Issue 12

A

the 8-9

HIT THE ROAD

Students discover the world outside Annandale

Golf tournament raises funds

Eighty-four people participated in last Wednesday’s PTSA Golf Tournament, at Andrew’s Air Force base. The May 19 tournament, raised $11,000 in sponsorships. Contestants competed in varying events like longest drive and closest to the pin. The fund raiser also included raffles for prizes like a Callaway golf bag and a full car detailing by theAHS auto tech department.

Winners of the tournament include Terry Brown, Jim Vandenheuvel, Ryan Vandenheuvel, and Chuck Sykes. Three of the four are alumni.

Assistant Principal Brandon Cooley and Safety and Security Specialist Cliff Cornwell wait to putt during the annual PTSA golf tournament.

ESOL dance group formed

The ESOL drama group presented their first production since being created.

The play was performed on Wed. April 21 in Clausen Hall and Annandale Terrace Elementary School. Senior Ashley Lippolis and junior Jamie Foreman created the group during the middle of this school year.

The play was Rappaccini’s Daughter, which is a one-act play written by Nathaniel Hawthorne who also wrote The Scarlet Letter.

The directors were Lippolis, Foreman, and sophomore Minha Do. The ESOL drama group has two productions in the making for the 2004-2005 school year. When not performing the group practiced improvisational games, stage combat, drama theory, and technical aspects of the theater.

DECA wins national awards

Nine students from AHS’s DECA chapter returned from Nashville, Tennessee, bearing awards after attending the May 1 through May 4 International Career Development Conference. Rene Tran, junior, placed in the top ten of her competitive event. “I thought I was going to win,” said Tran. “I practiced for months so I thought it was the best, as I also had a perfect score in the state level competition which is very unusual.” Tran developed a merchandising promotional plan for Victoria’s Secret clothing stores. Her project contained a ten page written manual and a visual board for presentation that also included a power point.

In accordance to her requirements, she advertised, promoted and made people aware of the company’s special events. She backed her plan up by budgeting the money used for her plan. “I read that manual many times and gave her tips to spark her presentation,” said DECAAdvisor Pearl Springfield. “It is the highest level of accomplishment AHS has ever gotten.”

Sohaib Khan Staff Writer

Local gangs Recent gang violence, which resulted in the death of one FCPS student and the mutilation of a 16 year-old’s hands, have raised issues about gangs at AHS and in the community.

CONCERNED

11%

36%

14%

This survey was distributed to 600 students during A and B lunches, May 21.

Insert

11

16

I SCREAM FOR...

HALF CENTURY OF CHANGE

SWEAT AND SUCCESS

Get the scoop on the best places to get ice cream

ATOMversary celebrates 50 years growth and change in the school and community

The hardships and glory of a year in AHS athletics

Gang violence linked to AHS

Former student arrested for machete attack; FCPS student killed in latest gang violence

BY EVAN ROWLAND Sports Xtra Editor

Hayner R. Flores, a former AHS student, has been arrested for the May 10 machete attack on an Alexandria teenager.

Flores, 18, attended AHS last year until his expulsion from the school. AHS administration declined to release details as to why Flores was expelled. He is believed to be a member of the street gang Mara Salvatrucha, more commonly known as MS-13.

On May 10 early in the morning, Flores along with several other MS-13 members, approached a 16 year-old teenager along with his girlfriend on the 6400 block of Edsall Road.

According to an AHS student who wishes to remain anonymous, “the teenager flashed the sign of the South Side Locos, a gang with a great rivalry to MS-13, as Flores and several other MS-13 members drove by. Flores and his fellow MS-13 members approached the teenager and told him to ‘throw it [the SSL sign] up again.’ The teenager then flashed the SSL

sign again, and the MS-13 members assaulted “The gang population here at school is him. They held his hands down and mutilated minimal, AHS is very proactive in eliminating four of his fingers so that the teenager would only any gang activity. We get a lot of help by talkbe able to flash the MS-13 sign from now on.” ing to the students,” said Assistant Principal The teenager was rushed to INOVA Fairfax Brandon Cooley.

Hospital suffering from life threatening injuries.

On May 18 there were about seven FCPD He went through several hours of surgery, but cruisers on Four Year Run near the Jock Lobby some of his fingers remain inoperable. of AHS around 2:45 p.m. “The officers pulled At 10 p.m., May 12, FCPD arrived at the over a car because they believed they had apartment of Flores to arrest him for maliciously spotted some suspected gang members,” said wounding a minor, along with participating in Walker. “The police officers did a routine traffic a street gang. Flores is now being held in the stop for illegal window tinting, and recorded the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. names of the teenagers in the car.” The officers Flores “We cannot release any further information sent the recorded names to their gang unit to because some of the same leads that helped us to catch Flores identify whether or not they are members of a street gang. are helping us find the others involved in this crime,” said “This was a message to the gangs that Annandale High FCPD Public Information Officer Budd Walker. Since the School belong to us [FCPD], not them,” said Walker. Feelings attack on the Alexandria teenager, FCPD have stepped up security around campus it is not unusual to see three squad “Gangs” continued on pg. 5 cars patrolling the school grounds throughout the day.

Boys forfeit season

SOL tests determine graduation

Soccer forced to relinquish wins due to ineligible player

BY JARED SMITH Sports Editor

When the boys’ soccer team arrived prior to the May 11 Senior Night game versus the Robinson Rams, they were not aware about the events that transpired earlier in the day which changed the course of their season.

On the afternoon of May 11, Head Coach Chris Segaar inquired to the athletic department, via email, about the eligibility of junior Stephen Amoah, 19, for the next season. In an immediate reply from Student Activities Director Angelo Hilios, Segaar was informed that there was a problem with the student’s eligibility.

In a meeting directly following the school day, Hilios informed the player and coach in a closed door meeting that because of the eligibility rules regarding the age of high school players, Amoah was found out to be 30 days too old and should have not been allowed to play from the beginning of the season.

“I knew because of my age it could happen at anytime,” saidAmoah. “I felt bad for making the team lose but I know it wasn’t my fault.”

After coming over from Africa when he was a child, Amoah started high school later then most, entering his freshman year when he was 16.

Although both the coaches and the athletic department knew he was older than most juniors, they cleared him in the beginning of the season when the rosters were submitted.

“There was no intent, it was just an oversight by the athletic department,” said Segaar. “He [Amoah] was aware of the rule but in a polite way. He wanted “Soccer” continued on pg. 12

BY STACEY MARIN Staff Writer

Boys soccer players hug after scoring in the May 11 game against Robinson. Due to an ineligible player on the teamʼs roster, their 4 wins and 2 ties have been converted to loses.

Prom, beach week, college, finally being done with high school – these are all perks of graduation that seniors have been looking forward to for four years. But AP and IB testing, finals, and starting new challenges take away from that excitement. This year, graduating seniors face a new roadblock on the way to graduation. The class of 2004 is the first class that faces the problem of passing required SOL exams in order to graduate.

In order to graduate, seniors must have passed six SOLs throughout their four years in high school. They must have passed the English 11 tests in reading and writing, as well as four other tests of their choosing. Students can retake the exams as many times as needed, and AHS offers the test multiple times throughout the year. As a last resort, students are able to take the tests online in order to pass the exams and be able to graduate.

“A few students will not graduate because of the SOLs,” said guidance counselor Linda Wheeler. “They have met graduation requirements in terms of courses and grades, but they have not passed their SOLs.” The last round of SOL testing for this year began on Fri., May 21, and will continue through Wed., May 26.

These tests will be given to students as a culmination to the courses they are currently taking. SOL makeup tests, both for people who missed the exam date or need to retake the test for graduation requirements, will be held May 27, 28, June 1, and 2. Students needing to take those exams will be pulled out of their R1 and W2 classes.

According to a Sun., May 9 article in The Washington Post, the Virginia Department of Education has said that 5.7 percent of seniors are not expected to graduate, either because of SOLs or failing classes. This number was a partial survey and was calculated before the last tests of the school year were given. Last year, 4.8 percent of seniors did not graduate and 5.7 percent did not graduate in 2002, but SOL exams were not required in either year.

In Fairfax County, about 5.3 percent of seniors need to pass at least one more exam. The failure rate for students

“Tests” continued on pg. 5

Prom: the beginning to the end

Seniors prepare for graduation as the school year comes to a close

BY MIKE WIEST Staff Writer

SOMEWHAT CONCERNED

39%

BEGINNING TO BE CONCERNED

VERY SAFE

How safe do you feel in school?

703-642-4229

MONDAY, MAY 24, 2004

As the 2004 school year comes to an end, many seniors are getting excited about the festivities that are associated with graduation. These events include the Baccalaureate, Graduation, and finally, the All-Night Graduation Party. All of these activities are planned for mid-June, and are an annual celebration for seniors.

The first event is the Baccalaureate, which takes place on Monday, June 14th at 6:30 p.m. in the AHS Auditorium. This is a non-denominational and inspirational ceremony that is traditionally celebrated as a part of graduation festivities.

At this celebration, students will be dressed in their cap and gown. This will be a great chance for the friends or family, who didn’t get tickets because of the lack of graduation lottery tickets left, a chance to

honor the seniors’ efforts. It consists of readings and musical selections performed by students, along with a keynote speaker.

Then, on June 15th, the day that every senior is looking forward to, the Graduation ceremonies will be held at 7 p.m. at D.A.R. Constitution Hall in Washington D.C. At Graduation, all the seniors will receive their diplomas that they put all their hard work in to throughout all of high school.

“Graduation has been something I have waited my entire high school career, I’m just glad it’s almost here,” said senior John Olson. “I can’t believe it’s here already, I’ve been slacking off a little just because I’m so excited about the graduation,” said senior Jim Philapy.

After the graduation ceremony, there will be a “Beach Blast 2004” taking place at South Run Recreation Center in Springfield, VA. This is the all-night graduation party. At this celebration, only graduating

seniors with tickets will be admitted. At “Beach Blast 2004” there will be a swimming pool and spa, sporting competitions, casino and carnival games, decorations, tattoos, DJ/karaoke, caricaturists, a grill, and like always, prizes for winning some of the games. Along with the games, there will also be a casino.

“I’m really looking forward to the AllNight Grad Party more than anything because I get to chill with my friends in the pool,” said senior Charlie Dickinson.

“There’s not really one thing in particular that I’m looking forward to the most, just the whole party. It will all be fun,” said senior Jim Philapy. In order to make this “Beach Blast” possible, about 200 parent volunteers will be needed.

As seniors are coming down to their final stretch of high school, many are

“Graduation” continued on pg. 4

NIKI HOLMES

NEWS BRIEFS

700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003

SEAN SULLIVAN

VOLUME #49 ISSUE 12

ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

Couple Billy Steinbuchler and Miranda Brackett dance after being crowned Prom King and Queen. Members from the crowd booed as they were announced, see editorial on page 2.

2

EDITORIALS A Prisoner abuse hurts on two fronts th

May 24, 2004

BY JOHN BERNHARDT Editorials editor

Women are fit for service Congratulations on the most amazing story I have ever read in The A-Blast. One hardly knows where to start the discussion on “Women: Unfit for Combat.” Unlike the author, I am handicapped by having actually commanded army units—an all-male tank company and a mixed gender headquarters company. But I will enter the discussion nevertheless.

To the heart of the matter—the author maintains that arguments drawn “from a cumulative pool of facts...would lead any reasonable observer to conclude” that women should not be in the military. I am glad I am an “unreasonable” observer. With a simple replacement throughout the article of an ethnic group’s name instead of word “women,” one could easily think we were in some racially biased era of the past—say the 1860s or 1940s.

So women will degrade combat effectiveness, put others’ lives at risk, lower men’s self-esteem, and weaken unit spirit de corps? And women in the military are hypocrites? I would think we would want such a powerful group, which can bring men to their knees so easily, fighting on our side. How did I miss this behavior in my nine years of active duty as an Armor officer?

On behalf of the excellent male and female soldiers I have known and served alongside overseas, with whom I spent many days under miserable conditions, eating cold rations when there was no place to sleep in warmth—I wish to say I am proud of their sacrifices to keep the U.S. truly free. It was their sacrifice that permits others to read poorly written articles by ill-informed children.

ILLUSTRATION BY REBECCA KRAUSHAAR

American businessman who was captured by a group of Islamic militants. After killing Berg, the man responsible for the murder claimed the act was in response to the abuse of Iraqis at Abu Ghraib. Unfortunately, other incidents such as this are likely to occur because of the prisoner mistreatment.

In addition to having great implications in Iraq and in the global scene, news of the

prison abuse scandal will have domestic consequences. Thus far, there have been a number of congressional hearings held in an attempt to investigate the accountability of military and government leaders. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld appeared before the Senate Armed Forces Committee to answer a number of questions.

Through the congressional hearings

Leadership only goes skin deep In the hypocrisy in which we live, it is socially acceptable for certain races to be racist. We have been so conditioned that a racial comment from a white person teeters on the edge of hate, while the juxtaposed comment from a minority sits soundly in a realm of political correctness.

AHS is diverse by numbers, not by practice. In realistic, general terms, the whites socialize with the whites, the blacks with the blacks, the Asians with the Asians, etc. There are of course exceptions, but there is limited interaction between races. In the 50th anniversary of our school and Brown v. Board Of Education, there is an emphasis of our “racial harmony,” but there is hardly racial indifference. Prom was a true testament to how far we have actually come in 50 years.

Nearly mimicking Homecoming, when Johnny Ecklund (Caucasian) was booed by a group of black students, as he was crowned Homecoming king, students showed complete disrespect as the prom King and Queen were announced.

“Yodit! Yodit! Yodit!” black students chanted as Miranda Brackett (Caucasian) was crowned (Yodit was a black contestant). Her applause was drowned in shouts and boos as the tiara was placed on her head. She politely smiled and turned to the crowd as the shouts tapered off.

“And this year’s prom king is,” Administrator Sean Hearn announced. “...Mr. Billy Steinbuchler.”

“Ah, hell no!” one black student shouted as Steinbuchler passed on his way to the front of the crowd.

Jeers rivaled the cheers as the two hugged and posed for pictures.

Harmony is not self-segregation.

Harmony is not mere co-exsistance.

Harmony is not booing someone’s success because they are of a different race.

I’m embarrassed for the school, the administration and the graduating class, which displayed such tacky, disgusting behavior. What kind of message of racial intolerance are we sending when students criticize the winners from prom King and Queen-based on their race?

Imagine if a black student had won and a group of white students chanted “Miranda! Miranda! Miranda!” There would have been fights and the administration would have stepped in pointed out the abhorrent behavior. Yet in this case, nothing was done because we are desensitized to racial insensitivity when it is directed at whites.

I have been called “white boy,” by countless minority peers. Hypothetically speaking, if I had called a black student “black boy,” not only would I be running the risk of suspension, I would probably be in physical threat,

MAking the GrAde

Thomas Pratuch Science teacher

Prom goes smoothly

A

On Friday, May 14, the senior class boogied-down at the prom. The dance, which was held at the Waterford at Fair Oaks, began at 9 p.m. and ended around 1 a.m. There were no major problems at the prom or afterwards.

Prom night, in particular, is a night were many parents and school administrators are weary of students drinking. Luckily, there were no alcohol-related problems this year. Hopefully, this positive trend will continue.

Police heighten presence

B

After the recent gang activity, the Fairfax County Police Department has increased its presence around AHS before, during and after the school day. This effort has been made to ensure to safely of all students.

Gang related activity has been on the rise and more prevalent in Northern Virginia over the few years. However, new measures are being taken in an effort to curb gang violence.

Wrecked car left unexplained

C

A wrecked car was dropped in front of jock lobby last week in an attempt to deter students from drinking and driving, especially on prom night. However, no announcements or information were provided with the car, making its impact on the student population minimal. Last year, the car was also displayed with a lack of information. It is a good idea to show the dangers of drunk driving, but some sort of background information needs to be given.

FOX to air new series

F

Well-known rappers Method Man and Redman are starring in a new TV series, Method and Red, which is set to air on June 16 at 9:30 p.m. The main premise of the show is that Method Man and Redman move into a white neighborhood. Method and Red presence on national TV is visible, and undisputable evidence of decline in popular culture.

PHOTO BY JOSH LEWIN

Letter to the editor:

The effects of the scandal at the Abu Ghraib prison outside Baghdad go far beyond the personal humiliation and abuse suffered by the Iraqi prisoners. Not only has the United States’ reputation as a fair and just country been tarnished, but this incident has given Iraqi insurgents more reason to steadfastly fight American military forces.

Consequently, this will have great implications on the rebuilding process.

As of now, the United States is essentially own its on in the rebuilding phase.

There is little international help— a situation in which the blame can be ascribed to the Bush administration. As a result, it was of utmost importance for the U.S. to build a cooperative, friendly relationship with the bulk of the Iraqi people—people who the government claims would support the U.S. presence. Unfortunately, the hope of such a relationship disappeared as fast as word of the prison abuse spread.

When the Iraqi people read about and see pictures of the ‘abhorrent’ treatment of their fellow citizens, it will be very difficult for them to continue supporting the United States. There are not going to be many Iraqis who are freely willing to assist the U.S. in their intelligence gathering efforts.

The prisoner abuse by U.S. forces has, and will, lead to acts of retribution by insurgents who have captured Americans. The first act of retaliation for the prisoner abuse was the decapitation of Nicholas Berg, an

and on-going investigation, it became apparent that officials had knowledge of the abuse months ago. However, information about the mistreatment was not released because Rumsfeld and other top officials felt that releasing them at that time would have had too drastic of a negative effect.

Instead, the decision was made to not release the pictures. This ‘cover up’ has lead to suspicion. Congress and the American people want to know who knew about the abuse and who should be held accountable.

Many Democrats have called for Rumsfeld’s resignation. While this may be partly justified, partisan politics is also behind this demand. Right now, the last thing this investigation needs is the presence of politically-charged maneuvers.

Congress needs to unite as a whole to investigate the scandal quickly, but correctly.

Recently, the United States has not been on good terms with very many other countries. Operation Iraqi Freedom hurt diplomatic relations with many of our European allies. The mistreatment of the prisoners, which broke the terms of the Geneva Convention, will further hinder international relations.

So far, one solider was court martialed for prisoner abuse and sentence to one year in jail—the maximun punishment. However, even after the perpetrators are punished for their actions, the effects will still linger in Iraq and around the world. However, the consequences of the prison abuse scandal can be minimized if those who are responsible are dealt with swiftly and sternly.

Seniors Miranda Brackett and Billy Steinbuechler were crowned Queen and King at the 2004 Prom. However, their crowning was tainted with insensitive jeers.

and justifiably so. No one has the right to make someone feel insignificant by labeling someone by their physical traits.

Reference to skin, in my case, is not appalling because it isn’t malicious, but the simple act extends the boundaries of what is socially acceptable behavior. Booing someone because they are of another race is a clear transgression into what is unacceptable. We must change or we run the risk of repeating history, and the values we’ve grown to accept will be all but a distant memory.

