Issue 6

A

ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

the VOLUME #61 ISSUE 6

New year, new dance

Mostly Sunny

39 24 THURSDAY, JAN. 21, 2016

(703) 642-4229

Editor in Chief Fairfax County School Board has recently changed its policy that disallowed schools from changing their name unless the vicinity was altered for a different purpose. The new addition to the policy states, "The School Board may also consider a change in the name of a school or facility where some other compelling need exists." This ruling is beneficial to Fairfax County schools, such as Robert E. Lee High School and J.E.B. Stuart High School, who don't believe Confederate leaders accurately depict the overall beliefs of their respective schools.

Both of these high schools are ethnically diverse and are misrepresented by these individuals who fought for the Confederate Army in attempt to protect the racist ideology of the South. This is why students at J.E.B. Stuart, such as seniors Anna Rowan, Marley Finley, Cassie Marcotty, Abby Conde and Lidia Amanuel, have revolted against the name of the school in effort to change it.

"Our history teacher posed the idea and we teamed up with a couple of girls in my grade to see what we could do to move forward with it," Amanuel said. "We hope to change the name of our school to better reflect the positive learning environment and accepting atmosphere we enter every morning."

Changing our school name will make it possible for Fairfax County to discontinue its tolerance of institutionalized racism and end the message of oppression and resulting desensitization to racism that the symbols currently representing my school carry.

AHS is a very diverse school as well, so students should be paying attention to what's happening to these schools within our county. What if Annandale was named after Eli Whitney, inventor of the cotton gin? Although he was not a famous military leader like Lee and Stuart, Whitney's cotton gin is a symbol of the South's dependence of slavery and roots of racism.

"Along with the name J.E.B. Stuart comes a history of inequality, racism and oppression. This history cannot be undone nor forgotten," Amanuel said. "School names are more than words on a building; they are identifiers of the students and employees within them. In this case, the name of my school inaccurately represents who we are as individuals

After close to 15 years, No Child Left Behind is no more.

Students from all grades prepare their projects

BY NICHOLAS MORTENSEN

Staff Writer The annual Science Fair will be taking place at the cafeteria on Jan. 20 at 3 pm immediately after school.

The fair gives students in grades 9-12 an opportunity to show off their science experiments that they have been working on since September.

The project is time consuming, but every year many unique and new projects are displayed at the fair, causing students and staff members to look forward to the fair.

"I am very excited, my project is going really well," senior Jamiah Harrison said.

New this year will be projects from IB Science students.

"This year will be [the best]! It's the first year where IB students participate and so I look forward to seeing their projects and seeing what they have to offer," Biology teacher, Jenna Koltz said.

There was one problem going into the fair this year; the lack of judges.

"We have many students in [the] Science Fair and only 25 judges," Koltz said. "We are at, from our last count, 45 judges which is better than 25."

However, some students would rather not have judges critique their projects.

"I am a little worried about judges looking at our projects but I think my project is creative so I'm sure they would like it," Harrison said.

When it comes to being a judge for the Science Fair, they don't have to have any science experience or knowledge, they just have to follow

Koroma, are fans of the movement made by students at these schools because it discourages the views of the Confederate South.

"I think changing the names wouldn't be a bad idea. Those confederate leaders represent a bad part of history pertaining to slaves and racial discrimination," Koroma said. "Today that is slowly but currently being relived. We shouldn't be influencing people by keeping the name of confederate leaders."

J.E.B. Stuart alumni, Bruce Cohen and Julianne Moore, an Oscar-award winning director and actress, have initiated a campaign in order to promote the petition against their alma mater's name. The petition has been very successful and hopefully it will eventually lead to a new name for these two high schools.

"School names are meant to be honorable, representing ideals to which students can aspire. I love my school and am excited to receive an incredible education," Amanuel said.

"However, my values are challenged as I am forced to celebrate the Confederacy to express my love for my school."

In conclusion, changing the names of these schools would prove to be a step in the right direction, and a step further away from institutionalized racism.

New education reform arrives

Science Fair arrives

BY KARUNGU THUKU

Schools like W. T. Woodson, J.E.B. Stuart and Robert E. Lee consider changing their school name.

and as a community."

Fairfax County was relatively slow in regards to desegregating schools, including AHS. So these two schools were named after Confederate leaders in order to show that their prejudice beliefs were still very relevant. But that was before many of the members at these schools were even born.

Racist beliefs have now become a social taboo, and students of all religions and ethnicities have learned to live with each other.

That's why students at these schools wish to rename themselves after leaders whose actions and motives don't conflict with their own; students at Stuart hope to change their name to Thurgood Marshall High School because they feel as if the first African-American Supreme Court judge represents them better than a slaveholder.

"Some of those names came about because the schools like J.E.B. Stuart were founded during the Civil Rights Movement.

So by naming them after Confederate leaders, they were sending a message about that movement and that they were not supporting it," history teacher Joel Jepson said. "So I think it's time that people at least have more say in the naming of the schools. Times have changed, why not?"

Students at AHS, including BCAA president, senior Hassa

Staff Writer After more than a decade, the "No Child Left Behind" Act, ratified in 2001, is being updated. The new and improved "Every Student Succeeds" Act promises to reduce the federal government's role in public education, and place more responsibility into the hands of local and state governments. To quote a statement released by the White House, the new legislation "rejects the overuse of standardized tests and one-size-fits-all mandates on schools." While day-to-day operations President Barack Obama signs the "Every Student Succeeds" Act into law. curriculum. of schools across the nation will remain the outlined by the No Child Left Behind act.

No Child Left Behind was signed in to law According to a teacher interviewed by the same, the role and scope of Standardized to address America's growing achievement NPR, the No Child Left Behind act was essentesting is being overhauled. gap between students of different socioeco- tially a "sledgehammer," one that punished Standard(ized) Fare At this point, it is reasonable to assume nomic statuses. According to the Washington schools that could not achieve certain pass that most Annandale students have been Post, many schools were simply failing to rates in reading and mathematics, without taking standardized tests for their entire teach their more impoverished students. The paying any attention to the school's special educational career. The spring months of law introduced yearly standardized testing, circumstances. An impoverished inner city every school year have long been character- and threatened harsh federal intervention school would be held to the same standards ized by long review sessions and seemingly against schools that failed to meet "adequate as a public school located in a wealthy suburb, endless busywork. Though some students yearly progress," essentially a target pass/ and schools that were already suffering only may have found this work to be tedious and fail rate. Funding could be cut, staff members deteriorated further under federal oversight. useless, it served an important role in keep- could be fired, or the school could be forced to In many cases, No Child Left Behind puning Annandale safe from government action completely restructure its administration and ished the low-income students and schools it

sought to protect.

According to NPR, former president George W. Bush promised that No Child Left Behind would be directed towards "methods that actually work." Despite the former president's assurances back in 2001, the impact No Child Left Behind has had a mixed impact.

Globally, the USA's education system ranks 14th in the world according to a 2014 Pearson study, one rank below Russia. While possessing the 14th best education system in the world is no small accomplishment, the United States could also be doing much better. Countries with smaller economies and populations, such as Finland (fifth) and Ireland (ninth) are doing considerably better, despite having less resources.

While it may be tempting to simply blame the USA's ranking on an overuse of standardized testing, it is worth noting that South Korea and Japan, two countries infamous for their heavy use of standardized testing, occupy the two highest ranks on Pearson's list, with South Korea's education system being the best in the world by Pearson's metrics.

The problem is not just standardized testing.

Leaving Behind No Child Left Behind As of Dec. 10, 2015, No Child Left Behind is no longer in effect. It has been replaced by the Every Student Succeeds Act. According to the National Education

Annual talent contest for upperclassman boys begins Mr. Annandale is held on Feb. 27 for junior and senior boys.

BY SERENE GHUL & GRACE HOGYE Staff Writers Leadership will be hosting the annual Mr. Annandale competition on Friday, February 26 in the auditorium. Upperclassmen boys compete in various categories to win the title of "Mr. Annandale."

"It's a fun event held every year," leadership member, senior Eden Mesfin said. "It is a nice way to see what the boys have to offer and it is also really funny."

AHS has been hosting the competition for over 20 years. The entertaining event allows the school

community to learn more about the students of AHS. The event will be hosted by the AHS leadership class. Banners, posters and packets will be going around the school to advertise the competition.

Funny videos are also being created to spark interest in going to the competition.

Leadership is looking for an ideal number of about 10 to 15 seniors and juniors to compete in the competition.

Teachers help out by forming a panel of judges and judging the boys in the different categories. One of the faculty judges, Kathleen Mathis, has judged the competition for the past few years and is excited to judge again this year.

"I enjoy getting to see former and current students in a totally different light than in the classroom," Mathis said.

The six judged categories consist of: Mr. Elegance, Mr. Spirit, Mr. Muscle, Mr. Fan Favorite, Mr. Talent and Mr. Intelligence. Each participant can earn points and win certain categories, but the ultimate "Mr. Annandale" wins by accumulating the greatest amount of points and excelling in all of the different categories with a unique flare.

"The previous winners were consistent with every skit and every category," Mesfin said.

The competition gives each of the participants a chance to show off their skills as well as their passions. It also gives them a chance to have fun.

Although there is only one "Mr. Annandale", who receives a crown, sash and bragging rights, multiple titles are given out, one for each category.

It is a fun activity to attend and tickets are sold Former Mr. Annandale, Robert for only $3 two weeks before the event.

Lamb poses after his win.

Protein power Student athletes use supplements to gain muscle Health 7

2016 Fashion n Get informed about the upcoming 2016 trends and styles Lifestyles 14

AHSLEADERSHIP

Tina Dang asks Chris Le to Sadie Hawkins.

BY HEZEKIEL YONAS

WASHINGTONPOST.COM

ALEX ZERNIK

Staff Writer The spring dance is right around the corner and Leadership has decided for it to be a Sadie Hawkins dance. Leadership is changing it up because in prior years we had dances such as Color Craze and Project A. Color Craze was the spring dance for the last two years. It was more of a rave than a formal dance and most people just went with and danced with friends. Students wore clothing with bright colors.

This year, a Sadie Hawkins dance will be taking in place of it due to popular request. Many other schools in FCPS have done this in the past and Woodson High School is joining us in following the new trend for this year. A Sadie Hawkins dance is where girls ask boys to go to the dance, instead of the norm, where boys ask girls.

The dance will be on Saturday, Mar. 12, 2016 from 8 pm to 11 pm. It starts at that time so more students will be able to attend and have sufficient time to get ready. The dance will be formal and the theme will be Under the Sea. "The gym and jock lobby will all be decorated in blue and there will be various sea decorations," leadership teacher Carmen Bartley said.

Make sure to save the date, and ladies, start looking for a special someone to ask before he gets taken.

Editorials 2

Today’s Weather

New policy allows for school communities to change Confederate names

BY HALLEY THADEUS

Read all about why you should not skip breakfast

Informinng the Atoms siince 1954 4

High school names may change

Sadie Hawkins has students excited for the spring

Breakfastt

4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003 470

2 EDITORIALS

Jan. 21, 2016

School is not about learning Students are forced to memorize all of the material instead

BY JUDY NANAW Staff Writer

JUDY NANAW

BY JUDY NANAW Staff Writer Looking around to see students sharing answers from a test they previously took to their friends is a real wake up call to what school has come to.

The majority of students have to memorize information; it has become extremely rare to find teenagers who truly learn the material. Students no longer come to school and leave with knowledge they did not know before. What they do learn does not actually stick with them.

What brought so many students to this sad state?

One reason could be the amount of competition there is among students. Everyone wants to do better than someone else, whether it is for the show of it or to have their chances at getting into a great college.

A bigger reason is the overload of information given from teachers. The amount of material that gets thrown at students each day can be seen from the exorbitant amount of papers they hold in their binders, backpacks and lockers.

So many teachers rush to fit in lessons in limited periods of time. This leads to cramming of new knowledge and can become way too much to handle. Teaching information cannot be put in a schedule.

Every teacher's goal should be to have their students really learn. This takes time and absolutely cannot be a rushed process. Because it usually is, there is literally no time to be able to sit and really study.

If one wants to truly comprehend the knowledge given to them, not just memorize it for the time being, they will need more than the hour and half of class time in which teachers are giving their lengthy speeches.

Because they are in a hurry to get in everything they want to cover for a lesson, teachers tend to speak for long periods of time and it becomes too easy to zone out of the lecture. Because of this, to be able to grasp all the information students need to review it at

Why you should never skip breakfast

Many students amass a pile of homework like the one above each night.

home on their own. But where is the time with all the homework assigned?

The load is ridiculous and uncalled for-- there has to be an easier way for teachers to teach their students. So much material given in short amounts of time can drive a teenager mad. What gets even more frustrating than the bulk of homework that is given each night to be due next class is the difficulty of the homework.

It would be nice to use the assigned homework as that individual review time needed after a class discussion, but more often than not the homework itself is new information to a student. It is much more reasonable to give homework that is straight information from notes taken in class that day.

Leave the harder activities to be in-class work so it is easy to ask for help and not stress alone at night.

This makes a lot more sense than the current teaching systems where new knowledge is not only hurled at students in class, but at home too.

One begins to question why things are this way and why there is no simple change such as this one taking place? All the blame cannot be placed on the teachers as it is understandable that there is required material that needs to be taught and the amount of it does not fit the time given.

However, over everything, the number one priority of teachers should be to really teach students and have them actually learn. This can simply be reached with a change in the amount of homework they assign. Class time may be lacking to cram in that required material, but if there is no way to change that they can at least change the amount of work given for home.

The majority of students want nothing but to succeed in school and all their work. For tests and quizzes, they cram whatever they can memorize the night before and get answers from other students for an A, but they are not learning any of it.

Once the tests and quizzes are over, all that info is gone and forgotten-- a big problem when it comes to the finals at the end of the year where all the things on those tests will come back on the big exam.

The lack of time brings procrastination and cheating among students. They say to never do these two things, but it seems like teens really have no choice if they want good grades-- and they all do.

Because of the heartbreaking amount of students who are not learning anything even with all the time they are spending with school, there needs to be a change. Their stress and hard work is futile when the information given to them cannot stick with them.

The danger of hoverboards The popular toy poses drastic risks Bad batteries, big blow ups, and colossal catastrophes, no wonder the No. 1 gift of the holidays is also the largest danger to all who own them.

The hoverboard, ranging from around $500 to $2000, is an electric self-balancing skateboard that one can ride around. The funny thing, these boards don't even hover. While the hoverboard comes with no helmets and nothing to grab on to, the question on everyone's mind is, does it come with a risk?

Senior Naol Bayisa received a hoverboard as a Christmas gift, and intends on keeping it.

"I have heard that [hoverboards] have exploded or caught on fire," said senior and hoverboard owner Naol Bayisa. "But I also know why that is happening, and I'm not really scared because I know not to overcharge it."

The question remains, how much risk do hoverboards truly pose?

According to the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, recent hoverboards that the CPSC have had possession of caught fire while charging. In

WWW.CPSC.GOV

BY SERENE GHUL Staff Writer

Hoverboards have been blowing up while on their charging stations.

addition to catching fire, the CPSC has received numerous hoverboard injury reports from several hospital ERs. In the last three months, the CPSC has received eight reports of treated hoverboard injuries from the ER. Paul Hodkinson, a man from Kentucky, bought a hoverboard for his three grandchildren as a Christmas gift.

However, when the family left the hoverboard to charge in the kitchen unwatched, it caught fire like a bomb and the fire destroyed the kitchen causing roughly $364,000 worth of damage.

The question that a lot of owners and those who are interested in possessing one have asked is, how do these fires even start?

According to Independent News, many of the plugs do not have fuses and overheat, leading them to explode or catch fire. Most people found that the fires started when the hoverboards were charged out of supervision. People have described the sound of these boards blowing up as a loud bang that forces them to leave their houses to escape the amount of flames.

In Humble, Texas, people were forced to evacuate Deerbrook Mall as one man tried to return his faulty device. As he was on his way to returning the board, the hoverboard blew up in his face causing the Humble Fire Department to show up at the scene. Although most fires start while the boards are

charging, there have been reports of these boards blowing up while people are riding them. Jay Whitacre, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, says that the problem doesn't have to do with these self-balancing scooters themselves, but with the quality of the batteries being used.

Lithium ion batteries, the same batteries used in smartphones and cars, are small and are able to hold a lot of energy, two factors as to why electronic manufacturers use them. The batteries have "long led to explosions" according to Whitacre. These batteries can cause the board to blow up at any action.

Just a bump into the wall can cause the boards to blow There are a lot of factories in China that now make Li-ion batteries, and the reality is that the quality and consistency of these batteries is typically not as good as what is found in top tier producers such as LG or Samsung. While cars and airplanes have fans to prevent these batteries from overheating, hoverboards do not contain these fans; a major factor that keeps the batteries at a safe, functioning temperature. Aside from the hoverboards blowing up, they are dangerous as people are losing balance and falling off.

Despite knowing all the facts, some people still think the thrill of the hoverboard is worth the risk. One never knows for sure what risks come with the purchase of the board. It seems as if the hottest gift of the season really is "hot."

This cannot be the first time you heard of breakfast being the most important meal of the day. We have been told this ever since we were little kids and refused the food our moms tried feeding us before school.

Nowadays, parents do not push us to eat in the mornings, but instead we high school students leave the house without even a thought on having breakfast, let alone the time to sit down and consume the meal. We can set aside the idea of breakfast if we want, but the truth is breakfast actually is a significant part in one's daily diet.

Breakfast literally means breaking one's fast that took place overnight. Having breakfast after waking up begins the day on a high note and will benefit the rest of it.

Taking time to eat breakfast will prevent someone from becoming hungry later on. If you are one of the people who like reaching for a midnight snack that is not a piece of fruit, having a simple breakfast can keep you from doing just that.

The morning meal will keep one full up until lunch time.

Therefore, it will also keep people from growing hungry during class- who hasn't gone through the embarrassing moment when your stomach grumbles way too loud in a quiet classroom?

Studies from the Food Research and Action Center show students who eat breakfast perform better in school than those who do not for this reason.

They are more able to work when they are not famished. One's mind will be more fully focused on class discussions rather than on when the bell rings for lunch.

Anyone can find the time to have a quick breakfast each morning even if that means waking up 15 minutes earlier, or even easier, preparing it the night before. When it comes to choosing what to eat for breakfast, the options are endless.

Find the foods you enjoy, make sure they are healthy and balanced (although it does not hurt to have your Nutella every once in a while, of course) and get in the habit of having them each morning. Breakfast only brings positive outcomes so stop going on without it!

Smoking age to 21?

BY JULIE NGUYEN Editorials Editor Hawaii has become the first state to raise the legal smoking age from 18 to 21. With this new law, they hope to discourage young adults from using tobacco early on in their lives and promote healthy lifestyles.

Several other states have also been actively debating this decision and the topic has become quite controversial.

Raising the smoking age would only cause outrage from young adults who smoke and would bring unnecessary drama. For those who have been legally smoking at the ages 18, 19 and 20, they will be unable to purchase cigarettes as a result of the changed age limit.

The age 18 is when people are considered adults. If someone wants to smoke at that age, they should be able to make their own decisions.

The knowledge of the consequences and harms to cigarettes are widely known and most people in the nation are aware that smoking can lead to diseases like lung cancer.

However, even though most people know about the risks and dangers that come with smoking, people still choose to buy cigarettes.

If the public wants to take that risk, they should be able to do so. It is their life after all and if they choose to expose their bodies to that danger the government most likely won't be able to stop them. Even if the legal age is changed, young adults will find a way to continue smoking. Banning a drug does not stop people from using it.

Even though smoking is a bad decision, there's no need to change the legal smoking age because people already are aware of that fact.

