Issue 1

B LAST A ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003

the

Informing the Atoms since 1954

VOLUME #49 ISSUE 1

NEWS BRIEFS AHS starts off Atomversary celebration with Sock Hop

After the first home football game of the 2003-2004 school year, Fri. Sept. 5, the sophomore class will be holding a Sock Hop. Tickets are $4 pre-sale during lunch periods and $6 at the door.

Food and prizes will be available to everyone that attends. The Sock Hop will be the first of many dances, which will be held during the school year in celebration of AHS’s 50th Atomversary.

Atomversary Time

The Atomversary is a year long celebration of AHS’s 50th year anniversary. Pencils were given out to all students today during flex and the teachers received new red t-shirts with the logo, Atomversary, printed on the back.

Throughout the year dances will be held for different decades starting with 1950. Also, during the night of homecoming the first queen of AHS will be present and throughout the year other important figures of AHS’s past will come to visit their past.

During the weekend of June 5th there will be a weekend long celebration of AHS’s 50th year. This celebration will be compromised of a carnival as well as a dance.

All AHS alumni will be informed and encouraged to join AHS during this time.

Throughout the year “The ABlast” will give more information of the upcoming Atomversary events.

SR&R Rules Amended

On Thurs. Sept. 4 R1 flex will be held during first block in order for teachers to educate students on the Student Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R) changes and rules. Am SR&R video will be given to teachers to show students.

The SR&R will be getting an update this year with a new language and new rules.

The new rules include: • A stricter dress code • The dress code will be updated following last year’s dress code confusion. Students will no longer be allowed to wear clothing “that exposes cleavage, private parts, the midriff or undergarments, or that is otherwise sexually provocative”.

• rules on hazing • rules on the right to distribute literature New language includes: • New wording for students responsibilities to participate in the pledge of allegiance and the moment of silence.

• students are expected to say the pledge unless a parent/gaurdian objects and if students do not participate in moment of silence or pledge they must sit quietly and not interfere with others • students are allowed to carry cell phones and other “communication devices” during school, but the must be out of sight and off during the school day.

These new rules are sure to eliminate some of last year’s confusion regarding the SR & R and should prove to create a more consistent set of rules.

Overloaded students are unable to enjoy their adolescence without great responsibilities

703-642-4229

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THE OLD AND THE NEW

FIELD HOCKEY SCORES BIG

First AHS Principal Ralph Buckley and new Principal Rod Manuel meet for the first time

Lady Atoms start the year with a 5-0 win over Sidwell Friends

Enrollment swells to over 2,500 Freshman class raises the student body to its highest point ever

Increasing student population raises the demand for teachers

BY ERICA SATTEN AND JULIE WOLF

BY ALEX SILANO AND CAROLINE FRIEDMAN

Staff Writers

was also a skit performed by students demonstrating some of the scams that upperclassmen try to play on the freshmen.

After a large assembly in the auditorium the freshmen broke up into smaller groups and were escorted to three other information sessions.

Leadership gave one of the sessions and they discussed character education

With the incoming freshman class of 747 students coming to AHS this year, teachers are in demand. For the past three years construction has expanded the school and created more space for classes of every subject.

Now these new classrooms need to accommodate more students than in the past with more teachers as well as more equipment and room.

Not only are more educators being hired, but the administration has also added members to its team. Overall, 32 new teachers have been employed as well as 13 other faculty members including a new principal Rodney Manuel and assistant principal Dave Tremaine.

Manuel expects to provide every student with the opportunity to succeed and be a part of the community.

Also he wants to instill pride in the school, with this year being especially significant due to the school’s 50th anniversary. He doesn’t expect to have a large impact in his first year at Annandale, but rather to assess

“Enrollment” continued on pg. 3

“New teachers” continued on pg. 3

Academics Editor and Managing Editor Year after year, it seems that the school population continues to grow, and this year is no exception. This year’s freshman class came in at 747 students, making it the largest class ever enrolled in school history. This poses many problems for students in the classroom, the lunchroom, and in the hallways.

“High school has a lot more people than in middle school,” said Grahm Prosch, a freshmen who attended Edgar Allen Poe Middle School. “It is a big step.”

Last year, a fourth lunch was added to accommodate the growing population at AHS. However, no such measures were taken this year. Some students are concerned with how the additional students will affect lunchtime.

“Last year was crowded enough, I barely had any time to eat my lunch because the lines were so long, and if this year is going to be even worse, then I don’t know what I’m going to do,” said senior Chris Evans.

AHS is also in its third stage of renovation, which means less

PHOTO BY PAUL GLEASON

Editorial finds that between Schwarzenegger and Flint going for office in Cal., that it seems just about anyone can run

2

WITH SCHOOL COMES PRESSURE

Administrator and football coach James Carayiannis speaks to the rising freshman class during their orientation. The rising freshman is the largest class to date.

room in the hallways and certain areas blocked off during the year.

The size of the incoming class was apparent during freshmen orientation, held on August 29. This program let freshmen and new students experience AHS for the first time.

