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How America views Hezbollah does not necessarily coincide with the rest of the Middle East.

Scattered thunderstorms

Today’s Lunch Turkey Hot Dog on Bun Chicken Fillet on Bun Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Yogurt w/Pretzel

Today’s Flex

From football to field hockey, fall athletes are revving up for a new season.

BY ALYSSA NAVARRETE Co-Editor in Chief

This Day in History 1774—First Continental Congress convenes 1972— Eleven Israeli athletes are slain at the Munich Olympic games 1978—Sadat, Begin & Carter began peace conference at Camp David, Md

NEWS BRIEFS AEDs installed in halls

DAVID SHERMAN

FiveAutomated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been placed around the halls of AHS. These devices are designed to administer early defibrillation should any student need immediate medical assistance.

According to athletic trainer Alison Lane, all schools in Fairfax County have installed AEDs. The five AEDs at AHS are positioned throughout the building, four downstairs and one upstairs. These AEDs are strategically placed.

“TheAEDs are placed [in specific areas] so that from anywhere in the building, you can get from the victim, to theAED and back to the victim within three to four minutes,” said Lane.

AEDs can be used if someone should suddenly go into cardiac arrest. If the victim is unconscious, the AED will administer shock to the victim in an attempt to resuscitate the victim.

Though anyone is permitted to use the AEDs in case of emergency, Lane cautions that the AEDs are being treated like fire alarms and fire extinguishers. If anyone tampers with the AEDs throughout the school, they will be punished accordingly.

Automated External Defibrilators, pictured at left, have been placed around the school for use in emergency situations.

Discounted tickets available to Arena Stage production

Discounted tickets for Arena Stage’s production of Cabaret are available for Artspeak! supporters. Cabaret is a well-known musical that has been running for many years, however viewers are cautioned that the material in Cabaret may not be suitable for young audiences. Tickets, normally costing about 60 dollars, are being sold to supporters for only ten dollars. Up to four tickets are available per person and can be purchased by calling the Arena Stage box office at (202) 488-3300. Tickets are limited and subject to availability.

Gay/Straight Alliance meeting

The GSA will hold the first meeting of the new school year Thursday, Sept. 14 at 2 p.m. in room 254.All members are expected to attend, and new members are cordially welcome to atttend as well. Election of officers and plans for the year need to be accomplished. For information of questions, please contact Ms. Slesinger in room 254.

–Freshman/Counselor Meeting Sept. 18-19 –Freshman Parents Night Sept. 19 –Senior Program - Sept. 25-29 –SOL Summer Retakes Sept. 25-29 –Back to School Night - Sept. 27 –Senior Parents Night - Oct. 4 –Parents’ Nights Spanish - Oct. 12 Korean - Oct. 16 Vietnamese - Oct. 25 –SOL Senior Retakes - Oct. 17-20 –PSATs - Oct. 18 –Homecoming - Oct. 20 –Military Fair - Oct. 26 –ACTs - Oct. 28 –National Honor Society Induction - Oct. 30

Words of wisdom from senior Emily Sample.

Freshmen orientation held to help new students adjust to their classes and surroundings

Tues., Sept. 5— R1

Upcoming guidance events

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FALL SPORTS IN FULL SWING

Freshmen take to the halls

Today’s Weather Low: 66

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SURVIVING FRESHMAN YEAR

“I’m nervous about the egging,” said freshman Austin Davenport. “I heard that on Friday, the freshman get egged. I really don’t want to get egged.”

Throughout the school last Friday, sentiments such as these could be heard from freshman who wandered through the halls attempting to find their way to and from their classes during freshman orientation. Students were gathered in the auditorium, introduced to several staff members, and then sent throughout the school to try and find their teachers and their classes.

“I’m nervous about fitting in because there are a lot of different people here, and a lot more people around you,” said freshman Germain Matali. “But I’m excited about the sports here, and I hope to meet new people. There are so many different cultures here.”

While visiting their teachers and their classes, freshman were given information regarding flex periods, lunch schedules, attendance, school activities and much more.

“I liked freshman orientation,” said freshman Victoria Students rush out of the opening presentation after being released from the auditorium during freshman orientation

“Freshman” continued on page 3 last Friday. Students went to each one of their classes in order to meet their teachers and get adjusted to AHS.

Monopole project underway Administration

decides to move announcements

New monopole tower will increase revenue and reception

BY MICHELLE RISSE News Editor

BY EMILY SAMPLE News Editor

For years students and staff have struggled to get decent cell phone service in AHS and around the community. But soon all of this will change with the addition of the cell phone monopole tower. The monopole is located between the track and baseball fields, reaching about 110 feet in height.

“The new [monopole] will be very beneficial for the school and the community,” said director of student activities Angelo Hilios.

“I am so excited to finally be a senior and not have to worry about getting to school super early to assure that I get a spot,” said senior Allie Bagot. “Driving to school last year was always so nerve-racking because I never knew if I would be able to find one.”

Safety and security specialist Cliff Cornwell explained that while although he would love to give spots closer to the school to students, it just really is not possible. There will be many open spots all day in the back parking lot, but unfortunately they cannot be given to students due to the bus schedule.

