Issue 10

ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

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4 7 0 0 M e d f o r d D r. A n n a n d a l e , VA 2 2 0 0 3

LAS AB T informing the Atoms since 1954

703.642.4229

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, 2003

VOLUME #48 ISSUE 10

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ART ARSENAL

POP A WHEELIE

Former torpedo factory boasts some of the area’s best art

AHS students leave their training wheels behind for the high-danger sport of BMX biking.

BEST FOOT FORWARD

SPRING SAVIORS

The warmer weather has lauched a new fashion season, particularly footwear.

Not going away for Spring Break? Check out some local options.

Today’s Weather

Prom preparations underway

Chilly and partly sunny with a 30% chance of rain .

50º hi /30º low

brought to you by NBC 4

NEWS BRIEFS War Times at AHS

BY ANDREW SATTEN AND ALEX SILANO Co-Editor in Chief and Special Correspondent

Though the war in Iraq is being waged more than 9,000 miles away, its ramifications are felt on a daily basis at AHS. Graduates and students’ family members are fighting for U.S. forces, and AHS has a number of students from Iraq who have strong views on the conflict.

Teachers have been incorporating the war into classes through lectures and activities, and the Washington metropolitan area is on a heightened alert for terrorists retaliation attacks. See page special insert.

I.B. Science students conducts 10- hour investigation Students in I.B. Physics, Biology and Environmental Systems completed a 10 hour in-depth investiagtion regarding a scientific dilemma of their choice. The extended investigation met the I.B. curriculum’s group 4 requirement, necessary for students to receive an I.B. diploma in their respective science class. The event took place primarily in the lecture hall and library, and the administration treated the event as an all-day field trip. Some of the topics investigated were space travel, crime scene investigations and cleaning-up of the Potomac River.

The activity, however, was soured by an attendance issue. A number of students skipped parts of the day to go out to lunch, or left all together, therefore resulting in detentions.

JOHN REISS

PROTESTS vs.

PATRIOTISM

What should happen to the level of antiwar protests once a war has begun?

19% They should stay the same

17% They should intensify

47% They should be halted for the sake of patriotism

17% They should vary with how the war progresses —376 students were interviewed on Mar. 27 in A,B,and C lunch.

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The issue of college acceptances that has dominated the talk of the senior class over the last few weeks is steadily being overshadowed by the next event in the whirlwind that is senior year: Prom.

Though the event is still over a month away, taking place on the night May 9 at the Hilton in Marks Center, located in Alexandria Va, the “politics” of prom preparations are in full swing.

Tickets for the event, which are not being sold at the door, are $35 and will go on sale during all lunches from April 24 to May 8. A photo ID will be required to enter the event.

Students may be dismissed from school at 10:19 on May 9 with parental permission by way of a note to the attendance office.

Prom, which often is characterized on televison and in the movies as being the romantic culmination of high school, has been a far departure from this view at AHS. “Prom today isn’t like it used to be. The most important thing is to have fun, whether you go with a date, a friend, or by yourself,” said senior Amie Sharaf. “Not many people stress over having a date as much as having fun with friends and making

go to McDonalds for all that I care,” said senior Lauren Simmons. “As long as if I’m Senior Brian Park tips his top hat to the crowd during a with my friends Masters Tuxedo fashion show in a senior class Prom I’ll be happy,” she assembly last week. said. Planning their experience as memorable as for the event generally includes finding a date, placing dinner reservapossible,” she said.

“I don’t know about all of these tions, purchasing a dress or renting preparations for one night, I’m not a tuxedo, booking a limousine and all about getting a limo or going to a setting after-prom plans.

“It’s like everyone is rushing last really expensive restaurant...I could

Students to appear on local TV segment

BY PHILIPPE PODHORECKI Co-Editor in Chief The backlight changed from blue to green as senior Zarrin Chua’s face was powdered. She clipped a microphone to her shirt and reviewed the questions she’d be asked by John and what her answers were in her head. It was her turn to be interviewed on camera. The camera was focused directly on her face.

While “John” asked questions about her family’s role in her college education, Chua could see her face in the TV monitor at her feet.

Chua was one of six seniors chosen by career center specialist Robin Roth to be interviewed by WJLA newsman John Sullivan for a half-hour special, airing April 11 at 9 p.m. on ABC-7. It’s a guide to the college application and admissions process and the search for financial aide.

“The reason I chose [them] was because those were the people that I had worked with,” said Roth.

Other area schools included Zarrin Chua Mount Vernon High School and the University of Maryland. Interviews were held in the Career Center March 7.

Chua, like many seniors, must deal with increasing tuition fees around the nation. With decreased tax revenue, state budget plans are first to raise the price of schools since people will still attend and pay the steep price.

When Chua was asked to give advice to younger viewers, she responded, “The most important thing is to never give up, and to keep trying. You can’t think about what everyone else is doing and how you measure up against them. You go and do your thing and give your best effort [...] I tried my hardest.”

The questions were specific to the student. Stu-

“Prom” continued on p. 6

Principal search enters next phase Panel elected to find AHS’s next principal

BY JOHN REISS Staff Writer As the search for a new principal continues, candidates who applied for the job are narrowed down. But how does the school decide on a new principal? In the decision-making process, all aspects and opinions of the community are considered, from students to parents to staff members.

First, advertisements were placed nationally that a new principal was wanted, and a period of one week was open for candidates to send in their resumés.

Next, Fairfax County Human Resources Director Doug Rice, and Cluster 3 member Cecelia Krill began organizing a faculty and community members for the interview process of a new principal. At the last PTSA meeting on March 18, Rice and Krill were present to ask parents what qualities and skills were desirable in a new principal. Also, for those not present, an email was sent out through Fairfax County to parents

registered for asking what they wanted in the new principal. Some of the questions included past experiences and education of the principal in question.

At the PTSA meeting, Rice and Krill introduced the process of selecting a new principal. The interview-board would be composed of 13 members of the community, four teachers, four parents, four staff members and one student.

The teachers selected for the board were picked through popular vote. Out of the six that were originally selected for the panel, only four of them were to be members on the actual board. The four teachers selected are Nancy Grim, Kathy Hermann, Al Martin and Steve Sengstack.

The actual interview process for a principal begins on April 28, when all applying principals and panel members will be present for a day of questioning. Each candidate will

“WJLA” continued on p. 6

The new SGA President

ANDREW MENEGAT

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The student body elected junior Angela Briggs as SGA president for next year. During her speech, she elicited cheers from the audience by performing a rap. The speeches were held in the upstairs and downstairs gy. See story page 6.

“new principal” continued on p. 6

Career and job fair held today in Flex Organizations at today’s career fair — New Faces Modeling — United Parcel Service — Electrician Local Union — NuHome, Inc. — Century Pool (summer employment — Military — Air Force — Coast Guard

BY JUNAID SHAMS Editorials Editor What are you going to do with your the rest of your life? Students who don’t know how to answer that question can go to the Career and Job Fair in the upstairs gym today during both Flex periods. The fair is mainly geared towards seniors who are looking for post-high school options.

“I’m not a senior, but I still want to go to this fair to see types of job are open,” said junior Braxton Koppleman.

“Hopefully I can find a summer job at this place.”

Teachers have been encouraged to bring their students to the Career and Job Fair, but students in classes that are not going can still attend with a Flex pass.

“My class is full of juniors, but I am allowing any students who wants to go,” said Hogan.

There will be over 31 businesses and schools participating in this event. Some participants in this years fair include Allegany College, Century Pool, Gibbs College, and United Parcel Service. Century Pool is looking for athletic teeangers who serve as life guards during the upcoming summer break.

2 EDITORIALS I was offended by the article on Curtis Jackson, a.k.a. “50 Cent,” which was biased against black rappers.

The editor needs more schooling on the rap industry.

I’m disturbed by the set up of this article. The words used to describe 50 Cent, and your opinion on the quality of his music, such as: “50 Cent is disposable,” and “He can’t enunciate... 50 slurs his words together like he’s perpetually inebriated, and speaks in nothing but street slang.”

Maybe the intention was not to be biased or to create dissension among certain students, but that’s what this article did.

Also, you stated that 50 was an orphan, when in fact 50 resided with his mother and grandmother in New York, and, yes, he did struggle to survive, and those hardships are the basis of his lyrics.

If you don’t understand the life and culture of someone, you should not criticize how he expresses his feelings. Just because you eat with a silver spoon doesn’t mean everyone else does.

You mentioned that his success was based on a white man’s distress. You are wrong.

Before Eminem signed him to a Dr. Dre based record label, Shadey Aftermath Entertainment, he was signed to Colombia Records.

—Larnice Surles junior

Science Fair recieves unfair coverage As a long time reader of The A-Blast, I have become accustomed to enjoying a variety of articles in each issue, ranging from news items, to entertainment and sports, to opinion pieces.

However, I must admit at being puzzled and disappointed when I looked for coverage of the AHS Science Fair in the latest issue of The A-Blast and found that it had been relegated to a “box score” format at the bottom of p. 6.

Such an approach implies that The A-Blast staff did not consider the Science Fair to be a newsworthy event; that it lacked interest and relevance to the AHS community.

Surely, the vital role that science and technology have in today’s society must be selfevident. Our quality of life has been deeply affected by technological advances and resulting products permeate our existence.

Controversies swirl around topics such as the morality of cloning, the spectacular failure of technology in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, and the technology of weapons which may soon be used in war. Lifesaving and lifeenhancing technologies in medicine and devices used in every day living are also constantly in the forefront of our attention.

Within such a context, I find it hard to understand why the Science Fair didn’t warrant more than a “box core” in the latest A-Blast.

This event could have been the stimulus for any number of interesting articles on the participants and their projects as well as their views on the role and impact of science in our society.

Such coverage would also serve to validate the significance of this topic within the AHS community. In determining which articles to run, I believe the staff of a publication such as the A-Blast has a responsibility to consider not only what is appealing, but also what issues, because of their significance, need to be presented to their readership.

In choosing not to cover the Science Fair, I fear the staff has not, this instance, fulfilled that responsibility to their readership. I would urge consideration be given to coverage of AHS’s participation in the Regional Science Fair last month.

—Robert G. Gisch Parent

Students should pick teachers IB and AP students should be able to select next year’s teachers

BY JUNAID SHAMS Editorials Editor With students having just completed their course selections, many are left to agonize over the summer break, trying to surmise which teachers they will be assigned for the upcoming year. Though a basic curriculum is outlined for all classes, it is essentially the teachers who make or break how a class is taught: they dictate the work load, style of instruction, and they can even be the difference between an “A” or a “C” in a class.

This course selection process, which has turned into a lottery or guessing game, should be eliminated. IB and AP students should be granted the ability of selecting the teachers for the classes they are assigned.

Admittedly, this option would cause more scheduling difficulties for counselors in this already trying system.

It’s impossible for counselors to accept requests for teachers from the entire population of 2,400 students. However, since IB and AP students undertake a more rigorous class schedule, they should be able to have the privilege of selecting their own teachers.

Emilie Fagot, sophomore, like many other students is deciding which IB classes to take next year, with counselor Cheryl An.

By allowing this, students will better be able to gauge the level of work. If students are aware of which teacher’s class they will be placed in, they would be able to make more sound decisions, and make sure that they are not getting in over their heads.

Annually, due to the difficulty of work and the fact that many classes are not what they are expected to be, students drop classes.

For instance, students would be able to consult with

other students who had already had the teacher they investigating.

Furthermore, IB and AP courses are college level. In college, students not only sign up for a class, but also a professor. If AHS is striving to truly make these IB and AP courses college level classes, they should offer the same selection process.

Allowing students to select what teachers they want will also prove to be beneficial for educators. When teachers realize that many students are not selecting their course, it brings healthy competition between instructors.

Teachers are emotionally mature enough to handle this, and it sends an important message to teachers, forcing them to change their ways, whether it be altering workloads or assuming a different teaching style.

Though critics will assume that all students will just pick the easier teacher, this is not true. Many will select teachers who better fit their learning style. Students who learn hands-on would be able to choose teachers that who not give lectures the entire year.

This issue would be irrelevant if all teachers who taught the same subject assigned similar work, that was graded on the same scale, and utilized similar teaching tactics, a practice which the IB English teachers employ.

However, for the majority of subjects at AHS, a great disparity exists, therefore making teacher selections by IB and AP students imperative.

JUNAIDSHAMS@HOTMAIL.COM

Stop getting jiggy in the halls

BY CAROLINE FRIEDMAN AND KATIE STANTON News Editor and Entertainment Editor Springtime is in the air and thoughts turn to flowers, rain, birds and bees... well, maybe just the birds and the bees.

Maybe it’s the weather or maybe it’s something else, but if you look around AHS these days, there seems to be a new extracurricular for everyone with a significant other, or even those without.

Public displays of affection, or PDAs, are on the rise, and only serve to disgust and distract those present (or those not taking part). From “petting” to full-blown making out, sightings of couples expressing their love are prevalent in the hallways, behind backpacks, around the corners and in bathroom stalls.

According to the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, “...if the conduct is detrimental to the interest of the school or adversely affects school discipline,” it is not appropriate for school and merits castigation. “Conduct” includes “...any behavior incompatible with the workplace and good citizenship and includes...disruptive or inappropriate behavior,” a la PDAs. Now don’t get us wrong, a little lovin’ is fine, as long as it is tastefully done and in an appropriate setting. People holding hands in the hall or a little peck be-

fore they part ways are all demonstrations of refined affection. But it crosses the line when it moves out the hallways and into the classrooms, or when it’s only fitting for PG-13 or above. As soon as the morning bell rings the focus should be on school, and not on all the hot bodies surrounding you.

It’s not just a matter of decency; it’s a matter of respect for your friends, fellow classmates, teachers and yourself. For example, if your girlfriend is having a conversation with her friends, wait until she’s done to steal her attention. Sweeping in for a long, passionate hello kiss is not as gallant or charming as it seems.

Or, if your teacher just turned her back to write on the board, now is not the time to sit on your boyfriend and ignore everything she has to say while fervently staring into his eyes.

Having private feelings for a special person is exactly that: private. You may have learned how to share when you were five, but some things are still better to keep to yourself. It will let you and your beau acquire the respect and gratitude of your peers, and it makes the clandestine things you do a little more personal.

On another note, inspired by the recent Sadie Hawkin’s dance last weekend, public behavior on the AHS dance floor gets even more scandalous. The music is pumpin’, the bodies are grindin’, and the

Making the Grade Missing solder, Jessica Lynch, rescued

A

The war on Iraq has resulted in perhaps more casualties and soldiers missing in action (MIA) then anticipated.

However, Jessica Lynch, a 19 year-old private first class, has given new hope to the family members of those MIA’s.

She was rescued by the special operations forces from a hospital near Nasiriyah.

New tardy policy fixes past problems

A

The old tardy policy had required students to report tardies at the attendance office, resulting in the students missing even more valuable class time while waiting in line for a pass. The new policy has the teachers verify the tardies in the classroom, greatly simplifying the process.

The old attendance policy was in effect for only a year.

Oscars continue despite the onset of war

B

A slightly subdued Academy Awards ceremony was held Sunday, March 23. Despite loosing a great deal of their viewership to news coverage of the war, they succeeded in providing a respite, for those who wanted one, from the barrage of media coverage. It was a bold and much appreciated move by the Academy, for they surely anticipated this drop in their ratings.

Edmund A. Matricardi III pleads guilty of eavesdropping

F

Matricardi admittedly eavesdropped on the Democratic Party a la the Watergate Scandal of Nixon infamy. The former executive director of theVirginia Republican Party resigned from his post when he was initially indicted in April of 2002. Matricardi’s guilty plea helped him avoid jail time, though he paid a fine of $10,000.

JAVIER SANCHEZ

“50 makes no ‘Cents’” makes no sense

ABLAST

WED. APRIL 9, 2003

MORGAN MCEVILLY

Letters to the Editor

the

administrators are grimacing— for good reason. Sometimes, what can only loosely be termed as “dancing” goes way beyond what’s appropriate for school, rating right up there with Playboy or FOX reality TV. There is nothing wrong with having a good time, but it is deplorable to practice such activities in public, especially in your school cafeteria with people that surround you on a daily basis. It only serves to get you a nasty reputation the following school day, and may possibly lead to

consequences beyond your control. It’s quite a price to pay for temporary pleasure.

So, why should we be subjected to endless displays of tonsil hockey, feeling, petting, gyrating, hormonal outbursts and the like? It is unacceptable in a school environment and completely outrageous in any public setting. Maybe the administration has a point: keep your hands to yourselves until you get out of sight, and do everyone a favor.

the Annandale High School 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, Virginia 22003

ABLAST Vol. 48 No. 10 April 9, 2003

Editors in Chief::

Philippe Podhorecki Andrew Satten Managing Editor: Reid Edwards News Editors: Caroline Friedman Abby Segall Editorial Editors: Edris Qarghah Junaid Shams Academics Editors: Laura Johnson Rebecca Kraushaar In-Depth Editors: Hayley Fletcher Hana Nguyen Features Editors: Martha Amoako Maggie Owner Sarah Bizer Atomic Articles Editor: Profiles Editors: Laura Hollowell Saman Hussain Cultures Editors: Wala’a El Barasse Rachel Sinaiko Sports Editors: John Bernhardt Jared Smith Sports “Extra”: Paul Gleason David Marin Atomic Athletics Evan Ashe Editor: Entertainment Edi- Alejandro Salinas tors: Katie Stanton Crystan Blanco Arts Editors: Erin O’Brien Adviser: Alan Weintraut

Gallup Award Quill & Scroll 2000-2001

All American National Scholastic Press Association 2001-2002

(703) 642-4229 e-mail: ahsablast@aol.com fax: 642-4197

Cameron Kynes Katharine Kishiyama Business Manager: Ryan Teichler Ad Manager: Rachel Jones Copy Editor: Meg Nielsen Photography Chae-Wha Park Editor: Weekend Editors:

Photographers: Morgan McEvilly, Chris Rauer, Sean Sullivan, Andrew Menegat, Sarah Sherman Staff Writers: Anteneh Addisu, Kathy Ibarra, Wided Khadroui, Chris Kallander, Laura Kelly, Sohaib Khan, Elizabeth Nowrouz, John Reiss, Erik Rooney, Evan Rowland, Kathy Saupp, Amanda Sheaffer, Sarah Sherman, Kyle Smeallie, Sabrina Stacy, Lauren Sterlacci, Matt Wiest Videographers: Shabier Bahramy, Stephen Benson, Amanuel Beyene,Rachel Johnson, Josh Lewin, Mike Mahn, Javier Sanchez-Yoza, Brent Sullivan

Principal: Donald Clausen

Trophy Class Virginia High School 2001-2002

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. Unsigned editorials represent the staff opinions which solely represent the opinion of the newspaper staff. The A-Blast is an independent, open forum for discussion which 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 225 or mailed to the school. The A-Blast reserves the right to refuse advertisements. All submissions become property of The A-Blast Copyright, 2003.

the

ABLAST

WED. APRIL. 9, 2003

EDITORIALS 3

‘This Iraqi war is wrong, and don’t call me unpatriotic’ When war broke on March 13, students seemed more consumed with filling out their NCAA tournament brackets than with the aerial bombardment of Baghdad. This sentiment, which marked a considerable part of the student body, soon faded after conflicting attitudes regarding protests versus patriotism elicited strong opinions from both sides of the issue.

Outrage among faculty and students in response to antiwar demonstrations during school even prompted Principal Don Clausen to issue a letter to the faculty to address the situation. Adversaries of the protesters have accused that it is disrespectful and unpatriotic to protest once our nation has begun a war, regardless of whatever views one holds.

I for one, will not submit to this notion that citizens should blindly follow their government into a war that is unjust and unwarranted. And don't call me unpatriotic.

The constituency’s antiwar voice should be heard, versus having it drowned out by the opinion of the government, a dangerous precedent for free speech and democracy. The meaning of the very freedom that we are attempting to instill upon Iraq remains lost on some of our own citizens who view no room for dissent.

Contrary to whatever spin President Bush, Secretary Rumsfeld, or any other government propagandist tries to put on the war, it is not going well. Already more than 80 U.S. and British troops have been killed, and it has been evidenced that though the Iraqis may not want to fight for Saddam, they will fight for Iraq. There are estimates that more than 500 Iraqi civilians have already been killed out of a country of only Andrew Satten 23 million (proCo-Editor in Chief portionally to the United States, this would be near 6,000 people).

As expected, this toll has prompted outrage in the Arab world and terrorist experts have warned that the United States should brace for attacks. In a Washington Post article, Ali Sabry, a resident of Cairo proclaimed, “For every man they kill, there will be four or five people who want revenge for this person’s life...America is our enemy now.

They have millions of Muslims praying against them everyday." So much for the government's psychological and P.R. campaign.

Primary among the arguments from those who criticize protests during war times is that it is disrespectful to the troops. However, this is a false claim. I have the ut-

S

atten’s oundoff

“I think the war is being covered unfairly. There is a lot of censorship in the media. I think the Arabic network shows it better. By living in the U.S. we should have better coverage.”

—Abdul Mahmoud senior

—Bill Curran Administrator

Q

Commentary

EQARGAH@HOTMAIL.COM

“I think the war is being covered c o m p l e t e l y.

They are showing what ever they can show because the military cannot show everything.”

Protests, such as this one, organized by International A.N.S.W.E.R., are excellent venues for expression of opposition to war.

most respect for those serving the United States—in my mind there is no more honorable action than to risk one's life for the sake of their country. Those who are protesting have the troops foremost in their minds. Protesters want the war ended so the troops can come home to a hero’s welcome—alive. The disrespect is shown by the government officials who send these young men and women out to die in war.

In Boston, the leaders of an antiwar rally that received national attention, were the mother and father of a Marine currently serving within Iraq. Because those who are serving in the military are banned from speaking out against the war, they cited that it is more important than ever to be the voice of those who cannot object to this illegitimate war. Further, Vietnam veterans, individuals who are aware of the magnitude of fighting in a war, have been some of the most vocal protesters.

During war times, it is more important than ever for a government’s power to be checked. For instance, in the Vietnam War, Americans who objected to the war did not mask their feelings for the sake of falling in line for their government. Instead, they protested. It was this pressure that coerced the government to pull troops out, a withdrawal that saved thousands of lives had the government continue to hold its military course. Though opponents will argue that the conflict with Iraq is in a different context, any time a foreign nation threatens a people’s homeland, the conflict is messy, no matter what “shock and awe” tactics you employ and how many precision guided weapons you have.

And aren’t we fighting a war in Iraq to give the people freedoms we enjoy—including the right to criticize the decision to even go to war?

BY EVAN ROWLAND

Staff Writer Before a camera recorded her running through a red light, 38-year-old law secretary Karen Scott (my father’s colleague) had a flawless driving record. Scott was outraged.

“I only drive through yellow lights if it is really wet on the roads and...braking could be [difficult],” said Scott. “I always stop for red lights without any thought.”

Scott’s ticket stated that she was in the intersection for only two tenths of a second after the light turned red. Many other drivers have received these petty tickets due to harmless driving. Red light cameras may be effective in catching “red-light runners,” but they are an unwise use of tax payers’ money.

Yes, having red light cameras does allow for the police to focus on “other, more important things,” and cut down on the cost of police forces needing to hire more officers to play the role of traffic cop. But the presence of red light cameras may result in police becoming less aware of intersection violations, and “redlight culprits” might not learn a lesson without a proper scaring from an officer. A ticket from a red light camera only adds 1 point to one’s license, therefore, driver’s will act like a ticket is no big deal.

Drivers may get a ticket in the mail for running a red light equipped with a camera, but the effect on the is not long-lasting. Since there is no officer present to

lecture them, or “teach them their lesson,” all they do is pay a fine. Therefore, the habitually bad drivers will run red lights again without the intimidating image of a policeman scolding them on their mind.

Many drivers argue that red light cameras are an invasion of their privacy. This may be somewhat irrelevant since red light cameras record drivers in public places. Nonetheless, they are an atrocious annoyance that can be easily eliminated.

Red light cameras also don’t account for inclement weather. The driver could plan on driving through the yellow because they couldn’t brake in time, and then they get nabbed once they are through the intersection. Red light cameras tend to be similar to that neighbor who is always reporting you to the Home Owners Association for the dumbest things, otherwise known as a “busy-body.”

Some drivers have reported receiving a ticket for turning left on red because they are already in the middle of the intersection, which is legal. This proves yet another failure of the redlight cameras which could be eliminated if they were taken off the streets. A driver may have braked a few feet over the line and received a ticket, but technically they didn’t run the red light.

Driving through yellow lights is legal and red light cameras may catch the tail end of a car in an intersection for a tenth of a second, much like Scott’s incident, this does not warrant a ticket.

—Anna Kim sophomore

“They are not showing the Iraqi point of view. They are only showing the U.S. bombing Iraq.”

—Jeff Newman freshman

“Bush is handling it personally. I think he is controlling what the media shows.

Arabic TV’s show so much more of what is going on than we do.”

—Karim Aly junior

“I think they are doing a lot of coverage, but we do not need to know the gory details.”

—Angelo Hilios Director of Student Activities

EROWLAND05@AOL.COM

Athletes receive special treatment University of Georgia basketball player Tony Cole is very special. At least that is how he was treated by the coaching staff at the school, specifically, head coach Jim Harrick. A large long distance bill? Dont worry, it’s paid for. No working television? A flat screen will arrive at your dormitory tomorrow. Not enough credits this semester?

You now have an “A” in a class called “basketball strategy,” taught by none other than Jim Harrick, Jr., the coach’s son.

This is just a recent scandal among many surrounding college and high school athletics.

All across the country, student athletes are let off the hook when they commit infractions that could suspend an average student.

Behavioral agreements that players sign are overlooked in order to keep them winning on the athletic field. Coaches manipulate grade reports to keep players eligible, and athletes look at this lax attitude towards school versus play as a chance to take an indifferent approach to their studies. Then, to cap it all off, student athletes get chances to attend the top universities in the country, based solely on athletic performance.

Meanwhile, the average high school or college student toils night and day, holding jobs to pay their bills, doing inordinate amounts of community service just to “stand out” when it comes to college admissions. The average student, when caught at a party, gets suspended from school, not just from a few games. The average student isnt the star, and has to give tedious effort to get the type

“I think that we show everything and because we do it gives us a disadvantage.

This way the Iraqi people can find out what our military is going to do.”

SATTDOG33@AOL.COM

No more coverage Red light cameras invade privacy

Do you remember a time when you could pick up the newspaper and the headline did not have to do with the war on terror, the war with Iraq, or the North Korean nuclear threat?

Neither can I. Yet, there was a time when this was not always the case. Once upon a time a deadly infectious virus could make the front page and when long kidnapped girls were found alive, they made it above the centerspread. However, in the “good old days” as some might call them, when war was not a way of life, there was never a dearth of news. It is worrisome that, especially now that the war with Iraq has started, this peacetime news is neither dominant, nor necessarily covered at all.

Admittedly, the war with Iraq is more than merely pertinent and newsworthy, and coverage of the war is not simply beneficial—but necessary. However, with the media supersaturated with news on the war, one looses touch with the remainder of the happenings of this nation, and of the world.

This is particularly the case in television news where non-war news is often relegated to the scrolling text at the bottom of the screen. Comedy Central’s Daily Show poked fun at the CNN coverage of the huge, almost three hundred point increase in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. During this time of economic recession, such a drastic j u m p should have made big news, Mohammad Edris Qarghah but it was Editorials Editor likewise merely indicated by text at the bottom of the screen.

With televised news coverage, the problem lies in time constraints and the ratings game (in which war is a big player). However, print publications have no such excuse, and therefore feature a good deal more variety is expected. Nonetheless, the range of coverage is severely diminished. In The Washington Post the number of articles regarding war in the “A” section has increased from 13 two weeks before the war to 40 two weeks after. Each of the 27 war articles, are indicative of stories left untold, news that we may not miss, simply because we’ll never know of it.

