Issue 12

a

Blast

the Wednesday, May 1, 2002 Volume #47 Issue 12

Numerous electives canceled

to be at least 20 students enrolled within that particular course.”

Fifty-six students were Juniors will feel the course disappointmented when they cuts most sharply. Numerous received news that one of their students were interested in the electives had been canceled due to Painting and Ceramics class. It a lack of participation. Low levels appealed to many rising juniors of student interest made it due to the fact that no prerequiimpossible for sites were some classes to needed in order remain open as CANCELED ELECTIVES to enter the part of next year’s course. “The past • Creative Writing curriculum. “It few years I • Word Processing happens every haven’t had • Sports Medicine year,” said room in my • Intro. to Food Occupations Guidance schedule to take • Early Child Care I, II Director Steve any electives for • Painting and Ceramics Sengstack. myself,” said • Int’l Percussion Ensemble “Actually, this junior Danielle • Business Law year fewer classes Briggs. “I really • Business Management were canceled • Algebra One Plus wanted to join than usual.” some form of art However, where I could be Creative Writing, Word Processfree to express myself and not ing, Sports Medicine, Introduction have the course restraints that to Food Occupations, Early Child Art One has, Painting and Care I and II, Painting and Ceramics offered me this Ceramics, International Percussion Ensemble, Business Law and opportunity.”

Many of the courses canceled Business Management and were of a more obscure nature, Algebra I Plus were all dropped which is part of the reason that from the schedule within the last they were not highly popular month. “There just weren’t among the student body. Many of enough students willing to the cancelled courses were not participate,” said guidance publicized, which translated into counselor Jennifer Crump-

by Aminah Kakeh Staff Writer

Strawderman. “In order to have a teacher teach a course there needs

“Electives” con’t on p. 5

Prom celebrations underway

by Paul Gleason Staff Writer

Nine days and counting! With just over a week to go before Prom, seniors are getting ready for the evening vaunted to be one of the highlights of their high school careers. Tickets of $60 per couple and $30 per individual have already gone on sale, and expectations are high for the dance to be held at the Reston Sheraton from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

In the final days before the big night, seniors are making final preparations on where to eat, how to get there, and more. Traditional favorite restaurants

include Morton’s at Tyson’s, the Chart House in Alexandria, and the Sequoia in Georgetown.

“Prom is usually a busy time. We normally get groups of about 4 to 8 people for dances like Homecoming and Prom,” said Mike’s American Grill employee Christie Durkinson.

The Prom songlist is just as important to seniors as gastronomical needs.

Students have indicated preference for songs by artists like Fat Joe, Ja Rule, Faith Evans, and Mary J Blidge by writing in requests during recent lunch periods.

Regarding

Senior Nicole Murphy tries on a prom dress. “It’s stressful, but I’m excited about going to two proms,” she said.

Murphy plans on going to Woodson’s prom in addition to AHS’s.

SHANT SHAHRIGIAN

by Aminah Kakeh Staff Writer

ANDREW MENEGAT

Junior Ryan Teichler entertains the audience during junior Eric Rooney’s election speech. Rooney was elected Secretary.

Borowski, distributed packs of gum to the junior class in an effort to elicit their vote. This is a campaign technique he has utilized previously in his two years of campaigning under the guise of his ‘Big Red’

motif, which corresponds with his red hair. All his efforts were preapproved by Jack Hiatt prior to their implementation. He again promised to utilize many more new, creative fund raising

Atoms to go clubbing ‘fore’ fundraiser

by Shant Shahrigian Co-Editor in Chief

Since its inception in 1998, the Red and White Golf Classic has proven to be the school’s most successful fundraiser. This year’s tournament will be held on May 15 at the East Golf Course of Andrews Air Force Base. Tournament director and AHS parent Steve Lugar hopes that it will raise at least as much as last year’s did, which he said was between $15,000 and $16,000.

Roughly 120 golfers and numerous sponsors participated in last year’s tournament, a number which Lugar said “we’re shooting for this year.” The registration fee is $90 per golfer for 18 holes, breakfast and lunch, and a chance at prizes ranging from gift certificates to a Cadillac donated by Moore Cadillac. A raffle will also be drawn for two U.S. Airways round-trip tickets.

“We want to have a good time,” said Lugar, “It’s been a lot of fun over the last few years.”

For information on how to register or sponsor, contact Lugar at (703) 425-6750. The registration deadline is May 8.

w

4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003 703.642.4229

h t t p : / / w w w. f c p s . k 1 2 . v a . u s / A n n a n d a l e H S / A B l a s t / 2 0 0 2

Class representatives chosen “The ‘Rock’ and Satten united as one, will get the job done,” said Anteneh Addisu, the candidate for next year’s senior presidency.

Speeches like this occurred throughout April 29 during Flex as the freshmen, sophomores and juniors made their choices on who will lead them in the 2002-2003 school year.

The aura of the last week has been significantly tense and nervewracking for the candidates.

Many candidates were seen utilizing last minute campaigning techniques and in some cases, controversial techniques in order to ensure a vote on the competitive ballot.

Former two-year President of the class of 2003, Michael

ANNANDALE HIGH S CHOOL

Informing the Atoms since 1954

SHANT SHAHRIGIAN

Senior Paul Kehrer browses at Master’s Tuxedo on Columbia Pike. “I’m looking forward to Prom because it’ll be one of the last times I see my friends,” he said.

wardrobe, the school plays it role to ensure that all students can attend Prom. The National Honor Society (NHS) planned to put on a dress sale, but it was cancelled as it conflicted with the KADA festival.

However, Prom dressess are being made available every day after school this week in the cafeteria courtesy of donors to the NHS. In addition, the class of 2003 is selling boutonnieres and coursages for $10 each during all lunches.

Most seniors attend prom in a large group, with dates within the group. Many seniors find that going with a large group is much harder though than going in

couples. Planning for large groups can be a daunting task. Those who choose to to do so can have trouble finding restaurants, limousines are difficult to rent and prices can get expensive, and other accomodations. Prices can range $60 to $90 per person for a 10person limousine.

Every year the administration worries about drinking, before and after the Prom. The administration tries to find ways to help prevent the use of alcohol before prom, by working out deals with limousine companies.

“Prom” con’t on p. 5

Lunches to be added

techniques. “Our voice will be heard, success depends on experienced leaders,” said Borowski.

‘Big Red,’ however, was beat out by a new face for Annandale’s rising junior class, our very own ‘Rock’ impersonator Anteneh Addisu, who is coming back to represent his class; he had previously been his class treasurer.

His endorsement of increased fund raising and his comical appeal delighted his fellow peers. “The ‘people’s champ’ saw that the Borowski administration wasn’t fit, so the ‘Rock’ laid the smack down and took over,” said Addiso during his campaign speech.

Addisu maintained a close alliance with the class’ former

by Wala’a Elbarasse Staff Writer

As the sixth bell rings and C lunch begins, junior Cynthia Alban lets out a sigh of relief and begins to shuffle her papers together. “Listening to 6 bells during class is really distracting, it just makes me more anxious for lunch,” said Alban.

Because of the growing number of students next year, a new lunch plan will be needed to help relieve the congested lunch periods. “We’re probably going to have anywhere between a 100 and 150 additional students, somewhere between 2,450 and 2,500 students,” said Assistant Principal Jon Fredrickson.

“The first one [lunch] would start and maybe 15 minutes

later another group [of students] would come down and then 15 minutes later another group [of students] would come down, it would be a rolling schedule.

That’s an interesting concept but it causes some problems because the kids, when their lunch is over, they need to go...The good news would be that the lunches would be much smaller and you can go through lines a lot quicker,” said Fredrickson.

If the administration agrees on this new lunch plan that will include 7 continuous lunches without bells, there might be an end in sight for Alban and the rest of the student body that see the bell schedule as disruptive “Lunches” con’t on p. 5

“Elections” con’t on p. 5

Atoms logo races down speedways

by Shant Shahrigian Co-Editor in Chief

Professional racing fans are used to seeing a plethora of commercial logos covering their favorite stock cars from hood to trunk. But since photography teacher Scott Saylor and three AHS alumni joined a United Speed Alliance Racing (USAR) team, fans can now see a different kind of logo hurl down raceways: the Annandale Atom.

The same logo which adorns the helmets of the football team can be seen above the rear tires of USAR stock car #32, a Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Saylor is the car’s fuel man; three-year AHS student and class of 1980 graduate Boyd Long, driver and owner; class of 1970 graduate Conrad “Butch” Manning, public relations

COURTESY STEVE SAYLOR

Former AHS student Boyd Long in front of stock car #32, which he races and owns. The Atoms logo is above the rear tire. Photography teacher Steve Saylor is on the far right and class of 2001 graduate Jason Minor is fifth from left.

director; and class of 2001 graduate Jason Minor, front tire changer. “We put the sticker on the car out of loyalty to the school,” said Saylor. Saylor’s team does not

receive any sort of funding from the school.

The four make up part of the year-old Capitol Motorsports team, which operates “Logo” con’t on p. 5

hat’s inside

3 Got milk? Your cafeteria dairy options may soon change. An opinion piece on the subject.

10 Prom is just around the corner. Check out the details behind the upcoming “Enchanted Evening.”

13 The IB Art Festival was just held. Check out works that students prepared for their classes.

20 Summertime, and the livin’s... tasty. Find out what local ice cream shops have to offer.

By Ryan Croft Sports Editor

by Chae-Wha Park and Katie Clark

BY CHAE-WHA PARK AND KATIE CLARK

The weekend of April 19-22 welcomed tens of thousands of demonstrators to Washington, D.C. Protesters met to voice their concerns for many different policies including the Administration’s support of Ariel Sharon to the School of the Americas and American’s foreign policy in war-torn Columbia. Though the protesters were completely peaceful, they were surrounded by hundreds of police officers, many equipped in riot gear and all with batons in hand. Additionally, surveillance cameras and helicopters captured every moment of the marches. This sort of superfluous intimidation threatens the sense of freeexpression America is so proud of and resembled the sort of police control illustrated by George Orwell’s 1984.

Don’t mess around with milk Sl an t

Sa tten ’s

editorials

The most dangerous country in the world

2002 or 1984?

Andrew Satten Editorials Editor

Ever since the school milk pouch debacle of six years ago (those baggy-like containers that replaced cartons and made milk appear so undesirable that many students refused to drink it), one would have thought that school officials would have learned their lesson about straying from traditional school milk.

Nevertheless, a campaign is being waged to provide, and in some cases completely replace, traditional school milk with soy milk.

The effort to bring soy milk to school lunches was initiated after a few parents complained that their lactose intolerant students were not able to consume the milk from cows. Though lactose intolerant students have a right to be offered an alternative to satisfy their nutritional needs, including soy milk as part of school lunches is not the solution.

Soy milk is produced by boiling, grinding and extracting parts of the soy bean. This liquid substance is then injected with flavors, usually vanilla, to enhance taste. Due to the nutrients in soy milk, it is more easily digested by the human body than milk from a cow.

Introducing a daily supply of soy milk to public schools would be a costly venture for the school system. The U.S. department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration do not endorse soy milk for school aged kids, and therefore would not reimburse the county for its purchase as it does for regular milk and other foods. Schools such as AHS, with a large percentage of students on free or reduced lunch, would be especially hard hit, as they would receive no compensation under the federally assisted meal plan for soy milk.

Aside from a small minority of vocal parents, there is no demand for the county to order a daily supply of soy milk. Those who suffer from being lactose intolerant already are offered a variety of alternatives from the cow’s milk that is served at school.

A few years ago Fairfax County made available an array of juices that are fortified with the same calcium levels as milk. Further, if students simply bring in a doctor’s note they can be supplied with their choice of lactose-free cow’s milk, soy milk or rice milk. Currently at AHS, no complaints have been brought to the cafeteria management staff regarding lactose intolerant options, and no one has brought in a doctor’s note requesting an alternative to the offered milks.

With all of these options available, is it really necessary to invest in soy milk, a product that is substantially more expensive than regular milk? Cafeteria Manager John Fiorenza sees no need for the introduction of soy milk into school lunches. Fiorenza also runs the Healthier Deli, a Georgetown restaurant that specializes health foods, yet has no demand from its customers for soy milk.

Those parents who are lobbying for soy milk also fail to understand what being lactose intolerant truly means.

The vast majority of kids who are lactose intolerant are still able to consume two glasses of milk a day without ex- periencing any reactions. Further, if food is consumed while drinking milk, as it is during school lunches, milk is even more easily consumed by those that are lactose intolerant.

Considering that such a small minority are even affected by this condition, completely revamping the school lunch program is not justified.

Though soy milk has proved to be an effective product, it is far

inferior to cow’s milk in the nutritional value that growing kids’ demand. Milk is considered an essential component of childrens’ diets by a host of nutritional organizations including the National Institute of Child Health and Development and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Cow’s milk has more calcium, along with significant amounts of vitamins D, A and B and potassium, essential nutrients that soy milk lacks.

Further, the vast majority of students are not interested in drinking soy milk.

It has a distinctively different taste than cow’s milk, and forcing this product on students who are unaccustomed to soy milk and are generally happy with what they are currently being served would be a mistake.

Billions of dollars are spent on the popular “Got Milk?” campaign and replacing cow’s milk with soy milk would have a devastating impact on the effort to get kids to drink more milk and prevent future health conditions such as Osteoporosis. Milk has been at the foundation of human nutritional needs for hundreds of years, and replacing it with soy milk, a product that does offer benefits to some groups and has its proper place in our school lunches, does not do justice to this staple beverage.

PHOTO BY ANDREW SATTEN

Bush should support land mine ban Late last month, a Navy SEAL was killed in detonate, and the foot of a child is as likely to Afghanistan. No, he didn’t die at the hands of detonate one as the boot of a soldier. an al Qaeda or Taliban operative, but because But technicalities on differences between of something equally devious: a land mine. mines which are “smart” and those which are That incident is just one example of the not are secondary. In today’s military dangers of land mines. But Afghanistan is not environment, neither type serves any the only country plagued with them. Nations practical function. Mines were not used in the throughout the globe are covered in countless Persian Gulf War. Mines are not necessary in thousands of mines, and innocents are often North Korea, either; in a recent letter to the the victims. President George W. Bush should President, numerous American commanders join the international initiative to ban land of forces in Korea along with other military Shant Shahrigian mine use and sign the Mine Ban Treaty of experts testified that mines serve no function 1997. in the region.

Co-Editor in Chief Over three-quarters of the world’s nations, Most importantly, mines are deadly, including every North Atlantic Treaty Organiindiscriminate weapons which the United zation (NATO) member except for the United States and States has no business using as a world leader. According to Turkey—a country with a questionable human rights record— the Vietnam Veterans Association of America, land mines kill have signed the Mine Ban Treaty. The treaty stipulates that over 26,000 innocent civilians every year. If the U.S. takes a participants discontinue use, production and stockpile of leadership role in the campaign against land mines, remaining mines, that all stockpiles be destroyed within four years, and mine-using nations will that mines be cleared from the participant’s territories within follow and mine use will ten years. In an era when America is becoming increasingly cease. and mines have need unilateralist, the nation can afford to exhibit a multilateral There is no reason to lessly ruined or claimed mind set and earn favor among allies by signing the treaty. support the use of land the lives of countless America may have reason to defy the international community mines. The United States victims. by refusing to adhere to, for example, the Kyoto Protocol, but needs to return to the world this is one area where the country has nothing to lose by community. Mines have abiding by the standards of the world community. needlessly ruined or Critics of the treaty have argued that it should not ban claimed the lives of countless civilians. If the nation signs the “smart” mines which self-destruct after a certain period. treaty, it will set the international standard that a superpower However, the reasoning that such mines do not hurt noncomlike us should. batants is flawed. Many “smart” mines do not always self-

Shantsense

l

For 38 years, the South American country of Colombia has been fighting a bloody civil war. Rival factions have engaged in a brutal “hot war” pitted against the government and one another, all in an effort to attain more control the production stage of the lucrative global drug trading network. According to the CIA, Colombia is not only the world’s leading coca cultivator and processor, but is responsible for 90% of the cocaine in the United States and the great majority of the other international markets.

In the post Sept. 11th world, the crisis in Colombia has received more worldly attention because these guerillas are now identified as international terrorists (although they do not pose a direct threat to U.S. national security). To expand the War on Terrorism, the Bush Administration should adopt a new foreign policy to Colombia focusing on providing the peasant farmers of Colombia agricultural alternatives as ` opposed to destroying their coca crops.

The guerilla forces, previously based solely out of rural areas, have now made their presence felt in major cities through car bombings, murders, hijackings and kidnappings.

The goal of each terrorist attack is to strike fear in the hearts of the politicians in major cities. Although thousands die at the hands of the guerillas each year, it has become apparent that these organizations have no intention of overthrowing the government. After nearly 40 years of unsuccessful peace talks, it seems the guerillas prefer maintaining the status quo (and keeping drug profits) as opposed to a Marxist revolution. These groups are powered financially by ties to coca manufacturing and exportation as well as ransom payments. Recently, a popular trend for guerrilla groups in Colombia has been to kidnap tourists or politicians at roadblocks to murder or hold for ransom. At a rate of over 3,000 people, more people are kidnapped each year in Colombia than any other country in the world.

Incidents like these show why the U.S. State Department has named Colombia arguably the most dangerous country in the world.

Andres Pastrana, the The largest, best trained and best president of outfitted organization in Colombia is Colombia the anti-U.S.. Marxist group, the FARC (translated acronym: Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia). The group is a hybrid between a political insurgency group with a narco-trafficking organization. Its main priority is to conduct violent attacks against the country’s military and political targets. FARC rebels frequently engage in illegal activities such as kidnapping for ransom, bank robberies, murders and drug trafficking.

According to Colombian native and foreign language teacher Antonio Rivadeneira, Colombia has changed in two distinct ways since the early 1990s. While working as a government lawyer, Rivadeneira first noticed a positive social change, signified by a considerable end to the corruption of law enforcement and political officials who previously were bought to serve in favor of the narco-traffickers.

Conversely, a negative change has been on the ailing economy, which has been devastated by a severe loss in “black money” (profits from the multi-billion dollar drug trafficking industry).

Only since the Clinton Administration has the U.S. taken any serious steps towards helping the turbulent country. For the past 40 years, attempted peace talks with the FARC resumes after any Presidential election, but so far, none have been successful. After President Andres Pastrana took office in 1998, he was committed to reducing the supply of narcotics while at the same time, strengthening the democracy and economy of the nation. With the initiation of Plan Colombia in 1998, the United States pledged monetary aid to help Pastrana create jobs, build government infrastructure and provide services which tens of thousands of Colombians currently benefit from. Unfortunately, the U.S. also pledged to combat the drug production by means of eradicating coca cultivation though aerial fumigation.

Tens of thousands of Columbia’s flag gallons of the herbicide glyphosphate has been used to wipe out coca and opium crops. Problem is, these toxins will also be dropped on family farms, bean fields, banana plantations and the lush Amazon rainforest. (After getting a firsthand look at the Amazon rainforest on a visit to neighboring Ecuador, I am steadfast in this belief: The U.S. has no business destroying one of the most pristine regions of the earth and eventually hurt the already ailing Colombian economy when U.S. demand is at the root of the initial problem.) Fumigation is not only bad for the environment, but it also hurts the peasant Colombian farmers looking to make a living more than it helps the cause in our War on Drugs. Eradication is not only unethical, but more costly. A 1994 RAND Corporation study concluded that to reduce cocaine use in the United States by 1%, it would cost $34 million in domestic treatment programs compared to the $750 million in coca annihilation.

After investing over $18 billion in the War on Drugs last year and $1.3 to Colombia alone, how can the United States explain a 25% increase in the Colombian coca production?

The United States has a flawed agenda in its War on Drugs, specifically in Colombia. The government focuses on a short-term fix (fumigation and counter narcotics) to brush aside the most glaring problem: the unyielding demand in America. Why put the money into destroying the livelihood of destitute Colombian farmers through fumigation and counter narcotics when it could be better spent curbing the demand here in the U.S.?

But, cutting demand in the United States is only half the solution and we cannot just leave Colombia out to dry.

Assistance in the form of U.S. training, money and military equipment for the government would help protect citizens against the terrorists, which now operate relatively freely.

The funds can be used to promote the cultivation of other major exports: coffee, bananas, flowers, cocoa and possibly to tap oil reserves. In addition, the monetary relief aid can be used to fight unemployment, build government infrastructure and provide government services to the Colombian people (the initial goal of Clinton/Pastana’s Plan Colombia).

It’s time for the U.S. to adopt a more sensible foreign policy to Colombia.

UNC breaks with binding early decision, tries to establish trend LOGIC — The University believed that the early decision process pressured students into prematurely selecting a school that they had to attend, adding stress to the already unpleasant application process.

POOR DISADVANTAGED — Those students who are in need of financial aid were placed at a disadvantage by early decision, as they could not pledge to attend a university without knowing if they were eligible for financial aid.

NATIONAL SUPPORT —Though UNC is the first to drop its early decision program, colleges around the country have acknowledged the problems that accompany the system. Yale President Richard Levin also endorsed UNC’s decision, and proposed that the Ivy League should also do away with early decision.

UNIVERSITY OPPOSITION — Many schools support early decision as it enhances their ranking by bettering their yield, the percentage of students that attend a school after being accepted.

