Issue 5

A

ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

the VOLUME #59 ISSUE 5

Hottest Headlines

4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003 470

Informiing the Atoms siince 1954 4

TUESDAY, DEC. 17, 2013

(703) 642-4229

Who are we helping?

Leadership donated over 33 shoeboxes to Operation Christmas Child

NEWS emphasizes the dangers involved with texting and driving See page 4

DECA is hosting a toy drive for Dreams For Kids’ Holiday of Hope event

PEOPLE aims to find your perfect personality counterpart See page 6.

AHS Gives Back

ART

profiles a senior who has taken six different art classes .

See page 8.

AHS Clubs lend a helping hand during the holiday season

BY DESTINY GAMMON Co- Editor in Chief Charity may begin at home, but various clubs are bringing this simple saying into the crowded halls of AHS. With the “Season of Giving” in full swing, the Just World Interact Club has increased their efforts to raise money for those affected by the typhoon disaster in the Philippines.

Following the trend of helping others, Just World is just one of the various student-led clubs at AHS who have collected, and continue to collect toys

INTERNATIONAL reveals student reactions to Nelson Mandela’s death.

See page 12.

PHOTO features old pictures of students teachers with Santa.

See page 13.

and canned food for those in need this holiday season.

ShelterBox Fundraiser On Dec. 3, the Just World Interact Club collected $354 towards their ShelterBox donation fund.

Just World partnered up with the Annandale and Springfield Rotary to raise money to provide shelterboxes to victims of the typhoon in the Philippines.

“We decided to do this fundraiser because the whole purpose of the Just World Interact Club is to raise

awareness for social clauses and create an atmosphere of global awareness within the student body,” Just World Interact Club junior president Soriya DeLopez said.

ShelterBox is an international aid organization stationed in the U.S. that provides emergency shelter and life-saving equipment following disasters.

The shelterboxes provide a tent and basic everyday needs including thermal blankets, insulated ground sheets, mosquito nets and a water purification system. Other items within the trunk include a basic tool

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DESTINY GAMMON

Just World raised money for ShelterBox, an international aid organization

Key Club made sandwhiches for a local homeless shelter Young Republicans is holding a stocking drive for local homeless shelters Just World plans on having a canned food drive in late Dec. for a local shelter kits, coloring books, a multi-fuel stove and some medical supplies.

According to DeLopez, the supplies are beneficial because they go “to those who have lost everything in natural disasters or who have been driven out of their homes and escaped as refugees to other countries.”

The ShelterBox initiative will be continued throughout the school year, as the Annandale and Springfield Rotary continuously hopes to provide shelters for those all over the world.

“Natural disasters can strike at “Charity” continues on page 5

Art teachers featured in exhibit Meredith Stevens and Suellen Merlo picked to present works

BY JAROD GOLUB News Editor This year, two AHS Art teachers, Meredith Stevens and Suellen Merlo each have two pieces of artwork being featured in an FCPS Art teachers showcase this year.

From Dec. 4 to Jan. 12 upwards of 50 pieces of artwork from 41 teachers across the Annandale area will be displayed at the annual Artist Teacher Exhibition.

“I’m always excited about the exhibition, this is actually my second year being accepted into it, and

ENTERTAINMENT asks students if they remember The Rockettes.

See page 18.

it means a lot,” Stevens said. “I’m being featured with other artists in the county who are able to work constantly and, in my eyes, have better work.”

This year the reception for the teachers will be held on Dec. 14 at the Workhouse Arts Center Vulcan Gallery.

“It is really cool, because we used to be at Northern Virginia Community College, and now it is at the Lorton Arts Workhouse, which is kind of a more reputable place,” Merlo said.

The process by which the teachers get selected for the showcase is a long, secretive one, with nobody knowing the results until about a month or so before the exhibition is set to release.

“You can submit up to three pieces of artwork, and a local artist is usually the judge. The works are judged anonymously, so it is all based on the artwork, and not on the person who made it,”

Stevens said.

This year, the judge for the artwork is Sarah Eckhardt, the Assistant Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Art. “It is nice to have someone so acclaimed judging our work,” Merlo said.

The artwork submitted by Stevens were two photographs.

“One was a digital photograph of windows in spain and the other was a pinhole photograph of a birdhouse, it was 35 millimeter film,” Stevens said.

A pinhole photograph is a photo taken with a tin can. The can has a hole punched in it with black masking tape on top to open and to allow “Art” continues on page 5

Tuesday, Dec. 17 – Basketball vs. Centreville (4/5:45/7:30 p.m.) (Boys Away, Girls Home) – Federal Survey Breakfast (W4/ Atom Time) (Cafeteria) – Fellowship of Christian Athletes (Atom Time) (Clausen Hall) – Gymnastics Pictures @ LBSS (see Coach Hagan for time)

One of Merlo’s pieces being displayed in the art show is called “Sulfur” and consists of photographs mounted on wooden blocks from Yosemite National Park and is 60 by 20 inches.

– 2:15 p.m. - SpEd Department Meeting (Clausen Hall)

Theater without Borders presents The Tempest

– 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - Tradiciones Bolivianas Dance Practice (Clausen Hall) – 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. - PTSA Meeting CANCELLED

BY DANIEL YENETEGA Staff Writer On Friday, Dec. 6, Theatre Without Borders will have their ESOL play.

This is the first of two plays Theatre Without Borders will have this year.

They will be performing William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The play is an opportunity for students who speak English as a second or even third language to improve

their English and acting skills. The co-sponsors, ESOL teachers Nick Liacopoulous and Leslie Checkin, have worked with the director Wilsòne Tosta, Theatre Arts teacher Noelle Viñas and the rest of the actors to put the play together.

“The play is about a magical island, a magician, a monster and a shipwreck. It’s a tale of love and revenge,” Checkin said.

The actors have diverse

backgrounds and speak many languages from around the globe including Spanish, Krio and Vietnamese. The play has given them a chance to improve their English skills and have fun.

“It was a joy to see that happening.

That’s one of the goals of this program, to provide them a safe venue to practice and improve their English,” Liacopoulous said.

The actors, directors and co-

“The Tempest” continues on page 5

Top stories On your smartphone, scan this code using the application “QR Code” to view the uploaded online content for the fifth issue of The A-Blast .

POLL On your smartphone, scan this code using the application “QR Code” to vote on the most recent poll.

sponsors have worked tirelessly to perfect the play, even though there have been some obstacles in the way.

“The rehearsal process is always interesting, but often challenging.

Our actors have work, family, and other commitments,” Checkin said.

“They have a lot to juggle. We don’t have the luxury of rehearsing every day. Only once a week and during Theatre Without Borders class.”

SPIRIT WEEK On your smartphone, scan this code using the application “ QR Code” to view the photos from Spirit Week and the Winter Pep Rally.

SCORE UPDATES On your smartphone, scan this code using the application “ QR Code” to follow The A-Blast to get the latest updates on AHS athletics.

Do you think racism is completely gone?

“No, I don’t think racism will ever be gone until we are all one race.”

— Elise Kim sophomore

“Of course racism still exists.

Everybody is racist, because everyone is always going to be opinionated.”

— Jasmine Gomez senior “No, because even though we are moving towards equality there are still places where it still exists.”

— Stephen Read senior

CORRECTIONS: — On page 5, Alana Reyes is actually Ilana Reyes.

— On page 5, Hassan Mims is titled as Research teacher, but he is actually a Resource teacher.

QUOTE COLLECTION The A-Blast wants to hear your opinion. Your response to the following question might be features in our quote collection:

What is your opinion of the banning of the Christmas presents?

E-mail your responses to ablast.editorials@gmail.com

On your smartphone, scan the above code using the application “QR Code” to read the full story, “Why is Christmas an offense? ”

Dec. 17, 2013

Islamaphobia: the new thing?

Has racism been completely banned, or are we just blinded from the reality of the truth?

BY SHAMAIM SYED Editorials Editor As I walk through the halls of AHS with a hijab, a headscarf, nobody seems to treat me differently. There is no doubt that something like this would be expected and that is one of the many reasons why AHS is a culturally open and an amazing school. But when I walk on the streets I always get looks of discomfort and uneasiness.

For years we have completely moved our focus on having people show openness when it comes to race. We have now moved into an era where color is not the only big problem. We are at a point in time in which wearing a hijab or a burqa is a symbol of a Muslim extremist or even a terrorist.

I can personally say this from experience. I was walking around Tyson’s Corner with a friend whom was wearing a long black veil: a burqa.

We were having a great time waiting in line for our order; that is until the unexpected happened.

Specifically, a Caucasian women looked at my friend and in a loud dramatic way said “uggh” and then kept walking. At first it was in total surprise and we overlooked it. I didn’t realize the impact, but now once I really think about it. Have we as Americans not changed at all, have we actually learned anything from our past history?

The truth is that this all makes a big difference and in all honesty we haven’t changed. At that moment when you see the women wearing the full black veil, you are probably thinking of a funny racist comment. I am not saying everyone at AHS is like this, but reality is that there is a whole world out there after high school and the majority of them will be racist. Because AHS is such a diverse school, everybody knows the ins and outs about most of the different cultures represented, but that’s not the case for the general public.

We might think we have removed all racist laws and thought that because there are laws banning anything against segregation our job is done. Laws shouldn’t have to be the only thing that changes people, we actually need to change and teach people.

We are blinded from other races and religions and have only been focusing mainly on African Americans. Not pointing fingers, but the laws

MELISSA STAMP

2

EDITORIALS

Many students, specifically girls wearing hijabis have been discriminated due to the fact that they wear a headscarf.

in effect have done nothing to really change the people, we need to dig deep into the minds of the people change their thought process. We may have laws defending African Americans going through the bad effects of racism and slavery, but we have now moved on to another group of people and we need to change our mind and adjust to those certain groups.

I am not at all going against African Americans or their rights. I’m solely saying we need to broaden our mind and take into consideration that there are other people going through not physical, but mental racist pains still in the 21st century.

A white friend of mine was stopped and checked at the Metro. They did a full backpack check and you’re probably wondering why was he, out of all the people picked? He had a full grown beard. He obviously looked like a Muslimnot a terrorist, but only because the police officers inferred he was a Muslim, even though he wasn’t. It has come to the time in which people are not discriminated for being Muslim, but also for looking like Muslims. What were the police officers looking for exactly, a bomb or a book?

With all the recent stream of news, I can see how Muslims are targeted, but can’t a Caucasian or an African American also be carrying a gun? Why has America: the land of the free, singled out Muslims to be the ones that have been associated with guns, bombs and hatred?

If we weren’t judging people then how come every time a Muslim person does something bad or inhumane, we categorize them as a terrorist

Why is Christmas an offense?

The school is being decked out in holiday spirit, but many don’t take this as a jolly time

BY SHAMAIM SYED Editorials Editor With the holiday season starting to bloom up again, lights, Christmas trees and inflatable snowman have also appeared. From the houses to the streets, the Christmas spirit is surely visible.

One of those decorated places, includes our very own main office in the main lobby.

Traditionally public schools have been dominated by the Christian religion, so the Christmas holiday season and other events have gone unnoticed. Recently many people put the point forward that since times are changing, schools and our laws should also be adapting along with them. Many people have asked if Christmas is a public offense and it’s been brought up in numerous occasions.

Each and everyday our school becomes more and more diverse with the different cultures and religions all coming together, many argue that we also need to depict the many religions and holidays through out the school. But unlike some schools,

AHS has a great deal of love and acceptance towards the Christmas decorations.

“I love Christmas decorations and I personally don’t think they offend anybody because Christmas has become very secularized and when people celebrate it today most of them don’t do it for the religious meaning behind the holiday,” senior Jasmine Pringle said.

Just like most of the AHS student body, I don’t think putting a Christmas tree and other holiday decorations in the main office should be offensive to any person or any religion. First off, the Christmas tree has nothing to do with the Christian religion.

Over the years, the tree has actually become a Western tradition. Specifically, the tree and it’s lights are traditions that symbolize the winter festival and the warmth of the cold season. By mistaking the tree and all the other decorations as offensive to the other religions, we are making a foolish mistake. Another thing to take note of is that setting up Christmas decorations just brings up a happy and fun feeling.

When you listen to catchy Christmas songs, I am not thinking the song is offensive and is going against my religion.

Also if you think about it, Muslims get the Eid holiday marked off as a an excused absence.

It may not be a national holiday, but neither is Hanukkah a national holiday or Holi: an Indian holiday. Christmas is the only one that seems to

Staff Editors in Chief: Omnia Saed Destiny Gammon Managing Editor: Joe Sehrer Editorials Editors: Shamaim Syed Christine Tamir News Editors: Bayley Brill Jarod Golub In-Depth Editors: Andrew Peters Omnia Saed Sports Editors: Melanie Bennet Conrad Shartel Sports Xtra Editors: Erin Johnson People Editors: Chloe Loving Kiara Patino Weekend Editors: Gaby Camili Priya Adhikary International Editors: Nuhami Mandefro

and make sure everyone knows the person is a Muslim. We make it such a big deal that a person is a Muslim and have to inform the world the person’s ethnicity and religion. But when a Caucasian person has done a horrible thing, likewise the recent LAX shooting, race nor religion played a part? Fox, NBC nor CNN even mentioned the fact that the person who went on that horrible and unnecessary shooting was a Caucasian male?

Looking at statistics, according to the FBI’s new national hate crime statistics; hate crimes against perceived Muslims jumped to 50% in 2010, remaining a relatively high for the second year in 2011. The bureau also reported that there were nearly 157 anti-Muslim hate crimes in 2011, just three down from the recorded date in 2010. This may seem small, but this number only takes into account the hate crimes that have been reported to the police. The Department of Justice conducted two major studies reporting the level of hate crimes in America is actually 20 to 30 times higher than the recorded data by the FBI. I’m not saying everyone is bad or hates Muslims, but outside of our AHS boundaries we are living in a world where racism evidently exists and has become something we are slowly overlooking. Luckily AHS isn’t part of the statistics, but just because we aren’t living it, we will be coming face to face with it sooner or later and we need to change.

Entertainment Editors: Ayah Oweis Megan Ryan Lifestyles Editors: Diana Quezada Phuong Nguyen Health Editors: Berta Tarqui Photography Editors: Alex Zernik Cayley Byrne Ad Manager: Chelsea Alfonso Circulation Manager: Biruk Negash Art Editors: Melissa Stamp James Barker Academics Editors: Aniqa Rashid Linus Bumbaca Copy Editors: Mark Slough Bailey Oliver Web Editor/Master: Jared Lefbom Head Photographer: Olivia Lafferty Head Videographer: Nadia Elgendy

Staff Writers: Nancy Evora Andrew Nunez Benny Le Mery Bernene Luka Fernandez Sabrina Hawa Kailyn Garay Maria Baragano Marin Masson Noah Nelson Cynthia Weiner Sean To Hezekiel Yonas Daniel Yenegeta Tara Ashi Yesenia Blount Sacha Cameron Efstathia Carayiannis Hussein Salem Marilyn Rivas Soulisa Pathammavong Kayee Lynch Arzoo Marzi Ashna Viswanathan Photographers: Tiffany Huynh Videographers: Medhane Berihun Fahmi Mohammad Amir Mohammad Rahel Tecle Alejandra Iriarte

be a national holiday.

But unlike the views of the AHS students, many people outside of our circumstances view this topic very differently. In recent news, a Christmas toy drive was shut down at a school when an anti-religious group threatened to sue the school. Skyview Academy decided to participate in the toy drive; Operation Christmas Child. Due to a threat by AHA of a lawsuit, the school had to shut it down.“The gifts are actually an effort to proselytize poor children,” director of AHA Roy Speckhardt said. He argued on how public schools should not partner with any group that seeks to convert children to Christianity. “These gifts are gifts with strings attached,” Speckhardt said.

Things like this don’t make sense, because people mix Christmas and Christianity, even though that’s not the case.

As a Muslim girl, I actually love the feeling and spirit of Christmas. It makes the month of December so much more different and it just lightens up everything. The Christmas tree and the decorations in no way offends a persons religion, it’s just a way to celebrate the joyful spirit of the season.

Luckily we don’t have to worry about any revolts or hate against the Christmas decorations at AHS, but a lot of people don’t hold the same views as us.

Mohaned Zyoud Andrew Gonzalez Alex Lewis Ashley Britton Alexia Sung Summer Ayoub Adviser: Alan Weintraut

Annandale High School 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, Virginia 22003 email: theablast@gmail.com

Vol. 59 No.5 Dec. 17, 2013 fax: (703) 642-4299

The A-Blast is an award winning newspaper that strives to inform, educate and entertain the student body and community. Published every three weeks, The A-Blast will not print any material that is obscene or libelous; or that which substantially disrupts the school day, or invades an individual’s right to privacy. The A-Blast is an independent, open forum for discussion that is printed at the Springfield Plant of The Washington Post. Signed letters to the editor of 250 words or less may be submitted to room 262 or mailed to the school. The A-Blast reserves the right to refuse advertisements. All submissions become property of The A-Blast, Copyright, 2013.

EDITORIALS

Dec. 17, 2013

Does U.S education fall short?

Latest PISA displays fall in educational rankings for U.S. while Asian countries’ standings continue to rise

In comparison to the rest of the world, how good do you think the U.S.’ education system is?

BY CHRISTINE TAMIR Editorials Editor

“I think it’s pretty good.

The U.S. learning system understands how kids function. The rest of the world doesn’t have as good credit.”

How we learn at AHS At AHS, and by extension, FCPS; students learn straight from the curriculum. Whether they like it or not, teachers must teach according to a statedesignated curriculum that is designed to cover all material in the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) exams.

Almost all academic classes at AHS have an end-of-year assessment, whether it is the SOL or an IB/AP exam. In order to make sure their students are prepared for the test, teachers must teach according to the curriculum.

In the cases of IB classes like History of the Americas (HOA), the curriculum that follows the VA standards often trumps the IB curriculum, resulting in a lack of coverage of the higher-level material.