The prominence with which these stories have been placed is also noteworthy, as what people read depends greatly on placement. Two weeks prior to the war only three of the seven front page stories were about war, two weeks after, not only were all the front page stories on the war, but an 11 page “War in Iraq” section was also added to the “A” section.

The new, as of yet incurable, SARS virus is a fine example of a story, which though reported, has slipped through the cracks in prominent media. It has not received near the coverage, nor the placement expected of a contagious deadly virus which has already killed 78 worldwide. In California alone there is a suspected 31 cases of the disease.

All that I propose is that other stories, such as the SARS virus, should also recieve some front page coverage. Covering this conflict 24/7 will not help us or the soldiers in Iraq in any way.

How do you think the media has covered the war in Iraq so far?

of recognition that athletes get from just playing the sport that they love.

In fact, the demand on a student athlete is a large one. The players on the field are the most glaring example of the school that they are representing, and their efforts, both on the field and off, should give a positive reflection of the institution that they belong to.

While many student athletes are diligent and display the dedicated qualities that are necessary, enough skate by on talent and fame alone to give school sports a bad name. However, these athletes are not getting penalized for their actions. While the school does have contracts concerning grades and athlete behavior, they are not stringently enforced, and to that effect, they are not taken seriKathy Saupp ously enough. Coaches should remind their athletes of the seriousness of these documents and their weight as the tenents of the school athletic charter.

These athletes need to realize that by donning a uniform in their schools colors, they are donning the responsibility to be a representative for all of the people who attend it. And who wouldn’t want to make their school look good? Well, it cant be done by scoring goals or making baskets alone. It is done by a combination of dedication and diligence, which it seems that many athletes have forgotten.

“Bush is doing the right thing by showing what they are showing. They are showing everything of how we are helping the Iraqi people.”

“I understand that we are in America, but we need to see both sides of this war.”

K athy’s Q uandaries

PHILE09@HOTMAIL.COM

—Said Walls senior

—Mariam Ali junior

4 NEWS SCHOOL NEWS Carol Rychlik announced as Teacher of the Year finalist Math Department Chair Carol Rychlik was announced finalist for The Washington Post Agnes Meyer Award for Teacher of the Year. In addition to that

outstanding honor, she was also given the Al and Winnie Hodgson Award for Excellent in Teaching. This is a very big achievement of Rychlik and over the past seven years an AHS teacher has been a finalist for Teacher of the Year for five of those years.

Upcoming Band Events April 24-26- Spring Musical April 26- Solo-Ensemble Festival May 3- Band Spring Car Wash

Band to form new committee The band department is in the process of forming a nominating committee for the band boars positions for the 2003-2004 school year. Three positions are available to be filled as well as parent volunteers to manage the snack bar. Interested parents should call Sharon Kilgore.

Twelve students chosen for All-State Chorus In early Feb. twleve students were picked to attend the AllState Chorus that will occur on April 10. The students were Victoria Benson, Esther Choe, Rebecca Wise, Lauren Simmons, Ashley Lippolis, Jeanie Adkins, Michael Weinberg, and Mose Choi, along with alternatives Kelly Harbison, Jon Park, Christine Sabotta and Dion Wilkins.

AHS needs more nominations Three outstanding teachers were awarded with the Above and Beyond award in the past months, however more are needed. The nominations were given to English teacher and Yearbook adviser Nikki Holmes, English teacher and Athletics coach Bill Maglisceau, History teacher Joe Valentino, as well as Principal Don Clausen.

All Night Graduation Celebation on its way All Night Graduation Celebration “Beach Blast 2003” tickets are on sale now. All Night Grad Party will occur on June 17 from 11:30 P.M. to 5:00 A.M. at South Run Recreational Center after Graduation. At the celebration there will be sporting competitions, swimming pool activities, raquetball courts, DJ/Karaoke, carnival and casino games, prize giveaways (including stereos, televisions and DVDs) and a chance to win a new car. Tickets are $25 presale and $35 at the door (free/reduced lunch students will be able to buy tickets for $10). For more information and a ticket form visit www.allnitegrade.com and send your check payable to PTSA/ANGC. All Night Graduation Celebration is a safe, chaperoned, drugfree event and the Celebration Committee is asking for parents to please volunteer for three hours. To help or for more information call Beth Molavi at (703) 354-7181 or Charlie Ross at (703) 642-2244.

Buses available to Graduation The All Night Graduation Celebration Committee is offering students, parents, families and friends of the class of 2003 a $12 bus ride to the Graduation Ceremony on June 17. There is limited seating and for more information call Randy Hixson at (703) 354-2007.

WED. APRIL. 9, 2003

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Second blood drive held

BY SOHAIB KAHN Staff Writer The blood drive was held in the lecture hall on Thurs. March 27. It is a tradition that is held twice a year during the spring and the fall season in many different high schools.

Seniors Hayley Fletcher, Lauren Sterlecci, and Michala Miller of the leadership class were in charge of the signups here at AHS. The signups were held during all lunches from March 10 until March 14 in the cafeteria.

Every spring and fall the Inova Blood Donor Services contact the leadership class and provides information about the sign-ups. About 90 students signed up but only about 70 were able to donate blood.

People were allowed to walk-in and donate blood, which in the end helped the clinic collect more blood.

However, others were not allowed to

donate because of reasons such as: they were not healthy enough, not old enough or they did not show up.

“I think that the school blood drives are very important for our community, otherwise God knows what would happen to the lives at stake,” said senior Hana Sarsour.

The blood drive started at 7:30 A.M. and ended at 1:00 P.M. The donor had to sign in and out in the lecture hall.

The students who signed up were given appointments, but people over eighteen were allowed to walk in and donate. The time was divided into half-hour sessions, and every session four students went in to donate blood.

In order to donate blood they had to be minimum age of 17, and weigh more than 110 pounds, and had to be in healthy condition. Donors were required to get permission forms signed by their parents, un-

JAVIER SANCHEZ-YOZA

NEWS BRIEFS

the

A bag of donated blood is felt by the nurse at the second blood drive of the year held on March 27. Over 70 students donated blood .

less they were over 18.

After donating blood, most students felt fine, but there were some that did not feel good. “I got really

dizzy and feverish, and my vision was blurry after I donated blood,” said senior Ashley Rossi.

The leadership class sponsered the second blood drive of the year on March 27

Sadie Hawkins’ dance held atAHS

BY SABRINA STACY Staff Writer The wait was over, and the girls finally had a chance to ask the guys to a dance.

The Sadie Hawkin’s dance was held on Sat. April 5 in the Cafeteria from 8 p.m.-11 p.m and 298 tickets were sold, however it was poorly attended on the night of the dance.

The junior class sponsored the dance, and the primary goal of this dance was meant for the students to have the chance to get together for one last dance.

“I think the dance was a good opportunity to bring people together and have the school be involved in a social environment and having fun,” said junior class presi-

dent April Brassard.

While seniors are planning for prom and will be attending their dance soon, the underclassmen wanted a chance to celebrate spring as well.

The dance was not formal. Also, in tradition of the Sadie Hawkins name, girls asked boys to the dance.

“It’s a cool switch in having the girls ask the guys,” said sophomore Jennifer Brackett. The Junior class and other members donated lights, glitter, and other decorations that made the dance a party atmosphere.

Sadie Hawkin’s Day was originally from an American folk event, with the first ever Sadie Hawkins dance occurring on Nov. 15, 1937.

Sadie Hawkins was “the homeliest gal in the hills” who grew tired of waiting for the fellows to ask her out.

Her father was more worried about her living at home for the rest of her life, so he made the first annual Sadie Hawkins Day, a foot race in which the unmarried gals chased the town’s bachelors.

By the late 1930’s the event had swept the nation and had a life of its own.

While most people who attended the dance were not as brave or bold as Hawkins, they still had a great time dancing the night away, whether with a date or going stag.

The Sadie Hawkin’s dance proved to be a worthwhile idea and there are high hopes that the tradition of a Spring dance will continue.

Chorus performs at Kennedy Center

BY KATHY IBARRA Staff Writer A combination of Annandale Singers and seniors from woman’s ensemble perfomed April 6 at the Kennedy Center as a part of Washington Chorus. This was the first year members of Annandale’s choir had the priveledge to sing at the Kennedy Center.

Their first perfomance was in a Christmas concert at the Kennedy Center. It was at that time music director Robert Shafer invited them to perfom once again.

“The rehersals were really long but it paid off in the end because we sounded really great,” said senior Brittany Callahan.

The singers along with choirs from other schools around the DC area had to audition for the opportunity. In the end, Annandale was the only school Dixon selected to perform.

The 25 girls directed by Carleen Dixon sang Marian Vespers of 1610 composed by Claudio Monteverdi.

Spring trips reinstated

BY LAURA KELLY Staff Writer During the start of the war on Iraq, Fairfax County issued a ban on all school trips to Washington, D.C. and New York because of the high terrorist threat.

All chorus and orchestra members continued to believe that the trips were still cancelled until only twelve hours before the day their trip to New York would have occured, a call came in for all the Fairfax County public schools, reporting that the ban on school trips had now been dropped.

Many parents had sent in complaints objecting the ban, and thousands of dollars had been lost, so Fairfax County agreed to drop the ban.

“It was amazing how the situation was handled,” said choral director

Carleen Dixon. “We only had twelve hours notice, not many people slept that night.”

Once in New York, the activities and events were able to continue on as planned. The students were able to proceed with their planned site-seeing and went places such as the Rose Center, the Manhattan Chile Factory and Southside Seaport. They also were able to go to Broadway to see Carmen and Les Miserables. The only activity the students were forced to miss while being in New York was a workshop with the opera stars from Broadway.

“We sang for the experience, visitors in the cathedral and the orchestra,” said junior Kelly Harbison. Carleen Dixon also commented, “When I saw their faces light up in the cathedral as they sang, I realized that it was all worth it.”

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They perfomed with other choirs, making up the three different choirs singer the three different parts along with the National Symphony Orchestra.

The Annandale Singers have practiced diligently after school for the past month in preparation for their performnace.

“I was very excited for them because [Marian Vespers of 1610] is a great masterpiece and it’s wonderful for them to have this experience at such a young age,” said choral director Carleen Dixon.

NEWS 5

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WED. APRIL. 9, 2003

Heritage Night full of diversity of both the performers and the school board. Over 50 AHS staff members helped contribute to Heritage Night.

“So many people helped, it’s difficult to thank everyone,” said Watlington. A few teachers who particularly stuck out were Chemistry teacher LaVada DelConte, ESOL teacher Georgi Tomisato, History teacher Joel Jepson,and Spanish teacher Bianca Mullins. By having this abundance of support for the show, AHS was able to put on Heritage Night without running out of time and having to postpone the performance once again.

The performance started off with the Korean dancers, which was followed by the Afghani dancers, Shergeel Khan, Salsa dancers, Egyptian dancers, Desi Dancers, Broadway Beauties, Kurdish Dancers, Ethiopian Dancers, Latin Girlz, one Martial Arts performance, Vietnamese dancers, Guitar Quartet, Jalwa Dancers, West African dancers, Caporales dancers, and ending the evening with performers from the breakdancing club.

“Heritage Night and the International Fashion Show are wonderful events for AHS where students get to show their diversity and be proud of their cultures,” said Tomisato who helped organize the night.

Next year’s Heritage Night is being set for the spring of 2004 in the new school auditorium. This year’s performance made enough of a profit to support next year’s show.

“We always encourage students to come and share their culture with fellow students,” said Jepson.

The Heritage Club also hopes to use the money to help make the rest of AHS culturally aware and to help them experience Heritage Night.

Videos and DVDs were made of the performance so that people can watch this year’s performers from around the world. The VHS’s are selling for $10 and the DVDs for $20.

“The video conveys the spirit of the show,” said Watlington. The tapes and DVDs are being sold during all lunches.

MEG NIELSEN

BY KIMEKO YERICK Journalism 1

Senior Amanuel Beyene, videographer, works on his movie for the AHS Film Festival. The Festival will be held April 30 and will feature movies made solely by videographers.

Film Festival Preview

BY MEG NIELSEN Copy Editor On Wed., April 30, AHS will hold it’s fourth annual film festival at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. This film festival will consist of nine or ten short videos produced by videographers. The past film festivals have been required of Film Studies students, however, the April festival will consist only ofABlast videographers, with another film festival in June for Film Studies.

“Most of the videos are comedies. Comedies tend to do better because they don’t require dramatic acting,” said senior Amanuel Beyene, an A-Blast videographer.

Many of the videographers have more experience this year after making videos for last years film festival.

With last year’s film festival being a huge success, there is much anticipation for this years festival. “I would hope we would sell out,” said A-Blast advisor and Film Festival coordinator Alan Weintraut.

With the festival almost three weeks away, many videographers are still in the process of making their videos. “Half of the films are still in production mode, but Spring Break will be a time where a lot of refinements are made and a lot of productions come together,” said Weintraut.

The plots of the films vary from an investigation into money embezzling to two students who must ace their exams to graduate. Sophomore videographer Josh Lewin has been filming his video along with sophomore Stephen Benson about once a week

since the end of Jan. “Our video is a complex tale of Principal Clausen embezzling money for his wife’s cancer treatment. Jamie (the main character) stumbles upon the scandal, and develops a moral conflict of whether or not to tell,” said Lewin. An estimated 30 hours of filming, including and trip to film at Principal Clausen’s house, and 10 hours of editing is the expected time frame.

Senior videographer Mike Mahn is producing his own video as director, with the assistance of Beyene as the producer. “Our video is about two slacker kids who won’t graduate unless they ace their final exams, and hilarity will ensue,” said Mahn. The video features seniors Andy Pelenberg and Erik Rooney as the students with senior John Kapor as a teacher. The title of his video will be How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Final Exam.

The film festival will also be featuring two to four music videos from students enrolled in Computer Graphics 2 class. “The students can pick any type of music they want, and they will create a storyboard and shoot their video footage. They will use Adobe Premier software to edit the videos with special effects and to sync it with the music,” said Computer Graphics teacher Robert Christie.

The cost for admission will be three dollars, five for the VHS copies, and seven dollars for both admission and the VHS. The VHS copies will feature each video shown at the festival. With experienced videographers and production underway, there are high expectations for the upcoming AHS Film Festival.

Heritage Night 2003 was a night full of diversity and cultural awareness. This year’s show featured 19 groups that represented many different countries from around the world, including the U.S. Despite complications of this year’s performance due to the inclement weather, the show took place as scheduled on March 17.

Students, families, and friends started streaming into the school auditorium around 6:30 to make sure that they would get good seats for the 7 p.m. showing. By the time the performance started, there was full house. All 740 seats in the auditorium were filled.

This is Annandale’s second annual Heritage Night, and it will not be the last according to the coordinator of Heritage Night, ESOL teacher Paul Watlington. “Student talent delivered,” said Watlington when asked how the performance went. “Heritage Night was a lot of fun and the show was good. The audience needs to improve their listening skills, to singers especially.”

Unfortunately, the sounds system was a problem throughout the performance. “I believe our school deserves an outstanding sound system,” said Watlington. “There were a lot of challenges during the performance, but we worked hard and the technical crew and emcees did their very best.”

The emcees that helped out with this year’s performance were Faisal Inam, Danielle Rumberg and Bonita Sakason. The technical crew also played a role in helping to support Heritage Night. There was a total of five “techies” who helped out with the show. Among them was junior Amanda Green who helped out with he problems that occurred during the performances. “Amanda brought her humor to the stage and our whole tech crew was awesome,” said Watlington.

Because of all the complications that this year’s show had to face, it took a lot of extra effort on the parts

Model U.N. conference holds heated debates

BY CHRIS KALLANDER Staff Writer On Jan. 21 and 22 AHS held a Model U.N. meeting. The students took the places of nation representatives and argued from that their countries viewpoints.

There were two committees to begin with. The bigger committee be-

ing NATO and the smaller committee being the Asia Pact. There were 45 representatives total and they split up into two groups. 17 representatives broke off into a group and discussed the Mediterranean security issue and the other 27 students debated about the current threat of chemical and biological weapons.

The chairmen of a particular group

moderated the meeting and called upon a representative when they wanted to share their opinion. Each representative held up a placard when they wanted to speak and thus the chairmen would call upon them.

“It was a great meeting”, said sophomore David Vollrath. “I thoroughly enjoyed making fun of the French”, stated Vollrath.

At the end of the meeting there were newly appointed presidents.

They are sophomore Carter Koppelman, and juniors Coury Shadyac and Jon Carpenter. While this United Nations meeting lasted two whole days students are already anticipating next years heated U.N. debates.

AHS holds inschool MN debates

“A funny thing” happened at the Musical

BY LAURA KELLY Staff Writer There are only three weeks left until the night of this year’s spring musical, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Even so, there is still a lot of work to do before opening night. Tech people are still working on sets, costumes are continuing to be made, and of course, the actors have to go through nonstop rehearsals.

The play is based on a Roman comedy about a slave, Pseudolus, played by senior Owen Beste, trying to win his freedom. His master, Hero, played by junior Ian McLeland, is in love with a courtesan named Philia, played by senior Bayla Whitten.

Philia was purchased by a Roman general, but if Pseudolus can rescue Philia so she can be with Hero, then Pseudolus can be free.

“It is always interesting to see how things come together. Tech is pulling their weight, music is pulling theirs, and it is in the last few weeks that you really see a show go

SPEECH THERAPY

ABBY SEGALL

Preparations are underway for the upcoming spring musical

Junior Jonathan Seiden rehearses for the Spring Musical, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. The play will be performed April 24,25, and 26.

from a group of actors having fun on stage to an actual performance,” said

freshman Sam Rabinovitz.

They costume crew is working

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hard to finish the cast’s outfits on time, and recently, fake armor and swords were sent to the theater department for the production. Lighting has created a problem for the cast because auditorium has weak lighting, so the theater department is hurriedly trying to get them fixed before the opening day of the show.

Everyone involved in the musical has had to participate in rehearsals that go late into the night. Rehearsals are for approximately two hours after school each day from Monday through Thursday. Some tech people who are working on sets have to work during flexes in addition to the after-school hours. “I usually work about two hours a day after school, flexes and R7 TA. That is about four hours a day,” said Pat Giannico, one of the set managers.

“I think [the play] will go very well. The pit is working really hard and all of us have put in a lot of time.

We have always pulled through in the hardest of times, so I think the performance will be great,” said sophomore Jamison Foreman.

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NEWS BRIEFS SCHOOL NEWS German Students honored AHS German students in level two or higher who scored in the top 70th percentile on the National German Exam were recently honored. Cameron Johnson, Andrew Golden, James Masters, Jesse Laforce and Miguel Acevedo were those who scored outstanding on the exam.

Johnson’s score has qualified him to apply to the AATG Study Trip Award to go to Germany.

German I student, Alyson Einwechter, applied for the summer abroad program and was accepted.

Reflections theme announced Next year’s theme for Reflections has been announced and it is, “I am really happy when...” This

gives the students an entire summer to work on their entries and persuade their friends to do so as well.

Reflections Winners to District Level Three AHS students earned Outstanding Interpretation awards at the Council Level of the Reflections Contest, an honor equivalent to being first place. The items entered by junior Katherine Stanton (Literature), freshman Ryan Herold (Music) and senior Leslie Badani (Visual Arts), will go on to compete at the District level.

PTSA Scholarships Available The PTSA will award four scholorships in June that were first mentioned at the Senior Breakfast. There are two James Finch Scholarships for academics and activities for $750 and two Ray Watson Scholarships for technology and family consumer studies for $500.

Applications are available in the Career Center and the deadline for applications is May 12.

Other scholarships available The Annandale Lions Club is offering a $1000 scholarship to an AHS student based on community service. Academic achievement will be used as a tie-breaker if necessary. The winner will be allowed to use the money for college or a career school. Deadline for applications is April 30. See Robin Roth in the Career Center for an application.

Fort Belvoir offers Scholarship Fort Belvoir Community Committee is offering a scholarship for the first time at AHS. Applicant’s parents must be assigned to, deployed from, living on or working at Fort Belvoir, VA or the applicant or their parents must have volunteered a minimum of 60 hours at Fort Belvoir in community service activities during the last year. The hours must be verified by the Volunteer Council or the organization at Fort Belvoir where the person worked. See Robin Roth in the Career Center for an application; deadline is April 11.

Student raises money for Cystic Fibrosis Freshman Tabatha Casalaspro is raising money to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis, a disease which also effects her younger niece. If you have interest in helping raise money for this cause see Casalaspro or go to room 139.

College trips for Juniors Radford University is sponsoring a bus trip for all juniors on April 18. Space is limited. See Robin Roth in the Career Center for details.

6 NEWS

Elections to be held

SCHOOL NEWS Wyndham B. Blanton Scholars’ Forum 2003 is now open for AHS students The Wyndham B. Blanton Scholar’s Forum applications are now available for all Virginia students. This program was set up by the Virginia Historical Society. The program is designed to bring together students from different high schools who are interested in history and government. The forum allows students to meet nationally renowned history scholars and this year the program will feature Pulitzer Prize-winner as well as American Book awardwinner, Edmund Morris. If the student wins they will be sent to a a site on the weekend of October 16, 2003. Last year AHS student, Andrew Satten was selected along with 20 other Virginia students. To apply, students must write an essay.

For more information visit www.vahistorical.org

Lunch Schedule Wed. April 9 Spaghetti with meat sauce or marinara sauce with breadstick Hamburger on Bun Cheeseburger on bun Veggie Cheeseburger on Bun Thurs. April 10 Oven Fried Chicekn with rice florentine Meatless Lasagna with marinara sauce and breadstick

Fri. April 11 Chicken Wings with biscuit Fish fillet on bun April 14-18 SPRING BREAK Mon. April 21 Chicken Niggets Pork Egg Roll Oriental Rice No Salads Available Tues. April 22 Nachos with chili and cheese sauce Cheese Sticks with marinara sauce Wed. April 23 Funnel Cake with turkey sausage patties Veggie Taco Hot Pocket Thurs. April 24 Beef Foot Long Hot Dog on Bun Beef and Bean burrito Reduced Fat Cheetos Fri. April 25 Steak Sub Steak n’ cheese sub Shrimp Poppers with blueberry muffin Mon. April 28 Chicken Tenders Beef Teriyaki Nuggets Steamed Rice Tues. April 29 Nachos w/chili and cheese sauce Chicken Teriyaki Fillet with oriental Rice Wed. April 30 Rotini Pasta with Marinara sauce, meatballs and breadstick Hamburger on Bun Cheeseburger on Bun Meatball sub Biteable, yogurt with pretzel and fruits/vegetables are available everyday.

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students on TV “WJLA” from p. 1

dents talked with Sullivan prior to the interview so that they would be prepared for his questions. Gisch was asked about the college application process and “what [he] would recommend.”

Gisch was accepted to the honors program at Penn State, awarding him $2500 a year, but said that outof-state tuition is very high. He has applied to other in-state schools such as the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech but is waiting to hear if he is accepted into each’s honors program.

Gisch is currently searching for more scholarship money, part of the reason he was picked for the interview. “I have applied to one that’s $1000 and a ten day tour of Europe,” Gisch said. “I’m doing a lot of scholarships. Any scholarship I get will be meritbased.”

BY KATHY IBARRA Staff Writer The freshman, sophomore, and junior classes elected their 2003-2004 Student Government (SGA) and Student Advisory Council (SAC) representatives last Wednesday after the candidates gave their speeches during flex. The SGA officers for next year include junior Angela Briggs as president, junior Gilda Villela as vice president, sophomore Cory Daise as secretary, and junior Mahlet Girma as treasurer. The four elected SAC representatives include juniors Mahlet Girma, Phylicia Foreman, Gilda Villela, and sophomore Kirill Gorbonouv.

The junior and sophomore classes assembled in the main gym as the freshman class gathered in the upstairs gym to listen to the candidates’ speeches and to vote. In the main gym, the presidential candidates were the first to present their views to the student body. Of the three candidates, Angela Briggs stood out the most as she rapped her entire speech, accompanied by sophomore Shakara LeCount at drums.

“The idea to rap my speech came to me back in December,” said Briggs. “I was up until 1 AM writing the lyrics. I figured it would get the attention of the freshman and sophomore classes.”

During her speech, Briggs presented her ideas for next year and reasons why she was the best qualified candidate. She was elected class president her freshman year, and again at Word of Life.

Briggs was also president of the National Honor Society at Word of Life, and is now president of the Black Student Association.

There were more candidates for the vice presidency, totaling four. Each promised to make the next school year the best yet, as well as working with the students. Gilda Villela, however, beat the competition, and was also elected a spot on the SAC. There were two candidates competing for the position of Secretary. The elected secretary Corey Daise described himself as a hard worker, being on both the varsity football and basketball teams.

A total of five people ran for treasurer. The winner Mahlet Girma, like so many others, described herself as well qualified and making the next homecoming better than ever. Like Villela, Girma ran for an SAC position and won. “I like a challenge,” said Girma. “I want to help make changes in the school as well as for the students to interact more.”

Out of the seven candidates who ran for the SAC,

Principal search continues

ANDREW MENEGAT

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“Principal” from pg. 1

be given a writing sample which they will have 30 minutes to answer, and following that, they will be asked specific questions compiled of the input that members of the community gave the school.

At the end of each interview, panel members will rank the candidate on a scale of one to nine, nine being the best. At the end of the day, the scores for every applicant will be totaled and the top three will continue on with the interview process.

Cluster 3 director John English will then review the three candidates and choose the new principal for Annandale. However, at the same time, Superintendent Daniel Domenech reserves the right to interview any of the principal candidates further or overrule English’s choice and make the final decision. Also, the Fairfax County school board also has the power to hold extra interviews if they feel that the right principal has not been found yet, or that the one chosen is not suitable for the job.

In Annandale’s 49 years, it has only had four principals, and while the process for choosing a new one might seem long and drawn out, proper time and consideration is necessary with such an important decision.

Election Junior Oheneba Boateng arouses the crowd through his presidential speech. He lost the election to junior Angela Briggs. The election speeches were held Wed., April 2 in the upstairs and downstairs gym during Flex.

four were allotted the positions. Running for all these positions can be handful, but can be rewarding too. “I would talk to people I didn’t know during lunch. But now I know more students and I know them better,” said Girma.

The 2003-2004 school year looks promising, with an SGA full of ideas and members eager to work with one another.

“I’m glad Corey Daise was elected secretary because it’s nice to have a guy in the line up,” said Briggs. “I was happy with the outcome of the elections. All the people who were elected are my friends,” said Girma.

“We have the potential to have a really great year.” As SGA president, Briggs is also hopeful. “I’m basically giving something new at AHS, and I hope everyone is looking forward to next year.”

Seniors put finishing touch on Prom plans “Prom” from p. 1

minute because we’ve had so little time to actually prepare for prom,” said senior Loren Sexton. “I have no idea where I am eating. I am just going to let my date worry about that,” he said. Many seniors have also noted the dissension that can arise from planning for the event, particularly when groups are formed and dates have conflicting desires about whose group they go in.

“People have been getting pretty riled up about all of the group and dinner arrangements. It’s so tough because you want to go with everyone, but the group can only be so big and a lot of times not all your friends get along with eachother,” said senior Karen Steinbeuchler. Many seniors equated the dissension to the same conflict that has laced beach week group preparations.

Final preparations for the prom actually started a little over a year ago, as it was the first issue on the agenda for the newly elected class officers.Under class representatives Jennifer Hogan and Pam Hutson, a prom committee has been established to handle refreshments, decorations and any other last minute accommodations.

“One of our most difficult preparation tasks was getting a nice location for the dance. We needed a place that wasn’t too expensive, close by, and had proficient security,” said senior class president Anteneh Addisu. A relative of senior class treasurer Natalie Dao Wallace worked at the Hilton, a connection that permitted the senior class to land a good deal for the facility. To facilitate male students in the process of renting a tuxedo, a class assembly was held during flex on April 2, featuring Master’s Tuxedoes styles. A group of about ten seniors modeled the

varying styles and accessories that Master’s Tuxedoes offers, most notably Ehab Awaddallah who elicited a boisterous reaction from the crowd as he strutted down the aisle in a purple tuxedo, and Mike scott, who completed his outfit with a top hat and a cane. Students were given a $20 discount coupon for Master’s Tuxedo in Annandale.