EARLY ACTION — UNC has opted to retain its early action option, which allows students to apply early, yet is not binding.

aBlast

the

Wednesday, May 1, 2002

3

By Ryan Croft Sports Editor

by Chae-Wha Park and Katie Clark

BY CHAE-WHA PARK AND KATIE CLARK

The weekend of April 19-22 welcomed tens of thousands of demonstrators to Washington, D.C. Protesters met to voice their concerns for many different policies including the Administration’s support of Ariel Sharon to the School of the Americas and American’s foreign policy in war-torn Columbia. Though the protesters were completely peaceful, they were surrounded by hundreds of police officers, many equipped in riot gear and all with batons in hand. Additionally, surveillance cameras and helicopters captured every moment of the marches. This sort of superfluous intimidation threatens the sense of freeexpression America is so proud of and resembled the sort of police control illustrated by George Orwell’s 1984.

Don’t mess around with milk Sl an t

Sa tten ’s

editorials

The most dangerous country in the world

2002 or 1984?

Andrew Satten Editorials Editor

Ever since the school milk pouch debacle of six years ago (those baggy-like containers that replaced cartons and made milk appear so undesirable that many students refused to drink it), one would have thought that school officials would have learned their lesson about straying from traditional school milk.

Nevertheless, a campaign is being waged to provide, and in some cases completely replace, traditional school milk with soy milk.

The effort to bring soy milk to school lunches was initiated after a few parents complained that their lactose intolerant students were not able to consume the milk from cows. Though lactose intolerant students have a right to be offered an alternative to satisfy their nutritional needs, including soy milk as part of school lunches is not the solution.

Soy milk is produced by boiling, grinding and extracting parts of the soy bean. This liquid substance is then injected with flavors, usually vanilla, to enhance taste. Due to the nutrients in soy milk, it is more easily digested by the human body than milk from a cow.

Introducing a daily supply of soy milk to public schools would be a costly venture for the school system. The U.S. department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration do not endorse soy milk for school aged kids, and therefore would not reimburse the county for its purchase as it does for regular milk and other foods. Schools such as AHS, with a large percentage of students on free or reduced lunch, would be especially hard hit, as they would receive no compensation under the federally assisted meal plan for soy milk.

Aside from a small minority of vocal parents, there is no demand for the county to order a daily supply of soy milk. Those who suffer from being lactose intolerant already are offered a variety of alternatives from the cow’s milk that is served at school.

A few years ago Fairfax County made available an array of juices that are fortified with the same calcium levels as milk. Further, if students simply bring in a doctor’s note they can be supplied with their choice of lactose-free cow’s milk, soy milk or rice milk. Currently at AHS, no complaints have been brought to the cafeteria management staff regarding lactose intolerant options, and no one has brought in a doctor’s note requesting an alternative to the offered milks.

With all of these options available, is it really necessary to invest in soy milk, a product that is substantially more expensive than regular milk? Cafeteria Manager John Fiorenza sees no need for the introduction of soy milk into school lunches. Fiorenza also runs the Healthier Deli, a Georgetown restaurant that specializes health foods, yet has no demand from its customers for soy milk.

Those parents who are lobbying for soy milk also fail to understand what being lactose intolerant truly means.

The vast majority of kids who are lactose intolerant are still able to consume two glasses of milk a day without ex- periencing any reactions. Further, if food is consumed while drinking milk, as it is during school lunches, milk is even more easily consumed by those that are lactose intolerant.

Considering that such a small minority are even affected by this condition, completely revamping the school lunch program is not justified.

Though soy milk has proved to be an effective product, it is far

inferior to cow’s milk in the nutritional value that growing kids’ demand. Milk is considered an essential component of childrens’ diets by a host of nutritional organizations including the National Institute of Child Health and Development and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Cow’s milk has more calcium, along with significant amounts of vitamins D, A and B and potassium, essential nutrients that soy milk lacks.

Further, the vast majority of students are not interested in drinking soy milk.

It has a distinctively different taste than cow’s milk, and forcing this product on students who are unaccustomed to soy milk and are generally happy with what they are currently being served would be a mistake.

Billions of dollars are spent on the popular “Got Milk?” campaign and replacing cow’s milk with soy milk would have a devastating impact on the effort to get kids to drink more milk and prevent future health conditions such as Osteoporosis. Milk has been at the foundation of human nutritional needs for hundreds of years, and replacing it with soy milk, a product that does offer benefits to some groups and has its proper place in our school lunches, does not do justice to this staple beverage.

PHOTO BY ANDREW SATTEN

Bush should support land mine ban Late last month, a Navy SEAL was killed in detonate, and the foot of a child is as likely to Afghanistan. No, he didn’t die at the hands of detonate one as the boot of a soldier. an al Qaeda or Taliban operative, but because But technicalities on differences between of something equally devious: a land mine. mines which are “smart” and those which are That incident is just one example of the not are secondary. In today’s military dangers of land mines. But Afghanistan is not environment, neither type serves any the only country plagued with them. Nations practical function. Mines were not used in the throughout the globe are covered in countless Persian Gulf War. Mines are not necessary in thousands of mines, and innocents are often North Korea, either; in a recent letter to the the victims. President George W. Bush should President, numerous American commanders join the international initiative to ban land of forces in Korea along with other military Shant Shahrigian mine use and sign the Mine Ban Treaty of experts testified that mines serve no function 1997. in the region.

Co-Editor in Chief Over three-quarters of the world’s nations, Most importantly, mines are deadly, including every North Atlantic Treaty Organiindiscriminate weapons which the United zation (NATO) member except for the United States and States has no business using as a world leader. According to Turkey—a country with a questionable human rights record— the Vietnam Veterans Association of America, land mines kill have signed the Mine Ban Treaty. The treaty stipulates that over 26,000 innocent civilians every year. If the U.S. takes a participants discontinue use, production and stockpile of leadership role in the campaign against land mines, remaining mines, that all stockpiles be destroyed within four years, and mine-using nations will that mines be cleared from the participant’s territories within follow and mine use will ten years. In an era when America is becoming increasingly cease. and mines have need unilateralist, the nation can afford to exhibit a multilateral There is no reason to lessly ruined or claimed mind set and earn favor among allies by signing the treaty. support the use of land the lives of countless America may have reason to defy the international community mines. The United States victims. by refusing to adhere to, for example, the Kyoto Protocol, but needs to return to the world this is one area where the country has nothing to lose by community. Mines have abiding by the standards of the world community. needlessly ruined or Critics of the treaty have argued that it should not ban claimed the lives of countless civilians. If the nation signs the “smart” mines which self-destruct after a certain period. treaty, it will set the international standard that a superpower However, the reasoning that such mines do not hurt noncomlike us should. batants is flawed. Many “smart” mines do not always self-

Shantsense

l

For 38 years, the South American country of Colombia has been fighting a bloody civil war. Rival factions have engaged in a brutal “hot war” pitted against the government and one another, all in an effort to attain more control the production stage of the lucrative global drug trading network. According to the CIA, Colombia is not only the world’s leading coca cultivator and processor, but is responsible for 90% of the cocaine in the United States and the great majority of the other international markets.

In the post Sept. 11th world, the crisis in Colombia has received more worldly attention because these guerillas are now identified as international terrorists (although they do not pose a direct threat to U.S. national security). To expand the War on Terrorism, the Bush Administration should adopt a new foreign policy to Colombia focusing on providing the peasant farmers of Colombia agricultural alternatives as ` opposed to destroying their coca crops.

The guerilla forces, previously based solely out of rural areas, have now made their presence felt in major cities through car bombings, murders, hijackings and kidnappings.

The goal of each terrorist attack is to strike fear in the hearts of the politicians in major cities. Although thousands die at the hands of the guerillas each year, it has become apparent that these organizations have no intention of overthrowing the government. After nearly 40 years of unsuccessful peace talks, it seems the guerillas prefer maintaining the status quo (and keeping drug profits) as opposed to a Marxist revolution. These groups are powered financially by ties to coca manufacturing and exportation as well as ransom payments. Recently, a popular trend for guerrilla groups in Colombia has been to kidnap tourists or politicians at roadblocks to murder or hold for ransom. At a rate of over 3,000 people, more people are kidnapped each year in Colombia than any other country in the world.

Incidents like these show why the U.S. State Department has named Colombia arguably the most dangerous country in the world.

Andres Pastrana, the The largest, best trained and best president of outfitted organization in Colombia is Colombia the anti-U.S.. Marxist group, the FARC (translated acronym: Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia). The group is a hybrid between a political insurgency group with a narco-trafficking organization. Its main priority is to conduct violent attacks against the country’s military and political targets. FARC rebels frequently engage in illegal activities such as kidnapping for ransom, bank robberies, murders and drug trafficking.

According to Colombian native and foreign language teacher Antonio Rivadeneira, Colombia has changed in two distinct ways since the early 1990s. While working as a government lawyer, Rivadeneira first noticed a positive social change, signified by a considerable end to the corruption of law enforcement and political officials who previously were bought to serve in favor of the narco-traffickers.

Conversely, a negative change has been on the ailing economy, which has been devastated by a severe loss in “black money” (profits from the multi-billion dollar drug trafficking industry).

Only since the Clinton Administration has the U.S. taken any serious steps towards helping the turbulent country. For the past 40 years, attempted peace talks with the FARC resumes after any Presidential election, but so far, none have been successful. After President Andres Pastrana took office in 1998, he was committed to reducing the supply of narcotics while at the same time, strengthening the democracy and economy of the nation. With the initiation of Plan Colombia in 1998, the United States pledged monetary aid to help Pastrana create jobs, build government infrastructure and provide services which tens of thousands of Colombians currently benefit from. Unfortunately, the U.S. also pledged to combat the drug production by means of eradicating coca cultivation though aerial fumigation.

Tens of thousands of Columbia’s flag gallons of the herbicide glyphosphate has been used to wipe out coca and opium crops. Problem is, these toxins will also be dropped on family farms, bean fields, banana plantations and the lush Amazon rainforest. (After getting a firsthand look at the Amazon rainforest on a visit to neighboring Ecuador, I am steadfast in this belief: The U.S. has no business destroying one of the most pristine regions of the earth and eventually hurt the already ailing Colombian economy when U.S. demand is at the root of the initial problem.) Fumigation is not only bad for the environment, but it also hurts the peasant Colombian farmers looking to make a living more than it helps the cause in our War on Drugs. Eradication is not only unethical, but more costly. A 1994 RAND Corporation study concluded that to reduce cocaine use in the United States by 1%, it would cost $34 million in domestic treatment programs compared to the $750 million in coca annihilation.

After investing over $18 billion in the War on Drugs last year and $1.3 to Colombia alone, how can the United States explain a 25% increase in the Colombian coca production?

The United States has a flawed agenda in its War on Drugs, specifically in Colombia. The government focuses on a short-term fix (fumigation and counter narcotics) to brush aside the most glaring problem: the unyielding demand in America. Why put the money into destroying the livelihood of destitute Colombian farmers through fumigation and counter narcotics when it could be better spent curbing the demand here in the U.S.?

But, cutting demand in the United States is only half the solution and we cannot just leave Colombia out to dry.

Assistance in the form of U.S. training, money and military equipment for the government would help protect citizens against the terrorists, which now operate relatively freely.

The funds can be used to promote the cultivation of other major exports: coffee, bananas, flowers, cocoa and possibly to tap oil reserves. In addition, the monetary relief aid can be used to fight unemployment, build government infrastructure and provide government services to the Colombian people (the initial goal of Clinton/Pastana’s Plan Colombia).

It’s time for the U.S. to adopt a more sensible foreign policy to Colombia.

UNC breaks with binding early decision, tries to establish trend LOGIC — The University believed that the early decision process pressured students into prematurely selecting a school that they had to attend, adding stress to the already unpleasant application process.

POOR DISADVANTAGED — Those students who are in need of financial aid were placed at a disadvantage by early decision, as they could not pledge to attend a university without knowing if they were eligible for financial aid.

NATIONAL SUPPORT —Though UNC is the first to drop its early decision program, colleges around the country have acknowledged the problems that accompany the system. Yale President Richard Levin also endorsed UNC’s decision, and proposed that the Ivy League should also do away with early decision.

UNIVERSITY OPPOSITION — Many schools support early decision as it enhances their ranking by bettering their yield, the percentage of students that attend a school after being accepted.

EARLY ACTION — UNC has opted to retain its early action option, which allows students to apply early, yet is not binding.

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AHS MAY BIRTHDAYS May 1 David Bernfeld 18 Brigheet Meneses 15 Awara Nuri 17 Erin Pak 18 Norma San-RomanPachacama 17 Sarah Sherman 17 Antonio Taylor 15 May 2 Israel Camacho 20 Rizwan Chaudry 17 Brenda Conteh 16 Maria Farfan Fernandez 18 Elizabeth Hopson 18 Gregory Karch 18 Lillian Le 16 Victor Mansaray 18 Hung Nguyen 18 Nam Tran 15 May 3 Corey Edwards 18 Pedro Gonzalez 19 Jean-Marc Romain 18 Elaine Ubas 17 Fredis Ventura 17 May 4 Sori Farid Modi 18 Ajmal Rafiq 16 Dorothy Steinberg 17 Stephan Walton 16 May 5 Young-Shin Choi 17 Erin Fagot 18 Ji-Yeh Kim 17 Poria Moridzadeh 16 An Nguyen 17 Orlando Pham 15 May 6 Jordan Bonds 17 Dustin Bridge 15 Rebecca Kraushaar 16 Maria Menocal 17 Elizabeth Nettles 16 Katharine Perry 15 May 7 Natalia Aguirre-Vargas 15 Maryam Pourrabi 15 May 8 Yasmeen Al-Suqi 15 Eugenia Choque-Rios 17 Diana Hollingsworth 15 Kari Kraus 17 Xiao Jun Li 15 Joshua Mossman 18 Catherine O’Neill 18 Rony Ortiz 15 Nathan Williams 15 May 9 Christopher Bagot 18 Douglas Clavel 16 Elmer Barahona 18 Helen Johnston 15 David Vollrath 15

Singers travel to Canada

Key Club awarded

Chorus to compete during annual spring trip

by Saman Hussain Staff Writer

by Rachel Jones and Saman Hussain Staff Writer

Over 100 choral students will load the buses and prepare for a 12 hour bus ride to Toronto, Canada today for their spring trip and competitions. This will be their first trip out of the country.

Once at Toronto the singers will get serious and prepare for competitions. They will be competing internationally against other high shcool choruses. There will be an awards ceremony the last day.

The four choruses, Annandale Singers, Women’s Ensemble, Mixed Chorus and Men’s Choral will all participate on the spring trip.

The trip, which cost $350 per person, will be a mixture of fun and competitions.

Chorus members will attend the musical Lion King and can also see a Toronto baseball game. The chorus is performing some of their music from their first place district Chorus.

Preceding thier departure selected members attended All-State. Their recent competition was held at Virginia High School in Bristol, Virginia on April 27.

All-State chorus is prestigious and composed of the top chorus students in Virginia. To become members, students must audition and only juniors and seniors are eligible to participate.

Since All-State is an advanced level students are required to practice and reherse on thier own. Individual singers have to prepare by learning their parts off of prerecorded CDs. “I am very excited,” said junior Bayla Whitten. “I have never been to anything like this before.”

The All-State chorus is the “most selective choir in the state,” said choral director Carleen Dixon. The chorus does advanced music similar to college level choruses and presents a unique opportunity for students to develop their vocal talents.

It is an honor to be chosen for All-State and being chosen (as is being made an

JENNY BEAM

Seniors Stephanie Glotfelty, David Bernfeld and Julia Yuskavage rehearse for their upcoming concerts.

alternates). This year Annandale had nine students chosen for the chorus and six picked as alternates. Only 240 people were in the chorus and Annandale had more people selected than any other school in Fairfax County.

The nine singers are Victoria Benson, Paige Singh, Bayla Whitten, Stephanie Glotfelty, Jasmine Canady, Ayo Odejimi, Matthew Pena, Michael Weinberg and Moses Choi.

The six alternates are Nichole Murphy, Melinda Inthavong, Rebecca Wise, Alex Mott, Stacey Langster and Alan Yao. All-State is often seen as the pinnacle of high school

choruses. Sophomore Donald Martin will audition next year. “Its an opportunity to sing with hundreds of people [that] are better than you...you never know if the person next to you may one day be on Broadway,” Martin said.

“As it got closer to the day I was excited to think about getting the opportunity to sing, but I understaond if I didn’t get the chance to attend,” said junior Alex Mott. “There is always next year.”

“I am really excited for them. It is a great experience,” said Dixon. “They get to sing with the best singers in the state and they deserve it, they have been working really hard.”

The Key Club’s performance stood out at the 53rd annual Capital District Key Club Convention at Richmond. The club was honored by being given numerous prestigious awards. 750 out of over 11,000 members from Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C., and nine from AHS attended the convention, held from April 19 to April 21.

“I thought this year’s convention was the best out of any of the past conventions I’ve been to,” said Key Club President senior Monica Price, who received the awards for Outstanding President and Distinguished President.

The club’s devotion was rewarded with Distinguished Treasurer, given to sophomore Key Club Treasurer Julia Ehrenfeld, Best Newsletter, and an award for Early Bird Dues. The latter were given to the club based on turning in dues a month earlier than was requested by Key Club International.

Price was chosen for the Outstanding President Award out of 275 other district presidents based on her involvement in the Key Club.

The club also recieved honorable mention for the club’s colorful scrapbook.

Sophomore David Lee Alvarado displayed his professional martial art skills at the convention’s talent show and won the Talent Performance award.

“I haven’t had an audience that big for a long time. It made me feel good,” said Alvarado.

The Key Clubbers each paid $125 for the trip and none regretted their community-service oriented weekend. “It was great learning a lot of new stuff and bringing it back to improve our club,” said Key Club member junior Julie Lazo. “ The best part about it was that you knew everyone put in an effort and was working to make a difference.”

Parents to speak out over controversial book

by Rachel Jones Staff Writer

During tomorrow night’s town meeting parents and members of PABBIS and Right to Read Coalition will debate the censorship of Steven Pressfield’s Gates of Fire.

The meeting will be held in the Fairfax County School Board Auditorium in Luther Jackson Middle School at 7 p.m. The two groups will debate whether or not the novel should be allowed in school county libraries.

A Fairfax County parent recently sent a written statement to the school board protesting the objectionable content in the novel. The school board ignoredthe protest of the parent and did not ban the book. No school board member has yet made a motion to remove the book.

The town meeting will feature presenta-

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tions from both PABBIS and Right to Read and then microphones will be set up for audience participation. Audience members will be given two-three minutes to make arguments, then the microphone will be handed to the next speakers.

Gates of Fire is a historical fiction based upon the Persian War between the Spartans and Athens in 480 B.C., but contains lurid scenes of violence. The novel is currently in only four school libraries in Fairfax County.

Annandale is not one of them.

PABBIS consists of a small group of parents who are concerned about the content of literature in school and want to regulate material to guarantee it is age appropriate.

The Right to Read Coalition was recently created to prevent countywide censorship of literature and leave the decision up to the sovreignity of the teachers.

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“I don’t believe in censorship, students will read books anyways,” said junior Katie Burton. “Censoring won’t change anything.”

Unlike traditional town meetings where audience participations are prearranged, the town meeting will be open up to anyone who comes. The change is intended to prevent any group from monopolizing speaking time and creating a one-sided discussion. Usually the speaking times are prearranged via phone call. The limited number of slots are usually taken up by groups and organizations who want to be sure they can get their point across. The change will supposedly ensure the voice of the entire population.

Following the open discussions the Fairfax Country school board will review the arguments and make a decision on banning Gates Of Fire.

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“I don’t think they should be banned in the school libraries, but we shouldn’t be forced to read them in class,” said junior Chrissy Newman.

Despite the objectionable content many believe in the right to decide what to read themselves.

“I think it is kind of unfortunate because of the constant challenges.

[Parents] need to read alongside kids to discuss values and Gates of Fire morals and it should not be up to the school,” said head librarian Janet Pfeiffer.

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Lunch schedule change possible “Lunches” from pg. 1 and distracting.

“If we went with the 7 lunch deal we would definitely turn bells off and make sure all the clocks are synchronized. Then teachers would just have to do a very good job of dismissing when they should dismiss,” said Fredrickson.

The 7 lunch plan was suggested by math teacher Marian Billington, who heard about it in another school and passed it on to the AHS administration.

The lunch lines prove to be an inconvenience for students since only 35 minutes are allotted for each lunch period. “I wait in the lunch line for 15 minutes and only have 10 minutes to eat my lunch,” complained Alban.

Another plan that the administration is leaning more towards is the 4 lunch plan, similar to the 3 lunch plan in effect right now.

“If I had to make an educated guess, I would say 4 lunches is what we’ll wind up with,” said Fredrickson.

If the 4 lunch plan was put into effect next year, there would not be a 20 minute gap between B and C lunch as there is now. “The lunches would be very close to each other, it would be A lunch and then 5 minutes later B lunch and then 5 minutes later C lunch. But we just need to work out the bell schedule with that, it’s more complicated then you think,” said Fredrickson.

