Issue 3

B LAST A ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

the VOLUME #49 ISSUE 3

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GO DO YOGA

Students at AHS participate and reap healthy benefits from yoga and pilates.

NEWS BRIEFS AHS Diversity is the focus in The Washinton Post

The Washington Post featured an article onAHS’s diverse homecoming court. Displayed in Sunday’s Metro section, this is the second article in The Washington Post about AHS in the past month. The article was displayed with a large picture of this year’s homecoming winners.

Puuuurrrfect student

A litter of kittens joined the AHS community in the past month. Living under History Teacher Dave Bellis’ trailer, (#3) ferril cats have been spotted since the end of last year.

Speakers of other languages parent night

Tonight, at 6: 30 p.m., AHS is holding the parent night for non-English speakers. From 6: 30 to 7 p.m. refreshments will be served in the Clausen Hall followed by a two-hour guidance program. The interpreters will be split into groups of Arabic, Korean, Spainish, Urdu, and Vietnamese languages. The topics include postgradation options, high school success strategies, and taking steps towards graduation.

4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003

Informing the Atoms since 1954

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SOMETHING OLD AND SOMETHING NEW

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SHOP ʻTILL YOU DROP

DANCE FEVER

Numerous different types of dance available for AHS students.

Take a look at the past and present of AHS homecomings.

Find out the highlights of shopping in the D.C. metropolitan area.

ATOMversary homecoming School celebrates 50th anniversary

Students partake in spirit week traditions

BY CHRIS SOPHER Ad Manager

BY ALEX WAHL AND LAELLA SHALLAL Staff Writers

Thousands cheered and watched as AHS’s first Homecoming Queen, Laurina Monaco Poff, crowned the 50th Queen at halftime, surrounded by the cars and floats of the recent parade. “It’s a huge honor and it’s great to be a part of history,” said Homecoming Queen Angela Briggs, shortly after being crowned at Annandale’s 50th Homecoming football game Friday. She stood with a bouquet of flowers, wearing a sash and tiara, and a smile. “It feels awesome.”

Also at the proceedings were Principal Rod Manuel, last year’s Queen Cecilia Mallory, who presented the sash, and 25th Homecoming Queen Karen Nordlund Setcer.

The evening was filled with nostalgia for the alumni present, as each remembered his or her homecoming experiences from the past 50 years.

“ATOMversary” continued on page 5

PAUL GLEASON

Senior Angela Briggs is crowned homecoming queen by Laurina Monaco Poff, AHSʼs first “varsity queen.”

While crowning Briggs, Poff whispered “have a wonderful life.”

Frederickson retires

BY CAROLINE FRIEDMAN Managing Editor

Annandale and Fairfax High Schools will present a masquerade “Pops concert” on Thur. Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Fairfax High School. Musical selections will include sounds from Star Wars, Indiana Jones, La Bamba and Funeral March of a Marionette.

The performers will be dressed in costumes for Halloween. The best dressed participant will recieve a prize. Admission is free and pie slices and cider will be for sale. For more information see Francesca Fitzgerald in the Orchestra room.

PAUL GLEASON

BY LEKHA MENON Staff Writer After spending 28 memorable years as part of Virginia’s public school system, Assistant Principal Jon Frederickson is retiring today.

He came to AHS in 1991, and since then has spent the last 13 years of his career encouraging and inspiring students with his personal experience and natural charm.

Since he first came to AHS, Frederickson has had a talent for connecting to his students. As an assistant principal, Frederickson has been the class administrator and proud “parent” to the classes of 1995, 1999 and now 2003.

He has watched from the sidelines as these students who were just freshman received their diplomas and took the

Assistant Principal Jon Frederickson meets with teachers after school to discuss how the evaluation system and how the new system might be after his retirement this week.

next step towards adulthood.

Frederickson has always held a valuable role atAHS and will be greatly missed when he leaves.

Born in Brooklyn, NewYork, on Sept. 3 , Frederickson is the second of two sons, the older brother being two and a half

“I think my favorite was Hawaiian Day,” said freshman Emily Vincent as she pondered her favorite day of Spirit Week, “It was fun to see people dressed in Hawaiian shirts and leis.” Last week was the traditional Homecoming Spirit Week celebrated with a bonfire on Tuesday, Spirit Week, the Powder Puff game also on Tuesday, and lastly, the Homecoming football game on Friday and dance on Saturday night.

“Homecoming adds a different feeling to the environment, it’s livelier,” said sophomore Mohammed Rahman. This year was the ‘ATOMversary’spirit week, and spirits were reflected through the turnout of students who participated in the events.

“I think the first day a lot of people forgot,” “Spirit week” continued page 5

Crossing guard hit by car before school

After 28 years Assistant principal leaves

Orchestra to hold concert

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2003

years older than him. Although he acknowledges the privileges the youngest child often receives, Frederickson admits he always wished for a younger sibling so that he could share the “Frederickson” continued on pg. 8

Crossing guard Wilhelm Jorach is recovering from a broken right wrist and bruising to his ribs on his left side after being hit in the back by a White Jeep Cherokee on the morning of Oct. 10 while directing traffic at Heritage Drive and Four Year Run at about 6:50 a.m. He was hit by a woman who has no affiliation with the school.

The woman was driving on Heritage towards Little River Turnpike and her lane was supposed to be stopped. The woman did not see Jorach when she hit him, pushing him about 12 feet into junior Emilie Fagot’s (pronounced Fa-goh) 1982 Toyota Corona.

“He did one flip and went

diving into my right side bumper and tire,” said Fagot. Fagot’s lane of traffic was directed to go by Jorach, but when he was hit, Fagot was barely moving and stopped immediately. “We thought that he was going to go through the windshield,” said Fagot, who had one passenger in the car with her at the time.

“I went out [of my car] and made sure that he was breathing and had a pulse and made sure that no one touched him in case he had a broken neck,” said Fagot.

At 6:53 a.m. she called the police.

“He was convulsing when the ambulance came,” said Fagot.

Geosystems teacher Richard Miller was the second car back when Jorach was hit.

“Crossing Guard” continued on pg. 5

A year after the sniper attacks

BY KYLE SMEALLIE News Editor

Students to see open heart surgery

On Thurs. Oct. 16 the R5 Human Anatomy classes will travel to Fairfax Hospital with teacher Elizabeth Edwards to see open heart surgery.

R3 classes went to view the operation yesterday.

As the one-year anniversary of the sniper attacks comes full circle, students are reflecting on how the sniper attacks have changed their veiws on safety, captial punishment, and the legality of the Second Amendment.

The first three weeks of October of last year, the Metro area experienced the terror of the 223-caliber bullets that struck and killed ten people as well as wounding three other innocents. John Allen Muhammad and Lee

Boyd Malvo, now the accused killers, are facing the possibility of execution for their acts.

The closest killing happened just 7.3 miles away fromAHS, when Linda Franklin was shot to death at the Falls Church Home Depot in Seven Corners.

“It was such an odd time,” said senior Bryce Chadwick, “The way the snipers just shot people in cold blood, it really made you wonder if you were next.”

Millions of people in the area were affected by the killers, but kids especially . In a letter left by the snipers in Ashland, Virgnia “Sniper” continued on pg.5

SEAN SULLIVAN

An officer helps direct traffic on Heritage Drive Friday morning, where crossing guard Wilhelm Jorach was struck and injured while directing traffic. Jorach suffered a broken wrist and bruised ribs.

Principals represent AHS in Mexico COURTESY OF RODNEY MANUEL

PSATs next week

All students in grades 9 through 11 will take the Preliminary Standard Apitude Test Tues. Oct. 21 during W2. The purpose of the PSAT is to give students a chance to win national merit scholarships. Seniors report to school at 10:19 a.m.

Principal Rodney Manuel poses outside his hotel at an Internationl Baccalaureate conference in Cancun, Mexico.

BY JOE BURKE Staff Writer Last week, Principal Rodney Manuel was able to meet new people from dozens of foreign countries, visit fascinating ruins of the ancient civilization in Chichen Itza and learn from and interact with a large group of educators just like him. Manuel attended the conference along withAssistant Principal Benita Toller and Manuel’s wife.

The International Baccalaureate

Organization’s Biennial Conference was held this year in Cancun, Mexico. The conference provided a forum for educators of the IB program from all parts of the world to discuss their experience with the program and to learn about new additions, such as the latest course offerings that IB has.

More specifically, the conference focused on fostering respect for and appreciation of the different cultures of the world. The theme of the conference was “educating for multicultural understanding.” It was

comprised of many different sessions, each with its own topic. Topics of these individual sessions included the influence of the media, use of technology for education and communication, and role of the principal in the modern school. Manuel said the trip and conference “was a great opportunity to talk about, as school leaders, what direction we would like to see the IB program go ,and also the future ofeducation,

“Mexico” continued on pg. 5

2 What’s the deal with the. . .

Wrecked car displayed in jock lobby?

A BLAST

EDITORIALS

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Oct. 15, 2003

U.N. pushes for authority in post-war Iraq

BY PAUL GLEASON Co-editor in chief The United Nations provides an indispensable service for the United States. It reminds us what hypocrisy really is. Although some member states (most prominently France) were initially opposed to the war in Iraq, they now smell monetary profits to be made. They are in dire need for the economic gain, but they are so staunchly opposed to the U.S., they deny any resolution proposed that has the U.S. leading reconstruction. With reconstruction proceeding steadily,—despite a dearth of news reports to that effect—laggard, nation-states of the U.N. Security Council feel themselves entitled to the booty of commercial contracts and are forgetting all the effort the U.S. put into freeing Iraq from the strangling grip of dictatorship.

The United States, Great Britain,Australia and other role-playing countries have spent billions of dollars and suffered casualties in an effort to oust Saddam Hussein and his murderous minions from power. France, Germany, Russia, and others oppose this action. Now that a rebuilding of Iraq is possible, these very same countries want to replace American and British authority with control by the United Nations—an organization with a dismal track record at similar undertakings in the past.

How dare these nations suggest we send our men and women to serve and die, so that when all is safe and clear, others can come in and suck the country dry of all its worth. I can tell you why: they’re broke and need to panhandle. Both France and Germany have shrinking economies (e.g., while unemployment in the United States is at an uninspiring 6.1%,

in France it is 9.6%, and in Germany it is 10.4%).

While none of the coalition forces went to war for monetary gain, the residual is that there is money to be made by private companies in the rebuilding of Iraq. Those should be U.S. and U.K. companies, along with enterprises bases in other countries which helped win the peace. If anyone is going to make money, why not those who made reconstruction possible?

I do not suggest that we stay in Iraq solely for economic gain. On the contrary, we should work with the Iraqi people to make their nation free and prosperous. This will strengthen ties between our nations and give the U.S. an ally in that part of the globe.

France, the leading voice of opposition to the U.S. in the U.N., has had nothing but a selfish, greedy agenda from the outset. The fact that they have lost sweetheart economic arrangements with the Butchers of Baghdad is their problem; and their shame. While Hussein was in power, he directed Iraqi wealth to French interests.

Supporting war against Iraq would have caused Hussein to withdraw Iraq’s wealth—taking money out of the French economy and thus causing unemployment to rise further. Now that the threat of Hussein withdrawing money is over, France wants to step in and make mon-

ey off the Iraqi people any way it can.

Furthermore, the last thing the Iraqi people want is to be occupied for years to come. Recall the interminable amount of time it took for the U.N. just to debate policies toward Iraq; resolution after resolution over a 12 year period. If were the U.N. to lead reconstruction efforts, important decisions would be debated to death.

The only viable option is for coalition forces to retain authority until democratic control can finally be turned over to the Iraqi people. Reconstruction after World War II, with occupations of Germany and Japan, proved U.S. intents and successes.

Both nations, with the benevolence of America, emerged from total defeat to become economic powerhouses, within a half-generation.

Similarly, the U.S. should not remain in Iraq after the country regains its footing. Hopefully, by the time the decision to leave comes, the U.S. and Iraq will have developed strong economic ties, and will have become political allies.

Our intentions are altogether honorable, and our will is strong. We should not let other nations come in and take money away from the Iraqi people and from countries (the Coalition of the Willing) who worked so hard to bring freedom to Iraq.

Government betrays its own in CIA scandal Lonely shoes hanging on telephone wire by football field?

White House leak of CIA operative endangers agent

BY MAGGIE OWNER Editorials Editor Secrecy—It is a mysterious word that is unknown to most and vital to few. For those who work for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), their top secret lives are shrouded in ambiguity.

In the world of espionage, uncovering one’s true identity could be fatal for many lives. CIA operatives trust that they will not be exposed by co-workers, family, and especially the government.

Recently, however, the gov-

Cat families living under the trailers?

ernment uncovered a secret agent endangering her life and the lives of those around her. The Justice Department is investigating allegations that the White House leaked the identity of Valerie Plame after her husband, Joseph Wilson, a U.S. ambassador, claimed that the government exaggerated the situation in Iraq.

Wilson was assigned to Niger to investigate claims that Saddam Hussein had bought uranium in Africa to make nuclear weapons. When Wilson returned, he reported that Nigerians did not know of such efforts and accused the Bush administration of embellishing the reasons for war. Wilson’s findings were later corroborated by U.S. intelligence officials.

Angered by Wilson’s brazen remarks, the White House

retaliated by illegally sharing Due to Novak’s selfish actions, confidential information with he has placed Plame’s life in the press about Wilson’s wife, jeopardy and the lives of all that Plame. Although most media she has encountered at risk. outlets realized the gravity of the The CIA is shocked by govinformation ernment’s and refused sheer lack of to release it, respect and The government’s right-winged willingness columnist to place one retaliatory act of unRobert Novak in harm’s could not way. The covering secret agents resist the governis treasonous and will headline story. ment’s maliNovak cious outing have serious consepublished has permaPlame’s idennently damquences. tity and the aged the front company relationship she worked between for, Brewsterthese two Jennings & factions.

Associates. Brewster-Jennings The Bush administration has was the facade Plame used proposed to investigate the to conceal the her real career. matter to discover who leaked

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A BLAST

MAking the GrAde

World beard and moustache championship to be held

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Editors in Chief: Managing Editor: News Editors:

In-Depth Editors: Academics Editors:

Writing Coach:

Health Editors: People Editors:

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Staff Writers/Photographers:

Cultures Editors: Sports Editors: Sports “Xtra”:

SAT testing on Homecoming weekend

Do you publish letters to the editor and guest editorials?