“I think that this was a good idea because now students are going to be more willing to rent a tuxedo because they know of a place to go, and have a complementary coupon,” said senior Ryan Daggle. Another senior class assembly will be held in flex on April 28 to address additional Prom issues. Though Assistant Principal Jon Frederickson asserted that AHS does not have a track record for alcohol related problems the night of Prom, he said students will be reminded of the rules that govern the night and the consequences of any violations.

Check9 a Date

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FLEX: W2/R1 Career and Job Fair 4Tennis v. W. Springfield(H) 5:30-7- Lax v. Hayfield G(H)B(A) 5:30-7:30- soft-baseball v.

Hayfield G(H) JV(A) V(H)

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FLEX: R3/ R5 4-Tennis v. Rodinson (A) 5:30-7- soccer v. Lake Braddock G(A) B(H) 5:30-7:30- soft-baseball v.

West Pot G(A) JV(H) V(A)

5:30-7- Lax v. T.C G(H) FLEX:Spring Pep FLEX: W8/R1 2:00-Dress Rehersal 5:30-7- Lacrossv.

B(A) Rally R7/W6 5:30-7soccer v.

5:30-7:30- soft-baseball Robinson girls (A) 5:30-7:30soft-baseball 4:00-Tennis v.T.C(A) v. Lake Braddock G(A) Robinson girls (A) boys (H) v.

West Springfield G(H) 5:30-7- soccer v. W. boys (H) JV(H) V(A ) JV(A) V(H) Springfield girls (H) 7:30Musical 7:00-Math Honor Society Tech Rehersal 7:30-Musical boys (A) Inductions

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T.C girls (H) boys (A)

5:30-7:30- softbaseball v.

Robinson G(A) JV(H) V(A) 7:30-Annandale Night

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5:30-7:30- softWest Potomac girls baseball v. Hayfield (H) boys (A) G(A) JV(H) V(A)

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FLEX: Distribution of Graduation Announcments IB exams W6/R1 5:30-7:30- softbaseball v. T.C G(H) JV(A) V(H)

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5:30-7:30- softbaseball v. West Potomac G(H) JV(A) V(H)

7:30- Musical

3 SAT’s at Annandale

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AB T 7 CULTURES AHS students discuss Easter the

WED. APRIL 9, 2003

LAS

Sophomore Diana Hollingsworth considers religion to be a very important part of her life. Cultures editor Rachel Sinaiko recently caught up with her and asked her a few questions.

Hollingsworth

Q: Why is religion important to you?

A: It is important to me because it gives me a strong background of values and morals to base my daily life on. If I didn’t have it in my life, I would feel lost.

Q: How do you practice your religion?

A: I practice my religion by going to Church every Sunday and every holy day.

I also pray before meals and attend extra services during Lent and Advent.

Q: Why are Lent and Easter important to you?

A: They are important to me because it reminds me of Jesus’ sacrifice for the world and during the season I feel more grateful for what I have.

Q: How are you celebrating Lent?

A: I am celebrating Lent by giving up television. I usually give up something I really like because it feels so good when Lent is over! I’m also observing abstinence every Friday by not eating meat. I am also going to extra Church services like Stations of the Cross.

Q: How are you planning to celebrate Easter?

A: I plan to celebrate Easter with my family. We all go to Church in the morning and then have a big dinner.

EASTER TERMS Good Friday: the Friday of Holy Week, kept in some churches as a fast, in memoory of Jesus’ passion or suffering; the anniversary of the crucifixion.

Palm Sunday: Christian celebration of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.

The day begins Holy Week. It is observed by worship celebrations and parades using palm branches.

Stations of the Cross: 15 events which happened within the last 24 hours Jesus was on the earth. Some of the prominent stations are: He is condemned to death, He carries His cross, He falls.

Calvary: The hill where Christ was crucified.

Holy Thursday: The Thursday immediately preceding Easter, also known as Maundy Thursday, is the day that Christians remember the Last Supper of Jesus Christ.

SWEET EASTER FACTS •Easter is the second most important candy-eating occasion of the year for Americans, who consumed 7.1 billion pounds of candy in 1999, according to the National Confectioner’s Association.

•Sixty million chocolate Easter bunnies are produced each year. Chocolate bunnies should be eaten ears first, according to 74% of American children. 13% said bunnies should be eaten feet first, while 10% favored eating the tail first. Adults prefer milk chocolate (65%), to dark chocolate, (27%).

Students talk about the true meaning of Easter, and discuss the different customs of the holiday.

BY MARTHA AMOAKO Features Editor “We make a huge deal about Christmas, but we should maker a bigger deal about Easter because it’s the foundation of our [the Christian] religion. Jesus died for our sins and he rose from the dead on Easter Sunday,” said senior Heather Austin.

With Christianity being one of the school’s dominant religions, many students are celebrating the end of Lent and the Easter holiday in different ways.

“This is a time to celebrate my religion and to renew my commitment to it. It’s a time to really feel again the pain of Christ and his trials and tribulations in conquering sin for us all,” said junior Lauren Edwards.

Celebrated on a Sunday on varying dates between March 22 and April 25, Easter is the vital Christian holiday in which believers commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians celebrate his crucifixion on Good Friday, the Friday immediately preceding Easter. Holy Saturday is a day of solemnity as Christians await the

“

For Lent, I gave up cookies, chips, candy, and Coke for 40 days and beef on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.”

Alleen Altounian Senior

coming of Easter Sunday.

Linked with the observance of Easter is the 40-day period of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at midnight on Holy Saturday, one day before Easter Sunday, April 20.

Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and sacrifice for many Christians as they prepare for the advent of Easter Sunday.

Senior Alleen Altounian is observing Lent by fasting from some foods. “For Lent I gave up cookies, chips (except tortilla chips), candy, and Coke for 40 days and beef on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays,” said Altounian. “The fact that I’m doing it [giving up for Lent] for a purpose more of

an incentive to stick to the challenge.”

“This is time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice: the fact that Jesus shed his blood on Calvary for the sake of mankind. It’s also a time to celebrate his resurrection, and the day that we all received our salvation,” said junior Gilda Villela.

Villela will be attending Mass with her family and enjoying an Easter meal to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Some traditions practiced during Lent are the abstinence of the consumption of red meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays by people ranging from 14 to 60 year olds.

Adults 18 years and older also fast on Ash Wednesday.

Sophomore Brandon Flowers has been observing the Lent period by making personal sacrifices. “I have been giving up soda because I drink a lot of it and it has been very tough to stop. In addition to this, I have been abstaining from meat every Friday,” said Flowers. “All of this has been meant to prepare myself for the important holiday of Easter.”

“This year I decided to give up desserts. This includes baked goods, ice cream, and sweets. It’s been hard at times. However, it’s a sacrifice that’s worth taking,” said Sophomore Jennifer Brackett. I have also been abstaining from meat on all Fridays and Holy days. Catholics are also asked to do something extra during lent. I have been trying to spend more time with my church group and some quality time praying. I have been trying to spend more time with my church group and some quality time praying, ” said Brackett.

“It’s more than just a symbol of rebirth and resurrection. It represents the love of Christ which was given to all people, regardless of your religion,” junior Mark Abdalla.

Most students who celebrate the holiday share similar traditions. Many students attend special services at their church and spend the rest of the day with their families. “Usually, we have a family dinner and give each other Easter baskets,” said Filadelfo.

Some students also participate in Easter egg hunts.

At a time of war and uncertainty, the holiday has held an even deeper significance with some students.

“Renewing my commitment to God and trying to find peace has become even more important. Also, knowing that Christ died for all of us, we should all really try to get along,” said Edwards.

“Easter provides solace for those who are going through a difficult time because of the war. It is a time when the whole community comes together to reflect on God’s grace and mercy,” said Villela.

Examples of activities that people usually do doing Easter include attending weekday mass or going to the Stations of the Cross. Some find this more effective than giving up something in order to become closer to God. Many students consider Easter a time for family togetherness. “Our family tradition is to have brunch on Easter Sunday after going to church together,” said Brackett. “I enjoy spending time with my family since it

Students observe Lent

BY KATHY IBARRA Staff Writer As the flowers begin to bloom, birds begin to chirp, and the sky is more blue than gray, students happily greet spring with open arms, as well as the advent of Easter less than two weeks away.

With the mention of Lent, the common question of “What did you give up?” arises.

There are the common sacrifices, such as food and candy, resolving to give them up from Ash Wednesday all the way until Easter Sunday, April 20.

“I gave up soda for Lent because I drink it a lot and it’s hard for me,” said freshman Michael Kilian. “I used to drink two cans a day and it’s been real hard for me. But if you don’t give up something that you don’t do a lot, it’s not a sacrifice.”

The religious reasons for Lent is to change for the better as a person as preparation of Jesus Christ’s rising from the dead. Many people assume this change to be a sacrifice, although a sacrifice is not necessarily mandatory. Although not all traditions are fulfilled by all Christians, many Christians chose to “give up something” in observance of Lent, all for their own personal reasons.

“I gave up cussing for Lent because it’s a real bad habit and I figured Lent was a good opportunity to do something that might help you,” said sophomore Colleen Nolan. But Nolan admits the change wasn’t easy to begin with. “At the beginning I would allow myself a certain number of words per day.

Hopefully after Easter the change will be permanent.” Nolan’s reasons for observing the tradition, however, may differ from those of most Christians. “I just think it’s cool.”

Sophomore Marcela Zeballos has different motives for observing Lent. “Celebrating Lent is important because it’s part tradition and part of being Christ-like as a Catholic. It’s proving you’re not attached to material things,” said Zeballos.

Zeballos has a long history of celebrating Lent, which began as a child in kindergarten. Rather than giving up something, she would do rosaries as a class in St. Michael’s Elementary until she was about a second-grader when she had some understanding of what Lent was.

“As a Catholic, we believe that Jesus gave up a lot and giving up something in return is almost a form of gratitude,” said Zeballos.

•Each Easter season, Americans buy more than 600 million Marshmallow Peeps, shaped like chicks, as well as Marshmallow Bunnies and Marshmallow Eggs, making them the most popular non-chocolate Easter candy.

•Hot cross buns were among the earliest Easter treats, made by European monks and given to the poor during Lent.

•In 2000, Americans spent nearly $1.9 billion on Easter candy, while Halloween sales were nearly $2 billion; Christmas, an estimated $1.4 billion; and Valentine’s Day, just over $1 billion.

•Pretzels were originally associated with Easter. The twists of a pretzel were thought to resemble arms crossed in prayer.

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RACHEL SINAIKO

RELIGIOUS PROFILE

Keepin’ the faith Students strengthen their spirituality before Easter by attending church. Sophomore Zach Sykes is one of the many students who St. Michael’s Church. “Its a family tradition to go to Easter Service together and then go to my Grandma’s house for a big family dinner.”

is a really important time in my religion.”

Like Christmas, Easter has been secularized and commercialized. However, for many students, the true meaning of Easter lies far from the ubiquitous symbols of bunnies and eggs. It’s a deeply personal event for many Christians in which they renew their connection with God. “Everything can become commercialized. To some people, Easter is a commercial holiday, but to me it is not. Easter is about the resurrection of Christ,” said senior Joshua Buzzell.

“I think that it has been commercialized in terms of Easter baskets and giving presents, but it still remains the most religious holiday for Christians,” said senior Elaine Filadelfo.

“Because the central belief in Christianity is that Christ died, he rose from the dead, and he is going to come again.” Despite the commercialism of the holiday, many students still have a positive view of Easter.

AB 8 ARTS Torpedo Factory hits target the

LAST

WED. APRIL 9, 2003

The Art League offers classes to adults on a quarterly basis. All Art League teachers are excellent and highly qualified artists.

Adult Classes are offered in: Drawing Fibers Jewelry Painting Pastel

Photography Pottery/Ceramics Printmaking Sculpture Watercolor

Periodic Workshops There are a wide ranging selection of workshops offered during both day and night. Workshops cover almost all fine arts and are taught by outstanding and experienced artists.

Workshops are offered in: Faux Finishes Glass Beads Fiber Jewelry Making Repousse Polymer Clay

Trompe L’oiel Linear Perspective Latex-Mold Enameling Matting/Framing

Youth Classes Classes for children are offered quarterly. During the month of July and August, week-long camps are also held. Many classes teach basic art fundamentals, as well as more advanced techniques.

The Torpedo Factory: Some say, Oh, yeah! I've been there!

While others are like, Huh? What the heck is that?!

What was once a breathing and functioning laboratory for ammunition now serves as a housing unit for a few excellent art galleries and a multitude of studios including The Art League school. The Torpedo Factory, located on the corner of King and North Union Street in Old Town Alexandria, faces both the boardwalk and the Potomac river.

The overwhelming color and decorations take precedence over the gray, factory-like floor and ceilings. With even the first step into the museum, the tourist immediately becomes captivated by the spectacular sight.

The eye-capturing artwork and high ceilings surrounding the large open hall have a tendency to leave a person feeling somewhat intimidated and in awe. The various attractions present a dilemma for the tourist; where to begin exploring?

The bright green torpedo at the entrance is one of the only remaining artifacts from the factory’s original purpose. The

torpedo, at nearly ten feet, is definitely worth seeing.

The Target Gallery is located on the first floor and is run by the Torpedo Factory Artists Association. The mission of the gallery is to explore all media of art while incorporating national and international artists.

“The work that we get is from all over the U.S. and abroad,” said Claire Huschle, the Target Gallery Director. “Every season we have a new theme. Last season’s theme was Singapore; our next theme will include work from Poland.”

Walking deeper into the building, the slightly spiral stairs whose railing is blazoned with many different medias of expression. Stained glass and wooden female torsos are a few that adorn the casing. The other staircases add to the colorful interior; the steps are painted in a rainbow pattern.

The steady buzz of an artist's working hands fills the otherwise quiet and still museum.

The atmosphere is not one of that of a museum, but a ticking clock, always running.

The galleries and studios are professional and business like.

Each cubical and workshop creates a perfect working atmosphere for the creative indi-

Youth Classes are offered in: Intro to Art Painting Cartooning Clay

Drawing Art Fundamentals Photography

Summer Camps are offered in: Art Jewelry Pottery

Drawing Photography

- For more information or to request a catalogue, call the Art League School at (703) 683 -2323 or write to the school at Torpedo Factory Art Center 105 north Union Street Alexandria, Va 22314 - You can also visit The Art League website at www.theartleague.org and The Torpedo Factory website at www.torpedofactory.org

CLASSES VS. WORKSHOPS Workshop: an educational seminar or a series of meetings that emphasize interaction and exchange of information on a specific topic.

Workshops are usually held with a small amount of people.

Class: a group of students learning the same subject. They are placed in a group in which their knowledge of the topic is roughly of the same level. Class sizes may vary.

UPCOMING SHOWS Enamelist Gallery The artists of the Enamelist Gallery practice the art in its truest form: turning glass into metal. This gallery can be found on the first floor of The Torpedo Factory and a new show every month.

April (4/8-5/4) May (5/6-6/1)

‘”Renewal” Kathy Bransford Mini Show June (6/3-7/6) Averill Shepps Mini Show July (7/8-8/3) “Some Like it Hot” Aug. (8/5-8/31) “By the Sea”: Technique show texture and tone Sept. (9/3-10/5) Norma Wangel Mini Show Oct. (10/7-11/2) Ute Conrad and Dorthea Stover Mini Show Nov. (11/4-11/30) “Exploration” Dec. (12/2-1/4) “Celebrations”

The watercolor “View of Sound” by B.J. Anderson is currently on display in Gallery 6 of the Torpedo Factory. Anderson has won many awards on both the regional and national levels. She has been working in her studio in Old Town since 1980. She most enjoys painting pieces in New England and Old Town.

What do you think about the Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria?

The Torpedo Factory The Torpedo Factory is located on the corner of King Street and North Union Street in Old Town Alexandria. The three-story museum displays a variety of art on every level.

vidual.

“I enjoy [working at the Torpedo Factory because I enjoy being] around other artists. Your studio is not only a place to sell, but also a place to get messy and get your work done,” said Joan Menard, artist and President of The Torpedo Factory.

Each of three levels holds new and interesting galleries.

Some of the studios held artwork that included imprinted wood carvings, African-inspired masks, clay Picasso-style houses and enameled paintings.

All of the 86 studios are open to the public daily, so visitors are free to ask questions or hold conversation about the artist’s work. According to Menard, many artists come to the Torpedo Factory and disliked it and left because they are asked too many questions about their art and would prefer to work in peace.

The fact that visitors have interaction with the artists is one of the coolest things about the Torpedo Factory. They are not staring at a painting done by some dead guy and left wondering what on earth he was thinking.

All the way up on the third story, and towards the back of the museum, a set of a table and

chairs sits under a huge window.

Sitting here allows one to experience a spectacular view of the harbor, docked boats and Potomac River.

Almost anyone who visits the Torpedo Factory enjoys themselves. According to Menard, the artists created so much attention while just renting the space that the director of The Art League and the Alexandria council members decided to keep the artists there for good.

Not only do people enjoy the artwork, but it is an inspiring place as well. Many amateur artists can find their way to the top while competing for space in the building.

“Every month we hold a competition where we go through 400 to 500 slides of artwork and only 30 to 35 are selected,” said Huschle.

“We want to get young artists exposed. I suggest they come down in the summer to visit and take art classes. If they artists can get their art out and see if the public likes the work,” said Menard.

And whoever said that museums where boring was obviously misinformed.

“I enjoyed all the art, especially the handmade pots.”

—Jose Gonzalez senior

“I went with the lacrosse team. I liked the stairs and the paper mache fish.”

—Katie Haines junior

“I liked the big torpedo. It was really shiny and the history of it was cool.”

—Shawn Johnson junior

“My dad’s friend is an artist there. We have some of his pieces at my house.”

—Sarah Sozio sophomore

“I liked the art, it was neat. And the torpedo was a cool piece of history.”

—Eric Simmons freshman

Amateur artists able to shine

BY ERIN O’BRIEN Arts Editor Many aspiring artists have incredible creations, but they have yet to be discovered. The Art League is a place where these artists can meet people like themselves as well as achieve their dreams.

Co-working with the Torpedo Factory, the Art League provides an opportunity for artists of all ages to display their work in galleries as well as compete with other artists in monthly competitions. Memberships are available for $55 per month, with a $15 initiation fee.

This month’s competition, “All Media” featured various types of artwork such as watercolors, oil painting, drawing and sculpting. Pieces from the competition remain on display for 30 days before they are rotated and a new exhibit is set up. “The quality of our shows is continuously improving,” said Associate Director Catherine Hillis. “Every month I see something better than I’ve ever seen before. ” Because the quality of work continues to increase, it becomes harder to make it into the show. Having your work displayed is a true accomplishment. However, being rejected is not necessarily for the worst. “I actually think

you learn a lot from being rejected,” said Hillis. “For beginners its about communicating and associated with other artists, not winning.”

The Art League offers classes to both members and nonmembers throughout the duration of the year. Classes are offered in a variety of fields such as ceramics, painting, sculpting and drawing. “My involvement in The Art League began when I signed up for a ceramics class. I absolutely loved it. I continued signing up for different classes and became involved with the shows and I’m still here,” said League Director Bridget Walsh.

Classes range from beginner to very advanced. Classes are offered during the day for adults as well as in the afternoon for the younger kids to attend. “Summer classes are a popular option for our teenagers,” said Walsh.

The Art League became a part of the Torpedo Factory in 1974. The Art League rents space from the Torpedo Factory, and the two nonprofit organizations work together to provide a unique art experience for the artists of Alexandria. Although the two work together, the Art League has its own gallery and displays separate work.

For the monthly shows a juried membership comes to the gallery and chooses the work they believe to be the best. The jury is

made up of a local critic, a teacher, the museum director and the gallery owner. Members of any age are welcome to enter the show. The cost is $1.50 per piece. Each contestant may enter between one and four pieces. The contests are growing increasingly competitive. Usually between 600 and 700 pieces are entered, and only 100-150 are displayed.

“It is important to have high quality in our shows, but it is more important for the artists to be able to get together and have fun,” said Hillis. This is just what The Art League aims to do, bring artists of different ages with various interests together and give them a place to explore and succeed.

People of all ages and experiences are welcomed to join The Art League. Often people join without the intention of staying, but like it and end up staying. “We have a lot of people who come in expecting to take one class and end up having their own studio and teaching classes,” said Hillis.

The Art League store is also located in the Torpedo Factory and run by volunteer workers. The store provides a number of art supplies and items at a relatively cheap cost.

Teachers often request specific materials to be sold at the store. Costs are reduced for members of The Art League.

To find out more information about becoming involved in The Art League, call 703-683-1780.

History lives through art at the factory So you’re in Old Town one day, and the Mark XIV, a submarine borne torpedo, you want to go to someplace called the and the Mark III aircraft torpedo.

Torpedo Factory. You’ve heard your Torpedo production continued for the friends talk about it, but you really don’t next 20 years. However, once World War know what it is 2 ended in 1945, but you figure torpedo production that it must be again halted at the a place where factory. This was they build torthe last time torpepedoes, and does would in fact you know be manufactured in what? It used this building. Soon to be. after, the Torpedo The Navy Factory was used Art Commentary by John Reiss began conagain as storage for struction on Smithsonian art the Torpedo Factory on November 12, pieces and valuable dinosaur bones. Con1918. Upon its completion, the buildgress also stored documents, and the miliing was used for the manufacturing and tary kept German war films and records maintenance of torpedoes. After five there. years, torpedo manufacturing ceased In 1969, the City of Alexandria bought and the military began to use the facthe Torpedo Factory with no specific purtory as a storage center for munitions pose, and for several years the building until World War 2. At this point in time, remained unoccupied and unused. production started again at an incredFormer president of the Art League, ible rate, it yielded such torpedoes as Marian Van Landingham, proposed a

Reiss’ Pieces

project that would renovate the building into working studio spaces for artists. She was also Programs Director of the Alexandria Bicentennial Commission. Her proposal was endorsed by the Commission. Thanks to the work and time she put into the project, she became the building’s first Director of the Art Center.

Renovation began in May of 1974, and construction workers, artists and volunteers began to set up the factory into an art studio. By July construction was done, and the building was reopened. In 1998 the Artists’ Association took over all management of the building and all costs lay on the artists.

Now, the Torpedo Factory is a pleasant art studio in Old Town, Alexandria, right along the Potomac River. The Torpedo Factory is open Wednesday-Sunday from 10-5. For more information, call them, at (703) 838-4565 or go to their website at http://www.torpedofactory.org/.

COURTESY OF WWW.TORPEDOFACTORY.ORG

Adult Classes

BY CRYSTAN BLANCO Arts Editor

COURTESY OF WWW.TORPEDOFACTORY.ORG

CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS AT THE ART LEAGUE

Here is an aerial view of the Torpedo Factory in 1920, just two years after its construction. Over the years, there have been many renovations. Plans to restore the boardwalk began recently.

the

ABLAST

FEATURES 9 Taking the sex out of sex ed

WED. APRIL 9, 2003

SEX AND TEENS

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MAGGIE OWNER

—By the twelfth grade, 65 percent of high school students have had sexual intercourse

Student respond to the President’s new sex education policy

BY MARTHA AMOAKO Features Editor Sex infiltrates all sources of the media.

But does this hormone driven culture recieve all the neccessary information about sex and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?According to the Center for Disease Control, by graduation, 65 percent of high school seniors have had sex. However, teens do not seem to be as knowledgeable about sexual health. Two people under the age of 25 are infected with HIV every hour. In addition, only 35 percent of sexually active males and females between 15 and 17 use a condom during every act of sexual intercourse.

February, President Bush proposed to increase funding for abstinence-only sex education programs to $135 million annually through 2007. His proposal has spurned debate about the efficiency of abstinence programs at addressing teenage sexual behavior in opposition to comprehensive sex

education. The decision has had an impact on the sex education progam in schools.

Recently, several schools adopted an abstinence-only sex education program.

“When our children face a choice between self-restraint and self-destruction, government should not be neutral,” said Bush in defense of his plan. “Government should not sell children short by assuming they are incapable of acting responsibly. We must promote the good choices.”

Junior John Olson agrees with President Bush’s plan to promote abstinence in pubilc schools. “If schools teach safe sex, it sends a message to students that the school condone and approve of having sex, even though most high schoolers are not emotionally or economically ready to have children.”

However, some faculty members disagree with this viewpoint. “An abstinenceonly message is shortsighted and will only do damage in the long run. STDs will only increase in number if funding for prevention programs is cut,” said Linda Wheeler, sponsor of the Stopping AIDS For Everyone (SAFE) Club. “Right now, one-fourth of teenagers having sex will get an STD this year. Educating teenagers can only help prevent the spread of STDs.” In addition to the SAFE Club, students get sex education information from the

Family Life Education [FLE] program.

The AHS’ FLE curriculum is a two week course that is embedded in the sophomore Health class. The class promotes abstinence as the preferred route for teenagers. However, it also teaches both the physical and mental consequences of being sexually active. Through the process of lessons, videos, group work and skits, students are compelled to think about the repercussions of sexual activity.

“I think it [sex education] is very important because kids don’t have to take Health after 10 grade and this last time they’ll be informed,” said FLE teacher Gabe Romano. “It’s critical to inform and provide them with hot-lines and places to go to if they get into trouble.”

Most students were satisfied with the FLE class. “The class pretty much covers everything that can be learned in the classroom. Teachers don’t really preach abstinence, they present it as the preferred route to remain safe and disease free,” said sophomore Nathan Williams.

However, other students felt that improvements could be made in the FLE curriculum. “They don’t cover enough because

“

If schools teach safe sex, it sends a message to students that schools condone and approve of having sex...

John Olson junior

you always have more questions that aren’t answered,” said Brian Bagot.

“I would really put a stress on preventive methods. I felt that it was really lacking in the FLE class because they didn’t really go in-depth about how to practice safe sex,” said junior Gilda Villela.

The SAFE Club has a program within

Student vocal about sex ed

FACTS AND MYTHS ABOUT SEX EDUCATION MYTH: Teaching sexuality in school takes it out of being taught at home.

FACT: Various studies have shown that sexuality education programs result in increase child communication about various topics concerning sexuality.

BY CHRIS SOPHER

Journalism I Student

MYTH: Students in elementary school are too young to need information about sexuality.

FACT: In every subject, students are given a foundation in early school years that is expanded upon in later years. Children are often curious about issues related to sexuality and need accurate, age-appropriate information.

MAGGIE OWNER

Senior Lena Tabbah has been getting her message out. Last month, she traveled to Richmond to argue before legislators against a bill that would require minors to ask for parental consent before having an STD and pregnancy tests performed. The bill would mandate that any minor would need their parents/guardians to sign a form or come in person to give permission for the tests to be done. Clinics do not to allow teens to have the tests performed without permission.

Tabbah disagrees with the bill because she believes it would discourage teens from having the tests done at all, leaving teenagers unaware of their STD status. “STD rates are so high among teens already,” said Tabbah, “Kids wouldn’t want to tell their parents they were having sex, and they just wouldn’t have the tests done at all. Then rates would go even higher.”

Tabbah went to the state capitol with members of the Stopping AIDS For Everyone (SAFE) Club and a representative from the Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry (NOVAM) to present their objections to House Bill 1499 to a legislative committee. (The SAFE Club’s and NOVAM’s goals are to educate students about safe sex and the negative repercussions of unprotected sex). The committee had been hearing supporters and dissidents of the bill for many weeks, and Tabbah was the first student to appear on the matter. She said that she believes issues related to minor sex and sexual education are important ones to become active about because they concern the life and future of teens.

Since joining the SAFE Club, Tabbah has been active on those issues, and has been involved in many outreach missions and presentations to minors. She hopes others will do the same, and believes that active students can make a difference and affect important issues.

“I think her message was very well

the FLE curriculum in which trained peer educators and other health educators present information about safe sex, STD prevention and other important aspects of sexual activity. The program also allows people living with HIV/AIDS to share their stories with the students in the FLE class.