Staff CO-EDITORS IN CHIEF Hezekiel Yonas Summar Ayoub MANAGING EDITOR Alexandra Zernik NEWS EDITORS Mohamed Elhag Teagan Foti EDITORIALS EDITORS Sadie Modica Julie Nguyen COPY EDITORS Linus Bumbaca Sharon Sanchez IN-DEPTH EDITORS Binqi Chen Aseal Saed SPORTS EDITORS Ryan Gammon Andrew Gonzalez Nebeyu Solomon SPORTS XTRA EDITORS Marem Atef Raphael Yu

PEOPLE EDITORS Conrad Shartel Julie Swenton WEEKEND EDITORS Cayley Byrne Biruk Negash INTERNATIONAL EDITORS Nancy Evora Timothy Gray ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS Daniel Yenegeta Ahmad Ayub LIFESTYLES EDITORS Thida Pathammavong Tipyan Omer HEALTH EDITORS Sabrina Hawa Phuong Nguyen 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 AD MANAGER Hussein Salem CIRCULATION MANAGERS Jeanine Barakat Maria Suarez STAFF WRITERS Almaz Abedje Sheila Aguirre Seham Ahmed Lina Al Taii Laura Clemons Anthony Dinh Serene Ghul

Grace Hogye Nicole Jordan Jennifer Kang Lucie Lefbom Kirk Lindberg Angelo Lopez Crew McCarthy Ruth Mekonnen Julius Miller Nicholas Mortensen Amani Muntu Judy Nanaw Duy Nguyen Andrew Nunez Sergio Pozo Cory Pringle Kadijah Sesay Kavi Shamdin Rachel Shogren Camilia Soruco Halley Thadeus Karungu Thuku Melanie Valencia Firdousa Wasuge PHOTOGRAPHER Tooba Siddique ADVISER Alan Weintraut

Dos and Don'ts: Annandale High School Vol. 61 No.6 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003 703.642.4229 January 21, 2016 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, 2016.

If you haven't already made up your resolutions, do so- The new year is an excellent chance to make a change Don't get off to a bad start--avoid procrastination, laziness, etc. The new year is a new beginning Keep a journal to record how well you're keeping up with that resolution! It'll help you stay on track Don't miss your chance to make 2016 your best year yet!

EDITORIALS 3

Jan. 21, 2016

Popular holiday gifts this season seemed to have been smartphones. Due to technology getting a hold of this century, the age limit for children receiving cell phones has decreased.

According to a survey conducted by WRBL, a news station located in Georgia, out of 300 parents, 75 percent of their children, as young as four years old, have cell phones.

Even though the thought of toddlers carrying around their own cell phones seems completely outrageous, the thought of parents buying their toddlers cell phones, seems to be the most surprising of all.

The original purpose for a cell phone was to communicate with others. However due to the evolution of technology, we have drifted from the original purpose.

With all the social media platforms we now have access to, we have more ways to connect with each other.

Smartphones have enabled us to meet different people and learn more about

different cultures with just one click.

However, smartphones prove to not be all that secure, posing a great risk for young children.

In fact, with the easy access we have to various things on the Internet, it's no wonder that smartphones are dangerous for kids.

According to Parents.com, every 40 seconds in the United States, a child becomes missing or is abducted.

For many, the typical age for an adolescent to get a cell phone is once they enter middle school.

At this point in time, students are more likely to stay after school or walk home from their bus stops alone. As a result, it is more reasonable for someone to have a cellphone at that age.

"I got a my first cell phone when I was in sixth grade," freshman Ayman Elhag said. "I was 12 years old."

The fact that people nowadays can track you using your location services makes it that much easier for the kidnappers.

There are many dangers that a cell phone can pose to adults, let alone children. Due to

A fifth grader uses her cell phone to watch online videos.

social media not being very restricted, we have no idea whether a person we are talking to is truly who he or she claims to be.

We can say whatever we want about anyone or anything anonymously. This can pose a great risk to little children who are very

Cartoonist's corner

innocent and naIve to the dangers surrounding them.

Another downside for children having cell phones is that it decreases their social interaction skills and takes away their youth.

These days, it's very hard to have a

conversation with someone without showing a picture, a tweet or a post.

The very device created to connect us to each other has disconnected us from the world around us.

We have come to the point where we rely on phones to direct our conversation and if we don't have it, it would be very hard to keep a conversation going.

Children should not be exposed to this instead, they should continue to enjoy their time as little kids and should take the time to run around and enjoy the outdoors with their peers.

"A student should get a phone, in high school, either ninth or 10th grade, senior Andrew Peters said. "Only when it becomes beneficial for communication, schoolwork or protection as they go to and from school."

With all the risks associated with cell phones, it's important for parents to really judge the maturity of their child.

At the end of the day, a child is just not mature enough to handle the dangers of having a cell phone.

Plus size industry rising A realistic body image is better than an unrealistic one

ILLUSTRATION BY MOHAMED ELHAG

BY SHARON SANCHEZ Staff Writer A slim and perfect body is what most people want and thrive for, but is it really ideal?

When most people think of models, the image of tall, thin and naturally beautiful faces and bodies cross their minds.

With the fashion model industry always being on top of their game to display the latest uprising slim models and new fashion, people seem to forget that people of all sizes can be deemed worthy of being models.

"Every girl has a different body and there's no such thing as an ideal body," junior Elizabeth Palacios said. "But society makes it look that way."

Yet there have been reports of young and successful models starving themselves to either lose or remain their weight to fit with the modern beauty standards.

Many of them have been told to tone down and lose a couple of pounds by their agencies, even though they're already underweight.

Because these models feel so overwhelmed and pressured to lose weight fast, they result to unhealthy habits and harmful weight loss procedures.

This kind of stuff can set a bad example for young girls and make them feel insecure and unfit just because they don't appear exactly like the people in the magazines and billboards.

"Guys always think a girl has to look that [skinny] because they see it in magazines," Palacios said.

"They think that that's how they have to be and so they develop disorders and anorexia."

It's sad to see that with many advancements in the U.S., beauty standards have only gotten worse.

And it's also horrible to think that some might even go to the extremes to attain an ideal body despite severe health issues along the way.

Having an eating disorder is no joke and should be taken as serious as any other illness.

Everyone should feel comfortable with the way they look, and they should stop filling their minds with an unrealistic ideal body of themselves.

Quit the negative beliefs about yourself. A few women who were once turned down for being too "fat" by a few agencies have now moved on to bigger things.

The plus size model industry gives the opportunity to young and beautiful women who don't exactly fit in with the high fashion models according to their size.

Not only do plus size models show that being a size two isn't necessary to be beautiful, but it also makes people see that beauty comes in different sizes.

WILHELMINA.COM

BY RUTH MEKONNEN Staff Writer

PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER BOLANOS

At what age should kids get cell phones?

Plus size model Barbara Ferreira models for clothing.

However, when some people think of plus size models they think of someone overweight or unfit.

The title of a plus size model turns some heads and makes a few question how ordinary some of the girls look for their size.

That is because one doesn't have to be overweight to be a plus size model. Nowadays, it's great to see different sizes in the model industry representing.

Beauty standards have gone a long way to be almost unreachable some of the time. Even so, it is nice to see that plus size models are getting more attention.

The industry has positively grown and hopefully it will become even bigger as time progresses.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

"I would drop out of school."

"My family is very giving, so of course GARRETT PATTERSON we'd give to charity. freshman But I would buy a pink motorcycle."

CHELSEY ROBLES

"I would move to Florida and buy a house and not go to school anymore."

RICHARD ALE

"I would split the money with my family."

KAITLYN SULSER sophomore

sophomore

freshman

"If I won the lottery, I would buy a lot of cars."

"I would buy new clothes and probably get everything I want ALEX TRAN and see if I can get a junior ticket out of school."

"I would buy a car, then buy a house. Save some of that money so I don't waste it all."

VICKY LUU

"I'd make more libraries around the world so that people will be more literate."

ABDUL KHAN

JULIA QUIZON

senior

senior

junior

A growing voice for the LGBT community Transgenders should have the right to use the bathroom of their choice When it comes to the bathroom usage, it apparently becomes a serious issue to the school when a transgender student is involved. Most LGBT students have struggled with their identity their entire life and bringing the conflict to school bathrooms only makes matters worse.

Being a transgender itself isn't easy. It wasn't seen as normal especially in the 20th century and to some, the concept still isn't accepted.

You can't exactly know what it feels like to be transgender if you're not one yourself. All the tears that are shed by all the struggles one has to go through, hoping for acceptance from your family and fellow peers, and dealing with self loathing at one point in one's life is something that most people don't see.

Some people can't begin to understand how badly they treat others for being different. It could almost be considered inhumane, despite the fact that discrimination has been going on for quite some time.

Don't judge someone for who they are when they can't help it. Instead of mistreating someone for their differences, appreciate them and treat them as you would any other.

In 2014, VHSL decided to allow transgender athletes to participate in sports only once they've gone through gender reassignment surgery. Not everyone has the

JULIE NGUYEN

BY SHARON SANCHEZ Staff Writer

The girls and boys bathrooms located in the main hallway.

money to pay for sex-change surgery no matter how badly they want it. It just seems unfair for the person to go through such change if they just want to play a sport.

The same year, FCPS stated that gender identity is included in their non-discrimination policies. Even so, there have been cases where transgender students are denied the right to use the bathroom of their choosing because they weren't born as the gender they identify with now.

The media has taken its power to spread the news, making it a highly discussed issue.

Transgender students should be able to use the bathroom of the specific gender they identify with, without having the fear of being picked on by other students.

The fact that some transgender people don't feel comfortable with using either bathroom in fear of being teased constantly is only part of the reason as to why this issue is still going on. Even though neutral bathrooms might serve a good purpose and could be an option, it's not for most transgender people.

Most, if not all transgenders struggle with gaining people's understanding as to who they are and all they truly want is to be seen as the gender they identify.

So if school boards decide to enforce neutral bathrooms, it's basically another way of saying and making them feel like they're not the gender they feel they are.

Pronouns matter to transgenders and making them

go to different bathrooms besides the one they feel is right defeats the purpose.

Gender and sexual orientation are two completely different things. Many people get confused about this, when it's actually really simple. Your gender is what you identify as whether it is male or female.

Your sexual orientation is who you are sexually attracted to whether you are heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual for example. A transgender female can also be attracted to females, males or maybe even both, but that does not affect the fact that she is a transgender.

There are so many sexual orientations out there, besides gay, bisexual or straight, that one can't even begin to explain them all at once.

People should do research if they would like to be more informed instead of scratching their heads and assuming stuff they don't know.

It's very disrespectful of someone if they don't call a transgender person by what they go by. No one would want to go labeled as something that they're not.

The reality of transgender, lesbian, bisexual and gay struggles is still here. It isn't as evident as it use to be when most of society was not accepting of people being different, but it's still here.

Discrimination towards the LGBT community is evident in most of the world. Whether someone is being excluded in social activities, being treated differently in local businesses or simply just being made fun of is alarming.

America has gone a long way from where it started and when it comes to accepting and appreciating everyone for their differences, the public has become a lot more accepting. As time advances it will hopefully improve even more in better ways.

4 NEWS

Jan. 21, 2016

Longtime substitute to publish autobiography Editor in Chief Gene Tatum, better known as "the substitute teacher who curses a lot," has just finished writing his autobiography.

The countless stories he's been reciting to students for decades have finally been put to paper, commemorating his ever so adventurous 90 years on Earth.

Tatum taught in the county for 21 years as a math and science teacher at schools such as West Springfield and Marshall High School. He retired in 1989 but would later come back to substitute at AHS. "As I look back, my entire life has been in teaching. So it felt really natural to go from the Marine Corps to teaching," Tatum said. "I taught 21 years in the county primarily math but also science. I was retired for about 10 years and then I got bored so I started subbing. This is my 13th year subbing this is the only school I work at."

He doesn't intend on selling his book (currently without a title), but he plans on giving his close family and co-workers copies of his writings.

"I've got five grandkids so you know give each one of them a copy.

And some of the people here have indicated that they would like to

read it, so what the hell, yeah."

He attempts to enlighten the reader of his life journey. From his childhood pranks to his time fighting in WWII, Tatum has lived a very intriguing and eventful life that many are curious to hear about.

It's truly remarkable how he's not only remained so healthy, but that Tatum's able to recall all of these memories with vivid detail. He credits this to his talks with others and him constantly reflecting on his life.

"When you get my age, for lack of anything else you do a lot of thinking about what happened in the past. And it's like I get in a conversation with somebody and they'll bring up some subject or topic, and I can usually relate to just about anything because somewhere along the line I have been on the end of that particular situation," Tatum said.

"And as a result, I have to tell myself 'shut up, give somebody else a chance to talk'. And since I've been writing this story, it's all pretty fresh in my mind right now except things keep popping up!"

Students are elated every time he fills in for a teacher because they know that at any given moment Tatum can turn an educational lesson into his own personal story time.

"Whenever we have Mr. Tatum,

BY MOHAMED ELHAG News Editor

HEZEKIEL YONAS

BY HEZEKIEL YONAS

Math students test their skills in the AMC exam

I know that the class is going to be enjoyable. I love how he isn't afraid to say some colorful words," senior Christopher Lee said.

It is truly an honor to have this humorous and charismatic

individual sanctify AHS with his presence. Hopefully his autobiography gives his close friends and family members a better insight of who he is and the way he has lived his life.

This year's American Mathematics Competition is approaching. On the morning of Feb. 2, students who excel in math, including all MHS members, have the opportunity to take the AMC test in the cafeteria. The test fee was $2; however, MHS students already paid this in their dues earlier in the year.

There are various small changes, which are being incorporated this year, in when the test will start and end.

"Before, we had the students take the test for the whole W2, but this year, we are having the students start towards the end of W2 so that they don't miss class," MHS supervisor Roberto Obando said. "They will then have the rest of W4 to take it."

Also, before this year the spectrum of students who were recommended to take the test has shrunk. This is mainly because some students who were not as serious about math did not use this as an opportunity to improve but rather to get out of class. This has set a higher bar for those who are invited

by Obando to participate.

"In the past years I sent invitations to take the test to more of the students," Obando said. "But this year I only sent them for students with a math GPA of 3.5 or higher because they seem more serious about taking the test and it reflects of their abilities in class."

The AMC contests are designed to provoke students abilities with effective mathematical problem solving that is consistent with curricular goals, and to prepare students for future mathematical success. For any students interested in pursuing math or even science, it is recommended to be involved in the AMC tests.

"For the students in math honor society, we made the test mandatory because they all have math GPAs of 3.5 or higher and this is something I think they should be taking at their level of math," Obando said.

After participating in the AMC, students' tests will be sent to be graded at by the Mathematical Association of America. If a student scores highly, they may be noticed by individuals nationwide.

"I think that even though I'm required to take the AMC test for Math Honor Society, it will be a beneficial experience and a good way to test what I've learned through my math courses," junior Omar Abuhashish said. "Why else would they make us take it?"

New FCPS budget proposed for 2016-17 school year

BY TEAGAN FOTI Superintendent Dr. Karen Garza proposed a solution to the counties looming budget crisis on Jan. 7 at Luther Jackson Middle School in Falls Church.

The budget proposed by Garza is estimated to cost the county a total of $2.7 billion, and is focused on reinvesting in schools and reversing the impact of substantial cuts from previous years. Cuts to student programs and an increase in fees for testing and playing sports were not included in her proposal to the school board.

"I think Dr. Garza and her committee are trying to do the right thing, but I think that there are other things that they need to consider," Resource teacher Hassan Mims said. "Her proposal is going to make an impact in

FAIRFAX TIMES

News Editor

Dr. Karen Garza, FCPS Superintendent speaking at her induction in 2013.

the right direction, but at the same I think there are other things they still have to streamline."

The budget, if approved, will not be put into action until the 2016-17 school year and will hopefully help to preserve the excellence in the county, as well as help to subside the many monetary woes county wide.

The proposal prioritizes in investing in employees, putting an emphasis on increasing teacher salaries and decreasing classroom sizes to focus more on the individual student.

Currently, teachers in Fairfax County make less than teachers doing the same job in surrounding counties.

This has lead to a decrease in the amount of young staff members that apply to work in Fairfax County each year.

The proposed budget includes $40 million for teacher salaries. Raising their pay to a liveable wage so that the teachers that donate so much of their time and talent to FCPS can make what they deserve.

"Garza's plan is a step in the right direction," freshman Hoang Tran said. "Our teachers do so much for us and should get a pay raise, but her plan involves the county spending more money which won't help to solve the lack of money in the budget."

Lack of funding is not a new issue in FCPS. The county has faced a budget crisis for a number of years and has had to make cuts every year to deal with the money

shortage.

Class sizes have grown in recent years, putting the excellence that Fairfax County is known for at risk. To resolve this, Garza's proposal includes decreasing the number of students in classes, especially in elementary schools, to provide students with a higher level of education.

"We are one of the wealthiest counties in the nation and I value education because a democratic populous relies on a well-educated republic," Biology teacher Caroline Gergel said.

The county will rely more heavily on the state for funding with this new proposal in order to save programs and teachers that are vital to the county.

This is the first time in seven years that a budget proposal hasn't included major cuts. The proposal is Garza's attempt at preserving the academic excellence in the county.

Jan. 25 will mark the beginning of public hearings on the proposed budget.

FAFSA completion workshop AHS holds event to assist seniors in filling out financial aid forms

BY MOHAMED ELHAG AND TEAGAN FOTI News Editors With all of the college acceptance letters rolling in, many seniors may be facing a new obstacle: financial aid. On Saturday, January 30, from 9-12 noon, a FAFSA completion workshop will be held in the AHS library.

This financial aid event is open only to seniors; however, there are financial aid information nights throughout the year.

"I suggest that all seniors who are going to go to college or planning to attend any kind of school or training after highschool, that they probably will need financial aid," Career Center Specialist Robin Roth said. "This is the key to any financial aid."

Many student who apply to college each year have to apply for financial aid, and as the price of college rises so does the number of students applying for aid. FAFSA, the Free Application for Student Federal Aid is an office of the U.S. Department of Education and is assisting student nationwide with their college apps.

"I am attending the FAFSA meeting so that I will know how to apply for financial aid," said senior Fernando Arrazola "I want to make sure that I get that FAFSA money

HEZEKIEL YONAS

Latest proposals do not include cuts to programs

so going to the meeting is a secure way of doing it."

FAFSA has over 1,200 employees who are dedicated to helping young dedicated minds make college affordable. The organization provides over $150 billion in federal grants, loans and work-study funds each year to over 13 million students across the nation.

Because financial aid is based mainly on parent's yearly income, each student in need of financial aid must apply every year for renewed financial aid.

The National Federal Aid deadline for this year is June 30 and all FAFSA web applications must be submitted by or before midnight on June 30, Central Standard Time. However, some states and colleges may also have financial aid deadlines prior to June 30.

See Robin Roth at the Career Center for more information on how to prepare for the workshop.

Student published in prestigious newspaper Senior Sacha Cameron writes a review for The Post

BY TOOBA SIDDIQUE News Editor Recently a senior's work has been selected to be published in The Washington Post for the third time in a year on Jan. 5 after the last publication in November of 2015.

Lately, Sacha Cameron who is member of AHS theatre wrote a Cappies review for a performance of The 39 Steps at St. Stephen and Agnes school. Her first published review was about The Miracle Worker at Paul VI. "I always like seeing my name on the list of reviews selected for publication," Cameron said.

Cameron said that she often writes a review around 500 words, about what worked well in the show. She mostly focuses on the actors and technical elements of the play.

