Issue 4

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the VOLUME #49 ISSUE 4

10-11

LIFE MAKING DECISIONS

First hand accounts from students who had to make abortion decisions

ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL 700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003

703-642-4229

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2003

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FOREVER YOUNG

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CAPITAL FUN

SHOOTING FOR STATES

Students join Young Republicans and Young Democrats

Field Hockey goes to states for the first time since 1989

NEWS BRIEFS

By Lekha Menon Staff Writer

Town meeting on gangs to be held

Supervisor Sharon Bulova and Braddock School Board Member Tessie Wilson are cosponsoring a town meeting concerning the increase in gang activity. The meeting is to be held Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at Little Run Elementary School. Representatives from both the Fairfax County Police Department’s Gang Unit and representatives from Fairfax County Public Schools are planning on presenting.

The meeting is aimed at helping parents and members of the community understand gang culture, signs of gang involvement, and ways to protect children from gangs.

Federal survey forms due

Federal survey forms, handed out last Friday, are due today in R1 flex. The first class to turn in all surveys wins breakfast with Principal Rodney Manuel.

BY LEKHA MENON Staff Writer

Crossing guard Wilhelm Jonach was hit by a woman while directing traffic on Four Year Run and Heritage Drive on Oct. 10. He suffered a broken wrist, herniated disks, torn ligaments, hairline fractures, bruised bones, and chipped teeth. He will not return to work for six months to a year and has been given an orthopedic hospital bed which was placed in his home.

Crossing guard recovers

BY CAROLINE FRIEDMAN Managing Editor Courage. When a first grader was asked to draw a picture of courage during the sniper attacks last fall, she drew a picture of her school’s crossing guard, Wilhelm Jonach.

Jonach sure knows about courage after recovering from injuries he sustained when he was hit by a car on Oct. 10. Jonach was directing traffic at Heritage Drive and FourYear Run when he was hit by Roni Levy, a 43-year-old female. Jonach was then pushed into a car on the opposite side of the road. Levy is being charged with not paying full attention to driving and the court case will be held in the second week of November.

“I’m not angry at the person who hit me,” said Jonach. “I know she is sorry.

It is an accident. Accidents do happen.”

Jonach, who has been bedridden since the accident, suffered three herniated disks, a fractured right wrist, torn ligaments and a torn meniscus in his right leg, hairline fractures in both of his ankles, bruised bones on his right side, a concussion, a few chipped teeth and numbness to the left side of his face. He stayed at Fairfax Hospital for five nights and six days.

“You get depressed because you can’t do things that you used to be able to,” said Jonach.

Jonach said he knew that Levy did not see him. “I leaned into it,” he said.

“I looked to make sure that no students

Teachers nominated for award

A right to live

BY CHRIS SOPHER Ad Manager

Terri Schiavo, a Florida woman who has been in a vegetative state or a coma for 14 years, has been ordered to resume life support by Florida Governor Jeb Bush.

Schiavo’s parents agree with Bush’s decision, however, her husband disagrees and wants to have her feeding tube and life-support removed. The case is now going to the Supreme Court, and the question at hand is whether or not the government should be able to intervene in the decision of whether someone should remain on life support.

“Annandale is obviously a great place to work,” said John Hawes, Pre-IB Comparative Government teacher and a nominee for AHS’s Teacher of the Year award.

Among the hundreds of teachers at AHS, four are selected every year as nominees for the school’s award, and a nomination as Fairfax County’ s Teacher of the Year.

Four years ago, after retiring from 30 years of working at the State Department, Hawes came to teach at AHS. He was first brought to teaching by his vast knowledge of politics and current events, and he wanted to bring his insider experience to students.

“There are all sorts of links between teaching and working for the government,”

Do you think that the government should hold jurisdiction in matters concerning life support?

were in the way.” The last thing that he remembers is seeing the faces of the two students whose car he was thrust into.

He says that there is a system that needstobeusedwhendirectingtrafficand that there is a certain point at which you can tell that the driver is not going to stop.

“That is why I put the cones there,” said Jonach. He knew that if a car was not braking by the time they passed the cones that they wouldn’t have enough time to stop.

Jonach’s main concern on the day of the accident was the safety of the students. “I took my safety second to the other peoples’, that is why they put me there,” said Jonach.

“Guard” continued on pg. 4

School has been in session for only nine weeks and the administration has already recommended nine students for expulsion. According to Administrative Assistant Mary Wolfe, last school year although a total of 12 students were recommended for expulsion from AHS, ten were actually expelled.

Principal Rod Manuel stresses that AHS follows the same policy as all Fairfax County public schools when it comes to recommending students for expulsion. “Our number one priority is to provide an educational and safe environment for our students and staff.

Sometimes it’s necessary for a student to go to another school. It isn’t always a matter of heart,” Manuel said.

Expulsions are the most serious punitive measure a school can take. Once a recommendation for expulsion is given, the matter automatically becomes a legal issue, involving a hearing with the Office of Hearing and Legal Issues. At the hearing both parties present their side of the incident.

“The student really has a fair chance to share their information and any new information if they have some,” said Assistant Principal Dave Tremaine. In order to give the hearing officer a good idea of who the student is, the assistant principal provides all of the student’s background information, including attendance records, academic records, previous disciplinary background and teacher reports. “Gathering a whole picture of the student instead of just focusing on the incident helps the hearing officer to make a better decision,” said Tremaine.

There are two possible outcomes. The recommendation can be forwarded to the school board, with the support of the hearing officer. The parent can then appeal this decision and request another hearing. However, if successfully expelled, the student cannot return to any Fairfax County public school for a year. During that time, it is the responsibly of the parent to find an alternative education facility which will accept the student. Many parents are forced to enroll their children in costly private institutions or adult schools. Students can also be placed in an alternative learning center, which could be another school, an adult center, or an alternative school such as Mountain View School. After the year is over, the student can return to a Fairfax County school with the approval of the school administration.

Administrators are at a loss as to what has caused this rise in expulsion recommendations, but students do not seem to think the administration should not take “Expulsions” continued on pg. 5

New administrator joins staff

BY ALEX WAHL Staff Writer Just after Assistant Principal Jon Fredrickson’s departure, Lisa Felix joined AHS staff as a new administrator. Felix attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington D.C, in an incredibly diverse environment like the one found at AHS. “I was really excited. I grew up in an area that was really diverse,” said Felix.

Felix is anxious to work in a similar atmosphere because she now has the opportunity to give back to the community just as her high school teachers and principal did to her. It was Felix’s high school principal that inspired her to work as she does today.

After high school, Felix attended George Mason University, George Washington University, and Strayer College, where she accumulated a number of degrees.

“I have an associates degree in computer information systems,” said Felix. Along with her associate’s degree are a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a masters in special education, a masters in education, and an M.E.D. in education leadership.

Before coming to AHS, Felix worked at Riverside Elementary, Oakton High School, and Mt. Vernon High School, which was the most recent. “I was very much inter“Felix” continued on pg. 4

“Nominations” continued on pg. 4

ASHLEY JONES

Fairfax County Public School teachers and administrators were shocked to hear of the sudden death of FCPS chief academic officer, Nancy Sprague, 59, who died Oct. 31 in her sleep at her house in Falls Church. According to Falls Church police, Sprague died of a heart ailment. Although she had just recently recovered from breast cancer in 2002, Sprague was described as healthy.

Along with Chief Academic Officer of FCPS, Sprague was Nancy Sprague also the chief deputy to superintendent, Daniel A. Domenech. Her job was centered on managing all the educational programs of Fairfax County public schools, including adult and special education services.

Sprague started with FCPS in 1990 as an assistant superintendent for instructional services. Under her guidance and hard work, many vital programs have been instigated throughout the school division, including the ESOL program, the International Baccalaureate program, and a large and well functioning summer school program.

Preceding her employment with FCPS, Sprague served as the assistant to the superintendent of Falls Church City Schools, as well as a middle school principal and high school assistant principal. Sprague also taught social studies at George Mason Junior-Senior High School in Falls Church.

Expulsions on the rise

SEAN SULLIVAN

FCPS leader dies

Honestly D.C. is a great place to hang out on the weekend

Assistant Principal Lisa Felix took over Jon Frederickson s position at AHS and said she is excited about her new job because where she grew up was also a diverse place.

Officials determined in local elections

Yes

Undecided

51%

22%

27%

349 students were surveyed during R5 Flex on Nov. 5 and R5 class on Nov. 6

TINA DOUROUDIAN

No

BY CRISTIAN HERNANDEZ Staff Writer

Senior Laura Barker worked closely with Vivian Watts campaign manager Rick Fromberg for the Young Democrats Club on election day.

Local elections took place on Nov. 4. Races varied from district supervisors to the election of Fairfax County School Board members from all districts and at large members.

In the Mason district, Kaye Kory was reelected. She has been a member of the board since 1999. She won by 57 percent of the vote, defeating opponent Douglas J. Barylski.

“When they vote on things a vote counts,” said Math teacher Gail Chmura. The board consists of 12 members, nine from each district and three at large members. AHS belongs to the Mason District. The board approves budget and budget

plans for the schools. “The county has a varying population from one district to another, it is good to have a school board member that will speak on behalf of the school,” said Chmura.

Kory’s campaigned was supportive of decreasing class sizes and over crowdedness in schools. Kory also campaigned in favor of salary increases for teachers. Kory argued that education is not cheap, and she will fight to ensure that the schools are properly funded, and for Fairfax to maintain excellent tests scores.

“We look forward to another term of positive growth,” said Principal Rod Manuel. Since Kory was reelected no major policy changes are expected. “Not a lot will change in Annandale spe“Elections” continued on pg. 5

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EDITORIALS

Segregation at AHS, we left it in 1954 I was disturbed by allegations made in “Diversity at AHS,” an editorial written by Paul Gleason in the Oct. 15 issue The A-Blast. Referring to Annandale students as “self-segregated,” Paul Gleason has sadly missed a unique and vital part of our school.

In regards to his reference to “traditions” being the cause of this so called “self-segregated” school, he missed the definition of tradition. By no means do students divide because of their “traditions.” If there is validity to his statement of “self-segregated” students, then it is their preference of music, their role models, or simply what makes them tick. “Traditions” don’t divide our school; ideologies are what cause us to differ.

I can concur to his allegations of students separating at lunch, but does this really make us self-segregating?

Students in Annandale have no problem interacting with different nationalities. In the classroom students come together willingly to work on projects.

In clubs, students from all walks of life come together in a common interest.

However, there are times when a student wants to speak their language, or make jokes that only someone of their ethnic background would understand.

Does who students sit with at lunch determine whether a school has a diverse community?

I agree, our school does divide, but no more than any all white, or all black school, filled with people who divide because of their interests. The statements ofAnnandale’s great diversity are not simply allegations, but they speak volumes of our everyday life.

Brown V. Board of Education ended segregation. Annandale students have no desire to bring it back.

Sincerely, Angela Briggs S.G. A President on behalf of the 2003-2004 Leadership Class.

Hammurabi, an ancient Babylonian ruler once said “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” Although this principle of law was established thousands of years ago, in some respects, it is still in practice in the U.S. Capital punishment has been part of the U.S. justice sytem for hundreds of years. In colonial times, people were hanged, stoned and exectued by a firing squad.

Today, “more humane” methods of exection such as electrocution, suffocation in the gas chamber, and lethal injection are used. Desipte the changes in the means of execution, the question remains—Is it practical, ethical and humane to exectue a prisoner? The answer is no.

It is a common misconception that it is more expensive to sentence someone to life in prison than to execute them. Facts prove that this is just not true. Holding capital trials costs the states millions of taxpayer dollars, while regular criminal trials are much cheaper. In capital trials, both prosecutors and defense lawyers are giving more pre-trial prepartion time to prepare their case. In addition, more lawyers are needed and more time is giving to selecting juries. All of these things make the average capital trial three to five times longer than the average criminal trial. Time is money. For example, the average capital trial in North Carolina costs $2.16 million more than a regular criminal trial with a sentence of life in prison. The state of Florida spends an extra $51 million dollars per year on the death penalty.

The millions of dollars spent on carrying out capital trials and executions could be spent on much nobler causes such as education, health care and other public services.

Sincerely, Chip Brandt on behalf of the 20032004 Leadership class

Propontents of the death penalty argue that it deters crime; however, statistics prove exactly the opposite.

States that have the death penalty tend to have higher crime rates than states that do not execute prisoners.

Over the past two deecades, states that practice the death penalty have homicide rates that range from 48 percent to 101 percent higher than states that have banned the death penalty. The South, which accounts for 80 percent all of executions, has the highest crime rate of any region in the U.S. Other countries around the world have abolished the death penalty, and their homicde rates have not increased. When Canda abolished the death penalty in 1976, their homicide rate did not climb. On the contrary, it was 23 percent lower than the previous year. If the death penalty costs more money than imprisonment for life, and fails to deter crime, what purpose does it serve?

Statistics have also proven the that the death penalty is unfairly handed out in larger proportions to minorities.

Of all the homicide cases in the U.S., only half involve a white victim. However, more than 80% of capital punishment trials involve white victims. In addition, death sentences are handed down at a much higher percentage when the defendent is black and the victim is white, than when the defendent is white and the victim is black.

Death sentences have no postive influence on American society. They squander precious tax dollars that could be put to much more useful programs and areas that benefit people. A main argument in support of the death penalty is that it deters crime. Conversely, states with the death penalty have higher homicide rates than states without the death penalty. In states that carry out the death penalty, it is handed down unfairly to minorities, especially when the victim is white.

ILLUSTRATION BY REBECAA KRAUSHAAR

Many things have changed since the times of Hammurabi’s code of laws. No longer should death be considered a legal and humane punishment. The death penalty serves only as an act of vengence. The death penalty is not logical—killing a murderer in not civilized. Equal retribution for crimes committed is not the answer. As Ghandi once said, “An eye for an eye leaves the world blind.”

Applications, homework swamp seniors

BY ALEX SILANO Academics Editor With every passing day, seniors find themselves becoming increasingly stressed out. The precedent set by teachers and parents alike, that kids are to succeed in the world by overloading themselves with work, hard classes and extra-curricular activities, has made the self proclaimed “best year of high school” a living nightmare.

Right now, the main focus of many seniors are college applications, an inevitable task that no one planning to go to college can avoid. The fact is, the entire process is downright confusing.

It is a drawn-out string of complicated requirements wrapped around pointless questions and endless forms. What’s worst is that everything has to be done separately. For example, first you are expected to fill out the standard application, consisting of background questions.

As long as you are competent enough to recall your street address and phone number, this section is a no-brainer.

Then comes the resume. Not only does this have to go on the original application, but it must also be sent separately through your guidance counselor. Every

student who is serious about attending fusion begins to build up because their college, spends their entire four-year ca- are items being sent to the college from reer in high school joining clubs and play- every direction. Will all of them make it on time? Are the colleges sure to have a ing sports to jazz up their resume.

After the grueling resume is finally folder for everything and do they expect completed, you can say that you have it all to arrive at the same time? This is finished your application and are ready the mystery known as college admissions.