Another way to add more time for lunches

to the students already jam packed schedule is to cut down on Flex time. “We’re still playing with whether we need to shorten Flexes a little bit or whether we can still fit it in and not have that gap that we have now between B and C lunch,” said Fredrickson.

Flex has been a topic of debate for the last few weeks, as some teachers argue that Flex should be taken out. While others want to get the message out to students that Flex counts as much as any other period does.

“Right now, I think that Flex will stay. It probably will stay very much like it is now, we do want to get the word out to students that Flex is counted the same,” said Fredrickson.

Although some students don’t have a serious approach towards Flex, others find Flex very useful. “I’m very relieved they’re going to keep Flex for next year because it gives me time to work on my homework and just relax. It’s just a break for me,” said Alban.

Currently, only 40% of AHS students eat cafeteria food. The cafeteria accomodates 700 students in a lunch period. Cafeteria Manager John Fiorenza is hoping that with the additional lunches and shorter lines students will be more encouraged to buy school lunch. “I personally see a lot of students not eating, now is that because they don’t like our food or they cant get through our lines fast enough? If we spread it out a

Teacher, alumni show school pride “Logo” from pg. 1 makes pit stops of less than 30 seconds.

“Itís an incredible high,” said Saylor. “It’s very much a physical sport. It’s incredible, but it’s sobering. You”re no longer the spectator, but you”re now the caged animal.”

Saylor’s enthusiasm for racing is evident in both his classroom and his wardrobe. The small office adjoining his classroom is adorned with photos of favorite racers and miniature model cars. He sports a racing jacket and the key chain he wears around his neck is emblazoned with the name and racing number of a favorite driver. As he recites facts about racing history from memory, his eyes light up and his voice is electrified. “Most of the faculty in this building know me as a racehead,” he said.

“I definitely feel the pride” of his alma mater, said Minor. He feels that the logo helps “show the history of Annandale High School.”

Minor became involved with the team during its formation last Sept. A student of Saylor’s, Minor jumped on the opportunity when he found out that Capitol Motorsports needed an extra crew member. Minor said that when an onlooker asks what the Atoms logo means, he sometimes jokingly responds, “we’ve got a little atomic bomb under the hood.”

Stock car #32 is currently racing in the northern bracket of the Hooters Pro Cup Series. Although it was involved in a crash in the first race of the series which, according to Saylor, “caused extensive damage,” he expects it to be back in racing shape in time for the fourth race. The Hooters Cup is televised every Thursday at 9:00 p.m. on the Speedvision network, which is on channel 50 on evenings and weekends on Cox cable.

“I would love to see people show some pride in the school they went to... and come out and watch,” said Minor, “We’ll get this even bigger.”

What should the lunch schedule be next year?

ANDREW MENEGAT

Junior Karlyn Hixson studies during a flex period. Flex will not be eliminated next year.

little more and bring less students in, maybe more kids would eat,” said Fiorenza.

“When the lunch lines are way too long I get a snack from the snack machine instead of cafeteria food,” said junior Beenish Mukhtar.

Although the administration is not sure

about which plan to choose for next year, one thing is for sure: many changes are taking place at AHS. “Annandale students have done a super job of hanging in there with everything that’s going on, so we’re confident that they’ll continue to do so,” said Fredrickson.

Class officers elected for next year “Their brick walkway is a tremendous fund raiser and the activity has built a real strong base” —Jack Hiatt Business teacher

“Elections” from pg.1 Senator of one year, Andrew Satten. “Its not what your class can do for you but what you can do for your class,” said Satten during his campaign speech.

Jeanie Adkins returned as secretary for the junior class, thus adding another level of experience and depth to the class’ group of individuals. Natalie Dao Wallace began her first year in class office during her last year in high school, in the position of Treasurer. “I really wanted to be involved in prom and senior year since I have a hook up to some hotels Addisu in the area and I wanted to ensure that my influence was used,” said Wallace. For the class of 2003, the following individuals are taking the positions of Senator: Ehab Awadallah, Laura Hollowell, Katherine Kishiyama, Cecilia Mallory, Mike Mahn, Richard McCormick, Erik Rooney and Karen Steinbuechler.The rising class of 2004 reelected April Brassard as their class President for next year. “I plan to continue the brick walkway that I instituted this year. I feel that it has major potential since our class budget increased from $53 during freshmen year to an outstanding $8,000 this year,” said Brassard.

Miranda Brackett returned as Vice President for the rising sophomore class. “I was a Senator my freshmen year and Vice President this year, therefore I know what needs to be known,” said Brackett.

For the office of Secretary, Janet Partlow was elected, and Lindsay Miller began a new term in the office of Treasurer.

There was an agreement within the sophomore class to have all the nine Senator candidates that ran retain an office. It was agreed by the class sponsors as well as the supervisor, Jack Hiatt. “They are a pretty strong group,” said Hiatt. “Their brick walkway is a tremendous fund raiser and the activity has built a real strong base.”

Therefore, the following students took the office of Senator: Justine Bui, Julia Ehrenfeld, Katie Haines, Kelly Harbison, Morgan McEvilly, Maggie Owner, Nadia Siles and Valerie Smith.

Finally, the class of 2005 had three offices run unopposed. Kristy Johannesen, a former Senator, was elected as class President. Mary Gaski ran for the office of Vice President unopposed, as did Jason Martin for the office of Senator. Lilian Tetteh won for the office of Secretary and Sara Fargo won for the position of Treasurer. “They have good officers,” said Hiatt. “Even the ones who lost [Gloria Chan and Jennifer Brackett] automatically became Senators because they were willing to step up to the plate and participate.”

Custodian dies of can- Prom to be held next week Seniors prepare for special cer after years of service dance, NHS distributes prom Senior Allison Brennan poses in her prom dress.

Prom will be held May 10 at the Sheraton Reston.

by Wala’a Elbarasse Staff Writer

Former AHS custodian Frances Jenkins Espinoza, 52, lost her year and a half long battle with cancer and died on Monday, April 22. Espinoza worked at AHS from 1982 until the September of 2001, when she was diagnosed with cancer.

The funeral was held on Friday, April 26 at 10:00 am and the viewing was held on Thursday, April 25 between 7 and 9 pm. Espinoza was the Night Building Manager for about 20 years at AHS. In attendance was Media Center Coordinator Dawn Wickland, a longtime friend and colleague of Espinoza. “She had a great personality,” Wickland said.

Although Espinoza had stopped working at AHS, Wickland kept in touch with her throughout her battle with cancer.

One of Wickland’s fondest memories of Espinoza is when she dressed up for Halloween and scared the nighttime janitors in the school.

Peggy Myers, retired FCPS worker, was also in attendance at Espinoza’s viewing. Myers grew up with Espinoza in Culpepper, Virgnia. “She was a great friend, I am still brokenhearted over her death,” said Myers.

Although Espinoza has passed away, her memories will live on through her friends and family. Espinoza is survived by her two children, Justin and Jacenta, a granddaughter, and her husband.

JENNY BEAM

Art teacher Joyce Weinstein talks to one of her students about her artwork.

“Elective” from pg. 1 they were not highly popular among the student body. Many of the cancelled courses were not

publicized, which translated into few enrollments.

Freshman Albert Dwan had signed up to take International Percussion Ensemble, but the

—Katie Payne sophomore

I would prefer the way it is today because theres more people at lunch to socialize with and you have more time to eat.

—Bobby Morgenthaler junior

I would prefer the four lunches because the seven wouldn’t work, no one would go back to class.

—Lauren Siegel senior

dresses “Prom” from pg. 1

JENNY BEAM

Classes canceled due to lack of interest Sports Medicine, Creative Writing among the cuts

I’d rather have four lunches because seven seems hectic and in 4 lunches you have more of a chance to be with your friends.

course was cancelled because of a lack of publicity as well as general lack of interest in the field of study.

“I wasn’t really surprised that it got cancelled,” said Dwan. “I myself mainly signed up to take it because it was a field I haven’t explored before.” Dwan has elected to take Advanced Guitar in place of International Percussion Ensemble and remains hopeful that he wiil again have an opportunity to participate in this course.

The ‘science’ of class division is simple.

“It is just a matter of what the students choose,” said Sengstack.

“There are about 2400 students and they all take seven classes.

Therefore, when they are divided up into sections, the ratio evens out to be about 28 students to one teacher. We cannot afford to have just eleven students within one class.”

the use of alcohol before prom, by working out deals with limousine companies.

“We have a pact with limousine companies to not serve any alcohol, and for drivers to not take anyone to prom who is under the influence,” said Attendance Administer Danny Giles. “We want parents to know that administration is promoting a substance free Prom, and if anyone comes to the dance acting strange, we will question them and if necessary keep them out.”

For more information, see pages 10-11 of this issue of the A-blast for an in-depth look into Prom.

I think seven lunches would be too disruptive.

Martha Trigeiro Math Teacher

Coach Hook-

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The Varsity

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News Briefs 2002-2003 SGA AND SAC OFFICERS The following students were elected to the Student Government Association (SGA) in April: Danielle Rumber-President Anne Ngyuen-Vice President Gilda Villela-Secretary Elizabeth Rhee-Treasurer The following students were elected to the Student Advisory Council (SAC): Jeanie Adkins John Kapoor GIlda Villela Elaine Filadelfo Kirill Gorbounov Martha Amoako Elizabeth Rhee

AP review lock-in held

Band honored

by Kathy Saupp Staff Writer

by Kyle Smeallie Staff Writer

As Junior Victoria Benson wakes up at 7 a.m. on a Sunday morning, she wonders why she chose to do this. Why has she spent nine of the last 16 hours studying US history? Why has she sacrificed her Saturday only to experience an “info overload?” The answer: to prepare for the Advanced Placement United States History exam, a test that is failed by more than half the students who take this national exam.

The APUSH exam is one of the most feared and loathed tests at Annandale.

Although History teacher Eleanor Shumaker’s students have done considerably better (especially last year, when 72% of her students passed) the test still represents “a trial by fire” for many. However, Shumaker has come up with a way to help students to prepare for this difficult examination: an allnight lock in. The “Lock-in,” which took place at Shumaker’s residence, began on Saturday, April 27, and ended on Sunday.

Students did various activities like watching a play about the war in Vietnam as well as viewing “1776,” a film about the Declaration of Independence. The main event of the lock-in was “Choices: Ending the War against Japan: Science, Morality and the Atomic Bomb,” a role-playing/decision making exercise. For Benson, the lock-in helped her to prepare for the APUSH test. “It was nice to have the extra review, but it [the lock-in] was

REID EDWARDS

AP US History teacher Eleanor Shumaker holds a review session with her students in her house. Students spent the night and reviewed for the AP History exam for a 24-hour period.

real tiring, and I had an information overload,” said Benson.

The incentive for success on the exam and the class, as a whole is that it adds .5 to the students GPA, as well as counting for college credit. Another part of the lock-in focused on the Document-based Question (DBQ) section of the APUSH Exam. The College Board’s focus for the DBQ will be from the time

period of 1920 to 1970, which encompasses various topics such as World War II and the Cold War. The lock-in, in its second year, will undoubtedly assist APUSH students pass the examination. Although it is too soon to see a difference in scores, it is a “real intellectual exercise where students really have time to use their brains without a bell ringing,” said Shumaker.

Heritage Night sells out, first time in school history spins.

“The night was a lot of fun,” said Watlington. “The student talent was outstanding. The audience and the performers had fun and helped everyone learn about all different cultures.”

Seven hundred tickets were sold for the night of the show, and many people who came late to the door were turned away.

Multiple clubs sold foods and refreshments during the dinner portion of the program.

The show was a culmination of many group’s hard work. All of the 20 acts had practiced the entire month preceding the show, some groups for as many as six weeks.

“I don’t know any group that practiced less than ten times,” said Watlington. “The show wouldn’t have been a success if everyone hadn’t worked.”

Watlington fully expects to put on the show next year. “If the faculty, teachers and students want us to do it, we will.”

by David Covucci Co-Editor in Chief

Football games, last year’s fall play, Homecoming. None of these events, some of the most popular ones in school, have yet to do what Heritage Night did last Thursday: sell out. The first ever Heritage Night, sponsored by the Heritage Club and History teacher Paul Watlington, achieved a first in Annandale history, according to faculty and parents in attendance.

The auditorium was packed with students, parents and teachers. Seats were filled from the frontrow to the back of the balcony, which made for a raucous night. The evening opened with dancers from Vietnam and Korea. Singers and more dancers followed.

The crowd favorite, though, came at the end of the show.

The newly founded Breakdancing Club, brought out ten of its dancers and left with a standing ovation after an array of

CAR THEFTS Three cars were broken into, two of which had merchandise stolen from, during the school day of April 15. One car was parked on Four-Year Run, the other two car were parked at the end of Ossian. The school administration believes they know who the thief is. He is discribed as Hispanic, with light skin, curly black hair, and extremely thin. The suspect is believed to attend AHS. As a result of the recent actions, there have been increased patrols of the school campus with the golf cart.

Safety and Security Specialist Cliff Cornwell said, “What we really need are cameras in the parking lot.”

CLASS RINGS SALE From April 8 thru April 17, class rings were sold during all lunches to students in the cafeteria. Rings ranged in price from $70 to $230 a ring. Rings came in a variety of designs and shapes, along with different types of stones. Rings will arrive in 10-12 weeks.

The band department returned Sunday, April 21, from their annual Fiesta-Val competition in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

The performing groups gave a strong showing, with the Gold Band receiving an Excellent rating and taking first place in Division IV. The Symphonic Band recieved a Superior rating and took first place in Division VI. Individual Outstanding Soloist Awards were given to April Brassard on the Clarinet, Aileen Kilgore on the Piccolo and Blaine Misner on the Trumpet. In the Jazz competition, the Wednesday Jazz Ensemble received an Excellent Rating and took first place in Division IV, while the Thursday Jazz Ensemble received a Superior rating and were awarded first place in the Open Division.

The ensemble was also given an award for Outstanding Reed Section, and Alto Saxophonist John Dawson was given an Outstanding Soloist Award. In their Parade Competition, the Marching Band received an Excellent rating and first place in Division III, with members senior Aileen Kilgore and junior Bethany Augliere-Wheat named Best Drum Majors Overall in competition.

In the Open Division, the Indoor Guard received a Superior rating and took first place.

CHRIS HOGEBOOM

Heritage Night participants perform a hispanic dance.

Students inducted to Boys & Girls State

by Katharine Kishiyama Staff Writer

For years, the honor of attending Virginia Boys and Girls State has been bestowed upon our school’s best and brightest juniors. Each year, a few selected students are chosen to spend one week on a college campus within the Commonwealth of Virginia, to learn about our state’s government. The purpose of both programs is to instruct its participants in the operation of government on the state and local levels.

This year, boys and girls State will be held the week after school ends, from June 16 to the 22. The boys program will be held at Liberty College, while Girls State will be held at Longwood College.

“This [Boys and Girls State] is a great opportunity. It

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provides a hands-on experience where students can learn by simulating a real state government,” said guidance counselor Kazue Watlington.

Nominations for Boys and Girls State were held beginning on Feb. 28. Nominations were only open to juniors. While the majority were made by teachers, students were able to nominate themselves. Nominations were based on (in order of importance) leadership, initiative, character, cooperativeness, honesty, physical fitness and scholarship.

A committee met on March 21 to review the nominations and select the final set of students who will be representing our school in June. This year’s juniors, Josh Buzzell, Preston Gisch, Richard McCormack, Kevin Ocampo-Arrias, and Alejandro Slainas-Grageda were chosen to attend Boys State.

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tomic genda -Guitar & Percussion Concert, 7:30 p.m., auditorium

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Testing Schedule AP English Lit. (7:20 a.m.)

AP German Lang., (11:10 a.m.)

Testing Schedule AP Calculus AB/BC (7:20 a.m.)

IB Spanish B (AM) IB Math Studies (PM)

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Testing Schedule IB English A2 (AM) Math SOL

Testing Schedule IB Chemistry (PM) Science SOL

-G-lacrosse v. LB 8 7 p.m., Home -B-lacrosse v. LB 7:15 p.m., Away -Track & field v.

Hayfield 5 p.m., Away

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2 -G-lax v. West Springfield, 7 p.m., Away -B-lax v. West Springfield, 7 p.m., Home -G-Soccer v.

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-Tennis v. West Pot, 4 p.m., away -Baseball v. T.C.,7 p.m., away -Softball v. T.C., 7 p.m., away

-S.A.T.s, 4 Annandale, 8 a.m.

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Testing Schedule AP Biology (AM) AP Physics (PM) Math SOL

Testing Schedule AP Chemistry (AM) AP Music Theory (AM) English IGCSE (AM) IB ITGS (AM)

Testing Schedule AP Gov’t (AM) English IGCSE (AM) IB ITGS (PM) IB Music (PM)

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Testing Schedule AP Journalism (AM) Testing Schedule Testing Schedule AP Computer Science AP US History (AM) AP Spanish (AM) (PM) IB Math Studies (AM) AP French Lang. (PM) AP Statistics (PM)

Choral Parent Meeting

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Annandale High School Calendar of Events

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-Financial Aid Night, 7:30 p.m., cafeteria -Tennis v. Hayfield, 4 p.m., Home -Track & Field, 5 p.m., Robinson

7 p.m., Home -B-soccer v. Hayfield, 7 p.m., Away

ANDREW MENEGAT

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Junior Preston Gisch studies his work.

Gisch was accepted into Boys State as well as Governor’s School.

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academics

Test OVERLOAD!

Emotional distress may be derived from testing

by Sarah Sherman Photographer The month of May brings thoughts of warmer days and brighter skies. However, for many AHS students, especially, juniors, the month of may brings swarms of tests including IB, AP and SOLs. The clock buzzes. It is 4:45 a.m. Junior Michael Nakamura slowly climbs out of bed for his morning jog.

It is still dark and a little chilly outside, but Nakamura knows he has to move if he wants to beat Thomas Jefferson today at the boys varsity tennis match, and if he wants to get in a few minutes of study time for his IB history test during R3.

At 2 o’clock, after a full day of tests, projects and loads of class work, Nakamura scrambles to get some homework done before hurrying off to his match. He’s got a lot riding on his performance this afternoon: winning would not only step the Annandale team up a notch, but it would prove to be an easy practice tomorrow, allowing plenty of free time for Nakamura to study for his six IB exams this May. So is the life of an Annandale junior in the month of May. Of course everyone begins to stress at the amount of work being thrown of their backs as the end of the year approaches, but for the class of 2003, there’s finals and then some.

“I can’t believe how many tests I have this year,” said Nakamura. “Finals are one thing, I’m not as worried about them. It’s all this IB stuff that is going to be a burden. I barely have time as it is. May is going to be nuts.” In addition to tennis and IB classes, Nakamura is also a member of the Math Honor Society and participates in his league tennis team. In the winter, Nakamura swims with Annandale and continues tennis year round.

As if the stress and anxiety from finals and advanced level exams weren’t enough, students from all grades must take SOLs as well. “I hate the SOLs,” said junior Jennifer Stewart. “And the worst part is that they’re all scheduled right around our [IB] exams and our finals.

It’s not like it’s a big deal to study for them or anything, it’s just that it’s another thing to worry about, just one more test to take, just a few more hours that I could have spent studying for something like my finals.” Stewart is also a member of the NAHS and SHS, as well as the Key club, Antenna, and she is one of the managers to the boys varsity lacrosse team. “The testing will just eat up all my free time,” says Stewart.

“If students can remember to take one day at a time,

What are your study habits?

This yes/no quiz allows you find out about your own study habits and attitudes toward certain study skills.

The more yes answers, the more you need to improve in that category.

Time Scheduling 1. _____ I spend too much time studying for what I am learning.

2. _____ I usually spend hours cramming the night before an exam.

3. _____ If I spend as much time on my social activities as I want to, I don’t have enough time left to study, or when I study enough, I don’t have time for a social life.

Concentration 4. _____ I usually try to study with the radio and TV turned on.

5. _____ I can’t sit and study for long periods of time without becoming tired or distracted.

6. _____ I go to class, but I usually doodle, daydream or fall asleep.

Listening and Note taking 7. _____ My class notes are sometimes difficult to understand later.

8. _____ I usually seem to get the wrong material into my class notes.

9. _____ I don’t review my class notes periodically throughout the semester in preparation for tests.

WWW.UCC.VT.EDU/STDYSK/CHECKLIS.HTML

SARAH SHERMAN

Bethany Augliere, Cailin Yaroch, and Ashley Welch all study for an upcoming test. All three students are taking IB classes such as IB Math Methods, IB English and IB History.

otherwise it is too overwhelming. Students will get discouraged, and say, ‘Why should I try at all?’ [They] need to break it down into smaller tasks that they can accomplish,” said guidance counselor Susan Taylor.

The graduating class has a much different approach to the end of the year. With many already in possession of their college acceptance letters, the seniors slowly ease their way into their senior slump.

“Yeah I still have finals,” said senior Noah Yates.

“But it’s not like it’s that big of a deal anymore. My grades are good, I know where I’m going, so the only thing I have to worry about it now is doing a decent job. I feel bad for the juniors though, especially with all that IB stuff they’re doing.”

The seniors are not the only ones thinking about colleges. With the third quarter of their junior year at

an end, the class of 2003 knows it is time to get the ball rolling with college transcripts and SATs, just another test to add onto the pile.