A

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

Vol. 49 No. 12 May 24, 2004

Editors in Chief: Paul Gleason Abby Segall Managing Editor: Caroline Friedman News Editors: Junaid Shams Kyle Smeallie Editorial Editors: John Bernhardt Maggie Owner In-Depth Editors: Erin O’ Brien Katie Stanton Academics Editors: Laura Kelly Alex Silano Health Editors: Meg Nielsen Rachel Sinaiko People Editors: Andrew Menegat Sarah Bizer Cultures Editors: Kathy Ibarra Wided Khadouri Sports Editors: Jared Smith Matt Wiest Arts Editors: Kimiko Yerik Amy Suddarth Entertainment Editors: Ben Berglund John Reiss Weekend Editors: Laura Johnson Elizabeth Nowrouz Sports “Xtra”: Evan Rowland Amanda Sheaffer

(703) 642-4229 email: ahsablast@aol.com fax: (703) 642-4299

Atomic Articles Editor: Sabrina Stacy Atomic Athletics Editor: Erica Satten Business Manager: Evan Ashe Ad Manager: Chris Sopher Copy Editor: Julia Singer Photography Editors: Morgan McEvilly Sean SullivanWriting Coach: Rebecca Kraushaar Staff Writers/Photographers: Stacey Marin, Caitlin Beckett, Joseph Burke, Shayna Dublar, Edward Gibson, Cristian Hernandez, Bridgette Kim, Amy Mathis, Molly Sterlacci, Mike Wiest, Julie Wolf, Tina Douroudian, Stuart Dunbar, Jill Guerin, Matt Hubacher, Ashley Jones, Joe Wilbur, Alex Wahl, Chris Kallendar, Sohaib Khan, Valerie Graves, Sarah Sozio, Nigeen Sadozai, Laela Shallal, Lekha Menon, Megan Berry, Will Akridge Videographers: Josh Lewin, Brent Sullivan Web Design: Paul Gleason Adviser: Alan Weintraut

CSPA Silver Crown 2002-2003

Pacemaker Finalist National Scholastic Press Association 2002-2003

Trophy Class Virginia High School 2002-2003

The A-Blast is an award-winning newspaper that strives to inform, educate and entertain the student body and community. Published every three weeks. The A-Blast will not print any material that is obscene or libelous; or that which substantially disrupts the school day or invades an individualʼs right to privacy. Unsigned editorials represent the staff opinions which solely represent the opinion of the newspaper staff. The A-Blast is an independent, open forum for discussion which is printed at the Springfield Plant of The Washington Post. Signed letters to the editor of 250 words or less may be submitted to room 229 or mailed to the school. The A-Blast reserves the right to refuse advertisements. All submissions become property of The A-Blast Copyright, 2004.

EDITORIALS

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t

May 24, 2004

Reminiscing over four years However, I wish I had not let the time spent with my friends slip by. There were so many chances for quality time with them which I overlooked.

Despite this, many of my best friendships have withstood the test of time. I have known my closest friends for at least four years, some ten. After a decade, we became

BY MAGGIE OWNER inseparable, sharing all our secrets and Editorials editor frustrations. Maybe it was the time or the “Oh, my God, Caroline, guess what? closeness, but senior year I felt myself breakMaggie bought the same Homecoming ing away. I made new friends and spent the dress as you.” majority of my time with people outside my “Are you serious? That is so inconsider- circle. Although I treasure the new friends ate. What was she thinking?”

I have made, I regret the lost time with my I was thinking “it is just a dress,” but it closest friends. Important events I spent obviously meant more to her. As a result with others; my last homecoming football of this incident,Caroline and I engaged in game, my best friends’ birthdays and prom a verbal blowout in the hallway. We started night. screaming at eachother; throwing around inIn a common event, my friends and I sults. In turn, we did not speak to eachother were relaxing, talking. However, I chose to for several days, and I refused to go the 2002 leave and be by myself. While my friends Homecoming. were downstairs I finally can hanging out, I was see how much we getting ahead on thrive on petty some work. Like Although it may seem trite, the drama. It makes many times bfore, our lives seem four years honestly do fly by; take it was unneccessary more exciting and for me to seperate provides fodder time to slow down. myself from the for conversation. group.

We all focus on Subconsciously, inconsequential I may have isolated details and small myself throughout the year because I was speed bumps in our lives.We all are victims trying to ease the pain of separating for colof gossiping and engaging in unimportant lege. In turn, I have possibly damaged some arguments. of my long-term relationships. High school is Looking back over the four years, I real- great chance to meet new people; however, ized how much time we waste. We sleep in through that process don’t forget to cherish class, skip school, and dream about leaving. your close friends. They are, in truth, those

Should Donald Rumsfeld resign as Secretary of Defense because of the prison abuse scandal?

”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MAGGIE OWNER

A look back on high school; lost time with friends

“

3 “No, because the soldiers shouldn’t have abused them anyway.”

—CJ Sidener freshman

“Yes, because that is not a nice thing to do.”

From left to right curent seniors Coury Shadyac, Julie Bowes, Maryanna OʼNeill, Caroline Friedman and Maggie Owner take a break at the 2001 Homecoming dance.

life, what you will remember are the good times you had and meaningful moments spent with your friends.

High school is a unique time in your life.

Even though it may seem never-ending and too utterly stressful at times, it is just a brief period. Treasure your friends and live in the moment. Don’t allow the weight of school crush your meaningful relationships and youthful spirit.

Caroline and I, after ten years, are still close.

I returned the dress, but kept the friendship.

who will be there through thick and thin.

I feel as if most of my time at AHS was wasted looking towards the future, to graduation. From the start of freshman year I was counting down the days to the end of senior year. Although it may seem trite, the four years honestly do fly by; take time to slow down. Instead of worrying about an insignificant homework assignment or the big test coming up, try to take an objective view of your life. Be thankful for your friends and this rare chance to be innocent.

I am not saying blow off your education, for it is the key to your future, but try to find a healthy balance of a social life and studying. After all, when you look back on your

‘A year’s lesson in a week’

Knowingthatourrightshadbeenthrownaway like our pictures, we contacted the newspaper adviser. He told us to get the information of the officer.

Whenweattemptedthis,theofficer’sdemeanA Fairfax County Police officer illegally seized and deleted 12 pictures I took of a or turned disrespectful. He threatened to have car pulled over on Erie Road on May 11. It the principal kick us off The A-Blast. He took one could have happened to any citizen. It hap- good look at us, and considered us kids, not jourpened to Editor in chief Paul Gleason and me. nalists. My state of confusion turned to anger.

Knowing that we were in the right, Unbeknownst to us, we were in for one of the wildest weeks of our short lives. we left the scene. Under the advice of After passing eight police vehicles that The A-Blast adviser, we contacted the had pulled over one car, Paul and I were curi- Student Press Law Center. They told us ous. It isn’t every day that there are enough to immediately send out a press release police vehicles to impede the flow of traf- detailing every event of our ordeal.

The Northern Virginia Journal was fic—to pull over one car. So, we decided to document the event with pictures to print in the first media source to cover the story.

The A-Blast. We stopped in school, I grabbed After speaking with a staff writer, a phoa camera, and we traveled back to the scene. tographer came into school on May 12.

Something felt funny even before the He shared his run-ins with the police, shudder snapped. We felt we couldn’t just get and commented that we were “learning out of Paul’s Jeep to take the photos, so Paul a year’s lesson in a week.” Time would drove as I took a series of three round bursts. show the truth of his observation.

By the next day, the story had Seniors Kyle The Jeep approached the scene and I started Smeallie and Paul Gleaclicking. I had taken six pictures, and one of blown up. The Journal had run a son were featured on the cover of The them seemed to be a good shot. The camera front page article on the subject, Northern Virginia Journal, as well as multitude of was shaky, the angle was difficult, and the and that same day we were in con- other news sources. subject was controversial. We knew that what- tact with more than half a dozen ever was happening, we would most likely run news organizations. Our story was forensic specialists. My anger was appeased. into an ethical debate—to print or not to print? getting attention, and it blew my mind.

Now that I’ve had a few days to reflect on Despite pressure from Fairfax County Public this event, I’ve come to a conclusion. That ofAs we rolled by a second time to make sure the shot was perfect, an officer hailed us down. She School officials not to speak with the press, we ficer was wrong. He had absolutely no right to felt obligated to have delete my pictures. But police walk a fine line demanded the camera, despite our story heard. Our everyday. They must protect citizens while mainPaul and me identifying ourintention was never to taining their rights, all while in the line of fire. selves as student journalists. have our “15 minutes of The camera was taken We wanted police to think The officers weren’t aiming to infringe upon fame.” We wanted police our rights; they were trying to keep us safe. With to the group of police ve- twice about treating student to think twice about shootings and machete attacks, this area has been hicles, and five minutes treating student jour- a hotbed of gang activity. They were trying to keep later a male officer came journalists as clueless kids nalists as clueless kids. us from getting in the middle of that violence. back with the Sony CyberThe following day, shot 5.0. As we prepared to It raises another point, however. When we sat down with of- you are learning about our founding fathers, leave the scene, I checked ficials from the Fairfax a couple centuries ago, wanting to add the Bill the pictures folder. “The pictures folder is empty,” read the camera. County Police Department. To our surprise they of Rights to make sure that federal tyranny I was absolutely baffled. Cops can’t were completely contrite. They recognized that would be stopped, please pay attention. One just delete my pictures. This is Amer- the officer was wrong to delete the pictures, and day, those 200-year-old rights may come to life. ica, not some Orwellian police state. even offered to try and recover the photos with

—Desiree Oliveira freshman

“Yes, because he wasn’t on top of his job. ”

—Megan Price freshman

“Yes, because what happened was wrong.”

BY KYLE SMEALLIE News editor

Citizens need to stand up for their rights when they are abridged

“

”

Senior Fetehi Mohammed sits on the shoulders of a peer in just an undershirt at the 2004 Prom.

BY JOHN REISS Entertainment editor After four years of grueling homework assignments and unreasonable teachers, prom brings all those efforts to a climax. It is a night for friends to celebrate all of their time spent together and to create lasting memories. For me though, my memories of senior prom started off on a low note.

I’ve never enjoyed “following the crowd” as far as ex- was littered with faculty members, yet the dance floor pectations go, and I thought that prom would be a good was almost barren, and students’ took advantage of it. night to be who I am. My tuxedo was a black, red-velvet On the dance floor, male students began to disrobe and lined suit from the consignment store, my boutonnière dance in only their undershirts and tuxedo pants. It rewas red, and to match all of it, I wore a pair of red-canvas ally seems to me that my shoes pose less a threat to prom shoes. Arriving fashionably late, I led my prom group into then students who aren’t even wearing attire!

I ended up waiting outside of the Waterford for 45 the Waterford at Fair Oaks Malls. As I entered the lobby, I was met by assistant principal Dr. Shawn Hearn who minutes for my parents to bring me “appropriate shoes.” asked me where I was going. “To the prom,” I said. “Not As I was waiting for my parents, I saw a fellow student dressed like that you are,” Hearn responded. Apparently, walk into the dance right past Dr. Hearn in black leather boots with red-flame designs sprawling a suitable pair of red sneakers were not across them. This whole situation would appropriate attire on a night where girl’s be a lot easier to understand if I wore my dresses were scandalously low cut and gym shoes or a ragged pair of sneakers, hats covers heads. but a pair of new, canvas shoes doesn’t According to the Fairfax County fall into that category.

Public Schools Students Responsibilities I believe that I was unfairly singled and Rights packet, I was in accordance out on the one night that was supposed with all school dress code policies. Yet, to be mine. Call it a power-move, or just while my shoes provoked a reaction, top a spot of bad luck, all I can do now is ofhats and strapless dress were approprifer the advice that the administration ate. However, if we can sacrifice what should rethink the way it evaluates the school defines as decency for a night, who and what gets into prom, or that then what harm were my shoes doing? students should leave their sense of creAlso, if such a minor detail is being scrutiativity at home. Did my shoes offend nized, then why were not formal searches or hurt any one? Did they insult the given to all students entering the dance, school or Fairfax County? The shoes because females wearing sandals were were red and white; at the very least not absent from the dance that night? It my prom attire was in support of the seems that students bearing canes should school’s colors. have called more attention to administrators then my shoes. Acane could easily be John Reiss was unfairly used as weapons or be disguised as one. denied admission to prom The entranceway to the Waterford due to his red sneakers.

PHOTOT PROVIDED BY SEGALL MAJESTIC

PHOTOT PROVIDED BY SEGALL MAJESTIC

Wrong shoes, no shirt, no dancing

— Ricky Nguyen freshman

“This is a matter of war. You can not blame it all on one person. I don’t think he should be held accountable.”

—Lina Cerone junior

“I think that even though his position made him responsible for what was going on, he mostly likely responded the best way he could using his best judgement. ”

—Marti Covington senior

Admission to TJHSST

Applications for the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology are now available to current ninth and tenth graders. Applications are accepted from nine students for grade 10 admission and from grade 10 students for grade eleven admission. Please note that eligible grade ten students (rising 11 graders) are those who have not applied previously. The application fee is $90 ($25 for students of free or reduced lunch.) Students must submit a score for the SAT or PSAT. The deadline for applications is June 4, 2004. Interested students should see their counselors to obtain applications.

2004 Antenna Distribution

All pre-purchased Antenna yearbooks will be distributed in school on June 4.

Students not in school on the 4th can pick up their yearbooks after school on the 7th or make arrangements Yearbook adviser Nicki Holmes.

If The Antenna receives any overrun books, they will sold after school on June 7.

Howerver, there is no guarantee that overruns will be available. All books not picked up by June 18 will become the property of the school.

Orchestra, Chorus win on Spring trip

Both the orchestra and chorus received superior ratings, the highest rating possible, for all their ensembles. In addition, Orchestra received the first place award in two categories and the overall outstanding instrumental award. The Annandale Singers, Women’s Ensemble, and Men’s Chorale received first place awards in their categories, and Concert Choir received a second place award. Annandale Singers also received the outstanding chamber and madrigal award. Congratulations to all orchestra and choral students for their impressive achievements.

Band earns high rating

The Bands returned from Myrtle Beach after participating in the Fiesta-val Invitational Music Festival. The band program earned the following awards:

Photos erased by police

BY JUNAID SHAMS News Editor Fairfax County Police officers confiscated the camera of two student journalists on May 11 after the students took a picture of a crime scene on Erie Road near AHS. The illegal act led to a media frenzy as eight media sources came to the school and reported on the matter.

Fairfax County Police tried to recover the deleted pictures on two occasions, however Editor in Chief Paul Gleason and News Editor Kyle Smeallie handed over the wrong cameras.

Gleason and Smeallie were taking pictures of five students getting arrested when a police officer confiscated the digital camera.

When the officer returned the camera to the students, Smeallie realized that the photos had been erased.

With their First Amendment rights violated, the students sent out a press release to NBC 4 and The Northern Virginia Journal. However, The Journal was the only media to cover it the following day.

After breaking the story, other media sources followed.

“We released the press release not knowing how it would be picked up by the media,” said Gleason.

After the media attention, Fairfax County Police met with the student reporters, adviser Alan Weintraut, and Principal Rod Manuel.

In this meeting, both West Springfield District CaptainA.J. Hurlock and Director of Public Information MaryAnn Jennings apologized to the students. “She expressed that she knew the cop was wrong to delete the pictures,” said Smeallie.

Around 3 p.m. on May 11, the students were dropping off senior Zander Roberts at his car at the church parking lot. “We were just going to the church parking lot and we saw eight police vehicles surrounding five kids,” said Smeallie. “I though it would be

Following the illegal camera siezure, the student journalists were given two minute pieces on both ABC and NBC. They were featured on all four major news broadcast networks, as well as The Washington Post and WTOP 1500 AM.

a timely picture especially since we were doing a story on gang violence.”

After picking up the camera from school, Gleason drove by the scene as Smeallie took six pictures.

When they drove by a second time, a female officer stopped the vehicle and asked for the camera. Without hesitation Smeallie gave it to her.

“I was pretty confused,” said Smeallie, “I just didn’t want to get in trouble by refusing.”

At that time, another officer, Sergeant S. C. Martin of the West Springfield district, joined the other officer and asked the student journalists why they were at the scene and taking pictures.

Gleason explained to the officers that they were part of the student newspaper and were getting pictures for a possible story. The female officer then went back to consult another group of officers with the camera.

When he returned, officer Martin told the two students that they “shouldn’t be putting pictures of their friends in the newspaper.” He gave the camera back to the student journalists, but all 12 pictures

Wednesday Jazz Lab Ensemble: Excellent Rating and First Place in Open Division Thursday Jazz Ensemble: Superior Rating and First Place in Division four, along with awards for Outstanding Brass Section, Outstanding woodwind section, and Overall Jazz Ensemble Champion

Every student entering grades nine through twelve in the fall must read at least one book over the summer. A suggested reading list has been posted on the Fairfax County Public Schools website.

The list for ninth and tenth graders includes novels such as Things Fall Apart

by Chinua Achebe and Fahrenheit 451

by Ray Bradbury. Jane Austen’s Emma and Maya I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings are on the list for eleventh and twelfth graders. The list can be found at

PAUL GLEASON

Gold/Red Concert Band: Excellent Rating and First Place in Division four

Summer reading list

son, runner-up for the JEANationalHigh School Journalist of the year award. “We strive to be as professional as we can in our publication, but it’s difficult when you aren’t allowed to go above and beyond.”

When the students contacted the Student Press Law Center, they were told that it was an infringement of their First Amendment rights. “It’s not up to the police to determine where we you going to use the picture,” said a representative from the SPLC. He added that because it was a public area, not a private area, no credentials were needed to take pictures.

The SPLC advised the students to send out a press release. After the story was covered in a front page story of the May 13 edition of The Northern Virginina Journal, a media frenzy began.

By the next day, the journalists had been covered in WTOP, The Washington Post, the Associated Press, the SPLC website, and Metro News, among others.

After the students recieved their apology from police, they decided to stop pursuing legal action. They are still awaiting an apology from the officer involved.

From the ground and through the air, cicadas are in full force

Percussion Ensemble: Superior Rating and First Place in the premiere performance for this group

MarchingBand: SuperiorRatingand First Place in Division four, along with the awards for Outstanding Percussion section for the Parade, Outstanding Drum Major for the Parade to SivanAdato, and Overall Parade Champion.Annandale was named Grand Champion of the festival for these outstanding performances.

had been deleted. “I had no idea that they would delete my pictures,” said Smeallie.

“I was trying to document the events of our community and inform our student population, but the police obviously wouldn’t let us.”

When the two students realized that their property had been destroyed, they called Weintraut, to find out their rights.

He instructed the students to go back to the scene and get the names of the officers who deleted the pictures.

When Gleason and Smeallie got back to the scene, the female officer had left, but Martin remained. Martin claimed that he had been going through the pictures and they had been “accidentally” deleted. He told the students that without proper credentials, they had no right to be taking pictures of the scene. He added that he would talk to principal of the school, claiming that he wouldn’t appreciate what the students were doing. Martin then told both students, “come tomorrow, you wont be working on the newspaper staff.”