After all of this, to send it off, or can you? the college of your After the application is choice still feels that completed and sent, you doesn’t “know you must “follow up” by sendSenior year is supposed itwell enough.” The soing the transcript away lution is to bother two separately. With this, the to be fun and relaxing, not a of your favorite teachguidance counselor needs more forms be filled marathon of work that leaves ers by asking them to write you a letter out, and they need to of recommendation. conduct an interview for you with no sleep and a bad Here, the teachers a means of writing a let- attitude. talk you up to the ter or recommendation. university, telling Finally, two weeks later, them of all the great you can get everything things that you have out of the way that your guidance counselor needs to do. done and what characteristics of yours Your application is in, your transcript stand out compared to other students. is in, almost done right? Wrong. Of course, it is not just a matter of askEven though your transcript includes ing a teacher to do this out of the blue. information about your ACT and SAT After gathering the courage to approach scores (which carry too much weight as them—pending that they will say yes—a is), most colleges expect that you send recommendation form must be completed the scores directly from the testing and given back to the teacher. Unfortucenter, or else they won’t be valid. Con- nately, this part of the application does

MAking the GrAde

Homecoming still strong This letter is in response to the article you wrote in the last edition of The A-Blast, specifically concerning your comments on Homecoming.

In your editorial, you state that Homecoming is a “fading tradition in our school,” and that this is because “each year our school grows more diverse.” As an active member of the Leadership class, I know that there is no way one can give credence to those statements. As it happens, we had more people attend events this year than we had in the four years I’ve been here. In fact, we sold out the Homecoming Dance!

Homecoming isn’t a “fading tradition” as you seem to believe. It may be different than it was 50 years ago, but participation is not an issue.

I don’t believe we’ll be getting rid of it anytime soon. If anything, we might consider moving the dance to a larger facility.

Nov. 10, 2003

Death penalty illogical; unfair

BY JOHN BERNHARDT Editorials editor

Letters to the editor:

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not rest in your hands. You just have to have faith that your teachers will write it and send it on time. If they forget, well that is too bad. The concept of recommendations has the possibility to kill strong student-teacher relationships and replace them with anger and frustration.

So, after much deliberation, the application deadline arrives. The recommendation is finished—or so you hope—and each separate part has been sent away, at least to your knowledge. Wow, feels like a tremendous weight has been lifted off of your shoulders, right? Maybe for some, but for many, including myself, this is just step one of the admissions process. Congratulations, one college down, five more to go.

The process starts all over again, and so do the weeks of tedious form-filling and stress of shipping everything out on time.

Senior year is supposed to be fun and relaxing, not a marathon of work that leaves you with no sleep and a bad attitude. This alone can give a student a heart attack, so how are we supposed to handle a schedule packed with higher level classes and hours of homework a night on top of this? Simply put, we are not. Sacrifices must be made, be it lackluster grades in school, or missed application deadlines, one way or another seniors will suffer.

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

Vol. 49 No. 4 November 10, 2003

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

No recounts necessary for local elections

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On Nov. 4, everything ran smoothly.

There were no major controversies over “hanging chads” or “pregnant chads.” This is a result of up-to-date voting machines in Fairfax County. Democrat Gerry Connolly was elected as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, over Republican Mychelle Brinkner. Unopposed local state delegate, Vivian Watts (D), retained her seat in Richmond.

California wildfires contained

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Firefights were finally able to halt the fires which have engulfed 740,00 acres of of California. Since they began nearly two weeks ago, these fires have killed 22 people and destroyed 3,600 homes. Firefighters have been working around the clock to slow to spread of the fires. As a result of the damage inflicted, the federal government has given some financial aid to help victims.

U.S. casualities continue to mount

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Sixteen Americans, who were on their way home from Iraq, died when their Chinnock helicopter was shot down outside of Fallujah. Twenty other U.S. soldiers were wounded in the attack.

The 10-ton helicopter was shot down by a shoulder-fired missile. This is the single deadliest day, since the first day of invasion.

College newspaper censored

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JoAnn Haysbert, the president of Hampton University, confiscated all copies of the student newspaper because her letter to the editor wasn’t printed on the front page, like she had asked. Haysbert attempted to cover up the censorship of the newspaper by saying that the issue had been “delayed.”

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

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

CSPA Gold Medalist 2002-2003

Pacemaker Finalist National Scholastic Press Association 2002-2003

Trophy Class Virginia High School 2002-2003

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

EDITORIALS

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Nov. 10, 2003

‘Under God’ we debate The pledge does not infringe on rights, but instills nationalism

hibiting the free exercise thereof,” states the First Amendment of the Constitution, and the pledge is in full accordance with these dictates. A reference to a deity by no stretch of the imagination constitutes an establishment or a prohibition of the free exercise of one’s beliefs.

If “under God” in the Pledge of AlBY MATT WIEST legiance is, as alleged, unconstitutional, Sports Editor should then the multitude of other referpledge allegiance to the flag of the ences be struck from our national tradiUnited States of America and to tions? Are the allusions to God in the the republic for which it stands, Presidential Oath of Office and nearly evone Nation under God, indivis- ery courtroom oath also unconstitutional? ible, with liberty and justice for all.” To strike such references from daily life These familiar words have become part in the United States is to ignore the prinof a daily ritual for the better part of us since ciples upon which this nation was founded. our first days in America’s public school sysAnyone arguing that America is a strictly tems. However, they have come under fire secular state is sadly mistaken. Whether the past three years by Michael Newdow, a the individuals seeking to eradicate “unCalifornia atheist, who has protested the der God” from the pledge are forgetful or phrase “under God” in the Pledge of Alle- just ignorant, they pay no mind to the fact giance. In 2000, much to the chagrin of the that the United States was founded on majority of Americans, the Ninth Circuit Judeo-Christian prinCourt of Appeals ruled ciples. Save Thomas in his favor, declaring Jefferson, most of the the pledge unconstituFounding Fathers tional on the grounds were of the Christian The existence of “under faith, and they delibthat it violates the First Amendment freedom of God” in the Pledge conerately intertwined religion. The Supreme their religious beliefs Court has consequent- notes no establishment of into the foundations ly agreed to review the of our nation, regardcase in a decision that a state religion in America. less of whether or not could potentially turn they themselves were the tide in the ongoing devout followers. For culture war in America. instance, Benjamin However, Newdow Franklin said, “The and the judges of the Ninth Circuit seem to longer I live, the more convincing proof be missing the fundamentals of its presence I see of this truth—that God governs in in the pledge. To understand its meaning, the affairs of men.” His statement reflects the phrase “under God” must be analyzed the nature in which the Constitution was in the context of the pledge and the nature constructed. Although Patrick Henry was of the government for which it stands. ultimately opposed to the Constitution, he The existence of “under God” in the was instrumental in the creation of some pledge connotes no establishment of a state of the most basic tenets of our country. Of religion in America. Rather, it implies more religion and government, Henry said, “It of a patriotic assertion. It is a reference to cannot be emphasized too strongly or too the fact that some greater force is guid- often that this great nation was founded ing our government, namely, the force of not by religionists, but by Christians, American unity and patriotism. Added to not on religion but on the Gospel of Jethe pledge in 1954 during the height of Cold sus Christ. We shall not fight alone. God War tensions, the words “under God” serve presides over the destinies of nations.” to provide the citizens of our nation.

Even Thomas Jefferson, the champion of The vast majority of religious freedom in America, recognized the which hold some existence of certain innate truths in governsort of religious ment, notably, “that all men are endowed belief in a deity by their Creator with certain unalienable (94% according to rights.” While the religious makeup of Amera 2001 Gallup Poll). ica has diversified profoundly over the past The 99-0 Sen- two centuries, the sentiments inherently ate vote voicing associated with the United States governits disapproval ment and Constitution as a whole, that is, with the court the Judeo-Christian principles upon which ruling this nation was founded, have not changed can attest to at all. Indeed, America is not officially a the fact that nation of any religion, but the tenets of the the nation religious beliefs of our Founding Fathers are is strongly embedded deeply in our political system. behind the The phrase “under God” in the Pledge pledge as it of Allegiance is a reflection not only of is right now. national unity and patriotism, but also of The the intentions of our Founding Fathers. To Pledge of separate religious allusions from public Allegiance life is to distort the characteristics of this does not nation that have accompanied its growth violate from its very inception. The pledge, as the First it is now, is a platform for all Americans Amendto express their pride that comes natument rally with the privilege of being American. freedom After all, those not wishing to recite the of religion, pledge are not required to do so. “Under as it is by God” in the pledge serves simply to acknowlSenior Aubrey no means edge a fact, that our nation was founded Welch, like many an im- on certain Judeo-Christian principles, and students at AHS, pays respect to pediment that we are united by the common faith in the flag during the to free our nation. It is virtually impossible to Pledge of Alliegence. practice. eradicate references to religion that are so “Congress deeply ingrained in American public life. shall make no The Constitution guarantees us the freedom law respecting of religion, not the freedom from religion. an establishment of religion, or pro-

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PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN

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The pledge impedes on constitutional principles

way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future.”

Perhaps Eisenhower was uninBY JOHN REISS formed, but America’s heritage Entertainment Editor was built on freedom, including hen an immigrant the freedom of religion. He also is taking the U.S. may not have noticed, butAmerica Citizenship test, was facing its largest influx of imit includes various questions migrants ever which brought a relating to America, its history multitude of religions. The numand political system. One of the ber of immigrants would continue questions asks the test taker to to grow until today, and still is.

It’s not fair to those who “name three rights or freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.” work so hard to escape oppresNow if he or she put in freedom of sion or persecution and join our religion as one of their answers, country, only to be privy to a and I were checking the test, I more subtle form of oppression.

Perhaps we need another would mark their answer wrong. amendment to the pledge, It is true that the Bill of Rights establishes that “Congress shall something along the lines of “One make no law respecting an nation under God, and Allah and establishment of religion” in the Buddha.” While we would still First Amendment. The Pledge of not be supporting freedom of reAllegiance goes against this prin- ligion, we would be forcing people ciple because it is supposed to be to unify under a god, or gods.

The point is that while the a way for someone to show their commitment to the U.S. by asking law which instituted God into the them to pledge themselves to God. pledge was written at time when Early next year, the Supreme Christianity was the predominant religion in the U.S. and had an Court will influence be hearing on the a case on line, it is whether longer the Pledge . . . we are not “One na- no the case. of Alletion under God,” we are one We live in giance is a country unconstination under many gods. where the tutional diversity or not; of people whether varies as the line, much as “One religion. nation the United under god,” should be removed. If States ever was one country In 1948, the Supreme Court ruled in McCollum vs. Board under God, we now make a of Education of School Districts mockery of that statement.

When Roy Moore, Chief that religious instruction in pubJustice of the Alabama Supreme lic schools was a violation of the establishment cause; therefore, Court, had a cast of the Ten Commany religious practices which mandments placed in front of the had been customary in schools Alabama state Court in Montgomare in violation of the Constitution. ery it was removed within a year.

Some religious practices Even after an appeal by Moore, were removed; however, some the placement of the Commandaspects of religion are still pres- ments were found illegal due to ent—most significantly the the establishment of a specfic crucial line of the Pledge of Al- religion by a government-funded legiance. This oath unites the institution. In comparison, while thousands of religions present in it is not necessary for students to America under God, not any gen- recite the pledge, it being placed eral god, but the Christian’s God. in front of them, establishing a The pledge calls for a certain religion to represent their nation.

True upholders of American amount of pride and respect. It is suppose to instill a sense of ideals call upon the necessity of nationalism and respect for our an amendment of the Pledge of country and those who have Allegiance, which no longer will worked so hard defending its associate the country as being ideals. However, I find it hard to “One nation under God,” but salute those who have fought to rather as a singular nation that protect American ideals, by de- guarantees our basic freedoms.

Some may call the protest stroying what they’ve worked for by saying “one nation, under God.” of the pledge to be unpatriotic, The rudiment of the United but is it also unpatriotic to exStates’ beliefs is the many free- ercise our right to protest? The doms and rights we guarantee, battle for the pledge draws in the most important of those in many aspects of our society and these in the First Ammendment. government, but always leads When the pledge was first writ- back to the fact that we are not ten in 1892, it did not include the “One nation under God.” We are phrase, “one nation under God” one nation under many gods. until 1954 when an amendment passed before Congress, placing the line within the pledge. The president at the time, Dwight Eisenhower, had no problem with this, stating that, “In this

W

“

White kids began to say the elections were rigged.

So the only reason I won most artistic was because I’m white? How conceited of me to think this whole time I thought people actually liked the films and CDs I’ve made. What about Eklund and Briggs? Eklund is popular, athletic, and a successful IB student; Briggs is president of the SGA, the morning announcer, also a successful IB student and just as amiable as Eklund.

But no, they’re right, it must be because of our race.

In a society where race is not supposed to be imOpinion portant, why do we inflate

By Paul Gleason the issue? We will never be able to eliminate racism. It is so deeply seeded in our country’s background that it will never go away, but we absolutely cannot expect it to leave when we use it as a means to create skepticism.

Homecoming is proof, not that white kids hate black kids or vice versa, but that race becomes a factor when it is of convenience. Here at AHS we put forth an effort to judge on “the content of their character,” and yet it is still all too common for us to use scapegoat rationalization to

Paul au o tics

Do you feel that the word “God” should be removed from the pledge of allegience?

“No, because you have a choice to pledge your allegience, and if you don’t believe in God you don’t have to.”

—Tony Chung freshman “No. I think it’s important for our country, as a whole, to have something to believe in.”

—Drew Chadwick freshman “Yes. Sometimes I refuse to say the pledge because of that word. It brings religion into school.”

—Mohamad Rahman sophomore “No, because it has been around for so long. It doesn’t influence anyone. ”

”

The race factor: its role in society Because he’s black. Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh reasons this is why Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Donavon McNabb is so highly rated. When the Eagles played the Redskins, I saw McNabb hurdle a linebacker’s tackle and get a first down. His ability and talent are quite misleading; apparently it was because he’s black.

It makes sense. Even our Supreme Court decided that it was okay for the University of Michigan to use race as a determining factor when accepting students. So it is okay to judge people on their race.

During the senior panoramic photograph, I overheard a group of black students talking. “The senior superlatives were rigged...everyone’s white...”

I won “most artistic.” I’m white.

During the homecoming pep rally a large group of students booed Johnny Eklund as he was crowned homecoming king (a deplorable act for a school with such diversity). Afterwards another group of black students were saying the homecoming king elections were rigged.

Eklund is white.

Is this racism targeting the white population of America?

No. That very same day Angela Briggs was crowned homecoming queen.

Briggs is black.

3

satisfy our disappointments and frustrations.

We often discuss race in terms of black and white, but race pertains to every hue and tone, especially here at AHS. Granted we still have plenty of inequities in our society (nonwhites are far more likely to live in squalor and poverty in inner cities), but this alone does not establish that skin color is a determining factor, in everyday life. If race is such a factor does that mean that all of life’s achievements and successes are are in part because of one’s skin? Is it true that every grade, every compliment, every sensation of satisfaction are all in part because of race?