Weekend Editors: Business Manager: Ad Manager: Copy Editor: Photography Editors:

Editorial Editors:

Schwarzenegger wins gubernatiorial election

Plame’s name. However, a conservative government cannot perform an impartial investigation into a sector of its own body.

An independent organization should be consulted to find the mole. The government’s should not have released the name of a CIAagent in response to Wilson’s contradictive opinion. It seems as though those who work for the government must agree with the conservative ideals or must answer for their actions. These careless actions will affect Plame’ s life but the lives of all who have work with her front company.

The leak has also cause an irreparable fraction in the government. Hopefully, in the future the government will place an indiviual’s wellbeing over nations politics.

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Atomic Articles Editor: Atomic Athletics Editor: Entertainment Editors: Arts Editors:

Videographers:

Web Design: Adviser:

Man attacked by pet tiger

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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, 2003.

A BLAST

EDITORIALS

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Oct. 15, 2003

Draft bill unjust, uncalled for women, and the government would have the authority to to call upon all people, ages 18-26, Since the Constitution was for military service. Exceptions ratified, it has been the duty of would be made for high school the U.S. government to protect students and disabled people.

Reinstating the military draft the life, liberty and property is illogical and would cause an of its citizens. uproar from However, the American the governpublic. Howment has ever, introducnot always ing the bill fulfilled has brought these forth many duties. important During issues. The World War paramount II, the U.S. of these being governthatAmericans ment trampled the civil liberties and are too eager to rush into war..

This military draft bill does rights of Japanese-Americans when they were forced not exempt anyone from military into internment camps. service. Rich, affluent kids from While the U.S. was involved middle and upper class neighborin the Vietnam War, a military hoods would have to serve next to draft was instituted to raise underprivileged, poor teens from a sufficent number of troops. low-cost housing in the inner city.

Although this bill is facing Although this draft was never declared unconstitutional, it massive opposition, some coninfringes on a person’s freedom gressmen have backed it. Rep. and civil liberty when they are Charles Rangel of New York forced into military service. The stated that “If we are preparing draft brought massive protest for an enemy that ‘threatens from the public. To many people our society (as Bush described this events seems far in the past; it)’ then it makes sense that all who benhowever, a efit from new draft our socibill is under ety must considering If we do get involved, let share in in Congress defendright now. of all America share the ing it.”

The This Universal sacrifice. is an inNational tersting ServiceAct, created by —CharlesRangel point he Sen. Fritz Representative (D-NY) makes, and the Hollins draft bill of South Carolina, was recently intro- sternly illustrates his point. duced to Congress. This bill Many staunch supporters of the calls for two-years of mandatory war in Iraq have no family or service from all enlisted men and friends serving. If they did, they

BY JOHN BERNHARDT Editorials Editor

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—Jared Hirsa sophomore

“I support the law because I’ll be taking a nap during the day, and they’ll wake me up. Even if I say no, they call back an hour later.”

—Nura AbuGhannam junior

ILLUSTRATION BY REBECCA KRAUSHAAR

might not of been so adament about sending troops overseas.

Rangel added “If we do get involved, let all of America say we’re sharing the sacrifice.”

Rangel further defended the bill by saying that the U.S. needs to be more deliberate and cautious when considering war an a option.

Supporters of the bill believe politicians need to be more meticulous in examing evidence before approving of war.

President Bush would think twice about rushing into war if there was a chance his daughters could a called into military service. Morever, congressmen would hesitate to approve of such wars if their children were at risk of serving abroad.

or foreign, can relate to and participate Traditions like “crazy hair day” and “pajama day” are not so important to our school’s tradition that keeping them alive is more significant than participation.

The students would be more willing to participate in spirit week if there was something that everyone can relate to. “Dress to impress day,” for example, is a good way to show school spirit, in that everyone may show their own unique personality.

People in our school focus so much on their heritage and traditions that they stop looking at the individual and act as if all there is to a person is his or her background. The case is that people are artistic, people are poetic, people are insightful; and in the process of celebrating heritage the personality loses face.

School officials boast aboutAHS’diversity, bragging about how great it is that so many cultures can get together and form a community.Yet I ask, “What community?”

A community is a large population of peopleinteractingineverydaylifewitheach other. However, you see little interaction between students of different ethnicities.

I realize that keeping heritage, traditions and culture in a person’s background is important, but it is not so important that you should separate yourself from other people of differing backgrounds.

There are more important things to people than their heritage. People should be focusing on their personalities and the things that everyone can relate to.

Most everyone is guilty of this, but its never too late to try and meet new people.

Americans across the country would want more concrete evidence to go to war if there was a possibility a war could directly affect them.

Sen. Hollins wants this bill to be considered seriously. He believes it would counteract rushing into war without legitimate reasoning.

Although it is exteremely unlikely this bill will pass, it highlights discontent for results of the war with Iraq and increasing speculation about the motives and reasons for going to war.

The History of the Selective Service •For more than 50 years, the Selective Service has served as a back-up method to provide manpower to the U.S. military • In 1940, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act which created the country’s first peacetime draft.

Although AHS prides itself in its diversity, many racial cliques persist to segerate themselves.

“They should have one [National Do Not Call list] because the phone calls are too annoying.”

—Catherine Mazur senior “I signed up for the list. I think it is one of those things the founding fathers didn’t envision. ”

• From 1948 to 1973, during both periods of war and peace, men were drafted to fill vacancies in the military • In 1973, the draft ended, and the U.S. military became an all-volunteer force.

using our trauma to boost their ratings. Showtime, for example, aired a movie earlier this year entitled “DC 9/11: Time of Crisis.” Who needs a movie when we have all seen hours of real footage from that awful day?

“It seems kind of redundant because most of the time they give you the same information that you already know,” said senior Nadia Siles.

BY ABBY SEGALL “I think they should be sensitive.”

Co Editor in Chief Every night on television the bad As the one-year anniversary of the news for the day is announced— abduc2002 sniper attacks comes around, tele- tions, murders, fires, and other violence. vision, newspapers, radio and filmmak- We have come to expect all the bad news, ers are having a field day. It seems to be a but sometimes it is overwhelming, estrend lately. When tragedy occurs, milk pecially when you think that we are it for all it is worth and bring back the just hearing about our one little city topic one year later, repeat all the details in what must be a huge violent world. of the event and count on higher ratings. The result for most of us is an increased As I watched the local news last sense of fear, vulnerability and suspicion. week, there seemed Filmmaker Mito be a reporter at chael Moore made a every site where documentary movie a killing occurred Every night on television called “Bowling making inane refor Columbine”, in marks about what the bad news for the day is which he shows how the atmosphere the news media in announced—abductions, was like there now. the U.S. saturates Yes, the community murders, fires, and other us with stories on wants to remember shootings, robberies and honor the violence. We have come and other crimes victims, but a reeveryday. As Moore broadcast of every to expect all the bad points out in “Bowldetail is not “news” ing for Columbine”, news, but sometimes it is - it is a tasteless the U.S. has over effort to increase overwhelming. . .

11,000 shooting evthe number of ery year, whereas in viewers, in the Canada there are no case of television, more than 200, even or readers in the though 7 out of 10 case of newspapers and magazines. households in Canada have firearms.

Not only are news sources repeating In his film’s search for an answer to why the events in detail, but just one year the U.S. is more violent, the closest thing later a sniper movie has been made to an answer was fear. With the daily entitled: “DC Sniper.” The movie will barrage of bad news and the endless be aired on the U.S.A. network Friday. coverage of events such as the Sniper atMoviemakers and the entertain- tacks, the media promotes our feelings of ment industry have been kind enough vulnerability. For too many Americans to give us a whole year for healing and the way to overcome their fear seems to recovery before we are reminded of the be to shoot first, and ask questions later. fear we suffered through for weeks I challenge people to turn off their before the snipers were caught. They televisions and stop living in fear, don’t fool us, though. We know they stop being consumed by the negativstarted meeting as soon as the snip- ity which is expressed every day. Let’s ers started shooting, planning how to not succumb to the bad news that exploit our trauma, which must have the media is so eager to feed us. Let’s seemed such a fantastic “story” to them. start seeing what is happy about our Even the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, lives and recognizing the good in other are not above exploitation. Of course, people. When I think about not watching as a nation, we are compelled to think the evening news, I feel better already. about what happened that day and why. Some media companies are

News motto of “if it bleeds, it leads” leads to skewed public vision

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PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MAGGIE OWNER

The ATOMversary is not the only thing commemorating its 50th anniversary this year. It was nearly 50 years ago when Thurgood Marshall had his victory in Brown vs. Board of Education.

When the government finally declared “separate but equal” to be unconstitutional, it was one of the most defining moments in American history. From that day forward, segregation was illegal.

Despite the courts ruling and the passing of half a century, kids are more segregated than ever; they self-segregate.

Walk down the halls and look around.

You’ll see myriad cultures and nationalities, but despite a few exceptions, there is little interaction between cultures.

It is not that the native kids are unaccepting, nor is it that the foreigners are unwilling to assimilate. It is that there is such a focus on traditions and the things that make people different instead of the things that make people similar.

Homecoming is a prime examples of hanging on to tradition. Homecoming is a fading tradition in our school. Each year there is less and less participation. This is due inpart because each year our school grows more diverse.

Diversity brings students who are completely foreign to U.S. traditions.

Many of these students don’t evn understand all the traditions here at AHS. If school leaders are focused on creating a community, they should create an environment where all of the students native

Do you support the “National Do Not Call List,” even though it was ruled unconstitutional?

“I like when they call because I try to sell things to them.

Diversity at AHS, not Media coverages all its made out to be violence in excess

BY PAUL GLEASON Co Editor in Chief

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—Mary Ann Richardson Government teacher “My mom’s got an anti-telemarker system where she’s really rude to them. I think we’re signed up, but I don’t know.”

—David Lee Alvarado senior

“Telemarketers should be able to call who they want. You don’t have to listen to them. ”

—Evan Milberg freshman “They should have one [National Do Not Call list] because the phone calls are too annoying.”

—Ginny Burk sophomore “Yes because I don’t need them calling me when I’m eating, so I curse them out. I’m getting annoyed. ”

—Katie Burton junior

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A BLAST

NEWS

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Students star in Class Acts The junior class wins best play and best actor

Basketball to sell plush animal atoms

The AHS basketball team will be selling Atoms beanie babies. The red bear has “Annandale” down the right arm, and “Atoms” down the left arm, both in white stitching. The logo will be sewed into the chest in white. They will be on sale at the home football games for $10 each. Orders can be placed for these stuffed toys by calling Cathy Flowers at (703) 916-1885.

BY AMY MATHIS AND KYLE SMEALLIE Staff Writer and News Editor Before a packed audience in the auditorium, the best of AHS acting and directing showed their talents in Class Acts, the annual performance which gives students the opportunity to shine with original performances. The night concluded with the junior class winning for best play, and an overall successful night of dramatic performances.

Nick Shwind won the award for “Best Actor” for his role in Hard Candy, directing by Suzanne Patterson. In this production, Schwind plays a military officer who is interviewing people for a job. The plot centers on a series of outrageous job applicants suffering through hilarious interviews with the head of a company. The cast of applicants included a fraternity brother (Andrew Hawkins), a fortune teller (Amy Jacobs), and a military officer (Nicholas Shwind). Andrew Hawkins was awarded with the title of “Best Supporting Actor,” for his role. The audience roared with laughter when an interviewer (Schwind) and an applicant (Julia Bizer) bickered like barking dogs.

Patterson achieved the award of “Best Director” for this play. Patterson

Superintendents make-up plan withdrawn

After receiving “considerable opposition” to his plan to use April 5 and April 6 as possible make-ups for inclement weather days, Superintendent Daniel Domenech is withdrawing his plan, citing that April 6 is the first day of Passover. Domenech will not make another proposal, but will wait to see how the winter weather unfolds and make adjustments if needed.

Reflections contest to begin

This year’s theme for the nationallyobserved fine arts program is “I Am Really Happy When...”

Students are encouraged to interpret this prompt literally or on an abstract basis, but all work cannot be corrected or enhanced by a teacher, parent, or any other individual.

Entries, which can be obtained in the main office or at www.fccpta.org, must be placed in the drop box at the main lobby before November 7.

All participants in the program will receive a recognition certificate and will be honored at a reception in December.

One person for photography, music, literature, and visual production will be chosen to compete at the Fairfax County level.

was ecstatic as she clutched a bouquet of flowers and cried, “We did it last year and we did it again this year.”

In the senior’s production of Check Please!, two single people (Emmie Blancovich and Ian McLeland) experiment with a series of disastrous blind dinner dates. Some of the bachelors arrive in burlap sacks (William Akridge and David Lee Alvarado), while others act too conceited to even acknowledge their dates. Further miserable encounters include a Redskins addict (Aubrey Welch), a compulsive stealer (Coury Shadyac), and a schizophrenic (Kelly Harbison). Harbison received “Best Supporting Actress,” for her job in this play.

The freshman class production, Antic Spring, was an amusing comment on how good plans can go wrong. The set was an imaginary car full of a group of kids heading out for a picnic in the park.

Ginger, played by Tricia Eggerton, expects the day to be perfect because of her careful planning. Unfortunately, trouble brews as the teenage couple (Julie Tumaz and Evan Milberg) constantly quarrel. The kid brother Albert (Sam Updike) can’t escape the love-sick Blossom (TheSAM UPDIKE resa Pham),

and Robert (Jasper Hollins) is fed-up with Ginger’s controlling schedule.

When the rain starts to fall and the day can’t be any worse, the group heads back to where they started.

There were no props in this production, and the Junior Nicholas Schwind prepares for his role as military officer in actors were “Hard Candy.” Schwind was awarded with the best actor prize for his forced to cre- offbeat role ate a realistic setting with their actions and words. wants her daughter to marry. Through The second presentation by the sopho- a series of humorous events, the burglar more class, Man of the House, was set in a is mistaken to be the family’s uncle, and different time period. This play was based the plot thickens with the entrance of a on mistaken identity, a boggled burglary, high school sweet heart (Lindsey Mitchand the antics of a chaotic family.Aprofes- ell) and an officer (Brant Maggard).