“It was ridiculous, I think the police just didn’t take us seriously as journalists because we are in high school,” said Glea-

Cicadas invade area

Indoor Guard: Superior Rating and First Place

Symphonic Band: Superior Rating and First Place in Division six, along with awards for Outstanding Soloists for the festival, Jim Brouse on the Cornet and Danielle Waters on the English Horn, a Special Award of Merit to the Percussion section for outstanding performance in the selection Liturgical Dances, and the award for the Overall Concert Band Champion

May 24, 2004

Two cicadas cling to a tree near the trailers. These large, noisy insects can surpass up to one million per square acre.

BY CHRISTIAN HERNANDEZ Staff Writer Tucker Wells tries to cling to his last minute of sleep, as the alarm clock blares. With eyes half open, Wells glances at his bedroom window. His attention is taken by a cluster of black bodied, red-eyed insects, silhouetted by the bright morning sun, and clinging to his window.

The first of the anticipated brood X periodical cicadas are beginning to pop up in neighborhoods across the area. The cicada invasion is expected to get more concentrated in the upcoming weeks, ending within a month. The large, noisy insects can surpass up to a million per acre. The insects spend either 13 or 17 years underground, emerging in large numbers as a mechanism for survival from predators.

A number of people recall the last time the infamous cicadas emerged. “It was terrible, when they came out the make a constant buzzing sound, and they

were all over the ground,” said Carolyn Burrel PTSA president.

“The noise was like when you sit next to the waterfalls,” said Activities Director Angelo Hilios.

To avoid the cicadas some students are planning on staying home as much as possible. “I’m not going to go out, I’ll just stay home, if I go out I’ll bring an umbrella everyday with me in case they fall in me,” said freshman Lynh Huynh.

Many walkers are opting to get a ride to and from school during the cicada invasion. “It’s gross, I’m going to have to ask my mom to drive me to school,” said sophomore Liliana Martinez.

The cicadas have also raised questions of possible health and damage hazards. “I’m afraid they are going to fly inside my ears, and I’m also afraid they are going to dent my truck,” said senior Nick Peyton.

Flip flop lovers are also concerned, “I’m afraid because they are big bugs, and we are going to be stepping on them, I’m not going to be able to be comfortable wearing flip flops,” said freshman Layluma Hotaki.

The infamous cicadas have posed a good opportunity for science classes to investigate the insects. “We will take a look at the shells and live ones too, we might bisect one or two,” said biology teacher Elizabeth Edwards.

Some biology classes have already done lessons on cicadas. “With my IB kids I gave them the option of doing a capture mark recapture technique using cicadas, the technique would have normally been done with pill bugs,” said biology teacher Claudia Matamala.

Sports practices will apparently not be affected according to some coaches. “I’m not planning to do anything different, they are harmless they don’t attack anybody. We will be fine if the girls can get over their fears about being outside, I think we’ll be ok,” said JV soccer coach Jessica Doll.

Others are simply not going to be bothered by the bugs, “I’m not afraid, because they can’t bite me, they can not do anything to me,” said freshman Gbassay Korome.

Many plan to eat them as they are low in carbs and high in protein. But to most cicadas are going to be a repulsive annoyance. “They are the ugly cousin to the locusts, and they eat too much” said sophomore Charlie Mallory.

SEGALL MAJESTIC

NEWS BREIFS

A

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Seniors dance at the Waterford Hotel for the annual prom formal. On June 15, graduating seniors will bid farewell to AHS at D.A.R. Constitution Hall. For some, it is a bittersweet feeling. “I’m really excited to graduate from Annandale High School, although the past four years have been a delightful experince in my life,” said senior Charlie Dickinson.

Seniors prepare to leave “Graduation” from pg. 1 excited about the events to come, and others are feeling nostalgia for their high school careers. “I am very excited about finally graduating from Annandale, and I am looking forward to the all-night grad party because there will be lots of people there and good games too,” said senior John Olson.

Other seniors reflect on their time they had at Annandale High. “I’m really excited to graduate from Annandale High School, although the past four years have been a delightful experience in my life,” said senior Charlie Dickinson.

Student expression published in magazine

BY CAITLIN BECKETT Staff Writer After months of hard work and dedication, The Filament staff has recently finished a successful production of their annual magazine under new advisor, Michelle Fish.

The Filament is a student run arts and literary magazine that showcases the creative talents of students in writing, photography and art. “I encourage students who feel that they have a project or piece of work that reflects their artistic ability to submit it to the magazine,” said Fish.

Of the 2003-2004 staff, only two students were returning members, one of which is this year’s editor-in-chief, se-

nior Se-Youn Kim. The staff had to start from scratch, making this year was a rebuilding year for the magazine.

UsingAdobe In-Design, Kim placed together different page layouts that were created by different staff members and edited the pages before production.

Artwork and poems were usually placed together in order to add to the creativity of the magazine, and the magazine was done on glossy paper, a new addition this year.

This year’s Filament is roughly 20 black and white pages, all filled with student artwork and writing placed together by the student staff. Another change is because of the lack of music submissions, a music CD will not be a part of this year’s package.

“We learned a lot about working on the magazine this year and are ready for next year,” said staff member Sharon Manana.

The staff is confident that the student body will enjoy the 2003-2004 publication of the Filament when it comes out in June, and Kim believes that the final product turned out better than expected.

“I think it turned out really well, and I want to send it to competitions,” said Kim. The staff’s adviser is looking forward to next year. “Students that are willing to devote the necessary time to Editor in chief Se-Youn Kim works on the 20 page the magazine should sign up for next black and white Filament. “I think it turned out year’s staff.” really well, and I want to send it to competition,” said Kim.

ASHLEY JONES

4

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NEWS

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May 24, 2004

New parking lot planned LAELA SHALLAL Staff Writer Sophomore Naomi Updegrove pulls up in her 2004 Nissian Frontier into the church parking lot only to find that her usual spot has been taken. Frustrated by the packed lot, Updegrove resorts to parking on Barr Rd, a ten minute walk to AHS. The first bell rings as her pace quickens, not wanting to test the tardy sytstem.

In attempts to decrease the recent violent incidents and vandalism in the church parking lot, the administration has decided to eliminate the church parking lot for students. This new school rule will be in effect next year.

“It’s an unsafe area for valuable vehicles to be located and we don’t want any incidents in which churchgoers are involved,” said Safety and Security Specialist Cliff Cornwell.

Senior Justin Wade and sophomore Elizabeth Eckert drive to school together and often find Wade’s assigned parking space along the track field occupied by another vehicle. “It was a pain at first but we found another spot which is closer to school” said Eckert.

Many students are upset about the upcoming parking regulations. “If the school takes away the church parking lot there’s going to be even more illegal parking” said Updegrove.

“I park at the church and I feel bad for the underclassman. They should allow students to park at the church until the new parking lot is complete,” said senior Yama Nadi.

Cornwell promises that an additional hundred parking spaces will be constructed for students next year to compensate for the church spaces. “As long as there’re enough spaces for student to park, it won’t be a big deal” said senior Mary-Anna O’Neill. The new parking lot will be located where the current trailers are, behind the cafeteria. The parking lot is expected to be completed

by December 2004.

Cornwell has also requested funds from the school board for digital system security cameras that are to be placed around the AHS building as well as the Ossian Park parking lot. The cameras are intended to create a more safe and supervised atmosphere for the students and their vehicles. But some students feel the cameras

will not be effective. “I don’t think the cameras will lower the theft and violence rate. People can easily cover their faces from the cameras,” said senior Chip Brandt.

As the number of students increases so does the number of cars. AHS offers 120 parking spaces to students, fifty-six of those spaces are at First Presbyterian Church, some near the baseball field, and others in a small section of Ossian Park’s parking lot.

This year twenty assigned parking tickets were issued by administrator KW Williams and according to Safety and Security Specialist Cliff Cornwell, approximately forty tickets have been reported for unregistered vehicles. “I’m definitely buying a parking permit next year to avoid paying for parking tickets” said sophomore Jared Hirsh.

The current renovations have occupied dozens of parking spaces. The trailers and construction machinery have covered the twenty-eight parking spaces in the front parking lot near the jock lobby. “We’re trying to fit as many cars as possible but safety is the main concern” said Cornwell.

Student band takes HS battle “It comes in 50’s!” said sophomore Drew Cowles as he gazed at his band’s $1000 prize.

Sight Unseen, a rock band whose all five members are AHS students, won Fair Oaks Mall’s Battle of the Bands on Friday May 7. They performed in front of a packed crowd on a small stage in the middle of the mall, as fans cheered from all around them and even spilled onto the 2nd floor above them.

Sight Unseen consists of junior Andrew Molchany (vocals), sophomore Brian Fletcher (lead guitar), sophomore Drew Cowles (rhythm guitar), junior Mike Krzywicki (bass), and sophomore Joe Kruse (drums).

The competition, the first one ever held by Fair Oaks, reviewed demo tapes submitted by students of 21 different high schools, and selected the best 12 to perform over three weekends at the mall.

The top three were chosen by an audience vote and were invited back to the mall for the finals. The winner was chosen from the three finalists by four judges who rated their performances.

They drew solid reviews from all of the judges, who commented on their high energy level, probably referring to Krzywicki’s display of spirit when he

JOE WILBUR

BY JOE WILBUR Staff Writer

Lead singer Andrew Molchany belts out a tune at Fair Oaks Mall. His band, Sight Unseen, took home the $1000 grand prize for the Battle of the Bands on May 7.

dropped to the ground and began convulsing as he pounded his bass.

“They were really into what they were doing,” said one of the judges. “We like to see some jumping around.”

Jessica Griscavage, the event coordinator, also stressed the high level of energy displayed by Sight Unseen as she awarded them with their trophy and $1000 envelope.

“It’s one of the better shows I’ve seen

SOLs: barrier exams for ‘04 Class of 2004 is first to have SOL passing a requirement “Tests” from pg. 1 is projected to be less than the 4.6 percent that did not graduate last year.

“We think it’s a good number,” said Fairfax County Public Schools Acting Superintendent Brad Draeger. “Even though we’re focusing on the SOLs, every kid is getting tracked so intensively, it raises all boats.”

Regardless of the percentage of students that do not graduate because of SOLs, Virginia governor Mark Warner has said that Virginia will continue using the SOL program. “After years of preparation, it’s not fair to school systems or students to back off,” he told the Washington Post.

Beginning with the class of 2007, the current freshmen, students will need to pass certain requirements when it comes to SOL tests.

Seniors now have to pass six total, including the two English 11 tests and four of their choosing. The current juniors and sophomores also will have to follow this pattern. Though they also have to pass six SOLs, the freshmen will have to pass one exam in math, science, and social studies, as well as a sixth of their choosing.

“We’re more likely to have a few more students having trouble at that point,” Taylor said.

Many of the students who have not passed the SOLs are students for whom English is not their first language or special education students. Everyone takes the same test, regardless of any individual needs. Students who are in the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program are issued a bilingual dictionary in their native language and English, but no other assistance is given.

“As their English skills improve, we hope that they’ll be able to pass their SOLs,” said guidance counselor Susan Taylor. Aproblem with this, Taylor said, is that the more one understand in English, the further they are from having taken the course in which they need to pass the SOL. “This makes it difficult for them,” Taylor said.

Around AHS, teachers who have to give SOLs to their students have mixed reactions. All understand the need to have standardized tests, but many feel that the state could come up with a better way to test students.

“I’m torn,” said biology teacher Claudia Matamala. “I understand that students need to be held accountable for knowledge, but I don’t think SOLs are the answer. I personally don’t think [the SOLs] test content knowledge, but more the student’s reading ability.” Matamala said that is was “not common but not rare” for students to pass a class but not fail the SOL, therefore having to repeat the test.

Math teacher Lorraine Johnson had one senior in Geometry this year that was in danger of not graduating because of not passing the SOL. That student has retaken the exam and is now likely going to pass, Johnson said.

Johnson believes that SOLs are a good idea. “I’m pleased with the way they have been rewritten,” she said. “They are more realistic.”

them play,” said sophomore VinnieAthey, who saw the performance and has been following Sight Unseen since they started playing together.

By taking first place, they won $1000 in Fair Oaks Mall gift certificates and will play on Teen Night on Sept. 25 and will automatically be entered into the Celebrate Fairfax Battle of the Bands competition, which will tentatively be held on June 11.

Ska Face, a band from Oakton High School, took second place and won $500 in Fair Oaks Mall gift certificates, and We Say Goodbye, an acoustic band from Falls Church and Bishop O’Connell High Schools, placed third to win $250 in Fair Oaks Mall gift certificates.

Sight Unseen draws its influence from bands like The Early November and Senses Fail.

“We just try to not be repetitive,” said Cowles.

They try to practice at least 3 hours every weekend, often more, in order to ensure they perform to the best of their ability.

They also attribute much of their success to their faith, diligently praying before every show.

“We want to give props to the Big Man,” said Cowles.

Three of the members have been playing together for a year, but just recently Kryzwicki and Kruse have completed their band. Already they have performed not only at AHS, but also Champions Billiards, Jaxx Nightclub, and Nations Nightclub during Exposure 2004.

With their prize money, they plan on getting more supplies for their band from Guitar Center, but already Cowles has bought an inflatable dinosaur and some Mother’s Day gifts, and Kruse has bought a double bass.

Chamber recognizes students Brandon Flowers, April Brassard selected for outstanding athletic performance with high GPA

BY LEKHA MENON Staff Writer Athletes Brandon Flowers, junior, and April Brassard, senior, were selected by the Annandale Chamber of Commerce to be honored at the 57th annualAwards Banquet and Silent Auction for outstanding athletic performance while maintaining a high Grade Pont Average. The ceremony took place on April 29th in the Ernst Cultural Center at the Northern Virginia Community College.

“I was kind of surprised [to receive the award,” Flowers said.

The Chamber, which is comprised of 170 local business leaders, holds this banquet to honor outstanding members of the Annandale community. Previous awards have included Citizen of the Year, Chamber Member of the Year, and Business Member of the year, according to Debbie Barrett, the Chamber Administrative Director.

Another special award that was given out at the banquet was the Special Recognition Lifetime Achievement Award, which was

given to Sue Keegan for her 20 years of valuable volunteer work at Haven, a nonprofit organization that provides emotional support to bereaved in the community.

However, this year, the Chamber chose to focus of AHS, noting that the school is a central part of the Annandale community.

“It was really pleasurable to see AHS being formally represented [at the banquet,]” said Chamber member and Haven Public Relations manager Debra Clark.

In addition to awarding AHS students, the Chamber will also donate a portion of the money resulting from the Silent Auction to the school, which will be used to replace the turf of the track and football fields.

“AHS has been in the area for 50 years, and it’s important to raise awareness in the community of the school’s needs. One way to raise funds for the schools in through the Chamber,” Clark said.

Prominent members of the Annandale community also attended the event, including Congressman Tom Davis, Penny Gross, and Redskins player Ricky Harris.

5 NEWS BRIEFS Honor friends and teachers with Atomversary Plaque

The Atomversary Committee is offering members of Annandale a chance to be immortalized at AHS. For a contribution of $100, a personal message honoring current students or graduates, a special teacher, etc., will be engraved on a brass plaque (1 1⁄2 x 3 inches) and placed on the armrest of a chair in the AHS auditorium. People interested in purchasing a plaque can find the order form at the Atomversary webpage, or should contact Larry Kugler at 703-3193177 or at lbkugler@aol.com, to receive an order form.

Teachers go “Above and Beyond”

At the May staff meeting, Principal Rod Manuel presented two new Above & Beyond staff recognition awards: Lottie Lingon-Thomas of the Math Department and Jonathon Otteson of the Special Education Department (math). Both Lottie and Jonathon have demonstrated a willingness to go above and beyond the expectations of their jobs.

Posting of IB Exam Results

The results of IB exams are posted electronically by the IB organization and students may access them individually from any computer with internet access.

The school does not send the results to students. The results from this year’s IB exams will be posted on the IB website for students on July 6 at 1:00 pm and will be available any time following that date.

Students are issued Personal Identification Numbers and the website address when they take their IB exams in May. Students who lose their PIN may come to the guidance office with a photo ID to have it reissued.

Seniors will be filling out a form during their IB exams to have their results sent to colleges as soon as they are available in July. Results are sent to the Registrar’s Office at the college. Generally students who want to receive credit for IB courses must initiate the process by having the results sent from the Registrar’s Office to individual departments or schools within the university.

Annandale Boys Basketball Camp

AHS will be conducting two sessions of Boys Basketball camp this summer.

Session I is July 6th - 9th while Session II is July 12th - July 16th. Camp hours are 8:00am - 2:00pm. For more information or camp brochure contact Coach Hughes at 703-642-4180 or email Pat.Hughes@fcps.edu

2005 Class Election Results

Class of 2005 President— Rizqi Rachmat Vice-President— Julia Bizer Secretary— Winta Gebretinasy Treasurers— Sara Fargo Senators— Stephanie Frece, Jessica Griffing, Helen Johnson, Jason Martin, Derek Mohlmann, Sarah Sozio, Amy Suddarth, Aminta Toure

Class of 2006 President— Alicia Oben Vice-President— Alex Barker Secretary— Suzanne Vander Eijk Treasurers— Laela Shallal Senators—Annosh Awan, Brian Fletcher, Jill Guerin, Jessica Lok, Sharon Manana, Nicole Mott, Philip Tropp, Dan Vicco Alicia Oben

Students tied to local attacks “Gangs” from pg. 1 of security around school show differing opinions.

“I wouldn’t consider any of this ‘gang violence.’ To me it’s all a bunch of drama,” said junior Sunny Singh. Freshman Gracie McMurry said, “I feel safe because I never talk to any of them.”

According to a survey of 595 students conducted by the A-blast, the majority of them feel safe and unthreatened by any gang activity.

“I feel safe in school, but I’ve begun to get more concerned lately, I feel I will be ok

though since I don’t associate with any gangs,” said Junior Darrin Burrell.

Another gang-related incident happened May 16 in Herndon, involving an MS-13 gang member. Jose Sandoval, 17, a freshman at Herndon High School, was walking with his girlfriend when an MS-13 gang member rode by on a bicycle and sot both of them, fatally wounding Sandoval and putting his girlfriend in critical condition. The assailant fled on a bicycle, and no arrests have been made in the investigation yet.

According to a witness of the shooting, the MS-13 member had “MS-13” tattooed on his forehead. Supposedly, the higher the tattoo is on an MS13 member’s body, the more extreme crimes he commits.

For instance, a member with MS-13 tattooed anywhere above his neck has more than likely killed someone such as a rival gang member, or even a police officer.

Class of 2007 President— Redia Tefera Vice-President— Kwaku Osei Secretary— Emily Sample Treasurers— Geoffry Jospitre Senators— Pape Diop, Lisa Ottenheimer, Reid Runsolfson, Bethlem Tesome Rediat Tefera

PEOPLE

“Having a student teacher is o.k, but it’s sometimes hard to learn because they are just learning, and sometimes they teach slower than a normal teacher.”

—Elizabeth Sass freshman “It was good because we had a different person explain the information to us in a different way.”

—Lee Soontarnpatee freshman “She tried to have the students speak up more in class, which was good, and she was really nice.”