What a shameful world we live in, where skepticism has made substance the result of appearance.

Race is a scapegoat and crutch. It takes away the glory of success, and to ease the pain of misfortune.

Could it be that Donavon McNabb is a great athlete?

Could it be that I am actually artistic? Could it be that Ecklund and Briggs are deserving of their crowns?

Until we become a color-blind society these questions will arise and the “dream” shall go unfulfilled.

—Danielle Larmett junior “Not really. Well personally, I don’t say ‘under God,’ but it is your choice to say it or not.”

—Abby Jojic senior “No, because when you pledge allegience, you pay attention to the words and think of God because he created you. ”

—Asadullah Frahmand senior “No, because it is what our country was established on.”

—Rod Manuel principal

Oct. 15, 2003 Corrections Issue 3

—Crossing guard Wilhelm Jonach’s name was misspelled on page 1, “Crossing guard hit by car before school.”

—Sophomore Tammy McCoy was misidentified on page 15, “We got spirit, how ‘bout you?”

—Junior Meghan Johnson’s name was misspelled on page 16 on the rail.

—Sophomore Thera Lomdardi was misidentified as a junior on page 17 on the rail.

John Hawes John Hawes, government teacher, came to AHS four years ago after 30 year tenure in the State Department.

Eleanor Shumaker With 14 years at AHS, Eleanor Shumaker has taken her students overseas to learn about World War II battles.

Susan Taylor A conselor and math teacher for 23 yearsA 23-year Susan Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge to the students she advises.

Alan Weintraut The A-Blast adviser Alan Weintraut has been with AHS for ten years, teaching journalism, IB Film Study and AP Enlish Language and Composition.

NEWS BRIEFS Early Dismissal on Thursday and Nov. 26.

Thursday, students will be dismissed three hours early for a staff development opportunity with the feeder middle schools. Also, on Nov. 26, students will be dismissed two hours early for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Operation understanding DC

Operation Understanding DC is looking for juniors of African-American or Jewish descent to participate in a workshop designed to dispel stereotypes, promote cooperation, and work to fight all kinds of discrimination. The deadline for applications is Nov. 21. See Mrs. Roth in the career center for more information.

Radford University bus trip

Radford University is sponsoring their annual bus trip on Sat. Nov. 15. AHS students will be given a tour of the campus and take part in Admissions and Financial Aid seminars.

Ramadan Lunch Sites

Students who are fasting for Ramadan through November 24 may go to the following locations: R5 - Room 126 (Ms. Grim) W6 - Room 133 (Ms. Edwards) R5/W6 - Library

AHS Fund for IB Testing

Last year AHS became the first and only school in FCPS to ensure that every student, regardless of ability to pay, could take the IB orAP courses. The exams cost $12,000 and the AHS PTSA has made a monetary commitment to pay this fee for AHS students. The PTSA is asking students to donate as much as possible to cover some part of the fee. Students can pay money to Erin Albright or their IB teachers.

Ecologist speaks at Clausen Hall

Wayne Young, an ecologist from the Maryland Environmental Service, spoke with biology students about a Chesapeake Bay restoration project. This project will commense in the spring. For more information please contact Jessica Doll,

Nov. 10, 2003

Teacher of the year nominees “Nominations” from pg. 1 he said. Hawes hopes to teach for many more years before retiring.

U.S. History teacher Eleanor Shumaker is another nominee for Teacher of the Year. This is her fourteenth year teaching at Annandale, following jobs teaching in Michigan, California, Maryland, Virginia, and Germany, where she taught at a middle school. She was able to take her students to NATO headquarters and Luxembourg for lessons on World War II and the Battle of the Bulge, a teaching tool she says helped her greatly in getting her students interested.

“It’s the richest school I’ve ever taught at, but Annandale is certainly a different experience.”

She hopes to teach for at least

four more years, and run a toy store in her retirement—both she and her husband collect toys.

Counselor Susan Taylor is also a nominee for the award.

She has spent all of her 23 years at Annandale as both a math teacher and counselor.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Taylor majored in math and teaching. “I love working with teenagers.” After thirteen years as a math teacher, and after spending time with her newborn children, she decided to take up counseling. “It was compatible for me with raising a family. I think I’m lucky,” she says. “I’m lucky to have a job that I love.”

Teacher and A-Blast advisor Alan Weintraut was also nominated for Teacher of the Year.

Now in his tenth year teaching, he teaches both Journalism1, Journalism 2-4 (where students work on The A-Blast), Film Studies, and AP Journalism.

A graduate of the University of Iowa, Weintraut was a social work major and first worked in a homeless shelter. He then moved to journalism, where he worked in the field as both a journalist and photographer. His decision to teach was “a happy medium between journalism and social work.” He hopes to teach for many more years; “you have to do what you love, and I’ll keep doing it until I don’t like doing it anymore. You really have to get up every day and enjoy going to your job, and I do.”

JILL GUERIN

Nominees for Teacher of the Year

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Counselor Susan Taylor fills out a hall pass for an inquiring student.

Taylor has been at AHS for 23 years, being a math teacher for the first 13 years of her tenure.

Orchestra performs at Concert Band

BY JOE BURKE Staff Writer The symphonic orchestra took the stage on Oct. 30, dressed in Halloween costumes and ready to entertain the crowd with their program of lighthearted music, consisting of Halloween-themed and other popular music. The fall concert took place at Fairfax High School and consisted of performances by a combined orchestra of AHS and Fairfax orchestra members.

The performance was what is known as a “pops” concert. This means that instead of playing the more serious and “heavy” works usually performed by the ensembles, the combined orchestra played recognizable and somewhat humorous works. One popular work the ensemble performed was a trilogy of songs by John Williams, the popular film-scorer. The piece incorporated themes from the movies Star Wars, Jurassic Park and Raiders of the Lost Ark. The orchestra went on to

tra is also too large to fit on stage at AHS, even if the auditorium’s construction were finished. Fairfax’s auditorium and stage proved very well suited as a venue for the concert.

The orchestra members dressed in costumes to celebrate the concert’s Halloween theme. Students were dressed in a wide variety of costumes, including the killer from Scream and a patient from a doctor’s office, complete with an artificial posterior showing through the opening in the “patient’s” gown. There were a number of devil and bunny dressed performers on stage too. The costumes added more amusement to the already entertaining event.

The excellent performance by the orchestra made it clear that their preparations had paid off well. McKay said, “The kids worked really hard and did a good job at the concert.”

JILL GUERIN

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NEWS

play “Latin Gold,” a medley of popular Latin tunes such as “La Bamba” and “Oye Como Va.” The orchestra also performed classical works of a lighthearted nature, like the “Toy Symphony” by Leopold Mozart, and Gounod’s “Funeral March of a Marionette,” which is recognizable because of its incorporation as the theme of the television show Alfred Hitchcock Presents…

The “Toy Symphony” uses the timbres of a traditional orchestra combined with sounds from childhood toys to produce a fun filled aural

experience for the listener.

The orchestra performers and audience both enjoyed the musical selections. Orchestra director Roger McKay said, “The musical selections chosen by the Fairfax High director were very good and were a lot of fun for the kids.”

The concert was held in the auditorium of Fairfax High School. The AHS auditorium, as is evident to most students who pass through that area of the school, is under construction and thus not able to hold such an event. The combined orches-

Former A-Blast adviser dies

BY SOHAIB KHAN Staff Writer Former English, journalism and creative writing teacher Kelly Godwin Harding died Oct. 22 from emphysema and pneumonia in Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood, New Jersey. She was 68.

Born in Wilmington, N.C., Harding graduated from the University of North Carolina. She taught atAHS for 18 years.

Previously Harding taught French and English for two years at Wakefield high School in Arlington, Virginia.

She moved to Jackson, New Jersey in 1995 after retiring from AHS in 1994.

“Harding was a terrific collaborator and a fascinating teacher. I do not think she ever had a students who just did

not love her,” said Shirley Gustafson, veteran substitute. “She was a wonderful lady; she cared about her students.”

She was also really cooperative with her staff and helped out other teachers.

“She use to help me a lot in teaching grammar. She would help me explain an answer to my students during her class when I could not answer them,” said Pam Feil, English Dept. chair.

“She was a complete person, very focused and always cheerful and happy no matter what was going on in her life, but she had a serious side too,” said Gustafson.

Survivors include his 45-yearold husband, Paul E. Harding Jr. of Jackson, NJ and her two sons, Jeffrey Kelly Godwin Harding taught at AHS for Harding of Alexandria, Virginia, and 18 years.

Douglas Harding of Jackson, NJ.

Jonach recovers after accident “Guard” from pg.1 In 1999 Jonach went to work as a crossing guard at Orange Hunt Elementary School. He became a crossing guard at AHS last September.

He had many concerns about the area when he first started working at the crosswalk of Heritage Drive and Four Year Run. “The illegal parking [was a concern], the crosswalk not connecting to the foot pass, the speed of the cars going through [the area was a concern],” said Jonach. He took pictures of the area and handed a file into the school. He wanted something to be done about the illumination in the area. Jonach said that many times people drove right through the intersection and that he has been hit before, only with less of an impact.

“Next time it could be a whole group [of people who get hit],” said Jonach.

He thinks that illumination is key to keeping the area safer. He also thinks that the crosswalk needs to be marked better and there need to be better signs leading up to the

crosswalk. Jonach said that the speed leading up to the intersection changes ten feet before the actual area, therefore many people are coming into the crosswalk at too high of a speed. He said that it is a very difficult intersection to control, but the lighting and the warnings leading up to the crosswalk need to be increased.

“It is appalling how little priorityisgiventoschoolcrossings,” said Jonach. “A crossing guard alone can only do so much.”

Jonach hopes to return to work after six months, although his doctor has told him it will be a year before he can resume being a crossing guard.

“I miss it. I miss it very much. And I hope that I will be back there soon,” said Jonach.

Jonach knows something about recovery, too. In 1992 Jonach was the Executive Chef at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. He was plugging in an industrial size kitchen utensil when he was hooked on the electric current.

He received an electric shock of about 7,000 volts. Jonach suffered severe internal burns and virtually no external

burns. It took him six years to get back to normal health.

“TherearefouryearswhereI don’t remember anything,” said Jonach, in reference to the electric shock that he experienced.

Jonach was born in 1948 in Villizh, Austria and he has five brothers and six sisters.

He has lived and worked in 48 different countries and at one point he spoke 11 different languages. He received a mastery degree in culinary arts in Austria and was granted the privilege to cook for the Queen of England. He has also been a part of the White Hat Brigade, which recognizes excellence in French cuisine. Jonach met his wife, Amy, in Sydney, Australia and they have an eleven-year-old daughter, Kara.

“I’m really proud to be part of this community and this country,” said Jonach, who moved here in December of 1988. “There is none as welcoming as this country.”

Jonach was extremely thankful for the outpouring of kindness from the community.

“I especially thank the school for their gifts and cards,” he said. Many people sent him

gifts and well wishes and members of the community cooked Jonach and his family dinner on various occasions.

“It really moves you because I didn’t expect anything,” said Jonach.

Fellow crossing guard, Shirley Hanson, set up a recovery fund for Jonach. Jonach said that as soon as he heard about the account he told Hanson to close the account. Hanson brought Jonach $210 and he gave it to the Police Benevolent Fund. The Police Benevolent Fund was created to help the families of officers who may have a fatal accident. The family will be given $15,000 from the account the following day to help with any expenses.

“I don’t want any money or need it. There are people who need it more,” said Jonach. “A smile and a well wish go a long way.”

Jonach has an optimistic outlook for his recovery. He said that the accident was unfortunate, but he knows that it could have been much worse.

“Whatever my bumps and bruises, they will heal,” said Jonach. “I will be back.

rocks festival Band travels to Charlottesville and receives superior rating

BY JOE WILBUR Staff Writer The signal was given. Fifteen minutes and counting.All at once, as everyone rushed out on to the field and began to practice, they emitted a variety of noises that shortly developed into a melody worthy of a “superior” title.On Oct. 18, The Marching Atoms traveled to Charlottesville High School to perform in the Virginia State Marching Band Festival, sponsored by the Virginia Band and Orchestra DirectorsAssociation (VBODA). For the tenth year in a row, they earned the superior rating, the highest mark possible.

This landmark proves that through all the “band geek” jokes in the hallways, the Marching Atoms are one of the most successful sports (or extracurricular activities) at AHS. The Marching Atoms presented “Malaguen’a,” “La suerte de los tontos” and “Dindi” for the five judges that lasted seven minutes.

Jack Elgin, the Director of Bands, said he was extremely proud of the band of the band and their effort, especially the color guard’s improvement in the second half of the season. Jessica Gray, a section leader for the color guard, contributed the success of the guard to their ability to stay focused. “We did our best and achieved what we wanted from the beginning,” said Gray. No one is perfect however. “We could have smiled more,” she said, showing the Marching Atoms’ effort to pay attention to detail in every way.

One major difference that happened this year is that the senior gave the underclassmen a short pep talk to encourage them and let them know how much it means to them to achieve the title. It’s easy to get nervous, because, as Elgin put it, “Five judges hold the success of your year.”

If Elgin has one complaint about this year, it is the excessive number of canceledpractices due to inclement weather. Because of Hurricane Isabel, they lost several key practices that they were initially planning on using. A key factor in the band’s success is Elgin’s view on practice.

“We can’t rehearse enough,” he said.

Although they did walk away with the highest rating possible, Elgin still thought they needed more time to prepare. “You always want more time to rehearse,” he said.

Although the VBODAFestival is a much bigger event than a typical football game, the process of performing is usually the same. They both are given strict time constraints.

At football games, they have to fit their performance into halftime.

The festival gives each band a total of 15 minutes to set up, warm up, and perform. If they exceed that time, their rating is lowered.

The main difference is the mental preparation for such a large event. After a few performances, football games become routine, but the festival is something so much larger. “It’s a little different in their eyes,” said Elgin.

According to Elgin, The VBODA Festival was set up to indicate and evaluate the balance between marching and playing an instrument, and members must maintain an excellent work ethic to attain such a high rating so consistently.

NEWS

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Nov. 10, 2003

Seniors choose pictures, legacy

BY STACEY MARIN Staff Writer “I hate them all. I can’t find one that fits me right or best describes me. It’s my senior picture, and it’s going into the fiftieth anniversary yearbook. How will I ever choose which is best?” As the final round of senior pictures make their way back to waiting seniors, many are faced with a huge decision – which is best and good enough to go into the yearbook?

The seniors of 2004 have been in the process of taking their senior pictures, both the traditional headshot for the yearbook and outfit and pose shots, since May of their junior year. Seniors are given three opportunities to take their pictures, including the option of retakes, in May and June of their junior year, August before senior year, and in September and October of their senior year. Some students get their pictures done at the first opportunity while some wait until the last chance. Others take advantage of the multiple opportunities and get retakes taken.