Given the renovation of the audisional burglar (Mark Wilson) and his accomplice (Elizabeth Do) plan to break into torium, the lecture hall became this the Mason residence while the couple is year’s stage. Everything ran smoothly away. What they don’t expect is to become because of weeks of intense practice, caught up in the middle of a family dis- dedicated student directors, and a pute, involving a young couple (Kathleen group of energetic participants. As Croghan and Breton Moeller), the girl’s Director Chris Sopher explained, “The mother (Virginia Burk), and another cast really supported each other.” man (Lee Rodrigues) whom the mother

MORGAN MCEVILLY

NEWS BRIEFS

Sexual assault at Audrey Moore Rec.

BY CAROLINE FRIEDMAN Managing Editor Police are still looking for the suspect who sexually assaulted a 12-year-old boy in a stairwell at theAudrey Moore Rec. center on Sept. 27. The boy was dropped off at the center and was in the locker room when a man approached him. The man is described as African-American, with freckles, brown eyes, braided hair, a muscular build and a mustache. He is between 5’6” and 6’0” and about 200 pounds.

When the man approached the boy in the locker room, he offered him an undisclosed amount of money to perform a sexual act. The suspect then took the boy to the stairwell where he sexually assaulted him. The suspect then left the center in a bluish/gray sports car. The boy told his parents about the incident the next day.

With this attack occurring where many AHS students go frequently, including the swim team for practices and

College Board announces National Merit Semi-Finalist

College Board has announced semi-finalists for the National Merit Scholarship. In all, 270 students from FCPS were selected. No one from AHS was selected, while TJSTHS has 170 semifinalists, making it the number one school in the nation for total number of semifinalists 13 out of the last 14 years.

Centerville..........................1 Chantilly..............................2 Fairfax..................................1 Herndon...............................2 Lake Braddock...................2 Langley.................................7 Lee..........................................2 Madison................................1 Marshall...............................1 McLean.................................4 Oakton..................................4 Robinson...............................1 South Lakes.........................1 Thomas Jefferson..............170 Annandale............................0

Native American Poets come to AHS

meets, some concern is rising among students, while other people think this incident will not have a major impact on the AHS population.

“I don’t think you can put a high school student in the same category as a 12 year old,” said head swim coach Bruce Fisher.

Fisher’s concern for this type of incident happening to one of his team members is minimal.

“When we are in the pool there are hundreds of people.

I can’t imagine that happening when we are there,” said Fisher.

There are three other teams that practice at Audrey Moore RECenter. “To do it then [during swim practice] would be like to walk into a police station and commit a crime,” said Fisher.

Fisher’s main concerns are about security for belongings in the locker rooms, especially since his wallet was stolen this summer from the RECenter. He tells his team to bring all of their belongings onto the pool deck so that there is no chance of any of their items getting stolen.

Audrey Moore RECenter has staff periodically moniter the locker rooms to make sure that there is no suspicious activity taking place. Judi Pedersen, a public information officer for Fairfax County Park Services, believes that this is why the victim and the suspect moved into the more secluded area of the stairwell.

“We believe the facility is safe,” said Pedersen. “We are looking at whether we need surveillance cameras.”

Pedersen said that the staff would be improving their check-in process so that they can have a better idea of who is in the facility. At the current time, all children ten and under need to be accompanied by a parent in the center.

Changes to this age requirement have not been discussed.

Every year about 350,000 people come into the RECenter, not including spectators for sports, which makes this figure considerably higher. The center tries to maintain as safe

of an environment as it can, but, there have been incidents of inappropriate touching in the pool area, said Pedersen.

The center tells people to report all suspicious people to a staff member, and to be aware of their surroundings. On the park trails, people are cautioned that they shouldn’t wear headphones

and that they should keep alert of what is going on with their surroundings. Even with this advice, said Pedersen, there is no assurance that something like this can’t happen again.

“Our center is a microcosm of the world,” said Pedersen.

“You are not any safer there or in any more danger.”

Chorus prepares for year

Seven Native American poets; Jesse Old Crow, Marcia Blacksmith, Ashley Bird, Gabrielle Ivy Brien, Wendell Plenty Hawk, John Dust, and Rad Desjarlais read their poems at the Lecture Hall on Oct. 2.

The poets journey started at the Smithsonian Institute, where they read there poems to a crowd of over 90 people.

All seven are Crow Indians, and live on a reservation.

JACK ELGIN

BY JOE WILBUR Staff Writer

BY MORGAN MCEVILLY

“The plane ride was fun,” said Marcia Blacksmith, who was in a plane for the first time in her life. All of the seven poets reside on the Crow reservation, the 3rd largest in the country. The reservation is home to 8,000 Native Americans.

There are around 300 reservations in the country.

Oct. 15, 2003

The Marching Atoms perform as band director Jack Elgin looks on. The Atoms placed third in class 3-A with a superior rating, and received special recognition for having the best drum major.

Band takes home prizes Band places 3rd at Mount Vernon High School

BY MIKE WIEST Staff Writer As the Marching Atoms performances come to an end, the entire band has a successful season to look back on. With only the state marching festival ahead, the band has been preparing in order to get a superior rating. If they receive a superior rating at the state marching festival, and a superior rating at the district festival in May, they will once again take achieve the status of honor band.

On the 4th, the Marching Atoms performed at Mount Vernon High School, in which they placed third place in class 3-A and earned a superior rating. In addition to these honors, they received a first place award for having the best drum major. In their first performance this year, at Hermitage High School in Richmond, the Marching Atoms place second in class 4-A, with a third place award in the marching category.

“The band needs to continue to work

hard so they can continue to receive superior ratings,” said band director Jack Elgin. The band definitely has the potential to get a superior rating at the Virginia State Marching Festival as long as they put in the appropriate amount of time, said Elgin. The band strongly urges everyone to come out and support the Marching Atoms for the competition.

As members of the band reflect on this year’s band, they feel that they had a great season. Sophomore timpani, and cymbal player Todd Bolick feels that the band could do a better job and have a great year. A lot of pressure is put on the band to do well because of great bands in the past. However, the marching band isn’t all about business, they all like having fun.

“Marching is a great sport because it is a great high school experience, and I have lots of fun,” said sophomore Jeffrey Wilkins, a xylophone, marimba and bells player.

The Marching Atoms are playing three songs this year, which are “Malguena”. “La Suerte de Los Tontos” and “Dindi.” These are all very challenging songs. Since they have been competing in both class 4-A and 3-A, the marching band has put in lots of hours of practice.

In front of hundreds of parents, they enter. In white suits and black ties, the Men’s Chorale takes their place in the center of the main gym. They realize that all the eyes have turned to them, but it is too late to turn around. Chasing away the butterflies in their stomachs and adjusting themselves to the tuning note, they open their mouths and let the melodious words flow. After the Men’s Chorale opened at Back to School Night with “Blue Moon,” they, as well as the rest of the Choral Department, is getting a running start in 2004.

They are already planning for a concert and two fundraisers.

Right now, they are preparing for their Fall Concert, one of the largest events of they year, which will take place at 7 p.m. on Oct. 26, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. The AHS Choirs will

be accompanied by the orchestra and will perform Requiem by John Rutter, a major classical composition. “This is a very challenging competition,” said Carleen Dixon, director. “Most high schools don’t even attend.” There will be guest instrumentalists as well as vocal soloists.

Also, the Choral Department is getting ready for their annual pie fundraiser, in which they will be selling 22 flavors of “Mom’s Apple Pies” brand Thanksgiving pies for $10. The pies will be sold from Oct. 14 through Nov. 6. All money raised by the students participating will go towards the annual spring trip, taking place inAtlanta this year. “We’re going to have a very successful year,” said Dixon.

Also, the Senior Honor Choir is holding a car wash as their fundraiser.

The choirs are directed under Jonathan Seiden, the president, Kelly Harbison, the student director, ColinAgnew, the director of Men’s Chorale, and Molly Jepsen, the president of Women’s Ensemble.

A BLAST

NEWS

the

Oct. 15, 2003

Community celebrates 50th Homecoming

Sniper attack remembered Some people feel that Malvo should not be sentenced to death under any circumstances, such as sohpomore Brittany Nelson. “He should be given life in prison, because he wasn’t old enough to really know what he was doing,” said Nelson. She added that these attacks have not changed her views on capital punishment, which she opposes.

Other students feel that because of the cold, calculated nature of the

strikes, Malvo should be put to death. “He killed people, now he should get the same,” said junior Andrew Molchany, “He has no place in our society.”

The Second Amendment, which gives the people a right to bear arms, has come into question during these events.

Bushmaster .223-caliber rifle, a scope, a tripod and a sniper platform were recovered from the 1990 Caprice that belonged to the two snipers.

make a Date Sunday

Monday

14

Flex R7/W6

No School

Ramadan Begins

Flex R1/ W2 27

7:20- 10:19 a.m.

PSAT (Classrooms 7 p.m. PTSA Meeting (Clausen Hall)

28

SEAN SULLIVAN

Cornwell also said that Jorach was wearing all of his safety gear, including his vest, hat, and he was using a flashlight.

Jorach stayed at Fairfax Hospital and was supposed to go home Saturday, Oct. 11. He was awake and in good spirits.

“He was shaking hands with everyone in the hospital,” said Cornwell.

As of Monday, Oct. 13, it was unknown when Jorach would return to work or if charges would be presses against the driver wo struck him.

The Powder Puff game was held on Tuesday, with a tie of 7-7 between the senior and junior class.

16

5-7:15 p.m. F, JV, V Volleyball

6-7:30 p.m. F, JV Football v.

v. Herndon

Chantilly (H)

7:00 p.m. Language Minority

5-7:15 p.m. F, JV, V Vol-

Parent Night (Clausen Hall)

leyball v.

Flex W2/R7

Flex W8/R5

17

18 Band Competition State Marching Festival (Charlottesville)

5-7:30 p.m. F, JV, V Field

5:00 p.m. Cross Country v.

Patriot Festival (Burke Lake)

22

Saturday

Friday

15

Hockey v. Robinson (A) 7:30 p.m. Varsity Football

Senior Sarah Bizer holds the ball for the kickoff. Rebecca Frece scored the one touchdown for the senior class.

v. Chantilly (A)

23

24

25

7:30 p.m. Varsity Football v. West Potomac ( A)

5-7:15 p.m. F, JV, V Volleyball v. Robinson (H) 6-7:30 p.m. F, JV Football v. West Potomac (H)

30

Flex R3/ W6 29

5:00 p.m. Fresh.

Field Hockey v. T.C. (A)

Choral Concert (TBA) 7:30 p.m.

Thursday

Hockey v. Lake Braddock (A)

20 Flex Practice 21 PSAT

6-7:15 p.m. F, JV, V Volleyball v. Lake Braddock (A)

26

“Crossing Guard” from pg. 1 Miller called the police at 6:50 a.m. and then came up to the school to let the administration know what happened.

“He is a very conscientious man, probably the best one [crossing guard],” said Security and Safety Specialist Cliff Cornwell. Cornwell said that the school has called the State Highway Department about getting a traffic light at the intersection, as well as Dominion Power about the street lights in the area not working.

“Weneedbetterlighting,”saidCornwell.

5-7:30 p.m. F, JV, V Field

7:00 p.m.- Athletic Boosters Meeting Principal’s Conf.

Room

KW Williams, awareness aid, celebrates crazy hair and hat day on Wednesday.

Crossing Guard hit

Wednesday

Columbus Day

19

Johnny Eklund was named Homecoming King during the Fall Pep Rally on Friday

October

Tuesday

13

12

The Bonfire was held on Tuesday, Oct. 7. AHS is one of few schools that has an annual bonfire

SEAN SULLIVAN

“Sniper” from pg. 1 near one of the murders at a Ponderosa restaurant, the snipers state, “Your children are not safe anywhere at anytime.”

Now, as the trials for Malvo and Muhammad near, a great debate has arisen over the execution of minors. At the time of the shootings, Malvo was only 17. “It’s hard to think that someone my age would be able to kill all those people,” said senior Amy Buckles.

A rundown of Homecoming week

SEAN SULLIVAN

The conference that Manuel attended may have specific effects on AHS. For example, the school administration is considering offering a course that was presented at the conference. The course is World Cultures, a class that combines art history and the study of ancient cultues.

The official purpose of the International Baccalaureate Organization is “to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” Programs such as the Biennial Conference are among the ways the organization attempts to attain this level of international cooperation.

Manuel believes the conference was succesful in its purpose. He said, “The most impressive thing [about the IB conference] was to meet with people from all over the world who have the same job and share the same concerns as me.”

“Mexico” from pg. 1 as a whole, throughout the world…[The conference] tied the world together.”

Not only was the conference intended to allow for discussion of global awareness, it also provided “excursions” to Mexican cultural landmarks to provide firsthand education about different cultures. One such excursion was the day trip to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. There, Manuel and others at the conference were given the opportunity to study and explore the pyramids and other remnants that remain of one of the greatest ancient civilizations in the Americas. Also, they visited a village of people of Mayan descent in the Yucatan region, where the educators were presented with the depressing reality of the poverty experienced by many throughout the world. Manuel said “unfortunately we had to see a lot of the poverty and strife that faces the people of that region.”

presentation of the varsity football players. Sophomore Angie Rey said, “This part makes me feel proud to be anAtom.”

Sophomore JV football player Mohammed Rahman said, “The bonfire was awesome, I was with all my friends and it was really cool when the fire got lit.” Such comments were common throughout the night and obviously the bonfire has accomplished its goal: getting everyone ready and excited about homecoming week.

Following the Bonfire on Wednesday was Crazy Hat and hair Day. “I liked Hat Day even though I didn’t participate because I like hats,” said freshman Tianna Salvary. Hat/hair Day allowed students and faculty to get a little wild and wacky with off the hook hats and hairstyles. Junior Sunil Pathak was one of many Crazy Hat and hair day participators. “The Hat Day was good because you can put your hat in front of your face and sleep in class,” said Pathak.

Thursday was Formal Day, or Dress to Impress Day. The majority of students didn’t dress up, but sophomore Ellie Zormello can understand why. “I didn’t see a lot of people wearing formal wear, because it is kind of weird to wear really dressy clothes to school,” said Zormello.

Friday finished off Spirit Week, and each class was assigned a certain color to wear to show their school pride.

Freshmen wore black, while sophomore were given white, juniors were in red, and seniors could wear togas.

This day is also known as Toga Day, because seniors stand out in the hall wearing togas of all kinds of patterns.

Some students believe that spirit days should be switched up once in a while because it seems every year has the same spirit days. “Last year we had Jersey Day and a lot of people wore jerseys, but we didn’t have it this year, so maybe they should have done something else instead of Formal Wear Day,” said Zormello.