On May 4 many juniors will be taking their SATs. Everyone knows that doing well on these tests is a must to get into a good college. The tension and anxiety only thicken with SATs. Many juniors are already worked up about testing. Several have been preparing since winter, taking classes and doing practice tests. Despite the preparation, juniors continue to stress over their SATs and school work.

For students doing extracurricular and sports, May is the worst month of the year. Getting homework done after practice is often a challenge in itself. Since many spring sports don’t end until mid- or the end of May, students will have to make time to prepare for their tests. Sleep and rest will no longer be part of the daily routine, but a reward or privilege, only to be done when there’s free time. Social lives for many students will slow down significantly. Saturdays and Sundays won’t be a break, but a chance to cram.

“There go my weekends,” said sophomore Katie Payne. Payne is a member of the girls junior varsity lacrosse team. Under the new Fairfax County rule, all members of her class and below must pass the SOLs to graduate.

Despite the studying, preparing, stressing, cramming and testing, students try to remain chill through May. “I’m actually not all that stressed out,” said junior Owen Beste. “A lot of my IB tests won’t take place until next year, so I don’t really have to worry about that. The SOL’s won’t be too tough, they never are, plus finals probably won’t be that bad. Teachers usually try to find alternatives to actual final exams, like projects and labs.

I think it would be useful if the school would consolidate some of the testing, so that instead of three tests students would just receive one.” Beste is currently taking five IB classes and is an active member in the drama and chorus department.

With the end of the year right around the corner, “May Madness” is on. Don’t be surprised to see anxious faces and lots of cramming around school in the next few weeks. You can be sure that a lot of persistence and patience will be practiced here at AHS throughout May. “Man, I can’t wait until school ends,” sighs Nakamura as he props his head up and cracks open his SAT review booklet. “But hey, whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, right?”

AHS: all studied up

by Laura Hollowell Staff Writer

overnight AP History session is used as a study method. Most teachers find it helpful to give study guides to every Finally, fourth quarter is here. The student for subjects taught the entire end of the year is approaching, classes year. Also, teachers use the reviewing are wrapping up, and students have time for AP/IB/SOL testing to count as started thinking about their summer final exam review. plans. But wait! The stress has just “I believe that the students already begun. With the closing of the year have most of the information to do well approaching, many critical tests begin. on tests,” said English teacher Virginia Junior Lindsey Grant said, “I’m Hale. “It’s just a matter of helping looking forward to [the tests] because them build they are their basically the confidence last thing we believe that the students already have and make have to do. The most of the information to do well on them believe quicker they tests. It’s just a matter of helping them they can do come, the build their confidence and make them well.” earlier summer believe they can do well.

Tests can can start.” be extremely The testing —Virginia Hale unpleasant if schedule for English Teacher a student is the months of not in test May and June mode. It is are full of SATs most important to get a reasonable for juniors, AP testing, IB testing, SOL amount of sleep the night before an testing, and, of course, final exams for important test so that falling asleep is the rest of the student body. not an option. Also, eating breakfast “I don’t think that [tests] are good before a test gives you energy and because they stress students out, and helps the mind to be more alert. taking SOL’s, IGSCE exams, and During the test, you should try your finals exams are way too much and best to concentrate on the subject unnecessary,” said sophomore Julie being tested.

Stone.

“Rereading the question and Most students find it extremely unnecessary to complete all of the tests getting the key points to the question are the most important thing while at the end of the year. They find it taking a multiple choice test,” said unfair that so many tests are needed senior Justin Zormelo. “Also, cancel and that they are so heavily weighted out the answers you know are not to one’s future. possible.”

“What was the point of all those Students have different ways of tests we did during the school year if overcoming their “test stress.” they were just going to throw a huge Junior Lineth Valdivia said, “I have one at us at the end of the year that to eat chocolate during an important was basically counted as a quarter test. It helps me concentrate!” grade?” said Grant.

Whatever your choice of dealing Teachers try to prepare students in with stress is, it is important to many different ways. They are able to establish a habit that works well for use Flex periods to review for certain you. tests, after school help is offered, and even Elenor Shumaker’s famous

i

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tomic reactions

How do you prepare for an upcoming exam?

We need strapping, young men for a short film. If you are interested, please speak with Rebecca Sample or Shelley Selim, or call Rebecca @ (703) 256-1190

TOPLESS BAR Now that we have your attention, come to the AHS Film Festival and see Chris Rauer and Jack Shea’s AWARDINGWINNING film.

Mon: June 3rd @ 7 p.m.

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Visual Learner: A visual learner learns from seeing things. Visual learners demonstrate the following characteristics: watches rather than verbally participates, likes to read, has neat handwriting, likes to doodle, has good organizational skills, and studies with visual methods such as charts or diagrams.

“I gather up all of the information and study really hard.”

— Jedy Chai freshman

“I get into study groups with my friends and go over notes.”

— Coury Shadyac sophomore

“I reread the book and go over the notes I took during class.”

— Courtney Thieberger junior

“I look review and study guide packets and I study out of booklets.”

— Rasha Dahab senior

Wanna be in a MOVIE?

Do you know what kind of learner you are? Knowing which one you are will help prepare you for tests

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Auditory Learner: An auditory learner gains knowledge by hearing things.

Traits of an auditory learner may include: doing well with verbal instruction, liking music, frequently talking, easily distracted, struggles to keep notebooks neat, and whispers while reading.

Kinesthetic Learner: A Kinesthetic learner learns best by touching or actively exploring the world around him/her. These learners may demonstrate the following characteristics: fast hand motions while communicating, always touching things, dramatic personality, can’t sit for long periods of time, prefers doing things rather than watching demonstrations, and constantly fidgeting.

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Wednesday, May 1, 2002

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8 The truth about

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aBlast

the

Wednesday, May 1, 2002

“How much easier the work is.”

—Chase

Smerdzinski freshman

“How restricted it is, compared to all the privileges we’re given here.”

—Will Haw sophomore

“How much time during the week other students can actually devote to doing fun stuff, and how much sleep they get each night.”

—Carla Bezold junior

“If it would be easier to go there, time-wise, and if coming home at 4:30 in the afternoon is still considered early.”

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eatures

—Daphne Garcia senior

Ever wonder what’s going on at the high school down the street? We spent the day at TJHSST and observed students in action

by Sarah Kelman Features Editor

As I enter Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, I marvel at the genius intellect surrounding me. The projects hanging on the walls look smarter. The kids seem smarter. The air smells smarter.

No, not really.

What first strikes me about TJ, aside from its clean, colorful appearance, is how similar the students seem to Annandale students. However, once I take a closer look, I realize that the majority of students loitering around the hallways are actually not loitering at all. They are completely, utterly and loudly engrossed in their homework.

Everywhere I turn, someone is either trading Calculus answers or frantically filling in a Spanish worksheet. My guide, TJ sophomore Margaret Collins, explains, “You can find people working on their homework at all times of the day, especially in the morning. During lunch, the library is full of people and the computers are always occupied.”

It’s no wonder that TJ students hardly have time to finish their homework. School starts later in the day than the rest of Fairfax County, and therefore students get home later. The school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:50 p.m.

Collins’s first class, P.E., has begun. The relatively small, shiny-floored gym is filled with squads of students dressed in varying combinations of shirts and shorts bearing the “Thomas Jefferson Colonials” slogan. However, the dress code seems to be slightly less strict than at Annandale, since some students sport t-shirts in white, while others wear red or gray. Collins is selected to lead the squad stretches, much to her chagrin.

Since TJ runs on a block schedule Tuesday through Friday, Monday is known as an “anchor day” and students attend all classes for about 50 minutes, with an 8th-period “free period.”

I can’t help but notice the piles of accumulated papers, books, pencils, duffel bags and pieces of sports equipment strewn across the tops of all the lockers. Instrument cases are left lying around in the student lounge, and a large pile of lacrosse sticks and gloves has begun in the hallway to the gym. Some LINDA FAIRALL At TJ, it’s common to find hall hall lockers are even left lockers left hanging open. hanging open for the entire day. Does no one steal around here? Collins says, “There really is no theft. You can just leave your stuff on top of the locker and it’s pretty much guaranteed that no one will take it. But don’t leave food, or that will be gone pretty quickly if you leave it unguarded.”

Later in the day, while I’m sitting in on Collins’s Humanities class (which revolves around a combined English-History curriculum), I notice a distinctive quality to the classroom atmosphere. Students are loud, talkative and full of activity. While the occasional student sits slumped in his or her desk, most others are alert and actively engaged in some sort of discussion. The teacher, Ms. Roberts, has to make an effort in the first half of class to talk over them in order to explain their latest assignment, but she doesn’t seem to mind doing so and does it in good humor.

The second half of class is spent in group discussion, apparently a common activity in some TJ classes. The Humanities course requires not only reading and study of literature, for example, but also more in-depth group presentations. TJ’s focus on learning seems to revolve more around comprehension by more unconventional means rather than memorization.

Toward the end of class, the pitch of chattering voices rise and students scrape their chairs against the floor while

LINDA FAIRALL

What do TJ students wonder most about non-magnet public schools?

they rise and head toward the door. But where’s the bell?

Although students at Annandale may be used to a quirky bell schedule that may (or may not) be functioning on any given day, TJ students move from class to class without the usual accompanying bell.

Lunchtime rolls around with a welcoming sense of relief.

While many underclassmen are still rushing to finish

LINDA FAIRALL

Students are hard at work in one of TJ’s several computer labs. Much of the funding for the labs has come from winnings from the annual worldwide Think Quest contest that TJ students often win.

homework and compare answers, other students (including more relaxed seniors) congregate in their respective halls to eat lunch. Almost every hall is open for students use, and TJ’s open lunch policy is only temporarily revoked in certain circumstances. “One time the freshman hall was closed during lunch for a week because they left too much trash,” says Collins.

While TJ may look like your average high school on the outside (aside from its distinctive silver sculpture at the entrance to Braddock Road), it’s full of fascinating features on the inside. Not only does it boast a fully functioning television studio, but there are also several computer labs, a robotics lab, a biochemistry lab and a planetarium.

Surprisingly, much of the equipment in the computer labs has been funded not by the county, like at Annandale, but by the earnings of prize-winning students in technological competitions throughout the years. Computer lab instructor Donald Hyatt has been teaching at TJ since its opening in 1985 and has accumulated numerous prestigious awards over the years.

“Recently, we also received a $25,000 check from a former student who wanted us to know how computer science made a difference in his life,” says Hyatt.

It’s not surprising that Collins finds TJ a competitive place. “People are just constantly concerned about grades,” she says. College plays a large role in the lives of underclassmen, and some begin to visit and think about college their freshman year. TJ is infamously noted in college admissions books as a school that sends many of its graduates on to Ivy League and other highly selective institutions.

Many students at TJ feel the pressure to perform well in order to live up to expectations and survive the competition of a school that draws the best and brightest kids from one of the wealthiest and best-equipped counties. “I don’t know why some kids worry so much,” says Collins. “They’re clearly going to get into a good college no matter what.”

Eventually, we reach the newspaper office, where Collins is one of the spread editors of TJ’s monthly newspaper, tjTODAY. Since it is a short day and many staffers plan to spend 8th-period and significant afterschool time there, not much work is being done for now.

According to senior Christina Valencia, the tjTODAY editor-in-chief, there are about 23 people working on the paper with positions, while a few others work as staff writers who occasionally submit articles. In addition, it

appears that there are few computers in the room, many of which are slightly outdated. Anne Roberts, the tjTODAY adviser (and TJ English teacher), explains that the equipment in the newspaper office is hardly paid for by the state. Despite these obstacles, however, tjTODAY is an especially well-written newspaper.

At the end of the anchor day, 8th-period activities commence. Students can choose selections for this semistudy hall period from the likes of knitting and crocheting, sports team practices, various club meetings or working in the yearbook or newspaper office, like my guides do. Some students even skip 8th-period, although getting caught without an excused absence can have its consequences.

“Having unexcused 8th-period absences can prevent you from getting a parking spot,” says Collins.

By the conclusion of my TJ experience, I realize that TJ is a school full of extremely talented students accomplishing some incredible feats. The school itself offers its students exceptional opportunities, resources and privileges that some of us can only wonder about. However, most TJ students are down-to-earth about it and don’t see much difference between themselves and the “non-magnet schoolers.”

Throughout my day, many people stop to ask me, “Why are you doing a story about us? There’s nothing • Astronomy: Students very interesting or special investigate astronomy from going on here.” However, I the stellar and galactic realm. have learned the truth • Design: There are three about TJ: While in some senses it doesn’t differ too courses offered in this greatly from Annandale, in subject—Architectural other respects it really is an Drawing & Design, extraordinarily unique Engineering Drawing & place that will continue to Design, and Computer have great accomplishAssisted Design ments in the future.

Unique Courses at TJ

TJ acceptances in Fairfax County School # in 800 #Accepted Whitman 6 4 Twain 6 6 Holmes 8 7 Poe 7 7 Key 10 9 Glasgow 13 10 Hughes 12 10 Kilmer 21 10 Hayfield 21 12 Herndon 28 12 Sandburg 22 12 Jackson 19 13 Stone 19 13 Lanier 21 13 Lake Braddock 29 15 Robinson 30 16 Irving 34 16 Rocky Run 19 18 Carson 24 18 Thoreau 35 21 Franklin 37 21 Frost 48 28 Longfellow 50 30 Cooper 59 34

*Note: #in 800 signifies the first level of cuts for admission.

INFORMATION FROM FCPS RELEASE

INFORMATION FROM WWW.TJHSST.EDU

Spending a day at Thomas Jefferson

Before class starts, many TJ students can be found sitting in the hallways, finishing up homework or just chatting.

TJ Sophomore Margaret Collins sits in squad formation in her first-period Gym class. Although having Gym first requires an early start, Collins said, “Some teachers are more strict than others about showing up to class on time.” Without the added convenience of bells, however, many students arrive late to class and are entrusted with the responsibility of finding their seats quietly and obtaining any missed information.

In addition to several computer labs, a robotics lab, a planetarium, a biochemistry lab and a television studio, TJ also boasts several art displays throughout the hallways. However, since the school only receives limited funding for these special laboratories, many are paid for by student earnings in competitions and are sponsored by certain corporations, like Lockheed Martin.

• Engineering: Students can choose from Technology & Engineering Concepts, PreEngineering, and Introduction to Engineering Thermodynamics.

• Geoscience: Concepts in Meteorology, Oceanography, Geology, and Astronomy are taught in this course.

• Japanese: Students study the use of language for active communication.

• Materials Science: This course explores Crystal structures, Grains & Grain Boundaries, and other elements of Materials Science in general.

• Robotics: Students learn the process of robotic design and development through a survey of systems.

• Russian: The course introduces the Russian culture through different types of sources such as newspaper and literature reading.

• Video: Introduction to video and audio communication systems is offered in this class.

ALL PHOTOS BY LINDA FAIRALL

English teacher Anne Roberts, who does double duty as the tjTODAY adviser, instructs her Humanities class (a combination of English and History). Roberts created a project to accompany the class’s reading of Dante’s Inferno that incorporates a group presentation of “The Circles of Hell,” according to the students. Unique courses like Humanities at TJ often involve group work and independent studying, aside from basic reading and tests.

Students voice their opinions on the boiling conflict in the Middle-East

by Mohammad Edris Qarghah Staff Writer

In 1947, conflict re-erupted in the Middle East; Palestine and Israel have not known peace since. Today, the reason for this conflict is deeply rooted in the sentiments of those involved. In the wake of a recent wave of increased violence, which, most agree, the media has covered with punctilious detail, students have formed strong opinions regarding one of history’s bloodiest conflicts.

There is a great deal of dissension among those who cite an origin to this conflict. “[The Israel-Palestine conflict] may have started this century, but the roots of the conflict go back so far. It has been going on for so long that it’s hard to tell exactly what they are fighting about,” said junior Cailin Yaroch.

“This [conflict] stems from ignorance of the other side’s suffering,” said freshman Julia Bizer.

A portion of the student body believes that, more recently, the violence was revitalized by extensive suicide bombings by extremist organizations such as the Hammas. They believe that these attacks were the reason the Israeli government cited when they launched counteroffensive, which led to the occupation of Jenin, Bethlehem and Ramallah, among others.

“Every leader has to protect his country and his people. How can they protect themselves if they don’t know what they are up against?” said junior Asad Hossain.

“However, if [the Israeli government] wishes to [persecute] someone they should give a clear reason why they are doing it.”

Others agree with Hossain, that Israel has not been providing enough justification for their actions against areas within the

cultures

Israeli-Palestinian conflict spur reactions

CHRIS HOGEBOOM

CHRIS HOGEBOOM

Several AHS student’s partook in the series of protests held on April 20, in which those protesters marched down Pennsylvania Ave. Pro-Palestinian marchers and pro-Israeli marchers opposed each other while parading on the street.

West Bank and the Gaza Strip. “That is why [Israel] gets extreme reactions such as suicide bombings,” said Hossain.

“We should stay out of the conflict; Israel and Palestine should work it out on their own,” said junior Jennifer Maylett.

On the other hand, others believe that the U.S. should provide direct aid, if not through monetary funds, through police forces (though some believe there needs to be a less biased, international presence). “I think each nation involved in the United Nations should provide 2-3 heads to keep the peace; consequently, no political or religious ideology will have the upper hand,” said junior Patrick Giannico.

“Israel is smaller then New Jersey. It’s a tiny bit of land that is really holy and important to the Jewish people. It’s surrounded by huge militant Arab countries and it is the only democracy in the Middle East,” said junior Gina Sobel.

Some students believe that these

individuals have not been as active as possible because the media hasn’t been providing balanced coverage of the crisis.

“Whenever there is a suicide bombing, it is extensively covered on the news, but they never talk about the Palestinian camps, and the horrors they live through almost every day,” said junior Nafijah Khan.

Unfortunately, some students don’t see an end to the conflict in the near future, and while a peaceful solution would be preferable, several students believe it is not plausible at this point in time. “[In IsraelPalestine] everybody is suffering, people are hotheaded, and they will stubbornly support their cause to the end. The opportunity for the creation of a Gandhi figure is gone.

Gandhi died on September 11. People will no longer tolerate other people not fighting fair, they will fight extreme action with extreme action, an eye for an eye,” said Hossain.

Though the conflict’s end seems to be temporarily out of sight, several students

have already formulated ideas regarding how the country should be divided upon the solution of the conflict. “I’m in favor of UN Resolution #42, which basically would reinstitute the 1967 boundaries, and make Jerusalem an international city,” said Buzzell.

“I would retract Israeli forces from Palestinian territories and decrease the size of Israel a bit, but allow them control of Jerusalem. Churches and mosques, however, could serve as embassies of sorts. They should not be considered Israeli territory,” said freshman Albert Dwan.

Some students have opinions parallel to what Gandhi believed regarding the Indian Subcontinent: that Palestine and Israel should not be separated into two nations, but that it should remain united.

“It’s hard to place to allegiance in either side. One side has a right to defend itself while the other has a right to want their territories back,” said Hossain.

KEY PLAYERS IN THE CONFLICT

Ariel Sharon Prime Minister of Israel

Students share their views of the Middle-East conflict

by Gina Sobel Special to The A-blast

by Hana Sarsour Special to The A-blast

Emergency, suicide bomber, massacre, anti-semetic, racism, terrorist. War. These words of violence and suffering paint the covers of newspapers and ravage the lives of both Israelis and Palestinians, seeping into everyday language and burning their marks upon people’s minds and souls. These are not just experienced by a single nationality, ethnic group, or religion, but are shared by all involved with the conflict in the Middle East.

I recently participated in a program called Ambassadors For Tolerance, where Israeli teens stayed with Americans for ten days. A bond between the two groups was forged. I now have very strong ties to Israel, not only as the home of some very close friends, but as my religious homeland.

It is strange, though; after the program was over, the Israelis went back home to a volatile environment, and we

The destruction in the Middle East has affected my family and I greatly. I am Palestinian, but I was born and raised in the US. My father left his town, Al-Bireh, in the West Bank, in order to acquire an education and establish a career. My mother followed her father to the United States after he left to earn a better income for his family.

Currently I have many relatives living in the West Bank, including my grandfather, both my grandmothers, and numerous cousins. It is disturbing to know that they are there, in the midst of the turmoil, innocent bystanders of the violence. A couple of weeks ago, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) broke into my house in Palestine, and was in sniper range of my 10-year old cousin. During the incursion of the IDF into the West Bank, it shut off the electricity and imposed a strict curfew on the town; if anyone transgressed

Yasser Arafat Head of the Palestinian Authority

Kofi Annan United Nations Secretary General

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alestinian children that are witnesses of the destruction of their homes and the murder of their parents will grow up with a will to avenge the injustice.

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he people killed are not merely numbers, they are living and breathing just like you and me, and they yearn for peace as much as anyone else in the world.

—Hana Sarsour junior

—Gina Sobel junior

remained here, safe in the suburbs of the DC-Metro area. I it, they would be shot. talked to one of my friends in Israel last week, and she During the year and a half long intifada, or uprising, mentioned to me that every time there is a bombing, she has there have been three to four times more Palestinian civilian a list of people to call to make sure they are all still alive and casualties than Israeli. However, people in the United States healthy. I can’t imagine the continual possibility of losing do not necessarily know this because the media predominantly favors Israel. Unfortunately, due to the fear of loved ones, something that probably goes for most Americans. bombings, Israeli civilians are afraid to go out to clubs and Earlier this week, I spoke at an Israel solidarity rally for other entertainment spots, but Palestinians are too afraid to teens with other members of the Ambassador program. We so much as leave their homes for anything short of necesread an interview that we had previously had with Tal sity.