AHS is the only school in Fairfax County with such a club.

“Our school is so international, and hopefully people will take what they learn and take it back to their own communities or countries,” said Wheeler.

Several students and teachers are opposed to the government’s attempt to push abstinence-only programs in schools. They believe that giving teenagers a full knowledge of the options available to them, from abstinence to safer sex, is vital in empowering and influencing teens’ ability to make cautious decisions about sex.

“Focusing only on abstinence ignores the teens who are already having sex. It’s like trying to save people who are already on land while ignoring those who are drowning in the sea,” said senior Fanta Sesay.

“Abstinence is a good message to reinforce, but we need to combine that with the risks involved in sex and how to approach sex in the best possible way if one decides not to be abstinent,” said Wheeler. “Students need to be armed with factual information while making important decisions such as whether or not to become sexually active.”

“Abstinence should be stressed, but you can’t control people’s sexual behavior. So, you should educate them about safe sex,” said Bagot.

“These are the stages in life where hormones are raging and teenagers are experimenting. So it’s necessary to learn about the consequences of sex before they decide to take the risks,” said junior Amandeep Singh.

“People don’t do things because you give them a reason not to. It is important for teens to know ways to keep themselves safe if they chose to become sexually active,” said senior Despina Kiaoulias.

However, some teens beleive that abstaining from sex is the best decision. “I have decided to abstain from sex until marriage because I feel that sex is something sacred that is suppose to be reserved for marriage.

However, I know that abstinence is not for everyone. It’s a personal decision that each individual must make for him or herself,” said Sesay.

Since joining the SAFE Club, Tabbah has been working actively to inform teenagers about HIV and other STDs. She has been involved in many other outreach missions and presentations to teens.

received,” said SAFE Club sponsor and counselor Linda Wheeler. Shortly after Tabbah spoke before the committee, the bill was killed, signaling a victory for comprehensive sex education supporters. News reports mentioned that support for the bill wavered when presentations were made about already-high teen STD rates.

Later this year, Tabbah will be organizing a group to present arguments against a Bush administration bill that would limit sexual education to abstinence only, and not teach students about contraceptives and other methods of protection.

“What about the students who don’t choose abstinence? There’s no information out there for them,” said Tabbah.

She hopes Congress will rethink the bill and include other information like protection in the curriculum. She believes teaching students about birth control and contraceptives is equally as important as teaching them about abstinence.

“Abstinence is a great message,” said Wheeler, “but you also have to arm students with knowledge about safe and unsafe behaviors.”

Tabbah encourages people interested in participating to speak to

Wheeler about training. The club began as a Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry initiative called Youth Speak, which trains and sends students on outreach and education sessions in the community.

The program also sponsors Youth Speak presentations in high school health classes, where speakers with HIV/AIDS talk with students about having and living with the disease.

When suggested that AHS begin a program, Wheeler agreed to sponsor the new “SAFE” Club. From the beginning, Tabbah was one of the leading participants.

“I just think that’s the right way to educate students about the issues,” said Tabbah. At the moment, AHS is the only Fairfax County school to have a Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry-sponsored club.

Tabbah continues spreading knowledge and information to others. She hopes to get the opportunity to spread her message and lobby legislators in the future. Tabbah believes her motivation and passion fuels her role as an activist. Most who know her agree that she is a future leader and will always be active in voicing her opinions.

MYTH: Comprehensive sexual health education doesn’t address abstinence.

FACT: Comprehensive sexual health education stresses abstinence as the preferred sexual behavior among teens. Abstaining from sexual activity that involves exchange of bodily fluids and/or genital to genital contact is the only way to be absolutely sure of avoiding the risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.

MYTH: If you talk to kids about sex, they will go out and experiment.

FACT: Children who are well informed and comfortable in talking about sexuality with their parents are also the least likely to have intercourse when they are adolescents. It appears that knowledge does not lead to inappropriate behavior, whereas a lack of information poses greater risks.

MYTH: Kids will pick up what they need to know.

FACT: Kids are constantly picking up sexual messages, many of them ones that do not promote healthy sexuality. Kids will pick the commercial and exploitative messages that are in the interest of advertisers to promote, and they will pick up misinformation from their uninformed peers.

Myth: We aren’t providing any sex education if we don’t talk about it.

Fact: Our children learn from us by observing. We become models of how to be healthy adults, to have relationships, to show affection. In these ways, we are the primary sexuality educators of our children. When we avoid talking about sexuality we give our children the message that this topic is not proper to discuss, to learn about, to have questions on.

Information compiled from www.teachingsexualhealth.ca/ parentstudent/pages/mythandfacts.html

—One-in-five teenagers has had four or more sexual partners

—Young women between 15 and 19 have the highest rate of gonorrhea, which is an STD that causes painful urination and pain around the urethra —Forty percent of chlamydia ( an STDs whose symptoms include: burning sensation during urination and/or abdominal pain) cases are reported among young people age 15 to 19 —Among high school students who had received a routine check-up during the previous year, only 42.8% of females and 26.4% of males had discussed STD or pregnancy prevention with their health care provider

ABSTINENCE —100% effective: many believe that abstaining from sex is the best prevention from STDs, AIDS, and pregnancy —Don’t be fooled: oral sex, anal sex, and other similar activities do not count as abstinence — you are still susceptible to STDs

FACTS ABOUT CONDOMS —Condoms are far less effective when used by teens —Condoms have a failure rate of 18% when used by people under 18 —Although condoms will help reduce your risk of contracting diseases like HIV, condoms can break, leak, or slip, which means you are still at risk if your partner is infected with an STD —Among sexually active teen girls, 30% contracted an STD over a sixmonth period, even when condoms were used consistently

CORRECT CONDOM USE —Use a new condom for each act of intercourse —Put on the condom as soon as erection occurs and before any sexual contact —Hold the tip of the condom and unroll it onto the erect penis, leaving space at the tip of the condom, yet ensuring that no air is trapped in the condom’s lip —Adequate lubrication is important, but use only water-based lubricants –Withdraw from the partner immediately after ejaculation, holding the condom firmly to keep it from slipping off

HIV/STD PREVENTION STRATEGIES —Engaging in sexual activities that do not involve vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse —Having intercourse only with one infected partner —Using latex condoms correctly from start to finish with each act of intercourse Information compiled from the Center for Disease Control

10 PEOPLE

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ABLAST

WED. APRIL 9, 2003

HAPPY BIRTHDAY APRIL BIRTHDAYS Seniors Quang Vu 10 Ashlee Nicely 15 Brian Park 15 Alexandra Mott 16 Najma Chaudhry 16 Vanessa Ugarte Torrico 16 Katherine Barbery-Rivas 17 Jeannine Frank17 Ashley Martin 17 Courtney Thieberger 17 “My birthday is on Good Friday so I’m going to hang out with my good friends Anteneh and Carl.”

— Michael Scott Senior

Jason Antunes 18 Jose Cruz 18 Michael Scott 18 Daniel Valdez 18 Ba Woo Han 20 Adonay Obando-Rivera 20 Michael Weinberg 20 Loren Sexton 21 Victoria Benson 22 Laura Hollowell 23 Fanta Sesay 23 Preston Gisch 24 Tehetena Abebe 26 Mario Padilla Padilla 26 Luis Sopo 26 “I’m going to go to the zoo on my birthday and chill with the monkeys.”

— Mariam Ali junior

Sean Jackson 27 Hanna Pak 29 Frederick Tackaberry 29 Juniors SharifYoussif 1 Dennis Demare 2 Shawn Johnson 2 Morgan McEvilly 3 Mike Postigo 3 Elizabeth Ipanaque 4 RodrigoMallada Bazo 4 Anthony Broxton 6 Christopher Croghan 6 Laura Bellot 7 Rohina Hussain7 RaAnaa Davis 8

“I’ll probably go to the Outer Banks with my friends on my birthday.”

— Brian Park senior

Anthony Sanchez

of huddled humanity holds many sediments of the high school strata: Techies, Geeks, and Goths among them. But these typically derogatory and possibly self-assigned terms are worn as a badge of honor here; unity is built through the rejection of pop culJo-Young Park Andrew Nicholas ture and social norms. Scars and bruises compliChristine Castaldo Pablo Rojas ment scribbled sneakers and concert-patchwork backpacks as testament to musical allegiances, the most identifying trait of this vibrant counter-culture.

In a recessed hovel aside from the lobby, down a short flight of stairs, is the Magic Pit, a preBrittney Huff Amy Buckles school hangout packed with congregated fantasy Huot Eam Justin Wade card players. Administrators patrol the hallway

BY PRESTON GISCH like sharks, busting up congested knots of stuAP Journalism Student dents in this arterial transport, but the Lobby kids are unfettered, schooled in an impenetraFront row at the System of a Down concert, insanity bly porous horde. rules. The mosh pit intensifies as the guitarist blasts out Amid the structured chaos, Sanchez finds riffs that kill passing migratory birds mid-flight. At 120 Dorians Quiroz Mark Hutchinson his reserved place on one of those new rubber decibels, the lead singer is rocking out at slightly softer mesh benches, sits Indian-style, and considers Shawnna Sellers than a 747, and the drummer is convulsive, thrashing Christopher Schubert the lackluster Red Day ahead. Like most his appendages in an inhuman display of flailing tempo.

Jamie Jeon school days, it promises to be nothing more Junior Tony Sanchez is right there, screaming every than blathering teachers and mindless classword of the holy songs, pounding his head and pumping mates. “I’m here for the education,” Sanchez Ab ove are a few of the 37 juniors who were chosen to be interviewed his devil-horned fist with every beat. Freaking out, says, but he can never keep his mind focused. for a personality profile project for AP Journalism Sanchez is totally digging the show when a peculiar aroma Social life and music, not necessarily separate begins to waft over the crowd, a strange sort of haze that or in that order, hold a much stronger allure thickens and fills his lungs until physical limitations blur few minutes before heading to class. than literary analysis, Spanish conjugation, and balancand Sanchez becomes infinite.

Breaking their whispering embrace, Sanchez unhooks ing equations.

Hours later his eyes open, Sanchez is conscious, not from Smurph and plucks his black backpack from its “I have an inferiority complex with numbers. I get awake, and he anticipates facing a new day of that harsh crumpled pile of companions, the Lobby Crowd’s heap of lost in them.” He mulls this over, his thousand-yard stare reality called life. What new friends will he meet today? school materials. He trots to class after saying his cutting through the hypocritical and petty conglomeraWhat new music will his band create? But, most imporgoodbyes. Retracing his steps toward the back of the tion of teenagers. His jet-black hair is parted in the middle, tantly, what is that smell?! school, Sanchez slides into his World History trailer just hair falling smoothly behind his ears. Glasses with thin “Wake up, Tony,” his Dad intones sternly, making the as the real bell rings. frames are worn today, if only because Sanchez was too rounds before waking Heather, Tony’s 13-year-old sister.

THE SCHOOL DAY lazy and too late to put his contacts in. A closely trimmed “Yeah,” replies Sanchez drowsily as he stumbles down The school day passes like any other; slow and pointgoatee frames his mouth and light brown eyes complete a the short wooden ladder leaning against his loft bed, less. Sitting in class, Sanchez can’t help but feel average relatively unblemished face with trademark Jewish nose. punching the stereo to life once the descent is complete. and unimportant, just like any other guy. “I am a lesson Sanchez basks under the hanging panels of exposed Like violently raucous ambrosia, the guitar melody exin normality, the average Joe; no gift, no flair; no time to fluorescent lighting, absorbing the omnipresent cultural plodes from the speakers and Sanchez begins air drumwonder who I really am. I am the guy in the back, uncalamity, wondering if this is how life is supposed to be. ming to the beat, interrupted only by a piercingly highshaven and restless, loud, but outspoken, funny, but na“If I were to die today, who would come to my funeral and pitched and undeniably Yiddish-tinted reminder. ive, master of the oxymoron.” what would they say?” he asks himself, not suicidally, but “And don’t forget to brush your teeth,” as his nagging Academics are not his strong suit and his insecurities rather, speculatively. “Sometimes I feel useless, like I am Mom passes by. “It’s your morning breath that’s stinking show when a textbook is shoved in front of his face. not filling some slot of importance, despite my every efup this house!”

Throughout the school day, all Sanchez can think about fort to make things perfect. But, most of all, I am afraid of “Thanks, Mom.” is his return to the lobby, his return to life. “You can take being alone.”

Tony out of the lobby, but you can’t take the lobby out of Sanchez’s emotions run in Tony,” says a friend. cycles, a slight event touching Bored, Sanchez recalls his social mishaps for sadistic off a greater chain of positive entertainment. “Unfortunately, my pitfalls seem to be or negative energy, never what is most interesting about my character. I think there static. If one thing is certain, are more people judging my moral fiber than I would care he is not a man with mild opinto think and that upsets me. Sure, they can judge me, ions. If ever you see Sanchez but I wish, more than anything else, that I could be the even-tempered, he is most “nice guy” in every situation. No faults, no depth, just me likely balanced between love without my issues. Me, 20 pounds lighter and with less and hate for an instant. Othfreckles.” Academic performance, or lack thereof, seeps erwise, his emotions are into his personal self-image, so when Sanchez discovers strong, but held in check. Polithat he received an “A” on his Geosystems interim, it is tics can strike a chord (“If cause for celebration at the end of the day. you’re a liberal, not even I can Sanchez jubilantly dances around the lobby, a painhelp you,”) but heavy metal fully long seven hours after he departed, triumphantly elicits ecstatic babbling. waving his grade sheet in front of unsuspecting passersby.

Unfortunately, Sanchez’s These dramatic antics are to be expected from the activemouth can get out of hand. when-awake junior. Once the accomplishment is satis“Sometimes, I don’t think factorily acknowledged, Sanchez calms and begins to disabout what I say before I say cuss the day’s occurrences with friends. it, so I end up in trouble.” This The latest drama in the Lobby social circle is acerbic, leaves him in a perpetual state but par for the teenage course. Sanchez can be the focus Junior Anthony Sanchez plays air drums in the main lobby, while his good friend and fellow of repentance with friends, at of this rumor mill every once in a while, but instead of band member sophomore Aaron Brown plays air guitar with him. various stages of forgiveness letting the backstabbing roll off his back, he obsesses. “I or rebuilding with social acGETTING READY torture myself over my mistakes. I feel like I must atone.” quaintances at any given point. To understand Sanchez’s Minutes later, following a shower and thorough toothThe guilt can consume him, but today, he is untouchable. social structure, however, is to understand the dichotomy brushing, Tony contemplates his wardrobe scattered in Smurph stops by to say “hi” before Sanchez heads of his life. Friends, temporal though they may be, also various stages of cleanliness and hanging off a chair, desk, home. The weather is nice outside, spring is coming, so provide a bright spot to his life. The mere mention of frienddresser, and other sturdy corners. Selecting a black Tony rolls down the window as he zips down Braddock ship triggers a veritable laundry list of loyalties, all emTwisted Sister concert t-shirt, he pulls it over his head planning the evening ahead. So much socializing to do, phatically and actively supported. and synches up his baggy blue jeans over black converse so little time. Band practice for the upcoming Guitar Club “I would jump in front of a bullet for Pat, inhale ansneakers. Opting to change the slow pace of the morning concert will take up most of the night. “I am with the thrax for Will, jump off a building for Cindy, drive off a thus far, Sanchez is purposefully frantic in searching for finest musicians in the school. Hell, the best musicians I cliff for Katie, turn liberal for Ian, go gay for Susan, fly his wallet beneath a cluttered pile of papers. Once recan think of.” If there is one thing that brings Sanchez through a storm for Aaron, sit on a grenade for Albert, trieved, the sparse wallet is firmly attached to a long metal confidence, it is his music. The car radio is set to screamand take a bullet for all my friends. I appreciate my friends chain, (purpose unknown), and placed in his back pocket. ing vocals over blazing dissonant distortion and the volbecause they treat me so much better than I deserve. I Glancing at his watch, Sanchez sees that he is runume dial is twisted all the way to the right. will always be here to return the favor,” says Sanchez. ning late, as is often the case. Grabbing a foil packet of BACK HOME FRIENDSHIPS AND RELATIONSHIPS pop tarts and a handful of goldfish crackers from the galPulling into his driveway, silent suburbia is the sound Despite the dynamic nature of Sanchez’s relationships, lon cartoon strategically placed near the front entrance, of musical death once the car is turned off and Sanchez his base friendships are constant. Referencing the memhe snatches his keys and backpack before dashing out scrambles inside the house and into his room, jabbing the bers of his band ‘The Last Word,’ his explains the intenthe door. stereo to life in one sweeping motion to keep the pulse sity of his friendships. “Albert, Aaron, and Collin are syn“Bye Mom and Dad, I’ll see you later,” he says as the alive. ‘80s power chords throb from the speakers and onymous with friendship. I have the best friends in the screen door shuts and Sanchez jumps into his car. He is Sanchez cranks it up before walking to the frig for an whole world!” These thoughts roll around Sanchez’s head, soon cruising through his Ravensworth neighborhood, afternoon snack, passing an empty fish tank on the right but the world suddenly shifts into slow motion the second smiling, braces reflecting the rising sun as he turns onto (“I way overfed them.”) Some leftover rice and a cold bishe sees Sara Murphy, aka. Smurph.

Braddock. Quickly parking his car in the church lot, cuit suit his stomach just fine, but something strikes “How do you feel?” she asks, his favorite question Sanchez walks the cracked paved path to the back of the Sanchez as odd. (“When someone asks how you feel, it shows that they school.

There is an imperfect ring in the heavy metal demicare.”) They talk and snuggle, to the disgust of some surOnce inside, he instinctively heads for the front lobby. gods’ strumming. Puzzled, Sanchez searches out the aurounding colleagues secretly envious of the intimacy that Before he even reaches it, though, the lobby beckons, its ral obstruction and finds his cell phone ringing. The mucomes with a serious relationship. noise level directly proportional to the wakened state of sic is paused for an instant as Sanchez answers; it is “I have a super-terrific, great, exquisite, stupendous, its constituents. At this point in the morning, the volSmurph and she wants to hang out. With this, Sanchez extraordinary, magnificent, and great boyfriend in Tony,” ume is sufficiently loud as quite a crowd has amassed is on the move once more. “I find that everywhere I am is says Murphy. The warning bell sounds, uniformly sigand the droopiness of early morning is beginning to wear not where I want to be. There is always someplace I would naling the entirety of the school that first period is about off. rather be.” Guitar lines and drumbeats bob and weave to begin. While most pavlovian students comply and beAT THE LOBBY through Sanchez’s head as he grabs his keys and heads grudgingly pull their backpacks off the dusty floor before The lobby squeams with life, a pulsing mass of collecout for the afternoon, final words of advice encapsulating trudging to their classes, the Lobby Crew hardly budges, tive individuality quivering with conversation and his persona. “If my stereo isn’t on, I’m not home.” innate timing telling them that they can still squeeze in a (melo)dramatic spontaneity. This nebulous consolidation

From A-Z, 37 juniors were randomly chosen to be profiled by AP Journalism students. The goal of the assignment was to get the in-depth story of the assigned student’s life. Here’s the best profile about a surprisingly ref lective and thoughtful metal head

SAMAN HUSSAIN

Brenda Duong 9 Erica Robey 9 Mariam Ali 10 April Brassard 11 Katherine Stanton 11 Svetlana Kayumova 12 Matthew Komara12 Manh Huynh 12 William Steinbuechler 13 Erick Alva 14 Caroline Friedman 14 James Huff 14 So Yeon Oh 14 Thien Tran 14 Brandon Booterbaugh 15 Rosa Guevara 16 John Phillips 16 Valerie Schofield16

A day in the life of...

“I have to work on my birthday at Zainy Brainy, so I’ll play with all the little kids.”

— RaAnna Davis junior

Mark Hutchison 17 Son Nguyen 19 Kimiko Yerick 19 Cindy Caceres 20 Angela Briggs 21 Shakara Lecount 21 Tan Lien 21 Edward Gibson 22 Katy Garcia 23 Ivan Sharmanov 23 Brittney Lawrence 25 Rebecca Velez 26 William Williams 27 Austin Willis 27 Cesar Alvarez 28 Carlos Guerra Rios 28 Liliana Mejia 28 Nadia Siles Alvarado 28 JariusStyles 28 Ejaz Zeb 28 Kanwal Chaudry 29 Nazmul Howlader 29 Sophomores Barry Andrade 1 “I think I’m going out to dinner with my friends on my birthday.”

— Ashley Martin junior

Edith Drosos

Kari Wolfe

George Buzzell

Katherine Haines

Amy Merrill

Katim Faal

Carolyn Ichter

Tamoor Ijaz

Sali Hama

Ashley Jones

SPORTS XTRA 11

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ABLAST

WED. APRIL. 9, 2003

Best local trails Wakefield Park/ Lake Accotink Park Location: North Springfield Length: 5 miles Riding surface: despite a few areas of side pavement, almost completely off road Difficulty: Mostly flat, but ranges in difficulty for those who are experienced and inexperienced Popularity: Quite busy on the weekends and during the week.

There are generally more walkers and runners than bike riders, so trails can sometimes become congested.

Number of trails: One main trail, with smaller branches off.

Additional info: Wakefield Park is probably the best choice for any student, due to its proximity and its overall quality..

Popular trails for bike riders In an age of super highways, television, and almost more forms of entertainment than any other places in the world, it is very rare to ever experience the beautiful environment that we all live in. The ground, which twigs and fallen leaves once lightly blanketed, is now smothered by asphalt and mini-malls.

There are ways to experience the natural world that surrounds us however.

Seemingly, the more roads that get laid down, more trails for biking get carved out.

The demand for bike trails has gone up with the rising popularity of biking.

Specifically in the metropolitan area, there are many parks and trails set aside for those who would like to get away from the rush hour and the stress of everyday life, and get into a similar natural setting that may be very close, but seems so far away.

When deciding on a trail, most riders like to look at a few different aspects of the trail to decide which is the best for them. Difficulty, popularity, setting, and maintenance are the main influences on a decision. The difficulty of a trail is mainly determined by how curvy or hilly the

trail is.

S ‘beginning level rider would most likely choose a flatter and more straight trail, while a more experienced rider would want to try windy trails with a variation in how hilly the terrain is.

Despite many trails in the area, some trails can become quite crowded with bikers, as well as runners, walkers, and nature observers. Parts of some trails can become quite narrow, and crowded trails can become quite hazardous at narrow passage ways.

The setting and the surroundings can really influence a riders experience with a trail. Some riders prefer a more ‘natural’ setting, with nice views and wooded trails.

While others enjoy trails that stay near residential and commercial areas, with lots of sites to ride to.

Maintenance is one of the most defining issues when choosing a trail. Some trails may have the nice enjoyable scenic routes that you are looking for, but can have fallen trees or liter and debris spread out all over the trail. These objects are not only a hazard to a rider’s safety, but can make a rider more focused on avoiding a painful spill than enjoying themselves on their ride.

Our area is lucky to have a wide variety of trails for riders to choose. There are scenic,

windy, and hilly trails, and trails for the rider whose just getting into the sport, to the rider who is quite experienced. Places like Fountain Head Park, and Wakefield Park/ Lake Accotink, and Holmes Run are some of the better trails a rider may choose from.

Fountain Head Park would be a choice for a rider who is looking for a challenge.

The park itself was designed specifically for mountain biking and has many windy, and hilly trails. Many, if not all, of the trails are dirt trails and go through wooded areas. This park is particularly popular to riders because the trail was designed for and is maintained specifically for bikers.

Unlike many trails, the park is not open between mid-November to early March, and closes on inclement weather days. This park is the best choice for anyone who would like a trail that offers a bit of a challenge to the rider..

Wakefield Park/ Lake Accotink is an intermediate rider’s best decision. The trail has many scenic sites for a rider, because much of the trail goes around Lake Accotink, and threw the swampy marshes that surround it. Despite some hills and some difficult sections, the trail does have flatter sections for riders who aren’t really that comfortable with a windy hilly trail. Its proximity to AHS makes it one of the best, if not the best, choice for students. Despite the trails popularity with runners, and nature observers, the trail doesn’t become that congested. Audrey Moore Recreation Cen-

ter and Lake Accotink Marina are two attractions that the trail runs next to. The trail is well maintained and has the best of both worlds for riders who enjoy different aspects of trails.

Compared to trails like Wakefield and Fountain Head, Holmes run is a much easier trail. This trail is largely popular with walkers and joggers, and does not have the same setting as Fountain Head, Wakefield Park/Lake Accotink. Many sections of the trail go through residential areas, and are around busy roads. The trail is almost completely paved and is extremely flat. Holmes Run is for riders who are just looking to ride in an open setting, on an easy trail.

Holmes Run

This is a small section of the Holmes Run trail. Despite this section being wooded and dirt, most of the trail goes through neigborhoods and is paved.

Gear every biker needs to get riding Equipment you should get before you ride

BY SEAN SULLIVAN Photographer As in the public service announcements, “Safety comes first,” and “Always wear your helmet while riding your bike.” Helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, wrist guards, and those cool reflectors are some of the safety items you need when you ride your bike.

As in buying any consumer product , you have to know what your looking for, and what suits your needs concerning comfort, reliability and style. The various name brands such as Schwinn, Mongoose, GT, Diamondback and Haro all provide various parts and accessories in order to promote safety,

increase reliability of your bike or to promote your own unique style.

In order to put these safety accessories to use, mountain and Bicycle Motocross (BMX) riders also have to look into the all important purchase of an actual bike. The first question you must ask yourself is whether you are a free roamer, or a freestyler.

The two types of bikes are quite different from each other in look and in function. Mountain bikes are typically bigger in size and in tire radius.

Shock absorbers, various speed gears, and more aggressive tires provide a more comfortable ride on less

than friendly terrains and trails.

BMX riders are the freestyling maniacs that rely on speed and can often be found launching off ramps or grinding down rails in the local skate parks. BMX rider’s can normally rely on smaller frames, with smaller slick tires and “pegs” on the axles are necessary for the majority of rail tricks.

The main differences in the brand names is normally in the framing, coloration, and the specific outlook of the bike. Mongoose’s premiere bikes, The Mischief and The Sniper, come complete with a two-tube chrome street/freestyle frame, HiTan two piece knee saver handlebars, Tektro F&R U Brakes, Mongoose 3/8" F&R alloy hubs, Kenda Kontact 1.95" ramp tires, a Freestyle

padded saddle and Sand Silver or Yellow color concepts. Many of Mongoose In order to boost the speed, or the durability of the newly acquired Mountain or BMX bike, consumers may want go to the accessories section. New shocks, treads and chains are just a few of the accessories that are recommended to boost the attributes of your bike. Other accessories such as stickers or pegs do not do much in the safety or durability aspects, but in order to boost the style of your ride, consumers might want to consider putting these items on a consumer’s shopping list.

ers still ride despite the risks

BY KYLE SMEALLIE AND PAUL GLEASON Staff Writer and Sports ‘Xtra’ Editor

UL

BY PA

ON

GLEAS

Junior John Levy, does an “indo,” while riding in a friends drive way. Despite having a number of places to ride, Levy and his friends often decide to ride around their neighborhoods to avoid confrontation with police

Junior Mark Bellingham speeds towards the rail.

His eyes focus on the six foot long, smooth metal pole.

He hops on, slides down, and rides away clean. His face exudes a feeling of elation, as he sticks his number one trick: the double-peg grind on a handrail.

In the elaborate world of Bicycle MotoCross, this act is just one of the main tenets of this widely practiced sport. From racing to freestyle to the “halfpipe,” BMX is a complex sport practiced by many AHS students.

Bellingham has been practicing the freestyle part of his pastime for about two years. “I used to be into the sport for transportation, but now I’m basically in it for the sense of accomplishment that I get when I land a trick,” said Bellingham.

Ever since Bellingham began developing his riding skills he has tried to challenge himself by attempting new tricks. Despite his desire to become a better rider he has found problems with the sport that many riders run into.