“There are 28 buses this year and the enrollment is higher than it was previously. More students means more staff,” said Cornwell.

Another factor in this years parking situation is the removal of Ossian Hall Park. Cornwell

The bell rings. Its 7:20 a.m., and returning students look towards the PA speaker for their 5-minute reprieve from morning instruction. This time is honored for that last minute lip gloss application, the last few steps to the classroom door, or the last three problems of French homework.

But this year is different. Morning announcements have been moved to the end of the day, and the Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence have been moved to the end of first block. Of the many reasons for the switch, tardiness and inefficiency are at the forefront.

“We [the administration] noticed that the students had the perception that the announcements gave them five to seven minutes to be late before their teachers took attendance. They thought ‘It’s just the announcements.’And didn’t get to class on time,” said Assistant Principle Pamela McKnight.

Hearing of the switch, students don’t know if it will help solve the problem. “I think that if you’re going to be late, you’re going to be late no matter when the announcements come on,” said senior Grace McMurry.

“This will just make more people late,” said sophomore Paul Bernfeld. “Teachers don’t take attendance during the announcements, but when kids come in at the same time as usual, they’ll be marked late.”

The decision came after the administration gathered and discussed their observations from the past year. “Both Mr. Ponton and I were new this year, so we could really just observe what was going on and try to make improvements,” said McKnight.

Additionally, by the end of last year announcements at the end of the day weren’t uncommon. Teachers, club sponsors, and coaches had reminders for students mid-day so in the afternoon at 1:55 the PAwould come on to tell students of cancellations, postponements, and last minute club meetings. In addition to the announcements, Teachers will still have the opportunity to turn on the television

“Parking” continued on page 3

“Announcements” continued on page 3

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Will Hillary Clinton win the nomination for the Democratic candidate in 2008?

703-642-4229

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2005

CONFLICT IN THE MIDDLE EAST

CLINTON: ROUND TWO?

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VOLUME #52 ISSUE 1

ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

An installation crew works to finish assembling the monopole

“Monopole” continued on page 3 (at right). Work is expected to finish soon after school begins.

Student parking still limited

BY KRISTA SILANO Managing Editor With the expansion of the back parking lot early last school year, many students had high hopes about getting spots there this year. However, the parking situation will be more or less the same as in years passed.

As the new school year begins and the class of 2007 enters the building on top, several questions about senior privileges rush through their heads.

One thing on their minds, though not necessarily a senior privilege, is the parking situation for the upcoming year.

Traditionally, the estimated 115 parking spaces in Ossian Hall Park, the parking lot by the baseball field and all along Four Year Run are given to students, usually only seniors.

New staff finds niche Twenty-eight new staff members join the AHS team

BY DAVID SHERMAN Co-Editor in Chief “My goal for this year is to meet every student in my alphabet at least twice… and to actually remember their names,” said new AHS counselor Jennifer Ferrara.

“I’m also looking forward to getting to know the staff and school culture of AHS.” Ferrara, who will be the counselor for students K-Mat, is one of 28 new staff members at AHS this year. With the influx of new staff, the week leading up to the first

day of school was filled with introductory meetings and days of getting acclimated to the school. One of Ferrara’s main goals, however, is getting to know the staff she will be working with for the upcoming year.

“I have complete admiration and appreciation for teachers,” said Ferrara. “They put in more hours than most professionals in other fields, and are truly invested in educating students from all over. You know they are all in this field because they love what they do.”

Ferrara, who hails from Ringwood, Illinois, attended the University of Utah for her B.A. in Sociology and Criminology and Virginia Tech for her M.A. in Educational Counseling. She has been counseling for five years.

“New teachers” continued on page 3

Jennifer Ferrara

Subject: Counselor (K-Mat) Teaching experience: 5 years Hometown: Ringwood, Il College: University of Utah and Virginia Tech

Donald Buerkle

Subject: Math Teaching experience: 2 years Hometown: Warren, PA College: University of Pennsylvania and Wake Forest University

Benjamin Carlos

Subject: Spanish 1, 2, and 4 Teaching experience: 11 years Hometown: Southern California area College: Benedictine College,University of Miami, Universidad Complutense

About the A-Blast

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So why is this extravagant amount of cash being raised for a re-election that she is almost guaranteed to win? The answer is this: it is for her presidential campaign in 2008.

As of now, she is one of the most controversial democratic candidates, as well as one of the favorites. She has been talked about constantly in the media, and her every move and word has been calculated and discussed. Hillary also has Bill as her right-hand man. Bill Clinton is one of the most loved Democratic presidents that the world remembers today. His charismatic nature and former presidency can only help to promote Hillary’s own campaign.

If, and when Hillary runs in 2008, it will be a test for the American public. Are they ready for a woman president? If elected, she will write history not only as a president, but also as the first woman president in the United States.

Casting aside the fact that she is a woman, Hillary is still the best bid for the Democratic Party. Her merits and successes as a freshman New York senator, as First Lady with Bill Clinton, and as a prominent public figure clearly suit her for the job. She was the first First Lady to have her own successful career. Throughout her career she has advocated and promoted women’s rights around the world and worked on many child development projects.