Sacha says that her work is for an organization called Cappies that works with other schools, and she signed up her Junior year. Cappies encourages the performing arts, and each school participating sends a group of chosen critics to other schools in order to review their shows. Les Miserables has gotten reviewed at AHS, and later in the year at an Awards Gala at the Kennedy center, the most

voted play's will be awarded.

"It's basically the high school level of the Tony Awards." Says Cameron.

Cameron said that by writing these reviews, she has benefited in her theatre class here at AHS. The experience with the type of writing she's written have enabled her to watch a variety of plays and musicals which help her reflect on herself.

"The reviews have helped me in theatre at AHS, when thinking about my own performance and what I'm putting out for tech," Cameron said. "I've always been interested in theatre and enjoyed writing so this seemed like a natural thing to try."

Apart from being the business manager for the AHS theatre company, Cameron is President of the National English Honor Society, Secretary of the National Honor Society, and an IB diploma Candidate.

Cameron was a part of the A-blast her sophomore year, and she really liked writing for the school paper.

Cameron is glad she can still write for the paper even without being a part of the school newspaper.

NEWS 5 New education reform arrives Jan. 21, 2016

amongst other organizations, since studies have shown that providing a quality education to children before they turn five can have "significant long term benefits." The benefits of a quality preschool education are not only cognitive. Another study conducted by Highscope has shown that a child who receives a preschool education will earn $2,000 more per month later in life than a child who does not receive a preschool education.

What AHS Students can expect As previously mentioned, the Every Child Succeeds Act will not have a large impact on the day-today operations of schools across the country. Additionally, students will still be on the same SOL testing regiment. The main difference will be how standardized testing scores will be used. Instead of being subject to federal guidelines, AHS and other FPCS schools will ultimately answer to the state government regarding its test scores.

The average student will probably not notice any difference in their day-to-day life at AHS. Most of the new rules and guidelines are

at an administrative level. Students can still expect to take their SOLs at the end of the year, but can take comfort in the fact that their scores will be subjected to more reasonable requirements.

In the classroom, teachers will no longer be subject to mandatory federal evaluations, putting more decision making power in the hands of the teachers and parents that form local school systems. According to the Washington post, assisting struggling teachers or students is now the responsibility of the state governments and local school systems, instead of the federal government.

Finally, state and federal governments will begin "establishing or expanding access to high-quality, statefunded preschool for children from low and moderate-income families."

This measure has been praised by the National Education Association, amongst other organizations, since studies have shown that providing a quality education to children before they turn five can have "significant long term benefits." The benefits of a quality preschool education are

not only cognitive. Another study conducted by Highscope has shown that a child who receives a preschool education will earn $2,000 more per month later in life than a child who does not receive a preschool education.

What AHS Students can expect As previously mentioned, the Every Child Succeeds Act will not have a large impact on the day-today operations of schools across the country. Additionally, students will still be on the same SOL testing regiment. The main difference will be how standardized testing scores will be used. Instead of being subject to federal guidelines, AHS and other FPCS schools will ultimately answer to the state government regarding its test scores.

That all being said, the average student will probably not notice any difference in their day-to-day life at AHS. Most of the new rules and guidelines are at an administrative level. Students can still expect to take their SOLs at the end of the year, but can take comfort in the fact that their scores will be subjected to more reasonable requirements.

ANTENNA YEARBOOK

Cont. REFORM Association, standardized testing will be required annually through grades three through eight, and once during high school. That said, there is no federally mandated required pass/fail rate like what was seen with No Child Left Behind's "adequate yearly progress." Every Student Succeeds will also provide funding to states in order to improve their standardized tests.

In the classroom, teachers will no longer be subject to mandatory federal evaluations, putting more decision making power in the hands of the teachers and parents. According to the Washington post, assisting struggling teachers or students is now the responsibility of the state governments and local school systems, instead of the federal government.

Finally, the White House has stated that it is working with state governments to "establish or expand access to high-quality, statefunded preschool for children from low and moderate-income families."

This measure has been praised by the National Education Association,

Junior Drew White practice their new lesson in his Spanish workbook.

New parents get introduced to the AHS curriculum

BY FIRDOUSA WASUGE Staff Writer Rising ninth grade students and their parents had the opportunity to meet teachers and to get a better understanding of the courses there going to be taking next year at Annandale's annual rising ninth grade parent night.

Students and parents filled the Auditorium on Wed. January 13. full of excitement to start

their transition into high school.

I think this parent teen night will give me a better understand of school and how school will be like, Holmes Middle School eighth grader Elvera Miller said.

All eighth grade students and their parents got a better understanding of the courses at Annandale. The eighth grade students got to learn about the classes and electives they were most interested in and whether they wanted to take honors courses.

This event will help me figure out what honors classes to take, Holmes Middle School eighth grader Lindsay Keyes said.

Students also got to get a better idea of how the electives were like. Students and their

parents met at the cafeteria where teachers talked to students about electives and courses.

I'm really excited to take new electives like film and theater, Poe Middle School eighth grader Christine Trieu said. I can't wait to learn new things in High school I'm pretty excited.

This opportunity gave rising 9th grade students a better idea of high school and what it would be like.

The night gave teachers a chance to get the rising freshman excited to get involved with all the extracurricular activities that Annandale has to offer, such as sports and clubs. Many students left looking forward to starting high school in the fall.

TIM THOMAS

8th grade parents night

Parents gather in the auditorium before heading to the cafeteria.

Winter Spirit Week

Sophmore Rebecca Kinling and Senior Casey Goettlicher sleeping for Pajama day Monday.

Senior Andrew Gonzalez and Junior Brahim Bangura posing on Thursday for Jersey day.

ATOMSLEADERSHIP

Seniors Molly Gormley and Kiara Patino surfing for Swinter day, on Tuesday.

ALMAZ ABEDJE

The process is fast, easy and helps the best automotive program in Fairfax County Public Schools. To schedule your donation, please call: Joe Desio, instructor, 703-642-4212 or email at jfdesio@fcps.edu Seniors Symone Jenkins, Katie Pacak, Almaz Abedje, and Ruth Tiguh posing on Wednesday for Squadruplet day.

ATOMSLEADERSHIP

The Annandale High School Auto Program needs your vehicle. By donating, you may be able to deduct up to the full value of your vehicle.

ATOMSLEADERSHIP

ATOMSLEADERSHIP

DONATE YOUR VEHICLE TO THE AHS AUTO PROGRAM

Seniors Janan Gokturk and Beau Hatch wear all white for the pep-rally on Friday.

NEWS BRIEFS MATCHMAKER FUNDRAISER RESULTS Students can purchase their "matches" from the matchmaker survey the week prior to Valentine's Day for $2 during lunch.

All the money will go toward the class of 2016.

END OF FIRST SEMESTER

ALOHA GYMNASTIC CLASSIC

VARSITY MATH MEET

The second grading period will conclude On Saturday Jan. 23, the Atoms gymnastics On, Wednesday February 10, the on Feb. 4. All students and staff will be team will participate in the Aloha Gymnastics Varsity Math meet will be held at 3 p.m. in released two hours early from school that classic. The meet will be held at Patriot High the Clausen Hall. day.

School in Nokesville.

PACK THE PIT The Annandale tradition of Pack the Pit will be Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 5 p.m. in the upstairs gym. The Atoms will face the West Potomac Wolverines.

PTA SCHOLARSHIP

STUDENT HOLIDAY

INDOOR TRACK QUAD MEET

ATHLETIC BOOSTERS MEETING

The deadline for seniors applying for the Virginia PTSA Scholarship is March 1. The program offers two $1,200 scholarships and multiple $1,000 scholarships to students attending college this fall.

There will be no school on Friday February 5 for students. It will be a teacher workday.

The indoor track team will be competing at Episcopal High School on Saturday, Jan. 23. The meet begins at 7:30 a.m. and will conclude at noon.

BASKETBALL VS. TC WILLIAMS

Monday, Feb. 8 the athletic booters meeting will be held in Clausen Hall. The meeting will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m..

Friday, Jan. 29, the Atoms will take on the Titans, games will begin at 4:30. Boys will play at Annandale and Girls will play at T.C. Williams.

6 ACADEMICS

Jan 21, 2016

Suduko

IB Spotlight: Lailah Said How do you keep up with your academics and social life?

I keep up with my academics and social life by trying to mix both of them, meaning that most of my friends are either IB diploma candidates or they take IB classes with me. This makes it easier because we are all stressed together, and when we are free, we all have fun together. At least the IB version of fun.

What are your studying habits?

COURTESY OF LAILAH SAID

I take really thorough notes and I use different colored highlighters and pens. It helps me stay organized and is less overwhelming. I also read through textbooks and take notes to study for tests.

What is your favorite IB subject?

My favorite IB subject is IB Anthropology.

What are your plans after high school?

After I graduate, I plan on going to college (UVA or UMD) and becoming a pediatrician or a pharmacist.

Something related to health/medicine.

What was your extended essay topic?

My extended essay discusses the necessity of affirmative action to achieve equal opportunity in America.

Is your only focus academics?

I guess you could say that academics is my only focus since I don't do any sports. I'm a member of quite a few clubs, and I'm an officer in two clubs as well.

What are you planning to study in college?

I'm not entirely sure about what I want to study in college, maybe biology.

What colleges are you applying to?

I've applied to University of Virginia, University of Maryland, and George Mason. So far, those are the only schools I am planning to apply to

How are your IA's coming along?

How to Play: 1. Place numbers where they don't already exist.

2. The game only contains numbers 1-9.

3. The goal of suduko is to place numbers 1-9 in the empty spaces so that each row, column and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once.

My IA's are okay I guess. In some of my classes, we haven't even started them and I have no clue how some of them are supposed to be done. In the classes where we have actually started our IA's, I'm on track and seem to be doing alright.

What clubs are you in?

I'm in Key Club (VP!), Math Honor Society (secretary), Science Honor Society, Black Cultural Awareness, Just World, and Big Atom Little Atom (not sure if it's considered a club though).

BUY A 2016 ANTENNA YEARBOOK THINGS THAT WONT BE AROUND IN 20 YEARS: -INSTAGRAM -TWITTER -SNAPCHAT -FACEBOOK THINGS THAT WILL BE:

Costs $80 for a book full of memories The earlier you buy a yearbook, the more you save!

Customize your yearbook and pay an extra $7 for a personal nameplate Receive and drop off yearbook forms at room 262 and 268

HEALTH 7

Jan. 21, 2016

Putting on with protein powder Supplements help athletes gain muscle for sports

0.9

BY ALMAZ ABEDJE

15 percent of daily calories that Americans eat comes from protein

Skipping meals and taking protein power are part of the daily workout routine for senior varsity wrestler Azamat Israilov.

Israilov is one of many athletes around school that rely on protein supplements to help them grow muscle faster than they would by simply eating more protein and working out.

Various supplements include dietary pills, protein powder, protein bars and protein shakes. These protein products are widely available at retailers such as GNC and the Vitamin Shoppe.

"I don't think they help much but it replaces the protein I would have gotten from a meal," Israilov said. "As an alternative, I eat actual food packed with protein."

Student-athletes more prone to using this form of gaining protein are wrestlers, football players and basketball players due to the physicality that each sport requires.

Each of these sports require a tremendous amount of rigorous physical and mental activity. Intense hours of conditioning and high-pressure drills during practice make it necessary for athletes to have necessary muscle strength.

Senior varsity football receiver Justin Foster describes his usage of protein supplements to gain a competitive edge.

7 billion USD is the combined revenue of the protein supplement industry 16 percent of protein was missing

from CVS Health branded Whey powder according to a recent lawsuit claim

39.99

is the cost of a five pound bottle of chocolate Whey powder at the Vitamin Shoppe

PHUONG NGUYEN AND KAILYN GARAY

Staff Writer

grams of protein are needed per pound of weight in teen athletes

112.5

maximum grams of protein needed for a 150 pound recreational athlete

6923 is the number of GNC stores in the U.S.

SOURCES: FORBES, WEBMD, VITAMINSHOPPE.COM AND AGGDATA

Whey powder is one type of protein powder that student athletes take in order to gain muscle for their workouts and sports practices.

"I use protein supplements to stay in shape and help gain muscle mass. Gaining muscle mass helps me when I'm trying to back someone down in the post," Mohamud said.

Consuming protein supplements also leads to adverse health problems. According to Paz Etcheverry of the Kaplan University School of Health Sciences, taking excessive amounts of protein causes ketone bodies to accumulate in the body. This leads to a condition called ketoacidosis when pH levels in the body become acidic. People

"I use protein supplements to help my body gain muscle quicker than usual," Foster said. "Using it can help you with your performance by making you stronger."

With wrestling and football revolving around physical contact, it doesn't come to much of a shock that those who play basketball, requiring less contact, do not rely as much on supplements to get fit. Senior varsity basketball captain Dini Mohamud doesn't require as much of a boost during the season, but rather in the offseason to stay in shape.

can experience dehydration which leads to fatigue and bad breath as the kidneys try to rid the body of excess ketones.

When consuming protein supplements, it is important to not form a habit of taking banned substances in order to prepare oneself for competition.

According to FCPS Athletics Department, the use or consumption of products containing the plant Ephedra is prohibited during school hours and activities.

In addition, coaches are not encouraged to endorse the use of any nutritional

supplement to their teams due to their lack of regulation by the Food and Drug Administration. The list includes items containing caffeine, creatine and androstenedione, as well as the consumption of protein and amino acid powders.

Taking banned performance drugs carries severe consequences.

The Virginia High School League states that a school which fails to take appropriate action against participants or personnel who possess or use alcoholic beverages, controlled substances or illegal drugs at the site of a VHSL sponsored activity is subject to the discipline of the League.

To prevent substance abuse stemming from the otherwise acceptable use of protein supplements, athletic staff should ensure adequate physical examination and conditioning of all athletes, stressing proper diet, adequate rest and physical conditioning.

Athletes also have other ways of gaining muscle and staying fit besides relying on protein supplements.

"Protein bars help as well as drinking a lot of fluids," Mohamud said. "Some healthier alternatives are simply eating right, some foods that are packed with protein are eggs, bananas and lean meat."

Whether student-athletes use protein supplements in the form of shakes or powders, more times than not it is to gain a competitive edge, speed up muscle gains and increase overall performance.

"You'll be surprised by what you can do when your body is fit," Foster said. "You can do everything better than your opponent because the supplements make you stronger and faster."

Heard in the halls: Do you use protein supplements?

"I do not need workout supplements because I do not need them."

SOOYOUNG AHN freshman

"I do take workout supplements because they help me when I am finished working out."

SUMMER GARCIA AMAYA

"I use workout supplements because my mom makes me take them and they work because I have built muscle."

"No, I do not take any workout supplements because they are not natural and they are not beneficial to your body."

FELLO GOMEZ

FRANCESCA TUTIVENE

freshman

sophomore

sophomore

Healthy Food Review Thai Drunken Noodles Getting carbohydrates the tasty Thai way Health Editor Eating healthy does not necessary mean sitting behind a dinner table with a plate of lettuce and broccoli nor does not call for skipping meals altogether.

Healthy meals come from all around world and can allow you to broaden your palate.

Thai cuisine is known for its generally low fat content and sauces while emphasizing carbohydrate sources such as vegetables, noodles and rice according to the American Health Association.

Sisters Thai at the Mosaic District offers some of most mouth-watering yet healthy entrees in town. I decided to order the Seafood Drunken Noodles for lunch.

The dish was a perfect mix of spice from chilies and flavor from Thai basil. Chilies are great source for Vitamins A, C and K according to BBC Goodfood.

A generous combination of shrimp, squid and scallop added protein yet its small addition did not pack on the calories.

The main star was of course the thick noodles which provided a source of carbohydrates. The noodles were cooked to perfection with a savory Thai sauce. The calorie count for this dish is relatively low for a main entree.

The balance between vegetables, seafood and noodles makes drunken noodles a lean choice at Sisters Thai. Make sure to try this next time you visit the Mosaic District.

Calorie Count: Around 400 (per 321 gram serving)

*Number of calories is lower if more vegetables are requested with smaller noodle portion

PHUONG NGUYEN

BY PHUONG NGUYEN

Food Grade A+ Taste A Source of carbs B Nutrition B Source of Protein Do it Yourself: Recipe 1. Cook 28 ounces of 1/4 inch thick rice noodles in a large pot of salt water until firm 2. Add 1/4 cup of vegetable oil into a pan and then saute 12 cloves of chopped garlic and 1/4 cup of red Thai chilies for 30 seconds.

3. Add 1 1/2 pounds of ground chicken onto same pan as well as 1/4 cup of fish sauce, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 4 plum tomatoes and then cook for 4 minutes 4. Add noodles to pan of ingredients then add thai basil leaves.

5. Transfer pan of noodles onto a large serving then serve.

SOURCE: EPICURIOUS

"I take workout supplements because they help me build muscle and workout."

JOSUE VALDEZ junior

"No, I don't take workout supplements because it's ridiculous.

Your body already has a makeup and knows what it needs."

"I do not take workout supplements because I like being natural and working hard."

"No, I do not use workout supplements because they are unnecessary and I do not need them."

ALHASSAN SESAY

KATIE PACAK

SASHA SILVA

senior

senior

junior

8 PHOTO

Jan. 21, 2016

Caught Candids ALEXANDRA ZERNIK

Capturing the off guard moments of the many faces of the students and staff. Take a glimpse into their life and how they act when they think no one's looking. Our photographer went through all four quarters of the campus looking, day and night, for different aspects of student life.

ALEXANDRA ZERNIK

ALEXANDRA ZERNIK

Seniors Adrian Salinas and Jashon Reams sit back and cool it in the attendance office.

As class comes to an end and the bells rings, students rush to their next period through the stairwell that leads to the English hallway.

ALEXANDRA ZERNIK

ALEXANDRA ZERNIK

Senior Laura Riad scans her music book to make sure she knows what notes to play on her cello.

Senior Ngoc Tran is using her phone to catch up on social media and text.

ALEXANDRA ZERNIK

ALEXANDRA ZERNIK

ALEXANDRA ZERNIK

Topics and USVA teacher Jonathan York is captured lecturing and preaching to his students about World War II.

Sophomore Francesca Tutivene checks her make up in the bathroom mirror.

Senior Issac Tecle is caught off guard smiling after presenting in his class and while Human Anatomy teacher Francesca Mast continues to teach.

ALEXANDRA ZERNIK

ALEXANDRA ZERNIK

Right before W8 begins, administrator Matthew Behne and Physical Education teacher Pat Hughes discuss concerns regarding the school.

After practicing for hours, The dance team takes a breather to laugh it out and joke around before going back to rehearsing their dance routine.

During every student's favorite 30 minute school period, sophomore Victor Romero was taken by surprise while waiting in the lunchline.

PEOPLE 9

Jan. 21, 2016

Freshman finds harmony after transfer Gabrielle Pho likes the environment at AHS more than at her old school

BY KIM LAURA Staff Writer Gabrielle Pho has found a balance between school, music and a social life while at AHS rather than Thomas Jefferson High School.

"The TJ lifestyle was not the lifestyle for me. It didn't feel healthy to me. For some people, TJ is the right place," freshman Gabrielle Pho said.

She began her freshman year at Thomas Jefferson high school, but now has transferred to AHS. However, she is not your average TJ "dropout."

Pho liked the people she met at TJ. "It was definitely nice that people were all as invested in academics and doing their best work as I was," Pho said. "There were more people who understood my interest in learning."

Though Pho also liked TJ for its specialization in the STEM field, the competitive atmosphere interfered with her choice of electives, life balance, health and her one passion, music. Pho played the French horn at TJ, and had little practice time.

Pho knew music would conflict with school, and was ready for the stress of that.

At TJ, Pho had a difficult time juggling music and school. "If I have a concert coming up, I'm gonna be practicing more than I'm going to be spending time on homework, and if I start feeling like I'm starting to get a little behind in school, then that's time for me to practice a little less and be doing a little more schoolwork," Pho said.