BMXing is quite similar to many other extreme sports, like skateboarding and roller blading. There is always a high risk in injury in these sports, and because of this getting better can become quite painful, and finding new locations to ride can sometimes become impossible due to the fear owners of stores and houses have about being sued if a rider gets injured.

From scraped knees to busted spleens, the desire to land that new trick can come at a painful price.

Unlike skateboarding or roller blading, BMXers have the risk of having a heavy metal bicycle landing on them after falling. Most riders try to “ditch,” or jump off the bike while falling, but can sometimes find it quite difficult. “When you mess up on a trick and ditch

Fountain Head Park Location: Fairfax Station Length: 3-4 miles long Riding surface: almost entirely off road Difficulty: Beginning and intermediate can find these trails challenging because there are very few flat locations Popularity: This trail was specifically designed for mountain bikers, and although the trail does become quite crowded on the weekends, the trails do not become that congested due to the many number trails.

Number of trails: 3-5 main trails with smaller trails branching off.

Additional info: The park is maintained specifically for the use of bike riding and closes when there is inclement weather.

PAUL GLEASON

BY PAUL GLEASON Sports ‘Xtra’ Editor

your bike, there’s a good chance that it will be right there with you anyway,” said Bellingham.

“I broke my wrist and cut my up my face while I was trying to jump a median in a parking lot,” said junior Jason Bracken, “My back tire hit the curb, which made me flip over my handlebars and fall on my wrists and face.”

Many people are deterred by the sport due to the danger that comes with the sport. Although Bracken quickly recovered from his injuries, he slowly decided to stop riding.

“Although I really like BMXing, other interests and my bad spill made me decide that the risks are just not worth it.” said Bracken.

Bikers are not the only ones scared by the risk of injuries. Although BMXers like riding in parking lots and other obstacles that are common in commercial areas, store managers and owners fear BMXers riding on their property because they could possibly held culpable for injuries that riders might receive.

“I always get kicked out of TJ and Lake Braddock’s parking lots, for riding,” said Bellingham.

At some of the most popular places to ride, like Thomas Jefferson High School, BMXers often get chased by get chased by police or security officers. Riders even risk the chance of getting their bicycles apprehended, or stiff fines if caught by the police in places where riding is prohibited.

BMXers often turn to places like Vans Skatepark to avoid confrontations with police or store managers.

Some BMXers, like junior Jonathan Levy, make or find homemade obstacles to ride instead.

“I really like riding the ‘495 jumps,’” said Levy, “Riding in a place like that is a better alternative than riding in a place where you spend most of your time running away from someone.”

Location: Alexandria/Annandale Length: 1.3 miles Riding surface: paved paths Difficulty: More of a beginner trail, because most of the trail is paved and despite a few short hills, is almost a completely flat trail Popularity: This trail is not nearly as popular as Wakefield or Fountain Head, but it is also not in a “natural” setting.

Number of trails: 1 main trail.

Additional info: This trail is not specifically a bike trail, like Fountain Head and, in the past, has had a history of muggings and attempted abductions. This trail should probably be the last choice on a students list.

Local safety and traffic laws for bicyclists Helmet usage: most local governments require persons under the age of 14 to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle Reflectors: bicycles must have reflectors that make the bike visible from 500 during the day, and a rear red reflector, visible from 300 feet Yielding laws: cyclists are required to yield to pedestrians on trails and sidewalks, and yield to faster moving vehicles while riding in the road Registration rules: although registration is not required, bicyclists may register the serial numbers of their bicycles with local police Accidents: like drivers, bicyclists are required to stop, and remain at the scene of an accident, until authorities have fully assess the situation Fines for traffic violations: cyclists may not receive a fine over $100, for a traffic violation, unless other specific infractions are charged Safety laws: to prevent injury to the rider, and other pedestrians, one hand must remain on the handle bar at all times, and bicyclists must not wear headphones while riding

AHS Mountain Bike Club President: David Vollrath Number of members: 15 Sponsor: Scott Hambrick Past Event: held meetings David Vollrath in the fall Next meeting: TBA, sometime within the next 2 weeks How to get involved: Listen to morning announcements and go to a meeting Additional information: Club is starting up again after winter break. Club will meet once every two weeks throughout the spring.

12 ACADEMICS

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SENIORS WHO HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO COLLEGE AS OF APRIL 1 Michael Weinberg SAT: 1220 GPA: 4.0 IB classes: 3 Extra-curriculars: Orchestra, Chorus, Thespians, NHS, Tri-M Colleges applied to: accepted early decision to Catholic University Rebecca Clark SAT: 1280 GPA: 3.75 IB classes: 2 Extracurriculars: National Art Honor Society Colleges applied to: JMU, University of Rochester, William and Mary, University of Richmond, Mary Washington, Bucknell Accepted to: JMU, University of Rochester, Mary Washington Anteneh Addisu SAT: 1410 GPA: 3.6 IB classes: 5 Extracurriculars: Senior class president, football, National French Honor Society Colleges applied to: Tulane, Florida, University of Virginia, University of North Carolina, Wake Forest, Duke, Washington University in St. Louis, Harvard, Michigan Accepted to: Tulane, Washington University in St. Louis, Michigan, University of Virginia, University of North Carolina, Wake Forest, Duke. Has not heard from Harvard or Florida.

Seniors weigh in on the admissions process and long awaited acceptance letters

BY LAURA JOHNSON AND REBECCA KRAUSHAAR Academics Editors Twelve years, 2,160 days, 15,120 hours, 907,200 minutes and 54,432,000 seconds. That’s the amount of time seniors’ spend in school, and it all comes down to one moment— reaching into the mailbox. Is the envelope from your top college fat or thin? Are you in or out?

“Waiting was definitely the worst part,” said senior Katie Burton who will be attending Mary Washington next fall.

“I would go out and check my mail box almost every day to see if I had gotten anything from the schools I applied to.”

For senior Ashley Welch the same relief came from finally getting that letter of acceptance in the mail. “Getting into Sweet Briar made me feel like I had worked hard in high school for a reason. Up until then I didn’t really feel like it was all worth it. It was one of the most stressful times of my life” To celebrate she went out to dinner with her family. While happy about her acceptance, Welch still feels pressure about school. “I know I have to keep up my grades for college,” said Welch.

Senior Liz Tran knows that its easy to fall into senior slump waiting to hear from colleges. “It was the worst experience of my life. Once I got deferred from Brown I just stopped working. I slacked so much,” said Tran, who will be attend-

Mary Burke SAT: 1340 GPA: 3.9 IB classes: 4 Extra-curriculars: Band, soccer Colleges applied to: accepted early decision to University of Virginia Brigid Agresti SAT: 1290 GPA: 3.2 IB classes: 2 Extracurriculars: Track and drama Colleges applied to: Catholic, George Mason, James Madison University Accepted to: Catholic, George Mason, she chose Catholic Mike Scott SAT: 1040 GPA: 1.8 IB classes: 1 Extra-curriculars: Football and track Colleges applied to: Cincinnati, George Mason University, Florida Atlanta Accepted to: Cincinnati Vincent Keung SAT: 1330 GPA: 3.5 IB classes: 6 Extracurriculars: Tennis, swimming Colleges applied to: JMU, Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, University of South Carolina Accepted to: JMU, Virginia Tech, University of South Carolina

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY REBECCA KRAUSHAAR

ing the University of Virginia this fall.

Grades and test scores seem to be the two most important determining factors in the college admissions process. However, a well-rounded student with a good all around application is most sought after by the top colleges.

Students with these applications have the most options as far as colleges are concerned.

Senior Preston Gisch knew this and was very conscientious of his transcript.

He started out freshman year with only a few honors classes, but eventually bulked up his schedule to include 5 IB classes, more extra-curriculars, leadership and community service his senior year.

“I wasn’t worried about whether I’d get in or not. It was more an issue of what kind of scholarship or honors

package I’d get,” said Gisch.

In the middle of December, Gisch heard from Penn State. Without even opening the envelope, he knew he was in. The envelope was large and said “Congratulations! Welcome to Penn State.” However, Gisch didn’t hear from the honors program, Schreyer, until months later.

“It was a really rainy day after the blizzard and I came in from shoveling so that our basement wouldn’t flood.

The envelope was wet and ripped, I tore it open, then ran outside and told my dad,” said Gisch.

Senior Torrie Higgins’ mom cried when she was accepted to RandolphMacon early decision. “Unfortunately because it snowed the very next day, I had to call all my friends to let them know.”

Just like the snow, Higgins acceptance came as a surprise. Although Higgins was pretty confident about getting into RandolphMacon, she wasn’t expecting to hear from them so soon.

“It was supposed to come the third week in December, but I got it the first week in December,” said Higgins. “I didn’t think it was ‘the letter.’ I freaked out and ran around the house,” said Higgins.

“It was extremely exciting, and a big weight was off my shoulders,” said Higgins. She originally planned to apply to eight colleges, but after going on a recruiting trip, she knew that Randolph-Macon was the school for her.

She is also happy that she applied early decision. “Some people are just finding out now [about colleges] and I’ve known for months.”

Although some seniors are still waiting nervously to hear from the colleges they applied to, others have already heard from their colleges and are now beginning to finalize their plans for the start of their college careers.

Seniors are welcome to share their good news with guidance or the career center. There are bulletin boards in in both places for seniors to jot down where they’ve been accepted.

Additional information compiled by Matt Wiest

Ten things to do at any college visit this spring

BY ELIZABETH NOWROUZ Staff Writer Want to get into your dream school? This spring break make sure that the dream is a reality; check out the campus and follow these top ten tips to maximize your options.

Victoria Benson SAT: 1280 GPA: 3.4 IB classes: 3 Extracurriculars: Chorus, drama Colleges applied to: accepted early decision to Ithaca

Senior Mike Borowski has two college acceptance envelopes in his hands, but only the fat one hold the promise of a bright college future.

Take a Guided Tour All colleges offer some sort of guided tour of the campus. Many will show a little bit of the offcampus facilities as well. This is a great first step in getting to know a school, especially if it has a large campus. Most college tours include main classroom buildings, libraries, cafeterias, and of course, dormitories. These tours will give you a great sense of the school. Be sure to ask questions and make the most of it, because the guides will undoubtedly know a lot about the school’s outlying features.

Spend a Night in a Dorm Many high school students don’t realize the differences between different dorms and how much they can change. Some of the quietest dorms during the day can be loud and disturbing at night.

Sleeping in a dorm is a great way to get in touch with the student body in a more intimate way. This could be where you will be living soon, and it’s best to know as much as possible. Are there quiet study rooms? Are the dorms coed? Spending the night in a dorm can answer most of your questions about dorm-life.

Eat in the Dining Hall Chances are that no matter what college you go to, you will be spending a lot of time in the cafeterias. These are a big meeting spot for new students, and their convenience and prices make it a big hit with freshmen. However, don’t assume that there will be great food there. It’s best to check it out and eat a few meals there. Most schools offer meal plans, which are very popular among new students. No one wants to make a blind

decision on their food for a year.

Attend at least one class While it’s easy to get swept up in the rush of the whole college experience, don’t forget what you will be coming here to do. Colleges generally accept potential students to sit in on a class. Pick one that you would like to do when you attend. Pay attention to the interaction of the students and the professor. Is it a big or small class? Do the students seem genuinely interested in the material? This could be you in the not too distant future, so pay attention.

Speak with a professor Many college professors will be glad to talk to prospective students about their concerns and questions. Again, pick a class that you would be interested in taking. Ask what the differences between high school classes and college classes are, and what you should expect.

What are his/ her grading standards and testing procedures?

Be sure to ask whether the professor offers one-on-one help to struggling students or if there are tutoring programs.

Look at the Library/ Research Centers While you will most likely see these on the tour, it’s always good to go take a second look at the important things. Make sure there are quiet areas for studying. How many Internet equipped computers are there? Are they free for student use? Is there a snack bar?

You may be spending a great deal of time in these places, so see all that you can.

Check Out the Campus Security For most students, college is the first time you will be living alone. Make sure you are as safe as possible. (Parents will also be a little more relaxed about sending you away if they know you will be safe).

See if the dorms are supervised, and if there are any curfews.

Another biggie is whether or not you can get someone to walk you back to your dorm if you are out late at night studying in

ANNANDALE

Bytes

the library, or participating in another one of those equally wild college activities. Security should be as high a priority to the college as it is to you.

Visit the Student Center The university’s student center is a prime area for meeting other students and getting informed about upcoming events. The student center will be your key to meeting people and getting involved in the school, so make sure that your prospective college has a thriving one.

Visit Areas of Special Interest Since college will be your home for the next four years, be sure that your visit includes trips to see some things that you will be partaking in. For instance, if you are the athletic type, you should be sure that there are gyms within walking distance of the school.

Does the school have a student-run newspaper? Are there computer centers? Make sure the college has extra-curricular activities that suit your interests.

What’s the Atmosphere?

How do the students seem to interact with each other? What is the general feeling among the student body? Content?

Excited? Miserable? Talk to some upperclassmen and see what their first reaction to the school was, and what it is now. Look at the diversity of the population. If it has half the diversity of AHS, you’ve found a good school.

Maybe you are interested in joining a sorority or a fraternity, whichever your personal circumstances allow. See how they interact with the rest of the community. Also, see how the whole school is involved with the community, and vice- versa.

Make sure this school is a place that you could see yourself living and learning. If everything meets your satisfaction

Check out these cyber geeks online conversion with Career Center specialist Robin Roth

LAURA JOHNSON

Rebexellent: I wish that a career center specialist was online....

L2theAura: y?

Rebexellent: cause ppl keep on askin me about college stuff just cause im the academics editor doesn’t mean I know everything!

L2theAura: Wow Rebexellent, I can’t believe you just admitted that you weren’t the best... but Mrs. Roth, AHS’s career center specialist is on!

CCSRoth: Hi ladies Rebexellent: hey mrs. roth, would you mind if we asked you some questions that my friends and I have about college?

CCSRoth: Not at all L2theAura: I know a senior who got into a lot of colleges, but they cant decide which one is the right one, what should they do?

CCSRoth: The student should go and visit, and try to spend the night. You are looking or a place that you fit into, and where you could be most successful Rebexellent: What should students do if they are wait listed?

REBECCA KRAUSHAAR

CCSRoth: They should deposit at a college they did get into. If they do get in, their deposit will be considered a forfeit. But remember, most students don’t get off the list.

L2theAura: What are my other options if I don’t want to go to a 4 year college?

CCSRoth: I call them the 5 getaways: a 4-year college, military, a vocational or technological school, employment or a 2-year college.

Rebexellent: What should seniors do this summer to prep for college?

CCSRoth: Summer is all about saving money. Make sure you know how do you laundry, because you’re on your own. But overall, relax!

L2theAura: What do you suggest seniors do while still at AHS? CCSRoth: Don’t let your grades fall, colleges have the ability to review your grades and often your acceptance.

L2theAura: Alright well I gtg, bye Rebexellent, thanks Mrs. Roth!

Rebexellent: bye L2theAura, cya later CCSRoth: tell ur friends to stop by the career center if they need any help!

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PHOTO 13

Put Your best forward Sophomore Emma Misner dons a pair of multi-colored flip flops. A flip-flop craze started a couple of years ago when Old Navy first came out with their inexpensive line of flip-flops, with a wide range of colors to choose from. Misner is an experienced dancer of ten years, which is clearly revealed by her stance even when just standing. “Since my feet go through so much in my pointe shoes, I like to let my feet breath,” said Misner.

Spring’s assorted weather patterns and unpredictable climate allows for a wide variety of clothing styles and footware to be worn

What type of shoe would you be?

1. You’ve just come home from a bad day at school.

How do you spend the evening?

A. Working out at the gym B. Out at the hottest club C. Hanging out with friends D. At home, asleep 2. It is a beautiful, sunny day out. What do you do?

A. Ride your bike, play sports with friends B. Go shopping C. Spend the day at the beach or lake D. Stay at home and have a movie marathon 3. You were up all night writing a paper. What do you do?

With the weather warming up, most female students have opted to wear open-toe dressy shoes as opposed to the closedtoe high heels or boots.

Seniors Jenna Quesenberry and Vanessa Portillo don black, chic dressy sandals.

Senior Katie Burton comfortably relaxes while watching an in-class movie. A varsity girls lacrosse player, Burton can attest to the fact that juggling school and a sport is tiring. The Adidas sports sandals on her feet are worn for comfort. “They’re more comfortable than flip-flops, but they’re not as fashionable,” agreed sophomore Emilie Fagot.

Junior Cassie Holcomb assists the set up of the studio in photography class. Her white Pumas are a popular fashion item this year.

Also available in men’s styles and assorted colors, these shoes have been spotted on several AHS students. These sleek sneakers can compliment any fashion, ranging from “preppy,” to “sporty.”

Sophomore Kristen Johannesen talks with sophomore James Connor during lunch. On Johannesen’s feet are a pair of classic Birkenstocks. They range from a tan, camel to a darkdirt brown color. These casual sandals, with conformed soles and two buckle straps are uni-sex and can be worn with almost any outfit.

JV boys lacrosse player Daniel Stalcup, freshman, starts off the day reading The Washington Post .

His “Sk8ter” shoes are light, poofy, comfortable and stylish.

These shoes come in various styles for males and females.

A. Go to one class the next day so you can still go to practice after school B. Don your best duds and show up at school C. Show up at school in your most comfortable clothes D. Have your friend turn in your paper and stay home

RESULTS

Mostly A’s: A sneaker!

You’re a fitness fiend! No matter how you cope, getting the heart rate up is both fun and therapeutic for you.

Mostly B’s: A dressy shoe!

Hey, you fashion freak!

Sometimes it is good to relax. Everyone needs comfort sometimes.

Senior Torrie Higgins raises her hand to ask a question during a Math Method’s Calculus study session. Higgins expresses her flare for fashion by sporting her baby blue Adidas sneakers while simultaneously showing off her team spirit by wearing her varsity girls lacrosse uniform on game day. Some students opt to wear sneakers for practicality. But with various colors and designs to choose from, donning sneakers are just as common as a pair of jeans.

Mostly C’s: A flip-flop!

You just roll with the punches, and take things as they come. You are happiest in a place that makes you calm and collected.

Seniors Mary Burke and Laura Crumpler pair up during their IB Spanish II class to practice speaking in Spanish. Both ladies are wearing casual sandals to go with their spring attire, skirts and a simple top.

Mostly D’s: None! You’re barefooted! Hey, sleeping beauty, get out a little!

QUIZ CREATED BY KATHY SAUPP

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SPORTS 15 Girls lacrosse comes together the

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ATOMIC ATHLETICS BOYS JV LACROSSE

ANDREW MENEGAT

BY ERIN O’BRIEN Arts Editor

Junior Chelsea Duffy chases a Centreville player during a game. The Atoms lost the game 12-8 but are getting consistent play out of their underclassmen like Duffy, Julie Stone, and also Lindsay Miller. The Atom’s underclassmen lead the team in scoring with all-region center Julie Stone in the lead.

The Atoms rose to 2-3 overall and 1-0 in the district as they defeated the West Potomac Wolverines 7-5 on Fri. April 4th. The girls worked together all over the field and incorporated all aspects of their game. “We were finally able to execute what we worked on in practice,” said senior co-captain Kari Krauss. “That is how we were successful.”

In early games the Atoms have had problems working together all over the field. This changed last Friday. “Against West Potomac we focused on the midfield, enabling us to open up the offense” said coach Cindy Hook. “We connected on our passes and had good ball movement.” Hard work from the developing defense was also key to the Atom’s victory. “Our defense effectively forced turnovers in their midfield,” said Hook.

The Atoms were able to work on their game prior to beginning district play by hosting their own spring tournament. Last Saturday they fell to both Albermarle and Holy Cross. “The team definitely didn’t play as well as we could have,” said Krauss. “We left a lot of room for improvement, but that’s what tournaments are for.”

The Atoms also fell to Paul VI 12-6 Sat. April 5th. “The score does not indicate the game,” said Hook. “So much was done well, our defense is gaining a lot more confidence and beginning to work together.”

The girls successfully opened their regular season Mon. March 17th as they beat Herndon 13-10. Every player contributed all they had

when they were in, allowing the Atoms to come out on top. “We played consistently for two halves,” said Hook. “That is going to be the challenge of our season.”

Following Herndon, AHS suffered hard losses to Chantilly and Centreville, losing 3-14 and 8-12.

“We’re still working on rebuilding our defense,” said junior Julie Stone. “It’s a big transition, but we’re making progress and it’s beginning to come together.”

“We were way to passive against Chantilly,” said Hook. “We didn’t work to force turnovers or challenge them for possession.” “Chantilly and Centreville were learning experiences for us,” said freshman Suzanne van der Eijk. “We’ve been practicing our mistakes and it’s starting to show.”

The Atoms will face Hayfield tonight at 7:30.

“Hayfield is always a very competitive game,” said Hook. “They’re very fast and aggressive.” “Right now we have a lot of individual talent,” said Stone. “A few people can’t do it all, we need to all help each other.”

The Atoms are young, but are continually improving. “There are situations when I know I don’t have as much experience as the rest of my team, but all the girls are really nice and help me to get better,” said freshman Nicole Mott. “Everyone gets along both on and off the field which allows us to communicate better and improve quickly,” said van der Eijk.

The girls hope to continue increasing their level of play as the season progresses. “I can tell it’s coming together and good things are to come,” said Stone.

Both the players and the coaches have a positive outlook for the remainder of the season. “When our passing game is on, I don’t think there is anyone that can stop it,” said Hook.

Baseball picks up first win over T.C. The 1-5 varsity baseball team came out on top of T.C. Williams 8-2 in their first win this season. The team had an overall strong outing in an uplifting win. “We played well overall as a team,” said junior Ted Gibson.

Prior to the victory at T.C. Williams, the Atoms found themselves at the losing end of an 11-1 rout at the hands of the 6-0 Robinson Rams.

“We’re a very young team this year,” said coach Matt Caudle, “We’ve made lots of mistakes.” The defeat from Robinson highlighted the Annandale team’s inexperience this season.

Caudle has made it known that the rectification of errors is absolutely imperative.

“We have no choice, [the mistakes] will be corrected,” said Caudle.

Also included on the Atoms’ schedule so far are losses to Falls Church on March 17, Wakefield on March 18, Lake Braddock on March 27, and West Springfield on March 28.

The 14-3 Annandale loss to the 4-3 West Springfield Spartan team was due to strong performances from several Spartan players.

West Springfield senior Danny Wuckovich batted three for four with three runs batted in and senior Matt Smith hit two for two, with two runs batted in.

Annandale’s 1-0 loss to 3-1 Wakefield High School on March 18 came as a surprise to many, as the Warriors came away with the victory in

the pitching and defensive duel. Wakefield Warrior pitcher Brad Beck struck out thirteen and allowed four hits in the complete game win.

Warrior junior Alex Rossi knocked in the winning run in the top of the fifth inning to put Wakefield on top.

The Atoms opened the season with a 14-3 loss to 2-2 Falls Church on March 17 after a strong all around performance from the Jaguar team.

Pitcher Steve Johnson allowed four hits in a complete game win, Jamie Aucutt hit two for three with a home run, and Francis had two doubles to lead Falls Church High School to a win.

Despite the slow start to the season, hopes are still high and confidence has not been lost.

The team looks to improve with each game as they become more experienced.

“We’re still looking for a good season,” said Caudle, “No one’s given up ship.”

Seniors Travis Johnson, Bobby Morganthaler, and Loren Sexton will lead this year’s Atoms lineup, as their leadership and skills will be imperative for success this year. They bring the team a much-needed element of experience.

“We’re all going to need to play as a team this year. It’s good that we have senior leaders, but individual performances can’t win games,” said Gibson.

Although the Patriot district games are perhaps the most important, the team has not taken their non-district games any less seriously.

“They’re all big games,” said Coach Matt Caudle.

The Atom’s next game is at home tonight against the 4-2 Hayfield Hawks.

SEGALL MAJESTIC

BY AMANDA SHEAFFER Staff Writer With a 1-3 record, Annandale will play Lake Braddock and is anticipating their upcoming district season.

While playing some very difficult teams, AHS boys soccer team has had some hard losses. Previously, they fought hard against Yorktown, who they had a difficult loss to at 4-0, as well as against Chantilly, which they lost 20. On Tues.m April 1st, they played against Edison who are ranked 7th in The Washington Post. They played well, but didn’t win it in the end, with score of the game was 2-0.

On Thurs., April 3rd, the team played Herndon. They won 2-0 with Chino Ferrufino scoring both goals with a header following a cross, with fifteen minutes left in the first half. Continuing in the first half, Chino scored their second goal with ten minutes left in the

first half. The team worked hard against all these teams that they played and never gave up. “Our team is finally coming together and I expect us to do really well from now on.”

“I feel we have out played every team we’ve come up against and we should have beaten them,” said forward Johnny Eklund. The team will need to maintain the hard work and continue to work together. “I think the AHS team has been the most talented, but when it comes down to it, it takes more then talent to win a game, it takes unity, and I think the team is really starting to jell together,” said coach Chris Segaar.

With their first district game being on Friday, April 11th, against Lake Braddock, they will need to win this game to with hold a strong and prosperous season. Since they picked difficult games to start out with out of district, it will prepare them for their upcoming season.

GIRLS JV LACROSSE

Molly Jepsen

Record: 1-2 Key Players: Katie Payne and Julia Ehrenfeld Result of last game: 9-3 win over Centerville Next Game: Today @ 6:00 vs Hayfield

GIRLS JV SOCCER

Caroline Norton

Record: 2-2-1 Key Players: Sarah Sheehan, Natlie Gilbert Result of last game: 2-2 tie vs Herdon Next Game: Friday, 5:30 @ Lake Braddock

BOYS JV SOCCER

Senior Bobby Morganthaler and juniors Chip Brandt and Nick Norwood salute the flag before the national anthem before a game. The ongoing war with Iraq gives extra meaning to the national anthem being played before each game.

Boys drop a few games Girls soccer struggling Junior Matt Hubacher challenges a Chantilly player for the ball.

Despite a good effort by the Atoms, they fell 2-0 to the Chargers.

Record: 2-2 Key Players: Kelly Beam, Curtis Reed Result of last game: 9-1 loss to O’Conell Next game: Today, 5:30 @ Hayfield

ANDREW MENEGAT

Baseball drops five of first six; 1-3 in district play

BY MATT WIEST Staff Writer

Mike Krzywicki

JV BASEBALL

BY RACHEL JONES Advertising Manager Last Thurs. the AHS girl’s soccer team lost to Herndon, by a score of 4-0, which brings their season record to 1-4. The team has had a rough start to the season, playing strong out-of-district teams to help prepare for district games, which begins this Fri. There are ten returning seniors this year, who hope to improve on last year’s .500 record and their first round ousting in last years Patriot district tourney by the West Springfield Spartans.

The soccer team’s new head coach, Mark Boger, last years JV head coach, is trying numerous line-ups to find the most combatible combination to give the team the best opportunity to win.

Coach Boger attributes the losing record to the adjustment period needed to adapt to the new coach and the lack of on-field practice time because of the unusual weather. “We have tried a number of different combinations,” said Boger “We are still in a feeling out process, but I think we’ll finish out strong, our record does not reflect how the team has been playing.”

In addition the team has had to play some of the strongest teams in the region such as Westfield, and Chantilly, in hope to prepare for the stiff competition the Atoms will face in the Patriot district.

Boger hopes that once the district games begin the teams record will improve because of the experience they acquired during their tough non-district scheduele.

“We had some tough early games, but we are starting to pull together as a team,” said third year varsity senior, Mary Burke. “This year may be a rebuild-

Jimmy Garcia

Record: 4-0-1 Key Players: Konrad Hutt, Scott Anderson Result of last game: 4-3 win over Herndon Next Game: Friday at 5:30, at Lake Braddock

Josh Delpino

Record: 2-2 Key PLayers: Tyler Wolverton, Josh Delpino Last game: 10-6 win over Robinson Next Game: 6:00 today, at Hayfield

JV SOFTBALL Seniors Caitlin McKinney and Riana Bovill practice their ball-handling moves. The Atoms’ rough start is attributed to their lack of execution on offense and defense. But head coach Mark Bogar is optimistic that their hard work during practice will pay off in the win column.

ing year for the girl’s soccer team, as our team adjusts to the new coaching style and learns how to play well together.”