However students celebrated homecoming whether by participating in Spirit Week, or attending the bonfire, Homecoming week is always a memorable time for several students at AHS. “It was pretty exciting because people dressed up and people knew something special was coming up,” said Pathak.

TINA DOUROURDIAN

Manuel, Tober in Mexico

“Spirit Week” from pg. 1 said senior Angela Briggs. “But now everything is going pretty well”.

Monday started everything off with Pajama Day for those who wanted to come to school in comfy pants, slippers, robes and other sleeping attire.

“You got to come comfortably to school; you were comfy and warm in clean pajamas,” said junior Hilda Palma.

Tuesday was the ever-popular Hawaiian Day, in which many students were dressed in lay’s, flowery t-shirts, bright hair accessories and even grass hula skirts. “I did Hawaiian Day because my dad went to Hawaii, so I had a shirt to wear,” said junior Devin Matthews. “I have a lot of Hawaiian shirts that I never wear,’ said Rahman.

On Tuesday night the annual bonfire was held at the AHS track field. The evening was crackling with excitement while a 60-pound pile of wood was set ablaze.

Hundreds of fans cheered on the football players and other athletes in anticipation of the upcoming homecoming game. The towering bonfire was so intense that the boisterous crowd had to step back several feet in order to avoid the intense heat.

The cheerleaders and the band played while each varsity football player was introduced. “To me, the best part of the bonfire was after Coach Adams set the wood ablaze and the band played the fight song - that does it for me,” said assistant varsity football coach James Carrayannis.

Asense of pride punctuated the night, which is precisely the purpose behind the Bonfire. This old fashioned pep-rally started back in the 1980s to exhilarate the school and their spirit. Each year the bonfire has become the kick off for homecoming week, setting the tone for the number of events and activities to follow.

This year a new tradition was initiated. A life-size stuffed Hawk wearing a Hayfield jersey was thrown into the roaring flames by senior varsity football player Justin Wade, bringing a loud cheer from the crowd of more than 200 people.

Traditionally, the Hawks have been rivals to the Atoms, and this year was no exception. Varsity cheerleader Anna Hubacher said, “The bonfire is a great idea and it really got everybody excited about the Homecoming football game.”

A favorite part of the night is the annual

TINA DOUROURDIAN

whispered: “Have a wonderful life.”

Each of the past Queens spoke briefly about her homecoming experience. “It was just a dream come true for a girl.

It was thrilling,” said Poff as she read through her 1954 yearbook with reporters and students. “I just love doing this.”

She has returned to AHS numerous times since her graduation for class anniversaries andAHS’s 25th Homecoming.

“It was unreal,” said Setcer, speaking of her similar experience 25 years later. “It just gives a real good feeling to be named homecoming queen.

This brings back a lot of memories.”

Quite a bit has changed since her years at AHS, Poff said. The community, the population, the diversity are all signs of a new AHS. But a different homecoming is what the school, and Poff, had hoped for on the 50th Anniversary. “I’ve been looking forward to coming back,” she said, as she stood on the field, watching the game and crowd. Though the community and the people have changed, she said, “Annandale looks pretty much the same.”

“ATOMversary” from pg. 1 The 50 Anniversary celebration culminated at the game, with special Marching Band and Dance Team performances to accompany the crowning.

As the second quarter ended, the floats and parade cars began to stream onto the field, each float with its own decade theme.

The Class of 2007 led with the ‘70s, featuring several students in tie-dye shirts and a flowered peace symbol. The Class of 2006 followed with the ‘90s float, adorned with Titanic wreckage and topped by none other than Bill Clinton. The winning Class of 2005 with the ‘50s featured music and students dancing the “twist”.

The Class of 2004 followed with the ‘80s, backed by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Pac-Man and the Berlin Wall.

The Homecoming court followed the floats, seated on the backs of stylish convertibles. Each prospective Queen walked down the field, accompanied by her father or brother as her name was called, and her accomplishments described. As Poff crowned Briggs with the tiara, she th

Military Fair ( Both Flexes)

6-7:30 p.m. F, JV Football v. Lake Braddock (A)

2:15 p.m. DECA Meeting (Clausen Hall)

7:30 p.m. Orchestra Concert (Clausen Hall)

Flex W8/ R7

31

1 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

SAT’s (AHS)

End of the First Grading Period 7:30 p.m. Varsity Football v. Lake Braddock (H)

Halloween 2

3 Student Holiday

5

4 Student Holiday Election Day

Second Grading Period Begins 7:30 p.m. Financial Aid Workshop (Clausen Hall)

5

Flex W2/R5

6

7:20 a.m. - 10:19 a.m.

DECA Employers’ Breakfast (Clausen Hall) 6-7:30 p.m. F, JV Foot ball v. Robinson (H)

7:30 p.m.

Varsity Football v. Robinson ( A)

7

8

A BLAST

7 Earning an education ACADEMICS

the

BY LAURA KELLY Academics Editor It’s the last period of the day and most students are going to their final classes for the afternoon. However, some students are not going to formal classes; they are actually leaving the school’s campus.

They leave the building, start up their cars and travel to their place of work.

Still for other students, the day does not end with R7 or W8. These students have an additional period at the end of the day. A program called Co-Op is the reason for this innovative scheduling.

Co-Op is a special program designed to allow students to leave the school early and go to work at a job that is sponsored by the school. The work experience is counted as a regular class where students receive a grade, but they also get paid at the same time for putting in their work hours.

Students don’t miss classes, but instead earn an extra grade. Co-Op is not a way to get out of school early, but is just a different way to earn an extra grade. The same amount of time and effort of work is put into a Co-Op job.

To enroll in the program, students are required to take a marketing or electronics course. The students sign up for their CoOp courses through their marketing classes when they register for their courses in March. Students then indicate that they wish to take Co-Op and what Co-Op job they are interested in taking . Students may need to get approval from their guidance counselors to leave school during the afternoon to go to their Co-Op jobs.

Students may leave school for their Co-Op jobs during R7 or W8. If they wish to keep a normal school

schedule, they can add another period after R7 or W8 to go to work.

“Co-Op lets students use the skills they learn during class in their jobs and in the workplace,” said Jennifer Hendrickson, marketing teacher.

Courses that are available for CoOp are Fashion Marketing, Sports and Entertainment, or International Marketing. The classes themselves teach students about running and working in certain types of businesses.

Other classes that offer Co-Op opportunities are the electronics electives, such as auto-tech. All these courses allow students to prepare for a realistic workplace and offers them an opportunity to participate in the Co-Op program.

Some students participating in the Co-Op program like to take jobs at business offices, while others prefer the more popular jobs, such as retail or in restaurants. Retail and restaurant businesses seem to be the jobs that the students enjoy doing the most. It is most important for the students to select a Co-Op job that suits them.

“It all really depends on the students and their interests,” said Hendrickson.

In order to earn a full extra grade, students must work at their Co-Op jobs for 150 hours for the entire year. If they want ot earn two extra grades, they must work 300 hours. A student’s boss needs to sign an hour sheet that varifies that the student has been working there for the reqyuired number of hours.

Senior Yodit Gebreyes, who Co-Ops at Starbucks, actually worked there during her junior year as a regular job. Her marketing teacher, Pearl Springfield, informed her that she that since she was a market-

Why did you choose to take an off campus course this year?

“The [Network administration] class interested me because I get to learn how to network computers together throughout a building.”

—Ben Clark senior

ing student, she could work at Starbucks as an extra grade. This is her first year working at Starbucks as a Co-Op job.

“I work the bar and the register, help the customers, and sell merchandise.

Basically I work as a bartender,” said Gerbreyes. Co-Op is a very beneficial program for students who are preparing themselves for the workplace after

ALEX SILANO

BY ALEXANDER SILANO Academics Editor

high school and college. Co-Op allows the students to experience the type of responsibility and skill that would be expected of them at a serious career.

This program’s goal is to open the doors of opportunity and experience what really goes on in a place of business and help students decide if they would like a business-type career.

Senior Richard Hores attempts to repair a car during his Co-Op period. He received a class grade for going to work.

At the same time, this experience has given Hores a real world perspective, getting a taste of how quickly things can change. Co-Op has helped to prepare him, not only for today, but for the future as well.

Like many teenagers, a busy schedule allows little time for Hores work, but the Co-Op program combines both work and school, and gives time for more work hours to be put in, resulting in a higher income. Cur-

rently, Hores works from 1 to 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Without this, it would be much more difficult for Hores to maintain a living because he would work fewer hours than he does now.

Hores is begining to become adjusted to his new surroundings, as it seems more normal with each day. However, he still finds it hard to get used to the minor problems.

“The hardest part [about providing for myself] is getting money for gas I don’t think students realize how much it adds up when they don’t have their parents to help them,” said Hores.

Despite the new changes in hismanage his money to account for necessities, and to earn a steady income, with help of the Co-Op program.

AsHoresendshishighschoolcareeronhisown,hefinds himself betterprepared fortheyearsto come. Wheresome students find themsleves lost after being out on their own, Hores will have an advantage after leaving high school.

Over the past two weeks, he has learned much from his experiences and through the Co-Op program he has been able to maintain a living for himself without regard to this drastic lifestyle change. For Hores, it is not another way to get out of class, but instead a necessity in order to provide for himself.

“I think [that this class] is very beneficial to all who want to take it.You really get to learn a lot fo different techniques in fixing cars. I do something different everyday, so this class is very useful to aspiring mechanics ,” said Hores.

Students turned on to off-campus classes

EDWARD GIBSON

BY SOHAIB KHAN Staff Writer Throughout the years, Fairfax County has set up a system that offers some classes only at a certain academies.

“It is not a bad thing that students from Annandale or from any other school go off campus to attend a class. It is just a system set up by Fairfax County to have few courses only at certain schools to avoid spending a lot of money,” said Steve Sengstack, director of student services.

Students go to various academies for their classes. Most of these courses are offered at academies or sites chosen by the school. These academies include Falls Church High School, Marshall High School, West Potomac High, FairfaxAcademy, and Edison High School along with Springfield, and Tysons Corner Center.

Off campus academies were initially started to help students acquire job skills, but now a lot of students who attend these academies do go to four-year colleges. “The students who go to attend a class at an academy have to sacrifice a period. They have to strike the balance and complete all the credits in high school to graduate.

Some academies help students acquire college credits and can be highly effective in getting into certain colleges,” said counselor Kazue Watlington AHS offers around 80 off-campus classes with 73 students this school year going off campus to attend a class.

Criminal Justice is the most popular course with 13 students taking it, and a number of students on the waiting list. It is offered at West Potomac High School and Marshall High School.

A former FBI agent came to AHS last year, where he informed students about the tasks of FBI Agents. He

The academy bus pulls up to George C. Marshalll HS. Classes such as advanced business management and accounting can be taken here.

also talked about the requirements that are necessary in high school and college to become an FBI agent.

“I was inspired by the guest speaker last year. His speech encouraged me to take Criminal Justice class, and he talked about the FBI tasks. I like what you do at the job; you travel a lot, and I like traveling,” said senior Mohamud Mohamud.

The criminal justice course opens opportunities for students in law enforcement. Students are required to attend a four-year Criminal Justice course in order to obtain the neccesary information needed to become a law enforcer. The course is the initial step into the law enforcement and criminal justice system and an entrance into fields relating Criminal

—Yodit Gebreyes senior

Senior Paul Baldwin gets in his car on his way to his Co-Op class. Students are allowed to leave last period to get to their jobs.

Taking Co-Op to make ends meet

At a glance, senior Richard Hores is much like any other teenager in Northern Virginia. He goes to school during the week, and goes out on the weekends. However, as of late September, Hores underwent a drastic lifestyle change. After a family conflict, Hores elected to move out of his house and has been living in a new home with two roomates who are out of high school. He has been living on his own for two weeks now, and as one would imagine, it has been a difficult shift for him.

Being left to take care for himself, Hores turned to his auto-tech teacher, Joe Desio, and the Co-Op program. “ I took Auto tech I and II through my junior year of high school, and the third year allows for you to participate in Co-Op,” said Hores. Through this, he is allowed to leave school early during the R7 and W8 periods and go to a paying job, where he is given a grade for working. Hores works at the Moore Cadillac/Hummer dealership, where he does everything from oil changes and break jobs, to removing entire engines for a wage of nine dollars per hour.

“I can handle a lot of the little jobs by myself, but since I am not yet certified, my supervisor has to help me with the bigger jobs, like changing the rings in an engine,” said Hores.

This program has also helped Hores in getting some direction as to what he wants to do with his life. With the experiences from working, he has learned many of the skills necessary to pursue a career in the field. Although he is not sure as to what he wants to do with his life at the time, Hores has given himself options for the future.

“It is very interesting. We get to learn through experience because the [T.V production] class gives every aspect of putting on a television show.”

BY SHAYNA DUBLER

Oct. 15, 2003

Justice. In the initial year, students are trained in criminal justice investigation, security training, communications, court procedure and corrections. The second year of criminal justice includes the depth of crimes and how to handle them. The majority of the second year is the work experience, shadowing, and mentorship.

“The class usually has guest speakers showing their insights and views with experiences of the tasks. Students are made familiar with different murder scenarios and how to solve them,” said Mohamud.

Charlene Ferrell, a fashion marketing student at Tysons Corner Center said, “I chose fashion marketing because I want to major in marketing in college and have a career in fashion, and the

most interesting part is that we get to do a marketing research activity.”

Different academies come to AHS during the elective fair in spring and inform students about they classes they offer. Students can later fill out application forms and decide what courses they want to attend at what academies. These applications, their attendance record and academic reports are sent to the academy that they are going to attend. The academies set up visit days for students. The students can go sit in the classes and decide if they want to take the class or not.

The selection process gives first priority to seniors and second priority to juniors.

If students need to drop an off campus class, they come back and choose a class at school or transfer to another academy depending on the accommodation. The students are also allowed to participate into other school extra curricular activities. “I have a lot of fun, said senior Rabia Mian. “We get to go to hospitals, and we also go to open-heart surgeries. “ AHS is not an academy. Most students who come to AHS come for some of the advance courses that are offered. Some of those courses include Special Education, advanced math classes, Auto Technology, Culinary Technology and Arabic.

Students get a chance to meet new people in the classes they have elected.