Asaraf, one of the Israelis who stayed with us, asking her Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories is wrong and questions about her life and what Israel is currently like. infringes on their basic human rights. Suicide bombings are WWW.MAPS.COM Some of the answers were so adamant and powerful it was a direct result of Israeli oppression, and, unfortunately, it’s impossible not to listen to them. When asked if she was As a part of the pre-1948 Mandatory Palestine, the West Bank was citizens must reckon for the policies of their government. reserved by the 1947 Partition Plan to an Arab state (excluding scared, Tal answered, “I am scared, but the fear didn’t take Jerusalem). However, in the Six-Day War of 1967, Israel captured the Americans have, regrettably, lost their ideological roots. over my life. I watch my steps more, and I don’t go to places from Jordan (which had captured the territory earlier).

Having been raised in a country whose founding fathers are that I know can be dangerous. I’m more scared for my parents territory Currently, the majority of the area is Israeli-controlled and adminisglorified for fighting oppression, it is difficult to understand who work outside the city and for my family that doesn’t live trated areas. This region has been the scene of aggressive struggles the U.S. government’s continued support of a country guilty in Beit Shemesh, and I’m scared for my friends too, some of between the Israelis and Palestinians for years. of such acts. The United States gives 35% of its aid (approxiwhom don’t let the situation interfere with their everyday life mately one billion dollars) to Israel, which is only 0.1% of and do go out.” It is hard to believe a teen, [who is] much like the world’s population. Israel, in turn, spends this teens here, has to watch out for her life wherever money on weapons; weapons that have killed and she goes. wounded thousands of civilians and destroyed One might expect that with the daily fear Tal thousands of homes. In Israel, land can only be bought and other Israelis face, she may want to live

by Israeli citizens. In the rest of the world that is somewhere else, but this was her most adamant “Of course, I considered apartheid (a prejudice that the U.S. comment yet. “I think there is a difference between don’t think it’s disagreed with while it was in practice in South “The Israeli’s a home and a house, I can have a house in any place right. They’re Africa). are terrorizing in the world but my home will always be Israel.”

Currently, Palestinians are without an economy; killing the Palestinians, However, this love is tested daily by terrorists about 77% of men cannot find work. With a country innocent who commit horrible crimes that take the lives of and if the and an established economy, Palestinians would spend Israelis as well as Arabs. These militant, closepeople government their time working and earning an income rather than minded terrorists are the largest obstacles that regardless of watching their rights being stepped on. The incursions won’t defend block the way to a cease-fire and eventually peace. of the IDF into the West Bank have not (and will not) what other them, they’re Killing others only intensifies the problem, because stop the violence, but only create more. Palestinian people think..”

—Susan Lanier going to defend as wounded souls and minds fester, discontent —Kalid Abdu Hawa children who are witnesses of the destruction of their sophomore sophomore grows and blossoms as an ugly, bloodstained flower, themselves.” homes and the murder of their parents will grow up continuing the cycle of violence. This evil cycle needs with a will to avenge the injustice, and they too, to be broken. The wounds inflicted by the conflict “Yes, because, among numerous others will become freedom fighters.

“I think they will not begin to heal with military action, but I hope for a just peace (just being the alternative according to are justified through human contact and understanding, so peace word); however, that cannot be achieved with Ariel Islam, giving because they will be able to rise above the violence and hatred.

Sharon as Prime Minister of Israel. He is a man of the your life for When you first saw this article, you may have have no other military elected for war, not peace. He is an alleged your religious expected a one-sided political view of the Israeliwar criminal charged for the massacre of 800 refugees weapons to Palestinian conflict. Instead, you gained insight into beliefs is on the Lebanese border. Even Israeli Jews have fight with.” the life of a 16-year old Israeli girl, much like you in awakened to the injustice of its government and martyrism, many ways, but with a constant fear hovering above opposed its occupation of Palestine and have refused to and they go her like a thundercloud. I hope this helps to put a join the IDF when they were required to, and thus —Amet Mohamud —Mohammad Bhatti straight to face on the conflict. The people killed are not merely were thrown into jail. senior junior Heaven.” numbers, they are living and breathing just like you I would like to close off by quoting the words of and me, and they yearn for peace as much as anyone Albert Einstein: “Peace can’t be kept by force. It can else in the world. only be achieved by understanding.”

George W. Bush President of the United States

Colin Powell Secretary of State of the U.S.

Are the suicide bombers justified in their actions?

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Last-Minute Tips for Prom Night Proper Prom pickup etiquette *Be courteous and formal at all times *Tell your date he/she looks great *Do not slouch at the front door *Talk to the parents for a bit, and be as polite as possible

by Rob Payne Staff Writer

“Does this tux make my hips look big,?” is something that you’ll never hear me or any guy say, which means only one thing, it’s Prom time. Come Friday, which already means that I am anxious for the weekend to begin. The clock seems to mockingly tick as slowly as possible. Finally, after what seems like an eternity, the clock hits 10:19 and the bell resonates throughout the school.

With it begins a weekend to remember.

Of course, I’m talking about the day of Prom. While all the girls are rushing to their hair and nail appointments, and stressing about all they have to do to get ready for the night, my friends and I will be enjoying a round of golf.

After hanging out with the guys all afternoon and enjoying several exciting rounds of golf, the most hectic part of my day begins. In running errands and picking up last minute things, I head over to the Flower Den to pick up the $20 corsage I ordered for my date for that night.

From there, I head on over to Master’s Tuxedo and Costume to

pick up my tux. On my way home, I stop by the bank to make sure I have enough funds for the evening. From the bank, I head home for a quick shower and a change of clothes; excluding my errands, the total time it has taken me to get ready for Prom is approximately 20 minutes, depending on how long I shower.

After changing into my tuxedo, I humor my parents by posing so they can take a couple of pictures of me in my evening attire, and then I’m off

Glitter, glam and gowns galore

Oh, what a night...

Prom has been a significant event in the lives of high school students through the decades, as hair, dress, and dance styles have altered from year to year. Serving as the landmark of the end of high school, it is a special night for most, no matter what the clothes you are wearing, the songs you are dancing to, and the people with which you are sharing the memory. These pictures illustrate how Prom at AHS has changed throughout the years, from the very first in 1955 to a more recent day in 1995.

to the house where my Prom group is meeting. Of course, my parents follow with the camera and a ton of film.

Here, at the group meeting place, is where the real fun begins.

I give my date her corsage and have my boutonniere pinned on by her, all while my parents flash so many pictures that I’m almost blinded by the camera. Yet, unfortunately, the pictures are not over. We have yet to move outside and take group pictures with the rest of the crowd.

First, there are the pictures of just the guys, then the group of girls, and finally, of all the couples.

By the time all the picture taking has ended, all of us can barely see, but still manage to be all smiles.

We all pile into the limo and are off to the restaurant where our dinner reservations are made.

With a final wave to the parents, the night is about to begin.

After an excellent dinner at one of the D.C. area’s finest restaurants, Morton’s, we go back to the limo and head over to the dance. Driving up to the Sheraton in Reston in style in our stretch limousine, it’s time to begin the last major event of my high school career.

by Laura Hollowell Staff Writer

It’s May 1. Only one and a half weeks until Prom. But luckily for me, I already have my Prom preparations lined up and I am really ready for the big day. May 10 will be a stressful, but well thought out day.

It is certain that 10:19 a.m., May 10 will not come quick enough. I have to be at a nail appointment at 11:15, after which I have to go pick up the boutonniere for my date, followed by the most important appointment, hair, at 1, then over to the mall for my makeup appointment at 3.

If that running around isn’t enough, I have to be at group pictures at Diana’s house at 6 p.m.

I can imagine the end of second period bell ringing, just in time, and me bolting out the door, knocking down a classmate in the process. I will rush to my car, parked at Ossian, and speed off school grounds. My quick actions will most likely be similar to about another 100 girls who are planning on doing the same thing at this time.

I will probably run home real

Clockwise from top: In 1955, seniors gather for dinner before their Prom; In 1965 a young couple talks over a candle lit pre-Prom dinner; In 1975, two lovers dance the night away; 1985, Puffy hair and puffy dresses were all the rage; In 1995, A senior escorts his date to the punch bowl.

quickly after school and change into a tube-top, so I won’t mess up my gorgeously done hair by changing into my dress later. Then I’ll grab a banana or some type of fruit on the way out the door and rush off to the nail salon. I will decide to go for the ever-popular French manicure and the matching pedicure with it. Then, I’ll pay the lady for the manicure and pedicure and hurry off to the florist to pick up the boutonniere.

A light lunch will

ANTENNA YEARBOOK

be required after the florist; considering I wouldn’t have eaten a meal since the night before; I’ll be too excited to eat breakfast on that morning. Subway will be the selection I choose to gratify, but not overstuff, my stomach. Next stop, hair salon. I will be pleasantly greeted by my regular hair-stylist and I’ll give her the picture of my Prom “dream hair.” The intense 1 1/ 2-hour process will be finally complete and I’ll look great. I’ll thank and pay my stylist and once again rush off, this time to the mall for my last stop of the day. Makeup will be the easiest, and shortest, of all of my appointments. Very pleasant, and quite informative, I might even have to use some of those tips someday.

Feeling a sense of accomplishment of a day well spent, I’ll drive home in a cloud of happiness and hopes for the night ahead of me.

After crawling into my strapless purple dress, my mom will praise my beauty and assure me I will have a wonderful time that night.

My date will pick me up at promptly 5:50 and we’ll take a few pictures by ourselves. We will then drive off in his Mustang to Diana’s house for group pictures. After my date compliments my beautiful dress, I will be certain all of my worries have paid off.

*Pin the corsage on his jacket, or slip it on her LEFT wrist

Convince the parents to let you stay out later *Promise you will not drink, do drugs, or do anything else irresponsible *Tell them that if the people you are with do anything stupid, you will call home and tell them to come get you *Ask them to please trust you and give you some adult responsibilities *Tell them you will check in by phone throughout the night to assuage their fears

Alternatives to postProm partying

Enchanted Evening The price is right Around Prom time, girls and guys have to make a lot of decisions concerning who will pay for what—limo, tickets, dinner—but one often do not realize the many expenses their date has to traditionally pay for to prep for Prom night. However, many couples attempt to balance the costs more equally between them. Here are the possibilities for each Prom attendee.

*Go camping with other close buds

Hair is one of the most important aspects of Prom preparation. Cost of an up-do can range from $30 to $50 (Capelli, Bubbles, Positive Image)

*See a late-night movie, such as “Rocky Horror Picture Show” *Eat out at a late night restaurant, like IHOP *Rent a hotel room with a few friends *Go home and get a good night’s rest *Get a jump start on the weekend’s homework

Limos usually cost approximately $70 per person, depending on number or passengers and length of time to rent (American Eagle Limosines)

Many girls choose to get their makeup done professionally at department stores for $15 to $40, or by older siblings or friends (Mac, Bobbi Brown)

Five-course meals at classy restaurants downtown sometimes have set prices around $40 per plate (Sequoia, Chart House, Clyde’s)

Boutonnieres range in size and flower type, from $5 to $12 (Alternative Arrangements, Flower Den, Pink Posey)

Corsages range in size, arrangement, and flower types, from $20 to $30 (Alternative Arrangements, Flower Den, Pink Posey)

Tuxedoes to rent can cost upwards of $89, with shoes costing $20.

Prices range depending on brand style (Master’s Tuxedo and Costume, Small’s, After Hours)

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Dresses can range from $75 to $300 depending on the store; some even get their dresses tailored (David’s Bridal, Bloomingdale’s) WWW.LESLIEHATCHER.CO.UK

What are you most excited about for your Prom?

by Denice Miller Profiles Editor

Contrary to many people’s beliefs, I am not an alien from another planet. Nor do I have green skin, six eyes and three heads, though I feel like I do after some of the stares I’ve received. I’m not even an antisocial wallflower. I’m just not going to Prom.

In 20 years, when my daughter asks me about my Prom experience, I’ll unashamedly say that I chose not to go. At least that is better then stuttering, while thinking, “Well, I intended to go to Prom, but I didn’t make it past the parking lot...” I’m not dateless; “my guy” is more than willing to dance me through this “enchanted evening.” In fact, a few weeks ago, I was starting to plan for Prom.

Then reality set in. I haven’t spent months looking for the perfect dress, the best limo or the best restaurant. I don’t have the money for a $198 dress, $30 ticket, $15 boutonniere, $200 limo share and a $12 meal. Why don’t I just rent a dress, eat at a

Safe partying after Prom *Stay away from drugs, it happens all the time that students want to experiment on Prom night; lots of guys in particular want to be daring *For girls particularly, there’s a myth that you have to go “all the way” with your date Prom night; if you let it worry you, it can ruin your whole evening, and how much fun would that be? *Partying has various definitions, and not all of them are good; avoid the type of partying that involves wrecking things, getting into fights, or verbally abusing others. If someone is headed in this direction, notify someone in authority and get out of harm’s way *Go in groups of people you know; most people find Prom a lot more fun if they do, and it is safer *Remember that you can still get in trouble in school for anything irresponsible that you do, and seniors can lose the privilege of walking across the stage at graduation

Be prepared *Take a little extra money for any emergencies you might encounter

Non-prom goers find alternatives Prom’s not all it is cracked up to be, says one senior

in-depth

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Guys take it easy in Prom prep

*Take a camera along to take pictures of each other *Take care of your belongings; don’t leave valuables on tables or in bathrooms

friend’s house, drive over in a car and still attend Prom? If I did all of that, what’s the difference between an enchanted evening and another Homecoming?

The difference is the concept of Prom. Many girls dream of Prom since freshman year as a final mark of high school, a romantic night full of laughter and love. But that’s not what it means to me. Prom won’t be my last get together with my senior friends. Prom isn’t the end of the school year, nor is it something all of my friends enjoy together. Among my friends, I’ve seen it become a hellish nightmare, causing friction and stress among friends.

To me, Prom is just another dance. I was too busy doing my school work and having a ball making friends to start dreaming about Prom, my senior year and the graduation. It’s fine for other people to see Prom as the “end of all” dances and it’s cool if Prom means something to them. It just doesn’t hold a meaning for me.

I’m not alone in my thinking.

Some choose to simply not go, and others have opted for the Incubus concert this year. If I’m to be named a loser or whatever for turning down the chance to spend a few hair-yanking weeks and $400 to dance for five hours, I think it’s high time these labels were reconsidered and redistributed.

*If you have a cell phone, take it with you in case of an emergency; you can call parents or police if you get stuck on the highway

ALL “PROM TIP” INFORMATION PROVIDED BY WWW.PROMDRESS.NET

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“I can’t wait to get dressed up and share the night with my boyfriend.”

—Esma Niazi, senior

“I’m looking forward to spending time alone with my date.”

—Ryan Daggle, junior

“I’m looking forward to dancing with a lot of girls and just having fun.”

—Bobson Conteh, sophomore

“I’m excited to have the guy come over and put the corsage on me, and just hanging out with my friends in a limo.”

—Tiffany Merchant, freshman

ILLUSTRATIONS BY CHAE-WHA PARK

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Wednesday, October 24, 2001

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Face off: portraits of AHS Photo, computer graphics and art classes

Students from computer graphics did portraits of themselves.

See the resemblence?

`

Sophomore Will Stroud took this picture of his girlfriend senior Christina Fisher by taking one frame of her with a flower. On the same frame he took another picture of her in a different spot. “I like taking pictures of Christina because she’s beautiful and she knows how to enhance my creativity,” said Stroud.

IB Art holds exhibit A self-portrait by Senior Rebecca Gibson, a first year photo student. “I took the picture with a timer,” said Gibson. “The blue background comes from putting in tint for about 15 minutes.”

Sophomore Miranda Brackett did the above portrait of sophomore Katie Payne. Payne was placed against a backdrop in the photo classroom.

“Even though she didn’t want to be my subject, she turned out to be really photogenic,” said Brackett. “She really made the picture.”

On April 26, the IB Art Festival featured many different types of artwork from seven IB Art students. The pieces of art included scultptures, paintings, portraits, and photographs.

Art teacher Joyce Weinstein believes that the sense of accomplishment after the festival was very important to the students. “One of my students has lived in Paris and Moscow, but said that this was the greatest experience of [his] life,” said Weinstein.

“I was so impressed by how young people could have such great artwork,” said sophomore Kari Wolfe, who saw the exhibit during her R3 class. “They deserve much more recognition than they have gotten.”

There were about seven stations of artwork in the classroom and each station was hosted by a student artist. “[The examiner and I] talked for 30minutes about who influenced me and how I went with my theme throughout the course of the year,”

said senior Talia Miller.

“All the artwork was colorful and inspiring to me since I’m in photography,” said sophomore Erica Robey, who viewed the art show during her R5 class. “I learned a lot about different techniques and that I

i

learned a lot about different techniques and that I shouldn’t be shy about using my imagination.”

Sophomore Anh Pham

—Erica Robey sophomore

shouldn’t be shy about using my imagination.”

Senior Sara Najdi

The photo above shows junior Fatema Sarker ’s exhibit.

The theme of her works for the year is “the working poor of Bangledesh.” The photo to the right is of senior Sara Weller setting up her artwork for the festival.

Sophomore Patrick O’Keefe painted this self-portrait on the right to combine man and machine for IB Art. “It’s easier [to do a self portrait] because you have a reference to go by,” said O’Keefe.

Enjoy your summer at ...

Pinecrest Golf Center 6600 Little R-iver Turnpike Alexandria, Va 22312 (703) 941-1061 Tee Times: 1-877-776-3272

Coming to a museum near you “A New World Trade Center: Design Proposals” April 6, 2002- June 10, 2002 at the National Building Museum. The Exhibition includes a variety of different designs and blueprints for new World Trade Centers. There are over 60 proposals and new designs in a wide variety of forms such as drawings, photos, models and computer-generated images.

“The Art and politics of Arthur Szyk” April 10, 2002- October 14, 2002 at the Holocaust Museum. This exhibit includes the artworks of Polish-Jewish artist Arthur Szyk. This exhibit features

by Abby Segall Arts Editor

145 original pieces of his artworks which exposed the persecution of the Jews in Europe.

“Life Goes through the Eyes of Afghan Child Refugees” Feb. 26, 2002- June 30, 2002 at the Capital Children’s Museum. The museum features an exhibition of Afghan childrens artwork.

The works are from their refugee camp in Pakistan.

The drawings show war, violence and life in the refugee camp. The drawings were done by 3,000 Afghan children for a contest led by Catholic Relief services.

Challenging 9 Hole Executive Course Par 35 - 10 Driving Cages - Full Service Clubhouse & Snackbar - Power Carts - Indoor Golf - Group & Private Lessons

Senior Atif Alam

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AHS nominated eight foreign language students to attend Governor’s School this summer.

Students will spend up to five weeks studying their subject on various Virginia college campuses.

Five out of the eight were accepted.

One card player and a store

by Denice Miller Profiles Editor

Freshman Blake Grandon sits pensively, running various strategies through his head, discarding each one for their weaknesses. He adds his Stalking Tiger to his growing army, but his opponent interrupts him, forcing him to kill it. He then brings his hidden Spider into play, but is again interrupted by the enemy. Groaning, Grandon finally attacks his opponent with a Rootbreaker Wurm. His enemy doesn’t have a big enough creature to block his, so he pits one against the Wurm and the blocking creature dies.

This game, Magic: The Gathering, has become a newborn craze, and students, like Grandon, have been seen playing this card game all over the school in the morning, at lunch and after school. The game is much

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he accusations of satanic meanings are coming from the people who know nothing about gaming... every activity has its lunatics”

like Pokemon for older kids; yet another role-playing game in the multitude available. Each player has a deck of cards, consisting of sorcery spells, creatures and land. Land, or mana, is like energy, and to put certain creatures into play a certain amount of a certain type of land is required. On each card, the top half is a picture of the spell, land or creature. On the bottom half, it

explains what a player can do with the card. At the very bottom is a fraction. The top number describes how much damage can be dealt to an opponent and the second number is how much that creature can take before dying. Each player has 20 life points and the purpose of the game is to attack and kill the opponent.

Grandon has been playing this particular game for six years and his father owns a popular gaming store called “The Lucky Frog.” The family likes frogs and named the store because of their luck. “I was excited [when I heard about the store] because I had been gaming for ten years,” said Grandon. For him, the biggest benefit of working at the store is “meeting people.” Many of his friends were made at The Lucky Frog. “It’s a gaming store that sells games and sports cards. It’s a small store but it keeps prices down,” said Grandon. According to Grandon, the store will beat any Internet or store price in the area.

Grandon works at the store for about 10 dollars a week, however, he receives some discounts in the store.

Grandon does not have an advantage though, on new products, because of a rule that employees must wait so customers can get what they want first. While most people may not think that’s a big deal, magic cards can become very expensive, like sports cards. A rare magic card may cost thousands of dollars and people are willing to buy them. “People make livings in the gaming world.