During orientation, guidance counselors and the administration were introduced. The band played a variety of songs, including the fight song. There

Coach killed in car accident Recurring mold and

BY ASHLEY JONES Photographer

JV Softball coach Richard Razal Green, 53, died on July 5 in a car accident in Valdosta, Ga. on the way home from a vacation in Orlando, Fl. Green coached at AHS for two years and was dedicated to other activities in the community.

“He was a coach that knew the game of softball and was passionate about coaching at AHS,” said senior softball player Rebecca Freece.

Green was on the way back from a vacation with his family during the evening when the accident occurred. Green was a passenger of the car when the car merged onto the highway and another car hit theirs. Richard Green was not wearing his seat belt and flew out of the front passenger seat. Green died on impact.

Green was born on October 5, 1949 in the Philippines. He attended Washington State University where he played for the football team. Later in his life he went on to coach football for local clubs such as BRYC. He was active in the Army for ten years and fought with the 101st Airborne Division and the Special Forces. He received many honors including a Purple Heart.

Green married Terry Calabrese on September 8, 1984 and had two children, Amanda and Daniel. Amanda, senior, participates in softball as well as drama and band. Daniel is in eighth grade at Holmes Middle School.

Green worked for the Defense Department for 18 years and did communications work at companies such as Tracor Inc. and GTE. His wife works for St. John’s United Methodist Church where his memorial service was held on July 22.

Approximately 500 people attended the funeral service, including the AHS band, which played during the ceremony.

On August 3, a benefit was held at the Little Italy restaurant in Bradlick Shopping Center for the Green family.

Other fundraisers were held to help the Green family through this time. The Green family was very thankful for the support from Softball coach Richard Green the community. was recently killed in a car “It was accident while returning from a family vacation. very special to see the community come together and help out they way that they have,” said Amanda Green.

The softball teams are planning to put a black “RG” on the uniforms in order to remember their coach this spring. Many members of the community, including the softball teams, were present at his memorial and know that the upcoming softball season will not be the same without him.

“Coach Green may have come across as grumpy at first, but once you spent time with him like we did on the team, you got to see that he really had a good sense of humor,” said sophomore and member of the JV softball team, Kristi Johnson. “He made

mildew problems

BY CAROLINE FRIEDMAN Managing Editor

On August 20 mold and mildew were found in Virginia Crowley’s new classroom on books, desks, chairs and the walls. Mold, a brown and black substance, formed on the walls in patches that spanned three to four feet. The mildew was on the chairs and desks and was white and fuzzy and about 1/8 to 1/16 of an inch thick.

Crowley was scheduled to move classrooms as were other English teachers on the 20th, but the move was postponed due to the mold and mildew. The janitorial staff took immediate action to clean up the mold and mildew with a combination of bleach and water.

“I will say that Mr. Manuel, Mr. Tremaine, and Mr. Campbell were very concerned and took prompt action,” said Crowley. “Also Mr. Cooley was the first one on the spot, and he canceled my move so that my stuff wouldn’t get all yucky.”

Crowley is one of many teachers who were shocked to find their classrooms and belongings covered in mold and mildew when they came back to school after the summer break.

The allergens formed because there was a rise in outdoor humidity, but the air conditioning in the school stayed the same. Therefore, there was too much moisture in the air. “It was the perfect environment for mold,” said Principal Rodney Manuel.

“Mold pops up from time to time,” said Manuel. “It was not one thing that caused it, it was a combination of little things.”

Among those little things was AHS’s continuing construction. There are more openings in the school and because of that, the humidity from outside can come into the school.

Posters from one of the bulletin boards in Antonio

“Green” continued on pg. 3

“Mold” continued on pg. 3

Back to school after 38 years

By Paul Gleason Co Editor in Chief

PHOTO BY PAUL GLEASON

2

CALIFORNIA EASY PLACE TO RUN

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2003

Former principal Ralph E. Buckley tours the school looking at new renovations the school has undergone. “If I didnʼt know where I was I wouldnʼt recognize the place,” said Buckley.

The school’s a mess. There is almost no furniture in the classrooms, the construction has the school torn apart, and all the little necessities are nowhere to be found.

Luckily for Principal Rodney Manuel, this wasn’t the case when he assumed the role of principal this year, but this chaotic situation was just part of the difficult job of getting the school ready to open in 1954 for AHS’s first principal, Ralph E. Buckley.

On August 12th Buckley returned to meet principal Manuel and to take a look around at the school that has changed so much since it opened 50 years ago.

“I had to order furniture, hire the staff and set up everything the school needed between June and the opening

day, which I’ll tell you was no easy task, especially without a secretary,” said Buckley.

Despite only missing 3 football games in the first 30 years, and living in close proximity to the school, about a mile and a half away, Buckley has rarely never seen much of the school from the inside. Parts of the school that are under construction for being too old are completely new to Buckley because of the many other renovations that have taken place since he left in 1966. “If I didn’t know where I was, I wouldn’t recognize the place,” said Buckley.

After meeting with Manuel and a few other the staff members, Buckley was taken around the school to all the new wings and renovated sections. While walking around the school he talked to many of the staff members, coaches, and student athletes, “Buckley” continued on pg. 3

2 Goal and policies for The A-Blast 2003-2004 What are your goals?

Our goals are to inform, educate and entertain the student body, faculty, and staff, as well as our community readers. We provide an open forum for students to be expressed, but writers of The A-Blast do not necessarily represent the opinions of the entire staff, the administration and/or the adviser.