"I was stressed, I was anxious. TJ was a little too competitive for me," Pho said. "I wanted the focus of school to be learning rather than academic achievement. There was a little too much emphasis on grades for me, and I don't function particularly well in a high stress environment."

When Pho was eligible to go to TJ, she was indecisive about attending. Nonetheless, she went to TJ, assuming that it would be the place for her, due to its high academic level.

After a quarter at TJ, she had to make a serious decision about her future in high school.

Pho said that she has continued to stress about her decision, even to this day.

"I think I needed to experience it, so that I would know wherever I decided to stay was where I wanted to be," Pho said. "So I gave TJ kind of a 'trial period'."

Pho looked at the pros and cons in transferring. She was worried about the negative outcomes that could result in her choice.

"The only thing that was holding me back from transferring was my own fear of having regrets later, and what other people would think," Pho said, "I decided that wasn't a good enough reason for me to stay."

Now at AHS, Pho has more time than when she was at TJ. "For the most part, at AHS, school and music have been pretty compatible," Pho said.

"I would say the biggest difference between TJ and Annandale is the social climate.

TJ is obviously very unique," Pho said, "It's a school of nerds - which is not a bad thing."

"It's also really socially [and] economically different. TJ is definitely richer and a lot less diverse," Pho said.

As a student, Pho is dedicated and likes to learn. However, she does not have a lot of patience. Nonetheless, Pho is student who is willing to work hard, believing it will benefit her.

"She is a deep thinker, very astute, very diligent. Although she's been absent because of her youth symphony participation, she makes up her work as soon as the next class," Fusun Sulzbach, Pho's English 9 honors teacher, said.

Underneath her facade, Pho suffers the symptom of procrastination.

"My friends know this but people assume I'm somewhat on top of school work when in

"I was stressed. I was anxious. TJ was a little too competitive for me. " Gabrielle Pho freshman reality I'm a terrible time manager and procrastinator," Pho said. "I'm still a perfectionist; a lot of the perfecting I do is at the last minute."

In school, for Pho, the most valuable part is interacting with other people.

"There's a lot you can learn on your own but how to work in a group, how to socialize, how to have fun with friends, that's something you can learn in school. Yes, the academic part is the focus of school, but for me that's what I get the most out of it," Pho said.

Because of all of these reasons, Pho enjoys the Annandale environment much more than that of TJ, and is glad that she became an Annandale Atom.

Music and school have intermingled in

Top left: Gabrielle with her brother, Nathan, and two sisters, Hannah and Isabel. Top right: Pho playing the French horn on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center.

Bottom right: Pho with her friends from Poe Middle School at the eighth grade dance last school year.

Pho's life. Music is Pho's "inspiration to get through day to day life [and] to work hard in school." Music has given her memorable experiences and the opportunity to meet new people.

"I can't remember not loving music," Pho said.

She started to sing when she started to talk. She also used to write little songs and make stuffed animals that would perform those songs.

In first grade, she began to play the piano. However, at the age of three Pho had a desire to play the french horn.

"That was my calling, I guess you could say, so I started that as soon as I was big enough to actually hold it," Pho said.

Pho has been playing the french horn for five and a half years. She started when she was nine and has been playing ever since.

Pho's siblings also lead good examples for her. Her brother is a member of the band and her older sister is at Stanford University.

Her little sister sings and plays musical instruments. "Sometimes we even do musical stuff together," Pho said. "It's a big part of our lives."

Pho's french horn teacher, James Nickel, one of the third horn players for the National Symphony Orchestra, is one of the many musicians she looks up to.

"He inspires me not only because he is a fantastic musician, but he is also one of the most genuinely kind people I've ever met," Pho said. "He's worked hard to get where he is, and now he is helping people to like me get into a similar position."

WHO AM I?

Nickel found a program that would pay for her lessons. He advised that she should apply for a lesson scholarship at the Kennedy Center. To apply for the scholarship Pho auditioned, applied a resume and had recommendations. Pho now takes lessons on the scholarship.

Pho is part of the National Symphony Orchestra Youth Fellowship at the Kennedy Center. She goes to the Kennedy Center on a weekly basis to rehearse with small chamber ensembles.

"I will perform with maybe a woodwind quintet and brass quintet and I also get solo opportunities," Pho said about the program.

Aside from the Kennedy Center, Pho plays with the Youth Orchestra of American Youth Philharmonic and a brass ensemble.

Pho has a lot of friends from music, because she says that if someone is involved in one music group, they are most likely involved in others.

She has also played in a couple of district and regional honor ensemble. She is a part of the Wind Ensemble at AHS. "When Gaby came in, I was very excited even though I am a senior and she is a freshman, I still look up to her. . . She's just a fantastic french horn player," Hammaad Lodhi, a senior French horn player who sits next to her in band class said.

Pho practices her instrument on a daily basis, when she is not weighed down by school. When Pho is not practicing the french horn, she occasionally sings, reads, plays the piano, arranges and composes music.

In the past, Pho played volleyball and basketball. Although she doesn't have time for sports anymore, she loves to play basketball and run.

In the future Pho plans to go into a career with orchestral music. She hopes to work towards a music performance degree and a job as an orchestral musician.

"At AHS, I looked forward to getting to see my friends again, while I still contacted my friends while I was at TJ, I really didn t get to see them or interact with them at all," Pho said." I looked forward to having a little more time to breath and sleep, and practice."

Gabriella Pho juggles school and music, and is very serious about both. She enjoys both greatly, and wants to do well in both fields. Overall, Pho is glad she made the transition from TJ to Annandale High School.

Alumni Postcard Kendall Sapp

I attended The University of Virginia.

Background: Graduated from AHS in 2014. Was a part of the Varsity Football and Lacrosse team.

I was born in Fairfax, VA. My pets consist of one dog; a beagle named Lily.

College life: Attends Hampton University as a Computer Information Systems major. A part of the Division 1 Lacrosse Program and Navy ROTC.

My favorite movie is Ever After.

My favorite TV show is Friends.

Favorite class: Economics.

The coolest places I've visited are Tokyo and Australia.

Biggest fear at college: Keeping up with all the work as. No one is keeping up with your school work besides yourself, so you have to stay very focused.

In my free time I like to run; I'm a half marathon fanatic.

If I could live any place in the world I would live outside of Paris, France.

Best thing about college: Being independent, starting to take care of yourself and growing as an individual.

Before AHS I was in college, and have always worked here except for summer jobs.

What I miss about AHS: The people, I made some of my best friends at AHS!

My favorite athlete is Ryan Zimmerman (he went to UVA at the same time as me).

Advice to graduating seniors: Make informed decisions! Choosing the right college is a major milestone and it's important that you take your time to choose the right one.

On your smartphone, scan this code using the application QR Code to find the answer to the

10 IN-DEPTH

Jan. 21, 2016

IN-DEPTH 11

Jan. 21, 2016

GUN CONTROL AND SAFETY Is violence in the media to blame for mass shootings?

Gun violence in schools Apr. 20, 1999 Columbine High School

Video games and movies under fire

Columbine High School students Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold opened fire in their high school, killing 13 people and leaving 24 injured.

NICHOLAS MORTENSEN Staff Writer

200 surveys were given out during W4 and received 188 responses from people about how they feel about gun rights and gun control.

= 10 percent

1. There should be background checks on anyone who wants to buy a gun:

4. Should registered gun owners be allowed to conceal and carry:

88% yes

2. Full automatic assault weapons should be banned:

24% yes

60% yes

5. Felons should be permitted to own guns:

8. If yes, do you have access to it?

17% yes

66% yes

3. There should be limits on guns per person: 64% yes

7. Do you have a gun at home?

6. The mentally ill should be permitted to own guns

34% yes

In the wake of a mass shooting, the public often scrambles to understand what motivated the perpetrator to commit an act of mass murder.

More recently, religious extremism and the influence of the Islamic State has been blamed for the Charlie Hebdo attacks, the Paris attacks and the San Bernardino shooting.

However, violence in video games and other forms of media have been blamed for mass shootings and violence for decades.

The Huffington Post reports that mainstream suspicion of violent video games stretches back to 1976 when protesters removed and destroyed arcade cabinets of Death Race following accusations that the game's displays of violence (which involved running over stick-figure shaped "Gremlins") could have potentially disastrous effects on the developing psyches of the youth.

This trend continued through the decades. Violent video games such as Doom were thought to have motivated the Columbine High School shooters.

Adam Lanza, the individual responsible for the Sandy Hook shooting, was thought to have been partially motivated by violent video games.

Those opposed to violence in video games believe that displays of violence in the virtual world desensitize younger children to violence in the real world.

Video games such as Call of Duty and Battlefield are particularly reviled for their perceived role in desensitizing young children to gun violence.

The belief amongst activists is that if a player spends several hours a day shooting people in a virtual setting, it will be all too easy to pull the trigger on people in the real world.

That said, do these claims have any statistical or scientific merit? It is difficult to say since both sides of the debate have a number of studies (of varying scientific merit) that will support their position.

However, the American Psychological Association has found that there is a possible correlation between playing video games and increased aggression, but not increased violence.

Mar. 5, 2001 Santana High School Student Charles Andrew Williams, 15, fatally shot two classmates and wounded 13 others on the campus.

He was apprehended by police in the school bathroom, where his attack began. Williams was later sentenced to 50 years to life.

Video games like Grand Theft Auto have received negative attention from the media regarding their depiction of violence.

To put it simply, the study believes that people who spend a lot of time playing video games may experience more aggressive thoughts, but are no more likely to actually act upon these thoughts.

This study has not been safe from scrutiny, however.

The BBC reports that over 200 academics professionals have signed an open letter criticizing the research methodology used by the study.

Activists who fight against the censorship of violent video games argue that it is not the media, but the person who consumes the media.

Gaming website Gamasutra has called video game violence the "old scapegoat," the most common thing to blame in light of a mass shooting.

This claim is supported by the troubled mental health of many mass shooters.

The New York Times reports that Adam Lanza's psychological problems went "completely untreated" prior to his massacre at Sandy Hook.

Though not a gamer, ABC news reports that the Virginia tech shooter, Seung-Hui Cho, had exalted the Columbine shooters as "martyrs," and believed that he had been "forced" to carry out his massacre of Virginia Tech students.

The kind of person who commits these acts of mass murders are more often than not, deeply mentally ill.

Mar. 21, 2005 Red Lake High School Jeffrey Weise, a sixteen year-old student at Red Lake High School, fatally shot five students, a teacher and a security guard and wounded seven others before taking his own life. Nine killed and seven injured.

Apr. 16, 2007 Virginia Tech Seung-hui Cho, a 23-year-old Virginia Tech senior, opened fire on campus, killing 32 people in a dorm and an academic building in attacks more than two hours apart. Cho takes his life after the second incident. The incident also left 17 injured.

Feb. 14, 2008

7% yes

Northern Illinois University Steven Kazmierczak stepped on stage in a lecture hall and opened fire on a geology class. Five students were killed and 16 wounded before Kazmierczak killed himself on the lecture hall stage.

The "Columbine Effect" Changes made to school security across the nation after the deadly 1999 attack.

The glock 9 X 19 mm gun is the most sold handgun in America . It is also the most used handgun in school shootings.

1. EMERGENCY CRISIS PLANS There are many crisis plans in place to protect students from potential harm. For example, lockdown drills are in place in case of intruders.

This system keeps students safe from doors and windows to protect students from shooters, bomb threats and other forms of violence.

Apr. 12, 2012 Oikos University

Comparing national and local statistics BINQI CHEN AND ASEAL SAED In-Depth Editors

WHITEHOUSE.GOV

Communities across the nation are mourning the losses of loved ones. Over the past seven years, 900 people have lost their lives to mass shootings.

In the wake of these losses, Obama has decided to enact an executive action to control the use of guns.

Gun control has always been a controversial issue.

However, current incidents such as the shooting in San Bernardino have stricken fear into Americans and once again ignited the talk about gun rights.

This issue has hit the Oval Office as President Obama, in his last year as president, unveiled new plans for gun control in America.

With tears in his eyes, Obama explained his points Obama sheds tears mourning the loss of victims due to gun violence. about the new restrictions on guns.

This plan directly tackles private sellers, requiring automatic assault weapons should be banned to civilThe president highlights background checks, banning them to obtain a permit in order to sell ians. of military assault weapons and high capacity magazines, The AHS poll found that a majority of students supObama has also addressed this issue, as the new exincreasing school resources for prevention and expand- port the idea of background checks before owning a gun. ecutive order will reinstate the ban of assault weapons ing mental health sources.

88 percent of students were in favor of it. that was in place from 1944-2004.

Although gun crimes are not prevalent in the "I definitely agree with Obama's plan with backWith the talk of gun restriction comes the question of Annandale community, the topic still strikes home to ground checks because it ensures guns fall into the right how many guns a single person should be allowed to own. many as Virginia is embedded with deep gun history. hands," sophomore Hidaya Hussen said.

In Annandale, 64 percent of the surveyed students said A survey was given out on Jan. 11 during Pride Time, Annandale, like the majority of Americans support that there should be limits on the number of guns that asking 188 students about their beliefs on certain gun background checks. can be issued to one person. control issues.

A poll conducted by Quinnipiac University in DecemAlthough not addressed in Obama's new plan, AmeriThe poll found that many Annandale students fell into ber found that 89 percent of Americans favored "a law cans find conceal and carry laws a big issue. 60 percent the liberal spectrum of beliefs. requiring background checks on people buying guns at of Annandale students found that conceal and carry Obama's plan will focus on increasing background gun shows or online." should be allowed. checks and making sure that criminal background checks Along with background checks, the AHS survey also In Virginia, new changes were made last year that it are made for all who wish to purchase a gun. concluded that 66 percent, or 124 people, feel that fully would not recognize concealed carry permits from over

25 states.

"Conceal and carry laws are helpful for safety, but only if there are background checks and he or she is a professional and has a lot of experience," sophomore Ayah Rababeh said.

Another issue that was addressed in the survey was who should be allowed to own guns.

A new Virginia state law going into effect on July 1, 2016 will restore the gun rights of some convicted felons.

However, in the AHS survey, only 17 percent of students said that felons should be allowed to own a gun.

When AHS students were asked if the mentally ill should be allowed to own guns, 93 percent of students agreed.

Under a federal law enacted in 1968, an individual is prohibited from buying or possessing firearms for life if he /she has been "adjudicated as a mental defective" or "committed to a means institution."

The trends exhibited in the AHS survey are all or mostly in relation to Obama's plans for guns.

In the results of the survey in Annandale, only 24 percent of the people survey admitted that they owned a gun, and these results may be linked with the fact that many of the results were more aligned with liberal beliefs and Obama's plan.

A CNN/ORC poll found that 67 percent of Americans are in favor of the changes Obama announced.

However, many Americans have a lot of skepticism about the effectiveness of Obama's new plan.

The same CNN/ORC poll found that six in 10 Americans say that these measures will be ineffective.

Despite the skepticism among Americans, a lot of the issues addressed in Obama's new plan were in line with Annandale's beliefs.

"Annandale has not dealt with guns on a large scale, but guns are an issue that we must address, and it is important to talk about it to find a good balance." said Hussen said.

More forms of bullying and violence prevention are in place to prevent students from being forced to bringing a gun to school. Additionally, these programs help people understand the serious effects of bullying.

These type of programs offer bullies and students the chance to talk about their experiences.

Dec. 14, 2012

3. CELL PHONES ALLOWED Cell phones are also allowed on campus in case of emergency so students can contact their parents or emergency services. Cell phones also ease parents' worries to know their child's whereabouts.

Sandy Hook Elementary A gunman shot and killed 20 first graders and six adults. The shooter, Adam Lanza, 20, killed himself at the scene. Lanza also killed his mother at the home they shared prior to his shooting

Q&A with an avid hunter Why did you start hunting?

I always like to shoot, so when I was introduced to hunting I just fell in love with it. After that first time I really get hooked to that adrenaline rush, and that makes hunting a lot more fun. Now I like to do it a lot.

Staff writer Yvonne White spoke with junior Diego Loving, a passionate hunter, about what he does and why he does it.

What is your favorite aspect of hunting?

I like the waiting and the suspense before an animal approaches. The suspense building brings up my adrenaline. It is a really great feeling. When I hunt the suspense really keeps me going.

Why did you start hunting? How long have you been hunting?

I started about a year ago and after that I just kept going. It's really something that I enjoy.

Where do you usually go?

My family friend has a hunting ground that I usually go to. It is really great to get together for a great experience.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DIEGO LOVING

Students react to Obama's gun plan

L. Goh, 43, a former student at Oikos University, a small Christian college, allegedly opened fire in the middle of a classroom leaving seven people dead and three wounded.

2. BULLYING AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION

Are there any misconceptions you receive from others who are not familiar with the activity?

Not really, I have never really faced a lot of prejudice from my peers. I have been surrounded by pretty accepting people.

What was the process like for you to obtain your gun?

I did not actually obtain a gun myself. I use my dad's guns which he has a permit for. This allows me to use the gun.

What are your opinions on gun safety and restriction?

If the background check is clear, a person should be able to own firearms as long as they know proper gun safety. Safety is really important to this process, and it is unfair that people without any training hurt the name of those that do use guns safely. That is why background checks are so important.

Oct. 21, 2013 Sparks Middle School Middle school student took out a gun and yelled, "Why are you laughing at me? Why are you doing this to me?" 12-year- old Jose Reyes fatally shot a teacher and wounded two 12-year-old students with a 9mm semiautomatic Ruger handgun.

Oct. 24, 2014 Marysville Pilchuck High School Fifteen-year-old Jaylen Fryberg walked into the school cafeteria and shot five students, killing four, before fatally shooting himself. The gun used in the incident belonged to Fryberg's father.

12 INTERNATIONAL Gangs cause violence in El Salvador Jan. 21, 2016

PHOTO FROM FBI.GOV WEBSITE

Student crosses the border to escape death threats from MS-18

BY NANCY EVORA International Editor

With all the violence rising in Central America caused by the gangs, thousands of kids and families are crossing the border to find shelter and leave the gangs behind where they faced death threats.

The increase of deaths all over the coun- Prison guards wear masks so the gang mebers that are in jail don't identify them in the future. try led many people to migrate to the U.S. The student talks about how he was only "The gangs once told me that if I did not yearning for a safe haven. Thousands of immigrants seeking asylum have moved to given two choices by the gangs and how he join the group, they would cut off my head and if I decided that I wanted to become a the northern region where they now attend feared for his life.

"Receiving death threats is the main gangster I had to kill one of my family memschool.

At AHS, Osmin, a student whose last name reason why I came to the U.S. I only had two bers," Osmin said.

A national forensics institute that tracks he did not want to reveal, shares his story of choices, either join the gangs or die. In El how one day while he and some friends were Salvador there is so much delinquency and homicides revealed that August was the working, a gang member showed up where you risk your life every day to go out and not bloodiest month of 2015 in El Salvador with come back home alive."

911 homicides total just in that month, an they were and told them to join the gangs.

Osmin remembers how young he was average of 30 deaths a day according to Fox "I lived with my aunt and grandmother News. in El Salvador. The place where I lived was when he was asked to join the gangs.

"I was 16 years old when the gangs El Salvador is the smallest country locontrolled by MS-18 and MS-13," Osmin said. cated in Central America, yet the most popu"When I was there, I used to be wanted by the asked to join the group," Osmin said.

Nowadays the gangs in El Salvador are lated. In the past years, the country has been gangs because I worked for a company that targeting teenagers between ages 14 and 16 known to be a violent place due to the lack of would fix electronics."

Osmin shares how back home he was where they receive threats by gang members action taken by the Salvadorian government given the choice to either join the gangs or to either join the gangs or get shot in the towards gangs. head.