“The [Television Production] class is really fun,” said senior Yodit Gebreyes an academy student at West Potomac. “The most interesting part about my class is that its not only West Potomac or AHS students, I get to meet a lot of new students from all over Fairfax County. I like making new friends and meeting new people.”

“[Fashion Marketing] gives insight into the fashion industry which helps me to develop a possible career. There are also a lot of opportunities for internships.”

—Paul Baldwin senior “[Electronics contruction and engineering] gives me a chance to work with residential wiring that is not available at AHS.”

—Kevin Judson senior

“In [Fashion Marketing] class we have fashion shows at the mall, this gives us a chance to make comments on certain outfits and try to improve them.”

—Charlene Ferrell senior

Offered off-campus classes •Network Administration: Marshall & Edison HS • Managment Information Systems:Marshall & Edison HS •Advanced Business and & Managment I: Marshall HS •Animal Science I-II: Edison HS • Dental Careers I-II: Chantilly HS • Advanced Accounting: Marshall HS •Advanced Business & Management I: Marshall HS • Medical Health Technologies I-II: Falls Church HS •Practical Nursing I-II: Falls Church HS • Travel and Tourism Marketing: Edison & Marshall HS •Electronic Commerce: Marshall HS •Auto Body I-II: Edison HS • Carpentry I-II: Springfield Job Site •Criminal Justice I-II: West Potomic HS •Music & Computer Technology I-II: Fairfax HS •Dance I-II: Fairfx HS • Television Production I-II: West Potomac HS •Cosmetology: Chantilly HS •Korean I-IV: Fairfax HS •Hotel Management I-II: Marshall HS See AHS Course Offerings booklet for more information

Oct 13, 2003

A BLAST the

Homecoming

Past

Vs.

PHOTO

13

Snapshots of this year’s homecoming festivities

Present Senior fullback Justin Wade gets pumped during the bonfire, and prepares to sacrifice the Hayfield Hawk dummy to the flames.

The crowning of the Homecoming Queen has always been the highlight of the Homecoming season. Annandaleʼs first Varsity Queen, Eloise Hollers, class of 1960, crowns the 1998 Homecoming Queen Monica Archondo. The Homecoming festivities of 1998 was rather unpleasant due to the pouring rain. However, the ceremonies held this year provided a much more weather friendly atmosphere. The graduating class of 2004 will have Angela Briggs as their reigning Queen on this 50th aniversary of Annandale.

The winners of this yearʼs float compitition was the class of 2005, and their 50ʼs theme design, much to the dismay of the reigning champions, the senior class.

Getting the crowd excited for the Homecoming game all three cheerleading squads performed a seperate routine during the pep rally. The Varsity squad used this time to practice their compition routine.

TOP LEFT: The graduating Senior class of 1977 stops to pose fo the yearbook before they square off against the junior class of 1978 in the annual powderpuff football game, kicking off the Homecoming Festivities.

TOP RIGHT:Junior Powderpuff players Maggie Purdon, Ana Rosa Alvarez and Lauren Doane, execute a simple pitch play gone wrong.

The juniors held on though tying the senior class, pictured bottom right.

The girls show the guys how its done, throwing the pigskin around in the annual Powderpuff Football game. While the guys strut their stuff, provding that little extra flair to the festivities. With the token pom poms, skimpy tops, shorts and the always hilarious fake baloon chests.

Many spectators not only come to see the junior and senior girls battle it out on the field, but also to see the outrageous outfits, and crazy antics displayed by the”cheerleaders” on the sideline.

The Atomic Dance Fusion got down to the music stylings of Pink and Christina Aguilera during the pep rally. The dance team also performed their routine before and after the Homecoming football game

Varsity Quarteback, junior Davis Murillo charges down the field as he is introduced by Coach Adams. He was followed by the rest of the Varsity squad to conclude the afternoon pep rally

This years crowned Homecoming King was Johnny Ecklund, a Varsit soccer player and a IB and AP scholar. He followed in the footsteps of last yearʼs King Loren Sexton.

Other than Class Acts, the Powderpuff game and the the Tug of War held during the Pep Rally,classes rarely get a chance to compete against one another. The Homecoming parade the oppertune time to show off their class pride and their artistic skills. Classes construct flower filled floats based on a designated theme choosen by the SGA.

All past photos courtesy of the Antenna yearbook staff.

Oct. 15, 2003

A BLAST

the

SPORTS XTRA

We got spirit, how ‘bout you?

BY CHRISTIAN HERNANDEZ Staff Writer Dedication, enthusiasm, energy, team, and spirit are the mottoes for all cheerleading squadswich is a very accurate description of what cheerleading is all about.

“It’s about rallying the fans and getting them more spirited about the games and the competitions,” said freshman coach Rebecca King. A big part of cheerleading is to cheer for school sports, “to support football players, keep their spirits up and help them win,” said JV cheerleader Christine Huynh .“To have fun, and promote spirit throughout the school year, means you really love the sport,” said JV Coach Caroline Johnson. Yet all of it is not fun and wide grins in the world of cheerleading. Time commitment is key to these girls.

Varsity practices

Sophomore Anna Hubacher cheers during the varsity cheerleading sqauds performance in Fridayʼs pep rally

about 12 hours a week. “We have practice from p.m. to p.m. everyday except for Sundays, especially now that competition is coming up,” said varsity Co-captain Ra’Anaa Davis.

Physical shape is also important, “It’s definitely physical and demanding, we need to shout, have endurance and be fast,” said Davis. In contrast to other sports, cheerleaders suffer injuries also.

“They pull muscles, fall in stands, get concussions, and sprain ankles,” said freshman coach Tammy Bishop. “I busted my lip three times putting another girl on an elite stand,” said sophomore Monica Arrington.

Varsity is preparing for district competition.

They have been spending the majority of their practices working on their routine for the competition.

“It is very important to win, and it is really fun to go and compete.” It is a lot of practice,” said junior Helen Johnson, who is on JV, but is competing in the competition on Oct. 22nd.

“Competition shows what everybody is made of, but it is the squad’s decision if they would like to compete, it is important to win because you want to do well,” commented Coach Johnson.

“Although winning is important, it’s not everything that cheerleaders focus on. It’s more about being confident on what we do, to show them we are the “bomb”, and that we have the confidence in our team and routine,” said Davis.

All three cheer squads have team captains. The captains include, Julie Baker and Sam Smith for freshman, Christine Huynh and MonicaArrington for JV, and the varsity captains are Lindsay Miller, Ra’Anaa Davis and Ben Orchard. Their

jobs as captains are to lead the cheers at games, promote team spirit and bonding.

They help guide the team when making decisions and are the voice of the team.

According to Davis, this year’s varsity squad has not changed a great deal, only some minor changes have been made.

Each year they considered themselves to have improved in performance.

Cheerleaders are often stereotyped, but there are certain characteristics that are a must in order to be a cheerleader.

“I think the best cheerleader is the most spirited; she always has a smile on,” said freshman cheerleader Haveen Sindi.

“You have to be athletic, a hard worker, fearless and spirited,” said varsity coach April Wells. As coach Johnson said, being a cheerleader focuses on “promoting spirit, not being afraid to be goofy, exuding positive energy, and of course being cute.”

Although being a cheerleader is all smiles all the time, during practice, the cheerleaders work hard, stay as focused as they can, have three to four hour practices, and trying to give it all they’ve got. The cheerleaders hope to have the most prosperous fall season that they can and hope for the best outcome that can come for them.

From left to right: Ben Orchard, Amanda Bassa, Jenna Wade, and Raanna Davis boost up Tracy Strauch to perform a stunt in their pjʼs because it was during spirit week here at AHS.

Every Friday night you can find Senior Ben Orchard cheering on the fans at the varsity football games. He is always in front, cheering loud and most likely stands out to everyone in the crowd in a special way. Orchard is proud to be not only one of the school’s sports captains but he is also the only male cheerleader for this falls season’s varsity cheerleading squad.

Orchard had been cheering since his sophomore year , when he decided to show up at tryouts and see what cheerleading was all about. After he made the squad he decided that cheering was the fall sport for him. After making the squad Orchard had to deal with many stereotypical judgments about being a male cheerleader. He took a lot of grief from those at AHS who did not know him.

He loves the fact that he’s the only male on the cheerleading squad. For

quickly learned that you had to be in gymnastics at an early age and committed 100% to make it. Orchard is now a power tumbler and trains 13 hours a week for nationals at Capital Gymnastics in Burke with his coach Sergio Gomez.

Orchard is a well rounded athlete , and cheering is just one of his many passions.

He believes that cheering is hard, and it takes a lot of dedication. He also knows

Priceless?

Shoes: $42.46 Bloomers: $8.05

Shorts: $13.00 Polo shirt: $17.95 Body suits: $17.96 Megaphone: $23.00 Poms: $21.95 Wrap Skirt: $19.95 Bag: $22.00(optional) Camp fee: $140.00 Total: $338.37

Excerpts from a cheerleader’s glossary

that others think much differently about the sport. “They can have their own opinion, cheerleaders don’t just stand on the sidelines and cheer,” Orchard said.As a result of Orchard’s strong passion for cheerleading he hopes that in the future he will be able to take part in the coaching staff here at AHS. He wants to make the cheerleading program even better.

Anna Hubacher is performing a “backhandspring.” When executing this move, it is important for cheerleader to keep their legs close together.

PAUL GLEASON

BY SHAYNA DUBLER Staff Writer

example, Orchard said one of the perks is that at cheerleading camp he is surrounded by about 200 girls and only 10 guys. He admits at times being a male cheerleader has its disadvantages, for example, “The girls talk about guys all the time!” Orchard laughs.

Orchard has continued with cheerleading as a result of his passion to stunt and tumble, although he agrees that these are the most difficult aspect of cheerleading. Orchard believes that if more males would watch partner stunting and realize the talent it takes to compete in this sport, they too would become interested in cheering and realize that it is not as easy as it looks.

At practice Orchard takes part in basing stunts, practicing cheers, running though routines and working on his tumbling. Practices are hard, tiring, stressful, and take a lot of dedication. Injuries are almost a normal part of practice each day. The cheerleading injuries that happen at practice are face injuries for the bases. Orchard explains that the cheerleading squad practices a total of at least eighthours during the weekdays and an additional three hours every Saturday at a gym in Sterling. The sport is time consuming and can be very stressful.

Not only is Orchard a great cheerleader but he is also an amazing tumbler. He has only been tumbling for about two years and has already mastered his round off back handspring tuck. Orchard started to tumble because he wanted to get into gymnastics, but he

Cheerleading is considered a very expensive sport, and cheerleaders have to pay it all their own.

T-shirt: $12.95

Orchard knows how to “bring it on” Senior Ben Orchard is the only male cheerleader on the varsity squad. Despite being the outsider, his enthusiam never ceases

15

Lindsay Miller executes a “scorpion.”

Scorpions are mostly performed by the flyers when being help up in the air. Great balance is a must for cheerleaders performing the scorpion.

Senior Ben Orchard cheers after a performing a back-handspring. Ben is the only male on the varsity cheerleading squad.

Tracy Strauch performs a “toe-touch.” Possibly the move that is the most associated with cheerleading, the toe-touch is a fundamental, self-explanatory move.

PHOTOS TAKEN BY: AMANDA SHEAFFER

Sports News Spooky Senior Night

The Annandale football team will be honoring their seniors on Haloween, Fri. Oct. 31st at 7:00 as the Atoms’ take on the Lake Braddock Bruins.

Although it is senior night it is not the Atoms’ final game as they will take on the defending district champion Robinson Rams the week after on Fri. Nov. 7.

Wisconsin deals Ohio St. severe title blow

The Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Ohio St. Buckeyes 17-10 on Sat. giving the Buckeyes their first loss in 26 games. The 22nd ranked Badgers now move to 3-0 in the Big Ten and the Buckeyes fall to 2-1. Because of the format of the BCS rankings the Buckeyes will now have to run the table and hope for some help to have any chance at getting back to the National Championship game.

Unusually Undefeated

The Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, and Carolina Panthers are the only three teams remaining undefeated in this young NFL Season.

All of these teams failed to make the playoffs last year but are still among the best teams in the league this year.

The Chiefs are led by their sensational running back Priest Holmes who is on pace to lead the league in touchdowns and all purpose yards for the second straight season.

PATRIOT DISTRICT STANDINGS

Football

(Through 10/15)

Robinson 6-0, (2-0) Hayfield 4-2, (2-0) Annandale 4-2, (2-1) West Potomac (3-3), (2-1) Lake Braddock 2-4, (1-2) West Springfield 2-4, (0-3) TC Williams 0-6, (0-3)

the

Hawks spoil Homecoming The Atoms’ offense is averaging 23 points per game.

BY STACEY MARIN Staff writer In the Homecoming game on Oct. 10, the Atoms played Hayfield in a big district game. Hayfield scored a touchdown, which ended up being the only points of the game, right before halftime, and won 7-0.

Sophomore quarterback Davis Murillo passed for 71 yards in 13 attempts and rushed for 49 yards in 14 attempts. Junior wide receiver Ezra Tilaye had three receptions for 52 yards.

“We played very hard, but we didn’t play very well,” Adams said.

“This was evident through the penalties, mistakes, and fumbles.

Making mistakes against good teams means we don’t win.”

With a 4-2 record, the Atoms are off to their best start this season since the 1994 State Championship season.

“We’re very excited about our chances this year,” said head coach Dick Adams. “We’re an average team that’s playing about average. We’re getting better each week, and our players are realizing this and gaining confidence.”

On October 4, the Atoms traveled to West Springfield and beat the Spartans 24-21. The play that made the difference in the game was Brian

Junior quarterback Davis Murillo gets prepares to hand off to senior full back Ben Clark. The quarterback/running back exchange was a crucial part of the 7-0 loss to the Hayfield Hawks as the Atomsʼ fumbled twice.

Edwards’45 yard kickoff return late in the fourth quarter. Murillo passed for 48 yards in ten attempts and rushed for 33 yards in 12 attempts.

Sophomore tailback Keith Watson rushed for 155 yards in 21 attempts.

“It was a great game with a great crowd,” Adams said. “There were two exceptions to great defense, and they moved the ball well. They’re finding ways to win.”

“

(Through 10/12)

TINA DOUROUDIAN

PLAYER PROFILE

Senior Carrie Horton and junior Jessica Gray listen to advice from head coach Ruth Johnson as the Atomsʼ take a timeout. This is coach Johnsonʼs second season as the head volleyball coach and she is beginning to adjust to the tendencies of her players.