The thing is, we learn from a prescribed set of

PHOTO ILLUSTRATIOIN BY CHRISTINE TAMIR

Welcome to the 21st century U.S.A – where the reputations of teenagers on social media outlets outdo their reputations as students. Our Twitter follower counts are high, but our test scores are not.

Consequently, we’ve fallen behind other developed nations such as China and Finland.

Is it our fault that we’ve fallen so far behind?

On the surface, it seems to be our fault, the increasingly distracted teenagers, making it seem a problem of culture rather than educational structure.

But if we take a deeper look at the structure of our education system, then we see the actual systems in place is not conducive to the structure of the examination.

How PISA works The test results that have determined that the U.S. has fallen behind the curve come from a test called the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). This test is conducted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and is administered once every three years. The PISA is comprised of three sections - mathematics, science and reading.

The exam is taken by 15-year-old students at randomly selected schools in 65 different economies. It is two hours long and contains both multiple choice and open-ended questions.

Each administration of the PISA test focuses on one of the three subjects, and the most recent administration (which was in 2012) was primarily concerned with the mathematics section.

The PISA website describes how it “develops tests which are not directly linked to the school curriculum” and helps the organization figure out students’ readiness for the real world, rather than how well they’ve learned the curriculum.

3

— Leeana Nazafrin freshman “I would say the U.S education system is much better because it gives us more choices with electives.”

— Marvi Islam freshman

According to the 2012 PISA results, out of 36 countries surveyed, the U.S. came in last with mathematics literacy.

objectives that our state sets forth for its counties to follow. With that in mind, it’s inaccurate to think that U.S. students will perform as well as students from a different country who don’t necessarily learn from a state or government-prescribed set of topics to cover.

Besides, the PISA examination is designed to be given to 15-year-old students at the end of compulsory, or mandatory, education. Technically, students in the U.S. can drop out of school at the age of 16 years old, but that doesn’t mean they haved finished learning the curriculum.

Take the standard path of the Virginia math curriculum - if a student completes Algebra I in his or her freshman year of high school (at the age of 15) and takes Geometry during their sophomore year of high school (which is when they turn 16), they’re still unequipped with Algebra II skills, which are needed for the PISA exam’s math section.

Therefore, this test is not parallel to the structure of our education system.

How students in Shanghai learn Since Shanghai has achieved the highest scores across the board in the 2012 PISA examination, a closer look at their education system would help us understand why they scored high on the PISA test.

Shanghai is the largest city in China. With a population of over 15 million people, it seems as if the education system should be wide and stretched thin, leaving lots of room for students to fall through the cracks.

However, the city boasts an almost 100 percent enrollment in primary and secondary schools.

What’s more shocking is that any student who wishes to attend higher education after compulsory education are able to do so. Their education system has espoused almost universal education.

According to Heather Singmaster on Asiasociety. org, the reason Shanghai has done so well on the PISA examination is due to its educational reform.

Starting in 1985, the city of Shanghai has rid itself of its adherence to curricula that teach to a test.

Shanghai education legislators have wanted to stray from the memorization-based curriculum that only tests students’ ability to regurgitate facts upon command. Now the education system in Shanghai has modified the types of tests they take in response to those reforms, and have “created exams that test the application of real-life skills,” which is what the PISA website boasts about the format of its tests.

The bottom line U.S students are scoring far lower than students in countries such as Japan, certain parts of China and Finland. That may be completely true, but the PISA exam, that is used to determine the current rankings, is conducive to other education system structures, such as that in Shanghai, China, that don’t focus on standardized tests and curricula.

It may very well be that the U.S does occupy the bottom spots of the current rankings - but there must be a standardized test that isn’t conducive

“I think it’s definitely good, but there are certain flaws with students’ mentalities.”

— Alan Vargas junior

“I think the U.S. education system is bad compared to the rest of the world. There’s a higher focus on math and science in other countries that we don’t have here.”

— Senayit Wereta senior

“I think we’re average.

We could be doing better if we emphasized school more.”

FCPS reflects downward trend General SAT scores are well above national average, but minorities still post lowest scores The numbers are in and the scores are high - but not for everyone.

According to a Sept. 2013 press release from the FCPS system, all students in the county are earning scores above the national and College Board average.

Minority students in the county however and across the state and country it seems are posting scores that are around 200 points lower than their Caucasian and Asian counterparts.

The average SAT score for an Asian student in the FCPS system is a 1749, which is over 100 points than the average national score for Asian students (1617). Similar patterns are seen among the other ethnic groups – for example, the national SAT score for an African-American student a

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY CHRISTINE TAMIR

BY CHRISTINE TAMIR Editorials Editor

1263, but in FCPS its 1419.

The upwards trend that is seen in FCPS is strictly limited to improvement within demographic groups – however, county students still follow nationwide scoring patterns with minorities, on average, receiving far lower scores.

Of the four races, Asian students, on both geographic levels earned the highest scores while Black students earned the worst. The difference

between the two average scores on a national level is 354 points. On the county level, the difference between the two scores is a comparable value, at 300 points.

What does this mean for SAT research?

During the past two decades, research has shown that certain groups tend to obtain higher scores on the SAT. The highest-performing group was Caucasian males in a

higher income bracket. However, with the new results, those conclusions need to be re-evaluated.

It seems that a new different demographic group, Asians, regardless of their economic status, has the best performances on the SAT. A general trend that was previously observed said that students in higher income brackets tend to do better on the SAT. This is supported by the recently released matrices from FCPS, as the county is considered to be a wealthier area than the rest of the U.S. This is not to say that the improvement in scores isn’t a significant achievement for FCPS schools - for the past four years, the county has seen improvement in SAT scores among each of the demographic groups and the average scores of FCPS students in general.

It is also a success for FCPS groups in each of the demographic groups.

However, the differences in SAT scores display a disparity between ethnic groups that still remains widely unaddressed. It’s a problem that needs to be acknowledged and rectified.

— Enrique Aguilar senior

“It’s not subpar, but it’s definitely not at the top.”

— Rachel Lazar IB biology teacher

“The statistics indicate [that] at best, we are middling.”

— John Hawes IB TOK teacher

Rebuttal to “Synthetic Turf, Real Risks”

BY WALT A. SANDERS Special to The A-Blast I am writing in response to a recent article published by Christine Tamir entitled “Synthetic Turf: The Real Risks.” By way of background, I am the Washington, DC counsel for the Synthetic Turf Council, representing the many facets of the synthetic turf industry. I am aware that a number of local high schools, middle schools, elementary schools and parks have decided to replace their natural turf fields with synthetic turf because it more cost-effective and versatile. A number of recent articles and blog posts have asserted that synthetic turf presents a health threat to those who play on these fields.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Synthetic turf is recognized by school and parks officials, the NFL, World

Cup soccer and sports and recreation leagues around the world to provide a consistent and safe playing surface year-round, when high usage, climatic conditions and other factors make it impossible to maintain a lush, safe grass sports field. And, according to the Synthetic Turf Council, because it saves billions of gallons of water, eliminates the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and looks fabulous for many years; synthetic grass is in high demand for landscape and recreation use.

Numerous independent studies validate the human health and environmental safety of synthetic turf and crumb rubber infill, including the U.S. EPA, Consumer Product Safety Commission, and EHHI’s home state of Connecticut. The studies are posted in their entirety on the Synthetic Turf Council’s website, www.syntheticturfcouncil.org, under Resource Center/ Independent Research.

Rebuttal to “Synthetic Turf, Real Risks” On your smartphone, scan the above code using the application “QR Code” to watch a video about the AHS Turf Field Initiative.

NEWS

4

Dec. 17, 2013

Students endanger themselves

News Briefs Forensics Speech and Debate Apple Sale The Forensics Speech & Debate team will be holding an apple sale after school on Wed. Dec. 18 at 2 p.m.

Winter chorus concert

BAYLEY BRILL

There will be a winter chorus concert at 7 p.m. on Wed. Dec. 18 in the auditorium.

According to a poll at AHS 44% of students said they had been in a car where the driver used a cell phone that put themselves or others in danger, which is less than the national average.

National Honor National Honor Society will be holding their inductions after school at 2:15 p.m. on Thur., Dec. 19.

Studies show teenagers take texting and driving warning seriously, but risk lives with friends

BY BAYLEY BRILL AND JAROD GOLUB News Editors

Collaboration Collaboration will be on Thur. Dec. 19.

The schedule will be: W2/W8/W6/ Atom Time.

School gets out at 1:40 p.m.

My Friend’s Closet My Friend’s Closet will be open from 6-8 p.m. after school. My Friend’s Closet is a collection of donated clothes for the community.

It is located in the Neighborhood Center.

IB Dipolma Reception Ceromony On Wed. Jan 8, the IB Diploma Candidates from the class of 2013 will be coming to back to AHS to recieve their IB diplomas. The reception will take place from 10:30 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. All IB Diploma candidates are required to attend.

Social Studies Honor Society

The Social Studies Honor Society will meet after school at 2:15 p.m.

The meeting will take place in Clausen Hall.

Much like the “birds and the bees”, every teenager has heard the “no texting and driving” talk. But despite hearing the warnings of the consequences of texting and driving, many AHS students still admit to doing it.

“I’m doing it right now,” senior Faith Paletti said.

According to a survey conducted at AHS, 17% of students who drive admitted to texting and driving, and 20% of all students surveyed believe it is okay to text while driving.

The idea that a car gives you invincibility is a nationwide trend.

Teens everywhere think that they cannot be injured while behind the wheel of an automobile. Every day on the news there is another story of another teenager who was either killed or badly injured because they were texting and driving. AT&T has even started a national “It Can Wait” campaign to educate teenagers of the dangers of texting and driving.

About 1.4 million car crashes a year are caused by cell phone use, with an additional 200,000 caused by texting, according to the National Safety Council. This shows that many

On your smartphone, scan the above code using the application “QR Code” to sign AT&T’s It Can Wait pledge.

video about texting and driving. The license is then handed to the students’ parents as a symbol that the license is a privilege and that the parents can take it away.

While some students understand that driving is a privilege, some don’t and believe they can do whatever they want while behind the wheel.

“It’s all about attitudes. Some kids think they’ll be able to do it and get away with it,” Hughes said.

In a 2010 PEW Research study, about 33% of all teenagers with cell phones admitted to texting while driving. PEW, a Washington D.C. based think tank, provides credible research data. This is very different than AHS’, which has a percentage of only 17%. While about one-third of teenagers admit to texting while driving, about 49% of teens surveyed said that they had been in a car while the driver was texting, according to a 2010 PEW Research poll. At AHS, the average was much higher at 59% of all students who were surveyed.

This is dangerous not only because the driver is putting their self at risk, but also the passengers in their car.

At AHS, 44% of all students surveyed said they had been in a car where the driver used a cell phone in a way that put themselves or others in danger. This is slightly lower than the national average of 48%.

“If I’m in the car with someone else when they’re driving usually I’ll just text for them,” Paletti said.

This is why the State of Virginia has created laws that make it illegal for new drivers to have more than one non-family passenger in their car for the first year of having their license.

After the first year, the number of non-family passengers goes up to

three until the driver turns 18. The law was created in hopes of creating less distraction for new drivers and preventing crashes.

“I think the laws are really helpful when people actually follow them,” Paletti said.

Despite these laws, 71% of AHS teens that fall under the category for having their license less than a year have admitted to either been in a car with someone who has used their cell phone to put themselves or others in danger, or admitted to texting while driving.

“When they [text and drive, they] are basically saying they are willing to hurt someone. We try to drive home that point- what you do in that car can negatively affect someone else,” Hughes said.

In our technological age, there are now also apps such as DriveSafe.ly, Textecution and DriveScribe that can auto-respond to all texts you receive while driving. Textecution takes the app a step further and disables texting when you drive more than 10 mph, and the driver isn’t able to access their messages until they are going slower than 10 mph.

“Parents should take advantage of all [all the new technology]. Its hard to not pick up that thing with your generation,” Hughes said.

All of the apps mentioned are available on both the iTunes App Store and the Android Marketplace.

To find more information about texting and driving, and ways to prevent teenagers from texting and driving, visit http://www.distraction. gov or http://www.itcanwait.com.

Time to end texting and driving Cell phone companies join together to put a stop to distracted driving among adults and teenagers

BY BAYLEY BRILL News Editor Wireless company AT&T has launched a national “It Can Wait” campaign to raise awareness of the risks of texting while driving. Other major wireless carriers such as Verizon, T-mobile and Sprint have joined the campaign as well.

The idea of this campaign is to educate teenagers on the risks of texting while driving. The company has an entire website devoted to advocating safe driving, and gives facts about texting and driving and ways to prevent it. The website also has a texting and driving simulator that connects to your cell phone to make it realistic. The site even has a pledge that teenagers can sign to promise that

they won’t text and drive. Currently they have the end goal of one million people signing their pledge to not text and drive.

“I plan on making the pledge because you hear the commercials about young people passing away and it’s really sad,” sophomore Hime Kebede said.

AT&T did more than just create a website advocating safe driving as well. They have conducted multiple surveys, as well as created documentaries to give teenagers real life examples of what could happen if you text and drive.

In AT&T’s latest documentary, “From One Second to the Next”, follows three people who were affected by distracted drivers, or the causes of accidents caused by distracted driving. One of the men interviewed, Chandler Gerber, was texting when he crashed into an Amish buggy in front of him, killing three people.

‘Don’t ever do it, its life, you get one chance, and you gotta live with the choices you make,’ Gerber said.

In addition to the documentaries and surveys AT&T has created, they have also created an app to prevent teens from texting and driving. The app, AT&T DriveMode, allows users to send automatic replies from their phone, as well as silence their

phone so they aren’t distracted behind the wheel.

“The stories the ‘It Can Wait’ campaign tells are really eye-opening, like the kid who lost half of his diaphragm, and it makes you rethink texting and driving. You realize a text isn’t worth a life,” senior Theresa Nguyen said.

People are also encouraged to use their texting and driving simulator, which uses both your cell phone and your online computer. The game sends you texts and while you are reading and sending text messages you are forced to try and stay inside your lane and not crash- just like real life. The purpose of the game is to demonstrate to not just teenagers, but adults too, how it’s impossible to text and drive safely.

Celebrities are also joining the It Can Wait campaign. The celebrities include Demi Lovato, One Republic, the Carolina Panthers football team, and country music singer Tim McGraw. McGraw also wrote the song “Highway Don’t Care”, which debuted at number 13 on the Billboard Country chart. The song promotes safe driving and tells a father’s worry of his daughter texting while driving.

To sign the Million Person Pledge scan the QR code on the sidebar next to this story.

Should FCPS get Veterans Day off?

School board members propose changes to school calendar

It Can Wait campaign

drivers do not listen to warnings and still use electronics while operating a car. In turn, this leads to distracted driving, killing about 3,328 people annually, according to distraction.gov.

Distracted driving is not just texting and driving. Distracted driving also involves talking on a cell phone. In 2011, 28% of all car crashes involved drivers using cell phones at the time of the accident. At AHS, 31% of students surveyed had talked on a cell phone while driving.

“Distracted driving, especially texting and driving is really dangerous. Even though your eyes are off the road for a moment a lot can happen and you can put people in danger,” sophomore Janan Gokturk said.

To obtain a license in the state of Virginia, students must take both the Driver’s Education classroom part and attend Parent-Teen Night at school to be eligible to receive the green card required to take the Behind the Wheel class. During both of these sessions, the topic of texting and driving is mentioned multiple times. “ We h a v e a w h o l e u n i t o n distractions and texting and driving is obviously a big part of that. I also try to mention it at the beginning, middle and end of the quarter,” drivers education teacher Pat Hughes said.

There is also a requirement that the student-driver complete 45 hours of driving with a parent in the car, 15 of which must be at night.

After successfully completing Behind the Wheel and the required hours, students must attend the State of Virginia licensing ceremony where they are required to watch another

BY THIA CARAYIANNIS AND BAYLEY BRILL Staff Writer and News Editor Many students wish that they had the day off to participate in Veterans Day, but currently the FCPS calendar does not recognize Veterans Day. However, school board member Elizabeth Schultz from Springfield hoped to changed that last week during FCPS’ workshop to create next years school calendar. She was advocating for the calendar to be

changed, with her reasoning being that Veterans Day is the only federal holiday not recognized by FCPS. “If we have a holiday celebrating the ‘discovery’ of America by Christopher Columbus, we should have a holiday respecting the veterans who stood and still fight for America,” sophomore Annie Pham said.

Schultz and board member Megan McLaughlin from FCPS’ Braddock district also mentioned that Fairfax County has many children from military families attending schools in the county. If Veterans day was to be acknowledged as a holiday in the Fairfax public school system, many other changes would have to be made to the school calendar. To many, the added holiday seems unnecessary.

“I don’t think Veterans Day

shouldn’t be a school holiday because it doesn’t apply to every family,” junior Ricky Lam said.

The county only allows for 3 extra days for inclement weather out of the 180 required days of attendance.

These days are built into the school calendar and expected to be used based on inclimate weather. Many students are hoping that in exchange for a new school holiday they won’t have to give up an inclement weather day.

“I hope we get Veterans Day off because it gives us an extra day off of school,” sophomore Michael Ryan said.

The question of Veterans Day participation is also relevant. School board member Janie Strauss from Dranesville pointed out that keeping

students in school would give them an opportunity to learn about the history of Veterans Day. “If students were off they likely wouldn’t even participate in events to honor veterans,” Strauss said.

Schultz proposed two separate amendments to the 2014-2015 FCPS school calendar, both giving students off for Veterans Day. The FCPS board voted on the new calendar on Dec. 5, and both of the proposals failed with a 10-2 vote.

This does not mean that Veterans Day is out of the question for FCPS students. It is still possible to make it a FCPS holiday for future school years after 2015.