—David Scheibel sophomore “It was a good experience, and she was really nice, but the class went at a slower pave than a regular teacher.”

“She was a good teacher, but she didn’t really teach our class that much, and she did a lot of things like my normal teacher.”

—Laura Barker senior

Celebrity Birthdays May Tim McGraw, 37 The Rock, 32 James Brown, 71 Lance Bass, 25

Andre 3000

5 6 9 10

Craig David, 23 George Clooney, 43 Billy Joel, 55 Paul “Bono” Hewson, 44

Clint East-

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BY JULIE WOLF Staff Writer

never completely set on the idea. Buzzell got her final push to go into teaching when art teacher Joyce Weinstein convinced her to enter into this line of work.

“Ms. Weinstein changed my life by pushing me into teaching. She is the reason that I am teaching photography.

I want to be able to do for students what she has done for me,” said Buzzell.

Tony Hawk, 36 George Lucas, 60 Emmit Smith, 35 Janet Jackson, 38 Enya, 43

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George Strait, 52 Mr. T, 52 Drew Carey, 46 Andre 3000, 29 Clint Eastwood, 74

In the future, Buzzell hopes to come back to AHS after this student teaching year is over. She knows that she wants to work here because, “this is where my heart has always been and will always be,” said Buzzell.

If she is unable to come back to AHS, Buzzell hopes to at least stay in the Fairfax County Public School system, more specifically in a high school. She would love to teach anything under the category of Fine Arts, including photography, art, or digital.

“Ms. Buzzell is going to be such a great teacher because she really cares about her students and can relate to them because she is still so young,” said sophomore Suzanne Van der Eijk. “She is a big help to me in class, and I’m sure she will continue to be a help to all of her students.”

Student appreciation for Buzzell is very high, and many think that she will have a bright future in this profession.

“I think that Ms. Buzzell is a good student teacher. She encourages her students and is there for us when we need help,” said sophomore Hallie Hubbell.

Buzzell hopes that teaching will be in her future for a long time. Starting next year, she will be teaching at one of the FCPS high schools, hopefully for many years to come. We can all hope that we will be seeing her back at Annandale as a teacher of photography or another art study, in one of the coming years.

Patterson earns respect of students Dave Patterson came to AHS this year with an enthusiasm to teach students, and his ability to reach the students through his teaching in the classroom has won him great respect from students and teachers alike.

Patterson is a student teacher who came to AHS through the George Washington University internship program that sends participants to teach in Fairfax County Public Schools. Through this program, Patterson student teaches, substitutes and takes classes in the evenings three days a week. He is excited to be student teaching and substituting, enjoys working in AHS’s diverse environment that AHS is known for, and plans to continue teaching as a full time career, possibly remaining at AHS. Patterson grew up along the New Jersey shoreline, and also attended high school there. After graduating, he went to the University of Maryland where he was an undergraduate and studied architecture. Patterson decided that he wanted to become a teacher because he always wanted to be able to work with young people and have an influence on their lives.

“It is really great to watch people grow and be able to help them grow,” said Patterson. He plans to continue student teaching and substituting here, and he looks forward to making a career out of being a full-time mathematics teacher. Patterson finds teaching a very rewarding experience, and for him, the best part of the job is watching the young people that he teaches succeed in the subject.

“The most rewarding part of my job is when, after teaching something, a light goes on and the students become enthusiastic about mathematics,” said Patterson.

Since he has begun teaching here, Patterson has had the opportunity to teach many students in different classes

in the school.. He was a student teacher for math teacher Donna Erickson, and he underwent five weeks of student teaching in two Honors Geometry classes, two IB Math Studies classes, and one Trig/Math Analysis class, all of

Dave Patterson subs for Catherine Furlongʼs Algebra class. He is able to help students understand the content thoroughly, even though he is only a student teacher turned substitute.

Who Am I? •I was born in Richmond, but grew up from 3rd grade on, in Springfield, VA •I have lived in Virginia from childhood through college. Yet, I spent most of my adult life in Charlotte N.C. •I have been teaching for 18 years, four of those in Fairfax County •My favorite drink is Diet Coke •I teach Latin I, Latin II and IB Latin I & II •My favorite color is blue •My favorite sport is football, “Go Carolina!”

•I attended The University of Virginia, where I got my B.S in Education, with certification in Latin and Social Studies •My biggest pet peeve is when students turn in homework that looks like its been through a tornado

•Currently I have no pets •My favorite hobby is crossstitching and making gifts for the family •My favorite movies are Spartacus and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

•My favorite part of teaching is seeing the humor in my students

If you submit the correct answer to the “Who Am I,” come to the A-Blast room (233) to receive your prize

The Last Who Am I? Billy Joel

Buzzell loves the fact that she is able to see that her students are actually learning something. She loves the combination of teaching and earning a college credit, while she can still stay in the field of photography. The most rewarding part of her job is that she can watch students gain knowledge and become a better photographer as each day passes.

When Meredith Buzzell graduated from Annandale High School in 1999, she did not want it to be the last time she would see the school. She loved the diverse environment and amazing school spirit, as well as the many hardworking teachers.

So Buzzell took two of her greatest loves and decided to combine them.

She had always watched her mother teach, and always saw that her mother loved her job very much. She began to think that teaching may be just as enjoyable for her as it was for her mother.

Buzzell also knew that she had a talent in photography. So she decided to come back to AHS and become a student teacher.

Buzzell has been student teaching the photography 1, 2, and portfolio classes atAHS this year alongside photo teacher Scott Saylor. She has been given the chance to teach students what she loves, while also earning a college credit for student teaching. The credit she is currently earning has just helped her to graduate from Virginia Intermont College Saturday, May 1.

Buzzell was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up in Annandale. Her mother was a special education teacher for 28 years, and has always shown her daughter how much she loved her job. Buzzell Meredith Buzzell returns to Annandale after graduating in 1999. She is currently a student always knew that education would be a teacher in Photography, who helps a Photo 1 student learn how to hand color a photogreat profession to go into, but she was graphic print with pastel markers to add life to her picture.

BY CAITLIN BECKETT Staff Writer

—Krystal Lansdowne junior

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The buzz about Buzzell

MEGAN BERRY

How is it having a teacher assistant teaching your class?

May 24, 2004

MEGAN BERRY

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Robert Christie was last issue’s Who Am I? •His favorite sports are football and track •His pet peeve is lazy people •The favorite part of his job is seeing the success of his students Bersabeh Medmim correctly answered last issue’s Who Am I?

which are taught by Erickson. In addition, Patterson has substituted in other classes in the school, including Alina Cymes Algebra 2 class.

“He will be a good teacher because he knows what he is talking about, and our class had fun while learning,” said sophomore Brittany Nelson, a student in Cymes’ class.

Upon watching him teach these classes and observing him in his work, Erickson strongly believes that Patterson will make a great teacher, and is strongly recommending him to the county.

“I think he will be an outstanding teacher. He has been exceptional in many areas including his knowledge of the subject matter, his ability to relate to the students, and his presentation of new learning experiences,” said Erickson.

In addition to earning respect from other teachers and co-workers, Patterson is regarded very highly among the students that he has taught over the year.

His ability to relate to the students and be able to help them grasp difficult concepts has made most students that he has taught very aware and appreciative of his capabilities as a high school level teacher.

“I think that he will make a great teacher because he teaches well and enjoys teaching his classes,” said sophomore Shina Mohamud, who is a student in Erickson’s R1 Honors Geometry class. Many students, are already used to many different teaching styles and techniques.

The are able to relate to Patterson and appreciate the work he is doing, excited to hopefully see him as a full time teacher here in the near future. Overall, Patterson’s education, ability to relate to the students and experience teaching in the high school environment prove that he will be a well qualified teacher.

May 24, 2004

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Hopping under the knife

TINA DOUROUDIAN

BY JOSEPH BURKE Staff writer

Bio teacher praises frog activity

had made incisions that exposed the abdominal cavity, the students were able to remove several organs and to identify others, like the lungs and kidneys.

Next came the “Organs (thoracic cavity).” This time, students identified and observed organs from the frog’s thorax, not abdomen. After identifying the heart, the surgeons removed it and cut it in half to examine the inner workings of it. They then removed the lungs, and using a pipette, were able to inflate a lung.

The final section of the procedure was entitled “Measurement.” As the latter suggests, this part of the lab consisted of measuring the length the frog’s digestive tract and comparing the structure.

Then came an analysis section in which students had to explain what the function of the different organs and body parts they examined. The final part of the lab consisted of chart for identifying body parts on a diagram of the frog’s body.

“Net Frog,” the website the students used to assist them in the dissection, asks “Why dissect a frog?” then answers “Frog and humans are both vertebrates and they have similar organ systems. Dissecting a frog helps you learn human

What do you think of dissecting frogs in biology class?

“It’s horrible because there are other ways to learn about the anatomy of a frog.’’

TINA DOUROUDIAN

Most everyone is familiar with the term hands-on science.

After learning about a topic in class and then reading about in the textbook, students often have the opportunity to get their hands dirty by doing a lab activity that reinforces the lesson. Students in Claudia Matamala’s class, however, had a different kind of activity during class: Scalpels-on science.

The lab assignment for these students was to dissect a frog. The classes were divided into four person teams, consisting of a head and assistant surgeon, a researcher and a virtual dissector/director.

The surgeons manned the scalpels and performed the actual dissection of

the frog. The researcher looked up any necessary information. The director read and delegated the instructions from the website that was used for this lab and performed the online version of the frog dissection found on this website.

This website is entitled “Net Frog” and its address is http://curry.edschool.Vir ginia.edu/go/frog/Frog2. The site features a virtual frog dissection lab, with videos to explain different con0cepts and also a feature called “Guess What.” Matamala’s classes used this site to guide them through their lab.

The lab activity was divided into four different procedure sections, followed by an analysis section. Part 1 of the procedure was called “Incisions.” Students were instructed to watch videos on the website to learn how to pin down the frog and where to make incisions into its body.

The surgeons then performed these same actions on their frogs.

Part 2 of the procedure was known as “Organs (Abdominal Cavity)” and had the students watch more online videos and follow more directions from the website. Since by this point the surgeons

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Freshman Baha Awadallah “digs in” as he makes the first incision on his dead frog. Frog dissections were held this month in biology classes.

anatomy.” Little did these students know that while they were cutting through the frogs’ rubbery skin, they were in fact learning about themselves and their own physiology.

—Vanessa Alverado freshman “This is nasty, I’ve never been so grossed out in my life.”

—Miguel Escobar freshman “It’s weird cutting open a frog.

It makes me feel like a doctor.”

Dissection causes mixed reactions

BY ALEX WAHL Staff Writer

BY JULLE WOLF Staff Writer

Claudia Matamala has been teaching Biology and body systems for three years at AHS. When spring time comes, it is dissection time. Matamala has all her Biology classes take part in dissecting frogs to observe body systems in an animal that was once alive.

“The purpose of the lab is for kids to get an overall view of the body systems and how they really look in real life. We study the body systems prior to doing the lab, and we go into each different system and what it does, and the different structures of the organs. The frog dissection is kind of a way for them to put it all together,” said Matamala.

The dissection is meant to be a way to explore the frog and learn about its body, rather then a normal lab that takes a lot of writing and busywork. Each group of students was given a packet that had instructions and a diagram to fill in. There were only a few analysis questions on it.

Some students were disgusted by the lab, though others were excited to cut the frog open and research its body parts.

“It is one of the times during the year when they are most interested. A lot of the girls tend to get grossed out, and the guys tend to get really excited.

Overall, I see a lot of students involved in the lab,” said Matamala.

During the lab, students must identify different parts of the frog’s body and make several cuts to find Liver certain organs.

“They have to cut different organs out in order to see the ones below. I have them cross section the heart to see the different segments and the walls of the heart and they cross section the stomach and the intestines to compare the linings of both. I have them take out the lung and put a pipette into it and blow it up; Stomach they think that is kind of cool,” said Matamala.

Almost every year, the lab is an issue for some students Spleen who do not wish to participate in the dissection. While other teachers let students who are morally opposed to the dissection stay out of it, Matamala has worked a solution so they stay involved. “I don’t give my students the possibility of opting out. I instead delegate the different groups to have different jobs. For example, somebody will be the surgeon, somebody will be the researcher, somebody will be the scribe, and if a student does not feel comfortable enough doing the dissection that is fine, they don’t have to come near the frog, but they have to be present,” said Matamala.

Matamala said that she understands where those who are opposed to the idea are coming from, but tells them that the frogs are already dead, so there is nothing anyone can do about it. They might as well use the frogs to learn because they have been raised for scientific purposes.

“I tell them the frogs have already been killed; they are already dead. Whether or not we cut them up, it’s not going to bring them back to life,” said Matamala. Those students are then given the choice to be the scribe or the researcher during the lab. Matamala believes that a lot of kids are excited to dissect because it is a new experience for a lot of them because they have never been able to cut something open. “The guys especially; they just get a kick out of cutting something up and being guys,” said Matamala.

Surrounded by the revolting odor, freshman Vanessa Alvarado shoves her scalpel into the dead frog in front of her. Alvarado’s Biology class with teacher Claudia Matamala, participated in a frog dissection project this year. Many of the 9th grade Biology classes performed this activity in order to learn about the anatomy of these creatures.

Student opinions on this event are split between excitement and disgust.

Many students look forward to the dissection and to the ability to see the inside of an animal. However, many other students believe that frog dissection is cruel and decide not to do it.

Some students argued that dissection is a violation of animal rights and that killing an animal solely for a project is brutal punishment for the frogs.

“It makes me sad because they’re living just like we are,” said freshman Megan Price. “A lot of the frogs end up not even being used for the dissection, so they die for no reason.”

This year, every student in all of Matamala’s Biology classes participated in the dissection.“All of my students did do the frog dissection; none of them decided not to do it,” Matamala said.

Although all of the students did participate, not all of them actually touched the frog. Students were split into groups, in which at least one student had to do the cutting and searching through the frog. The Lung other students merely had to watch the dissection and see all of the parts of the frog that they had to Gall identify. Although not all students had to participate, Bladder some students still believe that there are other ways to learn about frogs.

“There are a bunch of websites that we could go to that teach the same things that the actual dissection Small does,” Alvarado said.

Intestine Although no students this year opted out of the activity, Large there were some students in 9th grade Biology last year Intestine who opposed the dissection. Sophomore Jenna Cho did not participate in the dissection, and was able to sit in the hall instead of watching in her classroom.

“It was just gross and smelled horrible,” Cho said. “It isn’t that I am strong on animal rights, because I’m against PETA. I just didn’t want to have to dissect a dead animal.”

Sophomore Dana McRae did partake in the dissection last year, much to her dismay. McRae says she felt bad for the frogs, and that they should not have been killed.

McRae’s teacher, Joseph Dishun, told the students that if they did not want to participate, they would have to sit in the classroom and watch the dissection.

If there were students this year who did not want to participate, they were not forced to do it. Other assignments were available to the students if that situation were to arise that students refused to disect. However, all of the students in Matamala’s class decided to participate in the dissection .

Anatomy of a Frog

—Alex Mack freshman “It’s a different experience; it’s interesting.”

—Sean O’Brien freshman

“This is usually the day of the year when we have the most student engagement. Even kids who don’t normally engage in activities get involved.”

—Claudia Matamala Biology teacher

Basic Steps of Frog Dissection 1. Pin frog to the pan 2. Carefully make incisions along the side of the frog to expose the frog’s abdominal cavity.

3. If the frog is female, remove the black mass covering the internal organs. These are the ovaries.

4. Locate the heart and remove it with both ventricles and artia together.

5. Cut the heart in half , lengthwise, so you can see the inside of the artia and ventricle walls.

6. Locate the lungs and remove one of them from the thoracic cavity and carefully cut throught the bronchus.

7. To observe the lung inflate, insert a pipette into the opening of the lung and push air into it.

8. Locate and remove the digestive tract. This includes the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine.

9. Tear through the mesentry in order to uncoil the digestive tract.

10. Cut open the stomach and small intestine 11. Compare the lining of the stomach to that of the small intestine.

To learn more about frog dissecting go to: http://curry.edschool.Virginia.edu/ go/frog/Frog2

8 Road trip movies

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Following the Dotted Ye llow Lines Four teams of adventurous students packed their cars and set off on road trips to explore the hot spots to the North, South, East and West of Annandale. Each group had a different experience ranging from that of a large city to a small town.

Crossroads

Joy Ride Paul Walker plays a young man that gets involved in a life threatening situation with a physco truck driver after playing a prank.

The travelers explore the sports world when they check out ESPN Zone in the Baltimore Harbor.

BY SARAH BIZER AND ABBY SEGALL People Editor and Co-Editor in Chief

Tommy Boy Chris Farley and David Spade team up in this comedy to play two friends that go on a trip to save a family auto-part business.

When one thinks north, they think of cold weather, yet warmth is still present on the northern shores of Maryland. The Inner Harbor in Baltimore, Maryland proves to be an oasis within the cold north. Since Baltimore is only an hour away (depending on traffic, it may be 2 hours away) it is usually overlooked, but when one travels the distance they may find much entertainment and many beautiful sights. The Inner Harbor is filled with water amusement, baseball games, football games, live entertainment, shopping, places to eat and historical landmarks.

One of the most well known attractions in the Inner Harbor is the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

The NationalAquarium in Baltimore is someplace for people of all ages. People are able to get an up close look at exotic fish, plants and they can also see live

In this film, Breckin Meyer is a student at the University of Ithaca.

When he accidentally mails a sexual tape to his girlfriend, he assembles a rag tag team of students to get it back.

The South team walks around the Fredericksburg Battlefield and reflects on this historic monument.

Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels star as two friends that go on a quest to Aspen as they try to return a briefcase to a woman.

shows. There is a hidden jungle where people can go on a tropical walk through a South African rain forest. Bird songs fill the air, colorful plants and animals take your eyes on a trip, while the warm humidity gives one the feeling of serenity. The aquarium has animals of every shape and size, including the world’s smallest monkey, along with snakes and plants from exotic parts of the globe.

The walk long the water provides entertainment, but you can also turn to stand up comedians and magicians that perform in front of crowds. It is also easy to entertain yourself by renting a small pedal boat and exploring the sights of the harbor. Also, walk-in tours of antique ships and tours of the historic Fort McHenry, where the Star-Spangled Banner was created, are available.

If you are more concerned with shopping than seeing live entertainment or historic landmarks, then you are still in luck. The Harbor place and The Gallery offer over 100 shops and restaurants including Gap, Victoria Secret, Ben and Jerry’s, Suncoast Motion Picture, Forever 21, Foot Locker, California Pizza Kitchen, and the Cheesecake Factory.

Also, for the sports fanatics, it is easy for students to walk to Camden Yards from the Inner Harbor and

see an Orioles game. Ballpark tours are available for only $5 and participants are taken into the Orioles dugout, club level suites and media floor.

Cash may be a problem since everything seems to be pricey, but the sights around the harbor are worth the visit.

If Baltimore does not seem appealing, New York City, Pittsburg, Philadelphia, Boston are also some of the well-known cities up north.