How do you choose what the content of your paper will be?

The A-Blast staff determines the

content and we welcome input from readers. We choose the content based on timeliness, relevance to student life and entertainment value. The editorial board meets before every issue and takes into account upcoming events and reader responses prior to deciding upon the content of the next issue.

What is your policy on controversial issues?

Controversial issues will appear in the paper, but not without careful consideration of the editorial board.

We do not seek to create controversy, but we do recognize that some news stories are controversial and should not be avoided, but rather dealt with in a professional manner.

What do you do if you make a mistake?

When either The A-Blast or its

readers notice an error, we will print a correction in the following issue in a box on page two.

What is your policy on advertising?

We will solicit advertisements from merchants who sell products that are legally available to the student readership.

EDITORIALS

on a ballot to be their governor.

A recall—part of the beauty of Co-Editor in Chief our political system—protects the people from being stuck under the The recall of California’s leadership of an unpopular political Governor, Gray Davis, has gone from official. Furthermore, a recall makes being the people exercising their it possible for another person to come rights, to a complete mockery of into office and better represent the our voting systems. people’s voice. However Currently, the in this case, this beneficial ballot holds 135 act is being abused by names for a position people who have no where only one can chance, and in some cases inevitably win the no intentions, of actually governorship. The becoming governor. recall is not the The fact that anyone issue at hand, but from any walk of life that any Joe Nobody can become governor can get their name is a good thing, but the on the ballot with requirements to become 10,000 signatures elected should be stricter and a $3,500 to weed out the candidates fee. With a state who truly intend to Flint of Hustler population just Larry magazine is one many become governor from beneath 34 million candidates for Governor. those who are just running people, how can for the sake of running.

10,000 signatures Realistic candidates, actor be a proportional voice to put someone Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), Lt.

BY PAUL GLEASON

“Students are expected to balance sports, academics, family responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and sometimes a job.”

What is your policy on censorship and freedom of the press?

Although freedom of expression is a parmount right to be preserved, we will not publish anything (printed words, artwork, or photographs) that invade an individual’s right to privacy, or that is obscene, libelous or slanderous as defined by state and community laws. Material that incites violence or may cause a significant disruption of the school day will also not be printed.

You can almost feel the start of school in the air. Summer jobs coming to an end, the closing of pools, hot summer days fading away and friends calling each other to compare schedules.

However, school is just beginning and students are already feeling the pressure. Fall sports practices began weeks ago, and the past week has been filled with stress to complete numerous and burdensome summer assignments ( I myself had summer work in three classes and along with many other A-Blast staff members began working on this issue well before school started). School—in itself—is a good thing. It provides a certain stability and direction for kids who otherwise would waste their time.

However, school is just one of a multitude of responsibilities that students take on.

Students are expected to balance sports, academics, family responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and sometimes a job. Too much emphasis is placed on the idea that students should try take the hardest classes, join multiple clubs, and strive to play varsity sports. With all of this comes insurmountable pressure from coaches, parents and teachers to succeed. Students are pulled in too many directions, and inevitably, are continually stressed out.

Some students I know tackle a full IB schedule (6 IB classes), are members of a number of clubs, and participate in athletics. In turn, they are up until the wee hours of the morning attempting to complete assignments for the following day. In another case, a student would go to school, come home after sports practice around

MAking the GrAde Fairfax County has best SAT scores

A

How can I subscribe?

Send in a check for $15 to The A-Blast, 4700 Medford Dr., Annandale, VA 22003.

SAT scores over the Metropolitian area have increased significantly since the previous year. The gains can be attributed to the increase in sandardized test participation. Fairfax County’s test raised 14-points from 1096 in 2002 to 1110 in 2003. Fairfax County’s test scores outranked the top score in Maryland, Howard County 1096 and the District’s adverage

Ten Commandments removed

A

Under what circumstances do you print profanities?

Material considered profane by community standards of the paper will not be used unless the words themselves have contextual relevence that, when omitted, would significantly alter the meaning of the sentence and/or article. The full version of the editorial policy is available in room 229 and the main library.

Governor Cruz Bustamante (D) State Senator Tom McClintock (R), and former baseball commissioner Perer V. Ueberroth(R), would have no problem getting more than 10,000 signatures. If the number of signatures needed was raised candidates who are set on running for governor would better prove how they are worthy to put on the ballot. The higher number of signatures would deter candidates who wouldn’t put in the extra effort and those who aren’t actually politically sound enough to collect the number of signatures.

This would only be preventing people from running who will most positively not end up as governor, thus saving

time and money.

If one cannot collect the extra signatures needed what would give them the idea that they can get the votes when it actually comes down to the election time?

For such an important role in government a candidate should be required to have at least a two percent of the populations support to run (680,000 signatures in California’s case). This number of votes is just high enough to deter unwanted candidates, lower the cost of a recall for the public, prove a candidates commitment to pursue the governorship, and to give a proportional voice to the people.