As a U.S. senator, she has headed projects for Homeland Security, health care, and raised funds to clean up ground zero after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Hillary sits on the Senate Committee on Armed Services, from where she has taken a stand in favor of U.S. military action in Afghanistan, on the basis that it improves the lives of the women there. In New York, she also pressed for education, labor and technology reforms to improve economic developments. She is a staunch opponent of President Bush’s handling of the war in Iraq and of the administration’s tax cuts. Hillary has past experience, dedication, and the public recognition that this job demands.

However, it is up to the public to decide whether she will be elected or not. I firmly believe that Hillary

Is America ready to elect a female president in 2008?

BY SHRIYA ADHIKARY Editorials Editor

Editor’s note: Letters to the editor are gladly accepted. Please make them no longer than 250 words and submit them to room 229. Letters may also be emailed to shriya.adhikary@thea-blast.org or to mohamad.elbarasse@thea-blast.org.

Anonymous letters are not accepted. The A-Blast is always open to story ideas or comments from the student body. This is the first of 13 issues that will be printed this year.

Q&A What are the goals of The ABlast?

The A-Blast strives to inform, update and entertain its readers. Additionally, The A-Blast attempts to provide content that is both interesting and relevant to AHS and the surrounding community.

How is The A-Blast run?

The A-Blast is a publication that is entirely produced by AHS students.

Staff members provide content ideas, design layouts, write stories, take pictures and edit their own work. Though The A-Blast has an adviser, Alan Weintraut, his job is simply to oversee production and provide helpful pointers to staff members.

Ultimately all decisions are made by the students.

Can I contribute to The A-Blast if I am not on staff?

All AHS students are welcome to submit content ideas to The A-Blast at any time. Additionally, anyone interested in contributing either stories or pictures to The A-Blast is welcome to do so as well, however all contributions will be reviewed for relevance to the newspaper by the editors.

When is The A-Blast published?

Every three weeks, The A-Blast is distributed on White Days during the first Flex period. Typically The A-Blast is distributed on either a Tuesday or a Wednesday. If for some reason you do not receive a copy on distribution day, or you need a few extras, large red newsstands are filled with the remaining copies of the paper. These newsstands are located in the jock lobby, the main lobby, cafeteria lobby and next to the publications lab.

How do you choose the content for The A-Blast?

The A-Blast staff determines the content based on timeliness, relevance to student life and entertainment value.

Before every issue, the staff meets to determine what stories will be appropriate for the upcoming issue.

The 2008 presidential elections are fast approaching, and now more than ever; it is necessary to evaluate candidates well ahead of the election date. Both the Democratic and Republican parties are gathering their members and deciding who will be the best choice to run for president.

In the field of possible contenders, no one stands out more than Hilary Clinton. No other probable candidate has been analyzed and speculated more than Hillary.

And although it is still a little early to be debating the 2008 presidential elections, in my mind, there is no doubt that Hillary will run.

Her outstanding role as a New York senator has put her high above other standing Democrats, and she is well known for all she has done in her position as a voice for the people. This nation knows her as an honest and hardworking person, and she is well respected among her colleagues for the same reasons.

Nothing specific has been said or done to give truth to the matter of Hillary running for the presidential elections, but there have been many signs, some less subtle than others. Mainly, the media and other public figures have been promoting Hillary’s bid for presidency, rather than her coming out and claiming to it herself.

However, all the signs point to her running in 2008.

As a recent TIME magazine article pointed out, Hillary is raising more than enough money for her 2006 senatorial elections in New York. Reports document that $33 million has been raised for her re-election, of which $10 million will be leftover.

What is The A-Blast’s policy on editorials?

When newsworthy and relevant, editorials give an analytical voice to the paper. Unsigned editorials typically represent the views of the majority of the staff, unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the author.

What is The A-Blast’s policy on allowing sources to view articles before publication?

The A-Blast does not condone prior review. We believe it comprimises the staff’s right to free speech.

How can you contact TheABlast?

You can contact The A-Blast through letters to the editor via www.theablast.org, come by the publications lab in room 262, or you can call The A-Blast staff at 703-642-4229.

should run for president. It is time to bring a Democrat into the White House, and who is better than Hillary at this point? America needs someone with qualifications as strong as hers. If elected, Hillary Clinton is sure to do many good things for this nation and its people. author’s e-mail: shriya.adhikary@thea-blast.org

Since when are nationalist groups viewed as terrorists? enemy trenches.

The conflict has killed and wounded thousands and has made refugees of over one million Lebanese citizens. Many of the military actions that Israel has taken go against international humanitarian law, such as targeting civilian structures and villages.

American’s view of the Middle East and Hezbollah is skewed because of alliance

BY MOHAMAD ELBARASSE Editorials Editor

Since the beginning of the summer things have started to heat up in the Middle East. Conflict, not a stranger to the region, has broken out once more. This time it is between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The fighting started on July 12 when Hezbollah abducted two Israeli soldiers and killed three. Ever since then, the border between Israel and Lebanon has been a battlefield.