NEWS

Dec. 13, 2011

Charity benefits others any moment and we need to be ready to provide a helping hand,” De Lopez said.

Visit http://www.shelterboxusa. org/ for more information regarding the ShelterBox organization.

Operation Christmas Child For their winter service project, Leadership hosted their shoebox drive on Nov. 22 for an organization called Operation Christmas Child.

“Operation Christmas Child is a student-run organization,” Leadership teacher Carmen Bartley said. “I approved it and agreed to participate.

A Christmas-themed act of service through Samaritan’s Purse, the shoeboxes helped nine million children in 105 countries last year.

“I have been doing this since I was a child. It’s a great community service project for myself and my classmates,” senior Leadership member Melissa Pratt said.

The process of fillings the shoeboxes includes choosing whether the gift is for a male or female, than the giver must decide the age group the box is designated for: two through four, five through nine or 10 through 14. The shoeboxes are then filled with small toys and necessities, such as socks, pads of paper and pens or card games.

“I’m really happy we chose to do this service activity because it feels good knowing I made somebody’s holiday season a little happier,” senior Leadership member Roya Ansary said.

Through the efforts of every Leadership member, the group collected over 33 shoeboxes to be shipped to those less fortunate all around the world.

As well as the small items, letters were also added to the shoeboxes informing the children who sent them the boxes. According to Ansary, some students chose to add their names and addresses in hopes of receiving a response from the child who received the box.

“Charity is important during the holidays because those people who are less fortunate do not get to receive gifts like fortunate people do,” Pratt said. “We take things for granted so it is important to give to others.”

If anyone else is interested in donating to Operation Christmas

ESOL Students perform Shakespeare

Toy Drive Through Dec. 12, DECA is collecting toys for Holiday for Hope: an annual event organized by Dreams For Kids, a volunteer-based children’s charity that breaks down social barriers and end the isolation of atrisk youth.

“This annual holiday event provides hundreds of homeless and underprivileged youth to celebrate a complete holiday that they might not otherwise have,” DECA senior president Lewis Folli said.

All toy donations can be dropped off in students’ W4 classes in the designated boxes or in room 328 and the top five classes with the most toy donations will win doughnuts.

“I think charity is important around the holiday season especially in the D.C. area because for many of us, receiving gifts and presents around the holiday is normal,” Folli said. “ So, this event serves to bring this idea to these children in the D.C. area to show that they are not left out.”

Visit http://www.dreamsforkids. org/holiday-for-hope/ for more information about the Dreams For Kids’ initiative.

“The Tempest“ continued from page 1

DESTINY GAMMON

“Charity” from page 1

Child this holiday season, visit http:// www.samaritanspurse.org/what-wedo/operation-christmas-child/ for more information.

5

DECA students pose with their donations from last year’s charity drive. The club is continuing its tradition this year.

“I think the holidays renew the spirit of helping others and giving that should be present all year round.”

Gift card Fundraiser In order to help the AHS community during the holiday season, staff members are donating grocery gift cards to those in need.

“Our families often need support for their holiday meal,” Director of Student Services Jennifer CrumpStrawderman said. “However, our students will also be home for two full weeks without the opportunity for school breakfast and lunch.”

Crump-Strawderman believes that these gift cards will help ease the family stress over the holiday and will act as a productive way to help them for the holiday season and winter vacation.

If any teachers or staff are interested in volunteering to donate cards, bring them to CrumpStrawderman or Mahogany Hall.

PB&J Sandwich-making While Leadership donates to an organization, Key Club decided to take a different route this holiday season.

“We tried to integrate a service project into one of our meetings,” Key Club senior president Christine Tamir said. “The easiest thing I could think of that would still have a big impact was making sandwiches that we could give to a homeless shelter.”

With the conditions of Dec. through Feb. being the most dangerous in terms of hypothermia, homeless shelters often desire food donations during this time of year as their attendance increases.

Key Club made hundreds of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on Dec. 2 that they donated to Bailey’s Crossroads Community Shelter.

As well as their peanut butter and jelly sandwich drive, Key Club is also planning a canned food drive.

“Students can get involved and make a huge difference to those in need in the community,” Key Club junior member Soriya De Lopez said.

senior President Nadia Elgendy said.

According to Elgendy, with Fairfax County being considerably “wealthy,” its homeless population is often overlooked.

“Even though we are a political group we can still make efforts to better our community,” Elgendy said.

The stockings can be filled with small necessities such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, or clothing such as socks and undershirts. Donations boxes will be set up in T-9 and the publications lab.

Although charity during the holiday season is a commendable act, De Lopez believes that this act of kindness should occur year-round.

“It is extremely important for AHS students to think about others, especially during the holiday season,” De Lopez said. “The holiday spirit is all about being together and giving thanks for everything that we have.

We need to share this spirit with those who are less fortunate both domestically and globally.”

Stocking Drive Wi t h t h e e f f o r t s o f Yo u n g Republicans and the student body, a collection of stockings are being accepted until Dec 19 for local homeless shelters.

“We are taking a break from election work,” Young Republicans

“We’ve been rehearsing for a month. Rehearsing always takes time and at the beginning, sometimes people do not put effort into the play,” sophomore Ramatu Fofanah said.

“As time goes on we try to put more effort in getting things done.”

Some of the actors had trouble with English when they were first learning it. Now they are confident enough in their English and acting skills to participate in a school play.

“Learning English was very hard; it took me at least a couple of years to speak fluently like I do today. Improving my writing was the hardest part,” junior Hendell Concepcion De La Cruz said.

“The play is not too difficult for me because I am an experienced actor already,” senior Wilsòne Tosta said. “I’m part of Shakespeare Theater Company in Washington D.C. and even though they asked me not to participate in high school productions, I really wanted to be part of this play because it is my last high school production.”

The sponsors and actors have also gotten help from others who want to help the program.

“Our new theater arts teacher Ms. Viñas has been wonderfully supportive of our program. It’s great to have someone so visionary, talented and bilingual here at AHS,” Leslie Chekin said.

Co-sponsors Nick Liacopoulous and Leslie Chekin have been the co-sponsors for the Theatre Without Borders plays for over a decade. They always have the students in mind and love to see the students progress and improve.

“We have all levels of experience, including students brand-new to the country. We didn’t want them to miss out on a great high school experience,” Liacopoulous said. “ Theater defined my high school experience, I had all my friends there. It was why I came to school.”

Students also look up to the two teachers in the way that they create their art as well as the final products.

“They both have great art, it’s inspired so many students to work on their own art,” Chandler said.

Merlo and Stevens both enjoy teaching art as well as making it.

Students in the past have performed other Shakespeare plays such as Hamlet and King Lear for Theater Without Borders. A scene from a play in a previous year is pictured above.

A blown glass vase made by Merlo for the exhibit.

to show that we love art and that we do produce outside of here.”

AHS halls decorated for spirit Clubs participate in Deck the Halls competition for holidy spirit

DANIEL YENEGETA

One of the photos by Stevens submitted to the exhibit. It was taken through a pinhole with 35 mm film.

“The exhibition is great because we get to be viewed by so many people,” Merlo said.

“We’re being viewed not just as a teacher, but as a working artist and that’s the biggest thing, the fact that we actually do create,” Stevens said. “We’re not just teaching our students to teach them, we’re teaching them something that we love doing, something that we’re good at.”

Both Stevens and Merlo believe in teaching everything that they know about art to their students, and making their students better artists.

“They have really pushed me to get work done and get it done well.

They help me to leave my comfort zone and try new techniques, which in the end, help me produce great art,” Chandler said.

“That’s the whole purpose of this exhibit,” Stevens said. “It’s being able

COURTESY OF SUELLEN MERLO

light to expose the photo paper. To take the photo, the masking tape is quickly ripped off and then reapplied.

Merlo submitted one photograph and one handmade piece of art.

“One is a piece of glass art that I blew,” Merlo said. “The other one is photographs that I took in Yosemite National Park. It is composed of three prints that are on woodblocks, so it’s like 60 inches long by 20 inches high.

It’s like a huge panorama-type piece.”

Art students at AHS attest to the fact that Merlo and Stevens are inspiring teachers and role models that deserve to be featured in the exhibition.

“Mrs. Stevens and Mrs. Merlo are both great teachers,” senior Kelcie Chandler said. “They are both very helpful and push their students to produce their best work possible.”

COURTESY OF MEREDITH STEVENS

“Art “ Continued from page 1

COURTESY OF WWW.FCPS.EDU/ANNANDALEHS

FCPS art teachers showcased

This years performance was of SHakespeare’s The Tempest.

JAROD GOLUB

BY OMNIA SAED Co-Editor in Chief

The publications department decorated the English hallway for this years contest.

As a means to promote school spirit, the AHS Leadership class hosted “Deck the Halls,” a hallway decorating contest for the varying classes and clubs.

“This is a new idea that Mrs. Bartley came up with,” senior Leadership member Eric Mejean said.

The winners, which were chosen by principal Vincent Randazzo, received a $100 prize.

Highlights of the hallways consisted of the science hallway lined with candy canes done by the Atoms Writing Center, Christmas lights lining up the downstairs math hallway done by the Class of 2014, and the English hallways filled with hanging snowflakes cut from the school newspaper done by the school’s various publications.

“The event [was] open to all sports, clubs, and organizations at our school,” Mejean said.

The event became a bonding activity for many of the various groups.

“It was fun bonding time with the National Art Honor Society,” senior member Amelie Trieu said.

For others, the experience was somewhat stressful. “[At first] I thought it was really stressful and annoying,” senior managing editor of the Antenna Lailumah Faisal said. “I think in the end it paid off because it was still a lot of fun. The A-Blast and the Yearbook don’t really get along. This experience helped us bond more and overall it was a lot of fun.”

AHS Teacher Exhibit On your smartphone, scan the above code using the application “QR Code” to view the full list of teachers in the showcase.

6

The significance of holiday icons

PEOPLE

Dec. 17, 2013

A combination of cultures

Junior Meg Hua shares her experiencing growing up in a religiously diverse home CHLOE LOVING People Editor

Before Christmas became a celebrated holiday, the evergreen trees were believed to ward off witches, sickness and evil spirits.

The tradition of decorating the tree was started by German Christians in the 16th century. During the winter equinox, the shortest day of the year and the longest night, Pagans would decorate their homes with cutting of evergreen shrubs and then burn the wood.

This is where the idea of lighting the trees originated.

Above is a Seder Plate is used by those in the Jewish faith during Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew. The holiday celebrates the freeing of the Jews in Ancient Egypt. The plate is divided and holds designated foods such as bitter herbs, eggs, lamb bone and other vegetables. Each component of the cuisine is symbolic for the struggles of the Jewish ancestors.

The Om is a Hindu sound and symbol which is recited often as a mantra. The Om or Aum represents earth, atmosphere and heaven. The dieties Brahma, Vishnu and Siva as well as the andcient scriptures Rg, Yajur and Sama are the other triads symbolized by this sacred sound. Om is believed to have healing properties as it is pure and resonating.

When neighbors walk by the Hua household on a winter night, they encounter an usual combination placed in the window; the soft light The Hua family poses at Megan’s younger brother, Matthew’s bar-mitzvah. “I have of a Christmas tree complements the gotten comfortable with and I enjoy Judaism, their beliefs and religion” Matthew said. glow of a menorah. principles. They had two weddings. trying to convert each other.”

The Christian and Jewish Her younger brother, Matthew A Chinese one and then an American symbols add their own festive flare one. At the American one they had Hua, shares her faith and recently with the Chinese lanterns that hang both a rabbi and a priest conducting celebrated his bar-mitzvah for his from the ceiling. Latkes and matzo thirteenth birthday. The religious it,” Megan said. ball soup cook on the stove while Megan identifies herself as Jewish gathering marks the coming of age ginger bread cookies melt in the even though her older brother and for the individual and is for family oven. A plethora of holiday traditions and friends. father are Christian. can be found all under one roof in “I really wanted to have a party.

“I like the community base of the household of junior Megan Hua. Judaism. It appealed to me more My mother also told me to do all of Megan comes from two parents and I like the religious values” Hua the preparation so as I did all of it of very diverse backgrounds. Her said. “I go to synagogue with my I have gotten comfortable with and mother is of Hungarian, Russian younger brother and my mother. My enjoy Judaism, their beliefs and and Polish descent and practices grandma makes me go to Chinese religion” Matthew said.

Judaism. Her father is Chinese and Megan, Matthew and their temple sometimes but I don’t go to is Christian.

[Christian] church. We’ve never had m o t h e r, L o r i - B e t h F e l d H u a , “My parents respect each others’ religious conflicts and we respect celebrate Christmas along with the opinions. Christianity branched off each other’s religions. We are not rest of her family, as well as Chinese from Judaism so they have similar

Diversity speaks

Duvien Salmeron freshman

Freshman Duvien Salmeron comes from a family with an Atheist father and a Christian mother. Salmeron is undecided himself and is not sure what he believes. “My mother would have liked for my dad to believe in God, but she over came it. As long as they love each other, does it really matter? Can’t you oversee someone’s differences just because they view the world in a different way?” Salmeron said.

holidays such as the New Year.

“Everybody participates but the level of participation varies.

For Christmas it is more family and we don’t go to church or do anything religious. We celebrate it as the spirit of the holidays and gift givings,” Hua said.

Hua, as an individual from a rich cultural background, notices the misconceptions of her own religion.

“Hanukkah is not as big of a deal as Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur. Hanukkah just happens to be in December so we tie it along with the Christmas for the holiday atmosphere so people blow it up because it is around the same time,” Hua said. “This Thanksgiving was also Hanukkah. It was special because it was double the celebration and really family based.”

Although her family traditions might be considered a bit unorthodox, Hua really appreciates experiencing her families unprejudiced blend of ideologies.

“I get exposed to a wide range of opportunities and people with different ethnic background, views, morals and opinions. It is definitely character building,” Hua said.

Students discuss their multi-religious backgrounds and their holiday traditions

Shawn DeLopez sophomore

Sophomore Shawn DeLopez has a father who is Buddhist and a mother who is Jewish.

They don’t celebrate Hanukkah traditionally, they only give presents on one night. “I go to a Buddhist temple for Cambodian New Year and sometimes get blessings from monks for special occasions,” DeLopez said. He celebrates many different cultures yet religion is not an important aspect of his life.

Jenny McCann junior

Junior Jenny McCann has Catholic father and a Lutheran mother. McCann is Catholic because the father raises his children within his religion. Both Lutheran and Catholic holidays are the same, and their both very similar religions. For Lutherans, religion plays pretty big part in McCann’s life. Her mother used to attend Catholic church with he family but she has recently limited herself to Lutheran services.

In Buddhism, Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama Shakyamuni, founded the religion. Buddha means “the englishtened one” or the “awakened one.”

Nina Fairman junior

The Fanous shown above is a symbolic lantern. The name means “light in darkness.” It is symbolic and represent hope for the Muslim people during tough times. They are often lit for the celebratin of ancient Egyptian holidays which last four days.

Fairman has a mother who is Catholic and a father who is Presbyterian. Her father is in the choir for the Presbyterian Church, so Fairman and her mother go to his church to see him perform. But he also goes to their church sometimes. Fairman herself is Catholic. “I actually think it’s kind of cool having parents with different religions,” Fairman said.

Rani Bhangu senior

Use your smart phone to scan the QR codes above to find your exact match and read Cynthia Weiner’s story about Coach Harris and his unique relief regiment.

Bhangu’s mother is Christian while her father is Sikh. She celebrates Christmas, Easter and the Sikh holidays. She considers herself Sikh, but also believes in Jesus Christ and reads the Bible. “For my birthday I went to the church, and right after I went to the temple, and I felt the same emotions in both placescalm, peaceful and thankful,” said Bhangu.

Danny Davalos senior

Davalos has a mother who is Christian, and a dad who is Buddhist. His family celebrates both Christmas and the Chinese New Year. He does not choose one religion over the other, and believes in both the same amount. “For the holiday, my family comes and we play a fun game, eat and spend time together,” said Davalos.

Katherine Thomas senior

Thomas has a mother who is Catholic and dad who is Lutheran. Both of her parents celebrate Christian holidays. Her dad is more focused on the family than the different religions. Thomas believes in Catholicism more then Lutheranism. “Both religions are relatively similar except Catholics believe that the Eucharist is the actual body of Christ, while Lutherans believe it is just a symbol,” Thomas said.

Melissa Fortich senior

Fortich has a mother who is Catholic and a father who is Orthodox. Her father later converted to Catholicism, now her family the same religion. Catholicism is very popular, about 17.3% of the world’s population is Catholic.

Nora Belkhayat senior

Belkhayat has a father who is Muslim and a mother who is Christian. She adopted Islamic traditions and considers herself Muslim as she has learned more about the faith. “The best part about having two religions is the fact I get to celebrate all of the holidays. Christmas, Eid, Easter and Ramadan are all important celebrations in my family,” Belkhayat said.

7

HEALTH

Dec. 17 , 2013

Did you get your flu shot?

Some are choosing to opt out of flu vaccinations this year

BY BERTA TARQUI Health Editor Sneezing, sniffling and coughing are the background noises in most schools at this time of the year. Flu season is a time of year hospitals and doctors dread. The flu easily contagious and can worsen into an epidemic that lasts throughout the Winter months.

Many people forget that they may be able to prevent contracting the flu virus by getting vaccinated. It does not a guarantee good health, but it can help protect your immune system. The question is whether students feel it is necessary to get the flu shot, or any vaccinations at all. Some question the safety of vaccinations and whether they can do more harm than good.

Students, and even adults, do not feel the need to get the flu shot due to not knowing the complications they prevent.

“Last time I got it was last year. Sometimes it does help but sometimes it doesn’t because it causes reactions and some patients get sick as a result,” junior Rana Abouelhagag said.

Some get the vaccination one year and still contract the virus so they opt out of getting the vaccination in years after because they do not think it is effective.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic

medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.”