According to The Washington Post, "The get killed.

For people to be eligible to join the gangs MS-13 work through a partnership called "La "One day, the MS-18 sent me a message through one of their members and they told and show their commitment to the gang, Hermandad," or "The Brotherhood," across me and four other friends to join the gangs or they must kill a family relative. Osmin talks the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virabout how he was asked to kill someone. ginia. The gang is believed to have between if not, we would get killed."

1,500 to 3,000 members, all of which are 16 to 18 years old."

The number of deaths mostly include police officers who were guarding the streets where the gang groups reside.

Different groups of gangs from Central America fled to the U.S. looking for asylum.

Once they arrived to an unknown territory, violence and threats from other street gangs in the U.S. led the Latino gangs to unite and defend themselves from U.S. gangs, resulting in the formation of the most violent gangs found in El Salvador, Mara Salvatrucha, translated to "Salvadorian gang" (MS-13) and Barrio 18, translated to "hood 18" (MS-18).

Both of these gangs were mainly formed because of the political issues they had against the Salvadorian government at the time of the Civil War. Mara Salvatrucha originated in Los Angeles, CA, and from there its members spread to other parts of the U.S., Canada and Central America.

The gang members of Mara Salvatrucha were mainly members who received military training to fight the Salvadorian government during the civil war. Now they are well-known for being violent and cruel.

Since the latest presidential election that took place in 2014, the newly-elected president Salvador Sanchez-Ceren announced his plans to fight the gangs and stop the violence.

Ceren's plan was to send the leaders of the gangs to the maximum security prisons where they would be banned from receiving visits from relatives who would often carry messages for them.

This action taken by the president only led to the killing of civilians and police officers, where gangs would kill countless officers every day to show their rebellion against the government. The gangs later sent a message to the president saying that if he didn't send their leader back to the regular prisons,

they would continue attacking civilians.

Like many other teens and families who are currently escaping threats and violence from the gangs, Osmin had to walk his way through the border between Mexico and the U.S. where his goal was to escape the gangs and be reunited with his family again.

"I came to the U.S. [by] car and walking from El Salvador to Austin, TX until Immigration caught me and The Health Department sent me to my parents here in VA. I arrived here in May 11, 2014. I was set free by immigration where I go to court. I am still in the process [of] gathering all the evidence I need to ask for safe haven," Osmin said.

Although Osmin is now in a safe place with his family, he still fears for his life and he tries every day to cope with the trauma he went through.

"I am going to be honest, the U.S. also has gangs, they are also here, but it's not like in El Salvador. Here, the laws are different and that makes me feel a little bit safe," Osmin said. "I feel less worried, but the trauma is there because it does not matter where you go, you will always have that thought in your mind that someone is watching you."

Coming from a place where you fear for your life every day is something that somebody has to deal with. Osmin is one of those kids that, despite the adversities, he looks forward to his future here in the U.S. "I'm thankful for this country and for letting me fight for my future. I always try to do the very best in school and whenever I can, I also work. Right now, I am in level three (ESOL) and I like the school system here, also the teachers are always there to help me," Osmin said.

Although measures have been taken by the government, the gangs seem to be unstoppable and the violence does not seem to be going away anytime soon.

SHADI ROJAS

FAVIANA ANGULO

Seccion Cultural: Tradiciones Bolivianas

Q&A: Two cultures in one household

Shadi Hamadeh (second to the left) posing with his cousins for a photo at his wedding.

eat at home which can vary between Latino or Arab meals, among others.

BY SHADI HAMADEH ROJAS Special to The A-Blast

What language is mostly spoken at your house?

What cultures, races and heritages are mixed in your house?

In my house we speak English

I am a mix of Bolivian and Palestinian. My mom being Bolivian and my dad Palestinian.

Q. Is there one part of your culture that is more present than the other in your house?

Neither culture is more present than the other in my house. Both cultures are equally present.

How do you incorporate the different cultures in your daily life?

Both cultures can be seen by the foods we

Which culture do you relate to the most?

I cannot say I relate to one more than the other. My parents try to incorporate both cultures into our lives. We have also visited both Bolivia and Israel several times in order to get a first hand experience of each culture.

How do the different backgrounds help you interact with others in school?

It allows me to discuss different topics that pertain to our backgrounds and relate to and understand the person better.

Faviana Angulo Viera bailando una de sus pasos en un festival Boliviano el verano pasado. "chicote" o cinturon. Las mujeres usan una pollera con lentejuelas, sombrero, una blusa bordada, medias POR FAVIANA ANGULO VIERA Nylon y finalmente tacones que le dan el toque al traje Especial para El A-Blast y a baile.Cada temporada en Cochabamba bailarines de No cabe duda que Latinoamerica es un continente diferentes fraternidades bailan dos dias seguidos para lleno de culturas y tradiciones. Esta vez tuve el privile- demostrar su fe hacia la Virgen. gio de escribir sobre mi maravilloso pais, Bolivia.

Otra celebracion es el carnaval de Oruro. Esta celLos bolivianos tenemos culturas diferentes y Ăşni- ebracion es una de las mas grandes del pais. Miles de cas en cada region del pais. turistas de diferentes partes del mundo llegan a Bolivia Los bailes folcloricos abundan en Bolivia. Una de para disfrutar de los caporales y otros tipos de bailes. las mas sobresalientes son los famosos caporales. Esta Los turistas se llevan sin duda un bonito recuerdo. danza es reconocida por sus coloridos trajes y devoLos caporales no solo se bailan en Bolivia. En los cion.Este baile tiene origen en el departamento de La Estados Unidos grupos bolivianos, incluyendo el mio, Paz, Bolivia. Fue presentada al pĂşblico en 1969 por los nos presentamos en diferentes partes del pais ya sea hermanos Estrada. en festivales bolivianos o los famosos "parades."

Estos hermanos se inspiraron en el personaje CapoLa gente nos recibe con alegria, entusiasmo y curioral saya, danza afro-boliviana. El "Caporal" era el ca- sidad al ver los colores de nuestros trajes. pataz de los esclavos que eran traidos al pais durante Es una experiencia increible saber que personas la colonizacion. La vestimenta es un atractivo de este con diferentes culturas apoyan y disfrutan de la las baile. Los famosos "trajes" atraen a las personas en nuestras. Los caporales son una demostracion de amor cada presentacion. Estos trajes son coloridos y tienen a nuestras tradiciones y poder compartirlas con las diferentes bocetos. La vestimenta de los hombres con- personas es maravilloso y satisfactorio. siste en: pantalon de seda estilo militar, camisa estilo FOR ENGLISH VERSION, VISIT THEA-BLAST.ORG cubano, botas con cascabeles, y en la mano un

American stories Students from different countries share their journey

BY FARDOWSA GABOW Special to The A-Blast Coming to the United States was a dream for my family and I. My mother always believed that the United States was the land of opportunities because she knows that the U.S. offers a better quality of life.

My mom wanted her children to have a life that she did not get to live in our country.

I was born and raised in my country Somalia.

I lived in Somalia until I was eight years old.

My family and I left our country because of the Civil War that started 20 years ago in Somalia.

We moved to the United States to seek a better quality of life.

We came to the United States to get a good education and to live in a safe place.

First, we went to Egypt as refugees because that was the

only way to come to the United States.

Finally, after six years of waiting for the U.S. to respond us, the U.S. government accepted our request to come to America as refugees and let us live here. peacefully.

Everyone prefers to grow up in their home country, but sometimes there are problems.

Those problems lead people to leave their home country, such as war.

Although coming to the United States was a difficult journey and adjusting to a new environment is hard, I am finally getting the opportunity to have a better life that my mother was not able to have back home.

BY MUSTAFA ABBAS Special to The A-Blast Unfortunately, I grew up in a country that got destroyed by a war.

Iraq is one of those countries that got destroyed. In 2003 when I was eight years old, I was eating breakfast. Suddenly, I heard my mom crying, "Mustafa, come now. Hide in the corner NOW!" she said to me. I got up and left my food and I went to hide in the corner, but I didn't know why I had to do that.

Then I saw our dining room destroyed and I started hearing shouts coming towards my house and we were all hiding and waiting for it to stop. We decided to go to Jordan because Jordan expected refugees to travel to the United States of America.

First, when we got to Jordan we applied for the refugee status. A refugee is a person who flees for safety, especially to a foreign country as in time of political upheaval and war.

Jordan was a peaceful place, but it was not quite easy. The reason why

Jordan was not easy to live in because it was expensive, and people from other countries could not get a job. The government could not do anything to help us.

One of the struggles was to find a job. In that situation, I felt like it was the Great Depression.

But Jun. 5, 2010 was a special day. On that day, I was upstairs in my bedroom doing homework. My mom and dad called me, "Mustafa hurry up and come downstairs." I came down, I thought my parents wanted me to bring something to them

from the market.

My mom said, "we have a surprise for you," in a calm voice, but it didn't sound like a surprise. My dad yelled, "the refugee office called and said that the U.S. accepted us as refugees." At the same time, I was happy and also sad.

I was sad because I did not know how I could handle living in the U.S.A. and feared that no one would understand me there, but I was happy because I knew that my family would have a better life there.

Finally, we got to the United States, arriving at the Dulles Airport on Jun. 6, 2010. For us, it was a big hole and a different world. The environment, nature and people were different.

What attracted my attention was that almost everyone had a smile on their face.

Then my family and I were walking away from the airport. I was happy for my family and myself that we made it that far.

Even though it was hard to live in Jordan and to be a refugee, this was the best opportunity to be here at the U.S.

ARTS 13 Scholastics Art and Writing Awards Jan. 21, 2016

BY ALAINA GARAY

Junior Skylar Franzelas

Arts Editor

Q: What got you into photography?

A: My father got me into photography. He got this new camera when I was in the sixth grade. I would try so hard to use it. He would always say no, and that was my motivation to learn. Just to show him that I could actually do it.

Q: What do you like about photography?

A: I like the fact that I am in control when taking a picture. It all depends on me. The angles, the lighting and the editing. If you get one single thing off the photo doesn't look right. That's what makes photography pretty cool. Taking a selfie is so much different than taking an actual photo. There is a lot more work that goes into it, and I like the challenge.

Q: What is your theme for the photos you are submitting?

Junior Skylar Franzelas is one of many students who has submitted their artwork into the contest and hoping for good news. Over the past months at AHS, students have been getting their art pieces and portfolios together to submit into the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have been providing great opportunities for creative teens. Tons of young artists submit their work each year such as writers, filmmakers, photographers, poets, sculptors and video game artists.

Their mission is to identify students with exceptional artistic and literary talents and to present their remarkable work to the world.

Students across America submitted 300,000 original works during their 2015 program year and around 28 different categories of art and writing. Teens in seventh to 12th grade, who are in public schooled, private schooled or home-schooled can submit their art and writing for a chance to earn scholarships and have their works exhibited and published.

There are two competitions, a regional competition

A: There were different categories we could enter our photos under. I just went with a standard one. My theme was glam and gore. I chose it because I really got into special effects makeup last year. Being a photographer is a bonus because I get to take amazing pictures of my makeup looks.

How to submit your artwork into scholastics Register- Create an account at https:// www.artandwriting.org/Login.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SKYLAR FRANZELAS

Q: What are some photos that you are submitting?

A: The first photo is called Voices, this photo was taken of my little sister named Ana. Her makeup look was achieved with liquid latex, a bruise wheel, clothes pins and fake blood. The second photo is called Doug. This photo was originally in color but I changed it into blackand-white to give it more of a dramatic effect. The guy in this photo is my neighbor. The third photo is called Battered, this photo is also taken of my little sister Ana. The makeup I used in this photo was my Ben Nye bruise wheel.

Q: How would you feel if you won the Scholastics contest?

A: I would be very happy and surprised if I won. Happy because I won, but surprised that someone else likes my work as much as I do.

which is essentially Fairfax County and all the private schools within the county, and then if you win a gold key you go to the national level at which point you are judged with the entire country.

"I think that our students are going to do very well this year," photography teacher Meredith Stevens said "We always do well with Scholastics because we have extremely talented students."

There are different types of awards honorable mentions, the silver key and gold key. Although all the awards mean so much to the artist, scholarships are what they are really seeking. More than $250,000 is given yearly through the Scholastic Awards program in awards and scholarships to the top award recipients and their educators. Also more than $10 million in scholarships is set aside each year to be given to them as well.

The deadline for the competition was on, Jan. 14.

The ceremony is going to be held at Northern Virginia Community College Annandale Campus Ernst Cultural Center, on Feb. 24. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. The exhibition will be held Feb. 12 through Mar. 3.

Upload all your works- Upload all of your submissions into the system.

Every category has a specific requirement, so make sure to read the Guidelines and Category Descriptions carefully. Note that you will need your teacher's email address.

Send in the required forms- Specific form requirements vary by region so make sure to read the instructions carefully.

Submission Fee- $5.00 fee per individual submission and $20.00 fee per portfolio submission.

This photo was taken by Skylar Franzelas, called Mary.

Art Museum of the Americas

BY RACHEL SHOGREN Located near the Washington Monument in D.C., The Art Museum of the Americas is the oldest museum of modern and contemporary Latin American and Caribbean Art in the United States.

The museum originates from the Visual Arts Unit of Pan-American Union and mid20th century art in Latin America and the Caribbean. Many of the artistic trends shown in the museum developed in Latin America including conceptual, optical and kinetic art.

The Art Museum of the Americas is a three level museum, the first is just a small lobby with information. A spiral staircase leads to two levels of breathtaking art.

The top floor of the museum is filled with windows that have spectacular views of D.C. buildings and the Washington Monument.

One of the first exhibits is the Bestiary, a collection that focuses on the connection between humans, nature and animals.

Bestiary holds photographs, drawings and paintings of birds, people and other animals.

Topologies is a collection of many photographs and other expressive pieces on the top floor of the museum. A wall wide composition of photocopy, collage, Polaroid and acrylic on paper by Bernado Krasiansky

PHOTO COURTESY OF CLAUDIO BRAVO

Staff Writer

Claudio Bravo drew this drawing in 1976 called Fur Coat Back and Front.

is one of the largest pieces in the museum.

The contrasting colors and added saturation make this work of art unique.

Topologies also contains artworks that show the true life of the people who live in third world countries. It speaks to important histories of individual and collective movement across the Americas, encompassing sites of memory, abstractions

and trauma.

The Tierney Gallery of New York, The Chile Embassy and the Permanent Mission of Chile host Gorge Tacla, Identifies Ocultas Collection on the second floor of The Art Museum of the Americas. The works were inspired by the events that the artist faced throughout his life.

Tacla lived through a political coup in

Chile during the 1970s and he saw firsthand the social and political consequences of the coup. Tacla also witnessed the 9/11 terror attacks which forced him to deal with horror, mass destruction and devastation on an international level. Hidden Identities is based on the complicated relationship between victim and aggressor and the process of how guilt is assigned.

There are six galleries within the museum and all exhibitions feature modern and contemporary art from artists of the Americas that emphasize OAS (Organization of America) themes such as democracy, development, human rights, justice, freedom of expression and innovation. The artwork displayed is chosen based on its quality and if it follows the museum's mission.

There is a small sun room with colored bricks, and Latin American designs and details. The room has huge glass doors that the museum opens during the week. The opened doors reveal an astounding fountain and garden landscape.

The Art Museum of the Americas hosts photo contests two to three times a year.

The museum also holds events to support children's organizations, music and other art programs. The museum is most busy between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. so be sure to get there early!

Art Museum of the Americas Address: 201 18th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20006 Mailing: Art Museum of Americas Organization of American states 1889 F Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20006 Telephone: 202-370-0147 Email: Artmus@oas.org Daily: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Closed: Mondays, Federal Holidays and Good Friday.

Admission: Free Group tours: Available 10 a.m.

-4 p.m. Tuesdays -Fridays. Call or email in advance to schedule a tour.

Q & A with artist Megan Lee Q: What materials do you use for your artwork?

A: I used to use a lot of graphite and charcoal pencils for black and white portraits but I've recently become more interested in acrylic paints since they are very easy to blend, they dry quickly and they work well on many mediums.

Q: What is it about creating art that you enjoy?

A: I find that creating art helps get rid of any stress I have and it's extremely satisfying to see the final product of my work whether it's a painting, drawing or photography.

Q: What do you like most about your artwork?

A: In my own artwork, I like that they are heavily influenced by people I admire, whether that means it's a drawing of my favorite musician or it's a photograph I took in the style of my favorite photographer. However, it is my personal twist on the piece of artwork that really makes it my own.

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

A: The advice I have for any up and coming artists is to remember that of course there are certain techniques you're "supposed to follow" but in the end, art is a form of self expression and if those techniques are stopping you from expressing what you want to express then forget about them. Also, you will have critics everywhere

you go and sometimes you should pay attention to what they have to say and other times you should just ignore them.

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

A: I am hoping to have photography become a huge part of my career since my goal is to be a photojournalist. I'd also enjoy to continue painting and drawing as a hobby for the occasional commission piece.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN LEE

A: I've been drawing for as long as I can remember, the mandatory art class I took from kindergarten through eighth grade was certainly more helpful than anything I could've asked for. Photography has also been a big part of my life since I often see my parents behind a camera, photographing me and my siblings on our vacations and trips.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN LEE

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

Q: What is your favorite piece of artwork?

A: One of my favorite artists is Linda McCartney.

Her photographs give such an intimate yet relaxed perspective on the lives of musical icons and they inspire me to think outside of the box when it comes to photography.

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

A: For someone who wants to get into creating art, I would tell them to just go for it. You never know if you'll like it unless you try it.

Artist Megan Lee took the top photograph in London, England of a street performer singing and playing guitar as the sun was setting and she painted the bottom piece called Mesmerize.

14 LIFESTYLES

Jan. 21, 2016

New fashion trends of 2016 Out with the old, in with the new

BY TIPYAN OMER AND SHEILA AGUIRRE Lifestyles Editor and Staff Writer

make them look nicer.

Accessorizing your casual look with a cap has always been in. Wearing caps from brands like Nike and Adidas along with a casual shirt and jeans is becoming popular among teens. To finish this casual look, it's best with a pair of sneakers such as Adidas, Nikes, Vans, or Yeezys. The street look is a look that seems to always find it's way back into fashion trends for guys. It's an easy look to accomplish and can be interpreted in many different ways. The celebrity that aspires to achieve this look the most is Kanye West. He is known for his street look, outfits and kicks. His go to outfit would have to be a pair of black pants with an oversized sweater.

Although it's a new year and there are many new trends, some of the 2015 trends are still in.

Neutral colors are one thing that will always be in no matter what. They are a popular and classy look that can be worn for any occasion. Bomber jackets also became very popular at the end of last year and still continue to be worn this year.

Fashion trends are constantly changing and it might seem a bit hard to keep up with them. The easiest way to do so is by finding a celebrity who inspires your fashion sense the most. A few other ways are by watching fashion shows and following fashion blogs. Find a way that works best for you so that you aren't left wearing last year's trends that aren't in anymore.

Sue de s kirt from for T $40 opsho p

ts from knee boo Over the $100 ASOS for

The new year has begun and along with it there are many new trends that come. Fashion is constantly changing; you don't want to get left in last year's trends. When trying to stay fashionable, keeping up with the newest trends is the biggest key. Celebrities inspire many fashionistas and help them come up with new outfit ideas. AHS students turn to the Internet to get fashion advice and to see what's "in".

This year, suede jackets and skirts are coming back from the '70s. You can easily dress it up or down depending on how you feel. To dress it down wear a simple t-shirt while adding some comfortable shoes. If you're feeling a little bit girly, it can be dressed up by wearing a crop top with a cute cardigan and booties along with high knee socks.