For students, school starts and the stress begins

Editorials relating to newsworthy subjects provide an analytical voice to the paper. Unsigned editorials represent the majority of opinion of the editorial board; signed editorials represent the opinion of the author.

Submission of letters to the editor and guest editorials are welcomed.

Letters should not exceed 250 words and editorials should be limited to 1,500 words. All works must be signed. Only “experts from the field” will be solicited for guest editorials.

Sept. 2, 2003

The crisis in California

What is your policy on editorials?

Do you publish letters to the editor and guest editorials?

A BLAST the

A legal dispute in Alabama over the separation of church and state has divide the public. Alambama Chief Justice Roy Moore illegally posted the Ten Commandments in the courthouse.

Fortunately, the federal court ordered him to remove the Commandments.

Moore was suspended for disobeying the law.

Safety changes made after accident

B

After the space craft Columbia crashed on Feb. 1, NASA made several safety changes and tightened shuttle regulations.

More photos will be taken of the ship after take off. It is conceivable that if more images were taken of the Columbia in space that its destruction might have been prevented.

Iraq war estimated to cost tens of billions

F

According to U.S. occupation coordinator L. Paul Bremer the Iraq war will cost tens of billions of dollars. The state department is expecting a “huge” supplemental spending bill from Congress. The figures are in addition to the current $4 billion Pentagon spends on the military each month.

six, sleep until 2 or 3 a.m. in the morning, wake up and do her homework until it was time to go to school.

This is not the way to approach all the activities which are offered. You must pick and choose your classes and activities carefully. Don’t try to take on the world. Only do what you can handle comfortably (this isn’t a statement to advocate laziness). There is a difference from slacking your way through school, and taking a couple of higher level classes that you can manage. You should enjoy the challenge of school, rather than overwhelm yourself.

It is alright to stay up late every now and then to complete a project—especially if you have procrastinated—but working past midnight on a regular basis is unhealthy. I don’t take an overwhelming schedule, but rather one that contains some hard class, but at the same time, I can manage my time. If you know your limits, you can budget your time and have enough “down time” for yourself which is important.

High school is a time of personal and intellectual growth. It is important to challenge yourself, but set limits.

However, during the high school years it is important to have time for yourself. It is good if you can just relax one day a week, rather than feeling stressed out about the upcoming school week. It is impossible to do everything.

Know how much you can handle, go to that limit, but don’t leap over it. Participate in things most important to you and budget your time. Lastly, enjoy your time here.

A BLAST the

Annandale High School 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, Virginia 22003

Editors in Chief:

Vol. 49 No. 1 September 2, 2003

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

Gallup Award Quill & Scroll 2000-2001

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

Weekend Editors:

Laura Johnson Elizabeth Nowrouz 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, Joeseph Buke, Shayna Dublar, Edward Gibson, Cristian Hernandez, Bilal Javed, Bridgette Kim, Amy Mathis, Molly Sterlacci, Mike Weist, Julie Wolf, Tina Dourourdian, Stuart Dubar, Jill Geurin, Matt Hubacher, Ashley Jones, Joe Wilbur, Alex Wahl, Chris Kallendar, Sohaib Khan Videographers: Josh Lewin, Brent Sullivan, Oscar Ycaza Web Design: Omar Nachanati Adviser: Alan Weintraut

All American National Scholastic Press Association 2001-2002

Trophy Class Virginia High School 2001-2002

The A-Blast is an award-winning newspaper that strives to inform, educate and entertain the student body and community. Published every three weeks. The A-Blast will not print any material that is obscene or libelous; or that which substantially disrupts the school day or invades an individual’s right to privacy. Unsigned editorials represent the staff opinions which solely represent the opinion of the newspaper staff. The A-Blast is an independent, open forum for discussion which is printed at the Springfield Plant of The Washington Post. Signed letters to the editor of 250 words or less may be submitted to room 216 or mailed to the school. The A-Blast reserves the right to refuse advertisements. All submissions become property of The A-Blast Copyright, 2003.

A BLAST

NEWS

the

Construction continues

BY PAUL GLEASON

of the renovation because they will graduate by the time it’s completed.

Manuel added that during the 2nd phase things slowed down but now things are right back on schedule.

There have been many difficulties in the process.

For example during freshman orientations this year the auditorium was out of commission.

Therefore the orientation had to take place in the school gym which Due to the renovation in the auditorium, the freshman orientation was forced to the gym. has limited seating and is far less environment.” The renovation is comfortable.Havingtheauditorium

BY LAELA SHALLAL slated to cost an excess of $14 not be available will effect the Staff Writer million and will include such drama and music departments. items as new computers, a state Although the school Newly appointed Principal of the art culinary department, a administration and construction Rodney Manuel is optimistic brand new auditorium and a host team is doing their best to about the new renovations at of other infrastructure updates. minimize disruption, there’s AHS. “I’m thrilled about the The renovation is in its third infrastructure being updated, and final phase which will take bound to be unforeseen problems.

Principal Manuel is asking having the latest technology approximately one to two more students, parents, and teachers and new classrooms to make years. Seniors and juniors will to be as patient as possible to for a more appealing learning not experience the full benefit keep things flowing smoothly.

