of young minorities living in Southern California, the movie comes across as a modern day version of coming of age movies such as Boyz N Tha Hood that were extremely popular during the 90s and early 00s.

There isn't too much revealed by the trailer, but still just enough to keep the viewer interested in the movie. One thing that will be interesting to see is the amount of appearances made by musicians in the movie. The movie is set to feature artists such as A$AP Rocky, Tyga and Vince Staples. Overall, the movie seems like a potential box office hit.

20 WEEKEND

Good luck

June 9, 2015

Jarod Golub Co-Editor in Chief

Years on Staff: 4 College: University of Maryland Major: Multi-Platform Journalism (Minor in Political Science) Favorite memory: "All of the late nights, eating food and having fun together."

Berta Tarqui Co-Editor in Chief

Chelsea Alfonso Managing Editor

Years on Staff: 4 College: George Mason Major: Business Management Favorite memory: "Finishing the paper by 9 p.m. without Jarod."

Years on Staff: 3 College: VCU Major: Computer Engineering Favorite memory: "Hearing my name called so many times during deadline week that I wanted to change my name singing throwback songs."

Erin Johnson Weekend Editor

Thia Carayannis Weekend Editor

Grads!

As the 2014-2015 school year comes to an end, The A-Blast says good-bye to the senior staff and wishes them success in the future

Nuhami Madefro Entertainment Editor

Alan Vargas News Editor

Years on Staff: 1 College: George Mason Major: Computer Engineering Favorite memory: "My favorite memory is my first deadline week."

Sarah Metzel Editorials Editor

Years on Staff: 4 College: College of Charleston Major: Communications and International Affairs Favorite memory: "Always being number one."

Rahel Tecle Head Videographer

Years on Staff: 4 College: Syracuse University Major: Broadcast Journalism Favorite memory: "Weintraut's personal annoying meter, the New York trip junior year and karaoke sessions with the squad."

Years on Staff: 3 College: VCU Major: International Studies Favorite memory: "I honestly loved learning to write like a journalist. The ability to report on real-life events gives a person a certain power over their reality."

Years on Staff: 3 College: VCU Major: International Studies Favorite memory: "My favorite A-Blast memory is playing heated fun Friday games."

Omar Haddou Staff Writer

Ricque (Kayee) Lynch Staff Writer

Aniqa Rashid Staff Writer

Years on Staff: 2 College: NOVA Major: Liberal Arts Favorite memory: "Making fun of Ahmad Ayub during every class."

Years on Staff: 3 College: Norfolk State University Major: Liberal Arts Favorite memory: "Fighting with Zeke about the Redskins Yes/No story."

Years on Staff: 3 College: George Mason Major: Bio Engineering Favorite memory: " Getting my hands dirty with ink smudge from folding the newspapers."

Years on Staff: 2 College: Penn State University Major: English (Minor in Political Science) Favorite memory: "When Erin asked me to be her co-editor because I'm slowly trying to become her."

Jared Lefbom Web Master

Years on Staff: 4 College: Georgia Tech Major: Engineering Favorite memory: "Getting an A for never doing my job."

Emily Lien Photographer

Years on Staff: 1 College: Cornell Major: Computer Science Favorite memory: "Taking pictures at a football game for a slideshow."

Class of 2015 Bulletin To-do list: June Edition Three more finals to go!

Mandatory Graduation rehearsal on June 15th Senior Thia Carayannis up to bat for the varsity softball team in her final season as an Atom.

All-Night Grad Party is seven days away

7 days until graduation 1 Red Day 1 White Day