A suede jacket is the perfect essential for a simple black outfit.

Pink is in, and people are slowly catching up.

Get rid of all your dark clothes and add some pink into your wardrobe.

Kylie Jenner's Snapchat of her sister, Kendall

Jenner, shows her simply rocking an oversized sweater, with a Yeezy's cap, and a black choker.

The Kardashians and Jenners have made a huge influence on the trends people follow. You can simply take one of your friend's or significant other's sweater. Or, if you see a cute sweater at the store, get a size bigger to follow the trend.

Forever 21 has a variety of sweaters that you can chose from.

Showing off your shoulders is what's in this season. This new chic trend isn't really new, it was made popular in the '80s when women would wear off the shoulder shirts when working out and now it has evolved into a shirt that can be used in everyday outfits. Wearing off the shoulder shirts or dresses is perfect for going on a date or just a stroll in the park. The off the shoulder shirt is best worn during warm nights.

Everyone wants to stay warm during the cold weather season. You are able to stay warm and stylish with over the knee boots. Kourtney Kardashian is an excellent example of how to put together outfits with these boots. She wears them with short dresses, which puts her outfit together. If she wants a more casual look she will wear them with jeans and a top along with a stylish jacket. What you wear with knee boots is very important because you can wear them wrong and create a look you are not hoping for. Knee boots need to be paired with the right accessories to

Marled sweater from H&M for $12.95

at 26 e $ r r fo to at ke s h i ke N Ni the

Pink sweater from Forever 21 for $15

Nike F lyknit R from Nike S acers tore f or $150

Yeezys from Ebay or retail stores price varies

Media influences students

YOUTUBE

INSTAGRAM

Senior Amanda Villigran showing off her gains after an Instagram video workout.

Kathleen Lights and Jaclyn Hill.

YouTube is becoming a popular site because of students and has recently grown into a career for some people. Some YouTubers have up to seven million subscribers that watch them daily. They do several different kind of videos whether it is vlogging, beauty, cooking or gaming. This allows you to take a look into your favorite YouTuber's everyday life.

"I've been watching YouTube videos for so long.

I always watch DIY tutorials and room tutorials to see how I could rearrange my room and such," Agyeman said.

Most YouTubers vlog, which means they record videos of what they do throughout the day. They will have their camera in their hand all day whether they are running errands or attending a meet and greet. It's a way for their subscribers to view their everyday life via the internet.

PHOTO COURTSEY OF DIANNA AGYEMAN

Makeup is a great form of art and beauty. Some popular makeup gurus on YouTube are Carli Bybel, Kathleen Lights and Jaclyn Hill.

"I am in love with Brownstone Unlimited because she does a phenomenal job of applying makeup. I try to look at her posts and recreate the looks! It makes me want to get better at applying on myself and others," senior Dianna Agyeman said.

Everyone is beginning to wear makeup whether it's full on contour and highlight or just a little bit of eyeshadow and mascara. Girls are always watching videos on makeup tutorials to perfect their skills and learn new techniques.

"My new obsession is makeup and I cannot stop watching makeup tutorials," Agyeman said.

There are so many different looks to recreate.

Makeup is a great form of art and beauty. Some popular makeup gurus on YouTube are Carli Bybel,

HOME.ABS

videos they upload are very easy to accomplish whenever you have some free time on your hands.

They show you a quick 30 second video of how to get the workout done.

"What helps me are the pictures of people being fit and easy workouts you can do just in your room," Villigran said.

They motivate you by showing before and after pictures of individuals who have lost weight. As a caption under the before and after picture, people usually tell their story and how they got through it.

It usually involves what workouts worked for them .

Not only that, but they talk about how they maintained a heathly diet. It is also important to eat healthy foods like fruits and vegetables as well as being physically active.

"Some pages even tell you what to eat and drink in order to stay fit," Villagran said.

Working out just got 10 times easier because of Instagram.

Senior Dianna Agyeman after she recreated one of Bryanna Brownstone's looks.

FASHION SPOTLIGHT Ana Gray, 10 Q: How did you learn how to dress?

A: I learned how to dress by watching my mom, since she's really stylish.

Q: Where do you like to shop?

A: My favorite stores to shop at are Urban Outfitters, Zara and Topshop.

Q: What are your favorite clothing pieces?

A: My favorite clothing pieces are boyfriend jeans and my t-shirt dresses.

Q: What is your outfit for school and a date?

A: My outfit for school is usually a casual-dressy outfit, and my outfit for a date would be a "sweetheart" dress or something of that style.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANA GRAY

Amanda Villigran is one of the many students who use Instagram for uploading pictures and watching workout videos. If you don't have time for the gym and are in need of a quick workout Instagram videos should be your go to.

"I would recommend it to people who don't have time or can't afford going to the gym because it gives you key workouts of what you can do," senior Amanda Villigran said.

Instagram influences many young teenagers.

It is a place where you're able to see a variety of styles, little places to explore, makeup or even health and fitness tips. Whether you enjoy that beachy wavy hair look or looking very simplistic and modernized.

Health and fitness accounts are quite popular.

Some Instagrammers even promote workout products. They tend to provide a number of work out videos, tips and motivational quotes!

Workout pages on Instagram are an easy way for people to stay motivated and fit. The work out

BRYANNA BROWNSTONE

INSTAGRAM

Junior Jeremiah L. Bethea stunting for the cameras like Kanye West would.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMANDA VILLAGRAN

to look just as good as them. So many people look up to celebrities and junior Jeremiah Bethea is one of them.

Kanye was named one of the best dressed males, according to GQ's top 20 best dressed males list. He has also collaborated with Adidas and created his own collection, known as the Yeezy collection. The shoes that Kanye created can be seen everywhere. There is so much hype about them and everyone is trying to purchase them.

People admire the looks of celebrities because they put together the nicest outfits. It's not too hard to achieve a look like your favorite celebrities.

You can find similar pieces for lower prices.

"The latest thing Kanye has inspired me to get is Chelsea boots," Bethea said.

To keep up with celebrities' newest fashion trends you can follow them on many different social networks.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JEREMIAH L. BETHEA

CELEBRITIES Some people find inspiration from these celebrities whether it's their style, morals, or simply how they carry themselves.

"Celebrities are a huge inspiration for me. I like to wear the coolest things and rock the newest styles so that's one of the main reasons I look at celebrities for inspiration," junior Jeremiah L. Bethea said.

The lives of your favorite celebrities can be seen on any social media site. You can find out everything from their style to their nightly skincare routine.

"Kanye West is my favorite artist of all time for many different reasons but mainly because of his sense of style. I look at Kanye for style inspiration more than any other celebrity," Bethea said.

People look at celebrities for new hairstyles or clothing trends to keep up with all the new looks!

They are always looking good and it inspires people

Q: On your lazy days what do you prefer to wear?

A: I prefer to wear high waisted sweatpants and a cardigan to add more to the outfit.

Q: What is your favorite season to dress for?

A: Summer, because I love dresses and halter tops.

Q: How long does it take you to get ready?

A: It takes me about an hour to get ready in the mornings.

Q: How much do you usually invest in clothing?

A: Whenever I go shopping, I spend about $300.

Q: What are your favorite pair of shoes?

A: My favorite shoes are my taupe booties.

Q: Do you dress to impress or dress for yourself?

A: I definitely dress for myself, it's important to feel good about yourself.

Q: Who is your fashion inspiration?

A: I don't have a fashion inspiration.

Q: What's your favorite accessory to add to your outfit?

A: My favorite accessory in the summer is adding a bralette to a low cut top and during cold seasons it's a cardigan.

SPORTS X-TRA 15 What's it like watching the playoffs?

First hand account of student's experience at a NFL playoff game

BY CREW MCCARTHY Staff Writer This past Sunday, I went to the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Washington Redskins and the Green Bay Packers.

The last time I went to a Redskins game was the playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks back in 2012 and the Redskins lost, so I was hoping for a better outcome this time.

The Metro was packed with mostly Redskins fans and some Packers fans here and there.

As I was walking to the stadium, I passed by a lot of cars, trucks and busses painted and decorated all over in Redskins colors.

Once in the stadium, it was almost impossible not to crash into someone because there were just so many people there. My seats were in section 426 so I had to make the long journey to the top of the stadium using the ramps.

After I got to the top, I grabbed some food at Johnny Rockets then headed to my seat.

I thought I had really good seats, even though it was pretty high up. I sat almost in line with midfield and had an amazing view of the entire field. We arrived as the all the players were warming up for the game.

After some time the players went back to their locker rooms and then the fans started to pile into their seats. Once everyone was in, it looked like as if the stadium was completely sold out.

There were mostly Redskins fans but there were a surprising amount of Packers fans as well, especially in my section.

The first team to come out was the Packers who received a lot of boos from the crowd. Next came the Redskins. They came out of a giant Redskins helmet with smoke all around them, and it looked pretty awesome. This had the crowd going crazy.

Everyone was so pumped up for the game. Throughout the first couple of minutes, the crowd wouldn't quiet down. Every time the Redskins made a stop on defence or a play on offense, the crowd would erupt.

In the first quarter the momentum was definitely with the Redskins. We took a five point lead through a safety and a field goal and held it till the end of the 1st. We started the second quarter off really well. We got a touchdown through a beautiful pass from Cousins to Reed but missed the extra point and had an impressive 11-0 lead. All you could hear from the crowd was the chant "YOU LIKE THAT?!" But as it got deeper into the second quarter, you could see the Packers were starting to get into a groove.

They scored 17 unanswered points to take the lead 17-11. You could tell the crowd was starting to get pretty upset at what they were watching. At the end of the half, the Redskins were only down by six so it was still a very close game.

The Redskins started the third quarter with the ball. They needed to get some points on the board to get some momentum back on their side. After a five minute drive, they ended up scoring off after Cousins ran it in for six. This gave them the lead back, 18-17. But Green Bay wasn't done.

They came right back and scored a touchdown of their own. At the end of an even third quarter, the score was 24-18 with the Packers still having a slight advantage. Throughout the final quarter of the game, it was all Green Bay. It seemed as if their offense just couldn't be stopped.

They scored another 11 points to finish off the game. All the Redskins fans were really riled up. There were even some fights between some really drunk fans that happened right next to me, which were actually more interesting

PHOTO COURTESY OF MADIE WALSH

Jan. 21, 2016

Junior Madie Walsh takes photo of the game just before kick off.

than the end of the game.

The final score was a very disappointing 35-18 as the Packers moved on to the next round. As I was leaving the stadium, I could see all the disappointment on all the Redskins fans faces.

After the mile walk back to the station, I got back on the Metro and headed home. Although my favorite team did lose, I still ended up having a really fun time.

Heard in the Hall: Are you impressed with the Redskins this season?

"Yes, because they showed their doubters that they are better than they expected."

GEORGE TWENEBOA freshman

"No and yes, because they made it to the playoffs finally but they lost."

JAYLA IRVIN freshman

"Yeah, overall they did okay the whole season."

"Yes, they have gone much farther than I expected."

DONTAE JOHNSON

ZAID ALKAHFAH sophomore

"I don't care about them but they had a pretty good season."

KIMBERLY ROMERO junior

junior

"Overall yes because of their legit quarterback, Kirk Cousins, and they had a hell of a season."

JHONNY FUENTES

"They improved throughout the season, and Kirk Cousins found his stride."

"I think the Redskins are in great shape because they exceeded the expectations that were set for them."

ELISE KIM

DAVID PARK

senior

senior

senior

Freshmen students start on varsity basketball

BY FARES AYOUB AND JESSICA SALISBURY Staff Writers Over the past few years, there has not been many freshmen girls who have started on varsity. Sarah Shamdeen and Jayla Irvin start on the girls varsity basketball team as freshmens.

From a young age, Shamdeen had always been interested in basketball, although she didn't take it seriously until the age seven. Jayla on the other hand, tried different sports like soccer before she realized that basketball was her passion and started playing at age 9.

"I loved playing with my brother for fun but when I started watching his basketball games that's what made me take basketball more seriously," Shamdeen said.

When Irvin decided to play basketball for fun, she didn't realize that it would impact her life so much. "I went into basketball not knowing anything about it, then

I started playing and it turned out to be so fun," Irvin said.

Both, Irvin and Shamdeen have showed varsity basketball coach, Jimmy Brown, that they have what it takes to play on varsity.

"I think Sarah has the opportunity to play a lot of minutes, shoot the 3 and beat the pressure, she will help all around," Brown said. Coach Brown also has high expectations for Jayla as well. "Jayla will be a special player, she will play a big role this year, we are asking a lot out her from handling the ball to guarding the other team's best player," Brown said.

Coach Brown is looking forward to coaching Shamdeen and Irvin, watching them grow in skill and as people for the next four years.

"Sarah studies the game and wants to play in college, she is a gym rat (in a good way), and she will continue to get better each and every day," Brown said.

Not only are they great individual players, they are also great team players as well. "I think they were a great addition to the team and we all get along well," team captain Kiara Patino said.

Although most of Shamdeen's and Irvin's teammates are older than they are, they still have great chemistry with them. "Some of my teammates are much bigger than me but other than that it doesn't feel like we're different, we are a team," Shamdeen said. Jayla also enjoys playing with older teammates, she is learning a lot from playing at such a high level. It's fun playing with seniors

they have the best advice on anything" Irvin said.

Sarah has many strengths and qualities as a player that make her great at playing the game. "She is a fantastic three point shooter," Brown said.

Jayla also has many skills that will make her successful in playing the game. "Jayla can handle it, she is athletic and is getting better at shooting," Brown said.

Although they both are already excellent players at such a young age, they do have some setbacks. "Sarah is really hard on herself, she needs to relax, but she will learn to move to the next play," Brown said.

Sarah and Irvin are excited to continue playing in the season because they will be playing at a high level of basketball. "The team I am most excited to play is South county because an old friend from elementary school plays for that team," Shamdeen said. Jayla also has a team that she can't wait to play. "I want to play TC williams because my half sister plays for them", Irvin said.

Sarah and her team have many traditions to get them ready to play a game. "We all hang out before games usually which gets us excited," Patino said.

Sarah also mentioned that the team also enjoys listening to a team mixtape while they warm up to get them hyped before a game. Aside from the team, Sarah also has a tradition herself. "I like to take a nap before my games to get me energized," Shamdeen said.

Shamdeen and Irvin are excited for the season and are looking forward to creating many memories with their fellow teammates.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KIARA PATINO

Jayla Irvin and Sarah Shamdeen play with the big dogs

Athlete of the week: Ashley Britton Senior Varsity athlete "keeps on swimming" Senior Ashley Britton has been swimming for Annandale for all four years of her high school career.

She has stepped up and is now captain of the 2015-2016 swim team and plays a crucial role in motivating her teammates.

Q: What's the hardest thing about swim?

The hardest thing about swim is probably the breathing.

Breath control is challenging, swallowing a mouth-full of chlorinated water during a race or practice is the worst!

The highlight of it all is that it strengthens the lungs and it gets easier as the season progresses.

Q: When did you start swimming?

I started swimming when I was eight years old when I joined my summer league team, the Wakefield Chapel Wahoos.

Q: How was your Senior Night for swim?

Senior Night was unforgettable. The juniors like Lucie Lefbom, Teagan Foti, Adrianna Romano, Conrad Shartel and Ben Padrutt, did an unbelievable job. They decorated our cars, brought us breakfast in the morning, made us goodie bags and made posters to decorate the walls at the meet. The parents were amazing as well, they gave each senior a senior sash and tiara or crown, and had balloons set up for us to walk through as our names got announced before the meet. Everyone went to Kilroy's afterwards to finish off the night! It was wonderful.

Q: What are your roles as captain for swim?

As a captain, the roles include leading cheers, going to the captains' and coaches' meeting before meets, planning team bonding and other various activities.

Q: What made you do swim?

When I was younger, I always said I would never join an actual swim team and just continue to take private lessons, but one summer I did and I regret not starting it sooner!.

Q: What's your favorite part about swim?

My favorite part about swim is the people. While the feeling of racing is riveting, nothing beats my teammates.

I have met some of my best friends while doing swim, and we are all one family.

Q: What do you do as your pre-meet ritual?

For pre-meet rituals, our team always cheers on the bus and blasts music. A lot of the guys like to freestyle and have rap battles too, it's like one big party. Personally, I write "God" on my wrist before my races so that I can keep my focus on who I'm swimming for and who gives me the ability to swim. I also like to listen to music before any big race.

Q: What was the best moment in your swim career?

One of the best moments of swim was during the 20122013 season when the girls team beat Lake Braddock.

That was monumental for us because they have always been a very strong force in our conference. Another awesome moment was States last year. It was a small State team, but we all bonded and had lots of fun, plus Aaron Boyd made it to Finals and killed it.

Q: How do you and your team celebrate a win?

After a win, sometimes we would play "We are the Champions" by Queen on the bus. Victories are always

well-earned by each and every swimmer, so they always feel extra sweet.

Q: How do you and your team deal with a loss?

Losses are hard, but they give us motivation for the next meet. Personally, they fuel me up for whatever race I have next, but they are never easy to deal with.

Q: How difficult would you consider swim to be?

The sport of swimming is very taxing on a lot of parts of the body, especially the biceps, shoulders, quads and lungs. However, it is extremely beneficial and builds sustainable muscle with consistent training.

Q: What have you improved on throughout high school swim?

Throughout my years on swim, I have been focusing on improving my 50 yard freestyle race, but I am not done.

I still have many goals I need to accomplish before the season ends.

16 SPORTS Preparation for Pack the Pit begins

BY SEHAM AHMED AND JULIUS MILLER Staff Writer Pack the Pit is a special night for wrestlers it is the night for the athletes to showcase their talent in front of the whole school. The atmosphere in the room feels like a boxing ring.

This is a special night for the seniors especially because they The Annandale Atoms Wrestling team is fairly far into the season and is close to the annual Pack the Pit event. The team had an okay start, struggling with obstacles that are common when acquiring a new staff. Last year The Atoms wrestling team went 21 and five, went first in districts and placed as a team in the state. Coach Derek Sweet had a big spot to fill following the absence of Keith Sholders.

"There were some growing pains this season," Sweet said. "The coaching staff had to get to know each other and the team had to get

to know each other as well as mold what they knew into what we know."

They also struggled due to multiple injuries to the likes of seniors Sergio Pozo and Azamat Israilov. All are very talented players and essential to prevailing as victorious. The team stands with a current record of 12-10. They look to improve through the last two dual meets taking place prior to the end of the season.

"We are doing well, but not as well as I believe we are capable of," Sweet said. "We've had a number of injuries and faced some big teams, but I believe we are rounding a corner as a team overall."

To every rough start, there is victory, but only through hard work and dedication. Wrestling is a team sport, but also an individual sport at times. It benefits the team a lot when wrestlers win their matches.

"We've got a group of core seniors and sophomore Allen Kokilinanda," Sweet said. "Everyone's battling and wrestling tough so we are pretty pleased with the way things will be shaping up soon."

PHOTO COURTESY NEBEYU SOLOMON

Jan. 21, 2016

Hamaad Lodhi greeting his opponent at last year's Pack the Pit.

to the coaching change and couldn't be happier," senior Hammad Lodhi said. "I believe this coaching staff is capable enough to push the Grappling Atoms to their best ability and keep the program strong.

However, the coaching staff has a much different approach than other coaches in the past. It's much more

A motivated mentality with extreme focus is hard to beat, and that's why the Atoms have been working for that.

"The team is looking great," senior Alex Joya said. "The guys are really buying into the moves Coach Sweet is teaching us."

"I personally adapted really well

independent work in terms of you must do your part to fill in your part for the team; and I don't find this bad at all. Others however may beg to differ--but that's expected when there's a new coaching staff."