AHS welcomes new teachers “Teachers” from pg. 1

BY SEAN SULLIVAN

the school and build on the excellent foundation in which his predecessor, Don Clausen, had developed.

The 32 new teachers coming to AHS are scattered among numerous subjects. The math department received four new teachers along with the English department. Five new teachers are working in the science department as well. Foreign languages, ESL and Special Education each hired three teachers for the year. Seven new teachers have elective classes, making this the department with the most new teachers, while history added only one new teacher. Finally, a special new teacher will be working with the emotionally disabled children.

Some of the new faculty members pose with new principal Rodney Manuel. There are 45 new faculty members at AHS.

Mold found in hallways “Mold” from pg. 1 to get my shot the day after all of this happened.

They said that the window blinds should be replaced.

Rivadenerira’s old room, Crowley’s new room, The county said that is not necessary,” said Crowley. and about six ninth grade literature books from Due to the mold and mildew, Crowley the English storage closet had to be thrown away has had to take extra shots, use a bronchial because of damage from the mold and the mildew. inhaler and take extra medication.

Other than scrubbing the mold and mildew, the However, Crowley is upbeat. “Students will be school has contacted the county environmental services, perfectly safe,” she said. She also indicates that and according to them nothing more needs to be done. the administration handled the situation very However, many faculty members’ allergies have well. “They have been to my room everyday since been effected with the growth of the mold and mildew. [it happened]. They were extremely responsible.”

“I take shots for allergies. I went to my allergist

Largest enrollment in history “Enrollment” from pg. 1

and what it takes to have a successful time at AHS. Another session was given by physical education teacher, James Carayiannis on school pride and the positive aspects of AHS.

The third session was put on

by Peer Mediation about the top ten things to do at AHS, such as be organized and get involved.

At the end of the Peer Mediation presentation the freshmen were able to ask questions about the peer mediation program, but

also about other things at AHS such as flex and about late buses.

Freshmen orientation was an informative program that allowed the biggest class in AHS history to know what to expect when starting high school.

BY PAUL GLEASON

First principal returns to AHS

Annandale future (new principal Rod Manuel) stands beside Annandale past (first principal Ralph Buckley)

“Buckley” from pg. 1 telling them his memories of the school. “Back in my day all we had were desks and a black board in the classrooms,” Buckley commented after hearing that each classroom has a TV and that the ratio of computers to students is 1 to 7. “I wouldn’t even know how to work the computers.”

The first year the student body only had approximately a thousand students, but steadily grew to 2,100 students the last year of Buckley’s

era. The 2,600 student body was not as shocking to Buckley as was the number of different languages and the diversity at the school. “When I was principal I can say about 95 percent of the student’s were native to America, but the diversity here is…just wow,” Buckley remarked as he looked at a sign above a classroom door saying welcome in a number of languages.

Buckley plans on making many more appearances throughout the year because of the 50th anniversary.

He is planning on coming to many football games, especially during the homecoming ceremonies.

It’s ironic how when Buckley first opened the school, the school was still being constructed, 50 years later when her returns, the school is still under construction.

FCPS excels on SATs

BY LAURA KELLY AND KYLE SMEALLIE Academics Editor and News Editor

The SATs: The most feared test for high school students all over the country. This test causes more dread and stress than any other exam that high school students take.

How could it not? The SATs are a major determining factor in the college admission process, along with GPA and course selection.

However, according to a recent article from The Washington Post, Fairfax County students have scored higher than ever with a 14 point increase in the average SAT score from last year.

Since last year, Fairfax County’s average SAT score rose from last year’s 1096 to this year’s 1110 out of a possible 1600. While other counties have shown improvements, Fairfax is recognized as the top SAT county in the metro region. In Virginia, Arlington is a distant second with an average of 1072.

Annandale’s scores have shown much improvement over those of prior years. Last year, Annandale’s average SAT scores were 512 in math and 489 in verbal, with a total average of 1001. This year, the average math score went up 12 points and the verbal increased by 19 points the average scores for 2002-03 are currently a 524 for math, 508 for verbal with a total of 1032.

Some believe that this increase in scores is due to revenue brought in by the average house in Fairfax County. The median income of households in Fairfax County was $84,683 for the year 2001, making it the richest county in America. This allows select students to get private tutors or take independent SAT prep classes. For an SAT class from The Princeton Review one must pay $899 (with other popular SAT courses such as Kaplan not far behind), a price tag that middle class families can struggle to afford. However, because of the abundance of the affluent families, many FCPS students can afford these luxuries, which advertise a 100 point improvement or the opportunity to retake the class for free.

Steve Sengstack, head of the guidance department, said that the rapid increase in the SAT scores is probably due to the students who are taking the test. Since different students take the test every year, results may vary each year.

Preparation for the SATs also has helped increase scores. The PSATs are a practice SAT test for freshman, sophomores, and junior that is taken during the fall. “We started PSATs three years ago. Most juniors came to take them on Saturdays for practice. Now everyone takes them for three years,” said Sengstack. Sengstack also added that there is an SAT prep class that meets after school to go over test strategies.