Those who have more than one session to get their senior pictures have the benefits of choosing from not only all the pictures taken on one day but also pictures taken on a different day. “My second results came out better than the first,” said senior Andrea Arciniega.

While most hope to get a better result the second or third time around, that isn’t always the case. “I didn’t like my

retakes,” said senior Noorul Huda. “They didn’t turn out as well as the first time.”

The September/October option of senior pictures is taken during the school day. Because it’s during the day, this can create a problem with the time it takes to get ready. One of the main concerns of senior pictures is the preparation included to look one’s best. “I didn’t have enough time to prepare because the picture was taken in the middle of the day,” said Huda.

Despite when pictures are taken, girls tend to take more pride in how they look than guys do.

“Girls tend to worry about hair and makeup more. I think guys try to look good for their parents so they can send the pictures to family,” said senior Catherine Mazur.

“Guys spend fifteen minutes doing their hair; girls take longer. They want to look good in general. Guys don’t care as much.

I don’t care,” said senior Steve Smith.

Contrary to belief that an immense amount of extra preparation is put into senior pictures, some seniors didn’t find their habits extremely different than what they had done for past pictures. Some people, however, went the extra mile in getting ready to make sure they looked their best.

“I styled my hair and when through my clothes finding what looked best for the background,” Mazur said.

“My mom helped me get ready before school. She did my hair and makeup,” said senior Carrie Horton.

“We also ironed my clothes.”

“My hair was normal,” said Smith. “The only thing different from normal was that I wore a suit.”

“Girls put more effort into senior pictures,” said senior Mahlet Girma. “Guys take it like a regular yearbook picture.”

So picture day has come and gone—what comes next? Once seniors get their many proofs back, they are faced with one of the biggest challenges of all: choosing the best one to go into the yearbook. For this difficult task, many seek help of friends and family. Some, however, prefer to take on the challenge alone.

“I had twelve proofs to choose from. I looked at which picture looked best with the right background,” said senior Marti Covington. “My mom helped me choose.”

“I knew which I liked, and Senior Marisa Menezes browses through her chose the one that looked best,” many pictures with her father. Many seniors took said Girma. “People gave me their thier portaits multiple times in order to get thier opinions, but I knew which I wanted.” best look.

“I chose the one that looked the ever as a final reminder of high school life. best,” said senior MulkiAhmed. “My “It’s senior year – one picture spots friends and my sisters helped me choose.”

Senior pictures are considered one of your entire high school life,” said Horton.

“I didn’t think about my senior picture the defining moments of high school. Senior pictures will be remembered twenty as being forever until {Horton} pointed years from now when someone pulls out a it out to me,” said senior Yama Nadi. yearbook at a reunion. Senior pictures are the pictures that will be shown to children and grandchildren. Senior pictures last for-

Which would you pick? Help these seniors by choosing their best senior portrait. Submissions can be brought to room 233.

5 NEWS BRIEFS Artspeak! to perform November 11 at Poe MS

The first of six Artspeak! programs for the year will be held on November 11 at Poe Middle School at 7 p.m. Artspeak! is a program that brings Broadway and popular music stars to the AHS pyramid.

The aim of this program is to excite students and parents in the area about the arts. The guest for this free performance is Liz Callaway, a Broadway singer and actress. Callaway starred in the Broadway productions of Miss Saigon and Cats, as well as being the singing voice of Anastasia in the animated movie. Callaway will not only perform, but will talk about her career, answer student questions, and sign autographs.

Jack and Jill Black History Forum

Students who would like to participate in the annual Jack and Jill Black History Forum to be held in February should see Ms. Twyman in room 245 for information and to sign up. AHS is the reigning champion in this county-wide event.

Sophomore to perform at NOVA theater

Sara Terry, a sophomore, will be performing as a Big Mouse and a Maid in The Nutcracker on Nov. 22 and 23 at the NVCC theater in Annandale. For further information regarding show times and tickets, call 703-323-0101.

Settlemire passes away

On Tues. Nov. 4, in Locust Frove, VA, Daniel David Settlemire, at the age of 56 passed away. Settlemire was the husband of former finance secretary, Fran Settlemire. Visitation was held at Johnson Funeral Home, Locust Grove, VA on Fri. Nov. 7. Funeral services were held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at Nov. 8 with Rev. Paul Scalia officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to in the name of Daniel D. Settlemire to the Artritis Foundation, VA Chapter, 3805 Cutshaw Ave., Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23230.

Jonathan Eklund

Justine Bui

Robel Abraham

Cassie Holcomb

Number of expulsions on the rise at AHS High School Number of Expulsions 2002-2003

Lake Braddock

4

Annandale

3

JEB Stuart

3

Falls Church

2

Herndon

2

Fairfax

1

Edison

1

Hayfield

1

Robinson

1

West Potomac

1

Woodson

1

West Springfield FCPS Total

1 26

AHS expulsions among the highest in FCPS high schools.

“Expulsions” from pg. 1 all the blame. “I’m amazed how many kids are getting expelled. We’ve been doing SR&R since Kindergarten, so either the school administration is doing something wrong by not getting the message across or people just aren’t getting it,” said sophomore Rachel Seiden. Many AHS students support Annandale’s strict enforcement of the SR&R rules. “[Expulsion] is good.

It shows that they have no tolerance. It’s for our safety, but the SR&R rules don’t give us enough credit for being in high school,” said senior Phylicia Foreman.

It is often hard for a student to realize

Publication wins awards MOLLY STERLACCI Staff Writer When several members of the A-Blast visited the city of Richmond October 25th and 26th for a statewide convention, among several schools, Annandale’s A-Blast received the Trophy Class Award. The Virginia High School League (VHSL) sponsored this award.

Co-Editor-in-Chief of the ABlast, Paul Gleason, said “It was kind of funny, actually, at the Richmond Conference because we’ve been getting the awards for the past couple of years, and so when other schools got awards they started talking and screaming, but when we

walked up to receive our award, we were all casual and quiet about it.” The advisor of the ABlast, Alan Weintraut said, “I think the award validates the hard work the kids put into the newspaper and I’m really pleased with all of their hard work.” Additionally, the A-Blast staff attends the National Scholastic Press Association press conventions and consistently ranks in its top ten best of show contests. TheAntenna yearbook was also awarded with the gold medal from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

“I’m really proud about our yearbook lastyear and it’s great that we won,” said Cassie Holcomb,Antenna Editor-in-Chief.

the gravity of their situation when they are being recommended for expulsion.

“Students react without thinking in the heat of the moment, but when it’s all over and after they go through such emotional times with their family, they really regret what happened,” Tremaine said. “[Expelling a student] is about the hardest thing you have to do in this profession. It’s a very draining and emotional experience.”

Yet, Tremaine firmly believes that expulsion is not the end of the road and being expelled from a school does not make a person bad, but rather challenges them to perform better. “Several students have thanked me for adding structure to their lives. It’s a challenge but you can get through it by seeking help,” Tremaine said.

But with nine recommendations for expulsion already, AHS students and administrators have mixed emotions about how these numbers reflect upon

AHS. “It does say a lot about the kind of people we have here at AHS. It’s like they don’t care and they don’t want to be here,” said senior Amanda Bassa. “When that many people are getting expelled it affects the whole community, not just them.” However some firmly believe that the administration’s strict adherence to the SR&R guidelines continues to make AHS a secure environment. “The number of expulsions issued by AHS doesn’t reflect on the school. It’s more about the individual person,” said Safety and Security Specialist Cliff Cornwell. “[When considering a recommendation] we have to think of the whole student body versus an individual person,” said Cornwell. “We try to place them in a better environment and give them the best placement possible.”

Felix new asst. principal “Election” from pg. 1 ested in the diversity of Annandale,” said Felix.

Coming from Mount Vernon High, she was called an “A+” candidate for the position ofAssistant Principal. AHS principal Rod Manuel said that “She brings in to Annandale a very committed and dedicated person, who compliments the staff quite well,” and “she was the best candidate that we interviewed.” Manuel said Felix was quite an easy choice for the position of Assistant Principal.

Felix can notice a difference in AHS compared to other schools she has worked at. When describ-

ing other schools she worked at, Felix noticed that other schools were not as diverse or unified, while “at AHS, walking down the hall, you see many shades and languages,” said Felix. She feels that AHS is a more unified high school, in a sense that there is a “family-like” feeling to the environment.

Felix believes that there is no distinct line between the people and races at AHS, while when she has worked in other environments there has usually been more separation between different races.

Felix hopes to make AHS a better place for success. Most importantly, Felix wants to support the teachers and staff to help them work as a team to make the student body successful.

Felix is also going to work to ensure that students meet SOL standards. She is a believer in President Bush’s “no child left behind” statement, which says no student is going to

Students participate at local elections Members of political clubs volunteer on election day

Publication students work on The Antenna and The A-Blast on deadline week.

“Crossing Guard” from pg. 1 specifically,” said Manuel.

In the past our current members have helped out here in Annandale. “They helped us with the renovation and

Ossian Park,” said Manuel.

Although the election of new school members could have a big impact students don’t seem phased. Some didn’t even know what the election was on. “I didn’t care what they were voting on because I am not involved with the community,” said freshman Colin Webb. “ No I didn’t look in the newspaper, it wasn’t a big deal since I can’t vote,” said Sophomore Alex barker when asked if he knew about the elections. Some students knew

about it, but weren’t clear on the on it. “ Yeah, I kind of knew about it,” said junior Efie Xitbarek.

Most students seem to be confused on how I all functions.

It is important that students educate themselves on issues that may affect them directly. “ I Don’t think that students are aware of what the school board accomplishes,” said Chmura.

“As a student you always have to be aware of what is going on around you,’ said Manuel.

Kugler wins national award

Parent of two AHS alumni and an active Fairfax County Public School member, Eileen Kugler won the 2003 Philip C. Chinn Multicultural Book Award from the National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME).

Nominated by Doctor Jorge Osterling from George Mason University, for her book entitled Debunking the MiddleClass Myth, the award went to the book which included a great awareness and acceptance of a diverse society, contributed to a diverse education, held high multicultural standards and focused an interest in diverse issue.

In celebration of her win and to receive her award, Kugler flew to Seattle, Washington and attended the NAME conference dinner on Nov. 8.

Debunking the Middle-Class Myth focuses on the illusion people have that diverse schools are not good for students. Kugler challenges that idea and debates that a diverse student population offers better academic opportunities, social interactions and a wider view of the world. “Our society right now defines it as an idealized white school in an Ozzie and Harriet neighborhood. We have to realize how important it is to have diversity to make it a good school,” said Kugler.

This is the third award Kugler has received for her new book. Other honors include an Outstanding Academic Title award from Choice and she received Book of the Year from Delta Kappa Gamma.

The book is not currently available in book stores, Kugler says she is working hard to have that happen and readers may order the book online at www.embracediverseschools.com.

“This honor is particularly gratifying to me because it is the organization that represents researchers and professors that have been working in the fields [of multicultural education] for decades.

They are my heroes and for them to recognize me is very gratifying.”

A

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Students take PSATs

Following the administration of the PSAT/NMSQT on October 21st, students in grades 9-11 will be receiving their scores and information about the National Merit Scholarship Program. The top 8,000 from a group of 16,000 top national scorers will receive $2,500 scholarships. Finalists are selected on PSAT scores, academic record, and other criteria.

Those finalists may also be eligible for corporate-sponsored scholarships and college-sponsored special scholarships and admissions. Some semi-finalists may also be awarded corporate-sponsored scholarships for outstanding credentials.

Annandale students have before been selected a semi-finalists, but no students have won the scholarships. Administration hopes to see students take the PSAT test more seriously, and hope Annandale students will be selected for scholarships.

By Chris Sopher Ad Manager

Teens tried as adults

At 16 teenagers are too young to smoke, drink, vote, or even see a rated R movie, but two local teens weren’t too young to commit murder.

In the eyes of the law, age is no excuse for the two 16-year-olds charged with the beating death of Schuyler Jones, a junior at T.C. Williams.

Juvenile court Chief Judge Stephen W. Rideout ruled on Nov. 3 that Patrick Casey and Brian Adem, juniors from West Potomac High School, would be tried as adults for committing second-degree murder.

On Sept. 3 they were called by a friend to go beat up Jones at Market Square in Alexandria, no less than a mile from Jones’ home. Jones died after receiving four blows to the head and face.

Kevin Bohm, the 17-year-old from Bishop Ireton High School who didn’t strike Schuyler, but planned the attack, will remain in juvenile court. He may still eventually end up being tried as an adult if the prosecution is able to convince the grand jury to indict him.

Geoff Brown, a Junior, from T.C. Williams agrees with the judge’s ruling.

“What these people did is murder,” said Brown. “Their lives are never going to be the same...they deserve what’s coming.”

Brown knew Jones well. They both did crew at T.C. Williams in the spring and club crew in the fall.

Freshman year the two rowed on the same boat. “He was a really, really nice kid and a great person,” said Brown. “On top of that he was a stellar rower. He was always encouraging, even when he was better than the rest of the rowers.”

His unexpected death came as a shock to the entire community. A grief counselor came to T.C. Williams to help students cope. For the entire week after his death the school observed a moment of silence in Jones’ memory. T.C.’s club crew team remains at a loss without their teammate and friend.

“We just have to persevere through.

He’s motivated us to work harder,” said Brown.

As the students of the IB Information Technology in a Global Society class had class on Oct. 29, the director of Educational Technology for the United States Department of Education, John P. Bailey, listened in on the discussion and made notes on how technology is used in education at AHS. Bailey works with CEO’s of major companies, such asApple, and was trying to get the voice of students back into the technology decisions in schools.

Students began the session by discssing the current pros and cons of technology in the classrooms.

Then, the class was randomly split up into three teams, each having a question or problem that they had to attempt to solve. The four problems were school budget, school planning, technical support, and the impact of technology on education. The visitors split up into the groups to help think of ideas. Students would analyze the topic and share their findings with the class.

The budget group’s problem was “What should a school spend money on first?” Their solutions were to buy new computers and equipment, train teachers for troubleshooting, and to buy better software.

The school planning group had a problem that they had to decide which things in technology were most ben-

eficial to students. Their solutions were having computer labs open longer after school, more computers for each teacher, and having access to school networks from home.

The technical support group came up with the ideas of training teachers to improve their skills, creating student technical support groups, and training teachers over the summer to be able to fix more complex computer problems. The fourth and final group was the Impact Group.

Their answers to the impact of technology on education were that students would learn more, the presentations would be more creative and school would be more exciting.

Following a student survey, Bailey answered several questions about his job and his goals for future technology in schools. “Annandale is very fortunate to have this technology throughout the school,” said Bailey. “Technology makes school more interesting, and it brings new resources into the classroom. School is no longer limited to resources that are available in the library,” said Bailey.

In the near future, the U.S. Department of Education would like to see a few things. “We hope to see technology used more in schools all throughout the country. It would be very likely to increase the students’ involvement in class, and the students will have access to more resourceful information,” said Bailey. An example of having more technology in schools would be having laptops for students to use.