BY LAURA JOHNSON, MEG NIELSEN AND AMY SUDDARTH Weekend Editor, Health Editor and Arts Editor St. Michaels, Maryland, otherwise known as “the town that fooled the British,” is the stereotypical Eastern Shore small waterfront town; free of chain stores, restaurants, traffic and cicadas.

Dating back to the 1600s, St. Michaels blossomed after St. Michaels’Episcopal Church was founded. During the War of 1812, the townspeople of St. Michaels learned that the British were attempting to capture

Bizer and Burdette stand around a wire fish sculpture that people throw money into and is used as a popular tourist attraction.

South

Road Trip

Dumb and Dumber

East

North

Britney Spears stars as Lucy in this movie about three friends that go on a road trip to L.A.

BYALEX SILANO AND MATT WIEST Academics Editor and Sports Editor About 45 minutes South of the congestion and disorder of the Springfield Interchange lies downtown Fredericksburg. This is a quaint, historic town on the banks of the Rappahannock River.

Founded in 1728 and once among the busiest port cities in America,

Fredericksburg now serves as a “gateway” to the Old South. It offers many of the attractions of a larger city with the comfort of a small town.

Much like larger cities, Fredericksburg has a vast array of dine-in restaurants from Italian to Chinese as well as a variety of American cuisines.

For example, Café New Orleans gives by-passers a taste of authentic Cajun cooking, with a menu offering the traditional jambalaya to oddities such as “Po Boy” subs with alligator meat. The variety of Italian restaurants also offers anything from pizza-by-the-slice and subs to more genuine Italian pastas.

The one-way streets of Fredericksburg also provide tourists with the opportunity to browse in antique shops, stop in on Southern-style souvenir stores or cool off at a corner ice cream parlor.

Bearing resemblance to Old TownAlexandria, downtown Fredericksburg can seem confusing to those unfamiliar with the territory. Not to worry though, scattered about the city are visitors centers with workers who are more than happy to give directions to a lost tourist. The main visitors center of Fredericksburg also conducts trolley tours of the city every half hour with tickets costing $5 a person.

The downtown area is just one of the many great attractions in Fredericksburg. For those who appreciate history, a short drive from the downtown area leads one to the historic Fredericksburg battlefield, which held one of the deadliest battles of the Civil War. The Chancellorsville, Spotsylvania Courthouse, and Wilderness battlefields are also in close proximity to the downtown area, located just miles from the Fred-

important US. .boats docked in St. Michaels’ harbor.

To thwart the attack, the townspeople of St. Michaels hung lanterns in the trees away from the waterfront houses. The British troops assumed that the lanterns were the lights of the house, and subsequently attacked the trees with cannons instead of the houses.

Following the failed attack, the British sailed out of St. Michaels.

A town consisting of one main street lined with quaint, yet expensive clothing boutiques, St. Michaels is home to activities and opportunities primarily appealing to families with younger children or retired adults. With clothing boutiques focused towards larger budgets, teenagers may have a difficult time wardrobe shopping.

In addition to shopping, the history of this small fishing town provides opportunities to explore and indulge in the beauty and history of St. Michaels’ waterfront setting. Boat tours of the marina, sunset cruises and sailboat rides are available ranging from half an hour to all-day.

While tourist attractions appeal more towards the young and old, an assortment of available food offers a choice of restaurants that is bound to please all customers. Bistros such as Taste Gourmet Deli offer traditional bistro sandwiches, subs, and burgers for reasonable prices of about $6 for a decently portioned lunch, for more sophisticated pallets, Barrett’s Bed and Breakfast Inn has a tearoom, which offers afternoon tea for two.

This includes a pot of tea and an assortment baked goods, such as scones, muffins, and cookies.

A must-stop spot in St. Michaels is at its renowned The Crab Claw. The menu offers a wide choice of seafood from shellfish to fish, and it also branches out to include meals with hamburgers and french fries.

Although prices are seasonal, during spring and summer, prices per crab are about $2.50 a crab, or $30 for a dozen crabs. With a laidback setting, The Crab Claw customers can be messy as they break and eat their own crabs.

The main attraction of St. Michaels besides its waterfront setting is the Chesapeake Bay MaritimeMuseum. The museum offers guided tours of the

grounds, which include exhibits on water fowling, oystering, steamboat construction, and the Hooper Straight Lighthouse.

While the abundant historical trivia of St. Michaels would entertain history enthusiasts of any age, the majority of tourist attractions and shopping would be most pleasing to younger children and adults. St. Michaels is the prime place for teenagers looking to abandon the city suburbs and experience the feel of a typical, relaxed Easter Shore beach town.

BY CAROLINE FRIEDMAN AND MAGGIE OWNER Managing Editor and Editorials Editor It’s Friday night, 6:00 p.m. you and your friends are driving in search for something to do. Various options run through your mind, wandering through Blockbuster, visiting the Annandale Bowling Lanes, spending a few hours at the mall or lounging around at someone’s house. Each new idea brings a frustrated groan and cringed expression to teenagers.

On Saturday, May 8, four average high school seniors were assigned to find out what there was to do outside the boundaries of A-Town. A fierce game of rock-paper-scissors determined the direction, Go West.

Journeying to Middleburg, Virginia early Saturday morning is an option for those who want to explore the West. Although Caroline Friedman and Maggie Owner stop for a lunch break at Back the car ride is a marathon of one farm after another and grassy Street Cafe and Catering. plains, it provides a good opportunity to listen to your latest CD. You will arrive at their destination at approximately two hours Lacking youth and diversity, Middleburg proves to be speckled after leaving Annandale. However this also includes taking with expensive shops and inns catering to affluent tourists.

For those that are hungry, there are many places to stop for an hour detour to Winchester where you will be greeted with pickup trucks, mullets and an IHOP. Once you actually reach lunch. Driving away from the overpriced food of Black Coffee BisMiddleburg, wandering the quaint town is an essential activity. tro, you can head for more affordable dinning at the Backstreet Café, located at 4 E Federal St. This restaurant serves an assortment of soups, pastas and sandwiches with virtually no wait. The delectable food ranges in price from about $5 to $15.

The West group cruises down the picture perfect streets of Middleburg.

What is your idea of the perfect road trip?

“All the way to California in a big, ugly van with a lot of friends.”

—Layluma Hotaki freshman

“Going to Las Vegas and Seattle in my friend Fraham’s van. That would be marked-out.”

—Jon Bhatty freshman

“Going around the country and visitng every place we can see. Also being with all of my friends and not parents.”

—Natasha Chawla sophomore

“It would be me and my friends on the way to California with no stops, a bathroom in the car and a lot of food.”

—Julia Hansontayi junior The tourists are checking out St. Michaels Episcopal Church, which is the focal point of this town.

“A bunch of friends, nice weather, a big car with all the seats down and me not driving. ”

West ericksburg battlefield. It would be these battles in central Virginia that were crucial in determining the course of America’s history.

Combined, 100,000 soldiers fell at these battles, putting the hundreds of casualties in the war in Iraq into perspective. All of these battlefields provide walking tours on specific pathways cutting through significant points. The Fredericksburg battlefield even offers a guided trolley tour of the grounds.

The Fredericksburg area will hold Civil War Weekend from May 27 through May 31, which will highlight some of the finer points of the city’s Civil War history with prominent historian Gordon Rhea as a special guest speaker.

Other attractions in the Fredericksburg vicinity are Kenmore Plantation and Chatham Manor.

Kenmore was built by Colonel Fielding Lewis, the brother-in-law of George Washington, and is one of the best-preserved colonial houses in the region.

Chatham, a short distance from the city, served as a hospital during the Civil War where Clara Barton and Walt Whitman tended to wounded soldiers.

During the school year, the students of Mary Washington College dominate much of the city’s nightlife. The school is located on College Avenue right in the heart of the city and is home to about 4,000 students living on campus. The picturesque campus adds the attraction of the Fredericksburg area.

Historic downtown Fredericksburg offers the average tourist the best of both worlds, the “perfect blend of past and present.” Only a 45-minute drive from Annandale, Fredricksburg is an ideal destination for any day trip or weekend excusion.

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After lunch you can walk around and take a look inside the shops. Inside one boutique there are stylish purses, shoes and clothes, but the prices are also outrageous. There are also purses that cost up to $400.After leaving before breaking anything, you can make their way to a small makeup and fragrance store. It might remind a traveler of the Sephora, that is located in Tyson’s Corner Mall. The salesclerks are pleasant and helpful and the merchandise is of good quality and even better prices.

After a shopping adventure, one may find that Middleburg is lacking of many other unique places to go or interesting activities.

This is when it is time to head home to good old Annandale.

The West team found that the trip was fun, but definitely not worth getting up early or the gas money. After traveling to this small town, you will realize that there is much more to do right in your our own backyard.

—Sam Kim junior “The perfect road trip would be with my friends in the car all togethor exploring the world. ”

—Chanda Kim senior

How to plan a global vacation

BY BRIDGETTE KIM Staff Writer

If you want to go to Australia for a month but only have enough for maybe a week in Puerto Rico, work with what you have. You can maybe take a job and save enough for the place you want to go. But remember, you will be paying for transportation, lodging, food, tours, and any forms of entertainment. You can always find discounts on the Internet from hotel prices to airline rates.

Make sure the place you pick to travel to fits with the budget you, your family or your friends have set.

3. Decide how to get around

Most overseas destinations work best when flying to and from because of speed and the number of discounts one can find on the Internet. Among popular sites are www.orbitz.com and www.hotwire.com, which offer discount prices on airline tickets. The downside to this is that the flights they offer sometimes are red-eye flights, meaning that they may depart late at night or early in the morning.

Another option is going “standby” which is when you can wait for an unreserved travel space that is made available by an airline only shortly before departure.

The positive aspect of flying standbyis that the tickets are at a reduced price compared to normal ticket prices.

However, they can be hard to come by and may take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to get lucky and catch a flight.

Not only must you find a means to travel from home to your destination and back, you should also think about how you will be traveling when you are there. Most cities offere a public means of transportation, such as taxis, buses, or railways. In the more rural areas, however, transportation may not come as easy and may involve a lot of walking.

If you plan on visiting a variety of cities and places, you may also want to plan how you will be traveling from one place to another. For shorter distances, buses may be the best form of transportation, but for longer distances, trains can be the advantage. Trains travel faster but offer the experience of appreciating the scenery at the same time. Whichever one you choose, make sure to plan ahead.

4. Locate places to lodge

Like airline tickets, places to stay can also be found on the Internet. However, when searching on the Internet, don’t believe everything you see. Information and pictures found online may be false.

Embassies can be a great source of accommodations as well. Friends who have traveled to your desired destination can also be helpful in suggesting places to stay while traveling.

5. Plan your time there

You may want to start by making a list of specific places you would like to visit, such as museusms, famous landmarks, or buildings. It would be smart to assign each day to certain activities and sights in order to form an itinerary of your time there.

Upon arriving at your destination, you may want to ask someone at the hotel what they suggest doing, or what other tourists enjoy doing. They may provide you with more ideas and brochures than can make your global trip a memorable one.

Where in the world have AHS students and teachers been? Since AHS is one of the most diverse schools around, it’s no surprise that students and teachers have lived or vacationed in various places outside the U.S. Many of us have adapted to the busy, complex American life. However, in other countries, life isn’t bustling constantly. In fact, life is far more different than the way that most of us are used to. A good majority of students and staff have had the privilege of experiencing both What I like about traveling lifestyles. is I get to see different Georgi Tomisato, an ESOL teacher aND sponsor of the things and have a different Break Dance Club, has traveled all through the South Pacific experience.

Islands, like Samoa, the Cook Is—SeanLane lands, and New Zealand, Rome sophomore and Africa. She lived in Samoa for several years and taught regular English to the children there, which inspired her to become an ESOL teacher. “I realized that I started off teaching English to people who couldn’t speak English and realized that I had to go back to school to learn about teaching kids whose first language wasn’t English,” said Tomisato. Although she enjoys teaching, what she likes most about traveling is how she gets the opportunity to meet new people from different cultures.

Tomisato said, “There are no dislikes about traveling, but I learned that a lot of things are different from the U.S. It’s not as comfortable. Sometimes we didn’t have electricity, paper, no Xerox machines, and sometimes didn’t have chalk for the board.”

Expenses are crucial when traveling, many of us would all like things to be cheaper, and in some places this desire is possible. When asked if it was expensive to live in different countries Tomisato says, “It depends on what is going on with the government. Sometimes it would cost more and sometimes less. You can live a lot more inexpensively; life is a lot simpler. For the first two years that I lived in Samoa I didn’t have a car. The way that I traveled across New Zealand was by hitchhiking, and sailing.” She recommends visiting all of Samoa because “It’s beautiful, but you have to be prepared to slowdown.

It’s different from here. In Samoa there are no stop lights, or movies, [but] a lot of outdoor activities like snorkeling, sports and going to the beach are popular there.”

“It’s really cheap at the Philippines like clothes and accessories, ” says sophomore Patricia Casten, who has lived in the Philippines for 11 years. Junior Deepak Pathak who is a native to India says, “India is cheap, very cheap. It’s good for shopping.”

Sophomore Dae-Sik agrees. “Korea is very cheap,” says Kim, who lived in Korea for twelve years. He came here with his family in 2001 to have a better life. Sophomore Sean Lane traveled all over Europe including Greece, Italy, Germany, Portugal, France, and the UK. “Expenses all depend on the currency rate in the country,” said Lane.

In addition to traveling through many countries in Europe, Lane has been to Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas. Lane frequently vacations and travels whenever he gets an opportunity. “I like traveling. I travel often or whenever I get the chance,”

“

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says Lane. “I don’t like the time to get there and back but what I like about traveling is I get to see different things and have a different experience.”

Out of all the countries that Lane has been to, he recommends Germany and Greece to future travelers. “I recommend Germany and Greece because you can just walk around and see lots of new things, and things are always going on.”

On the flip side, Pathak has been to India for family affairs and recommends New Delhi and Bombay as the country’s hot spots. Pathak says, “New Delhi and Bombay are more modernized and are similar to what it’s like here. In India there is a lot more freedom unlike here, and you can do whatever you want. You have total freedom.” Although there is a great plus side about total freedom in India, Pathak doesn’t like the overpopulation and poverty that are strong features of India.

Kim suggests traveling to Korea to utilize their excellent transportation system. “In Korea even if you don’t have a car you can walk anywhere, or take the metro or bus, people should just go travel just for a new experience going to a new place is exciting.”

Vámanos a Latinoamérica

NIGEEN SADOZAI

2. Find a way to finance

May 24, 2004

Atoms trek the globe

1. Detemine a destination

When determining a destination, one must take many aspects into consideration. First, when traveling with family or friends, ask them where they would like to go. Together, you can reach a compromise everyone can agree with.

A good way to start finding a place to go is by contacting embassies and expressing your desire to travel. Many, if not all, will send you back brochures of information that can give you anything from maps to popular landmarks.

If possible, talk to friends or others you know to have traveled to your desired destinations, they may prove to be an excellent source of information.

You may also want to consider what the location has to offer. Is it a city or can it be found along the countryside? Will there be a lot of walking, or would you be taking a means of public transportation nearby?

You must also determine what kind of activities you would like to do when you are at your destination. For example, are there stores you would like to shop at?

Or are there any landmarks you would like to see?

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PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY KATHY IBARRA

10

CULTURES

Estudiantes viajan a Latinoamérica durante el verano para visitar familiares y divertirsen ESCRITO POR CRISTIAN HERNANDEZ Escritora Cuando el resto del mundo se dedica a ir a Virginia Beach o a Ocean City durante el verano, los hispanos agarran sus maletas y se van para Latinoamérica. Se embarcan en un viaje a los países de sus padres, y en muchos casos los mismos lugares en donde nacieron. Algunos han crecido la mayor parte de sus vidas allá.

El viaje es usualmente un evento familiar. Los hispanos respetan mucho la institución de la familia. Las familias hispanas son muy allegadas y hacen muchas cosas juntos. “Yo voy a ir a visitar a mi familia, yo voy a ir con mi mamá,” dijo el júnior Louis Qirga.

Es casi una costumbre para muchas familias latinas visitar a sus familiares en el exterior durante el verano. Muchos van todos los años. La mayoría tiene familia en sus países nativos y es natural que ellos la visiten. “Yo voy a visitar a mis abuelitos y a mis tíos. Además en Bolivia la gente te trata con cariño,” dijo el senior Juan Jonio García. En estas visitas muchos quieren reunirse con antiguos amigos. “Yo voy a ir

a mi país para pasar tiempo con mis viejos populares entre los jóvenes turistas “Este verano yo voy a ir a Guatemala, voy por amigos,” dijo el sophomore Juan Rojas.

Algunos estudiantes se quedan en el las vacaciones. Me gustan los sitios turístiexterior por todas las vacaciones, pero la cos comoAmatitlan, he ido allí tres veces,” mayoría solo se quedan por algunas sema- dijo la freshman Heily Reyes. “A mi me nas. Se quedan el tiempo suficiente para encantan las playas de México, me gusta disfrutar de sus familiares, la comida y los ir a divertirme y a buscar chocas,” dijo el júnior José Corenel. sitios turísticos.

“En El Salvador, Muchas veces planeo visitar las los estudiantes playas. Estoy muy extrañan la vida ansiosa,” dijo el y las costumbres A mi me encanta las playas freshman Delmo latinoamericanas. de México, me gusta ir Quintanilla..

La vida allá es Las comidas muy diferente a a divertirme y a buscar típicas son otra la de los Estados atracción que Unidos. Según chocas. muchos no pueden algunos estudi—SeanLane resistir. La comida antes la gente de sophomore típica siempre es Latinoamérica mejor en el país también es difede origen. Las rente. “Yo voy a ir a variaciones ameriBolivia este verano con mi familia. A mí me gusta la gente de canas nunca son iguales a las originales.

Bolivia, son muy nobles y considerados,” En el verano, los estudiantes tienen la oportunidad de comer estas comidas que dijo la freshman Stefany Cardenas.

Aparte de eso, las atracciones turísticas tanto extrañan.

El clima es otro factor que les encanta son muy excitantes. Las playas son muy

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a los hispanos. A muchos les hace falta el clima de sus países. En Latinoamérica hace calor la mayor parte del tiempo.

Después del frío invierno, a la gente el clima cálido les cae muy bien. “Me gusta el clima de Bolivia, hace mucho calor. Yo he ido a Bolivia cuatro veces,” dijo el júnior Walter Serrate.

Por otra parte, esta visita a la patria de origen es algo muy especial. Este acto los trae mas cerca a su cultura y a sus tradiciones. Los hace recordar de dónde vienen y de dónde vinieron sus padres.

La familia es muy importante, es por eso que los hispanos visitan a sus países. La gente que ha vivido en exterior por un tiempo prolongado vuelve a sentirse en su casa cuando llegan a su país. También tienen la oportunidad de aprender de cerca la cultura hispana. En estos viajes también tienen el tiempo libre para divertirse y explorar los sitios turísticos de su tierra añorada. Es por eso que viajar a Latinoamérica es tan importante por que para aquellos que no son familiares con sus herencias hispanas, el regresar a la tierra de sus padres les da la oportunidad de conocer sus raíces culturales.