Even though the Atoms have gotten off to a slow start they will have a perfect opportunity to redeem themselves as the Atoms first district game comes against the defending patriot district champion Lake Braddock Bruins this Fri. at 7:15 p.m.

The team’s game on Mon. vs Lee was postponed due to inclement weather so the Atom’s final non-district game was yesterday at home vs. Oakton, but this game was unable to be covered for this issue

Kristi Johnson

Record: 0-2 Key Players: Kristi Johnson, Marisa Menezes Last game: 20-1 loss to Robinson Next Game: 5:00 today vs.

Hayfield

16 SPORTS

Boys lax opens strong with four wins

Excuse The Interjection

Jared: First of all being a Jets fan I am bitter about the Redskins evil empire led by Dan Snyder using his fat wallet to steal all the Jets players. Second of all as long as Spurrier is implementing the funand-gun offense without a true passing QB they will not go far. I think that Patrick Ramsey has a lot of potential as the Skins starting QB but he is not talented enough to lead the fun-and-gun successfully. With all the money Snyder spent on useless free agents like John Hall and Regan Upshaw they could of been searching for a true passing QB to lead the fun-and-gun. Jake Plummer was available. Another bone-head move by Snyder and the front office is not addressing the running-back situation. There is no way that Skin fans can rely on Trung Candidate to carry the load, he has talent but he is not a feature back. Emmit Smith was available and so was Terrell Davis.

But instead the pig-headed Snyder decided to flaunt his pocketbook all over the NFL and make his team more talented but refusing to address the positions his team needed in the off-season. Because of this season I fear Skins’ fans will have to endure another year of mediocrity. An .500 record should be expected but depending on the way Arrington and the defense performers they could overachieve and sneak into the playoffs with one of the lower wild card seeds.

Reid: It has become a trend of late, more specifically, since the advent of spendthrift owner Daniel Snyder that the Washington Redskins off-season have become a good deal more exciting then their lackluster performances during the season. Despite the fact that the Redskins addressed their most pressing needs (interior offensive and defensive lines) history tells us to expect more of the same from the Redskins. A major concern is that they lack a real veteran leader in their offense. Many of the starters will be newcomers and other major contributors will be young bucks such as Patrick Ramsey, Rod Gardner and Ladell Betts. As a diehard Redskins fan I feel that if I keep my expectations low now, there is lesser chance of disappointment during playoff time in the NFL.

ATHLETE OF THE ISSUE

Name: Jon Kriss Grade: 11 Sport: Boys Soccer Position: Starting goalie What’s In Your CD Player? The new Coach Adams LP, I love getting down to Dick’s wicked rhymes.

Personal Quote: “Once we start playing as a team, and with heart, we’ll go far into the district and regional tourneys.”

As sophomore midfielder K.C. Vandenhuevel runs down the field, he makes a quick pass to senior attack man Ryan Teichler who shoots at the West Potomac goalie, making his third goal of the evening, securing the Atoms path to a 13-7 win over the Wolverines.

Thanks to their victory over the Wolverines last Friday, the Atoms established their 1-0 record in the district and their overall record of 4-2. So far this season, the boys lacrosse team has faced off against such opponents as Herndon, Chantilly and, and walked away each time with a win. On the downside, however, the Atoms faced two defeats against O’Connel and most recently Georgetown last Saturday.

“Even though we lost, I think we’ve done good against private schools,” said head coach Bill Maglisceau. “During both of our games we got to ground balls and made our clears.”

Team captain and lead scorer Ryan Teichler, along with senior Chris Rauer and junior John Bernhardt are expected to lead the team offensively this year.

On defense, senior team captain Ehab Awadallah and junior Pat Mcmurry are hoped to make a good showing for the rest of the season. With returning key players and other first year members of varsity such as Brian Fletcher, the Atoms have a positive outlook for the

Junior Brent Sullivan warms up before a game. Because of the unusual cold weather we have experienced thus far this spring coaches are putting extra emphasis to warming up and stretching before games and practices to avoid injury.

Softball knocks off Robinson, defending district champs “I’m here to try to establish Annandale softball as a program that girls want to come play for.”

—Rick Neave Coach

Senior Megan Ogletree flips the ball to first base during the Robinson game. The Atoms senior leaders such as Ogeltree, Lindsay Grant, and Dorsa Hassas led the way to beat the defending Patriot district champ Rams.

BY STACY MARIN Journalism 1 Student With a new coach this season, the girls varsity softball team has an optimistic outlook for the rest of the season with an ultimate goal of reaching the regional tournament in May. “We have a new coach and a new attitude this year,” said Coach Rick Neave. “I’m new to the district, and it’s a rough district.”

The main objective for this season is to make it to Regionals. To do this, the Atoms would need to be in the top four of the Patriot district. There are several key players that could help them reach their season’s goals.

Among these players are senior pitcher Dorsa Hassas, senior shortstop Lindsay Grant, junior centerfielder Erin O’Brien, and sophomore catcher Meghan Johnson. “They are among the top players of their positions in the district. They are outstanding, all-around players,” Coach Neave said.

“We have a solid starting unit, but we haven’t discovered the depth we have yet.”

On April 1, the Atoms had a district win over Robinson, with a score of 5-4. Robinson was up 2-0 in the top of the first inning, but the Atoms came back in the bottom of the first with a bases loaded double by Johnson to give Annandale the

Tennis causes racket Atoms get victories over West Springfield, Hayfield, but lose to Robinson, TC, West Potomac and Lake Braddock

BY LAUREN STERLACCI Staff Writer Looking to add another win to their list, the optimistc Atoms face up against Robinson tomorrow for a tough match.

In the midst of a respectable season, the Atoms are looking ahead for

“

The team is doing really well considering that with all the weather problems we were having for a while and we really didn’t have

Albert Steppe Head Coach

upcoming wins with a 2-4 record in the district.

With last Thursday’s loss 1-8 loss to West Potamac, the Atoms avoided a sweep due to the crucial doubles victory from the no. 3 doubles team, made up of senior Mike Mahn and junior An-

drew Menegat.

“The team played very well against West Springfield and Hayfield with key wins for the team,” said coach Albert Stepp. “Virak and Menegat have come really far from last year and have improved immensely. Mike Mahn’s never played before and he came out being in the top six which is extremely impressive.”

Senior Vincent Keung said, “ The season is going pretty good so far. If we had all of our players for each of our matches we would have had a little more success. We’re a predominantly strong team, so if we all step it up I think we can add some more wins on our record.”

“The team is doing really well considering that with all the weather problems we were having for a while and we really didn’t have a lot of practice before our first game,” said coach Stepp.

With all things considered we are doing fairly well. We are really working for a consistent rest of the season and to improve our record.

With the exception of the no.1 and no. 2 seeds, the top six has a group of fresh new players. The top six players are led by no. 1 junior Braxton Koppelman, no. 2 junior Kalid Ebhrahim, no. 3 senior Michael Nakamura, no. 4 senior Virak Kchao, no. 5 junior Andrew Menegat and no. 6 senior Mike Mahn. The doubles teams include, no.1 Koppelman and Ebhrahim, no. 2 Nakamura and Kchao and no. 3 team Menegat and Mahn.

Results from Monday’s game against Lake Braddock were not available due to publishing deadlines. The Atoms next game will be against the West Springfield Spartans tonight at 4:00 p.m.

lead at 3-2. After four innings, the Atoms were winning 5-2.

“Robinson is a very good team with a great reputation,” Coach Neave said. “A lot of teams can think that they’re ahead of us already and give up, but we didn’t do that. Dorsa (Hassas) had impeccable control and our defense was incredible.”

In a 20-hit attach against TC Williams Friday, the Atoms won 20-0, with a first inning home run from Hassas, and another bomb from junior Rebecca Freece. Also starting pitcher Ashley Jones picked up the win by pitching 5 scoreless innings.

The Atoms began their Spring break tournament last weekend as Lake Braddock high school with a loss to the Thomas Jefferson colonials 2-1.

The tournament will continue over Spring Break as they face off against other teams from the region like Edison and Paul VI. The Atoms are looking forward to a successful season and playing in May at the regional tournament. “I’m here to try to establish Annandale softball as a program that girls want to come play for,” said Neave.

The Atoms play tonight at home against Hayfield at 7:00.

Track sprints into season Atoms open season with a number of record setting performances

BY ERICA SATTEN Journalism 1 Student Anthony Ortiz grabbed the baton after Ayoob Jan, Brian Williams and Ryan Johnson ran and bolted into the last leg of the boys 400m relay race with a Lake Braddock runner at his back.

By the last curve of the race, the Lake Braddock sprinter and Anthony were even, but with a burst of energy Anthony pulled 15 meters ahead on the straightaway and gave Annandale first place with the speedy time of 3:35.9.

This relay occured during the first track meet at Lake Braddock against West Potomac, West Springfield and Lake Braddock on Mar. 2. The team opened the season by beating out West Potomac to get third place in this meet with 25 points. Members competed in the areas of sprinting, shot put, hurtles, pole vaulting, discus, distance running and the long high and triple jump.

Kendra Adams set this year’s team

girls shot put record at 29’- 6”, Elizabeth Gill set this season’s team girl pole vaulting record at at 7’- 6” and Publio Agrafas set this season’s guy’s team record for the 1600m race at 4:40.4.

The team also has a number of key players to look out for such as mile runner Lauren Edwards, 200m runner Anthony Ortiz and 800m runner Mike flint as well as shot putter Kendra Adams.

In addition to runners and shot putters, the pole vaulters are a strong part of the team with key player Elizabeth Gill. “We’ve got a lot of untapped talent on the team, we are finally seeing the bits and pieces coming together and we should be a team to be reckoned with,” said coach Charlie Curia.

Invitational at Oakton Highschool on April 4th, Mike Flint recieved second in the 800m race and the the team of Rachel Pectol, Lauren Edwards, Ashely Welch and Jessica Samuelson placed in the 4x400m relay.

ANDREW MENEGAT

John: The Redskin’s have been very active in the off-season, but I don’t think it will payoff. Every year there is so much media hype about the Skin’s talented players, but every year the season is disappointing. I don’t feel this year will be any different. Coles adds a nice target for Patrick Ramsey, and Candidate brings some breakaway speed to the team, but it is not enough to turn a team completely around. Although the NFC East doesn’t have great competition, the Redskin’s will be lucky to finish in 2nd place. The Eagles, returning a strong team with star QB Donovan McNabb, will win both games against the Redskins. The Giants aren’t very good, but then again, neither are the Redskins, so they will split their games. Lastly, the Dallas Cowboys, the Redskins arch rivals, are perhaps the most undisciplined and thug team in the NFL, but they always seems to beat Washington. These teams will split their games. My final prediction is that the Redskins will finish 7-9 and fight the Giants for 2nd place in the NFC East.

Despite losses to O’Connell and Georgetown Prep, boy’s lax is 10 in the district

remainder of the season.

“It’s very do-able,” said Maglisceau.

“We have Hayfield coming up this week and four more tough games after spring break, and if we win them, we would be ranked number one seed in the district.”

As the Atoms played their first district game at home last Friday against West Potomac, the team exhibited their exceptional skills in the second half, only allowing one goal, but scoring six themselves.

“I thought we did good the second half by holding off the West Potomac’s defense and moving the ball around,” said junior Matt Ebner.

The Atoms have established themselves as a key competitor this year for the district with wins over Herndon and Centerville.

Head coach Bill Maglisceau is aided this year with former AHS students Kip Tatusko and Andy Suddarth. Other returning coaches include Warren Danzenbaker and Sean O’Sullivan.

With key returning players as well as several new members, the Atoms have an optimistic outlook on the remainder of their season and plan on making this year to remember.

“I’m confident in our skills as a team and individually,” said sophomore Adam Park. “We have both the skill and desire to make a good showing in the district this year.”

BY JOHN REISS Staff Writer

SEAN SULLIVAN

In the off-season the Redskins have acquired many free agents including RB Trung Candidate from the Rams and WR Lavarnues Coles from the Jets. Will these additions provide the needed spark for the Redskin’s offense and boost them into the playoffs for the upcoming season?

ABLAST

WED. APRIL 9, 2003

SEGALL MAJESTIC

SPORTS NEWS

the

Seniors Mike Flint and Publio Agrafas stretch before practice. Flint runs the 800m and Agrafas runs in 1600m.

the

ABLAST

WED. APRIL. 9, 2003

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AB 18 ENTERTAINMENT Zelda wakes the fun the

WED. APRIL 9, 2003

LAST

COMING SOON ANGER MANAGEMENT

2003 Cast Adam Sandler, Jack Nicholson, Marisa Tomei Synopsis After a misunderstanding aboard an airplane that escalates out of control, the mild-mannered Dave Buznik (Adam Sandler) is ordered by Judge Daniels (Lynne Thigpen) to attend anger management sessions run by unorthodox Doctor Buddy Rydell (Jack Nicholson).

Release Date April 11

BULLET PROOF MONK

Cast Chow Yun Fat, Sean William Scott, James King Synopsis For many years a mysterious monk (Chow Yun-Fat) has travelled the globe protecting an ancient scroll which holds the key to unlimited power. Now the monk must find a protege to become the scroll’s next guardian. When Kar (Sean William Scott) saves the Bulletproof Monk from capture, the two become partners in a scheme to save the world from the scroll’s most avid pursuer.

Release Date April 16

IDENTITY

Cast John Cusack, Ray Liotta, Amanda Peet, Synopsis One night in the middle of the desert, a violent rainstorm isolates a lone motel when all roads and phone communication are washed out. A group of 10 stranded strangers congregated at the ramshackle motel discover that they are being murdered one-byone.

Release Date April 25

THE MATRIX RELOADED

Cast Keanu Reeves, CarrieAnne Moss, Laurence Fishburne Synopsis In the second chapter of the Matrix trilogy, freedom fighters Neo, Trinity and Morpheus continue to lead the revolt against the Machine Army. In their quest to save the human race from extinction, they gain greater insight into the construct of The Matrix.

Release Date May 15

filmfest dc

BY ALEJANDRO SALINAS Entertainment Editor For more than 16 years, Washington’s FilmFest has been celebrating the best in the world of cinema, while offering its audience the chance to explore and discover films that are fresh, bold and interesting.

Starting April 23 and ending May 4, filmmakers, directors, film fans and simply curious people drawn by the festival’s cosmopolitan magnetism, gather around several locations within the capital area to view a selection of works ranging from countries like Korea and Japan to Algeria, Brazil and Kurdistan.

Every year, Filmfest DC adopts a common theme, with participating films reflecting this mood to a certain degree. This year, the highlight of the Washington, DC International Film Festival will be Politics in Film, a theme Filmfest DC’s founder and director Tony Gittens deems as appropriate; “Given the times we live in and that our festival takes place in the Nation’s Capitol, it is appropriate that we pause to explore how international filmmakers grapple with the relationship between people and government,”said Gittens in an interview posted on the festival’s official website.

Among some of the selected films relevant to this topic are Korea’s The Last Witness, Algeria’s Rachida, Spain’s Guerreros and the U.S. premiere of Unprecedented: The 2000 Presidential Election.

This year the festival is celebrating its 17 years of longevity by playing more than 100 features, documentaries, short films and even a festive opening night gala sponsored by the Independent Film Channel, which will showcase newly restored silent classics and new musical accompaniment.

In addition, free programs offered this year will include a series called Reel Talk, which will cover timely film related topics and feature special guest directors and critics. There will also be a Director’s Roundtable, during audience members will be given the opportunity to listen as directors discuss their work.

Tickets for the festival will cost $8.50 for each screening and can be purchased in advance through www.tickets.com or by calling 703218-6500 beginning April 10. The complete Filmfest DC catalog will be available in The Washington Post on April 18.

poorly-placed Z-button hampers quick action, and ultimately proves With each new entry into The Legend worthless. One of of Zelda franchise, the bar is raised for all the best attributes in games. Through style, storytelling, game WW is the camera play, controls and even sound, Zelda innosystem. It allows for vates and redefines videogaming like no full control of the other franchise. Nintendo’s newest edition, camera with the CThe Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, constick and an exceltinues this feat with more innovation and lent battle camera a brilliant design that rivals the now legwith the L-targeting endary Ocarina of Time. button.

WW stays true to the series’ traditional Perhaps one of epic quest to save the world through dunthe biggest improvegeons and puzzle-solving. WW takes place ments over its N64 more than 100 years after Ocarina of Time, counterparts is the but remains nearly identical in premise. audio. Now fully orThe new hero, who looks oddly familiar to Link has returned in classic Zelda style, with new weapons and items that chestrated and provide innovative fun that has yet to be replicated. the Hero of Time, must go on a legendary beautifully recorded, quest to save his kidnapped sister and the WW features a wonderful medley of gripworld from the evil clutches of Gannon, who ery crevasse the levels offer. ping songs that portray the emotions of the has somehow escaped from the seal placed For such detail, it’s amazing that there moment. Classics return, but ethnic-soundupon him in OOT. While the story is far are no load times sailing around a gigantic ing songs fit surprisingly well into the game. more detailed than this, some revelations world. It takes forever to sail from one end Most of the “huffs” and “puffs,” may spoil the game’s surto the other, which is a double-edged sword. sighs, or chirps sound slightly prises. In fact, WW has the Performing numerous side quests can easGAME REVIEW muddled and redundant. The lack most elaborate and coherent ily drone on because of the massive distances, story of any game in the fran- THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: of voice-acting to tell the story is but, because the world is so big and detailed, WIND WAKER slightly dissapointing. Chirps, chise. An introduction movie more fun is packed in. Fortunately, Nintendo giggles, and other weird sounds reof moderate length and often included a song that can teleport Link and place voices, which annoy rather text-heavy mini-cut-scenes of his boat to select places instantly. than entertain. Many of the sounds dialogue guide the journey Every Zelda game has a hitch; now it’s seem to be taken directly from the along. However, what drives control of the wind, which in turn determines FEATURES THE BEST OF N64 counterparts. Overall, the auZelda games is game play, the boat’s direction. Control of the wind is THE GAMING WORLD, dio is well-done, just hampered by great game play, that has yet given through a mysterious object, the Wind WITH GREAT GAMEPLAY AND CONTROLS a few drab sounds. to be replicated. This is one Waker. Wind waking creates numerous new WW utilizes a relatively new minor problem with WW: the game play ideas, as do other new additions graphic technique called cel-shading, which unusually large amount of story-telling for in the Zelda arsenal. Innovative puzzles makes the game look like an interactive carthe franchise slows down the flow of the utilize these new items to create thoughttoon. While it is effective in making the game, but it is mostly in manageable porprovoking and fun puzzles. game feel brighter, it detracts from the setions that only bring the game to life.

Exploring the vast world, fighting elaborious tone past games have had.

The controls are the same as OOT, only rate enemies, and solving clever puzzles are Nontheless, Nintendo does an uparelleled containing a minor modification due to the what define a Zelda game. WW features the job. The characters’ motions are fluid and Gamecube’s different controller. The only best in every area, making it one, if not the smooth; little details are painted into evflaw in this altered scheme is that the best, games available for any system.

BY PHILIPPE PODHORECKI Co-Editor in Chief

A

In style with ‘Fashionistas’ lives.

Vig frequently goes in depth regarding her boss, Jane McNeill. A short-tempered woman used to being in charge and treatIf you have ever been curious about the ing people like dirt in order to succeed, world of magazine publishing (as everyone there’s no question that Vig despises her. must be at some point in time), (One wonders why she’s willing to put up Fashionistas by Lynn Messina offers a with so much bull in her workplace, but brand new look into this scheming, that dissension is key to the whole novel). backstabbing, witty, sarcastic and unfailSo when Vig’s co-editors and underlings apingly fashionable atmosphere. From simple proach her with a plot to take out relationship troubles to a masJane for good, Vig can’t help but join sive scheme a la Office Space BOOK REVIEW in. to take down the merciless EdiFASHIONISTAS It only helps that Jane’s territory tor in Chief, this novel has been threatened by the arrival chronicles one assistant of a new Editorial Director, Mareditor’s struggles in a highguerite 6-last-names-acquired-fromstress, high-pressure industry.

5-ex-husbands Holland. Out of jealAlthough this reviewer has ousy and a former history of compeOFFERS A BRAND NEW always suspected the industry LOOK AT THE POSH tition, Jane has engaged in a whole to reflect the glossy pages and WORLD OF WOMEN’S MAGAZINES new level of brutality. Vig and her mindless celebrity gossip, three cohorts meet in a posh editoFashionistas gives it a surprisrial bathroom to work the details for their ingly masochistic spin. Assistant editor Vig ambitious scheme.

Morgan has finally worked her way out of The plot is complex: first, a favor to a the trenches into her new position among mysterious, anal-retentive, forever infuria charismatic yet high-strung group of ediated Events Editor must be used. Then, tors. She is a 20something woman with Jane must cover a gallery show in Soho inideas and opinions of the 21st century: cynivolving Jesus dressed in drag, all in hopes cal, realistic and not even remotely suited of a publishing uproar sure to get her fired. for the mindless babble of a Hollywood gosHer mission begins with coercing this Edisip publication. Working under a maniac tor to go along with the plan. Of course, boss and critical of the conceited people she unexpected romance and adventures ensue works with, Vig uses to-the-point descripalong the way, giving Vig a whole new look tions and metaphors to illustrate characat who she is and how she likes it. ters everyone can identify in their own

BY KATIE STANTON Entertainment Editor

B

Cover for Messina’s witty novel, Fashionistas.

A lighthearted-yet-savvy novel perfect for the beach or bedside, Messina offers a new perspective on surviving in Manhattan at the brink of age 30. She intersperses streams of consciousness with tidbits of the main scheme, tantalizing enough to keep the pages turning. While the dialogue is somewhat repetitive, the story as a whole proves to be a fun read.

Fashionistas is an amusing urban fairy tale for the hipster in all of us, proving that the good-enough girl really can come out on top.

Old acts remain as fresh alternatives

BY ERIK ZOTTNICK Guest writer Tired of new punk pop acts coming out these days that are more pop than punk? Here are some classic acts ready for a listen.

Lately it appears that many new acts such as Avril Lavigne, The Vines, or Simple Plan have been claiming to bring listeners a new and refreshing sound.

Sadly, they are closer to Britney and the Backstreet Boys than former punk heroes The Ramones, Sex Pistols, or The Clash. Instead of leaving a feeling of jaded disappointment in your mouth, try old acts like The Smiths, The Pixies, or Radiohead.

Formed in the early ‘80s, The Smiths were a Britpop band with intuitive lyrics and clever guitar riffs; they seem to be best known for their song “How Soon is Now?” featured in car commercials. Despite what appears to be limited popularity, they have had influences on groups such as Oasis and Blur and even bigger bands such

as the Smashing Pumpkins and AFI. The Pixies, another hugely influential but relatively obscure band, was formed in Boston in 1987. An art-punk band with scathing guitars, abstract lyrics (“Missy aggravation/some sacred question”), and a rhythm section all its own, the Pixies created something truly original which left its mark on modern music.

With influences on Nirvana, a self-proclaimed Pixies rip-off, they had a hand in starting up the grunge era of the early ‘90s. They are best known for their song “Where is my Mind?” featured in credits of the movie Fight Club.

Another great but often overlooked band is Radiohead. Best known for their alienated hit, “Creep,” Radiohead is a progressive rock band pushing the boundaries of modern rock into new forms. After the success of “Creep,” the band followed-up with The Bends, a Britpop album with real musical sensibility.

Next, Radiohead came out with its rock-masterpiece OK Com-

puter. It is considered to be one of the best, if not the best, album of the ‘90s. The album speaks of alienation in a new industrialized world, filtered through spacey guitars and droning robot voices.

Next came Kid A and Amnesiac.

Both were concept albums which converted their former sounds to more minimalist tastes combined with techno beats and sparse guitars throughout. Radiohead is much akin to another old progrock band Pink Floyd, who spoke of alienation for the previous generation. Both bands serve as great examples of music meant to make a difference.

Today there are also many great bands which go unnoticed.

One is Queens of the Stone Age, with their new album Songs for the Deaf. A handful of others include Sigur Ros, a Radiohead-like ambience band, Interpol, a New York alt-punk group, Wilco, an altcountry with a shimmering pop sound and The Flaming Lips, a spacey, pop-rock band. Hopefully, there’s something here for everyone to appreciate.

Both Radiohead (pictured above) and The Pixies (left) are two of the most influential bands for the alternative movement.

Despite the years, their albums continue to serve as an option for audiences looking for interesting alternatives.

ENTERTAINMENT 19 Pop-punk lives with The Rejects the

ABLAST

WED. APRIL 9, 2003

HOROSCOPES If today is your birthday: As an Aries, you are stubborn and sometimes rude. However, today you’re feeling kind and generous— spread the joy. This may feel a bit weird, since you’re a little selfcentered, too, but keep it going and your day can only be good. Allow your inner sensitivity to shine through and help your love life.

Lucky numbers: 3, 4, 17.

BY KATIE STANTON AND HANA NGUYEN Entertainment Editor and InDepth Editor The All American Rejects have become the latest teen craze, combining lovesick punk with a catchy pop theme. Sighted all over MTV and currently on a US tour, the Rejects’ success began with their Feb. 4 sophomore album, launching them to the top.

THE CD In a time where punk-pop has become a lackluster, lifeless expression of teenage heartache, The AllAmerican Rejects present a fresh, upbeat self-titled release that oozes commercial appeal.

With comparisons to label-mates Jimmy Eat World, the Rejects don’t stray far from sing-along pop tunes that currently cloud the airwaves.

Still, singer Tyson Ritter, guitarists Nick Wheeler and Mike Kennerty, and drummer Chris Gaylor have created a unique sound by combining subtle ‘80s keyboarding and percussion. Their style doesn’t come off as brash or bold but light and airy, resulting in an unassuming amount of depth.

Receiving nearly no press with their independent effort in 2002, The All-American Rejects fell under the radar. However, with a newly repackaged major label debut that dropped in early February, the Rejects seem to have gained a fresh start.

Highlights from this CD include their first single, “Swing, Swing,” which lightly deals with a soiled relationship. In addition, songs such as “Paper Heart” and “Don’t Leave Me” basically sum up the album’s con-

stantly lovesick theme that conjures up thoughts of sleepy summer breakups and careless teenage romance.

But there’s something missing from this album. Could it be variation? While everyone deals with broken relationships and tragic heartbreaks from time to time, basing an entire album on this subject stifles their creative potential of their lyrics. The Rejects, while innovative with their sound, lack creativity in their words.

Still, with considerable video airtime on MTV and MuchMusic, it seems like this flaw has been overlooked. The commercial appeal of The All-American Rejects is undeniable. Their songs are simple ear candy that burrows deep into the head. The band stays inside the confines of the pop-punk formula that consists of catchy hooks with a mix of fuzzy guitar riffs and nasally vocals. Moreover, Ritter’s ability to perform merry melodies glues listeners to the stereo.

THE CONCERT Playing well on a CD is good, but playing well live is even better. The Rejects came to this area on Sunday, April 6, at the 930 Club in D.C. and lived up to their reputation.

The turnout for the show consisted of mainly adolescent to teenage girls with flares, baby T’s and flip flops and the occasional shaggyhaired, Converse-wearing “emo” boy (emo, a musical genre newly popular for 13 to 17 year olds, is something like acoustic punk, without the screaming or the energy). There were even some parents in the crowd, nervously watching their son or daughter throw themselves into a frenzy.

Linkin Park: their success is almost guaranteed thanks to little variation from their first album.

The All American Reject’s debut album, released Feb. 4.

Two opening bands are touring the area with The Rejects: Flashlight Brown and Motion City Soundtrack.

Flashlight’s lead singer stands out, mostly because he’s about a foot shorter than everyone else on stage.