As an American of Palestinian descent, I do not see Hezbollah as a terrorist group. I see them as a political party that holds a militia that protects their country from attacks by foreign nations. And I would guess that many Americans would share my views if the United States was not allied with Israel, and Israel was not at war with Lebanon.

It is no secret that the United States and Israel have been allies for years. Since the Johnson administration in the 1960’s, the United States has supplied Israel with monetary and military aid. Most recently the U.S. Congress has debated the sale of $210 million worth of jet fuel and is in the process of supplying Israel with “bunker buster bombs.”

Bunker buster bombs are shells that are designed to penetrate hardened targets or targest that are buried A protester holds up a sign calling for peace at one of the underground. They are most commonly used to attack many rallies held in Lebanon. A ceasefire was enstated of as

The media uses the cliché “terrorist militant group” when these people are just defending themselves. Is that such a crime to defend one’s nation and people from an outside force? Even the first Americans rebelled against their mother country and warred for years. How can groups like Hezbollah and Hamas be called terrorists without recognizing that the founders of the United States did the same thing?

War is something that all nations will most likely have to go through. The facts are that war is a nasty game.

People die and people get hurt. Trusted sources become non-objective and propaganda is spread.

What I think needs to be done is teach Americans how not to swallow everything they hear or read in the media. And I think we need at least one objective news source, if that is possible. If we let news channels like Fox News and their parade of anchor-based commentary run rampant without a counter, a generation of close-minded adults will appear.

Groups like Hezbollah and Hamas are wrongly being called terrorists even though they are defending themselves on their own land. And even more so, they are in power because the people want them in power. Hamas and Hezbollah both won seats in their Parliaments.

Countries like the United States refuse to recognize them even though the people elected them to represent their regions. The United States is all about democracy right? So why should they not be able to accept these groups that have been voted in by the people? author’s e-mail: mohamad.elbarasse@thea-blast.org

of August 14 and peace talks continue.

MAking the GrAde

How does The A-Blast respond if they make a mistake?

If The A-Blast staff or its readers notice an error, we will print a correction in the following issue in a box on page 2.

What is The A-Blast’s policy on printing controversial issues?

Controversial issues will occasionally appear in the paper, but not without careful consideration by The A-Blast staff. The A-Blast does not seek to create controversy, however we recognize that some news stories may be controversial and should not be omitted, but dealt with in a professional manner.

Sept. 5, 2006

A recent TIME magazine article spoke of Hillary Clintonʼs speculated run for the 2008 presidential elections.

WWW.SLINGSANDARROWS.COM

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EDITORIALS A Hillary Clinton for 2008

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Thanks to the custodians We want to give a special thanks to all the custodians that have been working here all summer.

Thank you so much for putting in your time and effort to makeAHS a cleaner and more respectable looking school.

McDonalds bowing down to hedgehogs McDonalds has been forced to redesign their McFlurry containers, due to unrelenting complaints from hedgehog lovers that are concerned about the animals getting their heads stuck in the opening. The containers will be reduced in size to prevent this most lamentable incident from happening in the future. The members of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society are delighted with the report. But doesn’t McDonalds have a bigger problem with contributing to the death of people?

Katie Couric loses 20 lbs.

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It seems that nowadays, even news stations are digitally airbrushing and altering their anchors.

Katie Couric, the incoming anchorwoman for CBS Evening News, appeared 20 pounds slimmer in an airbrushed photograph placed in Watch! Magazine.

Couric claims to have had no prior knowledge of the alteration, and CBS regrets the event but apparently cannot do anything to recall the photo.

Man gives children bomb In California, a man gave a group of children a military shell to play with. Two children were killed and five injured when the 40 mm shell exploded. The obviously deranged man believed the shell to be already spent and assumed it was “harmless.”

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Annandale High School 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, Virginia 22003

Vol. 53 No. 1 Sept. 5, 2006

Editors in Chief, Print: Alyssa Navarrete David Sherman Editor in Chief, Online: Erick Vu Taylor Hobson Emily Vincent Managing Editor: Krista Silano Copy Editor: Tim Yuskavage Online Editor: Bryan Krzywicki Design Editor: Matt Camilli Kevin Leach Circulation Manager: Kyle Knoche

(703)642-4229 email: thea-blast@thea-blast.org fax: (703)642-4299

Photography Editor:

Margaret Crowley Julianne Simpson Sports Editors: Avery Adcock Greg Rosenstein Sports Xtra Editors:

Jeff Dean Matt Johnson In-Depth Editors: Paul Mathis

Weekend Editors: Kate McCormack Tim Shadyac Online Staff: Amy Steinbuechler Ad Manager: Amy Stevens Marisa Tordella Academics Editors: Michael Craig Jonathan Wilbur Cason Kynes Matt Camilli CJ Sidener Staff Writers/Photographers: Arts Editors: Lindsey Jacobs Rachael Burnett, Ebony Chambers, Charlie Laura Simpson Winters, Ben Hendrickson, Lucas Higgins, Cultures Editors: Vanessa Cerro Meredith Rutherford, Julie Tumasz, Waliha Ghani Brandon Williams, Greg Young, Nathalie Editorials Editors: Shriya Adhikary Cladera Carrera Mohamad Elbarasse Videographers/Editors: Gus Nielson Entertainment: Layluma Hotaki Drew Wildes Spanish Consultant: Antonio Rivadinera Health Editors: Becca Grimsley Adviser: Alan Weintraut Sarah Waiter News Editors:

Michelle Risse Emily Sample

People Editors: Jennifer Jacobs Kate McCormack

CSPA Silver Crown 2004-2005

Pacemaker Trophy Class National Scholastic Virginia High Press Association School 2004-2005 2004-2005 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 229 or mailed ot the school. The A-Blast reserves the right to refuse advertisements. All submissions become property of The A-Blast, Copyright, 2006.

NEWS

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Freshmen find their way

A freshman searches for her classrooms on a map of AHS. For many freshman, AHS is much larger than any school they have ever attended before.

“Freshman” continued from page 1 Campbell. “It was interesting and I learned a lot more about flex and stuff, I have the concept of it now.”

“Orientation was very efficient,” said Spanish teacher Debbie Estes. “I like the fact that [the students] break out and meet their teachers.”

Overall, many freshman felt that the orientation process helped them to get adjusted to AHS. However, some freshman still have some reservations about the first day of school.

“I’m most nervous about taking all honors classes and getting all of my homework done on top of volleyball,” said freshman Hope Stadulis.

“I’m worried about getting to class on time,” said freshman Hasib Iqbal. “[The administration] seems kind of not lenient on that.”

“I’m nervous about lunch,” said freshman Julie Jurenas. “What if I don’t know anyone in my lunch?”

Many freshmen commented that, among other things, they were nervous about being in school with upperclassmen.

“I’m kind of nervous about the upperclassmen,” Stadulis said. “But I know that here, they enforce rules so seniors don’t abuse you.”

Despite numerous woes and uncertainties, the freshman class seems to be more excited than anything else. Most freshman seem to be anxious to begin new classes, explore their new school, and meet new people.

BecauseAHS has so many different clubs and activities to choose from, freshmen have various opportunities to get involved. These opportunities were presented to the incoming class during a 20 minute club fair at the end of orientation.

“I plan on being involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, dance team and drama stuff,” Jurenas said. “I’m really excited about it.”

For some freshman, this was the first time they had every explored the hallways of AHS. For many, orientation was a chance to finally see where they will be spending the next four years.

“From the outside, the school doesn’t seem that big,” said freshman Mussye Rezene, “But on the inside, there are just too many hallways.”

Overall, freshman orientation seemed to be beneficial to both students and faculty.

“Coming to high school is going to be a very huge experience for me,” said Campbell.

“I know [high school] is going to get easier, but first we’ll have to get through all the hard stuff.”

Monopole installed; Morning announcements increases revenue to air at end of the day

“

”

“Announcements” continued from page 1 and watch the bulletins throughout the day.

Messages for clubs and different school activities will scroll continuously throughout the day, as it did last year.

Students see other problems with the change. “No one will hear the announcements at the end of the day. People are ready to go home and don’t want to listen,” said senior Joe Carpenter.

But the administration maintains that “many teachers already end their classes at 1:55, or at least are winding down, so it will be less disruptive to have announcements at the end of the day,” said McKnight.

AHS is not unique in this approach to announcements. “My old school had announcements at the beginning of second period everyday. I wanted to do that here, but we have too many academy classes that would miss the announcements every morning. We discussed a lot of options before we decided what to do,” said Principal John Ponton.

What the administration is trying to accomplish is to set a tone throughout the school. “We want no down time. We want teachers using all of the instruction time,” said Ponton.

Emily’s enlightenment for freshman 1. Be nice to every teacher that you meet. You have three more years of teachers to impress and you don’t want any to remember you as a scowling rude freshman two years after the fact. Just because you don’t have biology with your best friend doesn’t give you the right to be mean.

Remember you have three years worth of classes to have with your friends, too.

2. It’s ok to get lost! Teachers (yes, the ones you have to be nice to) will be there to point you in the right direction. They’re willing to help, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Many older students are also willing to help, we all remember being the scared freshman in the middle oof the history hall looking around wildly for Spanish class.

3. Get to know people. There are four years of high school to get close to the people that fill the yearbook. Sure, you might not know the name of every senior, but puting in the effort to know your lab partners name can only be good. If you like someone’s shirt, or think they have the coolest shoes you’ve ever seen, tell them! It’s a great conversation starter. Remember, just because your new classmates aren’t your friends yet, doesn’t mean that they can’t be. Some of my best friends I met in my freshman year, and now I can’t live without them.

General pointers: 1. iPod’s and cell phone’s are banned bell-to-bell. They must be off and out of sight from first bell at 7:13 a.m to last bell at 2:00 p.m..

2. If your printer dies the night before and you need to turn in a paper, hit the library! The first 3 pages are free, after that its only 10 cents a page.