May. 24, 2004

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The Good, The Bad, and the Awkward

11 Timeless moments of the 2003-04 Sports seasons

MIRANDA BRAKETT

A Glance at the 2003-2004 Sports Seasons

SEAN SULLIVAN

TINA DOUROURDIAN

Senior shot-putter Kendra Adams prepares for the district tournament along with her fellow track and field members such as Julio Villatoro.

Villatoro placed first in the district for this event and seventh in the state during the winter season.

SEAN SULLIVAN

Grimacing under the strain, senior pitcher Ted Gibson goes through his paces in the bullpen to ensure his arm is warm before he throws the opening pitch.

TED GIBSON

Sprinting down the court on a fast break, seniors Cory Daise, Billy Purdon and Chris Flowers lead the charge to the basket against district rivals Robinson. The boys basketball team was led by these senior members as well as Chris Terapane and juniors Mike Torbert and Brandon Flowers.

With balls-out enthusiasm, varsity goalie, Gary Espinoza, senior, dives on a loose ball in front of the net in order to stop the pressing offense of the West Springfield Spartans. The varsity boys soccer team entered the district tournament winless due the ineligibility of junior Stephen Amoah. Amoah was deemed ineligible to play because he was over the age limit to participate in high school athletics.

MEGAN BERRY

SEAN SULLIVAN

Defenders at her back and the goal in sight, senior center Julie Stone prepares to put the varsity girls lacrosse team on the board. Stone as well as co-captain Lindsey Miller are All-District hopefuls for the Patriot District and also possible All-Region candidates.

During a time out, assistant coach James Carayiannis, known for his stirring speeches and clever anecdotes, gives his defensive line a little wake up call. These speeches help the varsity squad rally from deficits as well as maintain their composure during the last minutes of play.

SARAH SOZIO

Stick. Stick. Stick. Senior Lauren Edwards stretches back to grab the baton from teammate Angel Cregge, junior, in order to start her length of the race. Edwards led the girls track team with her speed in both individual and relay events.

Junior Sivan Adato dives into the water for her leg of the relay during a Patriot District dual meet. The varsity swim and dive team had a rebuilding year finishing behind such powerhouses as Robinson, Lake Braddock and West Springfield.

SEAN SULLIVAN

Advancing the ball past a National Cathedral defender, junior Amy Suddarth and the rest of the varsity field hockey team prepare for district competitors like Robinson and Lake Braddock by scrimmaging such private school teams as National Cathedral.

TINA DOUROURDIAN

SEAN SULLIVAN

With the sideline attentively gazing at the ongoing play, the head and assistant coaches of the varsity lacrosse team, Bill Maglisceau and Warren Danzenbaker, read the defensive spread in order to call out the correct offense and make the right substitutions.

Face first down on the mat, sophomore Paul Thieberger works to regain his position in this match in hopes of finding an opportunity for a reversal against his opponent from district rival, Robinson.

Whether a graceful tumble or just a quick rest on the gym floor, sophomore Nicole Finney-Murray feels no need to stay on her feet against the Madison Warhawks. Soon after though, Murray regained her footing and resumed playing defense.

SEAN SULLIVAN

TED GIBSON

SARAH SOZIO

A break in the action allows varsity boys basketball coach Patrick Hughes to yell out instructions to his players concerning the change in the opponent始s offense.

Missing the sweet spot by a fraction of an inch, sophomore Maria Gonzzlea, bunts the ball foul during a regular season game. The varsity softball team ended the season 2-10 in the Patriot District.

Smarty proves to be genious at Preakness

At the 129th Preakness Stakes, Kentucky Derby winner Smarty Jones ran away from the field winning the run for the Black Eyed Susans by a record 11.5 lengths shattering the old record of 10 lengths held by Survivor in 1873. Smarty Jones will have a chance to win the Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes on June 5. Affirmed was the last horse to win the Triple Crown in 1978.

Perfection!

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson pitched a perfect game on May 18 versus the Atlanta Braves. Johnson becomes the oldest pitcher (40) to accomplish such a feat, and the first hurler to do it since ex-Yankee David Cone blanked the Expos on July 18, 1999.

Local Headlines Former Robinson All-Met faces criminal charges at Va. Tech

Ex-Robinson Ram running back Mike Imoh along with Virginia Tech teammates Marcus Vick and Brenden Hill were charged with serving alcohol to minors. In a hearing on May 17, Virginia Tech Athletic Director Jim Weaver said the players would be punished for their role in a party in which they were accused in giving teenage girls alcohol and telling them to strip. In his two-year career at Va. Tech, Imoh has rushed for 124 yards on 32 carries and has caught 13 passes for 141 yards and 4 TD’s. In 2001, Imoh’s senior year at Robinson, the back won All-Met honors while rushing for 2077 yards in leading his team to the Virginia AAA Division 6 State Title over the Hylton Bulldogs.

District Update Standings Boys lacrosse Robinson

9-3 (7-0)

Lake Braddock

8-5 (7-1)

West Springfield

10-4 (4-4)

Annandale

6-7 (4-4)

T.C. Williams

7-4 (3-4)

Hayfield

4-8 (1-6)

West Potomac

3-11 (0-7)

Girls lacrosse Robinson

8-4 (7-0)

West Springfield

10-4 (5-3)

Annandale

7-8 (4-3)

Hayfield

9-4 (4-4)

Lake Braddock

8-5 (4-4)

West Potomac

4-7 (2-5)

T.C. Williams

3-8 (0-7) *Updated as of 5/20

Track District Results The track team participated in the 2004 Patriot District Tournament on May 19 and 20 with disappointing results. The bright spot for the boys came in the lone regional qualifier, junior Julio Vilatoro, as he placed second in the shotput with a throw of 49’ 3’’ and fourth in the discus with a throw of 140’ 3’’. Vilatoro is coming off of his district championship in the shotput during the winter season.

The bright spot for the girls was the 4x800m relay which placed third but fell just short of regionals. The relay consisted of seniors Cameron Wells, Phylicia Foreman, Lauren Edwards, and sophomore Angel Cregge.

Final Standings Boys 1) West Potomac

158 pts.

2) Hayfield

121.5 pts.

3) Lake Braddock

99.5 pts.

4) Robinson

68 pts.

5) West Springfield

33 pts.

6) T.C. Williams

32 pts.

7) Annandale

15 pts.

Girls 1) Lake Braddock

204 pts.

2) Robinson

119 pts.

3) Hayfield

96 pts.

4) West Potomac

69 pts.

5) West Springfield

22 pts.

6) Annandale

9 pts.

7) T.C. Williams

8 pts.

May 24, 2004

Boys Soccer forced to forfeit season due to ineligible player “Soccer” from pg. 1 to know if he was able to play, but he didn’t know the specifics of the rule.”

VHSL regulations state that a student may not turn 19 before August 1 in order to be eligible for that particular season. Amoah’s birthday fell on July 2, deeming him ineligible.

After all parties were informed of the issue, the athletic department took the proper steps in notifying the VHSL, and the schools the soccer team faced this year.

“If there was some way we could have let it slide, I was open to any suggestions,” said Segaar. “ But as soon as it was found out, all of the people in that position did everything strictly by the book.”

The consequences of having an ineligible player on the roster are: for every game that player participates in, the team must automatically forfeit that game. Considering Amoah played in every game the Atoms won or tied this year, their record fell from 4-6-2 to 0-12 prior to entering the district tournament.

“It was a combination of disbelief and anger,” said Segaar. “ But in the same respect, I was probably the least emotionally attatched. Mr. Hilios was very concerned and upset because it directly reflected the athletic department.”

After Amoah’s parents were notified, Segaar planned for Hilios to meet with the team to inform

them of the events that have just taken place.

Hilios, on behalf of the athletic department, took full responsibility of the events that occurred.

“It’s unfortunate,” said Hilios. “But it happens; you have got to move on. I talked to the team and I apologized for the oversight.”

Although the team was shook up from the news, they had no time to let it sink in. Shortly after the meeting with Hilios, they had to go out and try to salvage their season against the Robinson Rams on senior night. They were not able to win that game, falling 2-1 to the Rams, and thus finished the season with a last place finish and a 0-13 record.

“At first it kind feels like the whole season went down the tubes,” said Segaar. “But the way the system is run, everyone is eligible for the district playoffs. The games that we had to forfeit are just considered for your seeding. ” The Atoms season ended on May 13 as they fell 4-0 to Lake Braddock in the first round of the district tournament. For Amoah and the other 11 seniors on the roster, it comes as a disappointing end knowing they will never play soccer at AHS again.

Although Segaar stresses how much the season was a success, and how they are happy Amoah was on the roster.

“He’s an exceptional student,” said Segaar “ A yes sir no sir kind of guy. He’s low key with a good attitude and a great work ethic.”

SEAN SULLIVAN

Sports News

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Senior forward Said Abdi attempts to steal the ball from a Robinson defender on the May 11 2-1 loss to the Robinson Rams on Senior Night. Out of the six Atoms that were recognized as All-District players, four of them were seniors, including Dino Garcia, Chris Terapane, Mike Perucci, and Johnny Eklund.

Rams rattle Atoms off of district throne The Atoms 7-1 loss to Robinson in the quarterfinals ended their reign as District champs

ROAD TO THE TITLE One year removed from the first district title for baseball in over two decades, The A-Blast looks back at the baseball teamʼs improbable run to the 2003 Patriot District title.

BY STACY MARIN Staff Writer The Atoms faced Robinson in a first round of the Patriot District tournament on Wed., May 19, at Hayfield, but fell 7-1, thus ending their reign as district champs.

In the loss against Robinson, the bright spot was pitcher Ben Hendrickson. The freshman pitched four shutout innings showing promise for next season. Seniors Evan Ashe and Chris Flowers combined for two hits.

“We didn’t play well enough to win,” said Head Coach Matt Caudle said. “We made too many errors and didn’t get enough hits.”

The loss to the Rams officially ended the season leaving them out of the Northern Region Tournament for the first time since 1999. The final record for the regular season was 2-16, 0-12 in the district.

The 7th seeded Atoms began the playoffs on May 17, as they defeated the 6th T.C. Williams Titans 6-0 in the play-in game. The game was highlighted by senior Ted Gibson, who pitched a complete game two hitter.

TINA DOUROUDIAN

12

SPORTS

Senior Chip Brandt misses a bunt attempt as the Atoms try to suicide squeeze in the Patriot District play-in game versus T.C. Williams on May 18. Although the Atoms failed on three suicide squeeze attempts in the game, they prevailed 6-0 over the Titans riding the wave of senior Ted Gibson’s two-hit complete game shutout.

The end of the season also marks the end of Head Coach Matt Caudle’s reign as AHS skipper as he will take the head coaching position at Battlefield High School in Manassas next year. Next year’s coach has not yet been decided by the athletic department.

Assistant coach Mark Johnson, who will be returning next year, does not know what to expect next season.

“It’s hard to say about next year without knowing who the coach will

Opponent

Result

Key Moment

Play-in game: T.C. Williams (5/15/03)

W 3-0

Pitcher Bobby Morganthaler’s complete game shutout

Quarterfinal: Lake Braddock (5/15/03)

W 8-6

The Atoms toughness prevailed in this four-hour rainsoaked marathon

Semifinal: West Springfield W 3-1 (5/19/03)

be,” said Johnson.

As a young team this year, the Championship: Atoms overcame many challenges, Hayfield W 7-3 including losing several players who (5/20/03) graduated last year and more who left the team earlier in the season.

“We were a young team, and we were in a lot of games,” said Johnson.

“If we had gotten a base hit here or not made an error there things could have been different.”

Earlier in the year, Caudle cited

All-District P Travis Johnson’s go ahead two-run HR in the 5th inning. Along with Ted Gibsonʼs 5 1/3 IP only allowing one run Travis Johnson’s complete game along with OF Loren Sextonʼs and 2B Evan Asheʼs combined 7/9 performance with 3 RBI and 4 runs

On-field celebrations: how much is too much?

On-field celebrations give excitement to sports, allow the players to express themselves, and have the ability to make games memorable

BY JARED SMITH Sports Editor When looking back on the NFL season, what do you remember? I know I remember how horrible my Jets were, and I remember the Superbowl which was one of the best ever. But when it comes to lasting memories, memories which you are talking about years later, I remember Joe Horn pulling a cell phone out from under the goal post after scoring a touchdown and proceeding to dial up a number and taunt the other team by gloating about his outstanding catch.

On-field celebrations have become the norm in the sporting world, and they are infact an essential in the market that is sports. They give the sporting world an identity, a flavor that makes them more interesting to watch.

My most lasting memory while watching sports came in the 2000 PGA Championship, as Tiger Woods was going for his third consecutive major. He and Bob May were tied on the second playoff hole as Tiger stared down his birdie putt.

After striking it firm, and knowing it was on the right line, he began to jog towards the hole and in one of the most memorable scenes in golfing history, pointed at the ball as it fell in the cup and celebrated with the patented “Tiger fist-pump.”

Although some may argue this type of display gives the venerable game of golf too much ego, but it makes a mostly boring sport interesting to watch, and gives fans lasting memories that they would not of had if Tiger had just smiled and waved after he drained the putt.

On-field celebrations have the ability to make boring sports not so boring.

Although not in the opinion of this writer, many believe baseball and the MLB is an absolute torture to watch. But ratings were great when Barry Bonds drilled his 73rd home run into McCovey Cove and proceeded to strut down to first base, hug his kid, and point confidently towards the sky after touching home plate.

Nobody remembers the homerun, but everyone remembers what Bonds did after the homerun. When they are not in excess, these celebrations make sports what they today. Just the games themselves don’t attract the ratings they used to.

For example, does anybody remember the score of the game in which Terrell

Unfortunately, on-field celebrations have changed from entertaining expressions of emotion to needless displays of arrogance

BY MATT WIEST Sports Editor From the “Lambeau Leap” to the “Mile High Salute,” on-field celebrations have become a seemingly inseparable aspect of sports. But watching professional athletes celebrate after doing what they’re paid inordinate amounts of money to do, an inevitable question arises: how much is too much?

In moderation, everyone enjoys a little on-field celebration, as they sometimes contribute to the atmosphere of excitement in close games. But many of today’s athletes are taking the concept of

You Make the Call Sports Banter

By Jared Smith and Matt Wiest Owens pulled the famous sharpie out of his sock, signed the ball and gave it to a lucky fan after scoring a 45-yard TD? Or for that matter who was his opponent or even what team Owens himself plays for?

Well, for those wondering, Owens plays for the San Francisco 49ers, and on Mon. Oct., 14 he defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28-21 in the famous “sharpie” game.

Although unfortunate, America has reached the era of sex and scandals. Girls bearing skin and events that cause controversy are the most popular forms of media, and if the athletic world does not keep up, then they will be left in the dust.

on-field celebration entirely too far.

Last year, we saw some of the most excessive, and certainly ridiculous, exercises of “athletic expression” in the National Football League. Joe Horn’s cell phone incident, Chad Johnson’s sign made by none other than Chad Johnson himself, and Terrell Owens’ Sharpie episode all help to illustrate a very clear picture: celebratory expressions have gone beyond the bounds of any sort of moderation. What. exactly, is so wrong with these particular demonstrations?

Well, other than the fact that such expressions are unnecessarily arrogant

(not that arrogance is ever necessary), they were premeditated. Premeditated expressions don’t really express anything at all but the size of the players’respective egos and sentiments of self-importance. If celebrations aren’t even conceived on the spot, what’s the point in celebrating? This lack of spontaneity screams, above all, bad sportsmanship.

However, the underlying arrogance intrinsic to some of these celebrations is not unique to the NFL. Barry Bonds expresses enough arrogance each time he knocks one out of the park for it to be construed as an on-field celebration.The trademark “Bonds strut” is recognizable to any baseball fan, largely because a Bonds home run is a common occurrence, but partly because it portrays an image of his overbearance. Yeah, Barry Bonds is good, but arrogance is never excusable.

Outside of the NFL, celebrations become more tolerable and, sometimes, even appreciated. Take, for instance, the world of international soccer. International “football,” looking past the frequently slow pace of the game and the hooliganism of the fans, lays claim to some of the greatest onfield celebrations. Why? Because they’re original, because they’re not premeditated, and they seldom display as much arrogance. To an American disinterested in soccer, the celebrations might be the finest part of the game (Brandy Chastain, for example, attracted what seemed like innumerable fans after her “display” after the ‘99 World Cup).

The bottom line is that on-field celebrations should be displays of emotion and of a love for the game, not the size of an athlete’s ego. What we saw last year in the NFL was little more than pompousness.

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May 24, 2004

Colonials fly past Atoms The 14-3 loss at the hands of Thomas Jefferson ended the Atoms season

As the Atoms entered their Northern Regional first round game versus Thomas Jefferson (11-4) on May 21, they were not expecting the fast paced play they saw out of the second-seeded Colonials.

“They had more speed then we were used to,” said Head Coach Bill Maglisceau.

“They kept the defense on their heels and they took us out of our team defensive strategy.”

The score was tied 1-1 after the first quarter, but then the Colonial speed kicked into gear and tallied six second quarter goals to the Atoms one. Jefferson did not stop there as they out scored the bewildered Atoms in the second half 7-1, making the final score 14-3. The loss drops the team’s final record to 6-8, 4-4 in the district.

Junior attack Adam Park led the scoring for the Atoms with two. While sophomore midfielder Matt Dandy had one goal.

The Atoms were without one of their top player on Fri. as first team All-Region defender senior Pat McMurry due to a injured ACL. McMurry injured his ACL in the

MIRANDA BRACKETT

BY JARED SMITH Sports Editor

Sophomore defender Tim Wade (22), begins the break up field for the Atoms in their 22-5 loss to the 2004 Patriot District champion Robinson Rams on May 8. Younger defenders like Wade had to step up into a more advanced roles after 1st team All-Region defender Pat McMurry went down with an injury to his ACL on April 30 versus Lake Braddock

April 30 loss to Lake Braddock, then hurt it again trying to play in the May 8 loss to Robinson.

While the Atoms were on the field against Jefferson on Fri. night, McMurry was on the operating table, receiving surgery on his injured knee.

“His injury was definitely a factor,” said Maglisceau. “He plays on the other team’s best offensive player. Bill [Steinbuchler] really stepped up and played well in his absence.”

Because of the loss to McMurry, senior defender Billy Steinbuchler had to fill in as the no. 1 defender playing on Jefferson’s top scorer, which was senior attack Max

Whitaker.

“We would have had a much better chance if McMurry was in the lineup,” said Steinbuchler. “It would of taken out two of their studs instead of one.”

Prior to the game versus Jefferson, the Atoms played two games in the Patriot District Tournament. They defeated the Hayfield Hawks 13-8 in the district quarters on May 12 to claim a regional berth. Then were defeated in the semis the next day 12-5 versus the Lake Braddock Bruins.

“It was a great effort for three quarters,” said Maglisceau. “They just went on a run and we didn’t respond. Some of

Atomic Athletics

it might be because we played the night before. We were a little gassed.”