Fairfax County SAT Scores 2003 Math Verbal Total Mount Vernon

495

482

977

Falls Church

516

491

1007

Lee

522

504

1026

Edison

527

502

1029

ANNANDALE

524

508

1032

Hayfield

518

514

1032

West Potomac

524

528

1052

Jeb Stuart

531

519

1052

Fairfax High

542

518

1060

Westfield

540

526

1066

Herndon

546

525

1071

Centreville

551

522

1073

South Lakes

547

545

1092

Chantilly

561

539

1100

Robinson

561

546

1107

West Springfield

570

553

1123

Marshall

569

555

1124

Oakton

574

550

1124

Lake Braddock

573

553

1126

Madison

582

564

1146

Woodson

586

573

1159

McLean

603

557

1160

Langley

614

587

1201

Thomas Jefferson

748

730

1478

FAIRFAX AVG.

564

546

1110

Accident takes coach’s life “Green” from pg. 1 playing softball fun.”

A captain of the JV team last season, Marisa Menezes, a senior, said, “He had such a great presence and strong impact on our team. I know that even though he’s not going to be there this upcoming season, he’ll be watching us,” said senior Marisa Menezes, a captain of the JV softball team last spring.

BY PAUL GLEASON

Sept. 2, 2003

Ralph E. Buckleyʼs portriat in the main office hallway.

3 Freshman tips given by guidance counselor Linda Wheeler Q: When will students first be able to get their lockers?

A: When students return their five important forms they will get their locker assignments. R1 Teachers should have locker assignemnts by the second day of school.

Q: When do late buses start?

A: They start on the second week of school. They will be on Mondays leaving at 2:45, and Wednesdays at 3:30.

Q: How much are P.E. Uniforms?

A: If the students want to purchase the shirt, the shorts, a lock and towel service it is $25.

The shirt and shorts alone are $11.50 ($1 extra for XXL, and $2 extra for XXXL). Just towel service will cost $10. The locks are $3.50.

Q:Will the first day be any different?

A: No, except for one extended R1 flex.

Q: Which classes have what lunches?

A: Students who have R5/W6 as: business, family & consumer science, fine arts, science, or technology and electronics have A lunch; foreign language, marketing, or math have B lunch; basic skills, ESOL, leadership, or social studies have C lunch; English, performing arts, and P.E. have D lunch.

Former teacherʼs son dies in car accident Robert Glenn Baucom, 32, of Herndon, VA, died August 10 in a single car accident on the Fairfax County Parkway. He is survived by his parents, Richard and Sharron Baucom of Dale City, his brother, CPT. Randall G. Baucom, USA, Camp Doha, Kuwait, his sister-in-law, 1LT Margaret Baucom, USAF, Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan, his paternal grandmother, Lois Glenn of Soddy-Daisy, TN, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

His father, Richard Baucon, taugh social studies at AHS for several years in the 1980s.

Glenn was born, October 28, 1970, in Washington, DC. He attended Prince William County schools and was a 1988 graduate of Gar-Field High School where he excelled in football and wrestling. He held both a BS and MSEd from Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA. He participated in the football program at Wake Forest University, played four years in the Mason Dixon Football League, played two years in the European Football League, and coached in the Swedish Super Football League. He taught and was on the coaching staff of Northampton High School for the 1997-98 school year. He was presently employed by the SB Direct unit of MCI as an account executive in the McLean, VA, office. He loved football and fishing.

A graveside memorial service was held August 19 at Fairlawn Cemetery, Elk City, OK, where Glenn was interred between his maternal grandparents, William F. and Mabel L. Palmeter.

Arrangements were by Mountcastle Funeral Home, Dale City, VA, and Martin’s Funeral Home, Elk City, OK. A celebration of Glenn’s life will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2003, at the Gar-Field High School stadium. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gar-Field High School Athletic Boosters, 1400 Smoketown Road, Woodbridge, 22193.

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Sept. 2, 2003

SPORTS NEWS Upset of the Week

The Maryland Terrapins national title hopes are already over and it’s only Labor Day. The Terps lost their opener to the Northern Illinois Huskies in OT 20-13 last Thurs. night. The Huskies tied the game late in the 4th quarter with a field goal and won it in OT after intercepting Maryland QB Scott McBrien.

Fractured Hopes

Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick and New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington both suffered fractured bones in the preseason.

Pennington fractured his wrist and Vick his right fibula. Both quarterbacks will miss significant time in the regular season due to the injuries. So the question remains should the NFL shorten the length of the preseason.

College Football Preview

BY JARED SMITH Sports Editor

Labor Day weekend, fall is in the air, its time for college football.