VAL GRAVES

Technology director visits students, AHS

BY MIKE WIEST Staff Writer

NEWS BRIEFS

Nov. 10, 2003

John P. Bailey, Director of Educational Technology for the U.S. Department of Education, observes as students, such as sophomore Sushill Kalyani, discuss technology issues.

Bailey saw his visit to Annandale as a “good way to observe what’s happening in the classroom.”

After Bailey gets the results from the surveys that students took, he will be able to further analyze how technology helps students, particularly AHS.

Military Fair held in flex Chorus prepares

for concert

BY CRISTIAN HERNANDEZ Staff Writer Students attended the military fair held in the upstairs gym during both flexes on Oct. 29. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard, recruiters focused on seniors and juniors, even though the fair was open to grades 9-12.

“Right now I’m doing a two-year nursing program, after that I plan on getting a bachelors degree, so when I Students jockey for the free gifts that the Army exchanged for join the military I’ll be attendance to the fair. an officer in the Navy fered t-shirts for pull-ups for the few and or the Air Force,” said senior Grace Kim, pausing her conversa- the proud students that dared. The Navy tion with an Army recruiter. She met an and Army both had prizes for push-ups.

A variety of brochures and flyers were Army recruiter last year and has been interested since. “I came to ask questions also available. For those who came beand talk to the recruiters,” she said as cause they were serious about the military, she got ready to go to the Navy’s station. recruiters offered cards which students Like Kim, many students came to ask could call to set up and interview. “If they questions and to find out if the military is meet qualifications, we set up to come to the path for them. “I wanted to see what the office and set up a practice test,” said was available,” said junior Danny Davis. TSQT Nicholson, a recruiter for the Navy.

The Army and the Marine Corps were For some students the fair was influencing. “Now I know what it is about, it would the more popular of the branches of the be interesting,” said junior Kiny Kim. military in attendance. “I like the Army The military fair also provided students most,” said Davis. Crowds of students with complimentary gifts for attendance. gathered around the recruiters and tables.

“I came for the prizes,” said sophomore The largest crowd was concentrated Trevor Robertson. That was the case for a around the pull up bar, students gathered number of the students attending. Prizes to watch their classmates be a part of varied from pencils, pens, T-shirts and the action. Although some students just even coffee mugs. The fair also offered wandered off in the gym running around, activities for prizes. The Marine Corps of- others opted to sit on the bleachers.

requires much commitment and talent. Performers have to rehearse at least three to four times per week.

Soloists were hand picked by Members of the AHS choir and professional musicians collaborated in Dixon through a competitive audition. the first fall musical performance of the Requiem soprano soloist Robin Zarth year to a packed house at St. Mark’s Lu- said “I liked my solo, but what I really theran Church on October 26 at 7 p.m. like hearing is all the voices together.”

Most of the performance consisted The chorus began preparing for the fall concert the second week of of Latin dialect and some in English. school under choral director Carleen Second-soprano Lianne Shugoll said, Dixon. “The first concert is always “Memorizing the Latin parts was very special, it’s the time when I do not that hard. You just have to keep a major classical piece and it’s prob- repeating the words and become ably the most difficult,” said Dixon. familiar with the sounds.” Requiem The first portion of the program and almost all classical choral music consisted of eight soloist pieces per- is very difficult, “it’s unusual for a high school to performed by more form a clasexperienced memsical piece,” bers of the chorus, said Dixon. followed by a I really enjoy chorus, we’re all Dung quick intermisNguyen sion and ending a group of good friends and said, “It’s my with a main piece first year inof the program: we always have a lot of fun. volved with Requiem by John chorus but Rutter.

The opening number —DouglasMartin I’m really was performed by sophomore enjoying it”.

Most of the bass Moses Choi singers are singing, If Music freshman be the Food of Love by Henry Purcell. Sopranos and sophomores, but there’s a lot of Molly Jepsen and Alisa Kieffer mes- potential and “everything seems to merized the audience with the final always work out” said Dixon, “the soloist piece, Sull’ Aria by Mozart. community was impressed that high“I really enjoy chorus, we’re school students could perform at all a group of good friends and such a level and I’m very proud of my we always have a lot of fun,” students for doing such an outstandsaid tenor Douglas Martin. ing job”.

Being a member of the chorus

BY LAELA SHALLAL Staff Writer

SHAYNA DUBLER

6

NEWS

“

”

make a Date Sunday

Monday

9

Tuesday

10

Flex W6/ R1 Fall Play Tech.

Rehearsal (Clausen Hall) Winter Sports Begins 7 p.m. Athletic Booster Meeting (Principal s Conf. room)

16

NOVEMBER

17

Wednesday

By Rebecca Kraushaar Writing Coach

2:15 p.m. Ice Cream Social (Cafeteria)

12

11 Veterans Day

18

7:00 p.m. PTSA Meeting (Clausen Hall)

Friday

13 MYP Articulation

2:15 p.m. College Partn-

Meeting

ship Program Meeting Underclass Pictures-

Early Dismissal - 11 a.m

Make-ups 7:20 a.m.-2:20 p.m.

7:30 p.m. - Fall Play Prefomance

(Upstairs Gym Lobby)

(Clausen Hall)

19

ASVAB- Juniors and Seniors (Career Center) 7:30 p.m. Fall Play Performance (Clausen Hall)

20

21

Flex R1/W8

Health Screening (Upstairs Gym/ Mat Room

Saturday

14 Flex R7/W2

Flex W8/R3

Report Cards Mailed Underclass PicturesMake-ups 7:20 a.m.-2:20 p.m.

(Upstairs Gym Lobby)

Flex R5/W6

Thursday

15

Fall Play Performance (Clausen Hall)

22

Health Screening (Upstairs Gym/Mat Room)

6:00 p.m. Fall Sports Banquet (Cafeteria)

SGA Canned Food Drive 23

24

Flex R7/ R3 Winter Sports Pictures (Main Gym)

25

7:00 p.m.

Red and White Night (Clausen Hall)

27

26

28

No Flex

2-hour early release

29

Thanksgiving Holiday Thanksgiving Day

30

1

2

Flex W2/ R1 TBA- V. Boys & Girls Basketball v. Tip-Off Tournament (Jefferson)

3

7:00 p.m. Girls Gymnastics v.

W & L, Jefferson, Lee

(Jefferson)

4

Flex W6/R3 Company Day All Day (Clausen Hall)

5 Company Day (All Day) 8:30 p.m. Swim & Dive v. T.C. (Lee District) TBA- V. Boys Basketball v.

Tip-Off Tournament (Madison) TBA- V. Girls Basketball v.

Tip-Off Tournament (H) TBA- V. Wrestling NOVA Classic

6 8-1:00 p.m. SAT s TBA- V. Boys Basketball v.

Tip-Off Tournament (Woodson) TBA- V. Girls Basketball v.

Tip-Off Tournament (Woodson) TBA- V. Wrestling NOVA Classic (Fairfax HS)

ACADEMICS

A

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Nov. 10,2003

7 Helpful hints to keep organized through the stressful application process.

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY

College checklist When getting ready to apply to the colleges of your choice, make a list of everything you need to do and check it off as you go. Here are some important requirements that you need to make sure to do:

TED GIBSON

Application(s)High SchoolActivitity Sheet (This entails all clubs, sports, and extra-curricular activities)

College visits influence students’ decisions The annual rush to finish college applications has begun as seniors narrow down their top college choices. During this time, sometimes seniors forget to look at all the aspects of college life, focusing soley on its academic standing. In addition to academics, the atmosphere of a college is a huge part of college life and should be weighed the same as the academic factor is.

At least half of college life depends on the atmosphere, or the environment one inhabits.

“Its not just about academics, it is also about social life,” said senior Lindsay Miller. “You can’t get the full effect of the college unless you visit it first hand.”

There are two ways to visit colleges. A person can do a virtual tour on the Internet, or he or she may visit an actual tour on a college campus. The advantage to actually visiting the college is that one is exposed to the life in which college students live by, and get an overall feeling about the campus.

Like almost all colleges in Virginia, the University of Virginia offers an on-campus tour. The tour is structured to benefit possible UVA students.

“They take you around to the important buildings and dormsandexplainwhatthecollegeexperienceisreallylike.“ “I found it interestingbecauseI reallydidn’t knowwhat to expect with how classes were run or what kind of social life you can have in college,” said senior Michael Perucci.

It is also a good idea to visit the places surrounding the campus, such as shops, restaurants and the neighborhoods. Doing this allows you a feeling of the town or city as a whole, including the campus. It is important to enjoy

TED GIBSON

BY ALEX WAHL Staff Writer

Senior Charlie Dickinson asks for information while visiting the George Mason University campus.

the town a college is located in as well as the campus. A student may be more inclined to prefer a school in a big city rather than one in a small town. It is important to know which one is right for the student. Virginia Tech has a great campus, but with the location of Blacksburg, Virginia, major shops are not as conveniently accessible as on the campus of UVA. There is a 20-minute drive to a mall at Virginia Tech, compared to a 10-minute drive at UVA. “If you don’t visit and end up there [in a college] it sucks because you have to transfer,” said senior April Brassard. “At some of the schools I went to, the people were snobby, so it turned me away. [Students should] get to know the school and see if they fit in well there.”

By taking a virtual tour online, aspiring students can get facts about a college, and view some pictures of a campus. For some people this may be all it takes, but the virtual tour will never live up to a real one.

For example, a student cannot ask questions, and learn by reading about the college, instead of living it.

“It doesn’t really compare because you don’t get the experience of someone that has gone to the school,” said Perucci.

Your final college decision is baseduponwhatyoulearn about each college in which you applied. Here are some helpful tips to help narrow down possible college choices: 1. Definitely, definitely, definitely visit the college; that is the only way to really explore the campus and learn about the environment.

2. Visit places around the college such as shops, and restaurants to fully take in your surroundings.

3. Stay with a friend for the weekend without a parent to experience the night life of students.

4. Ask questions when you visit, and don’t be scared to ask a student because they are the people who can most likely give you the best answer.

Several people apply to colleges mainly because of their academic qualities, but on the other hand, one should never forget to also love the campus and overall atmosphere in college.

“If a student is not comfortable with the atmosphere around them, then they may not get the best college experience. College has to work both ways,” said Perucci.

Both the atmosphere and academic options are huge factors when considering a college and both should be weighed equally when deciding which college to choose.

Seven steps to writing the perfect college essay

An outstanding college essay may be difficult to write, but a uniquely written essay is impossible to ignore. Having a well written essay can and will have a decisive impact on students’ chances for attending the college of their choice. Most college admissions representatives see your college essay as the most important example of how well you communicate, which is a critical skill for college and the work place alike. Here are some college writing tips that can guide you in the lengthy process of writing a college essay: 1. First and foremost, don’t procrastinate. Essays are the one part of the application package that tend to delay the entire process. Try to get started early in the fall of your senior year or sooner. Plan out a time and place that is free of distractions and conductive to writing.

2. If you are having difficulty getting started, and need help, pick someone who knows you well and can help devise some ideas that highlight your individuality.

3. If you have a choice of essay topics, choose the one

you are comfortable with and one that will provide the best opportunity for you to reflect your personal ideas and show yourself. After reading your essay, admissions officers should have an emotional reaction about YOU, not an intellectual reaction about your essay topic.

4. Present a positive image about yourself by choosing an upbeat topic. If possible, write about something you love; a passion, a family member, a hobby, or a familiar place.

5. Show, don’t tell! Bring vivid details to your essay by communicating your feelings with stories suchas anecdotes, dialogue, facts and imagery.

6. Writing a high quality essay takes time, practice, and extensive effort. Never be satisfied with your first try. Begin by brainstorming the key ideas you want to present and then develop each section. Develop your first draft and have someone you respect read it (a friend, a teacher, parent, etc.).

7. Lastly,checkforgrammar,spellingerrors,andreadability; it should sound like you. Remember, your application is your sales and marketing tool--make it your best.

Finding scholarships and financial aid

BY MOLLY STERLACCI Staff Writer While getting ready to apply for college, upperclassmen should take into consideration applying for financial aid or a scholarship.

Whether the students are interested in applying for financial aid or a scholarship, there are easy and fast ways for which one can apply for either. On the Internet alone, there are countless resources where there are free searches on college scholarships and financial aid. (Some websites even claim that scholarships are guaranteed.)

If financial issues are of no problem, then perhaps applying for a scholarship is the way to go. An example of an application of assistance in the admissions process is FAFSA, the free application for federal student aid, which opens the door to the federal aid process. Students can use the FAFSA application to apply for federal student grants, work-study money, and loans. Students may also use it to apply for most state and some private aid. For more information regarding FAFSA, visit www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Aside from federal student aid, there

are also many other forms of nonfederal financial assistance such as state and institutional aid. There are so many various opportunities for applying for both financial aid or a scholarship and upperclassmen are encouraged to grasp

Transcript Request form Counselor Letter Reccomendations (if neccessary) SAT I, II, and ACTs sent away FAFSA and other financial aid Scholarships (if any) Residency form (if in state) Note: Not all “pieces” have to be mailed out at the same time. Try making a folder folder for each college to hold all incomplete materials or completed materials that have not yet been mailed away.

Staff writer Sohaib Khan goes oneon- one with Robin Roth of the career center

Robin Roth

Q. How do you like helping students choose colleges?

A. I love helping students out, I think it is the best job in FCPS. Q. What are schools looking for and what do they want?

A. Each college has its own criteria.

Basically, five acedemics for all four year colleges is required, especially for more competitive colleges.

English teacher Jacqueline Foote helps senior Julie Bowes revise her college essay. Essays play a significant role in the admission process.

ALEXANDER SILANO

BY MOLLY STERLACCI Staff Writer

College Essay(s) and number of revisions

Q. What is your biggest piece of advice for the students who are applying to different colleges?

A. To get their applications in early and way before the deadline.

Q. What is the biggest mistake students make while applying to a college?

A. Not starting the process in their junior year.

Q. What can parents do to help their students?

A. It is a team effort. They can help their children in the research that needs to be done, the application, and getting good grades.

Q. What is the most important thing students should do when applying to a college?

A. Be accurate on their applications and review, review, review.

Q. What is the question that is asked the most by the students?

A. “Which college should I choose?” and “Where do I get the application from?”

any open window of opportunity given.

A common misconception is that scholarships are limited solely on academic standings. However, this is not true. There is a wide array of possibilities for which one can apply for a scholarship. Even if a student’s grades are not outstanding, one should not be deterred away from applying for a scholarship. By doing some research on the application process for scholarships and what the limits are for types of scholarships, students can ensure themselves a better shot at getting one.

Q. How do you answer these questions?

A. Get applications on the web and visit the schools. You have to know if you are comfortable with the campus.

Know the profile and average GPA of the school.

Q. Why is it getting harder to get into Virginia colleges?

A. There are more people who are applying, the schools have not grown and there are still the same number of classes.

Q. How can students improve their chances of getting into a college?

A. By being good students now, working hard and getting good grades.

This statue of David was created by Michaelangelo in the year 1501 and was completed in 1504. The sculpture of David was meant to represent the the power and determination of Republican Florence.