There are tournaments that offer thousands of dollars for the winner,” said Grandon. The Lucky Frog hosts tournaments on Fridays at 6:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. He plans on temporarily

DENICE MILLER

Freshman Blake Grandon waits for sophomore David Lee Alvarado to finish his turn. A group of five to eight students can be found playing in the hall during A lunch on white days.

taking over The Lucky Frog and his goal is to own the world’s largest gaming store.

Just like video games, the ouiji board, and other such games, there are critics of Magic and believe that the game is satanic. Some of the drawings on the cards have been redone because of complaints that there are “satanic meanings,” such as the Unholy Strength, which is an enchantment that adds strength to a creature. On the card, there is a man that’s being thrust forward and behind him is a circle with a star in it. Parts of the design are on fire, and after a few complaints, the card was redesigned without the fiery elements. “[The accusations of satanic meanings] are coming from the people who know nothing about gaming,” said Grandon. While there have been a couple cases where players become obsessed and drawn

into the game, confusing it with reality, Grandon said that “every activity has its lunatics.”

At AHS, there has been a sudden influx of new and old players.

Several gave up the game years ago because no one was playing and have just brought out their decks from their youth. “I used to play but stopped because no one else was,” said junior Andrew Stanton. While Grandon used to bring his deck every day and play in school, he hasn’t played in awhile because he doesn’t like to bring his expensive deck from home. Also, despite him having helped several friends build their own decks, he still has five years of experience that helps him beat whatever anyone has.

“There’s no competition here, for me,” he said.

Rising Boy Scout achieves top ranking award Anteneh Addisu French

Heather Austin Latin

Zarrin Chua Latin

Jonathan Farrar Russian

Student climbs the ladder in Boy Scouts because “I can say that I’ve done it.

Plus on the outside world, people respect Eagle Scouts, it means something.”

by Annette Bouadi and Katie Stanton Staff writer and Copy Editor

The Boy Scouts are known to almost everyone for their hard work, dedication and the Scout Law. The highest rank, Eagle Scout, is only reached through years of drive, and senior John McDowell has finally accomplished this.

He defines an Eagle Scout as “someone who exemplifies the traits of Scout Law and does not only hold the title.” McDowell joined the Cub Scouts about 10 years ago, when he was in third grade. Unlike some people who join Boy Scouts only for the name, McDowell stayed because he liked to have fun, but he quickly realized that it helped him participate in events that taught him something while allowing him to enjoy time with his friends.

Over the years, McDowell has worked through the following ranks: second and first class Boy Scout, Star and has finally achieved Eagle. He explained that they have to learn what scouting was all about, things like camping and earning merit badges.

To achieve his final rank, McDowell and others had to complete an Eagle project. “It is a project that benefits a school, community or church” and shows that significant effort was given, said McDowell. Projects ranged from painting a school’s snack bar to cleaning a church.

Given the choice, McDowell opted to serve his community at a park near AHS. “My project was to build the roof of a bulletin board at the Danvurry Park entrance at the Accotink Park,” said McDowell. While he received some help from his father and the park management, the work was completed on his own.

Four months later, McDowell was invited to a court of honor, a ceremony held for all the Boy Scouts who had com-

Senior John McDowell was recently made an Eagle Scout, the top rank of the Boy Scouts. The only thing differentiating between his uniform and those of lower ranks is a distinguishing badge.

DENICE MILLER

Collection of jerseys keeps nickname alive

Spanish Ashley Lippolis Spanish

profiles

pleted all the requirements and were to become Eagle Scouts.

During the ceremony, the accomplishments and achievements of the Boy Scouts were acknowledged as they stepped up to their new responsibilities.

However, the fun doesn’t stop there. After his ceremony, McDowell was responsible for a group of boys on a camping trip, which he was more than glad to do. At the end of every month, McDowell and fellow Scouts take 40 to 50 boys of mixed ages and ranks out to camp. “We have gone to adults’ private property, Prince William National Forest, Baltimore and Minneapolis,” said McDowell.

Locations are not chosen at random, but depend on the boys’ activities. For example, on a gun campout, they go to the Northern Virginia Gun Club every Memorial Day weekend. Although they are learning how to shoot, they also are taught safety procedures and gun responsibility.

McDowell is a proud and devoted Eagle Scout, but what he likes the most, out of the entire experience, is the respect he gets from his fellow Scouts and from everyone else. “I can say that I’ve [accomplished] it,” said McDowell.

“Plus, in the outside world, people respect Eagle Scouts, [because] it means something.”

JENNY BEAM

Junior Kenny Alvarado proudly displays his sport spirit, wearing Peter Warick’s, of the Cincinnati Bengals, jersey, number 80.

Jersey boy.

The nickname given to me my sophomore year in my R3 Sports Marketing class by two fellow friends of mine, Chris Bagot and Matt Horn. They both first noticed me by all the jerseys I wore to class, and gave me the name Jersey Boy. At first, when they began to call me Jersey Boy, I thought it would just be a short term nickname, but now almost all my friends call me Jersey Boy. The name has stuck to me well, unlike the other nicknames I’ve been given in the past such as Special K, The Brama Bull, The Doughboy and Homecoming Pimp, all which didn’t last too long!

My jersey collection began back in 7th grade, when I received a Baltimore Ravens jersey (Eric Turner, #29) for my birthday. After I received that jersey, something just clicked. I all of a sudden had a new clothing obsession ya can say. I wanted to be somewhat different from everyone else, to stand out from

the rest of the crowd. At the beginning of 8th grade I had about five jerseys, not too many at

by Kenny Alvarado the time.

Soon after, I saw many more jerseys that I liked and was interested in, that I just had to get!

Most of the jerseys I wanted I got thanks largely to my summer job at Victor’s and my dad. Then I came to high school. One thing I noticed when I first came.... is that nobody seemed to wear jerseys, hardly anyone. During my freshmen year I was always asked, “how come you wear so many jerseys?” and “how do you afford so many jerseys?”

Nowadays, whenever I turn or look around, someone else is wearing a jersey! Some have said that I’ve started a fad, but who knows! As of right now, I own 49 jerseys, mostly of football and hockey jerseys, but also consisting of basketball and baseball jerseys.

I’ve purchased my jerseys from many places, from sports-only shops, catalogs, the Internet, at the arena/ stadium and many other random

Talking t abou

myself

places as well. My jerseys are stored in one of my two closets I have. One closet for my regular shirts and one closet for my jerseys. I can’t say that I have a favorite jersey out of my whole collection.

But I know if I had the choice to own any jersey that would mean the most to me, it would either be a game worn jersey of one of my favorite hockey players, or a team signed jersey of one of my favorite hockey teams. Who knows if I’ll ever get to own either one of those jerseys, but hopefully they will!

And of course if I do get to own one of those dream jerseys, then I’ll never store it in my closet with my other jerseys. It will be hung up on wall under a frame and kept there from any harm. I look to add to my jersey collection over the summer, I know for sure that my 50th jersey will have to be a special jersey.

A jersey that I would love to wear the most and that I will want to keep for years and years to come. But as the years go by, I’ll always remember my real nickname. Special K.... dead.

The Brama Bull....dead. The Doughboy....dead. The homecoming pimp....dead. (even though I can still be that one!). But Jersey Boy....always will be alive.

by Chris Bagot Sports Editor

“Right now we’re winning, but if we start losing, I’ll be the sacrificial lamb.”

—Lam Vu, junior

The Atoms hoped to use the momentum gained from a two-game winning streak into last night’s game against Bullis. The Atoms beat T.C. Williams 10-2 Friday, April 25, then beat a solid O’Connell team 13-9 the next day. The wins improved the varsity’s season record to 7-1. Their first and lone loss of the season came against district rival and powerhouse Robinson 165, on April 22.

“We came together as a team [against O’Connell]. It was a pivotal point in our season,” said junior Erik Rooney.

The Atoms have been lead this year by juniors Ryan Teichler and Chris Rauer. Rauer had three goals in the game against O’Connell.

Teichler scored two goals against T.C. and scored a career high six goals against O’Connell.

“I started out the season pretty

FILE PHOTO

Senior Anthony Cavalero battles for a face off in the team’s only loss of the year at Robinson.

slow,” said Teichler. “Right now things are clicking offensively.”

“We have started to pick it up offensively. We start to move the ball with confidence and take control of

the game,” said Head Coach Bill Maglisceau. “Our defense is starting to understand the team defense concept we need to have.”

The Atoms have two games

sports

Boys Lacrosse wins, moves to 7-1

remaining against district rivals West Springfield and Lake Braddock before entering the district tournament. Both teams have some skilled attackmen that will have to be closely watched by the Atoms defenders. The Spartans have a big, physical defense that could pose problems for the Atoms offense.

“They all got good athletes and good lacrosse players,” said Maglisceau.

The Atoms are 3-1 in the district and hope to move into a higher seed for the district tournament. The regional playoff format was changed this year. In the past, teams were seeded by power rankings, which took into account strength of schedule and margin of victory. This year it has changed to the format used in basketball and baseball where the top four teams in each district make it to the regional playoffs.

S potlight A thlete

Stars of Spring sports

`

Girls lacrosse sets sights on post season

Senior Molly Sherman plans to attend Deleware this fall.

by Rob Payne Staff Writer

playing very well together.”

The team has two games left in regular season, against West Springfield and Lake Braddock, before the Winning their first district game this season against West Potomac 14-3, the Atoms improved their 5-3 record start of the district playoffs.

“I’m looking forward to playing West Springfield,” with two more wins against Hayfield and T.C., but said senior Allison Brennan. “It suffered a loss to Robinson, making should be a really good game, and their overall record 8-4. should be an excellent game to close The team in the Robinson game think we will have an excellent out the regular season and head into suffered from a slow start but post season this year. We have a great the district playoffs.” rallied in the second half to close The Atoms will face West chance to do well in the district the gap to 11-7. The team is Springfield Thursday at 7:15 p.m. at playing much better compared to playoffs and beyond.

West Springfield. With one week left past years. The entire coaching —Hanna Lozier in the regular season before the staff has stepped has stepped up assistant coach district tournment, the outlook for the level of effort and play that is the post season is extremely good. expected in practice and the results “I think we will have an excellent are beginning to show. post season this year,” said Lozier. “I think we have a “The team is doing extremely well,” said Assistant great chance to do well in the district playoffs and Coach Hanna Lozier. “They’re really working hard as a beyond.” team, but more importantly, they’re having a lot of fun in practice and games. The team has made some adjustments over the season, but overall the team is

Name: Molly Sherman Grade: 12 Sport: Girls Varsity Soccer Position (s): Center midfield

I

Notable Achievements: Two-time varsity captain, plays in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) How do you feel about performing in front of large crowds: “It’s positive when people come and show support for the team.”

ANDREW MENEGAT

Junior A-Wing Celia Mallory chomps down on her mouthpiece while listening in during a timeout. Mallory graced the cover of a recent edition of the Fairfax Journal.

Boys tennis poised to reach new heights this season

by David Marin Staff Writer

ANDREW MENEGAT

Sophomore Mike Nakamura works his forehand in practice.

The boys tennis team continued their season with a victory over T.C. Williams last Friday, 6-3.

The team has been led the past few matches by strong performances from junior Michael Nakamura and the sophomore sensations Braxton Koppleman and Khalid Ebrahim.

The team has rebounded in recent weeks, recovering from a disappointing start to their season.

“We’ve played really well lately,” said junior Vincent Keung. “We didn’t get frustrated after losing early matches, and we refocused ourselves.”

Nakamura agreed, saying, “We’ve practiced real hard, that is what has helped us be successful in matches.”

The team has a 5-5 record with two matches left, today versus Hayfield, and Friday at West Potomac. The players outside of the top six have also been successful.

Keung and fellow junior Andrew Satten , sophomore Andrew Menegat, and freshman Sam Boyd

have led the JV players in forming a solid core of players to compete next year.

“I think because of our success outside of the top six, we will probably be real competitive next year, because we will all have another year of varsity experience,” said Boyd.

“I think that we will be real competitive in these matches,” said Nakamura. “We beat both teams,

Hayfield (9-0) and West Potomac (54), earlier in the year, we should be able to beat them again and use the matches as a nice building block for districts.

Both Koppleman and Ebrahim are expected to do well in districts, as well as all the doubles teams.

“I think that we should do well in districts,” said Keung. “we have been competitive in almost every match this year, so I don’t see we that will not continue into districts.”

AHS powerlifter, Carlos Chavez takes his practice reps in the dead lift before going for his max.

The Power Meet was held at AHS in the main gym and the judges were Fairfax County police officers.

REBECCA SAMPLE

Making the jump—Usually a bad mistake

by Ryan Croft Sports Editor

Of all the early entrees to the NBA Draft, Jason Williams will have the most impact his rookie season

Imagine this: the University of Florida goes into its first round match against Creighton, with a little more depth on the bench. If freshman Kwame Brown stepped onto the court, his presence might have put an advantage in the Gators’ court and the NCAA tournament would have come out differently. But instead, he was the first high schooler to be selected first overall in the NBA Draft, donned some corn rows and has been riding the pine ever since. In hindsight, I wonder if he regrets taking millions of dollars and averaging an impressive 4.5 points per game over playing for Florida and contending for a national championship?

If I got a dollar for every time I’ve heard an athlete out of high school or college say: “It’s been a dream of mine to play in the NBA,” I think I’d be rich enough to buy a courtside ticket to see them play. A popular trend in the last five years has been “jumping” to the NBA from high school or dipping out early from college.

Not only does this have a negative effect for colleges who recruit these young athletes, but also it reduces the critical time for a player to polish his skills to prepare for the NBA. And what’s the result?

A watered down league with an escalating average salary. In most

cases, jumping to the NBA is poison for the colleges, but in the long run, it will be worse for the pros.

For all of the Tracy McGradys and Kobe Bryants of the world, there are failures just the same.

Who remembers the fallen high school hopefuls who flopped in the NBA like Korleone Young, Devean George and Deshawn Stevenson?

That’s right, nobody. Aside from dire financial need or complete ignorance

roft’s olor ommentary

C

with Ryan Croft to pass college classes, I can’t justify leaving early for the pros.

Here is a rundown of the top underclassmen of the 25 who have declared themselves for the upcoming NBA Draft: Chris Wilcox, Maryland: last year’s nobody turned local and national hero following Maryland’s NCAA Championship. The only reason I agree he should have jumped— history repeats itself.

Former Terp Terrence Morris’ stock was sky-high after his sophomore season, but for some reason or another, it dropped every year he stayed in school. Wilcox said he didn’t want to make the same

mistake and “the time was right” to leave now. I can’t say I blame him.

With his size and athleticism, if he develops a more moves around the basket and a decent jumper, he should be a force in the NBA. Jason Williams, Duke: quite possibly the best point guard in the country right now (NCAA or NBA), will graduate in only three years.

He will be a perennial all-star in the NBA and will provide instant impact for his team next season. If only he could learn to shoot free throws...

Rod Grizzard, Alabama: bad mistake. My main man has let me down.

This sharpshooter led Bama to its first SEC regular season title in fifteen years.

Of all the hairdos in the NCAAs, Grizzard’s cornrows were probably my favorite and his electrifying dunks made Tuscaloosa think it was football season. If he stayed, he could help Bama avenge the loss to Kent State in the round of 32. Roll tide.

Dajuan Wagner, Memphis: bad mistake. Although Wagner was well known out of high school for scoring 100 points in a game, his current game could use a little polish. With some time, he should make a fine pro. I think a year more of meal plans, flip-flops in the shower and away messages would make Dajuan the top pick in next year’s draft.

Drew Gooden, Kansas: bad mistake. Following an impressive

year for the Jayhawks, Gooden’s stock fell after he was outplayed by fellow deportee, Wilcox. If he takes weight training as an elective next year he might be able to hang with the big boys like Shaquille, Tim Duncan, Bill Wennington and Maglisceau’s aging favorite, Patrick Ewing.

Caron Butler, Connecticut: bad mistake. The Big East Player of the Year was one of the best pure scorers in the NCAA last year and after another two years he could have put up Ray Allen-type numbers. After a stint in jail in his teens, I guess he figured he better make millions now before the cops find a reason to lock him up again.

Kareem Rush, Missouri: bad mistake, right JaRon? Although he is second on the all-time career scoring list, he might fall into the same path as his brother, who left early from UCLA and didn’t make it in the NBA. Instead of finding his jump shot, he now finds himself in AA meetings as a recovering alcoholic. If Kareem opted to come out as a senior, the added year could help him develop more of a physical game, which would make him more effective in the pros.

Chris Flowers, Annandale: Sorry pro scouts, this lefty is sticking to the books and returning for his junior year (thanks to Shaquille O’Neal’s annual Stay in School Jam on NBC).

Favorite Girl Scout Cookie: Taga-longs. They are best with a glass of apple juice.

Personal: Molly carries a 3.4 GPA and works as a lifeguard at the prestigious North Springfield Pool during the summer.

On the weekends, Molly likes to play table tennis. Last month, she went clubbing for the first time.

Junior Ryan Teichler plans on attending AHS next year.

Name: Ryan Teichler Grade: 11 Sport: Boys Lacrosse Position (s): Attack Notable Achievements: 2nd Team AllDistrict, Player of the Year as sophomore, played in Metro Elite League past summer, Bronze Medalist in Va. Commonwealth Games, guard on a nearly undefeated county basketball team How do you feel about performing in front of large crowds: “In our recent win over O’Connell, I couldn’t take my eyes off a hot girl in the visitor’s stands. If you are reading, my cell # is (703) 980-7092, please call.”

Favorite Girl Scout Cookie: Samoas, because they’re yummy.

Personal: Ryan carries a 3.3 GPA, coached tennis for Wakefield Chapel and is an asst. youth lacrosse coach for a 3rd/4th grade B-Team in Division III.

aBlast

the

Wednesday, May 1, 2002

15

16

Softball readies for Titans: Round 2

by Lauren Sterlacci Staff Writer

aBlast

the

Wednesday, May 1, 2002

SARAH SHERMAN

The girls varsity softball team was pumped up after their 12-0 win over T.C. Williams, which junior Lindsey Grant felt was a success.

“We did well defensively, not letting them score was a confidence booster,” said Grant. “Our bats weren’t the hottest, but we did our job of getting on base and scoring runs.”

Although now it seems as if they are looking to recover from their losing streak against Hayfield (0-2), West Potomac (1-4), Lake Braddock

(0-14), and West Springfield (2-3).

The team’s record is currently 2-6 in the district.

Junior Courtney Theiberger feels the team can turn the season around.

“Despite the fact that our record isn’t the greatest, we are all having fun and going to keep on trying our hardest for the rest of the season,” said Theiburger.

The girls are looking forward to improve their record with upcoming games against Robinson, T.C. Williams, West Potomac and Hayfield.

“As a team, our goals for the rest of the season are to finsish up well in the district tournament,” said senior Lindsay Quigley.

“It’s been a difficult season, but we still show up to practice and the games with heart still in it. So the remainder of the season will still have some surprises in store for us,” said Grant.

The team will play next at T.C. Williams this Friday at 7 p.m. They will be looking to beat the Titans for the second straight victory. With the victory, the varsity squad’s record would improve to 3-6 in the District.

Junior Dorsa Hassas relays to senior Sarah Kelman in practice. The team is coming off a 12-0 victory over T.C.

Baseball prepared to knock off T.C. Williams Friday

by Kristie Moore Atomic Athletics Editor BASEBALL STATS Travis Johnson, Jr. .442 BA 3 HR 15 RBI Justin Klunk, Sr. 0 HR 8 strikeouts 1 CS Evan Ashe, So. .304 BA Chris Bagot, Sr. .298 BA 6 RBI Matt Bickert, Sr. .289 BA 9 RBI Willie Freeman, Sr. 12 RBI

The Atoms look for another win against T.C. Williams this Friday at 6 p.m. when the Titans have the home-field advantage. “[To prepare for T.C.] we need to work on a boatload of situational hitting,” said coach Matthew Caudle.

Despite 3 1/2 solid innings, the Atoms fell last Friday, April 26, 6-8 to the West Springfield Spartans, which brings them overall to 6-10, and 2-6 in the district. “West Springfield just got some clutch hits and a few lucky breaks,” said senior Kevin Rudd.

The Atoms had a great start to the game, scoring three runs in the first inning. The first one was off of senior Willie Freeman’s double into left field, which brought home senior Justin Klunk and junior Travis Johnson to third base. The following

two runs were brought in by senior Matt Bickert, who hit the ball deep into left field, bringing Johnson and Freeman home. By the end of the first inning, the Atoms led 3-1.

Three more runs were to come for the Atoms in the top of the second. Rudd started off with a base hit and proceeded to steal second off of a West Springfield error. Next up to bat was sophomore Evan Ashe, who bunted the ball, which got himself on base and brought Rudd to third. Senior Jay Athey’s double in center field put Ashe on third and Rudd home. With another double by Johnson, it drove home They and Ashe, putting the Atoms ahead 6-1, which brought their scoring to an end.

The Spartans tried their best to catch up scoring two in the bottom of the third bringing the score 6-3.

At the bottom of the fourth inning

the Atoms began unraveling. The Spartans managed to score five runs off of five hits and received some help from errors made by the Atoms.

“We had good pitches by Johnson, but they just had lucky hits,” said Caudle. “Senior Chris Bagot had a hit in left field that barely went foul and that could have been three runs there.”