What are the goals set for yourself and the volleyball program?

“I want to make 1st team all-district, but for the team it would be nice to beat teams like TC, Hayfield, or West Springfield, teams we got beat by last year.”

How has your brother (Travis Johnson) affected your sports career?

“He encourages me to play hard but I try to achieve my own goals and not live up to his achievements.”

Both your mother (head volleyball coach Ruth Jonhson)and father (ssistant football and baseball coach Mark Johnson) coach and teach at AHS, how does this effect you on a daily basis?

“Sometimes it can be hard becasue people relate to me as the coach’s daughter. I try to separate them from coach and mom and dad.”

Any plans to play sports in college?

“Yes, volleyball at Liberty University, but I’m not limiting it to just that, I’ll play anywhere.”

What is your biggest sporting accomplishment?

“Making the district championship game in softball last year and beating having 6 RBI’s in our 3 wins over Robinson last season.”

After a long practice on a friday night, what do you do to unwind?

“Go to football games, sleep, anything to get me away from the daily grind of school. I spend so much time practicing, sometimes it just feels good to get away from it.”

Every issue the A-Blast Sports Page will feature one standout athlete to feature in “Player Profile” any athletes that feel deserving of this spotlight see Sports Editors Jared Smith and

second game. The Atoms scraped out a win in the third game, but the fourth belonged to the Spartans.

The team won the Oct. 2 game against The Atoms’ district record fell to 2-6 as the Atoms’ Patriot District rival T.C. Williams 3-1.

“We played strong,” said Pierce. “We did really well fell to the Hayfield Hawks 3-1 on Oct. 8. The girls fought hard, but suffered a devastating defeat to the in the first and second game, lacked in the third, but Hawks for the second time this season. The Atoms picked it up in the fourth to win the match,” she said.

Pierce is the only player lost the first, third, and last this year who was pulled game, but put in all the efup to varsity from the JV fort they could. Currently, team this season. Pierce the Atoms have won two We started off playing reall well has enjoyed playing on district games this season varsity and looks forward agaisnt T.C. Williams and but they definitely brought it to the rest of the season.

West Potomac. On Oct. Along with the newcomer 8, the Atoms lost to the and beat us.

Pierce, senior Elizabeth Gill West Springfield Sparhas come back into the starttans, also by a score of 1-3. ing lineup and has had a full “We started off —MariePierce recovery since coming back playing really well, but sophomore from her ankle injury on they definitely brought Sept.24. TheAtomswillhave it and beat us,” said two consecutive home games sophomore Marie Pierce.

The girls played tough in the first game and tonight and tomorrow night against Herndon and forced the Spartans to make mistakes, but West West Potomac. Senior night for the Atoms will be on Springfield eventually pulled through and won Oct. 22 as theAtoms will take on the Robinson Rams. the first game, then came out and dominated the

BY JULIE WOLFE Staff Writer

Lake Braddock 10-0-1, (6-0-1) Annandale 8-3-1, (3-0-0) Hayfield 6-4-0, (2-2-0) Robinson 1-5-0, (1-1-0) TC Williams 4-4-1, (1-2-0) West Potomac 2-4-0, (1-3-0) West Springfield 1-6-0, (0-5-0)

How long have you been playing volleyball?

“I’ve been playing all three years in high school and nine years total.”

In the first half of the season, the Atoms proved themselves as a competitor around the Northern Region. The Atoms’ have been featured in the Washington Post several times this year for their outstanding play. One of those games was the 23-14 win over 4th ranked Centerville on Sept. 14.

A lot of the success, Adams said, is because of the great

coaching and execution of the game plan on the football team.

“The kids are working hard, and the coaches are working extremely hard to put the kids in the best position to make good plays,” he said.

Except for this weeks’ game against Chantilly, the rest of the season is all against other Patriot District teams. The Atoms will face Chantilly, West Potomac, Lake Braddock, and Robinson in the last four weeks of the season.

“Except for Robinson,” Adams said, “all the teams we are playing we can beat.”

Robinson is the last game of the season, and for now, the Atoms are focusing day to day.

“We’ve really come together as a team. If we stay together, we’ll keep doing well,” said junior linebacker Chris Eliff.

Because of the format of the Northern Region playoffs in which only 4 teams from the 28 team region advance to the post-season, the Atoms’ will be forced to win the remainder of their games to gain a playoff spot. This includes a win against the No. 3 ranked team in the Washington Post, the Robinson Rams, in the last game of the season on Nov. 7. This road to the playoffs will begin this Fri., Oct. 17 against the Chantilly Chargers.

Volleyball suffers hard loss to Hayfield

Field Hockey

Junior Megan Johnson

Oct. 15, 2003

SEAN SULLIVAN

16

A BLAST

SPORTS

”

No More Mo, what’s next for Clarett Where will Clarett go from here, CFL, NFL, Ohio Penal League?

Jared’s Jargon When writing an editorial surrounding as much controversy as Maurice Clarett, one can only think about the geniuses in the Ohio St. Athletic department who came up with this decision to suspend Mo. The suspension itself is inconsequential, once the decision was made to make Clarett ineligible for this season, a whole different factor came into play, the NFL. This decision by Ohio St. to suspend Clarett will mark the single moment in sports history that sparked teenagers being allowed to enter the NFL draft. After sending out his lawyers to challenge the NFL rule of entering the NFL draft after years of collegiate football. If Clarett three seasons of college football, Clarett enters the NFL draft next spring, he will will use his money and star power to not yet be 20 years of age and will only eventually win the case and be allowed have played one year in college, well beto enter. Just like O.J., if you have money low the NFL minimum. Yet the amatuer believes he will not only be selected high and power, the legal sysin the first round, but contribute tem is of no restraint. to whatever team selects him.

And with the These type of expectations are first pick in the 2004 not out of reach, considering NFL Draft, the that as freshman at Ohio St., Cincinnati Bengals Clarett was named to first team select....Maurice All-Big Ten, and was the Big Ten Clarett of (who knows freshman of the year, as he led what) University. At the conference with 1,237 yards this rate these are the rushing, and 16 TD’s, even words commissioner though he missed three games Paul Tagliabue will be due to injury. And in high school saying come draft day his accolades are more impresMaurice Clarett next year. If Clarett is sive. During his senior year admitted, it will change Clarett was the USA Today Ofthe course of college football forever. If this monumental fensive Player of the Year and was named decision goes down high school and “Mr. Football” by theAssociated Press. He collegiate football players will no longer finished his career at Harding High School be looking to play four, five, or even six in Youngstown, Ohio with 4,675 rushing years in college but will follow the road yards and 65 TD’s, all school records.

So there is no question that Clarett less traveled such as Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Kobe Bryant have has the physical talent and the natural recently done in the basketball world. ability that running backs need to be This case decision will mark a major successful in the NFL, but will he be change in policy for the NFL. If Clarett able to resist the temptations that got wins this case he will be the first player him kicked suspended from the team ever to enter the league before his 21st at Ohio St.? Well, at least he won’t birthday and before he finishes three have any final exams to worry about.

With Sports Editors Jared Smith and Matt Wiest

Wiest’sWisdom Everyone has heard something about Maurice Clarett in the past few months.

Once considered to be the nation’s top running back, Clarett has begun a metaphorical free fall without a parachute. While the misdemeanor charges against him include up to six months in prison or a $1,000 fine at the very worst, his collegiate punishment has yielded far more trouble for Clarett.

The Ohio State star, who helped to lead his team the National Championship last year, was suspended indefinitely and it remains highly unlikely that Clarett will reinstated before spring training.

However, while Clarett is still attending classes at OSU, he is in the midst of a lawsuit against the NFL in a case he filed seeking to overturn the league’s rule requring players to be out of high school at least three years before being drafted. This lawsuit could have drastic effects, as future college stars may make the decision to leave college early

should the courts rule in favor of Clarett.

While Clarett supporters argue that he should be able to enter the draft if he wants, they seem to be overlooking the basic concept of attending school in the first place. Yes, Clarett came to play football, but in college, education comes before athletics (though they are a very close second). If football doesn’t work out, Mo will be in trouble.

However, what’s more important to most people is his talent, and what he can bring to the NFL. No one can argue the fact that Maurice Clarett is good. He was the best freshman in college football last year, hands down.

Despite Clarett’s collegiate success, he has quite a bit of growing to do to make it as a running back in the NFL. But we cannot overlook the fact that Maurice Clarett is not even 20 years old. He has played one season of college football, a season in which he astounded the nation, partly by his talent, but more importantly because of his potential.

What could have been the three biggest years of Clarett’s athletic development have now turned into three of his leastproductive,pending the result of his law suit.

No 20 year old, regardless of his talent and potential, is ready for play in the NFL. Potential takes time to be recognized, and this is a fact that most Clarett advocates seem to brush off. Mentally and physically, he’s just not ready. Should Clarett get into the NFL, there’s no doubt that he’ll be thinking twice about his decision after taking hits from the league’s hardest hitters like LaVar Arrington and Brian Urlacher.

The courts should think carefully about the reasoning behind barring youngsters from the hardest-hitting, most physical league in the world of sports. It makes sense, and Clarett just isn’t ready for it.

A BLAST

SPORTS

the

Oct. 15, 2003

Field hockey topples T.C. The field hockey team defeated T.C. Williams on Monday in a 3-1 victory, improving their record to 93-1 (4-0 in the Patriot District). Two goals from senior Erin O’Brien and one from senior Amanda Sheaffer paved the way for the Atoms victory.

“We had really good communication and we hustled for all 60 minutes,” said junior Diana Hollingsworth.

On Oct. 8, the girls emerged victorious in a 1-0 shutout over West Potomac in double-overtime at the Wolverines’ senior night. In front of a packed crowd of rowdy West Potomac fans, the team stayed tough with a tenacious offensive display that ran circles around the Wolverine defenders.

Unfortunately, the Atoms were unable to capitalize on an incredible 33 shots on goal, all of which were saved in the West Potomac goalie’s star performance.

Despite the screaming fans in the home crowd with blue and silver body paint, AHS kept the ball on offense for the majority of the game, thanks to senior forwards Cameron Wells and Tracie Hiatt, whose outstanding ball maneuvering at midfield contributed to the victory.

“I think we outplayed them. You could tell by our enthusiasm and by the outcome of the game that

Atomic Athletics

we wanted it more,” said Hiatt.

After an AHS goal was called back at the end of regulation because time had expired, the two teams headed into overtime.

“It was a very long and intense game. Their goalie refused to let a shot get by, and we refused to play defense before getting a shot off,” said Atoms Head Coach Cindy Hook.

Seniors Erin O’Brien and Julie Stone kept the pace of the game in the Atoms’ favor by firing countless shots at the Wolverines’ keeper, along with a strong all-around performance by sophomore Natalie Gilbert.

With just barely a minute left in the second overtime, sophomore Amy Novak scored the winning goal, assisted by Julie Stone, to put an end to the marathon that could have easily ended in a tie.

“It was frustrating at first because we couldn’t get any of our shots to go through, but we really played our hearts out, and it paid off because we got the win,” said Novak.

AHS will battle the T.C. Williams Titans next Monday at home in a make-up game. This will kick off the beginning of a tough week for the Atoms as they wind down the rest of their schedule, facing the undefeated Lake Braddock Bruins at Senior captain and forward Julie Stone advances the ball up the field home on Wednesday for senior night, against a West Potomac defender. The Atomsʼ beat the Wolverines in a and the Robinson Rams on Friday. dramatic 1-0 double-O.T. thriller at West Potomac on Oct 8. Stone and the

A wrapup of JV and Freshman Sports throughout AHS.

JV Football

Tim Wade bolsters a JV secondary which has given up only 6 TDʼs all season.

Coaches: Marshall Jefferson, Clay Yoder, Mike Scott

Key Players: Tyrone Ballard,

Kelvin Medrano, James Huff Record: 2-1 Next Game: Thurs. vs. Chantilly@ 7:30 p.m.

Results of Last Game: 21-20 loss vs. Hayfield Player’s Quote: “We are doing a lot better then last year and I see potential for greatness.” said junior Kelvin Medrano.

TED GIBSON

Senior Erin O’Brien scored twice in the Atoms’ 3-1 victory over T.C. on Columbus Day.

BY TED GIBSON Staff Writer

VALERIE GRAVES

BY MIKE WIEST Staff Writer As the Lady Atoms tennis season winds down to an end, the coaches and players have many positive moments throughout the season to which they may look.

Districts were held at Wakefield Park from Oct. 7 to 10. At districts, the team did not fair as well as they had liked, as they were quickly eliminated. However, there some notable finishes. Junior Elizabeth Nowrouz and sophomore Erica Satten made second team all-district at the No. 3 doubles spot. Senior Stephanie Lugar walked away from the semifinals with a loss to the best player in the district. Lugar had a very strong third place finish overall. The team’s final record for district play this season was 4-8.

Throughout the season, there were seven key players who filled the top six spots. Seniors Stephanie Lugar, andFranziska Wheiderkehr.

Juniors Julia Hanson-Takyi, Laura Johnson, and Elizabeth Nowrouz. And sophomores Molly Sterlacci and Erica Satten. All seven of these players had strong seasons for the Lady Atoms. Senior Stephanie Lugar finished the season at the No. 1 spot with an impressive 7-5 record. “She was consistently a solid player for the team,” said assistant coach Mike Kishiyama. In the No. 6 singles position, Elizabeth

Captain Nate Cartegnaʼs offense helped defeat the Hawks 28-19.

Nowrouz was a true asset to the team by going 8-4 against other teams number six seeds.

“Our record this season could have easily been 7-5,” said Head Coach Mark Boger. Three of the matches were decided by 1 game. However, as a whole, the team did nearly the same as they

“

Next Game: Thurs. vs. Chantilly @ 6 p.m.

Results of Last Game: 28-19 win vs. Hayfield

Player’s Quote: “We are playing

Overall, the team this season was very competitive.

”

JV Volleyball

--MarkBogar head coach

did last year. Both seasons, the final district record was 4-8. In both seasons, Stephanie Lugar reached the semi-finals in the district tournament.

“Overall, the team this season was very competitive,” said Boger. With very close matches against district powerhouses such as West Springfield, West Potomac and Lake Braddock, the team proved how competitive they were. And with only three seniors graduating, hopes will be high next year.

Anna Pieri had a serve percentage of 100 in the Atomsʼ loss to West Springfield.