Vincent Van Gogh

The Starry Night was created by Van Gogh, 13 months before his death.

Starry Night is probably the most popular of Van Gogh’s works.

BY KIMIKO YERICK Arts Editor AHS is making significant steps in getting the IB Art program on its feet and the recognition it deserves. Junior Marcela Zeballos and other IB Art students have gladly agreed to share their art work to help show off the flourishing program.

In spite of what people may think, IBArt is not an easy class.

It requires a lot of commitment by the students, just as all IB classes do. The IB standards for this class require members of the IB committee to come and assess their artwork at the end of each year. The students are judged based on the IB standards.

In the classroom, students are graded in three aspects throughout the year: their journals, a museum visit, and the projects that they are given. “I grade my students based on the success of the student in terms of intent,” said IB Art teacher Joyce Weinstein, who included that talent is second to effort and intent. These are just a few of the many factors which establish the difference between IB Art and regular art classes.

In IB Art class all of the art

Junior Marcela Zeballos shows off an example of one of her admirable artworks.

is done on an individual basis and there are no group projects.

Regular art students, however, get assigned many group projects as a part of their class grade.

The IB students are also given the freedom to choose what type of art work they want to do for their projects, while the regular art students are assigned

This is a picture of “Riders on the Beach,” which was created by Paul Gauguin. This painting is unique because Gauguin impresses his own version of nature upon us.

Leonardo da VInci

The portrait of the Mona Lisa is also known as La Gioconda, the wife of Francesco del Giocondo. The Mona Lisa is a remarkable example of Leonardo’s sfumato technique of soft, heavliy shaded modeling.

because it is so versatile, you can play with the image by using different hues,” Zeballos said.

Zeballos draws inspiration for her artworks from a variety of places. Most of the paintings that Zeballos makes are done by emulating photographs.

She finds models for her creations in newspapers, magazines and other such places.

Zeballos also uses the works of other artists for ideas. She gets new ideas for her upcoming pieces from famous artworks as well as taking those famous artworks and putting a new spin on them to make them her own.

Zeballos and other IB Art students have set very high standards for artistic works of all kinds here at AHS. Art has become a very serious and competitive subject, both for grades and recognition.

The works of artists such as Zeballos and other IB Art students are just a few of the many talents that can be found around the hallways here at AHS. Their works can be seen downstairs in the arts hall or in the IBArt room itself. The IBArt program is a great step in getting these hard-working students the recognition that they deserve.

Julia Bizer junior Junior Julia Bizer is in IB Art and created this sculpture entitled “The Perfect Athlete,” from old clothes and soccer uniforms. It took her about three weeks of class to make the final product.

“My theme is athletics, and I’ve always thought it would be interesting to make the “perfect athlete,” said Bizer.

Bizer enjoys working with linoleum prints the most. When using linoleum prints, the artist carves an image into linoleum, paints it, and then stamps the image. For this artwork, however, Bizer decided to make a sculpture for a change. “I chose this media because it worked best for sculptures and I wanted to try something new, plus it was fun to cut up clothes,” said Bizer. This creative piece of art really brings out the imaginiation that Bizer uses in her works of art for the IB class projects.

Susan Lanier senior Susan Lanier created this work of art in her IBArt class. It took her about three to four weeks in class. “I made this to show how the human psyche likes to pick and poke at their appearance. I find that people care far too much about what they look like,” said Lanier.

Lanier was inspired to do this peice of art work by an expressionist artist named Egon Shieche, who used active brush strokes with lots of movement. She tried to incorporate the same type of movement that Shieche uses into her picture.

Even though Lanier really enjoys using phtography and oil pastels to create her art work, she used charcoal to create this piece of art. “I used charcoal because I don’t have much experience with it, and I wanted to practice,” Lanier said.

Hyunah Lim junior

Claude Monet

This is a selfportrait of Hyunah Lim, which took about two months to complete. It was painted with acrylic paints on a canvas.

Lim used acrylics because she wanted to show a variety of colors in every feature of her face. According to Lim, acrylic paints provide a more clear and distinct color to an artwork, insted of blending and mixing the shades together.

Lim enjoys painting self-portraits, because it is how she expresses herself best. “I like to paint portraits of myself. Through the paintings I make, I like to show how I am feeling inside,” said Lim. Her favorite type of median is oil on canvas. “Oil paints are very smooth, which is very nice to blend,” said Lim. Lim’s creative way of blending colors together adds a lot of feeling to this picture. It is quite evident how much time Lim spent on this portrait in order to create such an astounding final product.

Julia Ehrenfeld senior

AMY SUDDARTH

This is a famous painting of a waterliliy pond which was created by Claude Monet.

Monet made this painting in 1899.

specific projects. IB students must also go to an art museum at least every six weeks, while students in regular art are required only one museum visit.

Each IB Art student has a reason for focusing on a specific type of art. Zeballos’ focus on painting comes from her love of art and beauty. “I like painting landscapes because no two places are the same — each one is unique. Nature in itself is inspiring, but I prefer to paint landscapes in which nature and ‘human mode’ come together,” said Zeballos.

An example of Zeballos’ passion for art is her painting of a rustic house in France (left). This particular painting of the house in France took Zeballos about two and a half months to complete becasue she did not work on it every day.

“The chair and the table were the hardest to do,” Zeballos said while explaining her painting.

Generally, Zeballos prefers to use oil paints for her artworks, and this painting is no different.

She finds that oil paints give her the most freedom because of the various shades and blending that one can use when using oils.

“I chose to paint with oil paints

Artwork displayed by IB Art students

AMY SUDDARTH

Paul Gauguin

IB Art reveals showcase

AMY SUDDARTH

Michaelangelo

Nov. 10, 2003

AMY SUDDARTH

World famous works of art

A

t

KIMIKO YERICK

8

ARTS

“Traffic Light,” is a paper-mache sculpture created with paints and a collage, made by senior Julia Ehrenfeld.

“This was the first time I had ever used paper-mache, and I just wanted to try something new,” Ehrenfeld said.

Ehrenfeld usually makes prints, since that is the medium in which she is most familiar and has the most experience. She spent about three weeks working on and completing this piece.

Ehrenfeld got inspiration from various artists such as Michael Ray Charles and Barbra Kuger to get the idea for this sculpture. Ehrenfeld used pictures of both male and female politicians in her collages. She put the faces of male politicians in the red light and female politicians in the green light in order to show the importance of the role women play in politics.

Ehrenfeld’s art shows that artists can be inspired by many different ideas and people.The topic of this art is relevant to everybody in some way.

Nov. 10, 2003

HEALTH

A

t

Don’t have a cow, man

BY MEG NIELSEN AND RACHEL SINAIKO Health Editors Sitting down at the lunch table, sophomore Ginne Burk pulls out her salad, while her friends surrounding her eat meat-filled sandwiches for lunch. The difference? Burk is a vegetarian, and she does not eat any animal products.

Vegetarianism has grown in popularity in recent years and has been adopted by multiple famous actors and actresses.

Many students have experiemented with vegetarianism, and some students have adopted it as a standard for their daily diet.

There are numerous reasons why students choose to become a vegetarian.

Two main reasons students have tried vegetarianism are concerns for both animal rights and individual health.

Senior Cassie Holcomb has been a vegetarian for six years, after a “traumatizing” experience with calamari. The day after ordering calamari at a restaurant in California, Holcomb visited an aquarium.

As she watched the animals swim, she began to feel guilty about previously eating calamari and vowed not to eat animals anymore. “I became a vegetarian because I like animals, and I’d rather have them as pets than as dinner,” said Holcomb.

Burk has been a vegetarian for four years. “When I started out as a vegetarian, I was just going to try it out for a week, just to see how it was.

But it was so easy that I just stuck with it,” said Burk. “I like animals and I don’t think they should be eaten.”

Junior Suzanne Patterson began being a vegetarian five and a half years ago. “I was never a huge carnivore. I

support animal rights, but I’m not a crazy activist,” said Patterson.

Senior Tracie Hiatt chose to become a vegetarian four years ago, not for animal rights, but because she does not “really like the thought of it [eating meat].”

“I don’t really want meat, since I never liked it anyway,” said Hiatt.

Some students choose to become vegetarians for religious reasons.

Sophomore Gia Boado’s entire family became vegetarian when she was in seventh grade as an expression of their faith. “It was more of a family thing [my becoming vegetarian] because we are Seventh-Day Adventists,” said Boado.

There are numerous types of vegetarians, and students fall into many of these different categories. Vegans are vegetarians that only eat food from plant sources. Pesco vegetarians eat fish but no other meat. Ovo vegetarians eat eggs but do not eat any meat.

“I don’t drink milk, I won’t eat eggs, but I do eat ice cream,” said Holcomb.

“I don’t eat anything that had a heartbeat,” said Patterson.

Acommon myth about vegetarianism isthatavegetariandietisboring.However, vegetarians often replace common foods with meat substitutes. “I eat a lot of tofu, soy protein, and peanut butter,” said Burk.

Boado drinks soy milk instead of milk that comes from a cow. “There really are a lot of alternatives for animal products,” said Boado.

Students who have become vegetarians often feel healthier and less at-risk for meat-bourne dis-

Myths about vegetarianism MYTH: Vegetarianism is just a fad.

FACT: As of 1998, at least 13 million Americans called themselves vegetarians.

Vegetarianism has grown in recent years due to the increased awareness of diets and good health.

eases.

“You don’t eat all the fatty meat products. I won’t get heart disease, and I cannot get mad cow disease,” said Patterson.

“I don’t have to worry about a lot of sicknesses,” said Boado.

Many vegetarian students not only feel healthier, but also feel that they have better morals .

“The morals are definietely a benefit.

Youjustfeelgoodaboutyourself,”saidBurk.

Making the decision to be a vegetarian can be a difficult one. “Since I know what meat tastes like, sometimes I get cravings for it,” said Boado.

Not only can making the decision to become a vegetarian be difficult, but sticking to a vegetarian diet can be hard as well. “My parents eat a lot of meat, which made it hard in the beginning,” said Burk.

Junior Elizabeth Waxler quit being a vegetarian because of her love for bacon, ribs, and hamburgers. “I was a vegetarian for a while in eighth grade after I read this book that talked about how they treated the animals, and I thought that it was disgusting. I also just wanted to try it to keep an open mind,” said Waxler.

Although being around meat-eating friends can be tough for vegetarians, some students are supported by their friends.

“My friends understand, so sometimes they try not to eat meat in front of me,” said Boado. “My friend Ginnie is a vegetarian too, so we’re like vegetarian buddies.”

“When someone eats a big bite of meat, it’s gross. People always offer me meat, too,” said Patterson.

“It [being a vegetarian] can be a pain whenIgotomyfriend’shouses,”saidHiatt.

Being a vegetarian requires more attention to the options of what is available to eat, and a lack of options can be frustrating. “I don’t think they [the school] have enough choices. The only offer veggie pizza and boca burgers on some days. They should offer more choices,” said Burk.

Due to this lack of options, some vegetarian students opt to eat at home or bring in their own food. “I usually have water and a muffin, and I eat when I get home,’ said Patterson.

Although there are some downfalls to being a vegetarian, most vegetarian students are happy about their diets.

“If more people knew what went on in the shaughterhouses and they way animals are treated, I think more people would be a vegetarian,” said Holcomb.

Fresh veggie cuisine at Sunflower Cafe

BY MEG NIELSEN AND RACHEL SINAIKO Health Editors Ironically located next door to a McDonalds, the Sunflower Café focuses it’s energy on serving healthy, vegetarian foods. Vegetarians and meat eaters alike can find something to enjoy from the potentially overwhelming menu, full of possible soups, salads, noodles, sandwiches, sushi, rice, appetizers and desserts. A helpful glossary is even conveniently placed in the back of the menu to explain unfamiliar terms and ingredients to beginning vegetarian diners.

The name of the cafe is certainly appropriate, with sunflowers surrounding

the small dining area, hanging in pictures, from the ceilings, on the walls, and even spread to the curtains. This unique quaintness makes the Sunflower Café the perfect escape from the large, modernized commercial diners of the day.

The servers are polite and extremely prompt, bringing each course of the meal with little delay. The servers don shirts with the fitting slogan “Good to be a vegetarian” To begin the meal, options such as green tea and spring rolls, in addition to the complimentary salad, serve as theme-appropriate openers. There are a multitude of options available to suit both vegetarians and meat-eaters. Meat-eaters will be surprised at the similarity between the taste of the Sunflower Café’s vegetarian meat supplements and meat itself.

Their General Tso’s Surprise consisted of soy protein in hot kong-pao sauce, served with broccoli, rice and carrots. Although the texture of the soy protein was softer than that of real meat, the resemblance in

taste could render one left to wonder whether or not it was in fact meat. The Curry Paradise invokes a similar situation, despite the slightly excessive curry flavoring added to the soy protein, tomatoes, broccoli, apples and corn included in the meal.

The Sunflower Café offers wellThe Sunflower Cafe offers a huge varietyof Japanese vegetarian proportioned meals for a reason- food. The restaurant has a warm, inviting atmosphere with excellent service. able price, with the lunch menu rangSunflower Cafe is at 2531 Chain Bridge ing from $5.75 to $6.50, dinner meals from Rd., Vienna. For more information, call $8.50 to $9.75, and specials from $10.50 to (703)-319-3888 $11.00. Open Mon. to Sat. from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sun. 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., the MEG NIELSEN

The Sunflower Cafe in Vienna offers a plentiful variety of vegetarian food

9 MYTH: Vegetarians don’t recieve sufficient protein.

FACT: This myth comes from the idea that all protein must come from certain amino acids that are only found in meat. However, this idea is not true. Grains, legumes, nuts and vegetables. can provide vegetarians with a sufficient amount of protein.Actually, these types of protein come without the same amount of fat and cholesterol that is found in meat.

MYTH: A vegetarian diet increases the risk of iron-deficiency anemia.

FACT: Studies have proven that vegetarians are not anymore likely to be anemic than meat eaters since they can get iron from grains and nuts.

MYTH: Most vegetarians do not consume enough calcium.

FACT: Most vegetarians are able to get enough calium from vegetables that are rich in calcium. Vegetarians are actually less likely to suffer from osteoporosis because their bodies digest the calcium more easily.

MYTH:Avegetarian diet is boring. Most vegetarians eat nothing but salads.

FACT: Vegetarian diets can be just as interesting as diets with meat. Vegetarians eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, beans, grains and meat and dairy substitutes.

MYTH: Vegetarian food is too difficult to prepare.

FACT: There is usually less preparation and clean-up for vegetarian dishes than dishes with meat. Preparing vegetarian meals can also be more hygenic, as there is a much lower risk of diseases being in vegetables than meat.

MYTH: Vegetarians tend to live shorter, weaker lives.

FACT:According to several studies, vegetarians have better endurance levels than people with high-meat diets. Since many vegetarians eats diets with more fiber and less sugar, heart disease and colon cancer present much lower risks.