The Atoms stuck with the eventual district runner-up Bruins, holding a 4-3 lead at halftime. But Lake Braddock got a goal with only seconds remaining in the third quarter to put them up by two, and then scored five consecutive goals in the fourth quarter before theAtoms were able to respond.

The Atoms final regular season home game came on May 8 versus Robinson. On senior night, the Atoms fell to the Rams 22-5 marking theAtoms’third consecutive district loss to close the season.

Although the season ended sourly for some of the players, they were well represented in the all-district and allregion honors.

McMurry won 1st team All-District and 1st team All-Region. Adam Park also captured 1st team All-District honors along with Honorable Mention AllRegion. Senior attack John Bernhardt along with senior goalie Chris Goble captured 2nd team All-District honors, with Bernhardt winning anAcademicAllAmerican award from the US Lacrosse League. Honorable mention All-District honors went to senior defender Billy Steinbuchler and sophomore midfielder Eric Dzatko.

“We had some great wins and some tough district losses,” said Maglisceau. “I hope our scorers develop over the summer so we can comeback next year and win some championships.”

Hawks oust Atoms in District quarters The 5-14 varsity softball team lost its first round Patriot District Tournament game to the Hayfield Hawks on May 21. The 10-0 shutout marked an end to the Atoms’ season and prevented them from making a run in the district tournament for the second consecutive year.

The first two innings saw competitive play from both sides, as the senior Neila Darvish pitched two hitless innings. The Hawks chalked up their first hits in a five-run third inning, with two home runs, to put the Hawks ahead, never to look back. The Hawks capped off their lead with a two-run triple in the fourth and a threerun sixth inning to seal the end of the season for the Atoms. Hayfield will play Lake Braddock in the second round of the Patriot District Tournament.

“We never gave up,” said Head Coach Rick Neave. “We played as hard in the seventh as we did in the first.”

Going in, the Atoms knew they were up against a tough and experienced Hayfield squad.

“The competition is extremely strong [in the Patriot District], I give the girl’s credit,” said Neave. “We’re just not as deep. We played to our capabilities...we had to play the perfect game to win.”

Prior to Friday’s loss to Hayfield, the Atoms fell 13-3 at home against Lake Braddock, where

senior Becca Frece hit two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh. Despite this offensive display in the final inning, the Atoms could not come back. A 13-2 defeat against a strong Robinson team closed out the regular season for the girls.

The May 10 contest against West Potomac proved to be heartbreaking for the Atoms, as the Wolverines came out on top 7-5.

“We expected four district wins this season,” said Neave. “I knew [this season] would be a struggle, but we hoped to pull off wins against West Potomac and West Springfield.”

This season’s struggle illustrates a clear image of the team’s inexperience. Particularly on the mound, the team lacks the presence of one of the district’s finest pitchers in Dorsa Hassas.

“We can stay competitive for a couple innings,” said Neave. However, once the opposing hitters figure out the Atoms’ pitching, the Atoms simply lack the depth and the pure athleticism to keep this competitive edge in the Patriot District.

Despite losing eight seniors, Neave has high hopes for the future of the AHS softball program.

“We’re returning eight girls who can play,” said Neave. “[Junior varsity] had a nice season, their first winning season in years.”

The season ended with disappointment for some on the team, but the future remains bright for the Atoms considering the success of their J.V. season.

Boys JV Lacrosse

“The Season has been alright and we are having a good comeback from the beginning of the year with three wins in a row,” said sophomore Tucker Wells

Coach: Lam Ung Record: 6-6-1 Last game: 16-2 Loss vs. Robinson on May 11 Next game: Season Complete Key Players: Tucker Wells and Doug Pelenberg

JV Girls Lacrosse

“We have improved a lot from the beginning of the season and we have come together as a team,” said sophomore Brittany Nelson

Coach: Kelly Allen Record: 3-5-1 Last game: 7-3 Loss to Robinson on May 11 Next game: Season Complete Key Players: Brittany Nelson, and Marie Han

JV Baseball

“We have lost the last four games in a row but we are hanging in there.

If we can play more as a team we will do better,” said sophomore Billy Rathbun

Coach: Terry Hiebert Record: 5-9 Last game: 8-0 Loss vs. Robinson on May 13 Next game: Season Complete Key Players: Billy Rathbun, Dustin Bridge, and Mike Kilian

TINA DOUROUDIAN

BY MATT WIEST Sports Editor

13

Senior Neila Darvish hurls the ball towards home plate in the Atoms 10-0 first round district loss to West Springfield on May 21. Darvish did not miss a beat in the first two innings as she pitched six consecutive hitless outs.

But the Atoms could not keep up with the fierce Hayfield offense. Giving up ten runs in the next five innings.

Girls fall in playoff opener

Girls and boys seasons’ end The boys and girls soccer team both got knocked out in the first round of the Patriot District Tournament on May 13

BY ERIN O’BRIEN In-Depth Editor

Boys - Lake Braddock 4, Annandale 0 TheAtoms suffered a shutout at the hands of the Lake Braddock Bruins in the first round of the Patriot District Tournament at Lake Braddock on May 13.

“There were few defensive breakdowns,” said Head Coach Chris Segaar. “We took some chances, that’s what you have to do to win, take chances.”

Although it was a hard fought game the Atoms still felt they should of played better.

“We were all just really discouraged from the occurrences earlier,” said senior Mike Perucci. The occurrences Perucci was speaking of was the news found out earlier in the week that an ineligible player, Stephen Amoah, was found ineligible and thus the Atoms had to forfeit all of their games. Thus after the loss to the Bruins, the Atoms finished with an 0-13 record instead of a 4-7-2 record.

After the regular season ended, the coaches met to select the members of the All District team. The Atoms had six players selected. Juniors Mike Torbert and Davis Murrillo were selected to first-team all district, seniors Chris Terapane and Dino Garcia got second-team all district and seniors Johnny Eklund and Mike Perucci got Honorable Mention All District.

In terms of next year, Segaar is excited to get back on the field and improve the program. The coach feels that the J.V. team currently is one of the two top teams in the district, consisting of a lot of good players with definite potential, “Next year should be a good year with new uniforms and an all new team.”

Girls - Hayfield 4, Annandale 0 Also on May 13, the girls team was shutout 4-0 by the Hayfield Hawks. The Atoms came in as the seventh seeded team in the district facing the Hawks who seeded second.

“We played hard,” said senior Amy Merrill. “But it

The Atoms 14-3 loss to the 6th seeded Hawks on May 12 brought their season to an end, seemingly prematurely.

Unlike the regular season where the Atoms were able to defeat the Hawks 8-7 thanks to an incredible second half comeback, but were unable to do the same in the District Tournament.

Hayfield came out strong from the first whistle and dominated throughout most of the game.

“Although we were pumped, we didn’t come out with our ‘A’ game, and they did,” said senior goalie Tracie Hiatt.

It was a tough loss for the Atoms, who fought hard this spring and made vast improvements from February to May. “It definitely wasn’t close to one of our best games,” said senior Julie Stone. “It’s too bad we had to end with [that game], because we developed so much over the year and that game didn’t reflect our otherwise great season.”

The Atoms were well represented in the AllDistrict selections. First-team honors went to senior Julie Bowes who also was selected honorable mention All-Region, Lindsay Miller, also second-team all-region, and Julie Stone, who was Player of the Year for both the Patriot District as well as the Northern Region.

Second-team honors were given to senior Katie Haines, junior Megan Berry and sophomore Natalie Gilbert. Senior Tracie Hiatt and sophomores Thera Lombardi and Amy Novak received Honorable Mention.

Next year looks promising as a successful J.V. season gives theAtoms hope in replacing the scoring and leadership Stone and Miller, two of the top players in the region.

SEAN SULLIVAN

BY TED GIBSON AND AMANDA SHEAFFER Staff Writer and Sports X-Tra Editor

Senior Melissa Sielaty dribbles the ball up field in the Atoms 4-0 defeat at the hand of the Hayfield Hawks on May 13. This first round loss marks the end of the Atoms season and is their fourth consecutive year without a winning season or a regional tourney berth.

was still a hard loss to swallow considering it was the last game for the seniors.”

Merrill is one of six seniors on the team who will not be returning next season. TheAtoms finished the season with a disappointing 2-11 record, 0-6 in the district.

The bright spot for theAtoms is the returners coming back next year. Among them are the sole all-district players that are on the roster. Junior Julia Bizer won second team all district as a midfielder and freshman goalie Kelly Scrivner also won second team all-district.

As only a freshman, Scrivner has blossomed into a consistent contributor for the Atoms as coaches feel she could improve into one of the top goalies in the region.

“I’m hoping her [Scrivner] impact next year will be greater,” said Head Coach Mark Bogar. “She will attend some goalie camps over the summer, and I think a combination of her and Julia will improve the team overall. Our team is young, and they have a long way to go before we can match up with the quality teams in our district.”

JV Softball

“We have a really awesome coach and a great time. We are very close as a team and have done well this season,” said sophomore Courtney Fay

Coach: Mike Gifford Record: 9-4-1 Last game: 4-0 Loss vs. Robinson on May 13 Next game: Season Complete Key Players: Courtney Fay and Lisa Ottenhiemer

JV Boys Soccer

“The season is going fine and I expect the team to do well next season,” said junior Saio Komeh

Coach: Eddie Latore Record: 9-1-3 Last game: 2-2 tie vs. Robinson on May 11 Next game: Season Complete Key Players: Saio Komeh and Jimmy Garcia

JV Girls Soccer

“I think that we have gotten a lot closer and become more of a team.

I look forward to next season,” said sophomore Katie Tubb

Coach: Jessica Doll Record: 3-9 Last game: 2-1 win vs. Robinson on May 11 Next game: Season Complete Key Players: Katie Tubb and Michelle Ibarra

14 Box Office Top 5 5/14 - 5/21

1. Troy Starring Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger and Orlando Bloom, Troy is a movie rendition of Homer’s epic poem The Illiad. In the story, ancient Greece goes to war with Troy, a city-state whose prince, Paris, steals the wife of Spartan Menelaus.

Directed by Wolfgang Peterson. (R, 165 mins). Cumulative Gross: $46,865,412.

2. Van Helsing Starring Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale and David Wenham, Van Helsing is a spinoff of Brahm Stoker’s legendary vampire slayer. In the movie, however, he must also overcome other monsters, such as Frankenstein and the Werewolf. Directed by Stephen Sommers. (PG13, 132 mins). Cumulative Gross: $85,095,305.

3. Mean Girls Starring Lindsay Lohan, Tina Fey and Rachel McAdams, Mean Girls is about a new student who unknowingly falls in with a crowd of shallow “mean girls.” Directed

by Mark S. Waters. (PG13, 97 mins). Cumulative Gross: $55,400,970.

4. Man on Fire Starring Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken and Radha Mitchell, Man on Fire is yet another revenge story.

In it, Washington’s character must take on a band of kidnappers sinlge-handedly.

Directed by Tony Scott. (R, 110 mins). Cumulative Gross: $64,169,492.

5. Breakin’ All the Rules Starring Jamie Foxx, Morris Chestnut and Jennifer Esposito, Breakin’ All the Rules is a 90-minute comedy of errors where romantic mix-ups constantly fuel the fire. Directed by Daniel Taplitz. (PG13, 85 mins). Cumulative Gross: $5,088,577.

ENTERTAINMENT

The end of

BY JOSEPH BURKE Staff Writer The following article contains plot “spoilers”. Those who still haven’t watched the tape they made of the Friends finale should probably do so before reading.

The last episode of Friends, which aired on Thursday May 6, was titled simply “The Last One” and that pronoun is indefinite for a reason. Of course it’s the last time America will be able to see the six friends together, but does it also signal the end of an era? Is Friends the last of the great sitcoms (assuming that is not an oxymoron)? Along with the demise of HBO’s successful series Sex and the City and NBC’s other long running flagship situational comedy Fraiser, the end of Friends has many asking this question; the cover of a recent Entertainment Weekly asked “Are Sitcoms Dead?”

Junior Marsha George is concerned about the prospect of post-Friends Television viewing. She said “Now we don’t have any shows to watch on Thursday.”

Junior Vanessa Hernandez says she can go on without Friends. She said that she continues to watch Will and Grace and said “I’m really excited about that new show Joey.”

If the sitcom died three weeks ago, then its funeral attracted an incredible amount of mourners, 53 million to be exact—err, approximate actually. Friends now ranks as the fourth most watched series finale in history, behind MASH, Cheers, and Seinfeld. Additionally, the episode was the most watched entertainment show since Seinfeld’s finale in 1998. And for all those who missed the show, a DVD version of it was put on the market four days after its television premiere. Because of the estimated ratings for the episode, ads were sold at Super Bowl price levels.

For the 240 million or so Americans who missed the finale, the show went like this: Full of a couple surprises but ultimately fairly predictable, the episode saw Ross

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(David Schimmer), after a series of ironic and humorous mishaps (shocker!), finally profess his love to Rachel (Jennifer Aniston).

In a second storyline, Chandler (Matthew Perry) and Monica (Courtney Cox) found out the birth mother whose baby they would adopt was pregnant with twins.

Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow), the show’s resident freespirit/hippie/absurdist folk singer, settled down with her husband and agreed to have children with him. The only character left with untied loose ends was Joey (Matt Leblanc), who we know will relocate to LosAngeles in his spin-off “Joey” which is slated to premiere this fall.

So what will America do without Friends? Actually

Dear Abby, I lived in the foster home until I was four, and recently I’ve wanted to find my biological parents. The family that I am living with now does not approve of it. But I believe it’s only right that I tell them how Advice Column I feel, but they are the type that just won’t listen. Hopefully you

By Abby Segall can give me some helpful ways to talk.

—Biologically Confused It’s only natural that you would want to research your past and find out information about your biological parents.According toAHS Social Worker Constance O’Hearn you are very “on track” with your desire to meet the people who gave birth to you. At the same time O’Hearn also made it clear that it is very necessary you tell the guardians you live with today. When you talk to them, they may seem like they are not listening or they may be argumentative, but that is possibly because they feel threatened.

According to guidance counselor Susan Taylor, “The foster parents may feel threatened and if they [the student] find the biological parents might feel this will somehow

Dear Abby

May 24, 2004

most Americans have been living without Friends for some time now. Though it has been a Top 10 show since its premiere in 1994, ratings are down significantly since the Ross-and-Rachel glory days of season two (21 million versus 30 million viewers). As the TV writer Tom Jicha has pointed out, the ratings of this past season of friends would not have not have placed it in the top 20 rated shows ten years ago.

Television viewers are increasingly turning to cable television, unscripted major network shows like The Apprentice, Fear Factor, etc., or forensic crime drama CSI (now available in original and Miami). The situation comedy cannot dominate the airwaves like it used to.

It is still unclear whether the situation comedy will go into television extinction; after similar hypotheses are made with every finale of a major sitcom, dating back at least to Seinfeld. Thursday May 6 was surely an end of an era, though it is still uncertain whether that era was that of everyone’s six best friends or scripted comedy as America knows it.

After ten years on NBC, Friends said goodbye to viewers during the one hour series finale on May 6.

diminish or negatively impact their relationship. If the person could be careful to emphasize how much he or she loves and appreciated the foster parents and will continue to do so, then maybe they would be more willing.”

When talking to your guardians, attempt to explain that what you are going through is a natural and driving force and it will not affect your relationship with them. However, before you begin your search, you have to know that in order to be given any information about your background you much be 18 years old. If you were adopted and are 18 years of age then you should call the Virginia Department of Family Services (DFS) at (703) 324-7500 and contact the social worker who arranged your adoption. If you and your current parents do not know who that is then the DFS will be able to link them to you.

The problem with the DFS is that they rely on the biological parents to update them when they move. If your biological parents have moved and not informed DFS, you may have some trouble finding them.

For right now, if you are not yet 18, unfortunately you must wait until that birthday comes around for you to take action. However, if you are 18, you should talk to your guardians and contact DFS or visit their website www.co.fairfax.va.us/service/dfs.

Dear Abby was originally written by Pauline Phillips and is written in The A-Blast by senior Abby Segall. To contact Abby with your questions e-mail her at Abbyiss527@aol.com or drop your question off in the Publications Lab, room 233.

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May 24, 2004

ENTERTAINMENT

The summer of sequels Your guide to this summer’s biggest blockbutsters and the underdogs of the season

BY JOHN REISS Entertainment Editor With movie’s such as Spider-Man 2, The Bourne Supremacy and Shrek 2, Hollywood is making this a summer of sequels. However, long anticipated releases from Will Smith, Steven Spielberg and M. Night Shyamalan will keep the summer’s biggest hit in question until the end.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (opens June 4) The third installment in the Harry Potter series departs from its wellknown innocence. Introducing new director Alfonso Cuaron, Azkaban enters a darker territory as an escaped prisoner tries to kill Harry. This mood change might help the movie branch out to audiences it has missed thus far.

The Terminal (opens June 18) For the first time since 2002’s Catch Me If Can, Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg have once agained teamed up for The Terminal. The story is based on a true story of an Eastern European immigrant who was stranded in Charles de Gaulle airport for three years, due to a military coup in his home country. With the track records of Hanks and Spielberg, this movie could be an unforseen hit.

Spider-Man 2 (opens June 30) Peter Parker is still struggling with school, criminals and girls. Still infatuated with Mary Jane, Parker (played by Tobey Maguire) is plauged by either living a normal life or pursuing his webslinging career.

This time around, Spider-Man finds himself facing off against Doctor Octopus, as well as his best friend Harry (James Franco).

Successful or not, Spider-Man has already been budgeted for a third time around.

I, Robot (opens July 16) When the temperature rises and Will Smith hits the big screen, quality is almost guranteed. Not much is known about I, Robot; the trailers aren’t revealing any secrets and no one’s talking. Set in Chicago, 2035, Smith plays a detective who uncovers a scandal in which robots that serve the world as maids, trashmen, etc. stage a revolt against mankind.

King Arthur (opens July 7) Forget everything you know about the legend of King Arthur. Jerry Bruckheimer’s version of this classic tale goes behind all of the glory and fame of Arthur and his knights, and delves into the darker side of the legend. With Kiera Knightly in tow, alongside Bruckheimer, could this be this summer’s Pirates of the Caribbean?

On Monday, May 10, 2004, high school journalist across the country were given a the opportunity to take part in a phone interview with Grammy- award winning artists Nelly Furtado. Students were allowed to discuss any topic with Furtado, and the following is a compilation of questions and answers from Staff Writer Kaity Burdette and several other high school students.

What kind of music do you listen to?

Well, I listen to Rufus Wayneright, Sam Roberts, The Roots and a lot of Brazilian and Canadian artists.

How do you handle the pressure of being in the spotlight?

Well, my interest in music started when I was very young. I grew up with lots of culture and it made me a music and art lover. Even though my parents always supported me, there are still moments of insecurity; everyone has them. Music grounded me more than anything.”]

Do you think your experiences in high school affected your music career?

Absolutely. My high school always had

Cancer (June 22-July 22) You need to think for yourself.

Strictly avoid disagreements that don’t directly concern you. Explore a new way to help your environment, and enjoy meeting new people that may or may not fall in love with you.