As another season opens the big questions are up in the air, who is the best player in the nation, and who will be in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 4, 2004. The obvious contenders are near the top of the polls to start the season, defending champs Ohio St., perennial powerhouses Miami, Oklahoma, and Texas top the list. But this is a year of change in college football Miami has lost its quarterback, Ohio St. has lost its running back for at least half the season and Texas and Oklahoma will beat each other up in Austin on Oct. 11. So who’s left to win the title? The Kansas St. Wildcats will emerge this year from the Big 12 title game and earn their trip to New Orleans on Jan. 4. Quarterback Ell Roberson is emerging as a Heisman frontrunner in his senior season and his third year as the Wildcats starting quarterback. And running back Darren Sprolles bolsters an offense which will overpower opponents this season. In the Wildcats opener last week, in which they steamrolled California 42-28, Sprolles rushed for 175 yards and one touchdown and Roberson rushed for 145 yards, threw for 257 yards and scored four overall touchdowns giving the nation a taste of what is to come this year from Kansas St. The other surprise team which will emerge this year are the Virginia Tech Hokies. The Hokies are plagued every year because they are in the same conference as the Miami Hurricanes but this year the Hokies will be 7-0 going into their game against the defending Big East champion Hurricans on Nov. 1 in Blacksburg. After they beat the Hurricanes for the first time in 4 years they will have an easy road to the Sugar Bowl as they finish with games against Temple, Boston College, and Virginia. Leading the Hokies this year is Heisman candidate tailback Kevin Jones and versatile quarterback Brian Randall who will both be returning for their second seasons as starters. Another player to watch for is all aroundplayer DeAngelo Hall. Head coach Frank Beemer is planning on using Hall as a three way player, getting 30 snaps at wide receiver, 30 snaps at cornerback, and he will also handle the punt returning duties.

Another story to watch this year is the emergence of the wide receivers, especially the Williams trio. Roy Williams of Texas, Reggie Williams of Washington, and Mike Williams of USC. Roy Williams has been at the top of the receiving class since he entered Texas three years ago but will no be as productive as last year because of the graduation of Chris Simms, the same will be said for Mike Williams of USC who bursted on to the scene last year with 80 receptions in his freshman year but with Carson Palmer in Cinncinnati he will have to be more effective as a route runner this year to put up similar numbers. The real standout this year will be Washington’s Reggie Williams. He has one of the best quarterbacks in the nation throwing to him in Cody Pickett and with all five offensive linemen returning the Huskies will have a big year offensively which could lead to their first Rose Bowl birth in four years.

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Sept. 2, 2003

Football prepares for Westfield The Atoms open their season on Fri. at home against the No. 2 Westfield Bulldogs.

BY MATT WIEST Sports Editor

Few Atoms will forget the night of September 21, 2001, where Annandale battled the Westfield Bulldogs in an epic contest that would produce an unlikely rivalry between teams in different districts.

Going into that night’s game, no one expected what was about to happen. However, several hundred yards, 135 points, and five overtime periods later, the Atoms came back to Annandale with a 68-67 victory under their belts. Such is the style

that all Atoms would like to kick off a new season, and the season opener this Friday will give the Atoms exactly that as they will play their cross-county rivals Westfield.

Although Westfield is certainly on the top of the Atoms’ list of priorities, it is by no means their only concern, as this year’s schedule may prove to be among the toughest in recent years. Perennial powerhouses Westfield and Centreville mark the first two weeks of the schedule, followed several weeks later by a talented West Springfield Spartan team. Following these is a tough

nondistrict foe the Chantilly Chargers, then the Atoms finally cap off the regular season with a game at their district rivals, the Robinson Rams.

“We have a tougher schedule this year,” said Coach Dick Adams, “but we have a fair amount of talent. It all depends how hard [the team] will work.”

Some of the key players on this year’s varsity squad include Julio Villatoro, Noah Crowley, Drew Evatt, Kelly Beam, Eric Ober, Nate Williams, and Corey Daise. However, success in this season, like any, will necessitate production from the entire team.

Preparations for this season include scrimmages against Thomas Jefferson and Stonewall Jackson on Aug. 23 and 30, respectively. The coaching staff is enthusiastic about the opener against Westfield and expectations remain high as the Atoms enter regular season play.

A victory over Westfield could give the Atoms all the momentum they need for a strong season.

“Our goal is to make it into the playoffs this season,” said Adams, “we’ll just need to find a way to do it.”

Field hockey set to face off against W&L

BY MIKE WIEST Staff Writer

Over the past several seasons, the Atoms field hockey team has done well in the Patriot District. Hopes are high that this season will be no different.

At a scrimmage on August 27 against Sidwell Friends, the Atoms routed the opposition 5-0, with goals from senior captain Julie Stone, juniors Diana Hollingsworth, and Caroline Norton, and two assists from sophomore Amy Novak.

“The defense played really strong even though the offense was able to keep the ball on the attack. The defense had some big stops, which kept the Atoms in control,” said Stone.

Despite the graduation of much of last year’s defense, head coach Cindy Hook is looking forward to key performances this year from Stone, senior midfielder Erin O’Brien, senior forward Amanda Sheaffer, and Novak.

With eight returning seniors, the

Atoms will be looking to control the offensive end of the field. “I think the team has a lot of potential because we work really well together,” said senior captain Stone. Sophomore Natalie Gilbert is “looking forward to a successful season, and having a lot of fun with teammates.”

The Atoms have many reasons to be pumped about this season. The biggest reason being they are eager to avenge two of their losses last year to district rival Lake Braddock, losses that ended up costing the Atoms the district championship.