The truth is that it depends on the person and the category of flu that is active that season. The factors that play into the effectiveness of the shot is your age, how strong your immune system and when you received it.

Data for who prevented the flu varies year to year because of the types of viruses that circulate.

However, vaccinations for the whooping cough and other illnesses like polio are easy to administer because the disease is noticeable and there are not too many cases of these types of illnesses.

For those who are wary about getting a flu shot because they are scared of needles, then a nasal form is also offered.

“I got the flu vaccination, the kind you inhale,” junior Saroona Khilji said.

The safety of the some vaccinations is also questioned. Most babies in the U.S. get vaccinations for the first few years of their lives. Children and babies are susceptible to illnesses because of their weak and still growing immune system.

A few years ago The Anti-Vaccination movement started by a former model, Jenny McCarthy, has shaped a controversial way of parenting. Some families are choosing not to have their children be vaccinated due to thinking that it will cause autism. Research has even been falsified to back up this claim.

British physician, Andrew Wakefield, published a report that linked the rubella, mumps and measles vaccines to autism.

“Wakefield’s falsified claims remain at the core

of a stubbornly popular anti-vaccination movement.

To this day, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, many people believe that vaccines are the principal cause of autistic spectrum disorders,” The Nation said.

In the fright of a child contracting autism, parents are harming their children because these illnesses can cause more problems in the future.

This movement has even caused a whooping cough outbreak. There have not been many cases since the 1970s but now in some areas, it is rising again.

According to the CDC, “In 2012, 48,277 cases of pertussis were reported.”

In some parts of the U.S., pertussis has decreased but in areas like Washington D.C, it is on the rise.

Of course, there are other ways besides a vaccination to prevent the flu or other illnesses.

Registered Public Health Nurse Shira Jorgensen gave some advice to keep you from getting sick. “Washing hands is very important, really it is our first line of defense against illness,” Jorgensen said. “Also if you’re sick, stay home so you don’t come to school and infect other people. Cover your sneezes and your coughs. If you have a fever over 100 degrees, do not come to school.”

To prevent getting sick, keep up to date with all your immunizations and try to get a flu shot every year. There is a chance that it may not work, but consider getting your vaccination just in case there is an outbreak in the future.

Nasal spray vaccine

Regular flu shot

Intradermal shot

Where: Nose This is right for you if: -Are afraid of needles Cons: -Can cause a runny nose -Should not be used if you have asthma -Not everyone can take it, the age range is 2-50

Where: Upper arm This is right for you if: -Can be used on anyone over six months old -Is more available than other choices Cons: -Can cause a sore area on the shot location

Where: Upper arm This is right for you if: -Want a smaller needle -Only penetrates skin Cons: -Have to be 18-64 years old

Start off with a run or jog as a warm up. Do this for around 30 minutes.

When you are back inside, do 15 squats and 15 scissor kicks.

Day 3:

Go on a 30 minute run or jog again.

When you get back this time, do two-one minute wall sits. Then do 15 uneven pushups. An uneven push is when one arm is elevated, Lastly, finish with 15 lunges.

Day 7:

Start off this short workout with jump roping for five minutes. When you are done, do 20 curl ups with your legs in the air. Next, do 15 squats.

End the workout by jump roping for 7 minutes.

Day 10:

Start with a 35 minute run or jog outside. Then grab some five to ten pound weights to do 20 lunges. Do two-one minute wall sits after.

Day 14:

Jump rope for seven minutes, then do ten moving push ups. Next, do mountain climber kicks for two minutes. Do basic burpees for another two minutes. Finish the workout by jumping rope for five minutes.

Pick the one that you think is most healthy

Gingerbread Why you should pick it: Ginger has health benefits if consumed often. Such as helping calm an upset stomach or nausea.

Timeline of vaccinations Smallpox A flu like sickness that causes a rashes with red bumps. Edward Jenner used a similar illness found in cows, cowpox and injected some of the virus into a boy. The boy recovered and cowpox was used to protect against smallpox.

Day 1:

Which is Healthier: Treat Edition

Types of flu prevention

1796

Quick Winter Break Workout

1920’s

OR 1967

Mumps Mumps is a virus that causes respiratory problems and often the salivary gland becomes enlarged.

Maurice Hilleman invented the mumps vaccine.

Pertussis A bacterial infection also known as the whooping cough, usually found in small children and attacks the respiratory system. The vaccination was modified by Louis W. Sauer.

Oatmeal Raisin Why you should pick it: Raisins are a great source of fiber and are low in fat and cholesterol.

2000’s

1790’s

OR

Tuberculosis A bacterial infection also known as TB, infects the lungs and can cause death. French scientist Albert Calmette and Camille Guerin invented the vaccination, which has a high success rate in prevention and is used around the world.

1986

1955

1921

Hepatitis B Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver and resulting in cancer in the liver. This is less contagious than other viral infections.

The vaccine was invented by Pablo DT Valenzuela.

Polio Poliomyelitis, or polio is a virus that can attack the nervous system creating disabilities. The vaccine was invented

by Jonas Salk. For over 30 years, there have not been any reported polio cases.

Make your own sick kit What to have in a box to make sure that you regain your health quickly

Butter Pecan Why you should pick it: Pecans are filled with iron and fiber.

OR

Lemon Meringue Why you should pick it: Lemons are loaded with vitamin C.

Answer to “Which is Healthier?”

Tissues Sneezing, stuffy or runny noses are common when you have a cold or the flu. Make sure to stock up each winter to prevent yourself from having to go to the store.

Also keep a trash can nearby to dispose the tissues.

Thermometer Having a regular or electric thermometer can be helpful when determining what medication you should take. Stay home if the thermometer reads over 100.

Check your temperature throughout the day.

Cough Drops An itchy throat can be annoying when you are in bed all day. Having a couple of cough drops also help soothe coughing when you are trying to get some sleep.

Hand Sanitizer If you live with a lot of people, then washing your hands often or having hand sanitizer can prevent others from getting sick. Also, avoid touching too many common objects.

Blanket Especially during the winter, keep a warm blanket with you. If you have a fever chills and sweats can come and go. Try to keep warm but not too warm because your temperature can rise.

On your smart phone, scan the above code using the application “QR Code” to view the answer to the “Which is healthier: treat edition story.

8

ARTS

Dec. 17, 2013

Upcoming holiday concerts

Seasonal Shows come to Seasonal concerts to take place this month D.C. and Virginia

The Nutcracker The Warner Theatre Dec. 5 - 29 This two-act holiday ballet travels into the mind of a young girl Claire and her new toy soldier on Christmas Eve. In Claire’s dream she fights the Mouse King and visits the sugar plum princess before waking up. The ballet is performed by the Washington Ballet with tickets ranging from $30 to $90 dollars.

Elf: The Musical The Kennedy Center Dec. 17 - Jan.15

FAIRFAX CHORALSOCIETY.ORG

Based on the popular Christmas Movie featuring Will Ferrel this musical brings to life the spirit of Christmas. Buddy the Elf, leaves his home in the North Pole to find his father in New York City. Along the way he instills holdiay cheer in those he meets and uplifts his new family while finding himself.

Fairfax Choral Society Holiday Concerts

As the Holiday season is right around the corner, The Annandale Choral Department, Orchestra and Band are preparing for their annual holiday concerts. Chorus and Orchestra will be combined for their winter concerts to be held in the auditorium on Dec. 18 at 7:00 pm for free. All 160 of the chorus singers will stand all around the auditorium, with the orchestra students on stage according to chorus teacher Jessica Irish.

“I’m really looking forward to collaborating with the orchestra this year, it’s going to be fun making music with them. I’m also excited to sing some great Christmas music” junior Gabrielle Lewis said.

Chorus will be performing a variety of songs that are dedicated to the winter holiday season, including choreographed winter classics. Men’s Chorale will continue the tradition of singing “Jingle Bells” with santa hats that is always a crowd pleaser. Their set also includes an adaption of Robert Frost’s poem “Woods on a snowy evening” and African piece “Betelehemu”. Annandale Singers will sing “O Nata Lux” an ancient a capella piece in Latin and classic carol “Deck the Hall”. At the end of the concert the choir will be joined by alumni and audience members to sing “Hallelujah” from Handel’s Messiah and “Carol of the Bells”.

“I am most excited about getting to experience my first concert here at Annandale and hearing the final product of all our hard work” junior Daniela

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIAR CREEK PHOTOGRAPHY

ARTSBEAT.BLOGS.NYTIMES.COM

BY MELISSA STAMP Arts Editor

All chorus groups, including some alumni, sing the final song at last year’s Winter Concert at Annandale Methodist Church.

Rambal said.

Ochestra will be playing music from the Polar Express and Narnia movies. Then they will collaborate with Chorus on “Hopeful Resolution.”

The Band concert will be in the auditorium on Thursday Dec. 12 at 7:00pm. Red, Gold and Symphonic band have taken time out of preparing for districts to learn traditional holiday music as well.

“I’m very excited for this concert because I love Christmas Music, our songs in Gold Band are “Fantasy on Twelve Days of Christmas” and “March of the Kings”” senior Jasmine Pringle

said. “Christmas Festival” and “Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson will be part of the concert as usual.

However, Classic piece “Green Sleeves” will be absent from this years concert for the first time in several years.

The Annandale music departments concerts will begin this week and feature a wide variety of classic holiday tunes to fit the season. All the students have been preparing not only to to execute the music, but add holiday cheer for their audiences.

“The holiday concert is always my favorite, the music is so festive and fun, I love it” senior Hannah Coulter said.

What are you excited about for your last holiday concert?

“I’m excited to sing a song with Annandale Singers where we go out and sing in the crowd. It’s going to be really cool!”

“I am just excited to play with all of my friends in this concert. The senior class in band is really close and I love playing with them.”

“I think it will be interesting to collaborate with chorus. We’ve been practicing really hard to make a good impression.”

“I’m excited to play Christmas Festival once again because it has all of my favorite Christmas songs in it.”

— Jose Rivera senior (chorus)

— Stephen Read senior (band)

— Angel Jomuad senior (orchestra)

— Francisco Lam senior (band)

Artist in the Spotlight: Senior Raymond Ma

Various locations and showtimes

FORDSTHEATRE.ORG

The adult choir will host their 52nd annual Cristmas Concert f e a t u r i n g t h e Wa s h i n g t o n Symphonic Brass. The performance will feature traditional carols in the spirit of the holidays.

A Christmas Carol Ford’s Theatre Nov. 21 - Jan. 1 Directed by Michael Baron and based on the story by Charles Dickens this play focuses on grouchy Ebenizer Scrooge. The night before Christmas the ghosts of past, present and future, each visit him and change his opinion on the holiday forever.

BY JAMES BARKER Arts Editor

Q: What art classes have you participated in during your four years at Annandale?

A: Guitar, Art, Painting/Printmaking, Computer Graphics, Theater, Chorus, and IB Film Studies Q: How long have you been playing guitar?

A: Since freshman year. My brother began to get into playing guitar when he was a Junior, so I asked him how to play and he showed me the ropes.

Q: What events have you performed at?

A: I played in both the Coffee House and the Stress Less, Laugh More lunch performance. Those were my first times playing guitarandsinginginfrontofpeople.Ican’twaituntilthespring Coffee House.

A-Blast All Access It’s back! After almost a two year hiatus, A-Blast All Access is back with new hosts, seniors Noah Wolfenstein and James Barker.

This is not a web show you want to miss.

Check it out at: vimeo.com/theablast

Q: Do you enjoy acting in theater?

A: Yes. Even though it’s my first year, I was surprised at how engaging and exciting acting is. Ms.Vinas has really helped to make this an enjoyable experience for the whole class.

Q: Being this is your first year in IB Film, what do you find interesting about it?

A: I find the whole process and techniques used to created a movie intriguing. I have always loved movies since childhood, but now I appreciate the process much more.

Q: Do you prefer to be acting in front of the cameras or filming the movie?

A:Ifindbothreallyenjoyable,butIthinkbeingpartoftheacting in it is more fun because I get to make the script come to life.

Q: Which artistic area do you feel is your strongest?

On your smartphone, scan the above code using the application “QR Code” to visit the Red and White Golf Classic website to sign up.

A:Ithinkmymusicalbackgroundisthestrongestofmytalents.

I took band in middle school, so I guess music has just always been a part of my life.

Q: Do you plan on pursuing your artistic interests in college?

A: Yes I do, but I’m not sure if I’ll major in music. I will definitely keepplayingguitar,singing,andacting.Iwanttodostuffonthe side for fun and as a possible backup career.

ACADEMICS

Dec. 17, 2013

Should there be work over break? other types of education that have equal value. Not everything happens in a classroom or out of textbook.

Joseph Valentino, World History Teacher

YES

Q: What does the break mean to you?

A: I see breaks as time for kids to catch up. Some people use it as a time to give no work. I see it as a time to catch up more. My honors classes in 9th grade have long-term projects to be working on and I also have a long-term project for my regular World 2 classes they could be working over the break also. So while it is not technically homework for the break, they could be working over the break to facilitate their getting it done more easily with more time available to them over break.

Q: Do you think students are getting proper academic enrichment over break?

A: My personal philosophy is that I act upon them the way I want them to do, to have some learning over the breaks so you just don’t get lazy.

I like to keep them active and keep their mind working. But I think it’s up to every teacher to have a choice as to what they think is best for their students.

Q: Do you find that they tend to

Q: How do you organize due dates and tests after break?

A: I try not to have a test coming right out of break if at all possible.

Long term projects and things like that, I’ll have them due 2 to three days after the break ends, not on that day.

Q: How important do you think it is for students to constantly practice or regularly study during break?

A: I think that it’s very important that they are reviewing material and trying to keep their minds active and nimble at all times. It’s frustrating when the break comes and it seems like they’ve forgotten most of the stuff I’ve taught, I like them to be active. I understand the reality of the situation, a lot of kids tune out.

So I try to work with that, but at the same time I want them to be active students, active participants in their education.

Q: What types of assignments do you think are best to do over break?

A: I think just regular homework assignments, I try to keep things as regular as possible into the break.

I don’t do anything extraordinarily different with break homework. I just want to keep them in routine over break.

ANIQA RASHID

ANIQA RASHD

forget a lot of the information they learn before break?

A: Yeah, it takes them a while to get going. I jump right back in though.

I go both feet first and pretty soon I can get right back into where we were and get them into teaching mode, so to speak.

Bryan Dunnell, World History Teacher

Q: What does the break mean to you?

A: I never give any homework assignments or studying over a significant break. So, any four day weekend like teacher work days, Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break, I never assign homework or schedule a test immediately on return or give projects that fall over breaks. Never have, probably never will.

NO

Q: Do you find that they tend to forget a lot of the information they learn before break?

A: It depends on the length of the break. I think, winter break especially and spring break there is definitely a lag but realistically, you teach a given subject, move onto something new, you revisit the old subject, there’s always going to be a certain amount of forgetting.

Q: How important do you think it is for students to constantly practice or regularly study during break?

A: I think a good work ethic is important. The way I tell it to the kids is, “sweat beats brains any day.”

I would rather have a hard worker, than somebody who’s just bright. So, I do assign homework every night.

Or most every night. I do expect kids to study for tests. They have a certain amount of work that they do but they should also be afforded breaks and time for their brains to rest and focus on other things.

Q: What do you think the purpose of the break is? Do you think it helps educationally or help with student rest?

A: On one level, I think there’s some value in giving people time to digest and process their experiences.

To walk away from something for a little while and get a break. On another level, I think its good for everybody’s morale to walk away from work and leave it behind.

Q: What type of assignments do you think is best for students to be doing over break, if any?

A: I think it would need to be something that I would qualify as high interest to the student. So, not a typical kind of homework paper.

It’s gotta be something that will engage them and intrigue them that they’re going to embrace it. So you need to find something that will engage the students in a meaningful way.

Q: Do you think students are getting enough academic enrichment over break?

A: I think that they’re experiencing

Organize over winter break Day before break • Make a list of assignments and projects and their various due dates in an organizer, your agenda or even a large calendar so you can be on top of your homework.

• Consider color-coding your assignment list. Use these colors to know which need to be completed first: •Red: Most important assignments that are due right after break •Green: Little homework that is least important to complete • Post up your list in an area where you are around for most of the time, so you could keep in mind the what needs to be done.

First day of break • Look over your list and organize your assignments based on what will be due on the day back (White Day).

• Start gathering up all your green-coded homework into a folder or binder, placing the White Day class assignments in front of the folder, and the Red Day homework in the back.

Do the same for red-coded homework.

• Clear out your study room or desk where you usually study and keep your green and red folders on the desk so you know exactly where everything is.

• Keep necessary utensils by your desk like highlighters or pens.

Second week of break

• This is the time where you should decide what is completed and what needs to be finished before school starts.

• Look over all the assignments that you completed early on in the break and check for completion first, detail second and accuracy at the last.

• If you realize that a major project or homework is not yet completed, try to immediately work on it so you complete your work properly and don’t rush the night before to complete it.

• Give yourself time to relax if you’ve focused on academics all throughout the break. Keep your mind refreshed as well.

• Re-organize all your materials before you get back to work if you have more work to finish.

• Maintain consistency and allow more time for academics if you have been slacking off or more in touch with extracurriculars. Break can be enjoyed, but it is important to also give time to schoolwork.

• Keep your mind active during study breaks by going to the gym or doing chores that haven’t been completed yet.

• Keep in touch with members if you are participating in a group project so you can do your part.

• Use extra time to also study for the SAT.

Not everyone is able to avoid stress over break

CHLOE LOVING

BY LINUS BUMBACA Academics Editor

Planning ahead is a way students handle break assignments and stress that comes with it.

test a few days after the break ends, so we need to prepare for that.”

Returning to school after a week or more is a rough task for some students, and teachers decide how to account for that.

“We try to end units before the break or have a cushion of a few days so that nobody has to come back to tests or work,” English teacher Joy Korones said. “The first day back should be for students to ease back into school, by the second day back they should be back to a normal schedule.”