A Home at the End of the World (opens July 23) Before Michael Cunningham wrote The Hours, A Home at the End of the World was published. Featuring Colin Farrell and Roin Wright Penn, Farrell plays a confused man, caught between the affections of his gay best friend (Dallas Roberts) and his new girlfriend (Wright Penn). With the successful film adaption of The Hours, A Home at the End of the World could do for Farrell what The Hours did for Nicole Kidman.

The Village (opens July 30) The Village, written and directed by Hollywood’s newest suspense master, M.

an awesome music program. I was in the I leave getting everything down.

What is your favorite aspect of jazz program, I took music theory and the teachers also focused on solos, tone and your most recent CD, Folklore?

Well, I would have to say how personal dynamics. I also performed at assemblies and things, so I was semi-used to large it is to me. I’m very honest on this CD and groups of people. Being in such a great it feels good to be so open. The CD has very music environment also inspired my personal love songs that are very truthful to what I really felt at the spontaneity. time I wrote it.

What would you say I read that you’re are your five greatest singing at the football music influences? cup in Brazil. They’re It’s hard to put them in using one of your order but: Tropicalia and songs to represent the Brazilian artists like “Caecup; how do you feel bano Velloso”; Jeff Buckley; about that?

Mary J. Blige; Smashing Football is huge in BraPumpkins, Radiohead; and zil so it’s awesome to know TLC, Salt and Pepper. that my music is going to What interests do you be introduced to so many have outside of singing? people. I hope that it will I love nature. I grew increase visibility of the up hiking, camping, swimNelly Furtado Brazilian culture and the ming, rollerblading, going to Portuguese language. the beach, reading, writing, Which song would you say means and shopping. I keep a journal too.

How do you prepare for your most to you and why?

There is one song that comes to mind tours?

Well, the main thing I do is rehearse. when I think of the most important. I With all the technical things to figure out wrote “Party” before I became famous and at every stop, there isn’t much time to I was cleaning hotel rooms. It reminds me practice so I spend a couple weeks before of when I was working to get where I am

Night Shyamalan, will keep viewers on the edge of their seat this summer.

A19th-century village finds itself plagued by a mysterious force in the surrounding woods and incorporates a Shymala brand twist-ending.

Garden State (opens July 30) Scrubs star Zach Braff’s first screenplay about life in New Jersey is strangely reminiscent of Kevin Smith’s Jersey Girl.

However Braff wrote the movie before he landed his role on Scrubs. Garden State had the biggest draw at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, and with Braff’s own acting success and Natalie Portman, Garden State may be an indie breakout film.

today so it’s very special to me.

With your newborn daughter, how do you feel about the future for our kids?

I grew up in Canada which is much different than the US. It’s a liberal government and free speech is highly encouraged. I want my daughter to grow up in a place where she can speak her mind with an opinion.

If it weren’t for music where do you think you’d be today?

Well, music has always been my main interest, so if I weren’t involved professionally it would definitely be a hobby of mine. I would probably be in school working towards some kind of writing or English degree.

Which artist would you most like to tour with?

It would be awesome to tour with someone like Madonna; she’s a legend.

The Roots would also be a lot of fun to go on tour with.

What’s one time you can remember that was “one of those moments”?

Winning a Grammy with my mom sitting next to me was pretty amazing.

Opening for U2 in Ireland to 100,000 people in a castle was awesome too.

“The greatest love story ever” crashes and burns Menelaus is slain early on by the famed Trojan Prince Hector, killing off a character who actually survived the Trojan War. Warner Brothers, not wanting to remove When Homer wrote The Iliad, he probably had no their star attraction (Brad Pitt), keepsAchilles alive until idea his Greek epic would be made into a movie, much less after Troy is sacked, when in fact he was killed only six a $200 million adventure in expensive computer graphics months into the war.

Troy also fails to develop its characters to any inand flat acting from its pretty-boy male leads.

The new ‘blockbuster’of the season, Troy, from director triguing level. The plot makes no attempt to explore the Wolfgang Petersen (Air Force One, Das Boot), tries with mentalities of its subjects, nor does it do justice all its might to retell the classic story of the Trojan War. to the characters themselves. Achilles In 1193 B.C., as the tale goes, Greek king Agamemnon shifts suddenly from heartless gloryseeker to sobbing (Brian Cox) has united the Greek cityand compasstates into a powerful alliance. When Movie Review sionate when Trojan Prince Paris (Orlando Bloom) Troy Troy’s King steals Spartan king Menelaus’ (BrenPriam (Peter dan Gleeson) beautiful wife Helen (DiO’Toole) shows ane Kruger), Agamemnon jumps at the up asking for chance to expand his empire, setting out the body of his for Troy with a fleet of 1,000 boats and an Flat acting and poor story telling slain son Hector. army 50,000 strong. ruins what could have been the For the environThe “King of Kings” knows, however, summer’s first hit ment Petersen that he cannot defeat the indomitable has attempted to Troy without the help of the rebellious create, Troy’s and self-absorbed demi-god Achilles (Brad Pitt). Seeking only his own personal glory, Achil- character shifts happen too les sets sail with Agamemnon, Menelaus, and Odysseus quickly.

The cast is little help to the (Sean Bean).

The Trojan Horse eventually makes its way into the already-ailing drama that Peterson plot, but the likenesses to The Iliad stop there. Troy pro- has tried to create. The very impresceeds to trample the remainder of the epic and it spit on sive performances of Pitt, Bean, and O’Toole hardly make up for the dry, it as it glides past to its mediocre appeal.

Screenwriter David Benioff has managed to shorten uninspiring Eric Bana and Brian a ten-year war into a three-week escapade of barely-clad Cox. Orlando Bloom, who apparently male talent. While this is understandable-a ten-year war thought he was still filming the Lord of would make for an awfully long evening at the movies- The Rings, attempts the “elf” persona Benioff can’t seem to get his character facts straight. King with little success.

BY CHRIS SOPHER Ad Manager

D+

HOROSCOPES Gemini (May 21-June 21) Outlook doesn’t look good for you. Take charge of what’s going on around you; granted, most of it isn’t your business. Judge people by their words and not their actions. Don’t be hasty with the world around you.

The Folklore of Nelly Furtado

BY KAITY BURDETTE Staff Writer

15

In following with every other war movie remake, Troy is long. But the only thing that makes this one run 2: 42 are the close-ups. In an attempt to get the most for their money, the camera spends much of its time focused on Brad Pitt’s face.

It is truly unfortunate that a poor script and poor acting from the cast ruin the valiant efforts of Wolfgang Petersen and Brad Pitt to accurately retell the story.

Its battles are unimpressive, its drama nonexistent, and it fails to capture any of the story it tries to retell. Troy is hardly a glorious experience.

Leo (July 22-August 22) Use your newfound courage and energy to take a stand for what you believe in. So much is happening right now that you don’t know where to look.

There’s some advice: take it one step at a time.

Virgo (August 23-Sept. 22) You’ve been offered many chances for fun and adventure in the last week, but prepare for a big decision coming up. Lately you can’t decide if you’re lazy or frustrated. Try to focus on what’s important right now.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Cancer moves into alignment.

Travelling long distances might be in order. Don’t stress over the little things, just remember that within two months things will return to normal, for a time.

Your time here is ending soon.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Difficulties with relationships have left you even more bitter than before; can’t some people ever learn? Apathy is your best policy. In the end, the people that know what’s important succeed the most.

Sagittarius (Nov. 2-Dec. 21) You expect too much from people.

Yet, you’re entirely too sympathetic.

If you keep going like this, you’ll never be satisfied, much less get very far.

Hopes and dreams really aren’t worth anything if you’re afraid to try.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

So secrets, desires, romance and betrayal have all become a big part of your life. Life can’t be interesting without a little trouble. Know your aggressive self, be conscious of your effect on others.Youth is a rollercoaster that is too short to miss.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb.18) Mars brings you a new sense of sensuality today, combined with a complete lack of fear to get what you want. Take it and run, but be as calm as possible.

You may be excited, but that doesn’t mean you should rush into things.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Your love life has finally quieted down, leaving some room for introspection, frustration and change in the workplace. The world keeps turning, so you might just have to deal with it. Today, you might end a relationship.

Aries (March 21- April 19) Use good judgment in decisions regarding friends in the next month.

Uranus enters your romance sector soon, bringing a little more excitement. You’ve started to get bored. Take up a hobby to get your mind off love.

Taurus (April 30-May 20)

Focus on your surroundings as there will be new and exciting developments that will directly affect you. Be open and observe the environment for signs of positive change.

—Brittany Nelson sophomore

“Chocolate, anyone who doesn’t like chocolate is crazy! Maggie Moo’s.’”

—Ben Williams junior

“Cookies and Cream because it tastes so good.

Baskin Robbins.”

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much of it, yet it has also added to the waistlines of Americans.

Those who have a lactose intolerance are generally advised to stay away from dairy products altogether, but their reactions vary from slight to severe.

Lactose Intolerant sophomore Jennifer Louie doesn’t exactly follow this rule, as she has cookies and cream ice cream occasionally and drinks milk in her cereal. She said, “I eat dairy products anyways. I try to keep it to a minimum, though. I just tell myself, if I know I’m going to get a stomachache later, I shouldn’t do it.”

For those who are lactose intolerant, there are other alternatives such as sorbet which is similar to a sherbet but without the dairy ingredients. So, everyone can be happy, as they can fulfill their love for the frozen mixture.

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it that way. Sometime later, however, poor Charles fell into disfavor with his people and was beheaded. But by that time, the secret of the frozen cream remained a secret no more. The cook, named DeMirco, had not kept his promise.

Other fictitious accounts say that Marco Polo saw ice creams being made during his trip to China, and on his return, introduced them to Italy. The myth continues with the Italian chefs of Catherine de’Medici taking this magical dish to France when she went there to marry the Duke d’Orleans, with Charles I rewarding his own ice-cream maker with a lifetime pension on condition that he did not divulge his secret recipe to anyone, thereby keeping ice cream as a royal prerogative.

However, there is no historical evidence to prove such stories. What can be proven, though, is that the once rarely found food has grown enormously and is today very popular.

Overall, the craze for ice cream in our society is overpowering to any other particular snack or desert. This craze has helped and hurt our country; it has added to the economy, as the U.S. consumes so

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Low-fat or extra creamy. Frozen yogurt or frozen custard. Call it what you want, but everyone can call this cool treat by one name: ice cream.

Ben & Jerry’s, Breyer’s, Edy’s, Haagen-Dazs, Healthy Choice, Starbucks, M & M’s, Gervais, Godiva and Dove. These are just a few of the many different ice cream brands out on the market today.

But not only is there a plethora of brands, there is also an array of different and funky flavors from the classics like chocolate, strawberry and vanilla to rather unique ones like Chunky Monkey, Chubby Hubby, Phish Food, Spumoni and Half Baked. There are also some flavors that companies like Ben & Jerry’s have taken off the market, but were once around such as Banana Walnut, Blackberry Cobbler, Cantaloupe, Capecodder, Apricot, Blueberry, Cherry Vanilla, Chocolate Gingersnap, Chocolate Orange Fudge, Egg Nog, English Toffee Crunch, Honey Vanilla and much more. The range of types and brands of ice cream are so large primarily because of the great demand for ice cream.

Sophomore Noelia Hinojosa, an avid ice cream consumer said, “I eat ice cream pretty much any time I have a craving for it. One of my favorite flavors would have to be the classic strawberry from Whole Foods or Baskin Robbins, but I also really like any Haagen Das ice cream. When-

ever I get any type of ice cream, though, I usually put a lot of toppings on it like chocolate syrup, cherries and whip cream to make it extra tasty.”

Today, the United States is the absolute leader in terms of volume of ice cream consumed. It could easily be considered one of the most popular snack/dessert foods around.

“I usually buy vanilla ice cream from Safeway whenever I feel like eating it.

I like to try different kinds whenever I want them and I like to get Edy’s because it tastes really good and it’s also cheap.

Sometimes I put chocolate sauce on it, too,” said junior Kaju Meena.

But when did this craze for ice cream begin? Although the origin of the frozen mixture remains unproven folklore, one such tale says that hundreds of years ago, Charles I of England hosted a sumptuous state banquet for many of his friends and family. The meal, consisting of many delicacies of the day, had been simply superb but the “coup de grace” was yet to come.After much preparation, the King’s French chef had concocted an apparently new dish.

It was cold and resembled fresh- fallen snow but was much creamier and sweeter than any other after- dinner dessert. The guests were delighted, as was Charles, who summoned the cook and asked him not to reveal the recipe for his frozen cream. The King wanted the delicacy to be served only at the Royal table and offered the cook 500 pounds a year to keep

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BY MOLLY STERLACCI Staff Writer

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“Half-baked— it has chocolate chip cookie dough and brownies in it.

Ben and Jerry’s.”

This popular frozen treat has satisfied people from the freezer to the ice cream parlor

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—Lindsey Downen freshman

We all scream for ice cream

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“Chocolate because it tastes really good and makes you happy to eat it.

The Pop’s Ice Cream place in Alexandria.”

May 24, 2004

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What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Where is your favorite place to get ice cream?

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WEEKEND

Local spots scoop out innovative ice cream

Upcoming Concerts MAY 26 Fleetwood Mac @ Nissan Pavilion starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $28.50 on the lawn, and range from $53- $125 on the lawn. For more information visit www.nissanpavilion.com MAY 26 From Autumn to Ashes with Atreyu @ 930 Club starting at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $12.

For more information visit www.930.com MAY 27 Jason Mraz @ D.A.R. Constitution Hall starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35. For more information visit www.dar.org/ conthall MAY 28 Andrew W.K. with The Locust, No Motiv, and Fireball Ministry @ 930 Club starting at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $15. For more information visit www.930.com JUNE 3 Hootie and the Blowfish @ Wolf Trap- Filene Center starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 on the lawn and $36 for regular seating. For more information visit www.wolf-trap.org

ELIZABETH NOWROUZ

BASKIN ROBBINS Location—9547 Braddock Rd. in the Twinbrooke Shopping Center, next to the McDonalds Prices—Scoops can be served from $2 and sundaes cost up to $6 Service—Very Friendly Cool Fact—Baskin robbins periodically has a “FreeScoop Night” to encourage new customers. “Free-Scoop Night” is usually on a weeknight from 6 p.m. until closing.

More information—call 703-425-5131 or go to www.baskinrobbins.com

BOARDWALK FROZEN CUSTARD Location—Bradlick Shopping Center Prices—The frozen custard is served for under $3 Service—There is usually only one employee working at a time, but service is efficient.

Cool Fact—The Annandale community has embraced Boardwalk, and ice cream cone posters decorate the walls with the signatures of many regular AHS students More information—call adjacent Subway at 703-354-0202

COLDSTONE CREAMERY Location—Fair Oaks Shopping Mall, on the lower level close to Sears Prices—more expensive, you will probably end up paying $5 for a single scoop of their 36 original creations Service—They have the know how on how to knead and mix flavors and toppings.

Cool Fact—For special occasions the employees are able to serenade you with a tune.

More information—call 703-218-3445 or go to www.coldstonecreamery.com

MAGGIE MOOʼS Location—6575 N. Frontier Dr. in Springfield, right across from Springfield Mall Prices—$3-4 for single and double scoops.

Service—Very friendly Cool Fact—Maggie Mooʼs serves some of their original cow themed flavors, such as Amooretto, Cinnamoo, and Udderly Cream. Another bonus is that they do not charge extra for waffle cones More information—call 703-921-0380 or visit www.maggiemoos.com

The Scoop:

The Scoop:

The Scoop:

The Scoop:

Traditional Thai with a twist at Neisha N O V A Nibbles Restaurant guide

By Elizabeth Nowrouz and Laura Johnson Upon viewing the exterior of Neisha Thai, you wouldn’t expect to walk through the door into a sparkling cave-like room, but this restaurant features an exotic mixture of authentic Thai food with a magical twist.

We were greeted and promptly shown to our table.

The service was polite and courteous, and our waiter made several suggestions for appetizers. Under his advice, we chose the salmon rolls, which have fresh salmon wrapped in seaweed and jasmine rice, and topped off with sesame seeds. For $6.95, you get four five-inch rolls with the special Thai soy sauce, and we ate them with delight.

For our main dish, we chose to share the Kao Pad (57) and pineapple fried rice (59). Kao Pad means “fried rice” and you have the choice of meats from chicken, beef, or pork, which are served over the fried rice, and cooked in a “flavorful sauce.” The Kao Pad was appetizing and traditional, but a little bland, the flavorful sauce could have been more flavorful. During the lunch hours, this dish is $6.95, but we paid $8.95 for the larger dinner portion.

Pineapple fried rice, on the other hand, was very original and exciting. Our eyes widened when we saw the entree being served to us in half of a fresh pineapple, which had been hollowed out. It features jumbo shrimp, stir-fried with cashew nuts, fresh chunks of pineapple, tomatoes, onions, and fried rice. It is priced at $10.95 for

both lunch and dinner.

Another popular option at Neisha is the traditional Thai dish, Pad Thai, which is also the national noodle dish, and contains rice noodles, shrimp, bean sprouts, crushed peanuts and egg.

Scanning the entrees in the menu, you might notice that some of the titles are hard to pronounce, such as “Moo Dadd Deaw” and “Gai Obb Bai Toey”, but the waiters and waitresses are familiar with the numerical values assigned to each entree. So have no fear of mispronunciation at Neisha.

Another positive accommodation is the fact that the chefs are willing to adjust the level of spiciness in your dish based on your preference. Also, peppers are placed on the menu to the right of the dish name, and indicate the spiciness, three peppers being the highest level.

Neisha’s layout has the tables against the two walls, the left wall has booths adjacent to the wall, and the wood chairs with black circular cushions can spin. The cave-like aura of Neisha Thai in Baileyʼs Crossroads The interior walls are layered with different levels of is accented by the various colorful and sparkling layers of plywood, which are all decorated in a metallic purple wood on the walls and ceilings. paint, and under the lights the purple shimmers and of the restaurant is a small bar where the drinks are gives off a rainbow affect. Parallel to the booths on the other wall, is a half-mirror, beginning from the table prepared. The overall cave-like atmosphere at Neisha is one of the many positive aspects of the Thai experience height to the ceiling.

Several Washingtonian magazine covers and local they provide.

The Falls Church Neisha is located at 6037 Leesburg newspapers are displayed on the bottom of the mirror, and in 2000 Washingtonian rated Neisha as one of the Pike, and is in a shopping center between Seven Corners top 100 restaurants in this area. In the article the author and Bailey’s Crossroads. Neisha is open seven days a stated that, “Passion Beef is not the only thing to get pas- week, on Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. sionate about at Neisha.”

Fresh flowers adorn the tables, and small table The phone number is 703-933-3788, and the website is lamps were brought out halfway through our dinner www.neisha.net. to illuminate our table and meal. Located in the rear LAURA JOHNSON

—Paul Pickett police officer

LAURA JOHNSON

“Prailines and Cream because it’s good. Basking Robbins”

LAURA JOHNSON

ELIZABETH NOWROUZ

—Kevin Luong senior