This year, the format of the schedule has changed. The Atoms will only face thier district rival once along with every other district opponent instead of the twice as in the past. This means no rematches until the district tournament, which takes place in the middle of October. The Atoms though will have a tough road road back to the district championship. Their non-district schedule is looking tough this year. They face teams such as Washington and Lee,

SEAN SULLIVAN

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Junior Amy Suddarth tries to advance the ball at the Atomsʼ scrimmage against National Cathedral on August 28. The Atoms played hard in the scrimmage, but no official score was kept. The Atoms won their first scrimmage against Sidwell Friends last Wed. 5-0. Their home opener is against Washington & Lee tomorrow.

Centreville, and a very strong Oakton squad. In spite of the tough schedule Hook has high expectations from the field hockey team. She hopes to build on last year’s success when they advanced but fell in the district championship which resulted in a second place finish in the district. “I would really like to be at the beach in November,” said Hook. This year the Virginia State Championship

is being played at Virginia Beach.

Their first game is their home opener against Washington and Lee on Wednesday followed by the annual statewide tournament in Albemarle, in which Annandale will compete with teams from elsewhere in Virginia. The Atoms begin district play on September 18 at home against T. C. Williams.

Fall Sport Previews

A first hand look at the fall teams and athletes at Annandale Volleyball Cross Country Girls Tennis

Returning Players: Carrie Horton, Elizabeth Gill, Megan Johnson, Kari Wolfe Season Outlook: “Considering last year’s dissappointment I feel we will be able to improve upon the winless season because of the size and the athleticism we gained in the offseason.” -senior captain Carrie Horton.

Players Quote: “We’ve gotten a lot of taller players which makes us more effective on the front line.”

-senior Elizabeth Gill Coach’s Quote: “We’re more inexperienced but the girls have good spirit and have worked real hard, I expect to improve upon last year.” -Coach Ruth Johnson

Returning Players: Stephanie Lugar, Erica

Satten, Laura Johnson, Season Outlook: “It’s going to be a tough season, we are hoping to pull out a winning season because weve worked hard over the summer.” -senior Stephanie Lugar Players Quote: “This will be a fun but challenging season. We have some big matches and we will try our best to win.” -senior Stephanie Lugar Coach’s Quote: “We are learning how to compete with the big schools. I have no expectations as of now as we evaluate our players more I will know how far our team will be able to go.” -Coach Mark Bogar.

Returning Players: Lauren Edwards, Katie

Littlefield, Brandon Flowers, Brian Plunkett Season Outlook: “Most difficult district in the northern region. Our best hope is to be as competitive as last year and take some teams by surprise.” -Coach Robert Christie Players Quote: “We have a young team, but there’s lots of potential.” -junior Brandon Flowers Coach’s Quote: “Lean and mean. Tear injuries could become a factor. We cannot afford to lost anybody to injuries.” -Coach Robert Christie

Golf

Returning Players: Chris Evans, Jim Philapy, KC Vandenheuvel, Ted Gibson, Mike Wiest Season Outlook: “We have our best team in fifteen years. I think we can finish second in the district since we’ve already beaten Lake Braddock.” -Coach Richard McCormick Players Quote: “The team is playing well. We’ve put our all into the season so far. Big ups to the team.” -senior Chris Evans Coach’s Quote: “We’ve beaten Lake Braddock for the first time in fifteen years, we’ve tied West Springfield, and we have one of the premier golfers in the district in Chris Evans.” -Coach Richard McCormick

Fall sports schedule Football: 9/5/03 Fri. vs. Westfield home @7:00

9/12/03 Fri. vs. Centreville home @7:00 9/19/03 Fri. vs. J.E.B. Stuart home @7:00 9/25/03 Thurs. vs. T.C. Williams home @7:00

Field Hockey: 9/3/03 Wed. vs. Wash. & Lee home @7:30

9/5-9/6/03 Fri. & Sat. Albemarle Tourney 9/8/03 Mon. vs. Westfield away @7:30 9/10/03 Wed. vs. Jefferson home @7:30 9/15/03 Mon. vs. Centreville away @7:30

Volleyball: 9/4/03 Thurs. vs. Wakefield away @7:15

9/8/03 Mon vs. T.C. Williams home @7:15 9/10/03 Wed. vs West Springfield away @7:15 9/16/03 Tues. vs. Hayfield home @ 7:15

Cross Country: 9/6/03 Sat. Monroe-Parker Invit. @Burke Lk. 8:00

9/13/03 Sat. Lake Braddock Invit. TBA 9/16/03 Tues. Patriot All Comer West Pot. Pk. @5:00 9/20/03 Virginia Tech Invit. Blacksburg, VA. 9/25/03 HF,TC,WP @Fort Hunt Park 5:00

Golf: 9/8/03 Mon. T.C. Williams

Army-Navy CC @4:00 9/17/03 Wed. West Potomac Army-Navy CC @4:00 9/24/03 Wed. Hayfield Pohick CC @4:00 9/29/03 Mon. Districts (9/29-10/2) TBA

Girls Tennis: 9/5/03 Fri. West Potomac

away @4:30 9/9/03 Tues. Lake Braddock home @4:30 9 /11/03 Thurs. Robinson away @4:30 9/15/03 Mon. T.C. Williams away @4:30 9/17/03 Wed. West Springfield home @4:30