“It’s hard going back into school,” Degefu said. “I usually have assignments to do the day before, and I feel unready for it.”

Some students find the transition easier to handle.

“It’s fairly easy coming back to school,” Jimenez said.

“It depends on each subject,” Lam said. “I catch on pretty quickly the day after the break. I keep up with my notes so I can pick up right where I left off with little or no difficulty.”

Along with the first days getting

What’s the hardest assignment you’ve had over break?

“I had to write a paper for English on the Greek gods.”

––Sheryl Fox freshman

“I actually didn’t have anything to do over break.”

––Luke Daggle sophomore

“Writing a five page paper for English; it was a research paper.”

––Sharoon Arshad junior

“I had to make a visual interpretation of a poem,” ––Rebecca Yohannes senior

Two days before school

Effect of breaks on student participation Holiday breaks and extended weekends give ample time for many students to relax, but being out of school for too long can put pressure on some. While some teachers want to rest as much as the students, others assign work to keep students prepared.

“Over break, you forget everything,” senior Michael Lam said. “For some it’s an overload of work, or time to catch up.”

Students who are struggling in some classes find break assignments to be stressful, and for students who do well, extra work can impose on their time away from school.

“There’s definitely a lot that I do,” sophomore Isabella Jimenez said. “I play a lot of soccer, so over the holidays I travel by plane, and I still have to get work done.”

Teachers vary the types of work they assign, if they assign any work at all.

Long-term projects and review packets let students pace work over the break.

“Usually for IB and Honors classes I get a lot of projects and review packets,” Lam said.

“We get a maximum of three big assignments,” junior Betty Degefu said.

“They’re mostly review packets and essays.”

With every student taking their own different classes, the work that students have to deal with over break can vary in volume. Students that have too much work or are busy during the break need to plan time in advance to get their work done.

“I plan out what work I have to do over break,” Jimenez said. “I try to get work done as quickly as possible. I spend four hours a day for actual work, for study, two hours. There’s a lot of studying or projects. There may be a

9

back, teachers also have to plan ahead to fit their units with the break schedule. Teachers generally avoid giving out tests as soon as students get back, but others expect students to use the time they are given to prepare.

“We try to plan in advance to either wrap up the current unit or find a point we can stop at and carry over later,” Korones said. “The only time we really change the schedule later is if students are struggling or falling behind and they need another day to catch up.”

Students aren’t the only ones who find work over the holidays stressful.

Teachers have to grade and work with hundreds of students, so they have a lot of experience with stress themselves.

The difference in the type of work over break is in the expectations of the teacher.

“Everybody needs a break,” Korones said. “I don’t want to have to grade work over my break, so I don’t make my students do that much work as well.”

“I hang out with my friends and family,” Degefu said. “I don’t want to do work over break.”

“They should more or less pick up where they left off,” English teacher Catherine Gibson said. “It’s a break, not an end.”

The break and how much teachers expect from students affect more than just the time they get to relax, but also their participation in class.

“Before the break on those last few days, students are antsy; they’re fidgety and distracted,” Korones said. “When they get back they are pretty sleepy.”

In addition to the amount of work and what is expected of students on their return, the duration and timing of the break can significantly change the situations students find themselves in. Over a longer break, teachers may expect students to complete more work than usual, because they have more time to put into it than they usually would. Doing this assumes that students will spread work out evenly throughout the break, but outside factors limit the available work time.

Students who do most of their work at the end of break anyway end up with more work to do because of this.

With or without the pressure of long-term assignments, students have differing views on the length of breaks. Winter break is the center of this discussion, as it has the additional factors of potential snow days and numerous holidays.

“Winter break is an appropriate length,” freshman Robert Figley said.

“The length of breaks is fine, as long as we don’t get a lot of assignments over them,” Degefu said.

“Some breaks are too long, like the two week winter break,” Lam said.

“Those days should just be pushed into the summer.”

Breaks from school mean a lot to some students, but not everyone can truly relax when they still have to worry about school.

“Breaks aren’t for us to get work done,” Degefu said. “We want a rest and to be able to enjoy life.”

“Honestly, students who try hard in school get stressed out enough already,” Lam said.

Vocabulary Words AMELIORATE verb To make or become better; improve.

DISSONANCE noun A conflict of people’s opinions or actions or characters.

DIDACTIC adjective Inclined to teach or moralize excessively.

PROVINCIAL adjective Narrow-minded; unsophisticated PAUCITY noun Smallness of number; insufficiency.

ACQUIESCE verb To consent or comply passively or without protest.

Who does plagiarism benefit?

On your smartphone, scan this code above using the app “QR Code” to view an article on the impact of plagiarism.

IN-DEPTH

10 Educational Apps Here are few of the most beneficial apps for high school students

Khan Academy Free

Khan Academy:: If you need help with homework or want to learn about a range of subjects, this app holds numerous videos and explanations to help you out.

MyHomework : If you want to organize digitally, this app connects your phone to your agenda and planner.

MyHomework Free TED Talks: based around their matra,“ideas worth spreading,” this app holds videos of various speakers from famed TED conferences around the world.

TED Free

Washington Post: Use this app to keep up to date with current events and what is happening around the D.C. metropolitan area.

Washington Post Free Associated Press: For a more unbiased and cosmopolitan account of news from around the world, check out this app.

Associated Press Free

Classroom technology

Dec. 17, 2013

#Awkward Teens struggle living in a digital age

BY ANDREW PETERS In-Depth Editor You are in class, and you notice that you still have an hour left in the period. Ever so slowly your teacher’s voice starts to drone on and lose you and you instinctively reach for your phone taking note of the glow that surrounds you as students try to hide their devices stealthily under their desks.

Welcome to generation Y. We have our phones, computers, social media apps, eReaders, Kindles, iPads, iTouches, and now SMART Boards, Blackboard and online textbooks have been introduced.

Virtually submerged in a digital age, one cannot help but ask, does our use of technology help us or hinder us? “[We are dumb], because we rely too much on technology,” sophomore David Park said.

According to Mark Bauerlein in his book The Dumbest Generation, because teens do not get a “mental storehouse,” a foundation of knowledge is missing. Teens do not have a good understanding of history, literature, politics, economics and culture. Most of the time teens do not have a good background of knowledge and thus have a harder time understanding how new information learned fits into the context of the world and how it affects them. He explains that teenagers have a hard time putting new information together, like puzzle pieces, as this generation finds themselves having less of the puzzle already completed to fit it into.

“I would say that students

to deep thinking as it is.... If you know all the information is always available then why bother committing it to memory,” technology specialist Jennifer Cory said, “Comparing students now to students that I grew up with, they would sit through class they might memorize the material to pass the test and then they would forget it. That’s pretty much how it is now. People are going to remember what they are interested in or applies to them and that’s whether or not they have access technology.”

Consequently, many argue that the rise of the digital age has sharpened the minds of students and those growing up in it.

“I think we are smart, because we have more knowledge on different things and use technology,” sophomore Amanda Adenan.

According to a recent Washington Post report, 78% of North Americans have access to the internet today, 30 percent more than the global average.

“The students that I know seem to be often more informed than I am, about current events. They definitely use their smartphones to learn,” Cory said.

But does this constant use still 56% of survey takers reported having an iPhone as their respective cellular devices. affect our thinking?

“As for not thinking deeply, that is so much of individual thing... I nowadays have less background attention spans and have made it think there are some students in knowledge, but again the other harder for teens to think deeply.

“Its not that it [technology] who are very deep thinkers and side of that is they do not have to spend time doing that, because the makes [teenagers] dumber, I just have a much greater knowledge of information is at their fingertips,” think they get lazy,” Estes said. world events and what’s going on Spanish teacher and former AHS As for the benefits Estes said, because of the technology that is “They just have everything at their out there,” Estes said, “[However] student Debbie Estes said.

In his Pulitzer Prize nominated fingertips... you have access to so I do not think students these days and highly acclaimed book, The much more information...It is so are as strong writers, because I Shallows, Nicholas Carr explains much easier to get different points think they rely too heavily on what that the fast paced information of view and be able maybe to look others have written.”

If you have read this far, on the Internet and incessant at situation from all viewpoints.”

“Teenagers are not very prone congratulations the Internet has online distractions have shortened

“@KerimIdris: Social Media is a curse, because some people abuse each other on social media.”

NOAH NELSON Staff Writer You come in to the classroom and you sit down in your chair; the teacher begins to talk about the subject for that day. 50 years ago, the process was the same.

However, they did not have the benefit of the same technology we do.

It is no surprise that as technology becomes more and more integrated into our lives that some of it will spill into our education. When you walk into a classroom the first thing you will most likely see is a SMART board and ten years before that it was the white board and before that it was a chalk board.

A SMART board is a technologically enhanced whiteboard. It allows teachers to connect their computers to the SMART board to make changes to the documents on the SMART board.

If it wasn’t for the Internet, blackboard would not exist. Blackboard helps to better connect students and teachers, to check homework and turn in assignments. Blackboard also benefits teachers by recording which students have been online to check their homework or post a discussion topic. “Its nice to see what assignments I have upcoming” freshman Homza Kha said. By having an online resource that children can use, teachers can use more class time that might have otherwise been devoted to simple things like passing out textbooks or copying down the homework for the day. The only real downside is that students may become lazy because they know they can just check blackboard when they get home.

Scan the QR code to read the rest of the rest of, “Classroom technology”

“@RaeeyGebru: Just because technology is taking over society, doesn’t make our generation dumb.”

“@AviadGeberhiwot: [Social media] is a blessing, because I can multitask.”

“@HunterSloan: We’re not dumb, we’re just too focused on things other than school.”

“@KatieGarrish: [Social media] is a blessing, because it’s easier to stay in touch with people.”

“@BlinKebrom: Our generation is dumb, because they’ve put so much time and focus into social media and other people instead of their education.”

IN-DEPTH

Dec. 17, 2013

Does technology make us stupid?

We asked students if they could identify the top trends on Twitter versus the two top trending topics on the WashingtonPost. The following are the results:

“Rob Ford I heard was the Canadian politician who was an alcoholic.

I know about #directioners are the people who are big fans of one direction.”

0 1-2

Survey shows that students depend heavily on technology In a recent survey conducted by The A-Blast, given to the AHS student body, results were uncovered about the frequency and influence of technology on daily life.

From the 300 surveyed, 57 percent of those reported having iPhones, with only 6 percent reporting not having a phone at all. In regards to how frequently students use their gadgets, 25% of those surveyed said that they spent more than seven hours a day on their phone for non-school related purposes. 34 percent admitted to using some of that time during school reporting that they use their phones more than seven times in a given school day.

Students also showed how connected they were through the use of social media with more than 15 percent of those surveyed had at least one type of social media account: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat included.

Nonetheless, 63 percent of students claim that their increased networking and use of technology does not interfere with their learning. However, when asked whether or not their generation could be considered ‘dumb’ and whether technology creates a better society, the views were split 50-50.

Trending Topics

#Directioners vs.

Rob Ford

How many times do you unlock your phone and use it for more than 10 seconds during the school day?

ANDREW PETERS In-Depth Editor

11

7+

— Katie Garrish freshman

3-4

#Bangerz vs.

Paul Walker “Paul Walker recently died and he was one of the main actors in the Fast and Furious movies.

Bangerz is Miley Cyrus’ newest album and it is a big hit so far.”

5-6

— Molly Gormley sophomore

*This following survey was distributed during C and D lunch on Tuesday Dec. 3 and A and B lunch on Thursday Dec. 5. 161 students were surveyed.

Of the time you use your phone at school, how much of that time is for school or educational purposes?

#Bangerz vs.

The Phillipines “I knew about the Philippines because a lot of people died and #bangerz I know becauses it is Miley Cyrus’ new album”

59%

—Sarah Deible sophomore

No 50%

Yes 50% 41%

0%

10 -30 %

31 -50 %

91 7151 90% -100% -70 %

Do you think our generation is smart?

Technology, not always a solution in class

BY GABY CAMILLI Weekend Editor Does smarter technology necessarily mean a smarter classroom?

With the technological age that we live in, it is understandable that FCPS and teachers would want to include technology in the classroom. From using SMART boards to Movie Maker and using social media, teachers are finding all sorts of ways to integrate technology in the classroom. But more often than not, teachers just assume students have access to this technology and know how to use it.After all, a teacher’s job is to teach, shouldn’t they at least take the time to teach students how to use new programs before throwing it in our faces?

The majority of the time they just assume that we know everything in terms of using smart phones and new technology, but not all students are well versed on the subject. Is it right if a student who could be the brightest one in the classroom but just happens to be technologically challenged receives a lower score than another student just because they don’t spend all of their spare time glued to a screen?

If teachers insist on adapting their tools used in the classroom, then they should also adapt their assignments to fit our current technologically based society. Is it really necessary to still give students research assignments when they can find information at the click of a button? It requires no

mental strength to type in “when was the civil war fought” or “where do jaguars live”.

These papers were mentally beneficial in grade school when we had to spend hours searching through books and encyclopedias for information, but now they are just outdated and much too simplistic.

Reading novels is a great way to expand our literary skills, but with access to SparkNotes and various other websites it has become too easy to cheat the system. I can honestly say I’ve read only two books throughout my high school experience. As a student in IB HL English I was able to pass tests and get good grades on projects without reading the literature that it was based off of. Why is that? Technology. Technology has become the easiest scapegoat for slackers and procrastinators like me who’d rather watch television than read a 300 year old 400-page novel about a mundane story that we don’t care about. Instead they should have

us practicing our speaking skills, reading up on new technology, or training us how to use new technology that we will eventually use in the work place.

The technological invasion of the classroom has also become an invasion on our free time.

I have had teachers use blackboard as a way to assign homework on Friday and Saturday nights. I understand them wanting for us to put in extra time into our studies, but I’d like to remind them that FCPS weeks are five days long, not seven.

Teachers also utilize blackboard as a way for kids to turn in all of their assignments on time even if they have an excused absent. Yes, this is a good way to crack down on slackers who want to get extensions on big projects, but kids who are sick in bed with fevers or various other illnesses are not always in the mental condition to be cranking out several thousand word essays. A student’s absence should be respected, this is a day of rest physically and mentally and they should by no means still be stressing about turning assignments in.

I still remember almost everything from my freshman World History 2 class. One of the most aggravating yet beneficial policies of the classroom was that we had to handwrite our papers. Our only tool we could use was our minds, maybe this is why I can still recite the years and dates of all of the major wars over the past centuries. My teacher covered centuries of history with just his mind, voice, and a white board; not a computer in sight.

Do you think social media/ technology interferes with your learning?

#tbt vs.

Rob Ford “Rob Ford I heard that he smoked crack and that he harassed a lady and he got charged for sexual harassment.

I know about #tbt because it’s a throwback picture from your life.”

— Yamah Sankoh junior

#Directioners vs.

The Health Care Debate “[The healthcare debate] was the reason why the government was shut down and they are still arguing about that.

[Directioners] I do not know about that.”

— Luis Barrada Senior

Take the Speak up Survey FCPS is conducting the Speak up Survey to gain feedback on the use of technology in schools. Scan this QR code to take the survey.

12

INTERNATIONAL

Dec. 17 2013

Nelson Mandela: Death of a Legendary Leader

BY NUHAMI MANDEFRO International Editor In a school as diverse as AHS, Nelson Mandela symbolized the push for global peace and equality.

Losing his fight to cancer, Mandela’s death reverberated with students.

“I was deeply saddened when I first heard the news of Nelson Mandela’s death,” junior Soriya De Lopez said.

“Although the world lost a great and influential man, he leaves behind a legacy that will forever be in the hearts of the lives he has touched.”

Nelson Mandela was born Rolihlahla Mandela on July 18, 1918 to a Thembu royal family just outside of Cape Town. He was initially named Rolihlahla because he constantly started controversy and trouble.

At 16, Mandela attended a curriculum school where his graduating class named him Dalibhunga, meaning “creator of a parliament”, and his teacher named him Nelson by which he doesn’t know why till this today. Mandela attended Fort Hare University and the University of Witwatersrand where he studied law and later became a lawyer.

Mandela joined the ANC (African National Congress), an anti-colonial politics group, and founded the Youth League. He rose to prominence as he was appointed leader of the 1952 Defiance Campaign and the 1955 Congress of the People.

Influential quotes said by Nelson Mandela “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”

“I detest racialism, because I regard it as a barbaric thing, whether it comes from a black man or a white man.”

“Money won’t create success, the freedom to make it will.”

“After climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb.”

Coming to America: Life back in Honduras

BY PAOLA MARTINEZ Special to the A-Blast “I’m going to Bolivia to spend th Honduras and U.S.A have very different economies including the government too.

Honduras has one of the weakest governments in Central America. The biggest differences in U.S.A from my country are food, government, and technology.

Honduras is the most unique place that you can find new foods that you haven’t even see before.

Honduras food is healthier than U.S.A foods. They don’t really sell fast food. People would rather sell less fatty foods so children would be healthier. The U.S.A has more varieties of foods than in Honduras but they make people fat a lot faster.

The government is a lot more different from Honduras.

Honduras has the worst government ever than other countries. Comparing U.S.A and Honduras government, they don’t have the same controls as in U.S.A. .Almost 89% people in Honduras are poor, including the government that even doesn’t help them.

Honduran schools are very serious and they punish you in bad conditions. U.S.A schools are a lot different than Honduras because teachers help you in U.S.A and schools give kids free lunches. So many schools give students summer vacation but Honduras doesn’t give that much break: only for 1 month!!!! I know that’s unfair for those students.

Some schools in Honduras really need help from other schools to bring back their own ideas for education.

The government here is a lot better than in Honduras. A place your can learn how life is hard to earn is Honduras but life in the U.S.A is a lot easier. I like how schools are in U.S.A. I will never forget my new English education that U.S.A helped me with.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

1918 Mandela is born July 18th, in Mvezo, which is a small village in what was then a part of South Africa’s Cape Province.