3. Vending machines are one place to grab a bite to eat when you’ve missed a meal. In the auditorium lobby, jock lobby, and in the athletic lockerroom hallway vending machines are on before and after school. Before and after school plus during the lunch hours there are machines in the cafeteria that offer anything from Cheez-Its to chocolate milk.

New staff joins AHS

4. Stay out of the senior coutyard during lunch. It’s called the SENIOR coutyard for a reason. Your time will come.

5. Every Friday visit the pool on the third floor. It’s really there—just ask a senior for directions.

Energy Drinks Banned DAVID SHERMAN

“Monopole” continued from page 1 pany takes care of everything that needs Because of the monopole, the school to be done.” will receive about $10,000 every year and Members of the AHS community an additional $20,000 start up fee. “The are wondering what will be done with economic benefits for the school are the the money the school will receive from main reason the monopole was installed,” the monopole. Currently, there are no said Hilios. definite plans for the money, but some Besides all the school benefits, the students have ideas as to where the AHS community also benefits from the money should go. tower. “With [the “The money monopole] the comshould be used for munity will have new text books and better cell phone desks and other The money should go reception and school [equipment] there will be fewer towards helping to fund to go along with dropped calls,” said the renovations,” Hilios. student clubs and activities. said senior Caitlin Most faculty and Callahan. “And staff members do some of the money —JonathanYork should go back to not seem to have History teacher the community bemany concerns about the students cause I don’t think violating the cell the school gives phone policy. Many staff members feel back enough.” that as long as all faculty members en“The money should go towards helpforce the cell phone policy, students will ing to fund student clubs and activities,” not break the rules. said history teacher Jonathan York.

The monopole also has little or no “That would really help to spread the maintenance needs. “There are no real funds around.” concerns,” said Hilios. “Because the com-

3

Members of the new staff gather for an introductory meeting and tour of the library.

“Teachers” continued from page 1 Cleveland Williamson will be a new P.E. instructor as well as coach the girls Varsity Basketball team.

“I believe that this is a great area to be teaching,” said Williamson. “I have three main goals for every student in my classes.

The first is to dress out every period, the second is to participate during the activities, and the third is to learn or improve on something that is being taught.”

New English teacher Cynthia Sebring is preparing for a hard-working and fun year with her students.

“I have heard great things about the students and faculty. I turned down seven job interviews because I chose Annandale High,” said Sebring. “I plan to have a great year and hope the students come prepared to dive into serious assignments, and some laughs along the way.”

Another newcomer, and one of many who will be working with Special Educa-

tion students is Betty Wilson. Wilson will also be going into her second year as a full time teacher, although she was a long-term substitute for three years and an Instructional Assistant for one year. Wilson has also worked as a geologist and engineer.

“I like Annandale High,” said Wilson.

“It gets a bad rap, but it’s a ‘can do’ school.

I’m looking forward to learning from my mentor, Melissa Ainsworth.”

In addition to these new staff members, AHS will also welcome in MichaelAlbrezzi, Marylynn Archer, Melvin Barrow, Donald Buerkle, Kathleen Dion, Stephen Gill, Srividhya Krishnasamy, Rebecca Lockard, Virginia Long, MaryAnn Lyerly, Lark Madoo, Sean Miller, Mark Timothy Nelson, Kathleen Palmer, Zahra Qamar, Kenneth Rublee, Cynthia Sebring, Catherine Stark, Carol Stroud, Rizwana Sudhuzai, Nancy Templer and Sara Zagurski.

AVID 9 and 10 search for AVID 9 and AVID 10 are still open for freshman and sophomore students.

The AVID program is an elective designed to give support to students hoping to head to higher level courses and higher education. AVID teaches writing, organizatinal, studying, and questioning skills in a socratic atmosphere to bulid analytical skills. Students much be enrolled in at least one honors or Pre-IB course, and must have one free period for AVID. Questions? See Richard Kearsley in room 226.

FLE Opt-Out Forms Due

Parking problems persist “Parking” continued from page 1 explained how these renovations include a new field, an updated basketball court and even a performing arts center, not to mention an enlarged parking lot.

“About 100 parking spaces will be added,” said Cornwell, who has mixed feelings about how this will affect our school and the parking situation. While there will be more spaces in the long run, Cornwell is not sure of whether or not the renovation process will take spots away from students. The administration said that “Phase One” will not affect our assigned spots but Cornwell is not sure if other phases will.

“We don’t want to make students pay for assigned spots at Ossian at the beginning of the year if we have to tell them in December that they can’t park there.”

Cornwell also questions whether or not park authorities will allow students to use

Beginning this year, energy drinks have been banned from Fairfax country Public Schools after being placed on the prohibited use list but the Fairfax County Risk Management. The prohibited drinks include: Red Bull, Go Fast, Kronik, Red Jack, Monster Energy, Monster Khaos Energy Juice, SoBe Adrenaline, BooKoo Energy Drink, Twisted Chopper, Ronin, Rumba Energy Juice, Sparks, Who’s Your Daddy, and Full Throttle. These drinks will no longer be allowed on school property.