Coaches: Beth Caudle Key Players: Stephanie Sielaty Record: 1-7 Next Game: Today vs. Herndon 6 p.m.

Results of Last Game: 0-2 Loss vs. West Springfield

Player’s Quote: “I think we play

Plunkett ran a 15:56. On the girls team, senior Lauren Edwards ran an 18:50.

Despite the team’s strong fifth place finish, however, the team felt they could have performed better.

“I wanted to get into the top ten,” said Edwards. “I think I did pretty well, but I could have done better.”

The course was shorter than years past because of the damage caused by the hurricane, one reason for the great times.

Coach Christie echoed the sentiments of many others on the team, that, although they performed well, the team could have performed better. Fifth place out of 28 teams is a tremendous success compared to past performances.

On Oct. 7, the team had its home meet at Wakefield Park, where they ran against teams from Hayfield and Lake Braddock.

This course, a 2.9-mile course, turned out to be another triumph for the team.

The girls earned first place, ahead of bothHayfieldandLakeBraddock.Theboys team came in second, in front of Hayfield.

The results of this past weekend’s meet at Albemarle were not available to be published.

well as a team, but the season hasn’t went as well as it could have” said sophomore Ana Pieri.

BY MATT HUBACHER Staff Writer The golf team finished its season last week with one player from the team competing in the Regional tournament, senior Chris Evans.

In regionals, Evans shot a 74 in the first round, and although he stumbled slightly on the back nine, still finished with an 80 for his second round of play.

“I played all right,” said Evans. “I could have played better, but it just wasn’t my best golf.”

Even though he did not qualify for the state competition, his season showed the growth of the AHS golf program. Finishing the season at 3-1-2 , this

“

The season was great. We played real well as a team, it was one of our best seasons in years.

”

SEAN SULLIVAN

JV Field Hockey

Evans advances to regional tourney

—ChrisEvans senior

The cross country team wraps up practice before their meet at William & Mary.

waun Broxton Record: 3-0-1

was one of the Atom’s best seasons ever.

“On the whole, the season was great,” said Evans. “We played real well as a team.

It was one of our best seasons in years.”

Their results in the Patriot District tournament showed the competitiveness

Sophomore Thera Lombardi contributed on offense in the Atomsʼ 2-0 victory over West Potomac.

Coaches: Katie Stribbling Key Players: Jennifer Jacobs,

Thera Lombardi, and Lizzie Waxler Record: 6-1-1 Next Game: Today vs. Lake Braddock @ 6:15 p.m.

Player’s Quote: “This is my first season playing field hockey and a great coach,” said junior Thera Lombardi.

Freshmen Field Hockey SARAH SOZIO

The past few weeks have been very eventful for the cross country team. Major meets and new achievements have been added to the team’s experience.

Due to the inclement weather from Hurricane Isabel, the team’s schedule has been thrown off and some meets were either postponed or cancelled.

In order to ensure that the team would be well-rested for a strong performance at the William & Mary Invitational in Williamsburg on Oct. 4, Coach Bob Christie felt the best preparation was to taper back the strenuous training so the team wouldn’t be exhausted come time for the meet.

As a result, the team cancelled its scheduled appearance at a meet at Fort Hunt Park on Oct. 1, one that had been postponed because of the hurricane.

“We wanted to be cautious, conservative,” said Christie.

The team performed well at William & Mary, a 2.88-mile course on which many of the runners achieved personal records.

On the boys team, sophomore Brian

Coach: Bill Maglisceau Key Players: Oscar Santos, Ant-

great and if we could make less mistakes then we wold be undefeated,” said freshman Nate Cartegena

Cross country places Golf falters in at William & Mary district tournament

BY AMY MATHIS Staff Writer

Freshman Football

rest of the Atomsʼ seniors will be honored tonight during senior night as they take on the district rival Lake Braddock Bruins.

Tennis ends, Lugar advances to district semis

Senior Amy Merrill warms up before her match. Merrill along with fellow seniors Stephanie Lugar and Franziska Whiederkehr, will be the only players not returning for next season. The Atomsʼ will have a strong core of tennis players returning.

17

Senior Charlie Dickinson lines up and hits his putt on the green at Army/Navy Country Club in Fairfax. The Atomsʼ have the privelege of practicing at Army/Navy, one of the most presitgious golf clubs in the area.

of the team. After standing sixth after the first day of play, the Atom’s battled back to post some very good scores.

Evans finished the second round with a 78, senior Ted Gibson shot an 83, senior Jim Philapy shot an 84, and junior K.C. Vandenheuvel shot an 85, moving the Atoms into 3rd place. Although this play came a little too late in the tournament, it marked some of the Atoms best play in years.

Freshman Grace McMurray continues to contribute on defense.

Coaches: Kelly Eklund Key Players: Taylor Hobson, Emily Vincent, and Grace McMurry Record: 1-3-2 Next Game: Today at Chantilly @ 5 p.m.

Results of Last Game: Tied Fairfax 0-0 Player’s Quote: “I think we improved a lot since we started and we are begining to play well as a team,” said freshman Grace McMurray.

18

ENTERTAINMENT

10 / 07 / 03 -

1. School Of Rock Starring Joan Cusack, Jack Black, Mike White and Sarach Silverman, School Of Rock is about an out-of-work rocker who becomes a substitute teacher. Directed

by Richard Linklater.

(PG-13, 108 minutes) Cumulative Gross: $19,622,714.

2. Out Of Time Starring John Billingsley, Dean Cain, Denzel Washington, Sanaa Lathan and Eva Mendes, Out Of Time is about a police chief who is framed and his effort to clear his name. Directed by Carl Franklin. (PG-13, 114 minutes). Cumulative Gross: $16,185,316.

BY WIDED KHADOURI Cultures Editor Rave is a dying culture. Over-publicized parties, over-commercialized pacifiers, a style based on multiple bright bracelets and UFO pants and overblown drivel of drugged-up ecstasy-fiends have all contributed to the slow and painful death of the rave culture. A rave is usually compared to meditation, the joining of music, where people and love combine to create a harmonic experience felt only by a selected few with actual devotion to the scene.

This, together with the lights, the people and the allencompassing vibration of the bass create the rave.

“The real raves would either be free, or like five bucks, now they are so expensive. Now raves are misconstrued as raves immediately equals drugs and it‘s not always like that,” said junior Stephanie Bui. “It’s all about the music and always should be.” Raves, which deserve a similar amount of respect as the hip- hop culture, have not yet begun to receive such reverence.

A rave without the risk of getting caught and the energy needed to maintain absolute secrecy should no longer be considered a rave. Renegade gatherings, raves to be more specific, are especially exciting for two reasons. The first is that there is always the danger of being shut down by the authorities. The second is doing a party on a remote location with limited publicity and absolute dependence on other fellow music lovers is part of the flavor of a rave. “Raves were these big parties back in the day that were held in warehouses and that so many different people would go for the music. When I say a bunch of people, I mean different races, mixes, whatever,” said junior Kelly Velilla, “It was a huge melt-down for music lovers, and now…”

In dance clubs people are usually self-conscious

4. Under The Tuscan Sun Starring Diane Lane and Raoul Bova, Under The Tuscan Sun is about a woman who goes on a gay cruise to Italy to relax and not think about guys, but ends up buying a house. Directed by Audry Wells. (PG-13, 113 minutes). Cumulative Gross: $20,740,822

5. Secondhand Lions Starring Michael Caine, Nicky Katt, Kyra Sedgewick, Robert Duvall and Haley Joel Osment, Secondhand Lions is about a boy sent to live with his uncles for the summer and his discovories about them. Directed

by Tim McCanlies. (PG, 109 minutes). Cumulative Gross: $30,624,785

Source: www.nytimes.com

and motivated by something more than just rhythmic movement to the music. The beat and sounds make one feel as if they are bouncing off the stratosphere, free and limitless. The music which is described as rough and growling, cut like a rusty knife deep into one’s brain and soul. These sounds penetrate the dancer, get deep within their inner person and touch deeply.

Although drugs are part of the spiritual experience of a rave scene, they should not be the main focus.

“Drug busts commercialized it, Feds cracked down on warehouses and whatnots, but it isn’t even about that, it’s what other people are spreading about so called ‘club drugs’ and then that’s when the drug stereotype began. And also there was the clothing, because it was

ILLISTRATION BY CHRIS SOPHER

new and it was what real ravers wore then, everybody began to copy it. It’s not about materialistic crap it’s supposed to be about the musical experience,” said Bui. Others believe that the contemporary attention on raves has only placed a hamper on true raves and once that publicity ceases the true music fanatics will return and treat raves as a spiritual experience.

“I think the whole message is perceived wrong, a lot of people think it’s cool and experiment with it, thinking it’s a lifestyle of drugs,” said junior Marian McLaughlin “People are going to judge you if you only follow fads, then that leads to trouble and there are some people who just can’t handle the trouble.”

School of Rock rocks Amorous actors

BY JOSEPH BURKE Staff Writer

BY CHRIS KALLENDER Staff Writer

3. The Rundown Starring Christopher Walken, Rosario Dawson, Seann William Scott and The Rock, The Rundown is about a man who sends a rescuer after his son in the jungle. Directed by Peter Burg. (PG-13, 104 minutes). Cumulative Gross: $32,646,055.

Oct. 15, 2003

Raves in grave

Box Office Top 5 10 / 09 / 03

A BLAST the

Ah, Jack Black, yeah he can sing, yeah he can rock out, but can he act?

Well, in any other case the answer would be no, but School of Rock is different. It’s like a Disney movie only with a loveable oaf as the protagonist instead of a valiant warrior. Jack Black assumes the role of Dewey Finn, who later assumes the role of Ned Schneebly who is actually Mike White’s character... er yeah, confused yet? Well let’s break it down.

Dewey Finn (Jack Black) is an unemployed loser who’s life centers around music, or more specifically Rock n’ Roll.

After being kicked out of his band, Finn finds himself behind on his rent with a roommate named Ned Schneebly (Mike White) who wants him out by the end of the week. Soon after, Finn receives a phone call for his roommate Schneebly for a substitute teaching position at the top prep school in the state. Finn decides to pretend to be Schneebly in hopes of getting the job to pay rent, even if it’s only for a little while.

Finn, of course, gets the job and becomes the substitute teacher of a class of spoiled over-achievers. Finn Decides to let the class do whatever it wants (big surprise). After a few days Finn discovers that the entire class has musical talents beyond his wildest dreams. His new mission is to

Jack Black stands ready to “teach.”

train these kids for a battle of the bands contest which he so badly wants to win.

This is of course where the movie really starts to get going. Black gives his usual performance as seen in other films such as High Fidelity and Shallow Hal. While he is far from a groundbreaking actor, Black is probably the only actor to really act on screen the way he does in real life. And could you really see Black in a movie any more serious then something as comical sounding as The School of Rock?

Acting alongside Black are costars Mike White and Joan Cusack.

Each fill their roles appropriately, especially Joan Cusack who gives a perfect performance as the school’s seemingly harsh principal, but turns out to be the closet friendly person who needed this all to happen to realize what type of person she is herself.

Yeah Jack Black can sing, yeah he can groove, and as far as acting goes...he’s getting there. Whether or not you like Black, School of Rock Movie Review manages to School of Rock provide an enjoyable and fairly humorFor providing entertainment ous experi- without being a waste of time, ence that’s Jack Black’s good acting and good content does what it set out to do.

B

Dear Abby,

Dear Abby, I just moved from Maryland to Virginia and no body likes me in this school. I am friendly with people, but then after a couple of days it seems like they don’t want to talk to me anymore. I am nice girl and would like people to be my friend. I feel like people don’t like me, which hurts.

I am asking u to tell me what to do.

Transitions from school to school, especially in these pivotal years of your life, can certainly be difficult to manage. When having to start anew at school as well as gain new friendships you might start to feel overwhelmed. “I can sympathize with that because when you change schools it is very difficult,” said Watlington. “It is a common feeling to feel lost at first.”

However, “a friendship is something that has to evolve naturally,” said Wheeler.

One cannot force someone’s friendship or expect one to occur overnight. Friendships are built around trust and one must be able to know the other before giving their trust away.

Both Wheeler and Watlington advice you to get involved with the community and participate in after-school activities.

“School-related activities are a really, really good way for friendships to start…they make people feel part of a family,” said Wheeler.

Also, you cannot just sit back and wait for

the people to come to you. “People in the school are busy with so many things that [you] need to take action,” said Watlington.

Both Wheeler and Watlington encourage you to invite people over one day after school or on the weekend and be the one to initialize an activity together. “Don’t get discouraged, because it takes time,” said Taylor. I have no doubt you will have plenty of friends, but you have to give it time.

Dear Abby, The people who I thought were my friends are having a Halloween party.

All they do is talk about how fun it will be right in front of me. I know I am not invited because every time I bring it up the mood becomes awkward and they stop talking about it. I have even brought up Halloween and asked them what they were doing, but they never tell me about the party. I am very hurt and don’t know what to do.

Lost in a Group of Friends The Alphas are out and causing chaos.

Your so-called “friends” put you into an awful situation and I know it feels terrible. “Girls, especially, act tribal at times and sometimes

When the average man goes to court in hopes of getting a hunting license, it’s very seldom a national news story that anyone can read about online or hear about on television. However, in many ways, celebrities are not average people.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck enjoyed a high profile romance and were (and still are) favorites of tabloids and entertainment shows alike. After meeting on the set of the now infamous flop Gigli, the couple had a 21-month romance and was engaged to be married. Just days before the ceremony was to take place, the engagement was called off. The couple cited a so-called “media frenzy” as the reason for their breakup. Two weeks after the wedding was called off, Affleck and Lopez appeared together in public in a Georgia Courthouse. Instead of obtaining a new marriage license, the purpose of the visit was actually for Affleck to acquire a shotgun license to allow him to hunt. This incident alone was enough to revitalize the celebrity gossip community, and soon rumors were swirling about reconciliation between the two.

Similar coverage of the seemingly negligible details of personal life are available for many other celebrity couples. For example the split of actress Halle Berry and R&B singer Eric Benet has recently been widely publicized.

Also, the media has provided much speculation about possible wedding plans for Latin superstar Ricky Martin and his girlfriend Rebecca De Alba.

The public has many different reactions to this apparent ultra-keen focus on celebrities’ personal lives.

These reactions range from annoyance and outrage, simple apathy, or total acceptance of the media’s coverage. These reactions are representative of the opinions of AHS students.