They fought to bring the score back in the sixth when they loaded the bases, but were unable to bring home those runners and were also unsuccessful in the seventh. The game ended with the Spartans on top 8-6.

The Atoms faced the Robinson last night at home, however, the game ended after press time. After a string of losses, Caudle is still upbeat.

“We have the ability to beat anyone in the district, we just have to put it all together,” said Caudle.

SEAN SULLIVAN

Sophomore Chip Brandt takes some ground balls at first base at a recent practice while his teammates look on.

Track preps for showdown with Hawks, Rams

by Evan Ashe Staff writer

LINDA FAIRALL

Sophomore pole vaulter Brian Bagot stretches to ensure he does not “pull a hammy.”

The Spring Track and Field team is set to compete today as they travel to Robinson Secondary School to take on teams from Robinson and Hayfield.

In the Atoms last meet against West Springfield and T.C. Williams, strong performances were put in by the girls team on the track, as junior Afua Amponsah won both the 100 meters and the 100 meter hurdles. The girls 4x100 meter relay consisting of Amponsah, Rachel Jones, Ashley Welch, and Kim Vou also took first place.

Amponsah has been dominant early in the Spring season and is hopeful that her success will continue.

“I’m looking forward to the 4x100 relay going to districts and possible regionals,” said Amponsah. “I’m also looking forward to hopefully finishing first in states in hurdles and possible going to nationals.”

The girls field events in their last outing were also

strong as seniors Kathy Owusu-Sakyi, Martha Cruz, and Nina Rodriguez swept the discus event. Sophomore Elizabeth Gill took first in the girls pole vault with a winning height of seven feet, six inches.

“I think the season has gone really well so far, but I think that Robinson and Hayfield will be tough,” said Gill, “this meet will be a real test on how far we will go this year.”

In the boys field events, junior Brian Park was victorious in the discus, winning the event on his final throw. Senior Noah Yates took first in the boys pole vault, clearing 11 feet, and sophomore Brian Bagot took second clearing 9 feet. On the track, senior David Blau finished second in the 100 meters.

The team is anxiously awaiting its showdown with Robinson and Hayfield teams this afternoon.

“I’m looking forward to racing and beating Mike Imoh in the 100,” said senior David Blau.

Q & A: From Florida to AHS, Johnson shines

by Sam Molavi Staff Writer

Last summer, junior Travis Johnson moved from North Florida Christian HS in Tallahassee and landed in the Annandale area. He has excelled this season in both football and baseball. His play has received notice from college scouts. Here is his story.

How was the transition from Fla. to Va.?

Not good at all. I hated leaving all of my friends and not knowing anyone when I got here. I basically did nothing all summer until football started because I hadn’t met anyone yet.

What do you like about AHS that you didn’t have in Florida?

Well, North Florida Christian was a private school so I had never experienced public school before and I actually like it. The people here are a lot nicer than in Florida.

What’s different about AHS? It’s definitely more diverse than my other school. It’s like a completely different world here because my school in Florida was all white.

Who is your biggest influence at AHS? Definitely my friends. I’ve met a lot of different people through sports and school and they have a big effect on me.

How do you like going to school where your dad teaches?

It’s kind of weird. I can’t goof off a lot and stuff like

that because I feel he’s always watching. But it is good to have him there all the time in case I need him for anything and he really motivates me to do my best in school.

What is your most memorable moment at AHS so far?

Without a doubt it was the Westfield football game.

It was unbelievable that we went five overtimes and all the emotion from my teammates and the crowd was awesome. I was proud to be apart of the team with that win.

Do you like playing for Coach Adams?

Yes, he teaches me a lot about football and is a big motivator in my life. He stays on me to make me a better player and I like that.

Who is your idol?

Joey Harrington. He’s a quarterback as well and I like the way he plays. He’s a really smart player and I try to model myself after him.

Which do you like better, football or baseball?

I think football because there’s a lot more action and its more intense than baseball. Plus the crowds at football games are so big and that really helps my game.

What are your plans for after high school?

Hopefully if I play well next year, I could be able to receive a scholarship in football. I’d like to play for maybe the University of Virginia or some other division 1 school. If I can’t make it as a professional athlete, I am also interested in maybe becoming a teacher. Who knows, I am really up for anything that comes along.

Two Sport Threat Junior Travis Johnson reaches back for a pitch in a recent practice. Baseball is the second sport Johnson has participated in this, his first year at AHS.

Atomic Athletics: An update of Freshmen and JV sports

JV Boys Lacrosse

Key Players: John Bernhardt, Noah Crowley

Coaches: Hanna Lozier and Kelly Allen

JV Boys Soccer

Coaches: Eddie Latore Key Players: Rey Patterson and Rodrigo Molladi

Record: 4-2-1

Key Players: Julie Bowes, Bethany AugliereWheat, Chae-Wha Park

Result of Last Game: 8-7 win over O’Connell on April 27

Result of Last Game: 7-2 win over T.C. Williams

Result of Last Game: 1-1 tie to T.C. Williams April 29.

Next Game: 5/2 at home vs.

WS @ 5:30

Next Game: tomorrow vs.

West Springfield @ 6

Next Game: May 7th at Hayfield @ 5:30.

Coach’s Quote: “We lost a couple close ones in the begining, but we’re looking good for the remainder of the season,” said Coach Nick Cavalero

Coach’s Quote: “We’re making some adjustments and improving a lot,” said Coach Hanna Lozier.

Coach’s Quote: “We have made a lot of progress this year and we expect to have a good varsity team next year with JV players from this year,” said Eddie Latore.

s

ports

Coaches: Mike Isemann, Tom Natoli, and Nick Cavalero

JV Girls Lacrosse

JV Girls Soccer

JV Baseball

JV Softball

Coaches: Vince Randazzo, Mark Boger

Coaches: Terry Hiebert, Chris Wollenburg, Matt Buchanan

Coaches: Richard Green, Tim Jones

Key Players: Val Smith, Amy Merrill, Kate Bagnulo Next Game: May 7th Home vs. Hayfield @ 5:30 Coach’s Quote: “A week and a half ago we lost several players to varsity and we’re trying to find new chemistry,” said Coach Randazzo.

Captains: Frankie Rathbun, Kyle Smealie, Nick Norwood

Captains: Ashley Jones, Meg Neleson, Kari Wolfe, Amanda Green

Key Players: Kelly Beam, Nick Norwood

Key Players: Captains, Amanda Green, Sara Binkley

Result of Last Game: 8-7 loss to West Springfield

Result of Last Game: 9-6 loss to West Springfield on Apr. 26

Next Game: Friday, home vs. T.C. Williams @ 6p.m.

Next Game: Friday, home at 6 p.m. against TC Williams.

—INFORMATION COLLECTED BY KRISTIE MOORE, SENIOR

sports

Girls Soccer loses, Districts approaching With some improvements, the girls team can improve their 1-5-2 record and jump into Districts

by Sam Molavi Staff Writer

Kicking off the final stretch to this regular season, the girls varsity soccer team faced a comparable T.C. Williams squad last Monday at T.C. Despite a valiant effort to erase an early one goal deficit, the Atoms uphill struggle to even the score failed and the girls lost a close one 1-0.

The Titans scored early in the match due to some lapses in defense and took their lead into half time.

Though the Atoms lacked aggressiveness in the first 45 minutes, they made some adjustments at the half and gave the Titans a run in the second where they just barely failed to convert and came out of the contest with their fifth loss of the season.

“We weren’t aggressive at all in the first half and lost almost every 50-50 ball,” said senior captain Molly Sherman.

With only three games remaining this season before the district tournament, the girls are sitting at the bottom of the district with a 1-52 record. Yet regardless of how it

may seem, the Atoms have been making some considerable improvements.

“Their not playing bad at all right now,” said coach Marc Casico.

“I’m proud of the way they have been able to hang with powerful teams like Robinson, Lake Braddock and West Springfield who are consistently in the top ten in The Washington Post. Hopefully now in our last three games against Yorktown, Hayfield and West Potomac we will be able to muster some wins.”

Coach Cascio has been relying on the good play by some of his veteran players such as Kara Burney and Molly Sherman, along with solid play by juniors Mary Burke and Karlyn Hixson. He has also added to the team by bringing up two freshmen, Julia Bizer and Mary Gaski, who he hopes will be reliable players down the road.

If the girls come out with intensity and dedication in their last three regular season games, they could post some wins and jump into the district tournament with momentum. Their next game is Thursday at Yorktown at 7:30.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Boys Lacrosse 5/2 home vs. West Springfield JV @ 5:30 Var @ 7:15

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Girls Lacrosse 5/2 at West Springfield JV @ 6 Var @ 7:15

Junior Kara Burney and her fellow teammates at a recent practice.

Boys Soccer defeats T.C., first victory this season

by Jared Smith Staff Writer

The boys soccer team defeated the T.C. Williams Titans 3-1 on Monday night in an impressive showing.

The win gives the Atoms the first victory in the district this season with tough losses coming to Lake Braddock, West Springfield, and Robinson in the previous games.

During this game junior Chino Farifino scored two goals with the second one coming with 10:28 remaining in the game which put the Atoms ahead for good at 3-1.

Annandale got the go ahead goal with 3:30 into the second half by a spectacular play by sophomore Matt Hubacher, who headed one in from right outside the goalie’s box.

“We played a great game and really pulled away in the end,” said Hubacher. “I got a little frustrated in the beginning of the 2nd half because we had trouble getting the ball out of our zone, but we adjusted and took over the game in the end.”

Head Coach Carl Horsham was also pleased with the

Boys Soccer 5/7 at Hayfield JV @ 5:30 Var @ 7

win, saying, “It was a good win, we got some bad breaks the previous games but tonight the breaks fell our way and it showed.”

Sophomore Johnny Eklund, who has been out with a left arm injury for the past week and a half is pleased with how the team has performed in his absence. “We are getting better and better each game,” said Eklund, “The team is working hard and I should be able to return and help the team by next Thursday’s game at West Potomac.”

Also performing well for the Atoms was sophomore goalkeeper Johnathan Kriss, who broke up two breakaways and made three key saves in the second half. Also, sophomore defender Alfred Smith had several key breakups which helped the Atoms too victory. TC scored their only goal with a penalty kick 8:40 into the second half.

The Atoms have two more games before the district tournament begins, next Tuesday vs. Hayfield, and next Thursday at West Potomac. The district tourney starts the next week.

Girls Soccer 5/7 home vs. Hayfield JV @ 5:30 Var @ 7 Baseball 5/3 vs. T.C. Williams Var @ T.C. @ 7 JV Home @ 6 Softball 5/3 vs. T.C. Williams Var @ T.C. @ 7 JV Home @ 6 Boys Tennis Today home vs.

Hayfield @4 Spring Track Meet vs Robinson/ Hayfield at Robinson @ 5:00

The boys soccer team will be moving on to Districts next week.

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Goo Goo’s innovation goes down the Gutter

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by Katie Stanton Copy Editor

“I think, if there’s a theme to these songs, it’s about being honest with yourself and with others, and seeking out those who will return the favor,” said John Rzeznik, lead singer of the Goo Goo Dolls, in an interview for their website about Gutterflower, their new album. Too bad this is the same theme they used for the last album, and the album before that, and the album before that...

Don’t get me wrong—the band is great and has created beautiful songs in their 16-year career. Formed in 1986, the Goo Goo Dolls consists of guitarist and vocalist Rzeznik,

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NEW CD RELEASES

Weezer Maldroid Arriving just a year after the Green Album, Weezer appears to be on a roll.

The new album will be released on May 14.

bassist and vocalist Robby Takac and drummer Mike Malinin. They’ve released such notable singles like “Name,” the song that first caused their commercial success, “Black Balloon,” “Iris,” which was used for the movie City of Angels, and “Slide.”

Gutterflower is the eighth Goo Goo Dolls album, and was released on April 9. Although the album is new, there is nothing original in its content. Their latest single, “Here is Gone,” is heard all over the radio- and sounds exactly like every other one of their singles. Lyrics like “You and I got something/But it’s all and then it’s nothing to me” are just as introspective as all the rest. The songs are good, but they sound the same.

Listeners will get distracted often as they listen to Gutterflower because there’s nothing in it that makes you really listen until you reach the latter part of the album.

The guitar riffs and the drumbeats are the same throughout the first few songs, and breaks between them are barely noticeable.

Luckily, this changes a bit once you reach track 7, called “It’s Over.” It has a different sound from the first six, using less plain guitar and adding different elements like sudden instrumental pauses and less

of a Top 40 beat.

“Sympathy,” the next song, is a pretty little tune, using two acoustic guitars and a keyboard.

It’s short but sweet, a song reminiscent of Greenday’s “Time of Your Life” in its striking simplicity. This is the Goo Goo Dolls at their acoustic, emotional best. “What Do You Need?”

Also is notable, sounding like an actual rock song. Heavy guitar riffs and drumming underlie powerful vocals; it and “Sympathy” are the least MTV-friendly tunes (which is a good thing).

Gutterflower’s differing quality between separate songs is the change of singers, as Robby Takac takes the lead on four tracks. His voice is throaty and guttural; perhaps it could work if he was the only singer on the album, but there’s no comparison to Rzeznik’s smoothly delivered vocals. Rzeznik’s voice is raspy as well, but it flows with the music, while Takac’s is made for some other tune.

Gutterflower is the type of album that tells CD RATING the listener that the GOO GOO DOLLS band is in a niche; somehow I can never imagine the Goo Goo Dolls exploring any other musical sound Good music, but the besides soft acoustic album is too guitar or bouncy poprepetitive. rock. It’s understandable if a band reaches certain success with a certain sound, but one has to take risks in the music business, which,

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Gutterflower, the Goo Goo Dols’ most recent effort.

through 16 years and eight albums, Rzeznik and his bandmates seem afraid to do.

Overall, Gutterflower isn’t worth the $13 the average store will charge you; my advice would be to download “Sympathy” and be done with it.

Maybe someone should be honest with them: the reason the Beatles or Ozzy Osbourne are household names is because they went beyond the boundary line and over the top for the musical era they were in. At this rate, the Goo Goo Dolls seem destined to fade in the minds of listeners.

The Goo Goo Dolls: Mike Malinin, John Rzeznik and Robby Takac.

Dirty Things for girls Life with The Osbournes

by Alejandro Salinas Entertainment Editor

by Alejandro Salinas Entertainment Editor

Vanessa Carlton Be Not Nobody With the hit single “A thousand miles,” exballerina Vanessa Carlton is pop’s new sensation.

Spiderman Soundtrack Music to the biggest movie this year, the album includes tracks by Pete Yorn and the Strokes.

After her sober role as Tom Cruise’s psycho exlover in Vanilla Sky, Diaz returns to her specialty: shaking her butt and gross-out comedies.

Whether he does it by biting off a bat’s head, or simply by advising his kids not to drink or do drugs and to use a condom if they decide to have sex, Ozzy Osbourne knows how to obtain the public’s attention.

In his latest project for television, he and his loving wife/manager, Sharon and their neurotic offspring, Kelly and Jack break the standards of television and family conventionalism.

Since its debut on MTV in March, The Osbournes has proven to be a peculiar hybrid of “reality” television and the classic family show. Recorded for six months in the dysfunctional family’s Beverly Hills home, the show is MTV’s greatest hit comedy ever, drawing an audience of 6 million viewers. Audiences can’t get enough of the family’s constant ordeal: the fighting, the swearing and Osbourne’s delirious behavior.

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Sense Field Tonight and Forever The band’s fourth studio album, which includes the single “Save Yourself.”

H o r o s c o p e s

e

entertainment

Is love the sweetest thing in life? Not according to this movie, where Cameron Diaz dazzles the audience with the help of her curvilinear figure. With her typical sexiness and provocative dances, Diaz effectively proves that the sweetest thing in life is...herself of course!

After her sober role as Tom Cruise’s psycho exlover in Vanilla Sky, Diaz returns to her specialty: Diaz, Blair and Applegate get the party started! shaking her butt and grossout comedies.

The Sweetest Thing, just like any other enjoy the pleasures of her wellchick-flick, is about the search for Mr. endowed partner.

Right. However, although the plot may The movie’s indecent nature is seam trite and weak, the movie’s raunchy, revealed from this point on, with risque jokes and tone, and the chemistry scenes involving talks about female between girlfriends Diaz, Applegate and odors, an encounter with a “glory Blair make it slightly enjoyable. hole,” and a semi-naked performance Diaz is Christina, a 28-year-old party of the Pina Colada song. The crudewoman who is afraid of commitment. ness finally reaches its paramount in a Following her motto “don’t search for Mr. musical scene involving Jane in a Right, search for Mr. Right-now,” she has compromising sexual position. managed to avoid any type of serious Although the movie addresses relationship and exist happily. Nonethefemale insecurities, such as aging and less, everything changes for her when she fear, in a comical manner, its focus is meets Mr. Right at a club. Immediately in shocking the audience. The movie sparks fly. However, also parodies recent comedies, like MOVIE RATING Christina’s fearful American Pie and Road Trip, by THE SWEETEST THING nature and denial having girls act and behave dirty. Men restrain her from are relegated to secondary roles, acknowledging her serving as sex toys, clumsy lovers. etc. true feelings, Female revolution? Maybe, but The consequently, losing Sweetest Thing is too cliched, too light her chance at true Good chick-flick, but and even too gross to be taken not appealing to the happiness. seriously. general public Realizing the Girl power may be the message emotional state of this movie is insinuating, but with all their friend, Courtney (Christina the sexual mumbo jumbo, its imposApplegate) and Jane (Selma Blair) sible to assert it. In the end, after all convince Christina to battle her fears and the sex jokes and crude scenes are search for her man. Courtney joins over, all that’s left in The Sweetest Christina in her journey, while prosaic Thing is tantalizing eye candy.

Jane stays in San Francisco to work and

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20FEBRUARY 18 Be careful, danger and sickness surround your loved ones. Try to remain cautious until things go back to normal. In the mean time avoid any confrontation with your mate.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19-MARCH20 You’re having the time of your life right about now. Family and friends are by your side and things couldn’t look any better. Watch out for romantic gatherings.

ARIES MARCH 21- APRIL 19 After a long-hard battle, things should even out. Don’t worry about other people’s problems right now. Focus on yourself and what you need at the moment.

Love life will ignite with a Gemini.

LEO JULY 23- AUGUST 22 What happened to the good old days when the biggest stress in your life was who you were to play with after school?

Now-a-days school and activities are overpowering your life.

Relax and remember to have fun.

GEMINI MAY 21- JUNE 20 Things are put into focus during this time. You realize who your real friends are and now you have to show them you care.

You find love and romance is at an all time high. Aquarius involved. Lucky Days: 4 and 13.

CANCER JUNE 21- JULY 22 Life is tough at the moment.

You’re lacking support and you feel as if friends ignore you.

Brighten up! Soon life will take a different turn. Be sure to be careful with what you say around family at this time.

Ozzy, Sharon, Jack Kelly; the antithesis of the TV family.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23NOVEMBER 21 You’ve been hiding in the shadows of others for too long. It’s time to step up and show your teachers, family and friends who you really are. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Taurus and Pisces play roles.

VIRGO AUGUST 23- SEPT. 22 The past month may have been sloppy and wet, but don’t worry things should dry up soon. Just take your time and don’t rush into things. New crush may end up in shambles. Be careful where you step.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 26- OCTOBER 25 School is almost over and you’re flourishing.

Give serious thought to your future. Be ready to make life changing decisions. When the opportunity comes around, make sure you make the most of it.

Wandering around the house shirtless, tattoo-strewn and mumbling unintelligible comments, Ozzy is the epitome of what years of alcohol and drug abuse can cause on a human. With quivering hands and a blank face, 53year-old Ozzy is visibly worn out. His pointless attempts to establish order and control over his rebellious kids are comical; he’s incapable of telling Jack and Kelly why their behavior is reproachable, and frequently stumbles with words.

The real boss in the house is Sharon, a legendary presence in the music industry, who, despite her role as the voice of sanity in the house, can’t avoid confrontation either. Last week’s episode featured Sharon attempting to urinate into a whiskey bottle, trying to teach Jack a lesson.

The lack of control over the kids is obvious and, as a result of this, many critics and people have charged the show of setting up poor examples of family life. The charges are true, the show never sets the right example and Ozzy and Sharon’s parenting style is questionable. However, that’s the point of the entire show: entertainment for the MTV audience. The only difference between this show and other MTV classics, like Beavis and Butthead and Daria, is that this time MTV is pushing the envelope with the help of the most demented family on the face of earth.

The average show contains around 65 curses, most coming from tool-maniac Jack and bittersweet Kelly.

The Osbournes success lies in its crudeness and disturbed sense of humor. Each episode gets us closer into the lives of the family and their 300 pets; the infamous dog episode is still fresh in my memory. The show grabs your attention with the frequent use of profanity, but it’s the unique humor and laughable characters that keep you interested. Whether you’re laughing with the family or at the family, it’s all the same. The show airs every Tuesday at 10:30. p.m.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22DECEMBER 21 Love life is on the rocks lately and you seem to be getting into a lot of fights with close friends and family. Just relax and try not to stress yourself out too much. Remember to pay your debts.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22- JANUARY 19 You seem to be doing great in school and romance is in the air.