The reason for the switch is because energy drinks can cause increased heart irregularities, disturbances of the central nervous system, gastrointestinal problems, stroke and cramping.

the lot once renovated. “We’re hoping that they will let us use some of them, at least for the day, but they like to save spots for park patrons,” he said.

Forms for parking spaces are currently available to seniors in the front office and will be until Wednesday. All forms must be turned in by Thursday, Sept. 7 if seniors would like to be entered into the lottery for a spot. A list of students who got spots will be posted on the door of the main office by 11 a.m. on Friday, but students will not find out what spot they have until Monday, Sept.11, when they can pay the $150 during lunches.

Spots will be given to those who really deserve them; attendance, unexcused absences and unpaid fees to the school will definitely be a factor in helping to determine who will be entered into the lottery.

Family Life Education Opt-Out letters and forms were distributed in the students packets which students should have picked up in August. Parents and/or guardians may review all FLE materials in the AHS library or in other county locations.

SAM Program enters fifth year

EMILY SAMPLE

Sept. 6, 2006

There are 15 teachers and three counselors that participate in the SAM Program. SAM is the Student Acheivement Model and is now in its fifth year at AHS. The SAM program is unique to AHS. The program is set up as a college prep to assist students in reaching their full potential.

Fall Schedules Football

09/01 Chantilly Home 7:30 09/08 Westfield Away 7:30 09/15 Lake Braddock Away 7:30 09/21 West Springfield Home 7:30 10/06 Hayfield Away 7:30 10/13 West Potomac Home 7:30 10/20 South County ( Homecoming) 7:30 10/28 T.C Williams Away TBA 11/03 Lee Home 7:30 11/10 Oakton Away 7:30

Field Hockey

09/05 Jefferson Away 7:30 09/12 Madison Away 7:30 09/18 Oakton Home 7:30 09/20 West Springfield Home 7:30 09/25 Hayfield Away 7:30 09/28 South County Away 7:30 10/03 West Potomac Home 7:30 10/05 Lake Braddock Away 7:30 10/10 Lee Home 7:30 10/13 T.C. Williams Away 7:30 10/18-10/24 District Tournment TBA 10/26-11/02 Regional Tournament Oakton

Volleyball

09/05 Wakefield Home 7:15 09/07 Edison Home 7:15 09/14 W&L Away 7:15 09/25 Hayfield Away 7:15 09/26 West Springfield Home 7:15 10/02 South County Away 7:15 10/10 Falls Church Home 7:15 10/12 Westfield Home 7:15 10/16 West Potomac Home 7:15 10/19 Lake Braddock Away 7:15 10/23 Lee Home 7:15 10/25 T.C. Williams Away 7:15 10/30 Districts TBA TBA 11/06 Regionals TBA TBA

Golf

09/05 West Springfield Home TBA 09/07 West Potomac Away TBA 09/13 Lee Home TBA 09/14 Hayfield Home TBA 09/20 T.C. Williams Away TBA 09/26-09/27 Patriot District Tournament Twin Lakes TBA 10/03-10/04 Regional Tournament Fairfax National TBA 10/09-10/10 State Tournament Portsmouth TBA

Cross Country

09/09 Monroe Parker Invitational Burke Lake 8:00 09/26 T.C. Williams/Hayfield/Lee Wakefield Park 5:00 10/10 Hayfield/Braddock/W. Springfield South Run 5:00 10/19 Patriot Festival Burke Lake 4:30 10/26 TBA Burke Lake 4:15 11/02 Cross Country Regionals TBA 4:15 11/11 Cross Country State Meet Great Meadows TBA

A

t

Atoms set to defend title

The 2005 Patriot District champions look to continue their success this season

BY GREG ROSENSTEIN Sports Editor

Last year’s football season for the Atoms was one to remember, in which a team led by a pivotal ground attack and smash-mouth defense earned a 7-3 record along with the Patriot District Championship.

The strategy of last season’s squad was to utilize a run offense anchored by running backs John Logan and Keith Watson, and current starting quarterback Nathan Cartagena. But with Logan switching high schools and Watson graduating, has the “Three-Headed Monster” suddenly turned into just a mobile quarterback under center? Not so fast. Three seniors expecting to have significant playing time now reside in the backfield: Antwaun Broxton, R.J. Pearson, and Andrew Lewis.

“The starting seniors have really stepped up,” said senior defensive back J.P. Zambrana.

“It’s a big loss with John [Logan] not here, but we have players that will play well,” said senior linebacker Jeff Adgate.

“We are more focused. We lost a few people but we are definitely not rebuilding,” said senior tight end James Velasquez.

One of last year’s concerns was if the passing attack was good enough to keep the opposition’s secondary on their toes.

But quarterback Cartagena is not worried.

“We are staying with the same game plan we had last year,” said Cartagena. “But this season is more of a balanced team.”

Cartagena is coming off one of AHS’s most successful football seasons. He has a lot of pressure riding on him from his Patriot District “Player of the Year” award last season, but he just hopes to help the team win.

“I think we’re pretty good,” said Cartagena. “As each week goes along, I think we’re getting better and better.”

On the other side of the ball, the defense hopes to continue as one of the toughest in the Patriot District.