Myths and Facts from http://www.jtcwd.com/vegie myths.html

Celebrity vegetarians

Meatless living

BY JOHN REISS Entertainment Editor “

“Hey Reiss, want to have a barbecue?” asks my friend.

I leap to the opportunity, because while my being a vegetarian limits my outdoor grilling, this is a different kind of barbecue. Often on summer nights, my friends and I would dine on delicious meat substitutes, made up of soy and wheat gluten.

Such is the life of a vegetarian. However, an evening of grilling soy products is not always an option for me, nor is life as a vegetarian as simple as a normal teenager’s.

I chose to become a vegetarian a little over three years ago as a personal choice of morals and ethics.

After reading much literature on the subject to meat processing and reviewing the benefits of being a vegetarian, I believed it to be a worthy cause. However, it is has been a hard journey. Among some of the obstacles I face, maintaining my health without the protein acquired through meat like chicken and turkey is one. I found an easy solution to this problem. My friends, who are vegetarians, showed me the many meat substitutes that were available to me, my favorite being the Morningstar products.

That’s the easy part though.

Ever since I “converted,” I have had to make sacrifices eating out with friends, as well as withstanding heckling from the people around me.

“I’m eating meat Reiss, look at me! What’re you going to about it?” is the generic line I get from my friends during lunch, or when we’re hanging out on a Friday night. It doesn’t faze me too much, John Reiss because I know it is all in good humor, but it is annoying that many can’t comprehend the basic benefits of being vegetarians, or respect my decision to be one. I won’t go into details about the gruesome process in which animals are herded to processing plants, but I am proud to say that being a vegetarian, I save the lives of about 81 animals a year.

Being a vegetarian has opened me up to many new opportunities and I has also met many people as a result of it. Many of my closest friends that I have, I have met through being a vegetarian. While I may have chosen to live an alternative lifestyle, I don’t regret it for a minute.

Orlando Bloom is a lacto-vegetarian and avoids dairy products.

Alicia Silverstone has been a vegan since age 21.

Richard Gere is a vegetarian as an expression of his Buddhist faith.

Josh Hartnett was voted the World s Sexiest vegetarian in a recent poll by PETA.

By the Numbers

25,302

abortions are performed per year in Virginia

16,204

abortions are performed per year in Maryland

Legislation initiates new debates over Partial Birth Abortion:

The process

First, guided by the ultrasound, the abortionist grabs the fetus legs with forceps.

In-Depth Editor

Next, the fetus leg is pulled out into the birth canal.

Other Statistics Number of Live Births Before the First Abortion: (for example, half of VA abortions were performed on the woman’s first pregnancy) Virginia: 12,655 (50%): 0 births 6,240 (24.7%): 1 birth 3,875 (15.3%): 2 births 1,348 (5.3%): 3 births 531 (2.1%): >4 births Maryland: 7,201 (44.4%): 0 births 4,615 (28.5%): 1 birth 2,847 (17.6%): 2 births 1,048 (6.5%): 3 births 493 (3%): <4 births AS OF 1999 HTTP://WWW.ABORTIONFACTS.COM

Adolescent Abortions: Virginia: (average per year) 185 (3.7%): Younger than 15 351 (7%): 15 years old 647 (12.9%): 16 years old 955 (19%): 17 years old 1,441 (28.7%): 18 years old 1,441 (28.7%): 19 years old 5,020: Total Maryland: 164 (4.8%): Younger than 15 283 (8.3%): 15 years old 428 (12.6%): 16 years old 646 (19%): 17 years old 910 (26.8%): 18 years old 969 (28.5%): 19 years old 3,400: Total AS OF 1999 HTTP://WWW.ABORTIONFACTS.COM

Abortion by Race: Virginia: 14,489 (57.3%)-White 9,238 (36.5%)- Black 1,333 (5.3%)- Other 242 (1%)- Unknown

Maryland: 7,013 (43.3%)- White 7,916 (48.9%)- Black 1,085 (6.7%)- Other 190 (1.2%)- Unknown District of Columbia: 1,171 (18.2%)- White 4,813 (74.9%)- Black 543 (8.5%)- Hispanic 416 (6.5%)- Other 22 (0.3%)- Unknown AS OF 1999 HTTP://WWW.ABORTIONFACTS.COM

Out-of-state Abortions: Virginia: 25,302- Total 6.3%- Out-of-state Maryland: 16,204- Total 6.6%- Out-of-state District of Columbia: 13,674- Total 51.9%- Out-of-state AS OF 1999 HTTP://WWW.ABORTIONFACTS.COM

The abortionist then delivers the baby s entire body, with the exception of the head.

Scissors are inserted into the skull of the fetus. They are then opened to enlarge the hole.

Finally, the scissors are removed and a suction catheter is inserted.

The brain of the fetus is removed, causing the skull to collapse. The fetus is extricated from the body.

Sessions (R-Ala.) in a Washington Post article as “a On Nov. 5, 2003, President Bush signed stain on the conscience of America.” Anti-abortion legislation to make a ban on a controversial websites and organizations say that thousands of abortion procedure called “partial-birth abor- these abortions are performed annually, and that tion” into law, spurring protests and moves it is an unnecessary practice. Opposing groups to seek injunctions from opposing groups. went to court on Oct. 31, and have filed three fedThe procedure, as defined by the bill, involves eral lawsuits to block the legislation. These include a physician delivering the fetus’ body “until, in the Planned Parenthood, the Center for Reproductive case of a head-first presentation, the entire fetal Rights and theAmerican Civil Liberties Union. The head is outside the body of the mother, or, in the ACLU is filing on behalf of the National Abortion case of breech presentation, any pat of the fetal trunk Federation and several individual physicians, who past the navel is outside the body of the mother, believe that the ban is an infringement on women’s for the purpose of performing an overt act.” This rights and force doctors to choose between what is explained as puncturing the fetus’ skull and re- they believe are safe medical procedures, or jail.

The bill was signed in front of the Ronald Reamoving the brain before the delivery is completed. gan building in front of about 400 It is generally performed in lawmakers and supporters. Just the second or third trimester. were at least 50 activists The bill has been hotly dePresident Bush has said outside organized by the National Orbated in the last few decades, ganization for Women. The bill having been previously vetoed that he will use ‘every has also spurred ads denounctwice by President Bill Clinton during the late 1990s. In 2000, legal avenue’ to enforce ing Bush from abortion rights groups, who have put up nearly the Supreme Court struck down $500,000 to air them in key a Nebraska statute of a similar the ruling. states, including Washington, nature to the partial-birth aborD.C. The ad portrays Bush’s tion bill. The court found the bill unspecific in defining the procedure and faulty in decision as his first move towards overturning Roe not including an exception for women’s health. vs. Wade. Democratic candidates have also been Now in 2003 it is the first specific abortion speaking up; Howard Dean released a statement procedure to be banned in 30 years since the saying the law will “chill the practice of medicine 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision of the Supreme Court, and endanger the health of countless women.”

In AHS, opinion on the bill varies. “It really which affirmed a woman’s right to have an abortion. The act was passed by the House on Oct. 2 aggravates me because, as a woman, I think we and the Senate on Oct. 21 with a large majority in need protection under the law for our health in each, and will punish doctors who violate the ban cases like medical problems,” said senior Susan with a fine and/or imprisonment for two years. Lanier. “Personally, most politicians are men It has been in debate for almost seven years. and I think they can’t understand... that the

“

IMAGES USED COURTESY OF HEATHERʼS PLACE (PLIA@ZIA.NET)

AS OF 2001 HTTP://WWW.ABORTIONTV.COM

AHS support group helps pregnant students rience was Allen. She helped her with appointments and getting to the clinics.

“As school officials, there is a “I knew I wanted to keep my lot guidance counselors can not get baby from the beginning,” said junior involved in,” said Wheeler. The Elizabeth San Roman Pachacama. nurse works for the Fairfax County “In my country, [Peru] having an Department of Health and is able abortion is considered murder.” to keep more information confidenPachacama became pregnant dur- tial, such as pregnancy. The nurse ing her sophomore year at AHS and can also give more information and had her baby in August, a month be- counseling regarding pregnancy.

Pachacama said that one of the fore returning to school on Sept. 16. Her baby boy lives at home with Pachacama biggest changes in her life now that she is a mother is the and her family and receives day time constriction. “I have care while Pachacama attends practically no free time,” her regular school day at AHS. said Pachacama. “My It is a difficult task to be a mom and babysitter help, full-time student as well as a but it is just so much.” new mother. The family can The Pregnant and provide support at home in Parenting group also many ways, but it is also bendiscusses parenting techeficial to have support in the niques.Theadultsgivethe school setting. AHS offers a Wheeler girls an informed, yet neusupport group for students who have had their baby, or who are preg- tral opinion on parenting while letting nant and definitely plan to keep the the girls share their experiences and baby. The AHS Pregnant and Parent- learn from each other at the same time.

AHS offers another type of group to ing Group gathers about once a week during a flex period in the guidance inform students about issues regardconference room and allows the girls to ing sex, the SAFE (Stopping Aids For talk about what they are going through. Everyone) club. Unlike the Pregnancy Meeting with people going through and Parenting Club, this club is open the same difficult time gives the girls a to all members. It works to increase friend to relate to, something difficult for HIV and STD awareness among them to find otherwise. “We share our the student body. “We try to inform feelings; we all know what it’s like and students so they can share accurate we help each other,” said Pachacama. information and learn to make good Present at the meetings are about decisions about sex,” said Wheeler.

Pachacama said that the first nine girls, ages ranging from 14 to 19, guidance counselor Linda Wheeler, few months of her pregnancy were school nurse Diane Allen and Bunny the most difficult. Initially, her Latkin, YMCA Resource Mother’s parents were mad. They told her Group co-leader. The group aims to not to have an abortion, but eventugive the girls a setting where they can ally they came to peace with the comfortably discuss the huge changes situation and are now working hard they are experiencing in their lives. to raise Pachacama’s 3-month-old boy.

“I know having the baby was “So many of these girls are overwhelmed,” said Wheeler. “There are the right decision,” said Pachacama. physical changes in their body, but “It was not easy, but my famalso huge changes in their future.” ily and [The Pregnancy and ParPachacama said that one of the enting] group make it a lot easier.” most beneficial people during her expeBY ERIN O’BRIEN In-Depth Editor

468 students (92 freshmen, 101 sophomores, 193 juniors, and 82 seniors) were surveyed on Oct. 31 and Nov. 5 in various English classes about their attitudes about abortion and the new legislation.

IN-DEPTH

A

Abortion

13,674

abortions are performed per year in Washington, D.C.

Nov. 10, 2003

Nov. 10, 2003

”

Legislation VA, MD and DC law on teenage abortions Virginia Virginia law mandates that minors must obtain parental consent before having an abortion. However, there is an alternative in certain cases of abuse, assault, incest or neglect, and other specific adult relatives (grandparents or siblings over a certain age) may be involved instead of a parent.

A woman must receive mandatory counseling from the state and wait 24 hours before the abortion is provided.

Public funding is available only in cases of life endangerment, rape, incest or fetal abnormality.

Hospitals, facilities or physicians are required regularly and confidentially report to the state information used for abortion statistics and demographics.

Maryland In Maryland, minors are required to obtain parental notification before having an abortion, and the law does not include an exception for emergencies.

Specific health professionals, however, are allowed to waive parental involvement under certain circumstances.

Information for statistics is collected on a voluntary basis.

Washington, D.C. The District of Columbia does not require parental involvement, and affirmatively gives minors the right to consent to an abortion.

Information for statistics is collected on a voluntary basis.

Public funding is available only in cases of life endangerment, rape or incest.

STATE POLICIES AS OF NOV. 1, 2003 PROVIDED BY THE ALAN GUTTMACHER INSTITUTE (HTTP://WWW.GUTTMACHER.ORG)

Always against abortion

Only in favor in cases of incest, rape or other etreme circumstances

Always for abortion

It is a personal decision and should be left up to the person with the baby

—Roe v. Wade, 1973

Parenthood” in Washington D.C. My co- ing session with a nice lady who seemed worker took me there, but so as not to to genuinely care about my situation.

At last came the actual surgery as I break the law (taking a minor over state borders), we took the Metro. On he way to entered the surgical ward and walked the clinic I was trembling because of the down the long corridor to the operation cold weather, so to add insult to injury, I room. The doctor was a male, and there was shivering from the crisp winds that I was, 16, raped, pregnant, going through blew down the cold city streets. We had the most traumatic event in my life and gotten there quite early in the morning, I was being humiliated. I walked in and so the protestors were still sleeping when the doctor said, “Hi sweetie, I’m Doctor I arrived. It was hard dealing with the Johnson, but you can call me Doctor J. Listen, I have a couple pregnancy and of students that need abortion behind to sit in on a couple my parents of procedures, do you back, but there There I was, 16, raped, mind?” Myself being so was no way naïve just nodded my I could have pregnant, going head and agreed to let told them, they total strangers watch would not have through the most me, like a guinea pig. supported me The procedure was through my dif- traumatic event in my the most painful thing ficult decision. life, and I was being I have felt in my entire At around life. The counselor had nine o’clockish, humiliated. to come in and hold my pro-life adhand. I kept my eyes vocates surrounded the entrance. They held up closed, hoping it was just one huge, awful posters of computer-generated babies. nightmare, but it wasn’t. After spending They were terrible pictures. Even half an hour in the recovery room and though I knew that they couldn’t have eight hours in the clinic, I was good to been real, it still hurt. I collapsed. I sunk go, at least as good as I was going to get.

I rode home standing on the crowded down to my knees and with my head in my hands I began to cry. I needed fresh Metro, crying and in exorbanant pain. air, and that was the only way out so My co-worker was still there for me and I had no choice but to see them, up- assured everything was going to be okay.

Since that day, with the help of God I close-and-personal. They screamed out to me, called me names like “whore,” have become a stronger person and real“baby killer” and “heartless bitch.” ize the abortion was the best thing I could I started to doubt my decision have done. My child and myself would and I ran back inside. When I came both be living a miserable life. I still think in, my co-worker hugged me and about it all the time, how could one forget reassured me that I needed to do it something of such a great impact? I often for my sake, and the unborn baby’s. even have nightmares, but I know that First I got my blood drawn to make I did what I had to do, and I’m grateful sure I didn’t get any diseases. I hate that I had the opportunity to continue my needles, so I gulped and turned my head. life with as much normalcy as possible.

Editors’ Note: The A-Blast allows All tests were negative, which was a sigh of relief. Next was the sonogram. I could articles to remain anonomous only not believe the audacity of the nurse, she in extreme circumstances when the actually asked me “Do you want to see it?” source could face severe harm, embarAfterwards I was in the waiting room for rassment or ridicule. The Editor in two hours and went into a mini-counsel- Chief verified the truth of this account.

“

”

Should the government have the authority to make abortions unlawful?

Undecided

Undecided

“Th[e] right of privacy ... is broad enough to encompass a woman’s decision whether or not to terminate her pregnancy.