Keep loved ones close to you and enemies even closer. Be on the lookout for emerging conflicts and remember to keep your cool.

TAURUS APRIL 20-MAY20 Lately you have not been feeling very energetic. Although school is important, remember you must enjoy life too! Just relax, summer will be here before you know it.

Your lucky days include 3, 10 and 15.

entertainment

May movies will provide madness and mayhem

by Reid Edwards and Mike Mahn News Editor and Entertainment Editor

Traditionally, May is the month that kicks off the summer blockbuster season for the film industry. The following movies are some of the biggest movies of the spring and may live up to the hype or tank in the wake of other bigger and brighter films.

STAR WARS: EPISODE II ATTACK OF THE CLONES In the most widely anticipated movie since Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Anakin Skywalker, Padme Amidala (Natalie Portman) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) are all back in Attack of the Clones, set 10 years after the prior film. This time, Hayden Christensen, star of the low-budget 2002 film Life as a House, takes on the role of Anakin Skywalker. The premise of the movie has been kept somewhat quiet because people involved with the film and websites are attempting to keep it a secret, but some of the plot is known. Clones is about a group of separatists led by Count Dooku attempting an assassination on Padme. The assassination attempt leads to the deployment of the army of clones led by Jango Fett, an allusion to the title of the movie.

Anakin and Obi-Wan are responsible for the protection of Padme, and Anakin makes his first moves towards the dark side. There are also lots of intense battle scenes between Jango Fett and the Jedis.

SPIDERMAN Other than Star Wars, Spiderman is probably the most highly anticipated movie this spring. Spiderman stars Tobey Maguire (Wonder Boys) as Peter Parker and Kirsten Dunst (Bring it On) as Mary Jane, and is directed by Sam Raimi, who is best known for the cult-horror classic Evil Dead movies.

Spiderman follows the basic story line from the marvel comic book series and features the Green Goblin (played by the once respectable star of the American classic, Speed 2: Cruise Control, Willem Dafoe) as the major villain of the film. As a result of the success of X-Men in summer of 2000, a new trend on movies based on comic books has started in Hollywood with Spiderman in May as well as The Incredible Hulk and X2 (XMen sequel) both due out sometime next year.

UNDERCOVER BROTHER All joking aside, Undercover Brother starring Eddie Griffin looks so funny it is already drawing comparisons to other unpopular Eddie Griffin movies such as Double Take, Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, and The Meteor Man. Undercover Brother is basically the biggest rip-off of the Austin Powers movies in that there are absolutely no differences in the basic structure of the movies besides that the main character is black. Chris Kattan (a.k.a.

Mr. Peepers) and Denise Richards (Wild Things) star as the villains of the film. The movie does look absurdly hilarious, likely filled with lowbrow, juvenile humor such as the scene in which Denise Richards and the female protagonist fight and the Undercover Brother and his sidekicks (Dave Chappelle and Neil Patrick Harris) kick back and watch.

INSOMNIA

Spiderman, also known as Peter Parker, about to kiss his new girlfriend played by Kirsten Dunst.

Insomnia is Christopher Nolan’s first film since the highly acclaimed Memento in 2001. Insomnia stars Robert Deniro as Will Dormer, a detective who suffers from the title disease.

Dormer is searching for the killer, played by Robin Williams (Flubber), of a young girl. (This is the second movie this year, Death to Smoochy, in which Robin Williams has played the role of the villain, an uncommon one for him). Insomnia will likely receive more hype and be promoted more then Memento now that Nolan is one of Hollywood’s most highly regarded directors. Insomnia, unlike Memento, is not based on and original screenplay, but a 1997 Norwegian film of the same title which didn’t gain much recognition in the U.S.

high school and goes to prison, where he learns how to be cool.

He comes back to high school where he rules and is adored. He is popular and all the cheerleaders love him, but there is a threat. Someone from his old school plans to rain on his parade and tell the school about his geeky past. What will he do? The comedy also stars Eddie Griffen, who also will star in the upcoming comedy Undercover Brother. Griffen should finally gain the respect of the academy after these two finely constructed specimens of American cinema.

New releases on video and DVD: MAY 1ST ALI Starring: Will Smith, Jamie Foxx Director: Michael Mann The life and story of boxing great Muhammed Ali. It chronicle’s his life from when he was still Cassius Clay, through all Vietnam controversies, and up into is rumble in the jungle. (PG-13)

DEUCES WILD A gang of teenage boys known as the deuces are seeking to keep drugs of the New York City streets during the summer of the 1950s. Two deuces, Leon and Bobby, lost their brother because of drug abuse, and now it appears they will have to deal with a rival drug dealing gang. Deuces has a lot of recognizable actors but no big stars. Steven Dorff (Blade) and Brad Renfro (Apt Pupil) are Leon and Bobby. The film also stars Fairuza Balk (The Waterboy), Norman Reedus (The Boondock Saints, Gossip), Johnny Knoxville (MTV’s Jackass), Frankie Muniz (Malcom in the Middle), Drea de Matteo (The Soprano’s), and Matt Dillon. Deuces appears similar to the 1983 film, The Outsiders, except that it deals with the theme of troubled youths, contains lots of fight scenes and stars Matt Dillon.

THE NEW GUY Deuces Wild stars many familiar faces, all trying to pass off has tough gang members, set in the 1950s.

DJ Qualls, who played in smaller roles in recent comedies such as Road Trip and Big Trouble, is the star of the New Guy. New Guy is about an unpopular kid who gets kicked out of

The New Guy star DJ Qualls taking lessons from a fellow inmate played

by Eddie Griffen.

Life or something like an average romantic comedy

by Sarah Sherman Photographer

Life or something like it stars Angelina Jolie and Edward Burns as soon to be lovers after bad news from a soothsayer.

What would you do if you had one week to live? One week to be close with friends, to say what you’ve always wanted to say, to do what you’ve always dreamed of doing, to be who you never thought you could be. In Fox and Regency’s new movie Life or Something Like It starring Angelina Jolie and Edward Burns, there is only so much time to laugh, do, see, touch, live and love.

Lanie Kerrigan. Beautiful. Smart.

Successful. Perfect. With the perfect apartment, career, wardrobe and boyfriend, Janie (Jolie) believes she actually have the perfect life. Just as things are looking up when Janie hears she’s up for a big promotion to her dream job in New York, a homeless prophet who claims he’s never wrong tells Janie that her life is meaningless, and that she has only one week to live. When the savant’s other predictions come true, Lanie begins to re-examine her life and priorities, all in a whirlwind one-week period. As if things weren’t crazy

enough for Lanie, romantic sparks fly as she reluctantly teams with a cameraman (Edward Burns) with whom she has long been at odds.

During her last week alive, Janie goes through a transformation, from the superficial beauty queen to a real human being, with feelings for people other than herself. The change is touching, showing that a day in the life of the real world can change even the

Angelina Jolie’s character standing with a prophet who has predicted she may die this week, unless she is able to change her life.

most selfish of all hearts.

While the plot of the film sounds like a must see, the acting and chemistry on screen prove to be somewhat, well, flat.

While they start off passionate and lively, Burns and Jolie eventually get tiresome, and their relationship falls short about three-fourths of the way through the movie. In the end the two are just plain mushy.

It’s Jolie who really makes the movie.

Her being a blond is shocking enough. In past roles, Jolie’s tough-guy personality gave her critical acclaim, and even won her an Oscar for best supporting actress from Girl, Interrupted. Her role as Lanie proves that she’s an ambidextrous actress, able to play the loud, angry tom girl as well as the ditzy, snobby princess.

What mostly impressed me about the movie was Jolie’s flexibility. You would never tell that she was the same dreadlocked car-stealing criminal in Gone In 60 Seconds that she was as a clean-cut designer blond in Life.

Life is director Steven Herek’s 12th big screen movie. Life, along with The Mighty Ducks (1992) and The Three

Musketeers (1993) MOVIE RATING all have some Life or something like it touching, lifechanging message along with it, be it live every day to A stale romantic the fullest or don’t comedy that has give up, go team been done many times before.

USA! These days Herek is known for his gentlehearted Disney flicks, and he definitely brought it with him for Life.

All in all, I’m glad I saw it (I had been debating for quite some time). It was uplifting and clever, and had an impact on everyone in the audience. Jolie’s sass and wit was still present, which was a must for most scenes. Despite relatively dull acting and lack of chemistry in some scenes, Life is a touching, funny movie that really makes you wonder what it would be like with only so much time left to live.

“Someone once told me to live everyday like it was your last,” says Lanie. “because one day, it might be.”

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Webslinging is out of control in the newest Spiderman game

by Philippe Podhorecki News Editor

In two days Spiderman The Movie will come to theaters. In anticipation of the movie, Activision has released a game loosely based upon the movie for all three of the major consoles and the PC. This review is for the PS2 version only.

The game follows the plot of the upcoming flick, but adds extra villains to extend the length. You, as Peter Parker, start out right after the infamous wrestling match in Spiderman lure. A criminal steals money from your boss, but you don’t stop him; and when you return home, you see your Uncle Ben has been killed by this man. Thus starts Spiderman’s saga.

Spiderman chases after such Spiderman nemeses as the Scorpion and the Shocker. But the main struggle is against the Green Goblin.

The voice of Toby McGuire, who plays Spiderman in the movie, lends his voice to the game as well. However, he does a poor job of expressing the gravity of any situations.

The story is introduced with a cinema scene, and most of the plot is kept together by intermittent scenes to keep you in the game. However, these scenes are none too exciting and just seem to lag on. But, they are pretty enough to keep people watching.

As with many PS2 games, there are a GAME RATING Spiderman lot of “jaggies” and aliasing problems that, while they don’t detract from the experience, don’t help. The biggest marvels of the game are the outdoor levels. Standing on top of a skyscraper Very tricky to and looking out upon the city is an control spiderman, amazing sight. The ground has cars but the graphics are good. driving, along with tons of buildings that

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are all sorts of sizes. Indoor levels look nice as well, but lack the awe the outdoor levels bring. Several characters can be animated on the screen at once, and barely show any ads; which makes playing the game all the more fun.

Swinging from building to building is a lot of fun. The ability to change directions is one of the easiest things to do in the game, as it should be. The last thing you want is to be attacking the Vulture and not be able to turn into him.

However, once the game goes indoor, the game starts to drop off, dramatically. Fighting the crooks and villains is pretty basic, punch and kick, however, you can learn new moves that can keep the game more interesting. Climbing up walls and sneaking around buildings provides a lot of needed excitement to the game, but brings out Spiderman’s Achilles heel, the camera.

The camera is probably the worst I have ever had to use in a game. You can control it with the right analog stick but it is incredibly hard when you are in the middle of a battle. It becomes quickly frustrating when you jump off a wall to make a break for a door and get turned around by the camera.

Activision could have easily made this less of a problem with a little more time.

Spiderman itself is a short game, lasting merely four to five hours. The extras are supposed to keep you coming back for more and more fun. However, they are mostly lackluster and worthless. None of the extra costumes give special powers, excluding the Green Goblin’s. The Spiderman Bowling is okay, but is nothing too special. And the extra movies are a few minutes of fun, but not worth the effort of playing the game again.

Rent the game first, and then buy if you must. This game won’t keep many playing for more than a day or two.

NOT ANOTHER TEEN MOVIE Starring: Jaime Pressly, Joy Bisco Director: Joel Gallen A raunchy parody of every single teen movie ever made or even imagined. It is crudely done and ultimately it is childish but with very adult material.

(R)

MAY 8TH Ocean’s 11 Starring: Brad Pitt, George Clooney Director: Steven Soderbergh Hip remake of The Rat Pack’s movie of the same title. It is about a casino heist of hundreds of millions of dollars. This awesome cast delivers a fun ride. (PG-13)

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A screenshot from the videogame Spiderman: The Movie which is on Xbox, Play Station 2, and Gamecube. This is just one of the many battles you may encounter.

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Ice cream galore

by Katharine Kishiyama Staff Writer

Find out what are the best ice cream shops around

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WHFS CONCERT INFO • HFStival 2002 • RFK Stadium • May 25 and 26 • Tickets go on sale Saturday, April 27 at 9 a.m.

• Tickets available through ticketmaster.com MAJOR BANDS PLAYING

Alien Ant Farm Alternative Rock. Biggest hit is “Smooth Criminal”

9:30 Club rocks D.C.

Dashboard Confessional

by Katie Stanton Copy editor

Emo punk

Good Charlotte Alternative

Our Lady Peace Alternative

Choccolate chip, strawberry, and vanilla. These are the flavors of ice cream which have been cooling down people for many years.

As the warm weather has begun to seep in, many of us have found ourselves craving some delicious ice cream that will melt in your mouth, not in your hand. Luckily for us, companies such as Ben and Jerry’s, MaggieMoos, and Dairy Queen have transformed the ice cream industry to ensure that our ice cream eating experience is enjoyable and fulfilling.

Ben and Jerry’s is known for its wide and unusual range of flavors, serving over 60 different types of ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbet products. The company also specializes in cakes, cookies and shakes. A small cone or cup of ice cream costs $2.50 and a regular cone or cup costs $3.75, while the Vermonster (four bananas and brownies covered with 20 scoops of ice cream and sprinkled with several different toppings) costs $27.50. Their “scoop shops,” located in Washington D.C., Georgetown and Old Town Alexandria offer refuge to customers from the summer heat.

However, if you’re looking for a “moolicious” treat, Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream and Treatery, with locations in Arlington, Alexandria and Springfield, will satisfy your craving. While MaggieMoo’s doesn’t offer as many flavor choices as Ben and Jerry’s, it offers more mix-ins, allowing the customer to create their own ice cream dish. The price of a small cone costs $2.69 and a regular cone costs $3.39 (a little more than Ben and Jerry’s), and the scoops come with

one free topping. The customer can choose from over three dozen varieties of mix-ins such as candies, fruits and nuts. Unlike any other ice cream parlor, MaggieMoo’s mixes the toppings into their ice cream on a frozen granite table, pushing out pockets of air to elevate the product’s temperature to an optimum consumption level.

“The ice cream at MaggieMoo’s rocks because its homemade and you can make up your own flavors,” said junior Ashley Welch.

And still, if your heart desires more than just ice cream, you should head over to Dairy Queen, conveniently located at Ravensworth Shopping Center. DQ offers both ice cream and other fast food meals such as hamburgers, crispy chicken strips and salads for the best prices. It costs only $1.19 for a small cone or cup and $1.49 for a regular. Unlike Ben and Jerry’s and MaggieMoo’s, DQ specializes more in ice cream combinations, than flavors, offering cool treats such as Blizzards and Brownie Earthquakes.

Overall, Ben and Jerry’s and MaggieMoo’s both offer upscale ice cream experiences, offering a wide variety of ice cream flavors and a more enticing atmosphere. While the luxury comes at a higher price, it is worth the money.

Dairy Queen on the other hand offers good ice cream and fast food meals at a cheaper price with a more convenient location.

Other Ices Cream Stores in our area: Baskin Robbins and Tom Sweets Ice Cream Shop.

The 9:30 Club offers many different kinds of entertainment for a reasonable price.

Sum 41 Modern Rock

Vibrant, flashing, multicolored lights, the thunder of the bass guitar resounding in your heart, and the exhilaration of seeing your favorite band 20 feet in front of you—this is only a piece of the experience at the 9:30 Nightclub, in Northwest D.C. The immense blue building looks non-descript on the outside; from observing it you wouldn’t think that hundreds of the nation’s top acts have performed there. However, just looking at the upcoming schedule can give you an idea: Garbage at the end of April, Pete Yorn and N.E.R.D at the end of May and Jimmy Eat World in the beginning of June.

My last venture to the noteable club was for the pop/punk band, Dashboard Confessional, on April 9. An all-ages, sold-out show, the club was packed with teenagers from the first floor to the balcony.

I arrived at the club with sophomores Susan Lanier and Ian McLeland at about 5:30 pm; it was pouring down rain but there was still a line at the door.

Security and club staff patrols the door and the sidewalk while people wait.

A ticket window sits next to the doors, which are covered with posters advertising upcoming shows. When we were finally let in (soaking wet and somewhat cold), we gave our tickets to a staff member and got our hands stamped with a big, blue rat, to show we were underage. There are two bars inside that offer free water when the show is over.

As you walk in, the mood and lighting hits you all at once: it’s a club for rock stars, with blue walls, spotlights all over the stage, music thumping and people milling everywhere. My friends and I ran and grabbed spots right against the stage. Now we had to sit and wait until 8:30 p.m., when the first opening band would play.

The lights darkened and the audience yelled and clapped as the first band walked onstage. Opening were the bands Seafood, Ben Kweller and The Anniversary. Normally the opening bands play music somewhat like the feature band, and this concert was no exception: the

music was filled with soft guitar and tame drumbeats, and the audience swayed with the music. I was surprised, because it was possibly one of the tamest shows I had ever been to; I was up against the stage, less than 5 feet away from the band members, and I had enough room to breathe, jump around and lean on the stage without being pushed at all, in the very front row.

Between bands the lights went up and music came over the loudspeakers.

KATHARINE KISHIYAMA

Bright neon lights add to the experience of eating delicous ice cream at Ben and Jerry’s in Old Town Alexandria.

A day at the ball park

by Rachel Jones Staff writer

One, two three strikes and you’re out of the old ball game! Major League Baseball, America’s favorite pastime, is just beginning another exciting season. Although the Orioles are off to a rough start, people are still clamoring “take me out to the ball game and buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks.”

Baseball offers cheap fun for families or friends alike. The stadium, at Oriole Park Camden Yards in Baltimore and is about 30 miles away from Washington; it can be easily reached by trains traveling between Baltimore and Washington.

Many people have been attending games since they were young and

By the time the main band comes on the club is usually somewhat smokey, and people crowd to the front, anticipating the reason they’re here in the first place.

Finally the lights darkened again, and Chris Carabbas, Dashboard’s lead singer, appeared alone on stage with an acoustic guitar, in a single spotlight. The audience immediately erupted in screams and cheers and began to sing along with his every word. The rest of the concert passed like this, even as other band members appeared on stage; it seemed like everyone but me knew the words to every single song, and they belted it out as loud as they could.

After the concert was over (near midnight) the lights went up for the final time and the crowd surged to the back to buy merchandise. I grabbed some water while I waited for my friends, and we joined the crowd pushing to get outside. When the concert’s over people usually mill around outside, in hopes of meeting band members and getting autographs, while inside roadies pack up equipment and security keeps order.

I’ve been to other 9:30 Club concerts and, while the crowd was more active and the music was a lot heavier, Dashboard’s show was a good example of the normal 9:30 experience. Tickets are always decently priced, the club is two blocks from a Metro stop and great bands play almost every night. For the usual concertgoer, it’s an experience worth having.

For directions, ticket info and upcoming shows, go to http://930.com.

have developed an attachment to the team. “Baseball is my favorite sport,” said sophomore Marisa Menezes.

“Towards the end of the game it gets real exciting depending on the score and whose playing.”

The Orioles have special events and activities. June and July offer firework nights and Bobblehead dolls of major players or the mascot.

Students can get into Friday home games for $5 if they show their student IDs. If you’re looking for Saturday night plans other than dinner and a movie, check out the Orioles for different types of weekend fun. After the game take a stroll down Inner Harbor and enjoy Baltimore at its finest.

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tomic reactions

With warm weather here, what plans do you have in store for the weekend?

“This weekend I will be attending a 30 hour life guard class.”

—John Kreitler freshman

“Spending more time at Georgetown and Old Town, and hanging out with friends.”

—Pati Mohamed sophomore

Unwritten Law

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Alternative-Rock

ernhardt’s Bites

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What’s better than a delicious plateful of your favorite pasta? Or, have you tried authentic Italian pizza with fresh mozzarella and tomato? At DaVinci’s Family Restaurant you can do just that!

DaVinci’s, located in Barcroft Shopping Center close to the Harris Teeter on Columbia Pike, is close to the Annandale RESTAURANT area. The restaurant RATING itself has been decorated DAVINCI’S in a traditional Italian way. Frescos and pictures of Italy’s landscape adorn the walls. Hanging plants also complement the A friendly Italian cafe with good food, cozy artwork, and the dim atmosphere lighting adds adds coziness feeling to the atmosphere of this Italian cafe.

The menu is filled with a multitude of choices, but DaVinci’s specializes in Greek and Italian foods. Specialties such as chicken cacciatori range from $9.25 to $12.95. These entrees are a bit more expensive than the soups, salads, John Bernhardt Weekend Editor

“I’m going to train to be a lifeguard.”

—Bayla Whitten junior

“Get out my new pink spandex shorts and go tanning at Chapel Sqaure.”

—Matt Wolffe senior

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JOHN BERNHARDT

Sophomore Bryce Chadwick and family enjoy a Sunday afternoon meal at DaV inci’s Family Restaurant.

sandwiches, pizzas and strombolis that cost $4.50 to $5.25 and come with chips and a pickle. I had the tuna sub and it was filled with fresh tuna salad, lettuce and tomato.

A hankering for Italian food can definitely be satisfied at DaVinci’s. With

Prom approaching, many restaurants are extremely crowded with reservations. However, dining at DaVinci’s would be a pleasant alternative to avoid the crowds and eat a tasty meal.

“I plan to go mountain biking this weekend.”

—Russel Kee Guitar Teacher