“We have a good mix of younger and older guys on the defense,” said defensive line coach Jeremiah Davis. “Our top group would be the linebackers withAntwaun Broxton, Will Morris and Andrew Lewis, but on the [defensive] line we need senior Trevor Daggle to play steady and sophomore Shane Doty to step up.”

Entering the 2005 fall football season, the Atoms were known as a good team that was supposed to finish in the middle of the Patriot District standings. But this year is a little different. Expectations are higher and each week the

Members of the varsity football team take a water break during practice. The Atoms won both of their pre-season scrimmages this preseason over Fairfax and Stonewall Jackson. The Atoms hope to defend their 2005 Patriot District Championship with another title this season.

bulls-eye will be on them from opposing teams.

“The hardest games this year will definitely be against Westfield, Oakton and West Springfield,” said junior Jesse Kruse. 6’5” senior quarterback Peter Lalich, who committed to the University of Virginia, leads the West Springfield football team for the upcoming year. But do the Atoms appear worried to face the prized recruit?

“He is just a tall player who throws the ball a lot each game,” said Adgate. “But we are definitely not scared of playing him.”

While some of the top regional teams face theAtoms this fall, Head Coach Dick Adams feels an October 20 meeting against South County will be most crucial for team morale.

“We need all the fan support possible for our Homecoming football game this year,” he said. “The one ‘can’t miss game’ for our fans would have to be against South County High School.”

Field Hockey

Higlights from Thursday’s Field Hockey Game

Editors Note: The result of Monday night’s game against Chantilly was announced too late for publication.

Coach: Carl Durkin Last year’s record: 1-6

Key Players: Krista Silano (senior) Julianne Simpson (senior) Mary Bermingham (junior) Jenny Jacobs (senior)

Key players: Nick Twomey (Senior) Gus Nielson ( Junior) Zach Flynn (Junior)

Number of players: 16

Number of players: 14

Number of new players: 7

Number of new players: 6

Number of returning players: 9

Number of returning players: 8

Can’t Miss Game: 10/05 at Lake Braddock

Can’t Miss Game: District Tournament

Next Game: 9/05 at Jefferson at 7:30

Team Outlook: “I’m really excited for the year and I think that our team is going to do well. Our team has a pretty good connection and some good chemistry going.

We always rise to the challenge in hard games, and our key players always come through for us. Krista Silano is a really good player and leader and always brings us to the top of our games,” said Tanya Bellingham.

Volleyball Sophomore Tanya Bellingham goes into a tackle with a Westfield player.

Next Game: 9/05 West Springfield at home Senior Nick Twomey

Team Outlook: “We have a lot of returning players and hopefully we will have a chance to do well at the district tournament. And even though we are a pretty young team, I think we are still going to be really competetive,” said senior Nick Twomey.

Cross Country

Coach: Sam Tooke

Coach: Phil Harris

Last year’s record: 6-10

Last year’s record: Specific record not known

Key Players: Jenna McRae (junior) Lucia Schaefer (senior) Madeleine Mejean (senior)

Key Players: Hannah Tubb (senior) Anais Jojic (senior) Scott Plunkett (sophomore) Matt Ashford (junior)

Number of Players: 13

Number of Runners: 35

Number of Returning Players: 5

Number of Returning Runners: 14 Number of New Runners: 21

Number of New Players: 8

Can’t Miss Meet: 9/16 Brentsville Relays

Can’t Miss Game: 10/23 R.E. Lee at home Senior Madeleine Mejean and Senior Lucia Schaefer

ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY SPORTS EDITOR AVERY ADCOCK

Additional reporting by Sports Editor Avery Adcock

Golf

Last year’s record: 14-4-1

Junior Tiffany Le and Sophomore Tanya Bellingham

Junior Mary Bermingham hits the ball down field in an effort to set up an assist.

Despite the difficult schedule, theAtoms have set the bar higher than ever before. “If we can get to the playoffs I think we have as good a shot as anybody at advancing,” said Head Coach Dick Adams. “Winning the District Championship is our expectation,” addedAssistant Coach Davis. “We just have to take it game by game.”

The only thing harder for a team to do, other than win the Title for the first time, is defending it. And it’s clear the Atoms are not going to give it up without a fight.

2006 fall sports preview Coach: Cindy Hook

Senior Jenny Jacobs dribbles the ball down the field to shoot a goal.

Sept. 5, 2006

JULIANNE SIMPSON

4

SPORTS

Next Game: 9/05 Wakefield at 7:15

Team Outlook: “Annandale brings plenty height, speed, and power to every match. With improvements made to this team, we have a good chance of competing for the top spot within the District,” said Coach Tooke.

Next Meet: 9/09 Monroe Parker Invitational at Burke Lake 8:00 Senior Hannah Tubb

Team Outlook: “We did not have a good season last year, but this year we want to show how hard we worked,” said Head Coach Phil Harris.

“We changed our workout regimen to improve our team times. At Brentsville this year, we hope to break the school record,” said Coach Harris.

PHOTOS TAKEN BY AVERY ADCOCK AND GREG ROSENSTEIN