1956 Mandela arrested on treason charges after calling for a nonracial state in South Africa

1990 After 27 and a half years in prison, Mandela is freed as the nation moves to end white political domination.

1993 Mandela wins the Nobel Peace Prize for “his work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime”

1994 In the first election that includes black participation, Mandela is elected president of South Africa and starts the new South Africa.

On your smartphone, scan the above code using the application “QR Code” to visit the website to sign up. Read more about Coming to America

2013 At age 95, after being diagnosed with prostate cancer,Mandela dies leaving his legacy on the world.

Continue reading the story on www.thea-blast.org

Students and celebrities reveal their thoughts towards the death of Nelson Mandela

Mandela Timeline

Coming to America

Though he preaches for nonviolence and peace, Mandela participated in numerous seditious acts in protest. He was unsuccessfully prosecuted during the Treason Trial (1959-1961) but was sentenced to life in prison for conspiracy to overthrow the government in the Rivonia trial in 1962.

In Robben Island, Mandela lead the ANC “High Organ” and other political activists in prison. After an international campaign was launched for his release, Mandela was out of confinement in 1990 after serving 27 years.

He received global recognition with the nobel peace prize in 1993. In 1994, Mandela became the first black president of South Africa. He was determined to bring the country into a new light of equality (new South Africa).

In 1999, Mandela steps down from office and leaves the public eye in 2004 after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2001.

Nelson Mandela has greatly impacted some of the most influential figures alive.

After Nelson’s death was announced, Barack Obama broadcast himself and preached on how Mandela’s motivation from hope instead of fear shaped him into the leader he is today. Obama traveled to South Africa on Dec. 11 to pay his condolences at his friend’s memorial and plans to attend his funeral.

Mandela’s openly religious approach also allows him to judge a person based on beliefs.

Nelson Mandela has received over 2045 honors, awards, and celebrations such as ‘Mandela Day’ in Zimbabwe (established in 1990), the Africa Peace Award (1995) and the International Gandhi Peace Prize (2001). Mandela also authored an award-winning autobiography after leaving prison called Long Walk to Freedom and has founded numerous foundations for HIV/AIDS, child care, and civil rights. Invictus (2009) is a movie portraying the Rugby team Mandela created in office.

Mandela, played by Morgan Freeman, rallied the team in order to symbolize the unity the country has made. The movie went on getting two Oscar nominations and showed the new generation the good man that Mandela was. The movie, Mandela, is coming out this year.

PHOTO

Dec. 17, 2013

M

erry emories

13

TYLER SAPP

Tyl er S a juni pp or

Allen and Jenni Hall senior and sophomore

H DEIBLE OFSARA

h Deible ore Sara Sophom anta’s lap and sits on S the presents ll counts a ts off on her wan that she t to Fair “We wen fingers. retty sure, and p Oaks, I’m line for a good in d o to s e om was w rs. My m noyed two hou an y ll a re probably ause she was ec with us b g my brother, tchin e alone wa r and I. All thre my siste ry young and re ve of us we re probably very we we e were g while w annoyin round for that a g standin . “I don’t eible said long,” D remember what really hen this wanted w exactly I as taken but my picture w at they were all th mom said tally ridiculous.” to

CAYLEN

t h g i Be cher . s M tea

BEIGHT

COURTE

SY

Sar ah D soph eible omo re ies cial stud . eight, so to Caylen B shares this pho teacher, was taken while ture ort “That pic hristopher Newp C CNU r a e y I was at ry y. Eve Universit liday celebration o does a h ght a Christmas t ey li th re e h s and ho w e cookie comes rv e s , e e tr nta , and Sa I chocolate ight said. “While e B ,” it tradition a to vis s a w e NU it was at C tes and w roomma hting g li that my e e tr to the n would go our picture take and get . So for my last ta with San for our picture went e w r ke it an a e y ed to ma we decid family photo.” awkward

JENNIFER NGUYEN

JENNI HALL

yen u g er N f i n Jen senior

FAR LEFT: Senior Allen and sophomore Jenni Hall sit for a photo with Mr. Claus at Fair Oaks Mall when Allen was 7 and Jenni was 5. “I remember waiting in line with my dad, while my brother and mom shopped. I was getting frustrated because they weren’t back yet, right before it was our turn.”

ABOVE: Junior Tyler Sapp excitedly opens one of his many presents, at the age of 8. “I used to get so many presents,” Sapp said. “I would just rip all of them open, pick out my favorite one, and play with it for the rest of the day.”

LEFT: Senior Jennifer Nguyen is pictured here with her sister in a holiday photo with Santa when she was 4.

n Freshma Fateh i had Haitalan to o h p is th ta with San 09, 20 taken in as w when he in on a trip e Dubai. H 11 ut was abo to ho in this p s ay and he s ers mb e m re e h ateh it well. F family is h and t a were a rk water pa d lle there ca di Wild Wa . rk Waterpa “We were walking e th around park and we saw ,” ta this San i Haitalan ot n said. “He

alani t i a H Fateh shman fre MAGGIE

HAITALAN

I

14

LIFESTYLES

Dec. 17, 2013

holidays with gifts

Love IT or Leave it

$25 and under

Looking back popular fashion trends of 2013 that are loved and others that should be left behind

Celebrate the

TEACHERS

Barnes and Noble Gift Card Price: $25 at Barnes and Noble

Combat Boots

“I am obsessed with them! I love them because they are so comfortable, stylish, and can match with any outfit.”

—Michelle Hoang freshman

Leather Leggings Leather leggings add an edgy look to many outfits and the stretchy material make it comfortable and easy to wear.

“Are you MC Hammer? Please stop [wearing this because] you can’t touch this.”

Harlem Pants

Dip Dye Hair Dip dye is a fun and easy way to add color to your hair but it can easily come out looking cheap and tacky.

—Kiara Andino freshman

Academy Black Fountain Pen Price: $18.75 at Paradise Pen

COWORKERS

“I see people with ombre hair on their ends and I wish to have it too because it doesn’t make your hair look plain.”

Five Panel Hat

Starbucks VIA Christmas Blend Price: $11.95 at Starbucks.com

Five panel hats have many different designs and patterns that add color and style to any outfit.

Ombré hair

Sneaker Heels Although they are comfortable, sneaker heels are not all that appealing. Heels and sneakers should be kept separate.

“I like the galaxy pattern but I think galaxy leggings are too much and they don’t look that great.”

—Reem Lakkis

—Susan Do

junior

senior

Galaxy Leggings

2014 Pink Pocket Planner Price: $11.97 at Papyrus

GIRLFRIENDS

“I don’t like how they look. The concept of YOLO apparel is stupid.”

Bucket Hat “I own a couple of bucket hats.

I really like the way they look and they go well with a lot of outfits.”

—Myles Carpenter

Maxi skirts Maxi skirts provide a slimming effect thats flattering for all body types. They are also extremely comfortable and boys love them.

—Leif Jomuad

Anything YOLO High-Low Dresses Extreme high-low dresses cause an unflattering look on all body types.

sophomore

Compiled by Diana Quezada

senior

Celebrate with ugly holiday sweaters Reindeers, snowflakes and a lot of sparkles light up many attires during the Christmas season

Vera Wang Infinity Scarf Price: $19.00 at Kohl’s

BOYFRIENDS

iPhone 5/5C Otterbox Prefix Series Case Price: $24.95 at Otterbox.com

BY TARA EL-ACHI AND SOULISA PATHAMMAVONG Staff Writers Wearing ugly Christmas sweaters has become traditional throughout the holiday season.

Sweaters often consist of red and green, and are decorated with images of reindeers, snowmen, Santa Claus, stockings, Christmas trees, bells and various types of pom-poms. Often times, sweaters can be wild and over the top, looking silly on any person that wears one.

These “tacky” sweaters are starting to show up in stores all around as they become a fashion trend in addition to being a Christmas tradition.

For example, you can find many varieties at places such as local thrift stores like the Salvation Army, Urban Outfitters, Target and Forever 21.

You can also make your own with an ordinary sweater or turtleneck and many felt cutouts of

items that represent Christmas, such as snowmen and snowflakes. They can be purchased online or at a craft store.

Despite being unfairly labeled as “ugly,” many people wear holiday sweaters to show off their Christmas spirit and excitement for the holidays.

“I think people are starting to make ugly Christmas sweaters a fashion statement. I see celebrities wearing them all the time in winter,” freshman Sheila Aguirre said.

Celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Ellen DeGeneres, members of One Direction and Taylor Swift are wearing Christmas sweaters and sharing them with fans through social media. In addition, people get creative with their sweaters and throw Christmas sweater themed parties and contests to show off their wacky sweaters every year.

Wearing “ugly” holiday sweaters is tradition that will likely stay since so many enjoy them because they embody the holiday spirit. Some students believe that such sweaters aren’t even an unattractive sight and admire people’s creativity.

“Sometimes they’re not even ugly, they’re [kind of] cute. I guess it’s okay to wear them to get into spirit and stuff,” sophomore Nella Gross said.

CHRISTI NGUYEN

Winter Candy Apple Gift Set Price: $21 at Bath & Body Works

Many students own holiday sweaters with various styles and colors to express their holiday spirit like the sweater above from sophomore Christi Nguyen.

What is the worst present you’ve ever received for Christmas?

USA Throwback Beanie Price: $24.00 at Urban Outfitters — Compiled by Phuong Nguyen

On your smart phone, scan this code using the application “QR code” to read about ways to stick to New Year’s resolutions.

“The worst Christmas present I ever got was a zombie Barbie doll when I was 13. It was like for little four year olds.”

—Leena Nazafrin freshman

“My mom gave me a toilet brush and told me to clean the toilet last year!”

—Anthony Chung sophomore

“When I was 11, I got one single Lego. It wasn’t even a set of Legos, just one single, small pink Lego!”

—Jocelyne Giron sophomore

“One time I got a really ugly pair of puke green socks from my grandparents when I was 11. What 11 year old wants puke green socks?”

—Leah Turner junior — Compiled by Phuong Nguyen

“My grandfather got my brother and I a squirrel feeder for one Christmas. I was like, what was I suppose to do with a squirrel feeder?”

—Connor Beveridge senior

Dec. 17, 2013

Remember the AHS’s first-ever district champion and undefeated football team of 1959 stays together after 54 years

15

SPORTS X-TRA

Atoms

The undefeated team of 1959 8-0-1

Atoms 21 0 George Washington

BY ERIN JOHNSON Sports X-tra

Atoms 31 0 Falls Church

ANTENNA YEARBOOK

COURTESY OF RUSS SNYDER

Tradition is defined by the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs and information. It is safe to say that AHS is big on tradition, especially on the football team. The real question is: where did the traditions begin?

The 1959 team is best known as the first AHS football team to ever win the state division championship. The 44 varsity players at the time The Guns, Renegades and the Bandits pose all together for their team photo as the schools first-ever undefeated football were coached by assistant coach Bob Muirhead and the famed AHS head coach, Ed Henry. in at the time.

Over the course of 54 years the 1959 team has “We were a very good team. No one could touch stayed in touch with each other as well as their us,” Snyder said. coach. Years after the team left AHS, the boys The Atoms gave up on average only four points reunited in their first reunion. They had guys come a game and only 40 all year. They were known for from all over the country and from places around having the best defense in the area. the world show up and reunite with one another.

“They were a very good group. Not just because “I knew names but not faces. It was magical. I saw they won, but because they went on do good outside them as 18 year olds all over again,” Russ Snyder of football,” Henry said. said. “We’re the closest team you will ever find; we The defense became known as The Bandits: a love each other.” name mirrored after the LSU Tigers. The name Members of the team, most in their 70s now have stuck with the Atoms football team to this day. The carried their bond with each other outside of the offensive team became known as The Guns and the field. Not only has the team stayed in touch, but special teams became known as The Renegades. they have remained a team with their coach.

“We went out on the field with a mindset that we In 1959, most kids at AHS were not well off couldn’t be beat. If we wanted to win, we would win,” financially due to the lack of work in the area. At Snyder said. “We’re the closest team you will ever the time, AHS’s first principal Rob Buckley covered find. We are all brothers.” most of the team’s expenses as well as supported The 1959 Atoms racked up a total score of 242 them in every way he could. Together with Head points all season, and one player from the team, Coach Henry, the team went down in AHS history. Sunny Utz, went on to play professionally with the “Ed Henry basically kept kids out of jail, he was Dallas Cowboys for two years. such a role model to us. The legacy of winning at With an undefeated record, the team went on to be Coach Ed Henry portrait taken during the 1959 season AHS was established by Coach Henry,” Snyder said. district champions, and later on dominating states.

Henry took over the varsity team in 1957 as head “I was proud, I was happy, it was the best time of trophy is also to honor Principal Buckley who gave coach after previously serving as the JV coach the my life, it was the brotherhood, and we couldn’t be the boys on that team an opportunity to achieve year before. Henry put AHS on the map as a football beat. I learned more from my coach than anyone in greatness.

Lastly, Snyder stated what he wants the current powerhouse. He installed the winning tradition my life,” Snyder said.

AHS team to remember as they represent their in every member of his team. Henry led AHS to Throughout the current football season, Head championships in 1959, 1962 and 1964. Snyder Coach Mike Scott has been in contact with Snyder school on the field. “They’re winners, you’re a described him as being a “hard coach, with strong as well as his fellow teammates who have been a winner, you can’t be beat if you won’t be beat.

Just play. We wouldn’t accept a loss and you don’t morals who expected no trouble. Just a great guy.” source of inspiration for Coach Scott.

The 1959 team became famous for its undefeated The team of 1959 has recently sent AHS a trophy walk away from it. Be a gentleman, have good record of 8-0-1, winning eight games and tying one to be put in the display case in Jock Lobby to sportsmanship, and play football,” Snyder said. game with Wakefield. The team never played a represent its championship season as well as the home game because they had no stadium to play accomplishments of its esteemed head coach. The

Atoms 26 14 Hammond Atoms 7

7 Wakefield

Atoms 33 6 Mclean Atoms 36 0 Groveton Atoms 34 7 Washington-Lee Atoms 33 6 Mount Vernon Atoms 21 0 Fairfax

Atoms 242 Opponents 40

What do you think is the most important trait for a player to have?

“To me it’s about the ablity to perform and not let you or your teammates down.”

— Liam Conroy Freshman

Meet the 1959 undefeated Atoms “[I think it’s about] pride in the work that you do.”

Russ Snyder- Class of 1960 Q: What position did you play?

A: Linebacker.

Q: Height/Weight?

A: 5”11’ and 165 lbs.

Q: Favorite game you played in 1959? Why? A: The Falls Church game becasuse I intercepted two passes and we won by a big score.

Q: Biggest rival?

A: Fairfax.

Q: What was your favorite memory from that season?

A: Probably the Washington-Lee game because after that game we decided to go undefeated and we did.

Q: What was your greatest moment as a player?

A: The Falls Church game because I turned the game around with my interceptions. We scored off the first one and the second one turned the game around.

Q: How did your coach influence you?

A: He was just a role model, he taught us to be who we should be, accomplish the best that we could. He was the best thing that ever happened to us.

Q: What is your life like now?

A: I own a home in Jacksonville, Florida. I am retired and I spend most of my time at home. I have four kids, three grandchildren, and I am the chaplain for the team prayer group.

Q: What life skill did football teach you?

A: Football taught me how to work as a team as well as with people, read people when you look at them and how to be a good sport.

Q: How has the game changed since you played?

A: [It has changed] tremendously. The guys are babied, they get what they want; these guys dont get trained like we do. We didnt end practice until we got it right. [Players now] don’t take the game as a serious aspect of their lives.

Q: Who is your favorite professional player?

A: Sonny Jurgenson and John Riggins Q: As a player, who was your biggest role model?

A: I would stil say Coach Henry. But a football player who was a role model to me was Sunny Utz because he came from the same background as me. He was an Annandale native and had a family who didn’t have a lot of money. He was one of the nicest guys around, but also the toughest guy ever.

Bill Barefield- Class of 1960

ANTENNA YEARBOOK

ANTENNA YEARBOOK

— Savannah Ross Sophomore

“Being in shape is an important aspect [of being a successful player].”

Q: What position did you play?

A: Linebacker

— Ron Alston Junior

Q: Height/Weight?

A: I was 5”10 and 160 lbs.

Q: Favorite game you played in 1959? Why? A: Hammond because it was a very close game and their kicker had not missed a field goal all season, but he did against us.

Q: Biggest rival?

A: Wakefield.

Q: What was your favorite memory from that season?

A: The fact that we were undefeated, we didn’t lose. And that we had 10-12 players go on to play football in college.

Q: What was your greatest moment as a player?

A: Being Northern Virginia champions. We were finally undefeated.

“[I think the most important aspect is] the players love for the sport.”

— Jasmine Gomez Senior

Q: How did your coach influence you?

A: He was like a second father to me, we respected him, we never talked back. He was as important as your father was. He made us into champions and the people that we are today.

Q: What is your life like now?

A: I worked in Human Resources for 25 years, I owned my own business and I am now retired. I live in West Virginia during the summer and in South Carolina in the winter. I have two kids and four grandkids.

Q: What life skill did football teach you?

A: Taught me that there is no “I” in team, that team work is everything.

And that there is nothing you can’t do.

“[The most important aspect is] dedication.”

— Dave O’Hara Health Teacher

Q: How has the game changed since you played?

A: Players are bigger, faster, stronger and the game is played a lot faster.

Guys today are so much better than we ever were.

Q: Who is your favorite professional player?

A: Johnny Unitas, who played for the Baltimore Colts before they moved to Indiannapolis.

Q: As a player, who was your biggest role model?

A: Sam Huff. As a player I wanted to be just like him.

On your smartphone, scan the above code using the application “QR Code” to visit the Red and White Golf Classic website to sign up.