They played with a raw punk sound, using heavy power chords and loud vocals that no one could hear. One’s eye was drawn to the roadie on the side of the stage who so sorely wished to be onstage he attempted playing air-guitar, bass and drums simultaneously.

Motion City Soundtrack, however, knew what they were doing.

While their collective physical appearance left something to be desired (their guitarist was balding and looked about 40), their musical appeal made up for it by a long shot.

They used the basic guitar-bassdrum set-up and added a tiny keyboard on a stand; the player of this had the most energy of the night, headbanging, dancing and getting excited while playing three notes.

The Rejects came on with piercing screams from the crowd. While a short show (they played songs from their cd for an hour), these boys have mastered the art of the rock show.

They used a good method, too: a wireless system offers room to move and more crowd interaction. The two guitarists made the show, and had even more presence than Tyson with their expression and energy. Wild lighting and the Beetlejuice theme opened the show, and albeit constant screaming accompanied all the songs, the encore rendition of “Swing, Swing” brought the crowd to a whole new level of excitement. The crowd was so tightly pressed together that 930 employees poured water into gasping mouths (like baby birds) between sets, and crowdsurfing looked like floating.

Overall, these four boys, with songs that convey grief over lost love, prove that it’s not so bad being a reject after all.

Nick Wheeler, Tyson Ritter, Mike Kennerty and Chris Gaylor make up this pop-punk quartet, currently on a U.S. tour.

Linkin Park still rocks

BY WIDED KHADRAOUI Staff Writer Linkin Park’s second studio release, Meteora (not counting the 2002 remix album Reanimation), shares some of the qualities as Hybrid Theory, their debut, but it is unquestionably the better of the two CDs. Meteora sounds more bonafide and genuine, unlike Theory, which was chock-full of pop beats and elements of pop rock. It has a more efficient quality, with definite influences coming from bands like Korn and Limp Bizkit.

Meteora is much “harder” and different sounding from the earlier album, yet still shares the rap element. The interesting and increasingly popular combination of rap and rock is prevalent throughout this album; the raps are honest and deal with issues affecting the human population at large, and not focusing on teenage issues as much as Hybrid Theory did.

The songs focusing on self-discovery and the removal of negative influences are extremely inspirational and moving. For example, in the second track, “Somewhere I Belong,” the lyrics express the need to move on and develop: “I want to heal/I want to feel/What I thought was never real/I want to let go of the pain I’ve held so long.”

The lyrics in this new CD are definitely (and obviously) more heartfelt and thought-out than the band’s previous work.

The originality of each song, musically and lyrically, is prevalent through the album, and Linkin Park has finally stepped away from repetitive rhythms and beats.

Another personal favorite would be track 11, “ N o b o d y ’s Listening,” whose lyrics Linkin Park’s new album, Meteora. are amazingly deep, yet simple: “I got a heart full of pain/ head full of stress/hand full of anger/held in my chest/uphill struggle/blood, sweat and tears/ nothing to gain/everything to fear.”

Linkin Park’s newly adventurous spirit shines through in this album, and is definitely worth the money you pay.

Head of State: it just ain’t right “If you want a quality comedy film that makes your stomach hurt with laughter, do not see Head of State.”

BY ABBY SEGALL News Editor If you want to see Chris Rock at his best, watch his HBO special, The Chris Rock Show. If you want a quality comedy film that makes your stomach hurt with laughter, do not see Head of State. This comedy directed by, written by and starring Chris Rock, has a few funny moments, but overall it is inundated with overused jokes, unrealistic plot developments and stereotypical good versus evil characters.

The premise of the film is that the Democratic candidate for the Presidential Election is killed in a plane crash, and evil Washington insiders devise a plan to find a replacement guaranteed to lose the election.

Rock plays Mays Gilliam, a Washington, D.C. councilman who has had a string of bad luck losing his fiance, his car, his office and his bicycle. He does manage to resMOVIE REVIEW cue a HEAD OF STATE woman and her cat from a condemned building, which is ROCK’S PERFORMANCE about to be IS DISAPPOINTING; SOME destroyed FUNNY MOMENTS, BUT MOSTLY REPETITIVE. by the city

+

C

Chris Rock and Bernie Mac star in Head of State, running a Presidential campaign of a different kind.

and thereby comes to the attention of Senator Bill Arnot (played by James Rebhorn). Arnot convinces political advisor Debra Lassiter (played

by Lynn Whitfield) to guide Mays through his campaign.

Mays is given prepared speeches as well as clothes to wear; however, soon enough his older brother Mitch (played by Bernie Mac) makes him see that he cannot speak other people’s words, but instead must speak from his own heart. It is at the

point when Bernie Mac appears on screen that the movie starts to gain momentum. Finally, the viewer gets to see Chris Rock’s true comedic gift.

While the ongoing joke relating to his ex-fiance Kim (played by Robin Givens) quickly becomes redundant and as the unnecessarily sappy love story develops, Rock entertains the crowd when he lets loose with his passionate views of politics and what’s wrong in American society.

After a couple of weeks of trite

campaign speeches Candidate Mays finds his political voice. In a campaign speech to union workers in Chicago, Mays go on a rant about how minimum wage workers have to work two jobs just to be broke at the end of the pay period and “that ain’t right!” Maids working in expensive hotels will never be able to afford to stay there and “that ain’t right!” Nurses cannot afford to bring their sick children to the hospital where they work and “that ain’t right!” Mays breaks away from being a stereotypical political candidate, and takes charge of his message, as well as his clothing style (classic bling-bling).

Okay, the ending is unrealistic to say the least, but it is undeniably a fanciful comedy. A good word for the movie would have to be: inconsistent.

It has some very funny moments, including a mob of rich white people streaming out of their houses to the polls to vote to prevent Mays from winning the election to the tune of “B.O.B” by Outkast. At the same time it is full of lame plot lines, stupid slapstick violence, repetitive jokes and confusing “flashbacks” that get in the way of Rock’s comedic performance.

If I could relay one recommendation for this movie it would be to save your $8 and wait until it comes out on DVD for half the price.

Aries (March 21-April 19) Happy birthday! You’ve been through a lot in the past two weeks, but it’s finally time to stop worrying. Let yourself relax over spring break and come back fully charged and ready to attack. Look forward to the summer and achieving your goals.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Keep a lookout for surprises. You’ve had some luck in love lately, but make sure you put your best efforts into keeping it. If you’re worried about your future, sit down and take another look at where you are and what you could be doing. Being prepared always helps.

Gemini (May 21- June 21) Business ventures are about to prove highly beneficial to goals and desires.

Use your newfound wealth wisely, but don’t be afraid to splurge on a night out with your friends or loved one. Don’t let fears dominate your thoughts; communication is key.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) You’re feeling hopeless, dejected, even a little confused— this will all pass with time. Understanding comes with finding someone who shares your perspective. The best way to pull through is to look for hope in a new place.

Leo (July 23-August 22) Nothing in life comes free; learn to conserve. Even if you happen to have gone through a difficult emotional experience lately, ride the wave.If you’re still feeling down, sit down and have a talk with a close friend over mocha lattes. At least you’ll think about something else for a while.

Virgo (August 23-Sept. 22) Venus brings you a new awareness of what’s going on, combined with a complete lack of fear to get what you want. Use this enthusiasm to achieve some real goals or further some hobbies.

Physical activity will promote emotional welfare and a new sense of satisfaction.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) A continuing sense of liberation from life’s troubles comes with the realization that you actually have a future. Take this feeling to a whole new level and express your affection for someone in tune with your psyche. A mental release should come with a physical one: relax in a bubble bath or get that crush of yours to give you a massage.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) You need to think for yourself. Strictly avoid disagreements that don’t directly concern you. Explore a new way to help out your friends, and enjoy meeting new people that may or may not fall in love with you.

Live it up.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Asking people to be your friend is really not as attractive as begging.

Everyone likes to feel wanted. Enjoy conversations that aren’t so serious for a change; with everything going on, your mind could use a break. Old friends mean more to you than most people realize.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You’ve been ignoring someone close to you; fix this problem once you figure out who that person is.

Asking right out isn’t going to work, since this person is also too scared to tell you when he’s feeling upset.

Appreciate the finer things that make life a little more complex.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Eat healthily and watch what you say to strangers. You may feel like you have to watch out for the little guy, but sometimes the big guy just has to win. New friends and a big trip in your future will leave you feeling like you’re finally where you want to be. Turn your face forward.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Put your listening skills to good use; although you love to put your opinion forward, sometimes other people make good points.

Decide what you’d do if you were a superhero, and make it your mission to achieve it.

20 WEEKEND

the

ABLAST

WED. APRIL 9, 2003

WEEKEND UPDATE What are your plans for spring break?

—Shayna Dubler freshman

Should I stay or should I go now?

BY ANDREW MENEGAT

“I’m hanging out with my best friend, Oscar Ycaza.”

—Matthew Bernfeld sophomore

“I’m going to chill with my friends.”

— Ramin Naghdi junior

“I’m going to stay hydrated by drinking due to the hot weather.

Those day trips to Philly are going to be fun too.”

With spring break just around the corner students must begin planning their activities for the week

—Ehab Awadallah senior

“I’m going to be visiting my friends in Miami and laying on the beach.”

—Aimee Monticchio Administrative intern

Photographer Well it’s finally here. Spring has returned and it appears as though winter is gone for good. With the exemplary weather in place, you can start getting excited about your spring vacation plans. However, if you are stuck in Annandale for the break, don’t slip into a state of depression just yet. There are plenty of nearby activities to do that can keep you busy over the break.

Six Flags Located in Maryland, just 45 minutes away, Six Flags America is one of the largest theme parks on the East Coast. Within the last decade, Six Flags was joined by Adventure World, acquiring all its rides and attractions.

Six flags, which opens April 12, is centered around a Batman theme. Rides, shows and other games relate back to Batman.

Overall, the park features more than 100 rides, shows, restaurants and attractions, including eight coasters and Hollywood-style shows. In addition, a water park, featuring slides, a wave pool and a lazy river, is provided at no extra charge.

For this year, the Gotham City section opened a new water ride, The Penguin’s Blizzard River. This ride features a six-person spinning rapid ride that lasts two minutes and 41 seconds. Starting off by being lifted to the top of a 60 foot drop, the rafts are then careened down into a spinning reservoir, where geysers and spray rays (controlled by people on land) cool you off.

Hours during spring break will

Bethany Beach

April 11- DC101 presents Carbon Leaf @ 9:30 Club $12.00

Type/Attractions

April 11- Common @ Dream $10.00 April 15- 99.1 HFS presents The Vines w/ The Music @ 9:30 club $20.00 April 21- Everclear w/ the Exies and Authority Zero @ 9:30 Club $25.00 April 24- Wallflowers w/ Ron Sexsmith @ 9:30 Club $25.00 April 28- The Ataris w/ Juliana Theory, Further Seems Forever, and Damone @ 9:30 Club $15.00 April 30- Lifehouse @ 9:30 Club $15.00 April 30- Foo Fighters @ Patriot Center $30.00 May 4- New Found Glory and Good Charlotte @ Patriot Center $25.00

Bethany Beach, Del.

ing from $8-$45, you can sit back and enjoy an afternoon or evening of baseball. With cool refreshments and hot food served by vendors, you don’t even have to leave your seat. Over the break, the Orioles will host the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on the April 18th @7:05 p.m., and April 19th @1:35 PM at Camden Yards Park.

Shenandoah Valley

Georgetown

If you are in the mood for an afternoon commune, you can visit the Shenandoah National Park, located along the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road winds along the crest of the mountains through the length of the park, and provides spectacular sites of the east and west. The park has more than 500 miles of trails including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Along the trails are panoramic views of waterfalls and deep canyons. Many animals including deer, black bears, and wild turkeys may also be found among the oak-hickory forest and wildflowers.

Another option is to venture out across the Potomac and visit Georgetown. Known for its shopping, popular stores such as Gap, Abercrombie and Fitch, American Eagle Outfitters, Express, J. Crew, and French Connection all have special locations in Georgetown that often offer more styles than regular mall locations. Georgetown also features more unique stores such as

Urban Outfitters.

However, no shopping trip is complete without food. Georgetown is also known for its excellent selection of restaurants along the water. With the weather warming up, take advantage of the beautiful day by spending it in Georgetown. Even if shopping isn’t for your taste, the food and atmosphere will be enough to leave you satisfied.

The Beach Of course no spring break would be complete without a trip to the beach. Relaxing by the shore catching some rays is often an effective stress reliever. One day at the beach would surely be enough to help your troubles sail away. For more information on nearby beaches see the chart below.

Baltimore If you want to take an all day excursion, you can take a quick road trip to Baltimore’s inner harbor. Located on the other side of the Potomac River, one of the main attractions is the National Aquarium. Featuring seahorse exhibits, sharks, seals, a rainforest display and dolphin shows, there’s always something to hold your interests. With consistent long lines, the best time to visit is 9 a.m. sharp. Tickets are priced at $16 for adults and $9.50 for kids. For more information you can call 410-5763800.

Along with the National Aquarium, Baltimore is the home of Orioles baseball. For a price, rang-

Lake Anna Spotsylvania, VA

Seniors Jack Shea, Michael Nakamura, Mike Mahn and Vincent Keung strut their stuff for the camera at Six Flags after riding Superman five consecutive times last summer.

Ocean City

Outer Banks

Ocean City, MD

Outer Banks, N.C.

3 hours by car

90 minutes by car

4 hours by car

6 hours by car

• Quiet beach to swim and relax on • More suited for older people and families • Students looking for a more social atmosphere should look elsewhere for more excitement

• Fishing • Water skiing • Sailing, boating • Can rent equipment • Not many activities to do out of the water • Picnic area

• Less familyoriented, geared more towards teenagers • One of the most crowded beaches on the East Coast • Boardwalk with rides, games, and trolley cars

• More focused on wildlife and nature • Quiet beach area • Hikes • Outlet shopping • Mini-golf • Fun-themed restaurants

Rehoboth Beach

Virginia Beach

Rehobeth Beach, Del.

Virginia Beach, VA

2 hours by car

• Family oriented beach • Restaurants, a boardwalk, outlet shopping, and a large public swimming area • Rides and arcades along the boardwalk • Two mini golf courses (one located on a rooftop)

4 to 5 hours by car

• Beach with boardwalk • Many shops line the beach • Exciting nightlife for students • Clubs • Close to Bush Gardens

Jammin’ Java brews soothing relaxation

K

YNES’ UISINE

CAMERON KYNES Weekend Editor “My guitar is just like the French, it always seems to crack under pressure,” French guitarist Burt Lafontaine said as he tunes his guitar. He goes back to playing a relaxing round of easy listening songs. His set lasts about an hour and makes for a very enjoyable free open-mic night at Jammin’ Java.

If you see it from the outside you might not be compelled to step inside. It’s tucked into a mundane strip mall in Vienna. But, just stand near the door and let the swelling smell of coffee, the resounding beat of the music and the warm feel of the atmosphere draw you in.

Jammin’ Java is not new, but the owners are, and since buying the coffeehouse over five months ago Luke and Daniel Brindley have brought new life and subsequent interest to the place.

The changes include a new, much larger, menu that offers appetizers, sal-

CAMERON KYNES

UPCOMING CONCERTS

Location Distance

be from 10:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Prices for admission generally cost $35.99 plus tax unless you’re a senior citizen, child under the age of three, or person with a disability. In addition, parking passes cost $9.00 and season passes, which pay for themselves in two visits, are also available for $57.99 plus tax.

COURTESY OF JACK SHEA

“I’m going to Hatteras with my friend.”

Burt Lafontaine plays the guitar for a small crowd at open-mic night at Jammin Java. Open-mic night is the best bet for students because its usually great music and it’s free.

ads, chili, sandwiches and deserts. The restaurant really pushes the chili, but at $8.95 a bowl it’s the most expensive thing on the menu and probably not worth it.

The whole menu ranges from $4 to $9.

But, as the name would suggest, Jammin’ Java is still about the coffee. The price for coffee isn’t cheap, but if you are used

to Starbucks, you’ll think it is. Nothing on the coffee menu is over $4, and rather than labeling their sizes as “big” translated into three different languages (Starbucks), Java simplifies things with 12, 16 and 20 oz. drinks.

In addition to the food and coffee, Java has also acquired a liquor license that al-

lows them to sell beer and wine. No one drinks too much, but the patrons do seem to enjoy sipping on a glass of wine or a beer while watching the live music.

This live music has been strongly emphasized by the new owners who often have seven nights a week of live music.

The music choice consists mostly of acoustic pop, comedy, rock and contemporary folk. The artists seem to like the place.

Burt Lafontaine said, “I love to play at a place where the music is the focus of the night.” Although there is plenty of room for side conversations, most people take in the music.

The coffeehouse is broken into two sections, with the stage and audience seating in the back and comfortable chairs and couches in the front.

It’s a relaxing music atmosphere, with crowds usually less than 100 people, but it varies significantly depending on the artist. Jammin’ Java is a soothing environment where you can buy some coffee, grab a seat and relax after a rough day.

Check the website for show information because for some shows reservations are recommended. Shows cost from $8 to $12, but every Monday night is free.

Jammin’ Java is located at 227 Maple Ave. Vienna. Call (703) 255-1566 or visit www.jamminjava.com to reserve tickets.

OPERATION the ABLAST A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT BY

IRAQI

informing the Atoms since 1954

AP PHOTO/JON MILLS, POOL, RIGHTS PURCHASED BY THE A-BLAST

FREEDOM

A British Royal Marine from 42 Commando fires a Milan wire-guided missile at an Iraqi position on the Al Faw peninsula, southern Iraq onMarch 21.

Student feelings, views reflect national diversity THE COST OF WAR • Death Toll: 81 American soldiers and 30 British soldiers have been killed. Iraqi military casualties are unknown. An estimated 600 civilians have died.

• P.O.W.s & Injuries: 4,000 Iraqi civilians have been injured.

Seven American P.O.W.s and no British P.O.W.s have been captured. Nearly 8,000 Iraqi P.O.W.s have been taken by coalition forces.

• Missing: 8 American soldiers.

• Projected casualties are 48,000-260,000 total dead, the variance dependent on if chemical weapons are used.

• The Price: $80 billion is the current estimated price.

• Bombs: 14,000 precisionguided missiles & 750 Tomahawks have been launched at Iraq.

• 2,000 aircraft have been launched from 5 aircraft carriers and 30 bases inside and outside Iraq —All facts accurate as of April 7, fromthe Associated Press

From war coverage to the war itself, opinions differ as protests continue

BY PHILIPPE PODHORECKI Co-Editor in Chief In a school filled with nearly 2,400 students, there are just as many opinions on the war, protests, and the news coverage. AHS reflects the sentiments of the nation, divided and opinionated.

“I’m relieved that war has finally gotten underway and I’m so far proud of the way our troops have been fighting and the humanitarian efforts,” said senior Jim Hamilton who, as a student in IB 20th Century Topics, participated in a discussion among his classmates for a Fox 5 News broadcast on how the younger generation feels about the war.

“This was our only choice because other options didn’t work,” said freshman Nicole Mott.

“The war in Iraq is justified. Strategically, we eliminate the threat of a dangerous regime. Politically, we prove that the will of the world cannot be flouted by the rogue leaders. And morally, we liberate an oppressed people,” said senior Owen Beste, “The main issue that remains to be adressed is how Iraq will be governed after the regime is overthrown,” “I think Bush did what’s best for the American people... it was necessary,” said freshman Mike Weist.

While these, like other students, are advocates for ‘Operation Iraqi Freedom’, others still oppose the war. “War is wrong, but the war was inevitable because of [President George W.] Bush’s policies,” said senior Dorsa Hassas. Hassas is Iranian and has been worried of the possibilities the war could start with Iraq’s neighbor.

Teachers reflect the same diversity as the stu-

dent body and the nation. Spanish teacher Noel Koffi agrees with Hassas about how Bush handled the situation. “I don’t think Bush handled the situation quite right,” said Koffi.

“The war isn’t necessary. I think the U.S. should’ve waited and given diplomacy more of a chance before using military action. Bush was wrong,” said sophomore Kristy Johannesen.

Currently President Bush’s approval ratings are high, likely due to the nation trying to show unity and support. Yet national and worldwide protests continue against the military action in Iraq.

“I think the people should be more supportive about the decision our country made, and even if they don’t support the war, they should support the soldiers,” Wiest said.

“I think that the protests aren’t doing any harm and its helping citizens voice their opinions,” said Johannesen.

Most students appear to support the First Amendment and, while some disagree with the protesters, think that protesting and disagreement should not be supressed. “I believe in everyone’s right to protest and voice their opinions and, I’m disappointed by ignorant acts such as the hacking of Al-Jazeera news websites and general supression of dissenting opinions by some leading American institutions,” Hamilton said.

“People have the right to protest the decisions of the government. This is one of the decisions of the government. This is one of the rights we are fighting for in Iraq,” said Beste. “However, peace protests are somewhat pointless at this point because the war will not end until we are victorious,” The different war coverage has also created a difference of opinion. Arab television networks aired pictures of P.O.W.s being executed. “Media coverage has been good. The Arab media certainly have the right to show footage of dead Americans, no matter how distasteful we may find it,” said Beste.

Meetings allow students to vent feelings

BY MATT WIEST Staff Writer In light of the recent occurrences in Iraq, the Student Services (Guidance) Department held fora for discussion on the war, giving students the opportunity to openly express their feelings and concerns about the conflict. These “Teen Forums” were held on Tue., March 25, and Thurs., March 27, during Flex periods. These fora were open to all students wishing to convey their apprehension with the current situation.

“The fora (forums) were limited to how people felt about what happens in Iraq. They intended to provide students with the opportunity to openly express their emotions that are brought up by the war, not for politics,” said Steve Sengstack, the director of student services.

Students attending the forums were specifically instructed not to debate personal convictions on the war, since guidance counselors wanted to ensure students that they could speak freely without having their beliefs criticized.

“It [was] not...a time for debate, it [was] a time to express feelings and to explore ways to cope with the emotions and stress of the war, no matter what one believes.”

Student Services estimates that approximately 25 students attended each of the two forums, providing for a diverse array of concerns and variation in the nature of discussion. Students with relatives and friends partaking in the military conflict spoke of their concerns over the safety of their loved ones, just as those did with relatives living in Baghdad and elsewhere in Iraq.

“Regardless of whether or not they had relatives in [the U.S.] military or as citizens or Iraq, students shared the same worries, concerns, and sadness, and were able to voice how they felt,” said Sengstack.

The forums had a specialized structure as far as voicing students’ feelings are concerned. Sengstack started the discussion “by laying the ground rules.” Sengstack said, “There was to be no criticism of feelings, no political discussion. Students were to respect the feelings of others.”

Students raised their hands and Sengstack called upon “Forum” continued on p. S4

S2 SPECIAL

the

March 31, 2003 • U.S. military launches investigation after troops kill seven women and children at a checkpoint in Southern Iraq • U.S. marines launch a dawn raid on Shatra, a southern Iraqi town

March 30, 2003 • American Myers General Richard Myers apologizes for the deaths of five British soldiers under “friendly fire” • Six-hundred commandos launch the largest single British assault of the war to secure a suburb to the southeast of Iraqi town Basra

March 29, 2003 • Four U.S. servicemen are killed by a suicide bomber at a checkpoint near Najaf Rumsfeld • Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld accuses Syria of being engaged in “hostile tactics” by delivery military arms to Iraq

March 27, 2003

BY ANDREW SATTEN Co-Editor in Chief Whether it be cheering on the sidelines for his freshman daughter Laela on the JV soccer team, or managing his three local restaurants, Andy Shallal has went about trying to live his life as normally as possible the last few weeks. However, this has been a difficult task, considering the “Shock and Awe” military campaign waged by the U.S. that has made life anything but normal for his more than 100 relatives residing in Iraq.

Since the war’s inception, his cousin’s family, including their quadruplet children, have been taking cover under a staircase in a Baghdad apartment.

Already they were forced to abandon their previous home which had its windows blown out, information that was relayed to Shallal through telephone conversations in which air raid sirens resonated in the background. That was before their local telephone lines were disrupted by a missile.

“I think this war is going to be a black mark in history on America. People perceive this to be an American act of aggression,” said Shallal who came to the United States in 1966 from Iraq when he was six years old.

In relaying his personal anti-war views and the sentiments of his family in Iraq, he reinforced that there was not a sense of liberation, but rather of occupation. “No matter how bad the leader is, how awful they are, you are still going to stand up and defend your nation. I may not like Bush, but if there is an attack on America, I’m going to stand up and defend it.”

However, if there is anything that can be gleaned from this complex global

“

I think this is going to be a black mark in history on America. People perceive this to be an American act of aggression.

• U.S. planes heavily bomb Republican Guard encampments south of Baghdad

March 23, 2003 • American B-52 bombers continue heavy raids on Baghdad, killing an estimated 106 civilians • A Royal Air Force (RAF) Tornado is accidently shot down by a U.S. Patriot missile, killing the two crewmen

March 22, 2003 • Two British Sea King helicopters collide in an accident, killing all seven crewmen • More than 200,000 people charge the streets of London in a mass antiwar protest

—Andy Shallal AHS parent

conflict, it is that there are always conflicting opinions. Students at AHS who have ties to Iraq did not have uniform views regarding the conflict.

Junior Mohammad Amin, a native Iraqi, views war as a necessity. When Amin was six years old, his family and friends were part of the Northern Kurd resistance group that battled Saddam’s forces in the city of Halabta. During this conflict, Saddam unleashed chemical weapons that resulted in a massacre of more than 9,000 Kurds. After the conflict, Amin fled with his family to Iran, before moving to the United States.

“There should be a war for changing the regime. Saddam is the biggest problem,” he said. Amin equated Saddam Hussein to the same terror Osama Bin Laden conjures, and Amin praised the United States’ efforts.

“The United States is the greatest country for all nations, they are helping,” he said. “This is not about Muslims. I am a Muslim. There should be peace, but they have to change the regime no matter what, it is just like that,” added Amin, strongly asserting that he knew the history of Saddam’s aggression.

Another student, senior Wvar Sadalla, lived through the Desert Storm Operation first hand. Despite his family’s status as Iraqi citizens, during the

Seniors Atallah Elias and Kurmanj Sa Dalla along with junior Mobila Amin have a discussion about the war with Iraq. All three AHS students have relations in Northern Iraq. Their families left Iraq to escape the oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein. All three are in favor of the war in Iraq and are optimistic about the American invasion. “I hope that the war is over as soon as possible,” said Sa Dalla. “I hope that few U.S. soldiers and Iraqi civilians die.”

military operation her parents functioned as translators to aid U.S. military operations. After completing this daring act, for fear of reprisals from the Iraqi government, his family fled the country and moved to the United States. Sadalla failed to comprehend the Iraqi people’s loyalty to Saddam. “In my opinion, I believe that the Iraqi people are being brainwashed,” he said.

Senior Kamal Elias is more critical of U.S. military action, acknowledging all of the horrors that accompany war. Elias, whose family also fled the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, was torn between ousting the dictator and the Iraqi casualties that would result from the conflict. “I would like Saddam to be out, but I don’t want our people to die. The operation is for Iraqi freedom, but civilians— my people—are still dying,” he said.

Instead of the massive “Shock and Awe” campaign that is being executed, Elias feels that diplomacy was not exhausted. “The U.S. is trying their best, but maybe we should have waited for international support. That way people won’t say that the U.S. is going in for oil or natural resources,” he said.

Shallal, however, does not view war as an option, and has been appalled by the lack of coverage concerning the Iraqi casualties. Already at least 500 Iraqis have been killed, out of a country of only 23 million. Proportionally to the United States, this would be equivalent to almost 6,000 casualties.

“Even their little day to day life has been disrupted so much. There is no functioning life at all, and it is very strange looking at it from this [my] perspective. The whole world around is functioning, and here is Iraq, with people who have no control of what we are doing,” he said.

The military has stated that approximately 90 percent of their missiles have hit their targets. However, considering nearly 4,000 missiles have been launched, that ten percent translates to almost 400 missiles that failed to hit their targets, such as the missile that went astray and killed 58 people in a marketplace last week.