Pack the Pit taking place on Wednesday, Jan. 27 is a whole different environment for wrestlers, and can change the game completely.

Pack the Pit, the senior night for seniors, is very different from the other senior nights. They are placed under a giant spotlight and surrounded by arguably one of the biggest crowds Annandale hosts all year. Wrestlers are introduced with their unique nicknames. For example, last year Sergio Martinez was nicknamed "El Jefe Gigante". Before the seniors walk out with their parents and are introduced, they go through a light practice. This year Annandale High School faces West Potomac at Pack the Pit. There are 14 weight classes in wrestling starting at 106 pounds and ending at 285 pounds, each weight class will be having a match at Pack the Pit .

"I am feeling really confident going into Pack The Pit," senior Alex Joya said. "I'm planning to show Annandale all about what wrestling really is."

A big factor in Pack the Pit has always been the home field advantage, just like in any sport.

"The Atoms have never lost Pack the Pit in the four years I have gone here," Joya said.

After Pack the Pit comes conferences and the team has to prepare for that as well. Joya placed third in the state competition for the 20142015 season, falling only to Joshua Neil, the first place winner.

"A state championship is what I've been sacrificing so much for in and off season," Joya said. "I expect nothing less from myself."

Joya has been working hard to achieve his goal and so has the whole team. Come see that hard work pay off at Pack the Pit.

Boys track moving steadily

BY SERGIO POZO AND SERENE GHUL

Justin Foster races in the 4x200 at the PGsportsplex on Jan. 6.

DCIAA in the 55m hurdles.

"It feels great and was a huge relief to be lucky enough to qualify early in the season," Weber said.

"This is my first time making states" Similarly to Brown, Weber trains in the offseason.

"I was lucky enough to have my friend Reece train with me in the offseason and Brent who helped me get stronger by lifting with me," Weber said.

Although some people broke their own personal records, others missed their goals by just a couple of seconds.

"I was so close," junior Kevin Huynh said. "I was one millisecond behind my time. I didn't prepare over the break and maybe that's why I didn't break it."

"The season has been going great," senior Nana Forson said.

"There's a lot of talent on the team, especially among underclassmen

who can pose a threat to current and future competition. However, injuries are holding us back from our fullest potential but luckily we have guys that can step up and fill the holes."

Track star and Annandale alumni Nathan Hogye attended one of the meets to support the team.

"It was really nice to catch up with my friends and it was also nice to see the coaches," Hogye said. "I was proud to see my friends run. I think they improved. Watching the meet made me really miss running track for Annandale."

Overall, the season has been filled with ups and downs.

Some came out on top, and others know that with hard work and dedication, the next season will be one to watch out for.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELSIE LICATOVICH

This is what the AHS Boys Indoor Track and Field team prepares for each and every week. This week, they have a meet on Saturday against West Potomac, Lake Braddock and South County. Phil Harris is the coach for winter track and has been head coach of girls spring track for multiple seasons.

He is helped by assistant coaches Ivy Roe and Julian Scarbrough.

Roe was a state competitor when she was in high school and coached Cross Country this year while Scarbrough brings seven years of coaching experience from South Lakes.

With great races, injuries occurring and personal records being broken, this season has been filled with ups and downs.

"With a new coach comes a new way," sophomore Akrem Iris said.

"Last year the coach was more strict whereas this year things are more laid back."

Although the season has not gone well for some, others are doing as much as they can to reach their goals in by practicing on and off the track.

"Besides practicing regularly with the team, I train through Perfect Performance, an athletic training program, and football workouts," junior Shemahr Brown said. "Perfect Performance helps me with my technique, speed and agility that tremendously helps improve my times on the track. Also, running hard each workout definitely improve my times on the track. Lifting with the football team also benefits me on my explosiveness that helps me get out the blocks quickly for a good start for all my races."

Junior Jacob Weber was able to hit a state qualifying time at the

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELISE LICATOVICH

Staff Writers

Halley Thadeus races in the 4x800 at the PGsportsplex on Jan. 6.

Girls track working hard

BY SHEILA AGUIRRE AND NICOLE JORDAN Videographer and Staff Writer Halfway through the season, girls indoor track participated in a meet on Jan. 6. at Thomas Jefferson Community Center. The meet did not keep score but the team felt as if they did well regardless.

Although the meet came straight after winter break, girls winter track still tried their hardest.

"This past meet, I tried to better my time in the 300m because I have been practicing really hard," junior Ngoc-Tran Nguyen said. "The 4x400 relay on Jan. 6 did pretty well, so I was also prepared to show off my team and all of the hard work put forth into the sport."

Improvement for the team is important and the meet gave an idea

to what each runner needed to work on.

"I looked forward to pr (personal record) in the 500m which was to beat my time of 1:31," senior Brooke Thadeus said.

While coach Phil Harris has a goal in mind for the relay teams as a whole.

"We are trying to get our relays in the top now but each one of our relays are playing with our speed people to try to see if we can do something to make it a little different," Harris said.

"Looking back on the season, so far it's been a great one and just keeps improving. Junior Gabriela Jordan It is getting closer and closer to the end of the indoor track season, new runners are beginning to put in more work through each meet,. Junior Gabriela Jordan said Freshmen have really stepped up

this season in helping girls track get to their full potential.

"The best time we've seen is Mikaela Lopez, and we are trying to get her to go to nationals as a freshman because that is a qualified time. Harris said Nadia is running excellent and she is another freshman sensation that we have," It is getting closer and closer to the end of the indoor track season, new runners are beginning to put in more work through each meet.

"We have some new runners that are making a big difference for our relay teams," Jordan said.

The girls and coaches are looking forward to the State competitions.

Hopefully the team keeps improving throughout the entire season because every second counts. Come watch the girls track team compete at their next meet Sat. 23 at Episcopal High School at 7:30 am.

SPORTS 17

Jan. 21, 2016

Basketball prepares for final stretch "Focusing on fundamentals and trying to get stronger with my team is the most important thing," sophomore Fello Gomez said. "But getting mentally ready is the most important thing to do with my team."

The team has become better and knows their roles, after working together for so long.

"I was on JV first but just from watching Varsity and now being on the team, we have grown a lot more individually knowing our roles on the team," Gomez said.

Overall the team is ready and working harder than ever to prepare for playoffs and break records.

The Atoms face top-seeded West Springfield High School after this matchup with the Stallions.

BY SERENE GHUL AND LINA ALTAII Staff Writers

PHOTO COURTESY OF MONGNHI NGUYEN

Boys varsity basketball has a crucial game against South County High School tomorrow. While their 4-9 record does not reflect the actual talent on the team, the boys think they have a big chance to beat the Stallions.

"I feel we are prepared," senior Dini Mohumad said.

"Coach Matthew Behne always runs through film with us and gives us a good idea of what the other team will do.

West Potomac is a very good team but we know we are the better team. It is just our job as a team to play like we are."

The boys have been working hard in order for them to bring the win against the Stallions back for AHS. Coach Behne has been playing films for the boys in order for them to know just what their opponent may try to do.

Knowing what types of skills South County possesses and having an idea of what they might do on the court has really helped the team gain confidence going into the game.

"Well, although nothing compares to the real thing of playing the game, we have watched scout film and that helps," sophomore Tyree Anderson said.

The team has also been putting hard work and effort in at the gym during practices, not only strengthening physical skills but mental skills as well.

"I always feel we are prepared, but there are always things I can improve, rethink and evaluate," Anderson said.

With the team confident in Behne's strategy, coaching

Patriot Conference 7 standings: 1. West Springfield High School (11-1)(5-0) 2. Lake Braddock Secondary School (9-3)(3-2) 3. W.T. Woodson High School (7-5)(3-2) 4. West Potomac High School (6-5)(3-2) 5. South County High School (5-8)(2-3) 6. T.C. Williams High School (3-5)(2-3) 7. Mount Vernon High School (5-7)(1-4) 8. Annandale High School (4-9)(1-4)

Sophomore Matt McKiever receives instructions from coach Tim Hardy during a game against W.T. Woodson.

and their own hard work, they are ready to go out and stomp the Stallions.

On top of watching film, the team is also challenged at their practices and given hard workouts in order to prepare themselves and challenge themselves even further.

"Coach provides us with things so we feel prepared going into the games," Anderson said. "He provides us with toughness drills like box-out, transition, charges, close-out and much more. All in all, it is up to us as a team

though to go out there and get the job done."

The team needs to win so they can have a bigger chance of playing every team.

"Every conference game is important," junior Saad Farooq said. "We want to win the next two so we can jump to fifth in the district then hopefully we get the chance to play every team in the district one more time."

They are preparing to go into playoffs with the right attitude and dreams of success.

Heard in the halls: How do you stay in shape for sports?

"I stay in shape by playing basketball."

"I stay in shape by playing other sports."

SARAH SHAMDEEN ALEJANDRO CASQUINO freshman

"I run constantly and make sure I don't eat anything unhealthy."

freshman

"I stay in shape for sports by never stopping them and I enjoy going on runs."

URIEL SEJAS

GRACE HATCH

sophomore

"I run and go to the gym."

"I eat just healthy food and go to practice and make sure I work DREW WHITE hard." junior VICKY LUU

"I go to the gym with my friends and before games I shoot around upstairs."

ASAADA HATCHER

junior

sophomore

"I stay in shape because I play three sports."

BEAU HATCH

senior

senior

Q: When did you start swimming?

A: I started swimming when I was young, around six.

My parents introduced the sport to me.

Q: When did you start swimming?

A: I've been swimming since I was seven years old at Lincolnia Park pool.

Q: What is your favorite swim memory?

A: My favorite memory are the bus rides back from the meets. Win or lose, the team always found a way to have a good time.

Q: What is your favorite swim memory?

A: My favorite swim memory was when some of the team went bowling after one of our meets. It was super fun even though I'm pretty awful at bowling.

Q: What is one of your aspirations in finishing the season?

A: I like to finish everything I do on a good note.

I just want to have fun with my teammates and make this a year to remember.

Q: What is one of your aspirations in finishing the season?

A: My aspiration is to get over my concussion by next week so I can swim against Mount Vernon and hopefully get some second or third places in my races.

Q: Do you have a ritual before meets?

A: We don't have rituals, but on the bus ride to the meet. We play music to get ourselves pumped and do some cheers.

Q: What is your biggest improvement of the year so far?

A: My biggest improvement from last swim season is moving into the fast lane for practice and getting more points per meet then last year.

Senior Sarah Deible poses for a picture during school.

Senior Mason Farman poses for his swim picture.

Q: What is your biggest improvement of the year so far?

A: I dropped four seconds on my 100 free which was pretty sweet.

Critical last weeks for girls swim

team hope to accomplish a common goal among them, to make it to states. Others hoping to drop time to qualify for regionals.

"My season is going pretty well, I'm preparing by practicing and going to the gym," senior John Paletti said. "My goal is to get under 2 minutes and 5 seconds for the 200 free."

As the season comes to a close, many swimmers are hoping to extend the season by going to regionals and states.

MAURICIO REYES

As winter sports are coming to a close, lots of teams have their hopes high and are looking forward to going to conference.

For the Swim and Dive team, the boys have accomplished a lot throughout the course of this season.

For starters, they've competed in five different meets and the teams seems very strong this year with a variety of boys ranging from freshmen and returning seniors.

As one returning senior, Luke Daggle starts his season by setting the bar high.

"My season has been going better than anticipated. I'm preparing by lifting weights to become physically stronger and my goal is to make states individually," Daggle said.

Head coach Ryan Smith's his high expectations for his boy's swim team haven't changed a bit.

"Our goals for this year consists as finishing out this season, place higher in conference than we did last year, and to send more boys to regionals and states," Smith said.

His high expectations definitely

have the boy's swim team in great shape going into conference.

They also expect to break many records this year including the boys 200 free relay.

Many seniors are excited this season including senior Franklin Joseph.

"The season for me is getting better. I'm preparing by practicing my form and swimming longer at practice than I usually do. Also my other goal this year is to go to states," Joseph said.

Many swimmers are preparing this year by lifting weights and putting in that extra time at the pool.

With help from Coach Smith many of the boys from the swim

Q: Do you have a ritual before meets?

A: Usually I try to go home and get a quick nap but we have to be back at school pretty early for the meets so it's hard to do anything. And on the way to the meets we usually blast music on the bus and sometimes spit some bars.

Senior Gabe Martino dives in the pool for one of his events on senior night

BY LINA ALTAII Staff Writer The girls swim team will be preparing for the Patriot Conference 7 meet in the upcoming weeks finishing off their regular season with three more crucial meets.

These last few weeks of the regular season are extremely critical for a good performance at the conference meet.

"Going to practice and actually trying is a very important part of the weeks leading up to conference," freshman Kayla Holcomb said. "As they say, practice makes perfect.

Also getting enough sleep and not working yourself too much is a big part."

Lennon Wuhrer, a sophomore on the swim team, said she thinks as a team their practices have been more challenging and exciting.

"We have more spirit in cheers so I think we will do good in conference because of our good attitude and performance," Wuhrer said.

Working hard now will build the skills that they will need in order to have results at conference.

"Right now we are training hard

at practice and building our endurance and sprint ability," senior Ashley Britton said. "I think that if we continue to be consistent in our practice and then taper before conference, we will have great results."

Practices play a crucial role for showing what everyone has worked hard on.

"The practices play a big role in helping drop our times," senior Karmena Werking said. "A lot of the girls have definitely improved in dropping their times and are pushing themselves in practice to show what they have at the meet."

While the girls have been practicing what they already know, they

have also been expanding their comfort zones to be a stronger team.

"We have definitely been improving, a lot of girls have been doing new events at meets and expanding past their comfort zones," Britton said. "This is super beneficial because it familiarizes swimmers with different races. Practices are huge, because in swimming you have to be constantly training in order to build the right muscles, so when properly practicing it will really improve racing."

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOYCE BOGHOSIAN

Boys swim puts in the extra work

BY MAURICIO REYES Staff Writer

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH DEIBLE

PHOTO COURTESY OF MASON FARMAN

Senior Spotlight: Mason Farman Senior Spotlight: Sarah Deible

Sophomore Lennon Wuhrer dives off of the blocks to start the race

Upcoming games/meets: BOYS BASKETBALL:

GIRLS BASKETBALL:

1/22 - VS South County (A)

1/22 - VS South County (A)

1/26 - VS West Springfield (A)

1/26 - VS West Springfield (H)

1/29 - VS T.C. Williams (H)

1/29 -W.T. Woodson (A)

SWIM AND DIVE: 1/22 - Mount Vernon (A)

WRESTLING:

GYMNASTICS:

TRACK & FIELD:

1/27 - Pack The Pit VS West Potomac (Senior Night) (H)

1/27 - LB, Chantilly, Herndon, Oakton, Robinson (A)

1/23 - WP, LB, SoCo (A)

2/5 - Patriot Conference Tournament (H)

2/4 - Patriot Conference Tournament (A)

2/1 & 2/6 - Patriot Conference Championship (A)

18 ENTERTAINMENT American Idol 's final season

Jan. 21, 2016

Students reflect on one of the most influential shows in TV history

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WHERE IDOLS COME FROM

Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. are the judges for the final season of American Idol

BY KARUNGU THUKU Staff Writer

American Idol has been entertaining and electrifying audiences for 15 years.

Every season, viewers would be introduced to contestants from cities across the country with the same goal: to become the next Idol.

For those who don't know, American Idol is a singing competition created by Simon Fuller; the show was based on the British series Pop Idol.

Idol was a cultural phenomenon. It dominated primetime TV with fast paced theme music, electric blue lights and a panel of judges that each had eccentric personalities.

It's hard to overstate the influence that Idol had on television and culture at large.

When American Idol was at the top of the ratings, it popularized the fan vote, through calling and texting, as a way of deciding what happens on TV. Idol also popularized the dream that anyone with enough raw talent is a TV show appearance away from stardom.

In a way, Idol was a victim of its own influence.

Idol lost viewers to newer shows with similar formats such

as The Voice and America's Got Talent.

The threat of all these new shows, combined with he departure of the three original judges, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, seemed to mark the end of Idol's dominance.

After 2011, the ratings for American Idol seemed to keep going down, which is why this year is the season finale.

To most fans who've been keeping up with the show, it's heartbreaking for them that this is the last season.

"I stopped watching the show because I lost interest, the charisma from the original three judges was lost after the first one left; but, it makes me feel old and sad that this is the final season." senior Aaron Boyd pointed out.

That seems to be the common theme among students, after a while they stopped watching the show that once used to be so popular.

"I don't watch it anymore, it got lame," senior Sarah Deible said.

However, when it comes to memorable moments, American Idol doesn't fall short of the mantle.

Some great moments captured on show were when Lee

Dewyze sang "Hallelujah," and when Katharine Mcphee sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

One of the most memorable contestants was Sanjaya Malakar, who the judges did not think of as the best singer, but was consistently saved by the power of the fan vote.

And of course, the audition rounds at the beginning of each season helped to provide comedic relief to the show.

"My favorite moment was when a guy showed up basically naked in a speedo and started singing," Deible recalled.

Idol also did a good job of producing legitimate singing superstars. Winners used their victory as a stepping stone to take off their careers. Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson all got their start on American Idol, and have 11 Grammys between the three of them.

Though it may not be the same as it used to be, American Idol will go down in history as one of the most influential TV programs of all time.

So do yourself a favor and catch the season finale of American Idol which premiered on Jan. 7 and will conclude this March.

AMERICAN IDOL'S SEASON FINALE VIEWERSHIP OVER TIME

*

*= all time high: 38.06 million ** = all time low: 8.03 million

**

American Idol through the years 2007

2005

2002 American Idol made its debut on June 11, 2002. Its original title was American Idol: Search for a Superstar, and there were originally two hosts: Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman.

2015

Jordin Sparks won the sixth season of American Idol at only 17 years of age. She went on to release a platinum album, Jordin Sparks, as well as two hit singles, "No Air," featuring Chris Brown, and "Tattoo."

Carrie Underwood won season four of American Idol on May 25, 2005. She became one of the biggest stars that the show ever produced, going on to win seven Grammys and is nominated for one in 2016.

Season 14 saw Randy Jackson finally leave the show. This season drew the lowest finale viewers of any season, only 8.03 million watched Nick Fradriani win season 13.

2010

2007

Season nine was the first season without judge Paula Abdul. Season nine would also be Simon Cowell's last season.

This would lead to a series of changes in the judging panel that many feel can never truly replace the original three of Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.

Sanjaya was one of the most popular contestants in season six. Though judges were critical of his singing ability, he was constantly voted to the next round. His success is a testament to the power that fans had in the show.

Leave this in 2015!

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New Year, New Music

Three weeks of the new year have come and gone, it's time to put these to rest

"LAZARUS" BY DAVID BOWIE

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BILL COSBY The Cosby Show ran in the 80s and 90s, well before high schoolers were born. However, many grew up watching re-runs and thought of Bill Cosby as a wholesome, family man .

The numerous rape allegations have tarnished this image. It's definitely sad to see a man's legacy be ruined, especially in old age.

That doesn't mean that Cosby doesn't deserve it. If these allegations are true, (and with over 50 accusers, they're probably not false), then Cosby definitely deserves to have this image of a wholesome family man thrown out the window.

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USA TODAY SPORTS

THE WHIP There are already numerous dances that have become popular since the "whip" took over the summer. It's honestly hard to keep up at times.

There's no need for the whip when everyone's trying to learn how to Hit the Folks or Milly Rock on any block. Plus, these dances are actually better than the whip. The Milly Rock is closer to an actual dance, and Hitting the Folks just looks so much better than pretending to dance and drive.

DAVIDBOWIE.COM

Blackstar, David Bowie's final studio album, was released two days before his death, on Jan. 8, 2016. According to producer Tony Visconti, who worked on the album, Blackstar is a "parting gift" to fans, as Bowie was well aware that he was dying, and wanted to release a final album.