16 Wrestling risks exaggerated SPORTS

Sports Snapshots: Wrestling Practice

Dec. 16, 2013

Head AHS trainer says wrestling heath risks are no greater than any other sport

COURTESY OF MELANIE BENNETT

Wrestling is probably one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports out there. Not only does it demand for a wrestler to be physically strong but mentally strong as well. Wrestling’s mental qualities are perhaps more tough to overcome than the physical ones.

“A well-rounded wrestler is someone who can push their body and mind beyond limits,” senior Dominic Maier said.

People usually perceive wrestling to be a sport with high risks of developing skin infections. Cases have been reported of such infections in the past but can be prevented.

“As long as you shower regularly the risk of developing a skin infection goes down,” Annandale athletic trainer Kathy Ayres said.

Another risk involved with wrestling is the need to lose weight quickly to have a higher chance of winning matches. Over the past few years however, the process by which wrestlers lose weight has become much safer.

“There is a newer program where wrestlers can only lose a certain number of pounds in a week,” Ayres said.

“Their body mass is measured weekly to make sure they are not losing the weight too quickly. That is when a risk becomes present.”

Even though wrestlers lose the weight slower now, they are still under constant pressure to meet the weight expectations of their coaches.

“Its a pretty hard task to do at first since your body

COURTESY OF MELANIE BENNETT

Two wrestlers grapple on the mats during practice.

Two wrestlers work on tackle tactics during practice.

Alumni Postcard:

What made you choose wrestling?

“Any coach will tell you that wrestling was not my first love, but I had a natural talent and I had the “never-quit” attitude embedded in my bones.

Originally I was going to stick to track after being hurt twice my sophomore year, both to my head and ribs, but coach Shoulders and coach Adams convinced me that wrestling does more than just get you fit, it makes you tougher so that you can grapple any obstacle you may face. I learned a lot from them.”

Do you wrestle at Georgetown University?

“Actually, when I signed my letter of intent to attend Georgetown, it was not for wrestling but for my true love football. Although they do not have an organized wrestling program, it is still comforting to know that wrestling played a huge role in me getting here.”

What advice would you give an Annandale wrestler?

“If I could talk to a kid now either participating in or considering wrestling at Annandale I would tell them two things. First I would tell them they are now on the path to becoming a better man because wrestling is going to demand that you make decisions, escape bad ones and change the way you see winning and losing.

If they stick with it, they will learn to love it although they may hate at first. Then I would say to older guys that every moment is crucial so there is no room to slack off. No one likes practice but everyone likes to win. Be coach able, push others and push yourself.”

is not used to the weight cutting,” senior Anouar Sakta said. “But it gets easier once you get to the weight you are wrestling at.”

“Along with weight loss there are also some wrestlers who have to gain weight to move up a weight class.

“I gain weight so that I can move up a class to have a better chance of winning for my weight class,” Maier said. “This involves me just eating more and going to the gym more often.”

Another risk of wrestling is a condition known as cauliflower ear, in which an ear becomes thickened or deformed as a result of repeated blows.

“As long as you wear the proper head gear, the risk of cauliflower ear is greatly reduced,” Ayres said.

The risks of doing wrestling are often exaggerated.

Each of the risks can be prevented with simple precautions such as showering and wearing head gear.

All the weight related risks are now being prevented under the close watch of our school trainers and

Players get a head start by doing leagues and club LAX One could say that a true lacrosse player never really has a break. Although every season is important, spring seems to be the season many laxers look forward to the most.

Each season, fall, winter and spring, has a different meaning to a lacrosse player. The fall and winter seasons are usually looked at as a team and skill building seasons.

“I do winter lacrosse because it is great for getting me prepared and in shape for the spring season,” sophomore Sarah Deible said. “Winter season also makes sure I am not rusty when spring tryouts come along.”

Many athletes can agree that it is difficult playing a sport with a group of people you scarcely know.

“Lacrosse is mostly a sport of trust,” senior Lizzie Manthos said. “You are counting on your teammate to be in the right place at the right time to score.

Knowing how your team plays before spring season is very helpful.”

Being new to a team can also sometimes be a negative. Fall and winter lacrosse give new team members a chance to show their skills to the team.

“Last year as a new freshman on the team, it was good to get to know my teammates then so in the spring season I was ready,” sophomore Janan Gokurk said. “Our team chemistry was already good but that extra time in the fall and winter gave us that extra boost of confidence.”

A successful spring season is the goal of most lacrosse players. Their success depends on their hard work during the off seasons. Most lacrosse players

COURTESY OF LAILUMAH FAISAL

BY MELANIE BENNETT Sports Editor

Many girls from the AHS lacrosse team huddle up during the Turkey Shoot Out. This was a chance for the team to bond.

also choose to practice on their own and participate in lacrosse tournaments such as the Turkey Shoot Out which took place Dec. 8.

“The boys lacrosse team all get together on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays and play games on Saturdays to improve our skills before spring season,” senior Francisco Lam said. “It is really good and important to practice with each other before the season starts. That way you can save time getting to know each other when the season comes along.”

Both teams are trying really hard to get a head start on this season as shown by their participating in winter leagues, club teams or even just practicing on their own.

“Both the boys and girls teams are hopeful that this season will be a positive fun experience,” senior Danney Davalos said. “With the way were are playing now I think we both have a really good chance of going far in the conference.”

Baseball starts conditioning early Baseball started green days in mid Sept. and have already held fundraisers

BY CYNTHIA WEINER Staff Writer The baseball team has started getting ready for their spring season with green days starting in late Oct. The team can be seen playing in the cold or in the upstairs gym, getting an early start to their season with early conditioning.

“We’re practicing early basically so we can give ourselves the best chance at the start of the season,” head coach Dan Porter said.

The team holds these green days once a week which will turn into twice a week as the spring season approaches.

The team uses these practices to get the team in shape and to allow for a successful beginning of the regular season.

“I think that getting the team in shape before the season will really help,” senior Noah Wolfenstein said. “This way we will have a good foundation for when the season starts.”

Another focus of these practices is

COURTESY OF MELANIE BENNETT

COURTESY OF BRYAN JEFFERSON

What is your favorite memory of the Annandale wrestling team?

“Wrestling is the biggest love hate sport, however you make the greatest memories doing it. Whether it is in the practice room, on the mat or standing on the podium. My greatest memory is winning a trivial match in the state tournament my junior year that got me to place really high and boost our team score over top dog school at the time,Westfield.

But I do miss the encouragement by the community and teammates while I was on the mat, brawling for a win!”

The wrestling team gathers to discuss tactics and tricks to use during their future matches to ensure success.

Lax players use winter for prep

Bryan Jefferson

Bryan Jefferson (right) goes in for a lift during a wrestling meet last season.

COURTESY OF MELANIE BENNETT

BY MELANIE BENNETT Sports Editor

A few hopeful members of the baseball team stretch before a green day to get loose.

to improve the individual skills of the prospective team members.

“We’re not just conditioning, but baseball is a skill so you really have to work on repetition and critiquing technique,” coach Porter said.

The team focuses their efforts on improving these skills through different drills and exercises at these practices.

“We have been hitting off a tee and doing different hitting drills,” Porter said. “In the fall we were able to practice defense, but now with the

weather becoming colder, we hit in the upstairs gym.”

By having these practices the team not only improves their skills, but also allows the players to become familiar with working with one another.

“I think having green days this early will help the team in the long run because all of the new adjustments will already be taken care of,” senior Tyler Pacak said. “Everyone will know who each other is and how things will work when the season starts, that way were can get down to business right away.”

Along with holding green days, the team has also been fundraising in order to prepare for the new season.

“We just did not have a lot of the equipment that I felt like we needed,” Porter said. “We need to purchase new baseballs, screens, and other equipment we need.”

The fundraisers have included two car washes, raking leaves and a local Chipotle fundraiser. Currently, the baseball team is holding their annual winter clinics for little league players, adding to their growing funds.

“I am looking forward to having new baseballs so that not having enough or not being in good condition is not an issue and new field equipment that we do not have to worry about breaking when we carry them,” Pacak said.

“Having banners on the outfield fence will also give the field that extra touch.”

The effort put forth for the fundraising has also brought the team together, allowing the players to work together off the field.

“The fundraising shows team effort of the players whether it is a car wash or leaf raking,” Porter said. “It builds team camaraderie and allows the players to see what we can get out of hard work, just like the season.”

With all of the new improvements of the players and the near-future equipment, the team looks towards the season with high goals.

SPORTS

Dec. 16, 2013

Swim falls to Woodson HS The swim team had their first meet of the season against Woodson on Dec. 14.

Head coach Ryan Smith is proud of his team’s performance at the meet.

“Overall I think we had a lot of good swims and dropped times,” Smith said.

The team started out the night with great effort against the Cavaliers.

“I think we put up great effort against Woodson,” senior Lizzie Manthos said. “We definitely showed that we do not give up easily and are always up for a fight.”

Throughout the night many swimmers enjoyed personal best times.

“I got a personal best on my 500 freestyle race,” sophomore Aaron Boyd said. “I went from a 5:14 to a 5:10. I am really proud of my

Sports Snapshots: Swim & Dive During Practice

Senior Allie Vogus practices a dive during her dive practice.

COURTESY OF JAMES BARKER

BY ZEKE YONAS Staff Writer

improvement.”

In order for there to be improvement for the next meet, there will need to be adjustments made during practice “The main thing I will be focusing on in practice is flip turns,” Smith said. “We had too many slow turns during the meets which hurts times. By improving your turn you can drop significant time in your race.”

Other swimmers have personal matters they wish to improve on in practice.

“I want to work on my starts and finishes,” junior Bennett Collins said. “If I especially improve my start, I think I can drop my times significantly for the next meet.”

Overall, coach Smith has a positive outlook on the teams place in the conference.

“We are competitive in the conference.

We are not at the top, but we are not at the bottom,” Smith said. We have a chance at winning some meets. We just need to have a positive outlook on the season.”

“We have a small team but that does not mean we can’t have fun,” senior Erica Johnson said.

COURTESY OF JAMES BARKER

Swim and Dive kicked off season with great effort against rival

17 Head swimming coach Ryan Smith instructs swimmers during practice.

Track bundles up for the cold

MELANIE BENNETT

Track says whether they like running in the warm or cold

Juniors Nelson Bersal and Cody Reagan work on handoffs.

BY CONRAD SHARTEL Sports Editor As the winter track season starts, practices will be held outside after school. Unless the weather conditions are too severe, practice will be held regardless of the temperature.

“I like to run in the cold more because you do not sweat, and you try to get warm by running more,” sophomore Ben Petruzziello said.

Athletes that do track have to wear more clothing for the winter practices because of the cold.

Some students love to run in the

cold and others like to run in the heat more.

“It is harder to run in the cold because the cold air makes it much harder to breathe while running,” freshman Julius Miller said.

“I like running in the hot weather better because your legs are not cold which makes it easier,” senior Sanusi Jalloh said.

Since more students do spring track, runners that do winter track consider it to be very serious and more of a tight knit team.

“In spring track you get people that just want to get in shape, but in winter you get only the people serious enough to run in the cold,” Petruzziello said.

“I take winter track as serious as I take any other sport in any season,” Miller said.

The turnout for the winter

track season and spring track season can vary, with lots of people one year and much less another.

“Over the years it has gone up and down, with last winter track season having very few people and this year having very many people,” Head coach David O’Hara said.

The turnout between athlete dedication between spring and winter track is very different.

Some more serious runners will do both and some students will do only one of the seasons and a different sport the other season.

“The great thing about winter track is that we get athletes that do another spring sport, like lacrosse or soccer, but they may realize they like track a lot and stick with it in the spring,” O’Hara said.

Boys basketball loses to Woodson 4-0 winning streak comes to and end

COURTESY OF AHS ATHLETICS

Boys varsity basketball started the season off strong going 4-0 in their first four match-ups against Marshall HS, Falls Church HS, JEB Stuart HS and Thomas Jefferson HS respectively.

On Friday Dec. 13 the AHS Varsity basketball team suffered their first loss of the season to bring their record to 4-1. The loss came against long-time division rivals W.T. Woodson HS in a largely one-sided game.

“Great start going 4-1. We didn’t play as well on Friday night and it was our first district game, so it’s a little upsetting,” head coach Matthew Behne said.

The game started with Woodson winning the tip-off and putting up two points right away. Woodson scored once more before AHS answered with a basket of their own. The game

COURTESY OF AHS ATHLETICS

BY JAROD GOLUB & CONRAD SHARTEL News Editor and Sports Editor

Junior Austin Hall (1) attempts to juke out a Woodson player to get the ball to a teammate.

continued in this fashion with AHS keeping close behind Woodson for the first quarter.

As the second quarter started, fouls began to plague the team and they could not hold possession of the ball. Woodson capitalized on this to lengthen the point gap.

“Woodson is a very good team,

there’s no doubt about it , and we just didn’t play the way we had to,” Behne said. “We have a young team, big crowd, great atmosphere and we’ve got a long way to go but we will get better.”

Individually, the team performed admirably, with a few players putting up multiple baskets. This shows that they have the ability to maintain

control of the ball and take the time to find an open shot, or a teammate who has one.

Even though they have shown improvement, players hope to continue that individually as the season progresses.

“I’m much better at defense than offense, but as the season goes by hopefully I’ll get better at offense and get my shot back,” senior Steven Schwartz said.

In the second half of the game the team kept up an even score with Woodson, however it was not enough to overcome the deficit put up in the first half.

“Our second unit played really well.

They didn’t try to do too much one on one, they passed the ball and moved the ball,” Behne said. “Even though we lost by 20, I still think we played an even game for about a quarter or so.”

Despite the loss to Woodson, the team still has high hopes for the season. They see their performance on Friday as a stepping stone to a winning record in the district.

“We’re looking to play our best basketball, and if the players all go out there and give our best effort,

The girls varsity basketball team suffered their first loss of the season on Dec. 14 at Tuscarora High School. The Lady Husky Tip-Off Classic game ended 44-56, an outcome that was disppointing for the team and Atoms fans alike after their four-game winning streak.

“We felt kind of defeated because it was a loss, but it was kind of a good loss, if that makes any sense, because we fought,” senior Rebecca Yohannes said.

“We really wanted it and we brought home a trophy.”

The fight they put up did not end up being enough for a win. Yohannes attributes their loss to the fact that they played a genuinely good team.

“They had a bit of everything,”

Head Coach Dave O’hara: Do you feel that runners are better in the winter or better in the spring?

“It is not necessarily that runners are better, but we get a lot of really quality athletes in the winter that do other sports in the spring too. It takes a very dedicated athlete to put up with the cold weather in the winter practices.”

Is there a bigger turnout in the winter or spring?

“Over the years it is gone up and down a lot.

Last spring we didn’t have a turnout as big as previous years, but that could all change.”

COURTESY OF @AHSATHLETICS

BY SACHA CAMERON Staff Writer

Yohannes said. “We didn’t really play as hard as we could’ve in the beginning.”

As the team prepares for their impending home game against Centreville High School on Dec. 17, they’re planning to work more on defense.

“We’re still building as a team,” Yohannes said.

The girls varsity basketball coach Hughes said he was disappointed, but thought they played hard. “We only had one day to practice because of the snow days and the snow days got us out of shape.” Hughes said. “It would have been better if we had used the snow days to practice.”

Hughes said the shooting was very good but the defense could have worked more. “The girls didn’t give up. I was excited how they fought.” Hughes said.

Hughes said rebounding and not giving up were one their strengths for the next game he looks forward to better execution.

Junior Jenny McCann swims breaststroke during practice to prepare for the meet.

Coach’s Corner: Winter Track

Girls basketball takes runner up Girls place second place in Tip-Off Tournament

Senior Michael Sgrecci swims breaststroke.

The girls varsity basketball team gathers around their trophy after their tournament.

On your smartphone, scan the above code using the application “QR Code” to read about the basketball games against Marshall.

18

ENTERTAINMENT

Dec. 11, 2013

Do you Remember The

Rockettes?

Horoscopes Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

A romantic entanglement gets a little nuttier today, so have fun with it! You may find yourself increasingly drawn to someone unusual or falling in deeper with your long-term partner.

BY MEGAN RYAN Entertainment Editor

Every year, the most famous showgirls in New York City return to Radio City Music Hall to perform their intricate Christmas special. Their show includes variations of dances of the Russian ballet The Nutcracker, which is based off of the old folklore The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, as well as their most famous and longest standing tradition dance called the can-can.

The ‘can-can’ dance is where the girls all stand next to each other in a straight line and swing their legs up high swiftly and precisely, almost as if they are kicking the air.

Even though they are a tradition, and their show is the show to watch in New York during the holiday season. However, not many people, especially in the younger generations, know who they are anymore.

The Rockettes are a precise dance group that was founded in 1925 and have performed at Radio City since 1932. Their dances are a wide range of styles, from contemporary to a classical ballet type, and also include elements of jazz and tap in their show.

Each year in April, the Rockettes have a strict audition where the dancers are required to be between 5’6 and 5’10 in order to even be eligible to tryout. They have these strict auditions in order to get the best, while also looking uniformed and all similar. The

Capricorn (Dec. 22- Jan 19) Genealogy holds special interest for you now, and you may find that it’s easier than you thought to dig up even ancient material. Someone may have already done the work for you, so pay it forward!

Aquarius (Jan. 20- Feb. 18) You’re feeling pretty out-there -- far more so than usual!

One particularly crazy idea might just be the next big thing, so don’t be shy about following it up wherever it may lead.

Pisces (Feb.19- March. 20) You feel utterly lost, but sometimes that can be okay!

If you feel trapped, try to get help -- but if not, just explore and see what you learn.

This could be the start of something big!

Rockettes will perform five shows a day, seven days a week.

The girls not only perform at Radio City, they also dance in shows across the nation, and in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Over the years, The Rockettes have also performed in the 1988 Super Bowl during the halftime performance. It was reported that almost 150 million people watched that performance. Then they also performed at George W. Bush’s inauguration ceremony in 2001.