Senior Katie Haines said, “I’m really tired of hearing all about their shenanigans and whatnot and I have no interest in what they are doing.”

Some students, like Haines, would

what goes with girl groups is alienation of one member and it can be a very lonely feeling,” said guidance counselor Linda Wheeler.

Wheeler and guidance counselor Kazue Watlington encourage you to take one of the girls you are closest to in your group and confront them about the situation. “If the [friend] does nothing than you did what you could and now you must decide if this is for you or if you should start exploring alternative groups,” said Watlington, “It is a hard reality that [you] are not considered an ‘in-group’ member.” According to Watlington you have two options; either a) try hard to get back in the group or b) find new friends.

You have to be brave and look for new friendships. “Rather than get mad [at your pals], still be their friends, but set your sights on other activities,” said Wheeler.

Hopefully you will find a better group who shares your interest and opinions. It is normal to grow out of a group, and my best advice for you is to realize this change is occurring and find friends who will respect you more than your current “friends.”

Dear Abby, I am a freshman and have no girlfriend. Help!

Girlfriendless freshman I must give you all my sympathies.

You are suffering from a huge problem, lack of romance. However, ac-

much rather not hear about, read about and see into the lives of these celebrities.

Others dislike the coverage for a different reason; they believe that the media has no right to pry into the personal business of these celebrities, just as the media should not pry into the personal lives of the average American.

Junior Andrew Gisch summed up this belief , saying, “Consider celebrities as the small animals of the forest and the media is the starving lion, constantly ravaging the small animals for the latest and freshest meat — the lion needs to choose days to be a vegetarian.”

Yet some genuinely enjoy hearing about celebrities in tabloids and on television shows such as Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood. Junior Michael Krzywicki is one of them. He said, “I think that [media coverage] helps to bring a human side to celebrities that the public really likes to hear about, so I don’t mind if the media gives celebrity couples extensive coverage.

In most forms of media, inundation of information about celebrities is almost inescapable. Whether you’re the type of person that actually cares about the state of the relationship between Ben and “J-lo,” get used to hearing about them for a long time.

J-Lo hugs boyfriend Ben Affleck.

cording to guidance counselor Kazue Watlington, you are definitely not the only one. “Many people feel the same way he does,” said Watlington. “This is not simply a teen problem. I have many friends with the same issue.”

Watlington advises you to stop searching for that right girl and focus your energy on something more productive such as friends, sports, activities and school. “This is no science, but I really believe with my experiences that when you are desperately looking for a boyfriend or girlfriend, it probably won’t happen,” said Watlington.

For now, try to stay sane, try not to watch too many romantic comedies, and don’t sell yourself short by putting yourself into a relationship you don’t care about for the sake of having a girlfriend. “Everybody who doesn’t have a girlfriend thinks that everyone else does,” said Taylor. “These people need to band together because a lot of students are in this situation.” Watlington assures you that Mrs. Right will arrive at your doorstep in time. “Eventually you will meet someone at the right time, but for now focus on other activities.”

A BLAST

the

Oct. 13, 2003

ENTERTAINMENT

Stealing?

Record labels enforce copyright laws

BY ALEX WAHL Staff Writer Are you the next to be sued for illegal file sharing through servies such as Kazaa, Grokster, Morpheus, Live Wire, and others?

In recent controversy over file sharing, the Recording Industry Association ofAmerica (RIAA) has sued 261 file sharers because they were illegally involved in sharing copyrighted material. It is incredibly common at AHS to know several people who download music illegally from such service as Kazaa, but now that the RIAA has begun to crackdown on file sharing, users of these free services are calling it quits on downloading.

The first major downloading service responsible for starting the popular file-sharing craze was Napster in 1999. Napster was sued by the RIAA in June of 1999 for copyright infringement, many new sites have been developed to welcome users to free music.

Instantly people of all ages were curious about file sharing services because of how a person is able to customize their own library of songs or movies. After downloading, users with a CD burning program built into their

Local, hot spots Venues that cater to everone

BY MATT WEIST Sports Editor The metropolitan area provides a rich environment for music lovers and concertgoers. With venues fit for nearly everything from local garage bands to international charttoppers, the Washington-Baltimore metro region offers the best of many worlds for nearly every style of music.

There are several area venues that stand out as favorites at AHS and elsewhere in Fairfax County. For small-time, local bands, Providence RECenter provides the opportunity to get on stage and perform in front of smaller, Northern Virginia audiences.

However, it has been host to up-andcoming bands such as Count the Stars, the Early November, and Over It. “I like Providence because it’s convenient,” said junior Elizabeth Waxler. This convenience is something that draws many AHS students to Providence RECenter.

On a larger scale, D.C.’s 9:30 Club offers a greater variety of artists like the All-American Rejects, Justin Timberlake, and Michelle Branch. Shows here range from $12.00 to $40.00, depending on the performer. An all-ages venue, the 9:30 Club was recently voted to win “Best Place to Hear Live Music” in The Washington Post’s Best Bets contest for 2003.

For those willing to take the hour and a half drive up to Baltimore, the Ottobar retains an atmosphere similar to that of the 9:30 Club, but on

a somewhat smaller scale. It generally attracts less notable bands like Baltimore natives, the Liars Academy, Stars Hide Fire, and Fairweather, a Fairfax-based quartet that sadly threw in the towel earlier this month. Ticket prices at Ottobar remain significantly lower than its larger counterparts.

“The great thing about the Ottobar is that the security is really lax and it’s nice and small,” said senior Dan Boyd. “It makes everything well worth the drive up [to Baltimore].”

However, many students prefer more popular and renowned musicians, and the D.C. can more than accommodate for these desires. With Wolf Trap and Nissan Pavilion less than an hour away, the metro area is rich in opportunities to see some of the most popular performers of today and the past.

Nissan Pavilion caters to the tastes of nearly everyone. Within the next few weeks, it will host “ydoyouthink Slam n’ Jam” withAaron Carter and Monica and the “WMZBoo Fest,” featuring some of the top country music artists. With both field and theater-style seating, the Nissan Pavilion is a very versatile venue that can accommodate nearly anyone’s preferences. Though there is much to offer, the ticket prices vary but are consistently high.

Wolf Trap tends to meet the musical preferences of adults, often playing host to folk and classic artists, with upcoming performances from Scottish folk artists “The Tannahill Weavers” and the “enchanting cabaret” ofAmanda McBroom.

Touching on just a few of the area venues, one can get a taste of the variety of music that can be seen live in Northern Virginia, an privilege that many take for granted.

The 9:30 Club, located at 815 V St. in Washington, D.C. is a popular venue for local and national acts, from all different types of musical backgrounds.

computers are able to write their own CDs with song selections of their choice. Millions have turned to this method because one is able to make CDs for minimal cost, and personalize each CD with the songs they want.

As a result, music sales have dropped drastically over the past three years. The 31% drop in album sales is being blamed primarily on file sharing services, although unreasonable pricing for records is also a main factor in considering this loss.

On September 8, 2003, the RIAA sued 261 file sharers with music libraries of at least 1,000 songs under violation of copyright laws.

The RIAA tracked the “song swappers” sued by utilizing the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, which allows copyright holders the privilege to subpoena Internet service providers for the names and addresses of alleged file sharers.

As a result, these suits have caused an immediate decline of file sharing in as little as three months.

“I download as frequently as I used to,” said sophomore Sofia Dillon. “I took a long break, but everyone’s like, ‘You’re not going to get caught,’ so I started doing it again.”

So far, traffic on the leading file sharing Kazaa has decreased a dramatic 41% from July 29, 2003 to September 21, 2003 (Neilson/NetRatings).

The RIAA is planning to sue thousands

more for dealing with illegal file transfer services. Their plan is to scare people away from downloading so that all file-sharing services come to a halt, with the probable result being an increase in music sales, to make up for the three-year slump the industry has been in.

However, there are other ways for students to get the music they want, but now it comes with a price tag. First, students can return to the traditional method of going to a music store and purchasing the album they want, even if they may only want the two or three hit tracks on a record.

If students still wish to personalize CDs, there is a legal way. Apple is currently selling iTunes, downloading software available for all Apple computers. Each songs cost $.99, and all downloads are guaranteed to be 100% perfect quality.

Apple offers a collection of iPods, which are digital music players. The newest model can hold up to 10,000 songs. The new iPod is compatible with Microsoft Windows technology, but the starting price for the device is $299.

Despite the lawsuits, students continue to jam to their favorite hits, even if the method isn’t particularly lawful. The best way to stay safe of a lawsuit is by cutting off the downloading, and trying out new methods of listening to music; legally.

Indie band heats up The Early November warms up with The Rooms Too Cold Singer/songwriter Arthur “Ace” Enders is a man of many talents. Not only has he been the front man to The Early November, one of the surprise bands from 2002, written all of their songs, but he produced their first full length release, The Room’s Too Cold, on Drive-Thru Records.

The Early November does on their new CD what many bands fail to ever do successfully in their career. Instead of presenting the listener with a new, completely unexpected sound, they manage to retain their trademark song style, with emotional lyrics and catchy riffs that drift away from the generic pop sound.

As on their first album, For All of This, The Early November brings their fans a little closer to tears with the acoustic tracks “Ever so Sweet” and “Dinner at the Money Table,” without losing any of the albums intensity.

Despite the intensity of The Room’s Too Cold, The Early November was not always the powerhouse they are now. Hailing from New Jersey, Enders, along with drummer Jeff Kummer, were an acoustic duo, and after presenting a demo to DriveThru Records and getting signed, they had become a full band with Sergio Anello on Bass and Joseph Marro on lead guitar.

The first single off Cold, “Baby Blue,’” is a heartfelt tribute of someone being forced to leave someone they love, and trying to make it as painless as possible.

Other tracks such as “Everything’s too cold...but you’re so hot” exemplifies The Early November’s talent at making a rock

ballad, clocking in at 6:34, while “Sesame, smeshame” leans more to a pop anthem.

In the production process for their CD, Enders has left much of the album raw, mixing every track with minimal effects.

By taking the independent approach, we see the band’s true strength in music.

With the declining price of CDs, The Early November definitely gives you more for your money. Besides the 11song CD, a DVD is also included. The DVD includes a documentary of the band during the recording sessions for their album, as well as footage of the band in concert. The only downside to this extra feature is its length. With all that it has to offer, there are only two live videos that leave fans wanting more.

Despite their small town beginnings, The Early November have quickly gained popularity over the last few years through appearances on the Vans Warped Tour and relentless touring, as well as promoting themselves on websites such as Mp3.com.

The Room’s Too Cold blends elements of such bands as Saves the Day, while taking softer elements from emoheartache Dashboard Confessional. Yet retains a unique sound of its own.

After wrapping up the Drive-Thru Invasion Tour, the band will then begin a headlining tour, promoting The Room’s Too Cold with Count The Stars, Hidden in Plain View, and Copeland. www.theearlynovember.net.

The Early Novemberʼs newest release, ʻThis Roomʼs Too Cold,ʼ on Drive-Thru Records delivers eleven new tracks to listeners, blending new beats, while keeping their trademark sound.

Pump up the Speakerboxxx and feel The Love Below

BY JOHN BERNHARDT Editorials Editor Outkast, a rap-duo hailing fromAtlanta, took a new step with its most recent release Speakerboxx/The Love Below. Both members of Outkast, Big Boi and Andre 3000, each have their own CD on this two-disc record, but both members contributed in some fashion to the other’s CD. Although Big Boi’s Speakerboxx and Andre 3000’s The Love Below keep the Outkast sound, they have distinct musical differences.

Outkast’s first release Southernplayalisticadillamuzik in 1994 brought them into the rap world. However, it was Outkast’s last CD Stankonia (2000), which made them one of the dominant and most wellknown rap groups today. Speakerboxx/The Love Below, the fifth release from Outkast, is a solid record, but it lacks the standout single that makes a chart-topping record

and Sleepy Brown, which add depth The first disc, and vocal diversity.

Speakerboxx, includes Following the a wide variety of precedent set by musical styles; howEminem on his ever, funk is the most Eminem Show, Outprominent influence. kast features a child, The beats are funky, most likely his son, on the guitar riffs are “Bamboo.” Although funky and the horns this record integrates are funky. Traces of funk with southern George Clinton and rap to create a unique James Brown are blend intrinsic to apparent throughout The popular rap duo Outkast branches Outkast, the same the CD, especially on out with their new 2-disc CD Speakervibes and ear-grabThe Love Below. Each member “Bowtie” and “The boxxx/ bing beats that produced and mixed their own CD. Way You Move.” Big made Stankonia an Boi also stayed true to traditional rap with instant hit are not present. bass-driven, up-tempo beats on a number of tracks. A number of different artists are The Love Below featured on this record including Ludacris Andre 3000’s The Love Below doesn’t

Speakerboxx

have the funk influence of Speakerboxxx.

Instead, Andre incorporate an abundance of piano to create a jazz feel, especially on “Love Hater” and “God.” Andre leans more toward singing on this album rather than rapping, and his lyrics differ from those of traditional rap songs by Snoop Doggie Dogg, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent.

A vast majority of rap promotes sex, drugs, alcohol and violence; however, Andre defies this sterotype. On “She’s Alive” he sings “Let’s kiss, not fight/ Try to do what’s right tonight.” This is leaps and bounds from the popular song “Number-One Stunner” by Big Timers, which includes a little verse that goes “I [expletive] mad [expletive], and I like my [expletive] sucked fast. . .” and so on.

Although The Love Below is not quite soothing elevator music, it has a slower, more sensual sound than any other previous Outkast records.

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HOROSCOPES Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Taurus 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.

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. Let reality TV and love wash your worries away.

Sagittarrus (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, and believing it only gets better never hurt anybody.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb.18) Mars brings you a new sense of sensuality and passion 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. Eat healthily, but indulge yourself.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Your love life has finally quieted down, leaving some room for introspection, frustration and change in the workplace. Don’t worry, the world keeps turning, so you might just have to deal with it. Today, you might finally end a relationship you’ve grown tired of.

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) Don’t forget that a Libra will always love you. Rapid financial flow should start today if you play your cards right; don’t spend it all in one place. Remember the world’s not falling apart, no matter how it feels.

Things are falling in place.

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.

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.

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; here’s some advice: one step at a time.

Virgo (August 23-Sept. 22) Feeling lucky? 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, and don’t forget to keep moving. You’ll plow on.