The single "Lazarus" acknowledges Bowie's soon death, and the title refers to the biblical figure of the same name who was raised from the dead

by Jesus.

Bowie starts off the song by singing, "Look up here, I'm in heaven," but the tone is anything but happy, as saxophones wail and Bowie continues to sing, "I've got scars that can't be seen." "Lazarus" is a portrait of a man struggling with, but at the same time looking forward to death, as Bowie compares himself to a bluebird and says he will be free.

"CUT IT" BY SHY GLIZZY

BILLCOSBY.COM

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These are both really good songs, and Fetty Wap is a great artist; his songs are catchy, entertaining and never fail to help make a party more festive or a car ride more enjoyable.

However, is there any reason for radio stations to still be playing these songs?

Radio stations overplaying "Trap Queen" and "679" leads to these songs being met with "Awww not again!" instead of "Turn that up some more!"

There are plenty of other Fetty Wap songs that are just as good, but simply aren't played as often. In 2016, let's increase the radio station Fetty Wap catalog to more than just two songs.

FETTYWAP.COM

"TRAP QUEEN" AND "679"

Washington D.C. rapper Shy Glizzy's remix of the O.T. Genasis song "Cut It" addresses the Memphis rappers that stole his signature "Glizzy Gang" chain. Shy Glizzy clarifies what happened, rapping "chain hit the floor and broke boys had a f***ing scrimmage," saying that the Memphis rappers didn't necessarily steal it from him, but rather found it after it had been lost.

The song is a triumphant declaration that he has his chain back, and he dares someone to try and take it again. Shy Glizzy has proven that even though his chain was lost for a while, he is still the "street's hottest youngin."

"UNTITLED 2 (BLUE FACES)" BY KENDRICK LAMAR After receiving a whopping total of 11 Grammy nominations for To Pimp A Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar has already solidified his spot as one of, if not the best, current rapper. He further proved his talents with a performance of an untitled song on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

"Untitled 2" demonstrates Lamar's genre fusion of jazz, funk and rap that contributed to TPAB's success. The song has a theatrical air to it, with dramatic breaks in the music and ever-changing dynamics and tempo.

The performance ends with a bang, as Lamar proclaims, "You ain't gotta tell me that I'm the one, yes I'm the one." Lamar further separates himself from the pack with this song, and shows why he can make that claim.

ENTERTAINMENT 19 Netflix Orginals worth watching

Jan. 21, 2016

Marvel's Daredevil

Orange is the New Black

BY AHMAD AYUB Entertainment Editor Turning into a superhero after becoming blind may be difficult for most people, but for Matthew Murdock (Charlie Cox), it's not too hard.

Using his interpretation of vision by focusing on his other four senses, he aims to save his city, Hell's Kitchen, New York, from the growing threats.

By day, he works as a defense attorney with his longtime friend Foggy Nelson (Eldon Henson) and new hire Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll). By night, however, he dons the mask of Daredevil.

In season one, Murdock focused on taking down Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio), or Kingpin, and his several accomplices as they tried to take over Hell's Kitchen. Murdock faces opposition such as the Russian Mafia, the Yazuka and Chinese drug distributors.

Daredevil is soon to return for its second season with Murdock taking on a new threat, Punisher (Jon Bernthal), and encountering a mysterious new player in the vigilante game, Elektra (Elodie Young). Daredevil is famous among the young crowd, like sophomore Charles Ansah.

"I like Daredevil because it's suspenseful and the action is really good," Ansah said.

Peaky Blinders

House of Cards

Being able to tap into the skills and knowledge of seven other random people in the world can either be incredibly useful or incredibly wasteful. For this group of misfortunate strangers, it is more likely the former, with the added benefit of constant danger.

Sense8 revolves around eight people from different parts of the globe that are linked by one thing - their minds. These "sensates" are able to practically switch minds with each other and control each other's actions (for beneficial motives).

The sensates that the show follows consists of people from Iceland, the U.S., Korea, India, Germany, Mexico and Kenya. After they each have a violent vision of a woman dying, they find out that they are mentally and emotionally linked with each other.

The show was partly created by the Wachowskis, Andy and Lana, who are known for writing and directing the three Matrix films. The show has been renewed for a second season.

Junior Saud Shah is one of the many fans of the series.

"I like Sense8 because it's a really good thriller and has a lot of action," Shah said.

BY KIRK LINDBERG Staff Writer

The Netflix series Peaky Blinders is a fictional crime drama based in the 1900's in Birmingham, London.

The plot follows the boss of the ruthless Peaky Blinders gang, Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy), who will do anything possible to keep his family business and gang afloat.

His "family business" is known to be a gambling ring for the people of Birmingham to illegally bet on horse races. There are currently two seasons of Peaky Blinders, each season consisting of six one hour-long episodes.

Season three is expected to be released in late 2016 (no specific release date). Whether the Peaky Blinders are fixing horse races or fighting rival gypsy gangs, there is always a problem they have to deal with. Junior Brandon Ho responded with great enthusiasm when the new season was announced.

"I think it is a great show because it isn't like other crime dramas. As a viewer, you get to learn about 20th century London and the gang problem during that time. The creators do a great job of getting the viewer attached and interested to the Shelby family and the Peaky Blinders Gang," Ho said.

"It's interesting to take sides with the criminals instead of the law. Overall, I think it is a fantastic show and I can't wait for season three."

www.netflix.com

One of Netflix's most popular series, House of Cards, is a political drama based in today's modern political setting. House of Cards follows a political genius, Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey), who uses ruthless tactics to climb his way up to top powerful government positions.

The series starts with congressman "Frank" Underwood and his wife, Claire Underwood (Robin Wright), cutting all ties with the newly elected president, President Garrett Walker (Michel Gill), who backed out of his promise of electing Frank as Secretary of State.

What follows is a series of deceptive schemes by Frank and Claire to rise to the top of the political pyramid. House of Cards released its first season on Feb. 1, 2013, which consisted of 13 episodes. Since then there have been two other seasons, each also consisting of 13 episodes.

Season Four of House of Cards is scheduled to be released on Mar. 4, 2016.

The show has already received 33 Emmy nominations and six wins. AHS senior Johnny Fuentes is a loyal viewer of the show and had many things to say about it.

"I love Kevin Spacey's icy demeanor and the dramatic plot that follows his character. Frank Underwood's brutal tactics and Claire Underwood's cunning mind blends perfectly together into the ultimate political couple," Fuentes said.

Entertainment Editor

Master of None www.independent.co.uk

Staff Writer

www.thefiscaltimes.com

BY KIRK LINDBERG

BY AHMAD AYUB

www.indiewire.com

The widely popular Netflix series, Orange is the New Black, is soon to come back for a fourth season. The show's main cast consists of numerous up-and-coming actresses such as Taylor Schilling (Piper Chapman), Uzo Aduba (Suzanne "Crazy Eyes" Warren) and Samira Wiley (Poussey Washington).

The show is about Piper Chapman, an engaged 33 year old woman living in New York City with her fiancee Larry, whose past comes back to haunt her. Shortly after her engagement, she receives a letter from the Litchfield Department of Corrections saying she has been accused of transporting drug money to her drug-dealing girlfriend at the time, a crime she committed almost 10 years prior.

Her blissful life, now suddenly halted by her past, turns into hell as she self-surrenders soon after and is sentenced to 15 months in a minimum-security federal prison known as Litchfield Penitentiary. Her adjustment to prison life is reluctant, until she reunites with her drug-dealing ex-girlfriend, Alex, who happens to be the reason she's in there.

AHS senior Sheba Berhane is an avid watcher of the show and has kept up with all three seasons.

"It's funny. It makes me think prison is sweet. I like the flashbacks so we know what brought the girls to prison, it's a good build up," Berhane said.

www.superherohype.com

Staff Writer

www.dailysurge.com

BY ALMAZ ABEDJE

Sense8

BY AHMAD AYUB Entertainment Editor

Comedian Aziz Ansari plays up-andcoming actor Dev Shah in his new show Master of None.

The show follows Shah as he tries to climb his way up to becoming a big actor as his most recent work to date had been a Go-Gurt commercial.

He is accompanied on his journey with his friends Arnold (Eric Wareheim), Denise (Lena Waithe) and Brian (Kelvin Yu).

Shah is seen in the show auditioning for several different possible opportunities, and meeting a great girl, Rachel (Zoe Wells), on the pathway to his success. Shah's parents are also in the show, both of whom are played by Ansari's actual parents.

Being a minority was obviously a big influence on Ansari in the show, as there are several times in the show where his ethnicity affects him. Junior Saad Farooq is able to relate to the show.

"I liked it cause it was cool to see a foreign guy on TV, someone who grew up with similar conditions to what I'm growing up with now," Farooq said.

G.O.O.D. Fridays return Deadpool has arrived The "merc with a mouth" finally gets a film adaptation that pleases fans

www.soundcloud.com

Kanye West to release music every Friday leading up to SWISH

BY AHMAD AYUB AND HUSSEIN SALEM

BY BAILEY OLIVER

Entertainment Editor and Ad Manager

Head Videographer

After two years of fans patiently waiting, Kanye West is finally back to his old ways. On Jan. 8, West's wife, Kim Kardashian, tweeted out to the world that G.O.O.D. Fridays are making a comeback.

The intention of G.O.O.D. Fridays is to release free music every Friday, typically before releasing a large project. Senior Kerim Idris is one of many who are excited for the return.

"I feel 'G.O.O.D.' that Kanye is releasing music," Idris said. "It blesses my ears."

G.O.O.D. Fridays first made their debut back in 2010, before West's fifth studio album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. West dropped a new song every Friday, from August to December of that year.

The tracks featured some of the biggest names in hiphop including Jay-Z, Mos Def, Kid Cudi and the current president of the G.O.O.D. Music record label, Pusha T. To start off G.O.O.D. Fridays and the new year, West released "Facts," produced by Metro Boomin. The track was a celebration of the Adidas Yeezy Boost line, and West's hatred towards his previous endorser, Nike.

The next week, West released a track called "Real Friends / No More Parties in LA (Snippet)" on his official Soundcloud page. "Real Friends" is a Kanye Westproduced song and received tremendous feedback from listeners.

"I really like the track," Idris said. "It reminded me of the old Kanye."

"No More Parties in LA," featuring Kendrick Lamar, was previewed at the end of "Real Friends," which will have his followers provoked for more. The track was deleted off his Soundcloud page three times due to West not being satisfied with the sound quality.

That's not all that West released Friday. The MC also announced via Twitter that his long-awaited seventh studio album, SWISH, will be released on Feb. 11, 2016. It has

"This is a superhero movie, but that guy in the suit just turned that other guy into a kebab. Surprise! This is a different kind of superhero story," says a man in a tight red suit toting weapons all over his body.

The man in the suit is Marvel antihero Deadpool, coming to theaters Feb. 12. Known for his ridiculous banter and self aware, pop-culture filled humor, Deadpool is one of Marvel's lesser known characters, likely to be only recognizable to those who follow the comics books.

Deadpool is a loudmouth mercenary who has little regard for human life, and has a healing factor similar to Wolverine.

Starring Ryan Reynolds, the film will mark the second cinematic appearance of the antihero, previously seen in X-Men Origins: Wolverine and his first solo movie. While fans were almost universally disappointed by his portrayal in Origins, Deadpool appears to right the wrongs of the past and appease the fans.

It's fairly safe to say that the film has employed one of the most charming and entertaining marketing campaigns for a movie in a long time whether it be tongue-incheek Twitter posts, a plethora of well-done and comedic trailers or ridiculous uses of emojis on billboards to spell out his name.

Most recently, the marketing team has employed the strategy of making posters depicting the film as a romantic comedy, everything building up to this film has been a blast to follow.

Unlike most current-day superhero films which typically pursue a PG-13 rating, Deadpool sells itself as a raunchy and violent rated R film, true to the nature of the character.

Even the decision to pursue the rating was announced

X-Men: Apocalypse

March 25

www.comingsoon.net

Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice

been three years since he has last released an album and fans have been desperate for an update.

West hasn't said much about SWISH, which was previously named So Help Me God in 2015. There are a couple of tracks West released in 2015 that were rumored to be on it, including "Only One," "All Day" and "Wolves"," but the rest remains unknown.

West has also been getting a lot of support from his family and friends. Khloe Kardashian has stated that she's listened to the entire record. She has also said that there are so many songs that he can't figure out which songs to put on the album, which may be the reason for the return of G.O.O.D. Fridays.

"They're all genuinely terrific songs," Kardashian said.

However, some fans of West's previous works, known to many rap fans as "Old Kanye" (referring to his music before his album 808s & Heartbreak), aren't excited for the new album.

"I'm a fan of his older stuff," freshman Cameron Foti said. Regarding SWISH, he said he wasn't sure if he is going to listen to it.

West has been criticized for the new direction that his music has gone in during the past few years, especially with the album Yeezus. However, the "Real Friends" is giving hope to fans of his older music. marvelcinematicuniverse.

Upcoming 2016 superhero movies

The artwork released with "Real Friends."

in a creative way, with a fake press release of a reported claiming the film to tone down its content, only to be stopped by Deadpool himself.

Each trailer has released in censored green and uncensored red band versions, the later being full of heavy profanity, crass humor and gory violence. Safe to say, the film is not quite targeting a younger audience.

What has fans most excited about Deadpool however might just be the approach of the film. Unlike many superhero films which tend to change many iconic aspects of the characters, Deadpool appears to be sticking to its roots.

Deadpool's costume looks faithful to his comic book equivalent and Reynolds' performance based on the trailers retains the snarky and foul-mouthed madness of the character. Others characters like Colossus, (played by Stefan Kapicic) who have been used as a generic, love interest in the X-Men films, returns to form as a quiet Russian brute.

This is refreshing in an era where many other superhero films ditch the iconic looks that made them so beloved in the first place. Deadpool will stick to what made him so great.

The trailers have done an excellent job at showcasing what audiences can expect from the film while making sure little is known about the actual film itself and how it will all play out.

Whether or not you have heard of the merc with a mouth before, or are a fan of the comics, Deadpool is a film too look out for when it releases next month.

Doctor Strange Nov. 4

May 27 May 6

Suicide Squad

www.comicbookmovie.com

www.screenrant.com

www.agentsofgeek.com

Captain America: Civil War

Aug. 5

20 WEEKEND Quiz: What should you do this weekend?

Jan. 21, 2016

7. Your spirit animal is a...

15. Your favorite iPhone function would be...

A. Cheetah B. Sloth C. Party animal

A. Health app B. Do Not Disturb C. Group messaging

8. During a school sports game we would find you...

16. On a snow day we would find you...

A. Outside sledding B. In bed under your blankets C. Having a movie marathon with your friends

A. Out on the court/field B. At home watching Netflix C. In the crowd cheering

Choose one response for each:

17. What's your dream vacation?

9. When you're going to your next class you...

A. Rock climbing in Yosemite B. Laying out on a beach in the Bahamas C. A cruise through the Caribbean

A. Take the stairs B. Ride the elevator C. Stand in the halls and talk to your friends until the warning bell rings

1. On a typical Saturday would you rather...

A. Get outside and enjoy nature B. Sleep and stay in bed C. Go out to lunch with friends

18. For an afternoon snack, you would have...

10. Something you are most likely to spend money on is...

2. What's more important to you?

A. A fruit salad B. Microwave popcorn C. Tropical Smoothie

A. A new pair of Nike sneakers B. A snuggie C. A season pass to Kings Dominion

A. Getting in your daily workout B. Relaxing in your free time C. Meeting new people

19. Your favorite part of the school year so far has been...

11. What's your ideal date?

3. What clothing do you feel most comfortable in?

A. Ice-skating B. Netflix and chill C. A double date

A. Athletic clothing B. My pajamas C. A stylish outfit

A. School sports B. The weekends C. Pep rallies

12. What would you teach your kids?

20. What kind of pet would you want?

A. How to play sports B. How to play video games C. How to make friends

4. On a school night you usually find yourself...

A. Walking your dog B. Taking a nap C. Going to wing night

A. Dog B. Fish C. A talking parrot

13. What's your dream job?

21. Where do you get your clothes?

A. Athletic trainer B. Stay at home spouse C. Talk show host

5. If you are outside you are most likely...

A. Dick's Sporting Goods B. Online shopping C. Your friends' closets

14. If we were to look at your camera roll we would mostly find...

A. Running on a trail B. Dreaming C. At Great Falls with your friends

22. What's your favorite time of day?

A. Morning B. Afternoon C. Night

A. Outdoor scenery B. Twitter screenshots C. Posed pictures of you and your friends

6. Which song best describes you?

A. "Remember the Name" by Fort Minor B. "Lonely" by Akon C. "Young, Wild and Free" by Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa ft.

Bruno Mars

Tally up your points to see how you should spend your weekend...

If you picked mostly A's:

If you picked mostly B's:

If you picked mostly C's:

You're in for an ACTIVE day!

Try out a new workout class at your local rec center or go hiking at Great Falls! You have the energy for a day full of activities so don't let your day go to waste.

You're ready to stay home and RELAX! Your idea of a perfect weekend is enjoying your time off from the stress of school by just hanging out at home. Watch a new show on Netflix or try an easy new recipe!

You're excited to have more time to HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS this weekend! Go to Dave and Buster's to compete against your friends in the many games they have, or go see a movie at Springfield Town Center!

Staff Writer Last weekend my mom and I went on an adventure to Reston Town Center. On a chilly Sunday afternoon, we decided to stop by to walk around and enjoy the lights.

Although it was really windy, we were able to enjoy our walk.

During our walk we gossiped about our family members and conversed about our lives.

We suddenly felt our stomachs rumble so we decided to eat at Potbelly. When we got our sandwiches, we sat down and enjoyed the warmth of the restaurant.

As we were eating we saw a horse and carriage go by. I have never seen a horse so miserable. I wanted to run out and set it free. It also made me appreciate the interesting activities Reston Town Center has to offer.

When we finished eating, we continued our walk. We went inside a couple of stores to see if we could

Senior Aaron Boyd swims fly against his opponents.

find any good deals. We left empty handed.

As we continued on our walk, the wind started getting more aggressive. I was really surprised because the weather went from being 60 degrees earlier that day to 30 degrees in 2.5 seconds.

I looked at my mom and noticed that she was critically shivering. I then realized that we should start heading home before my mom tears a muscle from the extreme trembling.

On our way home we stopped by Starbucks to get a quick drink. My mom got a warm macchiato while I got a cold caramel frappe.

As we stepped out of the store, I immediately regretted my decision. I instantly felt the cold take over my body. My thin sweater and my not-so-warm jacket didn't help me against the battle of me vs the weather. My mom just looked at me and kept walking.

Trees lit with strings of lights create a nice environment in the town center.

I struggled to walk faster and hold my cold drink at the same time, I felt the wind speed increase and my asthma start sneaking up. Luckily, I made it into the car before I died in the parking lot.

I had a great weekend filled with laughter and family bonding. I got to spend time with my mom who

is always so busy. We were able to catch up and take time from our busy schedules. I also got to munch on a delicious sandwich while enjoying the nice view that Reston Town Center has to offer. The lights, winter cold and scenery made my night even more memorable.

Valencia enjoys the lights used to decorate Reston Town Center for the winter months.

Class of 2016 Bulletin To-do list: January Edition Fill out your FAFSA application to help pay for college Attend the swim meet this Fri. at Audrey Moore Rec Center @8:30 Check for Feb. deadlines if you want to apply to any other colleges!

151 days until graduation

MELANIE VALENCIA

MELANIE VALENCIA

MELANIE VALENCIA

LAST WEEKEND I : Student visits Reston Town Center