These dancers also have extremely elaborate and exquisite costume and dresses that come from a holiday special. From the glitter and sparkles to the detailed nutcracker army costumes, all of it has been perfected throughout the years and looks absolutely amazing.

“I think they’re all dancers and they work so hard just as anybody else would.” senior Alexis Mueller said. “I appreciate how incredibly precise they are because their movements are so hard and they have such perfect form all of the time. I think their Santa costumes are also really adorable.”

Even with the Rockettes’ winter performances being a 98-year-old tradition, many people nowadays concentrate on the other holiday concerts of festivals that come towards the end of the year.

The new “fads” being the Hot 99.5 Jingle Ball, or the Michael Bublé Christmas album concert the classic tradition of the Radio

City Rockettes is slowly fading into the background.

“I don’t really know who the Rockettes are.

The only thing I truly know about them is that they dance during Christmas and do the ‘can-can’ dance,” senior Xavier Felix said.

There aren’t just music concerts that students or people go to, there are also other dance groups that have become big and perform various shows like The Nutcracker and A Swingin’ Holiday.

This play features the swingin’ music of the ’30s and ’40s as well as peoples favorite holiday tunes and jazzy renditions of The Nutcracker Suite and then there is also a Diablo Ballet premiere of Our Walzes Trilogy.

The Rockettes annual show is called the “Christmas Spectacular,” and it’s a highly regarded show that uses many traditional holiday songs like “Welcome Christmas”, “White Christmas in New York,” “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” and finally “Here Comes Santa Claus.”

“If I went to go see them I’d would probably most excited to see the setting and how they play up the stage along with the dance moves and effects.” sophomore Mahlet Ayele said.

“I love the way they are all synchronized together. It truly amazes me.”

Rockettes will once again rock the stage in their 2013-2014 season with performances all over the nation.

Aries (March. 21- April. 19) You should step up and use some of this amazing energy to take action -- the world needs what you’ve got! It’s a really good day for some parties, startups and other fun things that just need some initiative.

Taurus (Apr. 20-May 18)

What do you think is the best aspect of the Rockettes?

Your laid-back nature is asserting itself with a vengeance, so make sure that you don’t have any important deadlines staring you in the face. If so, try to get extensions -- or assistance!

Gemini May 21- June 20) Try to push things forward -- your fire can help drive this latest project even if no one else seems interested.

You’re sure to pick up momentum as you move forward, so keep it up!

Cancer (June 21-July 22) You’ve got a quick mind today, so use this spark to generate hot ideas or impress others with your witty repartee. It’s meant to work to your advantage, so don’t be shy about using it!

Leo (July 23- Aug 22) You can have fun doing almost anything -- so get out there and go wild! Your fiery energy is perfect for parties, but it’s just as nice at home doing the dishes.

Make it a holiday!

Virgo (Aug.23-Sept.22) Try not to give in to too many requests-- you’ve only got so much to give, and it’s inevitable that you’ll be stretched too thin if you aren’t firm early on. Practice saying ‘no’ early and often!

Libra (Sept.23-Oct. 22) You’re at your best in oneon-one situations, so make sure that you’re stepping up and taking care of your most important people. That goes beyond family and romance, of course!

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You will view issues and problems as an opportunity to be creative. The truth is, everything might get worse before it gets better and remember compromise is powerful tool.

“They’re flexible ladies that many dancer look up to.”

“They are talented and they must do a lot of practicing to perform.”

“I think that they are pretty and talented; I would love to go see them.”

“They dance well at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.”

“I saw them once and I thought they were really cool; they seem better in person.”

“I didn’t actually know who they were, but they’re a fun holiday dance group.”

“I think they are very coordinated dancers. It takes a lot of skill to do what they do.”

— Kimberly Romano

— John Paletti

— Mongnhi Nguyen

— Jack Curtin

— Nina Fairmen

— Roya Ansary

— Mustafa Elrayah

freshman

sophomore

sophomore

junior

sophomore

senior

senior

Let it Sing, Let it Show, Let it Shine Students picked their top 10 favorite holiday songs through a survey out of 20 choices

1

“All I want For Christmas” Mariah Carey

2

“Let it Snow” Frank Sinatra

3

“Jingle Bell Rock” Bobby Helmes

4

“The Christmas Song” Oscar Moore

5

“It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas” Bing Crosby

6

“Deck

7

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” Gene Autry

8

“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” Tom Stacks

the Halls” John Thomas

IB Film student and Arts Editor James Barker picks his top five favorite holiday movies 1. Elf (2003)

Is it even possible for anyone to not like Elf? It is the most entertaining holiday movie and never gets old.

Elf stars Will Ferrell as a man who is raised by elves in the North Pole, but then finds out his real father lives in New York City. His adventure in New York City is fall-out-of-your-chair-laughing funny and is fun for the whole family. This is a film you do not want to miss this holiday season.

2. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Directed by the legendary Frank Capra, It’s a Wonderful Life, is not just an excellent holiday film, but one of the best films ever made. Jimmy Stewart stars as George Bailey, a man who wishes he had never been born the night before Christmas. And don’t let the black and white stop you from watching this movie. You will not regret seeing this film and it will instantly be one of your favorite movies of all time.

4. The Muppets Christmas Carol (1992)

This movie is my favorite version of “A Christmas Carol” ever produced on screen. It is hilarious and heartwarming, even though the majority of the characters are puppets. Scrooge is played by Michael Caine, a grumpy old man who only cares about money. The night before Christmas, he is visited by three spirits who try to show him the real meaning of Christmas.

—According to yahoo.com

On your smartphone, scan the above code using the application “QR Code” to read about the holiday concerts that come around for the season.

9 10

“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” Brenda Lee “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” Andy Williams THIS SURVERY WAS COLLECTED AT ALL LUNCHES ON DEC. 3RD.

3. White Christmas (1954)

Once you watch this movie, you will never stop singing the songs in it. The movie doesn’t entirely take place during the Christmas season, staring with American soldiers in war torn Europe during WWII. Bing Crosby stars in the movie and has one of the best male voices to ever be heard on the big screen. This is a classic holiday film that portrays true holiday spirit.

5. The Santa Clause (1994)

The Santa Clause is without a doubt one of the funniest Christmas movies ever made. Tim Allen stars as Scott Calvin who by chance becomes the new Santa Clause when the old one falls off his roof. This movie is entertaining for both children and adults, and keeps the legend of Santa alive. This is one you definitely don’t want to miss over the holiday break.

ENTERTAINMENT Battlefield 4 glitchy yet enjoyable Dec. 17, 2013

Glitches and returning problems plague new title

BY MARK SLOUGH Copy Editor Only in Battlefield, a slogan derived from the amazing destruction and events that happen in the game.

These moments that inspire and amaze players continue in the new installment in the series.

Battlefield 4 is the newest installment of the widely popular first person shooter series developed

by DICE. The campaign mode within Battlefield 4 follows a small group of American soldiers who team up to save the world from war with Russia and China.

They traverse across the Chinese mainland to save a high-value political target from his looming death.

Although the game has never been known for its single player stories, its massive popularity can be attributed to its action-packed online multiplayer that features destructibility and massive battles all over simulated areas of the world.

Despite the glitches and bugs that need to be fixed but Battlefield 4 is still a popular game.

amount of CPU power.

Players are cast as either The gameplay is smooth, Russian, Chinese or American Video Game if optimized and the game is soldiers, and fight against not very hard to play. each other in up to 64-man Review: There was a problem battles fighting to capture or Battlefield 4 with netcode, the code that destroy objectives across the intertwines connections and available maps. video of separate players, The Levolution moments with the initial launch, (map-changing destruction but that was mostly fixed, events)featured in every map are well-done and don’t crash the making each moment in game more game even though they use a massive synced between players.

8.7

The graphics have been visibly improved from Battlefield 3, with a noticeable rise in framerates when the graphics are optimized for the system they are performing on. This improves the experience visually and allows you to experience the beautiful maps that DICE has created.

An addition to Battlefield 4, teamplay, has added to the specialization system. This changes it to a point-based tier of field upgrades that are groupings of 4 specializations that are unlocked at increments of point values.

Field upgrades are unlocked by performing activities designated by the squad leader, like taking out a high value target, or taking an objective.

This adds to the gameplay, and gives useful perks to players who are playing with their team.

On your smartphone, scan the above code using the application “QR Code” to finish reading the review of Battlefield 4.

Too early to be hooked on TLC? Shows geared towards older audiences attract young students

BY AYAH OWEIS Entertainment Editor “I love that dress; that’s the dress I am going to get married in.”

One might expect to be hearing a grown woman to be saying those words, but instead a young high school girl was crooning over the wedding dress shown on TLC’s Say Yes to the Dress.

Channels like TLC and Food Network were created for an older audience in mind, but recently students have been beginning to watch these shows more and more.

Food Network obviously focuses on food with many competition shows, TLC shows have a broad spectrum of shows from Say Yes to the Dress to Toddlers in Tiaras. Most of the TLC shows focus either on families or fashions, like Sister Wives and What Not To Wear.

Say Yes to the Dress follows the employees and owners of Kleinfeld’s,

a bridal shop, as they help brides find “the perfect dress.”

There have been many spin-offs of this popular show including Say Yes to the Dress: Big Bliss, Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta and Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids. Both the Atlanta version and Bridesmaids version follow Bridal by Lori, a bridal boutique in Atlanta, Georgia.

“I love watching Say Yes to the Dress so I can see the bride’s happy expressions when they finally say yes to the dress,” junior Daiana Merida said.

Food Network has a range of shows but they all have one thing in common, the foods shown are sure to make you drool.

Recently, many new Food Network competitive shows have emerged, including Challenge, Chopped and The Next Food Network Star.

Chopped is currently the most popular Food Network show. In this competition contestants are given a short allotted time to make an appetizer, main course and dessert.

The show starts off with four contestants but one contestant is “chopped” after every course based on the judges critiques.

The most interesting aspect of the

19

Upcoming events in the DMV

Santarchy Sat., Dec. 14 Washington D.C.

Leesburg Holiday Parade Sat., Dec. 14 King Street

Wreath Laying Ceremony Sat., Dec. 14 Arlington National Cemetery

Jingle Ball Thurs., Dec. 16 Verizon Center

The competition show, Chopped, entitles chefs to cook meals with outrageous ingredients.

show is the introduction of the special ingredients. Each contestant receives a basket full of strange ingredients that they have to incorporate into their dishes.

Some of the wild ingredients have included snake, watercress and jicama, an edible root. Sometimes, the ingredients are not as outrageous as snake meat, but the producers find ways to confuse the competitors by pairing unlikely ingredients, like celery and a frozen pie crust.

Much like Say Yes to the Dress, Chopped has spin-offs like Chopped: All Stars, Chopped: Champions and Chopped: Grill Masters.

Many wouldn’t expect teens to even think twice about watching Food Network or TLC shows, but there is something about watching chefs make amazing foods out of the nothing or finding the perfect dress for the most important day of your life.

Out with the old in with the new

Military Bowl Fri., Dec. 27 RFK Stadium

WWE Smackdown Sun., Dec. 29 Verizon Center

Students weigh in on which artists they are tired of and who they are ready to hear more from

OUT Miley Cyrus

IN Carlton Hometown Show Sun., Dec. 29 Jammin Java

Taylor Swift

“I don’t like Miley Cyrus. Her music is too pop and her voice is annoying.”

“I like Taylor Swift.

She’s a really good singer; I liked her back when she was country and now even when shes not.”

— Liam Conroy Freshman

— Molly Gormly Sophomore The Living Christmas Tree Mon., Jan. 13 Riverdale Baptist Church

Drake

Imagine Dragons

“I’m pretty tired of Drake. His used to be a lot better; his music got worse over the years.”

“They’re really good and their concerts are fun. Their music is really diverse so a lot of people like their songs.”

— Jenny Bolanos Sophomore

— Kyle Peich Senior

Lady Gaga “Lady Gaga is really weird and so is her music. I never really liked her music anyway.”

— Ali Ashar Senior

ICE! Sun., Dec. 15 Gaylord National Harbor

Florida Georgia Line “‘I love their music because it always reminds me of summer. Their songs are really good and have good lyrics.”

— Jasmine Pringle Senior

On your smartphone, scan the above code using the application “QR Code” to read the review of Catching Fire.

20

Last Weekend I...

WEEKEND

Dec. 17, 2013

Around the world in 48 hours France

Taste and embrace different cultures’ traditions and customs within a one-hour radius of Annandale

DINE: Visit La Ferme Restaurant to enjoy some exquisite French dining, which offers a wide variety of famous French dishes. From their mouth-watering desserts including honeyvanilla creme brulee and a popular French pastry called the gateu Paris brest to the delicious entrees including pan seared filet mignon and sauteed calf livers, the menu truly embodies French cuisine.

Maddie Little Old Town

Last weekend I went to Old Town with my friend Alex. Everything was decorated with reefs and fake snow and it really got me into the holiday spirit. We walked around and shopped at H&M, Ross, Fransecas and a bunch of thrift shops.

Everything in the stores was for the cold weather and Christmas. We also went into a monogram shop and made friends with the owners and told them how popular monograms were at our school.

We then went out to eat at Chipotle, because it’s my favorite and even they had decorations wrapped around the poles. Then we took pictures in front of the Christmas tree.

EXPERIENCE: Washington D.C. is home to some of the most famous, breathtaking paintings done by French masters of Art including Monet, Renoir and Matisse. Visit the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. to see a selection of famous works by Claude Monet, including Woman with a Parasol and Monet’s Garden at Vétheuil. Famous paintings by Pierre Renoir are also available to view at The Phillips Collection in D.C.

Colombia

DINE: Eat at Jaymar Colombian Breeze Restaurant located in Gaithersburg, MD. This restaurant offers a delicious variety of authentic Colombian cuisine. Two of their specialities include bandeja paisa con carne asada, a traditional dish served with rice, red beans, fried eggs, plantain, sausage and ground beef and cazuela de frijoles, a bowl of beans served with avocado, pork rind and chorizo.

Ravyn Hankinson New Jersey

Over the break I had to get up at 5:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning, to start getting ready for a long trip to New Jersey! My family wanted to get ahead start to try and beat the traffic. We were going to New Jersey because my dad’s side of the family lives there. We haven’t seen them in a couple of years so this meant a lot to us getting to see them again! After expecting a three and a half hour drive there we got there five hours later. It was exhausting and all we wanted to do was rest. As soon as we got there, they immediately turned on the game and we finally got to eat. It was a warming feeling being with the family again.

EXPERIENCE: Exercise while embracing the Colombian

Italy

culture by taking a Zumba Class. Zumba combines fun Latin music and dancing with a workout; it’s a great way to exercise while having fun. Zumba classes are offered all over the DMV including the National Harbor, Life Time Fitness, George Mason University, Sensazao Dance Fitness Studio and many others.

DINE: Located on Lee Highway in Fairfax, The Espositos menu captures the Italian essence perfectly. From the margherita pizza, baked ziti, zuppa di pesci, to the veal marsala, The Espositos has something for everyone.

Nick Torrico Ultrazone

Last weekend, my close friends and I went laser tagging at UltraZone.

We wanted to relive our childhood since UltraZone used to be a popular spot for birthday parties. We went on Saturday night at around 9 o’clock. To our surprise, the place was extremely packed. Not only were there young teenage kids, but there was also college kids. We played one game of laser tag against 3 other teams. The laser tag equipment was replaced with more advanced, futuristic-looking equipment that appeared very high-end. The experience at Ultra Zone was pretty fun and it united my group of friends.

2014 class bulletin

Ethiopia

EXPERIENCE: Embrace the centuries old Italian art form of Opera at several local theaters. The Kennedy Center and Washington Concert Opera both located in Washington D.C. offer great performances. Tickets for the Opera The Lion, the Unicorn and Me at The Kennedy Center are available online.

DINE: Eat at Etete, a Washington D.C. restaurant that

India

is known for its gourmet, mouth watering authentic Ethiopian menu. The traditional Ethiopian dishes typically come with a 50 cm large sourdough flatbread which is used to scoop up the entrees. Some of their hit entrees include dulet, a mixture of lamb, liver and onions, and zilzil tibs, marinated strips of beef.

EXPERIENCE: Visit Little Ethiopia located in

Washington D.C. any Friday, Saturday or Sunday and there will be live Ethiopian music. Artist Yehunie Belay, famous for his wonderful cultural performances is one of the leading acts at Little Ethiopia.

Senior spirit packs are on sale! They’re $25 for a long sleeve, bumper sticker and water bottle!

Graduation countdown: 182 days!

Deadline for regular decision for most Virginia schools is Jan. 1st, Send your apps in!

DINE: Eat out at Jaipur Royal Indian Cuisine. This unique

restaurant’s decor and menu embody the culture of Northern India. Their menu offers a wide variety of dishes including Indian styled lamb chops, mango prawn curry, lobster in cream sauce, coconut milk cakes and many other delicious options.

Japan

EXPERIENCE: Embrace Mumbai’s flourishing film industry by going to a Bollywood film. The films capture the rich Indian culture while creating a dramatic and captivating source of entertainment. There are several theaters throughout the Washington area that screen these films including Big Cinema’s Loehmann’s Twin in Falls Church, VA and Regal Countryside 20 in Sterling, VA.

DINE: Go eat sushi, one of Japan’s best dishes at Mclean’s On your smartphone, scan the above code using the application “QR Code” to look at Five Top ways to celebrate the holidays in the area.

top sushi restaurant, Ichiban. Located at 6821A Old Dominion Drive McLean, VA 22101 Ichiban’s menu includes a delicious selection of sushi, sashimi and other traditional japanese dishes.

EXPERIENCE: Enjoy the traditional Japanese music and entertainment form of karaoke. All throughout D.C. and Northern Virginia there are karaoke bars. Cafe Japone, Cafe Muse and Ijing Music Studios all allow people under 21.