Despite the mounting casualties, freshman Hamza Amin, a Kurd from northern Iraq, rebuked protesters for demonstrating against what he has perceived is a just war. “I am disheartened by antiwar protesters in America. We all know that Saddam is not innocent,” he said. Amin, along with many of the other Iraqi students, felt that their first hand experiences living under Saddam’s regime makes them more qualified to evaluate the necessity of removing this dictator. “Other countries don’t have enough information about Saddam,” said Amin who feels that many of the members of the United Nations who blocked the war are viewing the conflict from a distorted perspective.

Another common sentiment in the Arab world is that this war is much more about oil than government officials are willing to let on, charging that to pay for the nearly half a trillion price of the conflict, American businesses will reap the benefit of rebuilding Iraq and a fresh oil supply. Already, Dick Cheney’s former company Haliburton has profited substantially from the war.

“Oil is our curse. For Middle Easterners, I think they wished that they didn’t have the oil at some level, because it has created more problems that it has helped.

The oil helps them move forward, but then something like this happens,” said Shallal.

Shallal also had an interesting commentary regarding how technological advancements have factored into this war. Contrary to the typical view that technology brings people closer together, Shallal holds that by taking direct human interaction out of the equation, it actually has been detrimental to how humans perceive and treat each other.

“It is so easy to drop a bomb on somebody from a ship in the middle of the ocean, that will go maybe a thousand miles to hit something. You don’t hear the screams, you don’t hear the yells, the ambulances, you don’t hear any of those things. You just say, ‘yes, I got them.’ But you got what? You got your target. What does that mean?” he said.

AHS Iraqi students share their personal accounts

March 21, 2003 Coalition forces suffer the first casualties of war when eight British and four American servicemen die in a helicopter accident over Kuwait

March 20, 2003 After the 48-hour deadline for Saddam Hussein to flee Iraq expires, America launches a series of air strikes over Baghdad (Information current as of April 4)

SUPPORT OFFERED Students who are struggling with feelings concerning the war with Iraq are welcome to attend “Teen Forums” conducted by the Department of Student Services. These forums will be a series of meetings with counselors, psychologists, and social workers that address the needs of students and their emotions. The forums are for students only and will be announced in advance. Students wishing to attend should make arrangements with their flex teacher to be excused from class. The purpose of the forum is to recognize AHS students who are truly troubled by the war and is not meant to be a debate about opposing positions.

Hadi was born in Mousal, Iraq, and lived there for five years until his family moved to Syria. “[My family and I] f led Iraq because we know Saddam Sophomore Hadi Elias Hussein was our president and was in control, but we were against the regime.” Hadi’s father was also arrested by the Hussein regime in attempt to protect his family because he protested Saddam’s rule. His family made the necessary transition to the U.S. in September 1999. Hadi still has relatives back in Northern Iraq and believes that it is for the good of the Iraqi people that the U.S. is taking actions against Hussein.

“It had to be done. If I could I would capture him and kill him for what he has done to my people.”

on amphibious ships, where he namely transports marines and navy seals across rivers and gulfs. “Knowing that he won’t be in any of the real fighting makes us all feel better,” says Rachel.

Rob has been in the Navy for two and a half years, and has typically been able to talk about his operations with the family. “We get emails from him every once and a while, but now he can never tell us where he is or where he’s going, because of security reasons. He was actually supposed to come home in March, but he just recently emailed us and said he was going to be there longer.”

Rachel and her parents keep in touch with Rob as much as they can, but Rachel says that the fact that he’s near the war at all is heart breaking for them.

It’s not going very well for them. I think they really wish they knew more about what he was up to and where he is.

BY SARAH SHERMAN Staff Writer

Recent immigrants torn between removing Saddam Hussein and casualties of war

• U.S. forces advancing towards Baghdad are delayed by fierce Iraqi resistance in the city of Samawah • Iraqi officials state that 350 civilians have died in air raids since the conflict began two weeks prior

March 25, 2003

Friends, alumni called into active duty

Kamal Elias, the older brother of Hadi Elias, lived in Iraq longer than his brother, but still does not remember much.

“Since Saddam Hussein came to power, the Iraqi Senior Kamal Elias people have been suffering with fighting with Iran then Kuwait,” said Hadi.

“It has been 23 years and since then the country has suffered because of him.” As a result, Kamal and his family immigrated to the United States. Concerning the current war with Iraq, Kamal does not fully support U.S. actions. “I would like Saddam to be out, but I don’t want our people to die. The operation is for Iraqi freedom, but civilians—my people—are still dying. The U.S. is trying their best, but maybe we should have waited for international support. That way people don’t say the U.S. is going for the oil or natural resources.” When asked what should happen to Saddam, Kamal said, “I wouldn’t kill him. I would let the Iraqi residents decide.”

Born in northern Iraq in the city of Masive, Mohammad has close ties with the current situation in Iraq.

Mohammad has relatives who are a part of the Barzani group who has Junior Mohammad Amin fought against Saddam Hussein’s regime. He lived in Iraq until about the age of six when he moved to Iran to f lee from the reign of Hussein. A fatal massacre spurred his move. Mohammad called the massacre a “battle” where Hussein bombed the city of Halabta with chemical weapons and killed more than 9,000 Kurdish people.

Mohammad’s immediate family eventually came to the United States in 1999 after living in Iran and Pakistan. “There should be regime change in Iraq,” said Mohammad “Saddam is the biggest problem. Most people don’t understand that it’s not about peace it’s about getting rid of Saddam. He’s getting more and more dangerous. I know the history and I feel bad.”

Mobila Amin, the sister of Mohammad Amin, was born in Iran and spent most of her life in Pakistan. At age 13 she came to the United Junior Mobila Amin States mainly for better education and opportunities. She still has relatives in Iraq and feels personally related to the current situation with Iraq.

Mostly all of Amin’s cousins live in Kurdistan, and she is concerned for their well being. However, is glad that the U.S. is taking action in the current Iraqi conf lict. “My cousins like the war too.

Sadaam killed our people. We don’t like Sadaam Hussein because he killed our people,” said Amin.

Born in northern Iraq, Kurmanj Sadalla immigrated to the United States in 1996. He has lived in the Annandale area for the seven years and attends Senior Kurmanj Sadalla AHS with his brother, Wvar.

During the Gulf War, his parents served as translators for American soldiers.

However, after U.S. occupation ended, he and his family felt threatened by Saddam Hussein’s regime for their participation in the Gulf War. Since then, Sadalla feels that he is more able to concentrate on his education since he is immersed in an organized educational environment.

Sadalla is currently in favor of the war with Iraq. “I support war 150 percent,” said Sadalla. “Saddam is a dictator who killed thousands. What else does he have to do to prove that his regime is negative?”

As if the stress of being at war with Iraq wasn’t enough, more and more American families are finding themselves saying goodbye to loved ones in reserves being called into action. With the American and British forces moving closer and closer to Baghdad, fighting on the frontline has intensified, and the amount of casualties for all nations involved is beginning to increase.

Being so close to the capital of the United States, AHS students and faculty are beginning to take part in this nationwide stress. Goodbyes are becoming more familiar as parents kiss their children farewell, and siblings embrace each other one last time before the bus pulls out of the station. Several AHS alumni and family members of the students and faculty are among the thousands being shipped out.

Seniors Megan and Morgan Barr are awaiting the day when their brother Joey Barr, 27, will be called to Kuwait.

Joey, an AHS graduate, as well as husband and father of a 25-month old child, has been on call for the past three days.

“It’s nerve-racking,” says Megan Barr.

“Every time I hear the phone ring, it could be the last time I talk to my brother.” Joey Barr could be gone for anywhere from a few weeks to a few —Megan Barr months. senior A marine, Joey works on the mechanics squad, but if he were called to the frontline, he would work as a door-gunJunior Aubrey Welch talks everyday ner, out of a helicopter or plane. “[My with 2001 AHS graduate Kevin Sucher, Dad] has acted as relaxed as he can so who has been at Hickam Air Force Base far, you know, to not make it worse for in Hawaii for over a year.

[Morgan] and I. But you can tell its tear“We can talk on our cells,” says Welch, ing him up inside. Even though I kind of who has been dating Sucher for three expected it for awhile, it’s still hard to years. “I guess my biggest concern is how think about. We’re all really concerned he could be going [to Iraq] about what’s going to hapany day now.” Although he pen.” gets to come home for Senior Rachel spring break for a week in Johnson shares some of April, the next time Barr’s concern. Her older Sucher goes back to base brother Rob has been in could be the last time the Middle East since Welch sees him for August. months, especially with “Rob left before everytensions rising near thing got to where it is Baghdad. “It’s difficult benow, we had no idea it cause I know he really just would be this bad,” said wants to come home.” says Rachel. “Now we all wish Welch. we had said a better Rob Johnson, a 2000 AHS graduate, is a Navy Many students and goodbye to him.” Rob transporter and contacts his parents have been conJohnson, a 21-year-old family mainly through email. cerned with the growing navy transporter, works

COURTESY OF MEGAN BARR

• Second civilian shooting in 24 hours

by U.S. Marines where one man is killed and another injured as troops fire on a car approaching a roadblock • Saudi Arabia urges Saddam Hussein to make a war-ending “sacrifice” and quit the Allied resistance

From Rags to Riches

Joey Barr, here with his wife and two year-old daughter, is a marine stationed in Kuwait.

number of recent high-school graduates being shipped off to war immediately following graduation. With military personnel visiting high schools more often, more and more students are getting involved with the service.

Senior Caitlin McKinney’s father, Timothy McKinney, a Vietnam Vet, shares in this concern.

“I would hope that a generation would come along and would not have to experience war for themselves,” said McKinney. “I hope that at some point, we as a society would come to recognize the inherent evil of war and find other ways to solve our conflicts.”

McKinney was shot when he was 19 years old, and emphasizes the stress many soldiers experience going into war. “No training can prepare you for every contingency of war. Certainly, nothing can prepare you for the reality of people dying or getting maimed for life,” said McKinney.

The feeling across the nation, and here at home, has been a mix of anxiety and hope. Families with members in the reserves wonder how much longer it will be before their loved ones are called, and families with members abroad wonder how much longer it will be until they get to see each other again.

As American forces move closer to Baghdad and the Bush administration forms plans for American/British occupation following a cease fire, it could be months, and in some cases years, before some families around Annandale are reunited.

“

E verytime I hear the phone ring, it could be the last time I hear my brother.

COURTESY OF RACHEL JOHNSON

April 1, 2003

Iraqis weigh in on the conflict

HAYLEY FLETCHER

• U.S. officials announce that they have rescued American prisoner of war Private Jessica Lynch, 19, of Palestine, West Virginia • U.S. forces secure the southern holy city of Kerbala

WHO IS SADDAM HUSSEIN?

IRAQ EVOKES EMOTIONS

April 3, 2003

April 2, 2003

SPECIAL S3

WED. APRIL 9, 2003

WAR IMPACTS SCHOOL

TIMELINE OF EVENTS • About 320 Iraqi soldiers are killed in an advance by 1,000 U.S. troops near the village of Furat • In the South, British troops make their deepest incursion into Basra • Arabic satellite television service, al-Jazeera, says it will no longer cover the war inside governmentcontrolled Iraq in protest of a ban placed on two reporters

ABLAST

WED. APRIL 9, 2003

War, what is it good for?

During W6 and W8 English classes on April 2, a survey was distributed to 309 students concerning the war with Iraq.

These are the results.

Which of these most accurately describes your opinion concerning the war and the position of the United Nations?

Strongly support war not matter what

39%

Support war only with U.N. backing

23%

18%

Support war without U.N. backing Do not support war without U.N. backing Do not support war not matter what

12% 8%

Did the United States do all it could to solve the crisis diplomatically?

How confident are you that the United States will be successful in removing Saddam Hussein from Iraq?

Very confident

41%

No 55%

Yes 47%

Moderately confident

29%

Somewhat confident Not confident

21% 9%

For the last two decades, Saddam Hussein has had the dubious distinction of being known as the world’s most “terrible Arab tyrant.” However, he did not inherit this title. Instead, he worked arduously for decades and rose through the ranks of the Iraqi government from his humble beginnings. Born on April 28, 1937 in the Takrit District of Iraq, Hussein suffered from severe poverty. During his teenage years, he immersed himself in the anti-Western atmosphere of the time period. At college in Baghdad, Hussein joined the radical Baath party.

In 1959, at the age of 22, Hussein gained notoriety by conspiring to kill Prime Minister Abdel-Karim Qassem.

When the Baath party took control in Baghdad in 1963, Hussein inflicted his influence and control. By 1979, he achieved his goal of becoming head of state. After a swift defeat in the Gulf War in 1991, the world assumed that the Iraqi people would rise up and overthrow the tyrant. Still, 12 years later, Hussein’s power has not waned.

Presidency As president, Hussein has focused on strengthening the Iraqi oil industry and military in order to gain more influence over his people. He places a dominant political grasp over the Iraqi people. through a firm dictatorship that involves media censorship. His foreign policy carries an anti-American sentiment.

The Reality of his Rule While President Saddam Hussein may defend his autocratic style of leadership, Iraq’s bankrupt economy and failing infrastructure resulting from economic sanctions from the United Nations demonstrate his substandard government. Hussein is an isolated leader holding together a desperate nation. He imposes his authority though terror and uses violent means to meet his goals.

Hussein allegedly holds “rape rooms” in addition to torture chambers that he uses at his free discretion. According to President George Bush, “We’re dealing with a Hitler revisited.”

Connection to Joseph Stalin According to Said Aburis, author of Hussein: The Policy of Revenge, there exists a strong connection between Saddam Hussein and Joseph Stalin. “There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Saddam studied Stalin,” said Aburis. “Stalin is his hero. . .

[Saddam] models himself after Stalin more than any other man in history.”

The resemblance is uncanny. Both tyrants systematically held purges in order to exterminate unwanted members of their government. Hussein admired Stalin’s security team so much that he had his people trained in Eastern Europe, particularly East Germany.

LAKE BRADDOCK CONTROVERSY Lake Braddock student Ryan Trimble wore a shirt that expressed his sentiment towards the war with Iraq on March 26.

Trimble’s shirt portrayed a large picture of President George W. Bush above a caption that read “International Terrorist.” Before the end of the day, an assistant principal at Lake Braddock sent him home, citing that two teachers felt that his shirt was disruptive.

This action sent shockwaves throughout the student body and drew attention to students’ free speech rights.

Fairfax County policy does have the right to censor student expression unless it is deemed to bring forth a “substantial disruption or interference.” As a result, many across the county have questioned whether this limitation in expression has violated the Supreme Court decision, Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District. In this decision, Supreme Court Justices found that student’s First Amendment rights were indeed violated.

Since the incident, Trimble has compiled a petition with 300 student signatures and 20 teacher signatures. He plans to fight the school administration on their decision to not allow him to wear the shirt. “I was given an ultimatum for the school administrators. I was told to go home or take off my shirt. I chose to go home and I will battle the school board for their infringement on my freedom of expression.”

S4 SPECIAL Students protest war validity the

ABLAST

WED. APRIL 9, 2003

World War I Arab independence movements led Arab leaders to aid Britain against Turkey, allied with Germany and Austria during WWI. The area was put under British mandate in 1920 by the League of Nations thanks to British interest in oil and their desire for a railroad trade route to India through the Persian Gulf.

Iraqi Independence Repeated Iraqi uprisings against British control led to the construction of a Hashemite monarchy and parliament, and eventual termination of the British mandate in 1932. The following years were filled with wars and instability, including defeat by the U.K. during WWII.

Continued Instability Fighting between Iraq and Israel led to a massive Iraqi-Jew emigration to Israel between 1948 and 1952. Iraq was proclaimed a republic after a violent overthrow, but the Kurds rebelled in 1961, adding to a list of ruling conflicts and Iraqi problems. In the 1970s, things finally settled as the Kurds achieved greater autonomy and the economy surged due to an oil boom.

Saddam Hussein & the Iran-Iraq War Hussein came into power from the vice-presidency, replacing Ahmed Hasan Al-Bakr; he removed his political rivals . He also started the Iran-Iraq war, which lasted for 8 years, achieved no territory for either side, and compromised a million lives. In 1988, Hussein’s cousin coordinated a genocide on an Iraqi Kurdish village revolting in Iraq, killing an estimated 5,000. Later that year, he accepted the terms of UN Resolution 598 for a ceasefire and peace between the countries.

The Persian Gulf War Hussein then declared war on Kuwait, accusing them of violating oil production standards set by OPEC; the U.S. became involved to protect its interests in Saudi Arabia, and the U.N. Security Council imposed sanctions on Iraq to stop nearly all trade with the country. Iraq responded by annexing Kuwait, prompting the U.N. to authorize the use of force to remove Hussein’s forces. Operation Desert Storm began in Jan. of 1991, with a U.S. aerial bombardment on Baghdad. 140,000 firearms rained on Iraq in six-weeks; the war was declared officially over in April, and as part of the ceasefire agreement, Iraq was to destroy its biological and chemical weapons and facilities to produce them.

The Aftermath Rebellions broke out in southern Iraq and Kurdistan, but were violently stopped by remaining Iraqi forces; an exodus of 2.5 million Kurdish refugees to Turkey and Iran occurred for fear of chemical attacks.

Hussein removed his Interior and Defense Ministers in 1995, replacing them with his two sons and giving them full vicepresidential powers; they have removed most of Hussein’s loyal followers and have acted as bodyguards for their father. The same year, Iraq sent troops into a safety zone in support of a Kurdish group, prompting the U.S. to bomb. The U.N., allowing oil to be sold for food and medicine for the Iraqi people, also started the “oil for food” program.

In 1998, Iraq stopped working with UNSCOM, triggering the U.S. and U.N. to evacuate inspectors and launch Operation Desert Fox, a bombing campaign lasting through the next year. To replace UNSCOM, the U.N. introduced the Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), but Iraq did not agree; the U.N. also removed sanctions.

The War on Terrorism President Bush declared in his State of the Union address that Iraq was a part of the “Axis of Evil,” with Iran and North Korea.

Near the end of 2002, Iraq invited the inspectors to return, but also accused the U.S. of lying to control Iraqi oil and to serve U.S.-Israeli interests. The U.S. urged the U.N. to pressure Iraq to disarm, and Resolution 1441 was passed, asking Iraq to give the Security Council details of their weapon stores and let inspectors in to any sites they suspect. Iraq agreed and inspectors returned on Nov. 26; Iraq also denied having weapons of mass destruction, and said the U.S. and Britain were looking for an excuse to bomb.

The sun is shining, birds are chirping and people are protesting. The scene: Saturday, March 15, more than quarter of a million people throughout the country demonstrated against the Bush Administration’s decision to go to war with Iraq. In Washington, D.C., 100,000 people converged on the mall to take part in a protest against the war, and later take part in a march throughout the city, and I was part of it.

I and five of my friends decided to go to the protest and get in on some of the action. After taking the Metro downtown, I was amazed by the magnitude of people I saw. People of every race and age were heading towards the Washington Monument to where a stage had been set up for the day’s speakers. Among those speaking at the protest included actor and activist Martin Sheen and Michigan Representative John Conyers.

The protest was organized by the International A.N.S.W.E.R. (Act Now to Stop War & End Racism) Coalition, who have also organized and promoted several other anti-war and anti-globalization movements throughout the country.

As I sifted through the crowd and approached the speaker’s stage, there were many sights to behold.

A.N.S.W.E.R. had stands set up that allowed people to sign-up and become an official member of the group and aid in protest organization efforts. Other stands were also set up representing different political parties, such as the Democratic Socialist Party, as well as stands that had

Protesters at work Seniors Jen Stewart, Sarah Sherman and Andrew Satten and juniors Brian Bernhardt and Andrew Menegat protest the U.S. actions in Iraq at an anti-war demonstration in March in Washington, D.C. Anti-war demonstrations have been held throughout the world including several American cities where some protesters were arrested.

pins, bumper stickers and political literature on different crises throughout the world. I purchased a pin with the word ‘war’ crossed out on it, and since I now display it on my backpack at school.

Around noon, after listening to some of the speakers, my friends and I headed over to Constitution Avenue, where other protesters began to gather for the march around the White House. The march took us from Constitution Avenue, up 17th street, around Lafayette Park, down 15th street and then down Pennsylvania Avenue towards the Capitol.

Along the entire march route, police, mounted police and S.W.A.T. Team mem-

bers lined either side of the road as protesters made their way around the White House. Posters and banners of all sizes and shapes, plastered with slogans of peace were paraded on the route by protesters. Among the more out-standing attractions I saw was an oversized puppet of Mother Teresea, held up by several protesters while another chanted through a microphone.

When I started heading down Pennsylvania Avenue, a small coalition of prowar protesters on our left, and while violent words were exchanged between both groups, no violent actions were. At this point however, I had to take the Metro

Fora facilitates student expression “Forum” from p. S1

students to share their personal connections with the war in Iraq.

At the fora, students were allowed to express their feelings and state why they felt the way they did. They were intended to help set up a sense of security for students without the need to worry about being criticized.

In addition to Sengstack, many other guidance counselors were in attendance at the two sessions to help students better express their feelings and facilitate the discussion process. Some of the counselors shared personal accounts of their experiences during the Vietnam War that related to the wartime situation of today.

The Guidance Department was pleased

with the manner in which the “Teen Forums” were conducted and carried out.

Sengstack expressed his overall satisfaction with the smooth operation of the forums.

“They really gave students the chance to let their feelings out, to ensure students that they were safe.”

In order to help parents and teachers deal with students that might be in a state of distress, the National Association of School Psychologists has provided adults with information to help deal with students concerns.

Students are encouraged to consult a teacher or their guidance counselor if they wish to talk about the situation and to express their feelings with another person, as the counselors are “anxious to help.”

War spurs media frenzy work reporters for their task of providing unbiased reporting on the war has backfired in a number of different ways.

NBC reporter Peter Arnett voiced opinions considered to be anti-American conBY REID EDWARDS cerning the changing of American war Managing Editor plans due to unexpected Iraqi resistance.

Despite an apology issued by Arnett, he Twenty-four hour around the clock was fired from his position at NBC. He coverage on cable news stations such as then went on to say that “I gave some MSNBC and CNN has made the United personal observations, some analytical States recent actions in Iraq a virtual observations, which I don’t think are out televised war. The major networks have of line with what experts think.” been providing substantial war coverage Arnett’s recent firing raises the imbreaking in with familiar taglines such portant issue of free speech in America as “America at War” and “Target Iraq.” in terms of news reporters’ ability to voice Newspaper and magazine reporters have their own opinions on issues that conexploited the war at nearly every angle cern all American citizens. from front-page NBC’s major qualm with news to local news Arnett’s statement was as well as style and that they did not give him entertainment repermission to give such reports. ports.

Journalism and The public opinion to reporters have such immense coverage difplayed a large role fers greatly. Late night comin affecting nations edy shows and satirical at war as far back websites have mocked the as the SpanishWashingtonpost.com’s logo for the war. amount of news coverage in American War, Iraq, implying that it is which was actually incited by false newscompletely unnecessary.

An excerpt from paper reports. In fact, throughout the The Onion makes fun of the situation by 20th century the media has never really stating: “Right now, there are roughly been shy to covering wars. However, the 950 network news satellites crammed immense amount of coverage given to the into a 125-cubic-mile area of space above so-called “Operation Iraqi Freedom” is Iraq, with more being launched every unprecedented. day.”

The biggest difference in this war as On a more serious note, many feel compared to wars of the past is the up to that it is harmful to the American modate, real time coverage that has been rale when breaking news informs us of provided by the assistance of overseas tragedies overseas and that the violent cameramen, reporters and stationary content of such coverage is damaging to cameras focused intently on the capital the youth of America. Others feel that it of Baghdad while video is streamed on is their right as a citizen to be informed TV stations during heavy bombing raids. of the current status of the war. AddiNews related websites such as CNN.com tionally, citizens with family members in have pervasive coverage of the war the military serving overseas may dethroughout their main pages often with pend on the constant coverage in order three or four of the top stories concernto ensure the well being or possible peril ing the war in Iraq. of their loved ones.

Large responsibilities placed on net-

Nonstop coverage filled with controversy

back home, but as the news reported, the protest was of overwhelming success.

Throughout the entire day, I only saw three other students from AHS at the protest besides those who were with me.

Looking back on this, there are 2,400 students at AHS representing a multitude of nations and out all of these it appeared to me that only eight of them are concerned about their lives. I do not know every single person at school, but from attending several in-school conferences discussing the war, and from the people I do know, I can tell you that there are a fair number of people at AHS opposed to the war. It is disturbing to think that out of all of my peers at school only a minuscule portion of them chose to exercise their First Amendment rights, whether they are pro-war or anti-war.

If you yourself ever decide to go to a protest there are a couple of item’s suggested by the Ruckus Society, a California-based organization that promotes peace and teaches peaceful protest. The first item would be a lemon and a handkerchief to wrap around your face incase tear gas is used by police, as well as fake blood (kept in a travel-shampoo container) incase you need to get through a crowd quickly. If you are serious about protesting, you should attend a seminar on the tactics of civil disobedience and nonviolence during protests.

For more information on anti-war protests, visit these websites. http:// ruckus.org/, http:// www.internationalanswer.org/, and http:/ /www.globalexchange.org/.

Teachers discuss war in class Class assignments, discussions over war

BY PHILIPPE PODHORECKI Co-Editor in Chief While explaining her PowerPoint presentation on Nixon’s foreign policy in the Middle East to an IB 20th Century Topics class, a hand goes up. The student notices a parallel between the history on the slide and the current events in Iraq.

The class is soon discussing factors, importance, and the actions in the region and the impact on the situation today.

This is commonplace in history and government teacher Mary Richardson’s class where most days contain at least a minimal discussion on the war against Iraq; usually her classes draw connections between current events and the similarities to the past. “There are parallels in history that are not identical but similar. There are certain factors that stay with us [...] and when you can draw a parallel between these factors that are similar or different from today, than you can get an insight into history that may or may not have meaning for what’s going to happen tomorrow,” said Richardson.

Citing an example of this, Richardson said, “The U.S. technology is an important factor in Iraq, students can see that, so when we talk about technology [...] of the Cold War, students can readily see how technology can determine the outcome.”

While Richardson doesn’t regularly require research on the war or the diplomatic implications, it is often incoporated into the classroom through her AP Government’s news logs or by questions by students that don’t understand why the war is being fought.

Government teacher Fred Zuniga also believes that using current

events to teach history is very beneficial. He has given his AP Government class an assignment that focuses not on the war, but on the aftermath. His classes must read a packet of articles taken from newspapers that are either for or against going to the U.N. for support after the war. He believes it gives students the ability to “play president” and “debate the sides of going to the U.N.”. “Every kid is a voter, and the president has proposed a program, this makes it political and the kids should be able to decide which [side] to support,” Zuniga said.

Richardson has noticed that each of her three classes, AP Government, Government and IB 20th Century Zuniga To p i c s , have had a different emphasis on the war. Her AP class has talked the least about the war due to their largely theological focus, whereas her Government class has asked numerous questions. “The IB course couldn’t have been more perfect [to work with current events],” said Richardson. For the first year of the course at AHS, one of the topics of study was “the causes of war” which has allowed students to draw conclusions between the past and present.

Richardson doesn’t believe that the war should dominate the class but, like some students, believes that it is a good topics of discussion. “It’s essential, in history and government classes, to discuss current events and even though its [a] sensitive issue, discussing it is the only way to exchange ideas and to learn what’s going on,” said senior Jim Hamilton.

CHAE-WHA PARK

While the war has been a topic of discussion, not many know the history of Iraq’s trouble. In the 20th century, the nation went through many changes. Here is an overview:

BY JOHN REISS Staff Writer

JOHN REISS

HOW IT HAPPENED

History and Government teacher Mary Richardsonexplains her PowerPoint presentation to her W2 IB 20th Century Topics class. Students discuss the war and its relation to the past in this class, drawing parallels to the present.