One’s philosophy, one’s experiences, one’s exposure to the raw edges of human existence, one’s religious training, one’s attitudes toward life and family and their values, and the moral standards one establishes and seeks to observe, are all likely to influence and to color one’s thinking and conclusions about abortion.”

Student tells all about her abortion experience

Do you agree with the partial birth abortion ban?

What is your stance on abortion?

Undecided

Yes, in all cases

Yes

No, the government should not have the authority No

“The greatest destroyer of peace is abortion because if a mother can kill her own child, what is left for me to kill you and you to kill me? There is nothing between.”

—Mother Teresa

Sophomore Jillian Rubino differs. “I believe in abortion, it’s the woman’s right to choose and not the government’s. But if she waited that long, there’s no reason she should have her baby killed just because she messed up... If it’s a baby, you killed it. That’s murder,” said Rubino.

Men, however, feel somewhat differently.

“I’m a guy and they should let girls decide,” said senior Elias Chomoun. “If I’m the one giving birth, then I have something to say.”

The decision is also creating confusion over what exactly the bill covers, as some terms may or may not ban safe and commonly accepted practices. Abortionists and obstetricians argue that partial birth may sometimes be the safest or best method for delivery of the baby, and that the ban could prohibit other abortions or accidents that require the same technique. Other such abortions during the second and occasionally third trimester include “dilation and evacuation,” “intact dilation and extraction” and, rarely used, “induction.” All of these involve removing a fetus, usually purposely killed during the process of removal.

Three courts have already moved to block the legislation, the first (in Nebraska) less than an hour after Bush signed the bill. U.S. District Judge Richard Kopf issued a temporary restraining order, concerned that the bill contained no exception if a woman’s health is at risk. His ruling, however, applies only to the four doctors who brought their case to him; they are licensed to practice in eight states.

A New York judge, Richard Conway Casey, halted enforcement on Thursday; his ruling covers providers affiliated to the National Abortion Federation.

The order will be in force for 10 days, and the NAF and U.S.Attorney General JohnAshcroft have been asked to submit briefs. President Bush has said that he will use “every legal avenue” to enforce the ruling.

I was a sophomore here at AHS and when everyone was going to sleep, I was getting ready to start my night.

It was going to be my first big party, a frat party no less. Needless to say, I was excited. I snuck out at about 2 a.m., when my best friend picked me up.

Walking through the old, rotted door of the decaying three-story town house, I was overcome with the loud music and the strong scent of alcohol. My friend and I proceeded to make ourselves at home by taking a seat on the nearby sofa. Shortly, a couple of attractive boys approached us and introduced themselves. The only thing I could manage to whisper was “what’s up?” Mortified, I excused myself to the bathroom to “freshen up” with my friend following. I calmed down, walked back out and don’t remember much after, only that I sipped my drink and started to feel woozy. Beyond that I remembered blurred clips, only enough to piece together what had happened...I was slipped a ruphy...I was raped.

To make a long story short and leave gory details to the imagination, almost three months later I found out I was pregnant. I tried lying to myself, but a pregnancy test couldn’t lie. I didn’t tell anyone, I couldn’t. I started isolating myself and didn’t talk to anyone. In my free time I sat in my room and cried. At the time, I had a pretty steady job and worked almost every day. I went from bubbly and outgoing, to quiet and keeping to myself. Soon morning sickness got to me and every 15 minutes I was vomiting. My co-worker noticed, and finally persuaded me to reveal my secret.

“I’ll help you, I swear, I’ll find a way...”

There was no way I could have a baby, I was not financially or emotionally stable enough to bring a new child into this Earth. It was an unplanned child, an unwanted child, a “hate” child. Plus, I was just starting my life.

If I had a baby there was no way I could lead a normal life. It wasn’t fair to the prospective baby, nor was it fair to me.

A week later, my co-worker found me an answer. The clinic was called “Planned

11 Public figures on abortion

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY KATIE STANTON AND WILL AKRIDGE

Abortion in the U.S.:

A

Yes, in cases of rape, incest or other extreme circumstances

Local D.C. abortion center gives options BYJULIA SINGER Copy Editor For pregnant teens, “There are three options,” said Planned Parenthood media spokeswoman Virginia Martin, “abortion, adoption, or seeing the birth through and becoming a parent.” The decision as to which choice to make remains a difficult one as religious affiliates and parents make the choice hard. Pressure and faith are common factors in the decision making process.

“We do not convince patients one way or another, we just give them the full range of options and counseling,” said Martin.

For pregnant women encountering physical or emotional crises, there are crisis pregnancy clinics. These clinics provide women with the options listed by Martin, but they and are few and far between, and “girls need to be warned that a lot of the religiously affiliated clinics are biased and do not give the full range of options,” says Martin. Women that go to crisis pregnancy clinics can experience pressure if the clinic is religiously affiliated.

If the teen decides to abort the fetus, she has to get parental consent and wait 24 hours if she is under 18 and lives in Virginia.

After the legal matteers are settled, there are two main options for abortion: surgical or medical. Falls Church Healthcare Clinic, a medical facility that specializes in pregnancy termination and gynecological wellness, offers both abortion options, as well as counseling options. For pregnancy testing,

the clinic offers blood and urine tests, both of which are up to 99% accurate.

For surgical abortions, a process known as vacuum aspiration method is used. This method is not technically surgical, since there is no cutting involved. However it is done inside the body, and therefore known as a surgical procedure. There are both local (awake) and general (asleep) anesthesia options, each for a different price.

For medical abortions, there are two options, methotrexate and mifepristone, or RU486. The treatment decision is based on a case-by-case basis and varies between patients. A woman is only eligible for medical abortions if she is less than nine weeks pregnant, and she is in good enough health that the process will not endanger her future health. Several tests have to be done on the patient before a medication is given, since effects of medication differ on an individual basis.

Both procedures include check-up visits to make sure the patient is recovering well and everything is going as planned.

About the partial birth ban, Martin says, “It gives the impression that abortions after the second trimester are elective. They aren’t.

Most of the time, abortions after the second trimester are because the woman’s health is in danger, or the fetus has been severely traumatized... the ban makes it impossible for the women in those situations to look after their own health.”

An anonymous Catholic protestor was voluntarily photographed outside the Falls Church Healthcare Clinic.

MEGAN BERRY

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IN-DEPTH

“Governor Bush and I have emphasized that while we clearly are both pro-life, that we want to look for ways to try to reduce the incidence of abortion in our society. Many on the pro-choice side have said exactly the same thing. Even Bill Clinton, who’s been a supporter of abortion rights has advocated reducing abortion to make it as rare as possible. “

—V.P. Dick Cheney

Source: Vice-presidential debate Oct 5, 2000

“Foryears,aterribleformofviolence has been directed against children who are inches from birth while the law looked the other way. Today at last the American people and our government have confronted the violence and come to the defense of the innocent child.”

—President George W. Bush Source: Signing of the partial-birth abortion bill, Nov. 6, 2003

“When it comes to the most difficult decision a woman must make -- whether or not to have an abortion -- I believe she should be fully informed about the medical implications of that decision and have an opportunity to reflect on that information. That’s why I support legislation to require informed consent and establish a 24-hour waiting period for abortion.”

—Former Governor Jim Gilmore Source: State of the Commonwealth Address to VA General Assembly, Jan. 10, 2001

“Mark Warner trusts the women of Virginia to make responsible choices affecting their lives. While Warner opposed the 24-hour waiting period, he supports Virginia law [sic]. Warner supports the Roe v. Wade decision that protects a woman’s right to choose, and he’ll fight further efforts to chip away at that right. “ Source: Campaign web site, MarkWarner2001.org/issues Nov 6, 2001

“Americans believe deeply in the need to keep government out of private, personal matters. That is one reason why I am pro-choice.

I believe we should all work to reduce the number of abortions.

That is why I have worked to reduce teen pregnancy, remove barriers to cross-racial adoption, and provide tax credits to families willing to adopt. Still, I believe the ultimate choice should remain a matter for a woman to decide in consultation with her conscience, her doctor, and her God.” —Former President Bill Clinton Source: Between Hope and History, by Bill Clinton, p.137 Jan 1, 1996

•Presidents: Laura Barker, Bobson Conteh and Abby Segall •Sponsor: Mary Ann Richardson

Mary Ann Richardson

•Next meeting: Wed. Nov. 12 •Club Goals: The club hopes to engage as many students as possible in Democratic Party activities, begin to work on the 2004 Presidential race and be overall good citizens. They also hope to participate in our community and explore the issues important to Democrats, becoming advocates for Democratic points of view. Last but not least, club members hope to be able to have a debate at the end of the year with the Young Republicans.

•Upcoming events and projects: The club plans on working on the democratic election campaign, taking a trip to see CNN Crossfire. In addition, John Kerry’s presidential campaign will be coming to club meetings and the club will be taking a trip to the Democratic National Convention.

Young Republicans

•Presidents: Matt Wiest and Jon Carpenter •Other Officers: Meredeth Webb-Secretary; Steve Skeldon- Vice President •Sponsor: Fred Zuniga

Fred Zuniga

•Date of next meeting: Nov. 10 •Club Goals: “We want to help kids get involved in political activities and work on the issues that are important,” said Zuniga.

•Upcoming events and projects: The club will be attending broadcasts of CNN’s Crossfire and getting politicians to come speak to them at their club meetings.

Independent Party

•President: Suk Ho Na •Other officers: Vice President- Jared Hirsh •Sponsor: John Hawes

John Hawes

•Date of next meeting: Listen to announcements for information. The main discussion at the next meeting is deciding wether to go on the field trip or not.

•Club Goals: To encourage members to join, where they will get many benefits in political education.

•Upcoming events and projects: Possible field trip to the new museum in Manassas. At the meetings, members will come in with ideas that will be debated.

AHS political clubs get things started Democrats

BY CAITLIN BECKETT Staff Writer

Republicans

her senior year was because of the outof-school activities the club takes part in outside of the after-school meetings.

So far, the club has taken part in the Annandale parade on Oct. 25, in which members decorated the democratic float with balloons and marched in the parade.

The club will also be having many guest speakers during their meetings, and will be working on Election Day activities

The leadership, enthusiasm and responsibility Laura Barker demonstrates in and out of school are only a few of the traits that coerced her peers to elect her copresident of the Young Democrats Club.

“Laura has been a real leader since the beginning by throwing her hat into the ring by running for President, by speaking to the students about her ideas for running the club and by talking to me about upcoming activities as well as participating in the club’s activities,” said sponsor Mary Ann Richardson.

Barker joined the club this year because she wanted an opportunity to become more involved with the school in addition to discussing her ideas with fellow During election weekend, Laura Barker, along with other Young Democrats, worked at the polls. student Democrats.

“It allows students to become and campaigns. more involved in politics, espe- In addition, the cially students who want to pursue club will be takpolitics as a career,” said Barker. ing field trips to The Young Democrats Club is the Democratic dedicated to understanding and dis- National Comcussing public policy and promoting mittee and “Crossfire” in anticipation of the ideas of the Democratic Party to the 2004 Presidential race. During the student participants. Club members spring, the club will also be participatwill have the opportunity to be exposed ing in a mock debate with the Young to politics and have fun while par- Republicans and Young Independents.

“Crossfire” is the event that Barker is ticipating in after-school meetings and out-of-school activities and campaigns. most anticipating, since it will be her first time attendAs co-presiing the show. dent, Barker The program has a number DEMOCRATIC VIEWS will be taking of responsibiliplace in Januties to keep the ary, when club club running.

•Abortion: Pro-choice members will Along with •Gun Control: Pro gun control be able to fellow co-presi•Affirmative Action: Support view two polident Bobson •Government role in the economy: ticians debate Conteh, she See government as part of the solution on the CNN decides when •Iraq: Internationalization of conflict program. the meetings (Burden shared) In adwill be held dition to and what topics will be discussed. Last week, Barker’s other responsibilities, she is in order to prepare for the local elec- in charge of planning what will be distions, the club held more frequent cussed in the meetings and recruiting meetings. Currently, meeting are be- new members for the club. The meeting held once a week in Richardson’s ings are productive and informative.

Barker encourages student Demoroom on Wednesdays at 2:10 a.m.

The participants will be tracking crats to join if they are interested in and discussing the Democratic elections having fun while participating in an during their meetings and campaigns. interactive club dedicated to letting stuThey are currently involved in the dents express their political ideas with upcoming elections and will be work- their peers while taking part in many ing with party officials for pre-election out of school activities. For more inforactivities. One of the reasons Barker mation on the Young Democrats Club, decided to join the Young Democrats contact Mrs. Richardson in room 182.

Every decision made by the government affects everyone, even if they don’t realize it. Currently, Carpenter Normally, schools teach arguing as a is a member of both the Young Repejorative way to talk to others that can publicans and the Young Democrats.

“I don’t follow strict party lines,” said often escalate to violence. However, the Young Republicans encourage arguing as Carpenter. “I like to get both sides of an a means of expression, as the ability to argument, for example, the economy.”

“Right now, we should be gearing sit down and discuss ideas with someone with conflicting views is highly beneficial. more toward a business-based economy,” said Carpenter.

He thinks it’s interesting to be a part of both parties because they are both so different in their ideology.

Young Republicans presents the opportunity to provide an open forum for opinions on the important issues, as well as debates with the Young Democrats and Young Independents.

Jon Carpenter helped out with Michael Golden s campaign to Carpenbecome a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. ter believes Young Repub- clubs give the students “openness licans regu- of mind” to express their ideas. larly debate “No matter what you think, you topics that can find a group,” said Carpenter. adults cannot This encourages students to get their agree over, ex- voice heard, and presents the opposing them to the issues they will have to portunity to strengthen the students’ make decisions on when they are adults. involvement in the community.

Although theYoung Republicans club Specifically, Carpenter organizes the is just getting started, they have already multi-club events, such as the schoolelected their officers. Jon Carpenter and wide debates with the Young Democrats Matt Wiest were chosen as co-presidents. and Young Independents, and putting The club is a place where students who together field trips, such as Crossfire, a share the debate broadpolitical views cast on CNN of Republiin which the REPUBLICAN VIEWS cans can get Young Repubtogether and licans have the debate the opportunity to •Abortion: Pro-life “hot topics” of watch and ask •Gun Control: Against gun control the time. “It’s the featured •Affirmative Action: Oppose good to be politicians •Government role in the economy: around people questions beSee government as part of the problem who share fore and after •Iraq: U.S. control outcome and pay for viewpoints,” the broadcast. the conflict said Carpenter.

The club is Carpenter trying to be a joined because he saw the club as a service for the students involved, leaving way to voice his opinion and be involved. the topics open to the students. “[I want] to “I think politics are important,” he said. help kids get involved in political activities “I want to be part of the elections,” and work on the issues that are important said Carpenter, emphasizing the club’s to them,” said club sponsor Fred Zuniga. stress on becoming an active member of He also stresses the importance fun. society, and influencing the community.

A typical meeting consists of debates It is Carpenter’s belief that the best on current issues, planning upcoming part of the club is the people that he events and having guest speakers, such gets to meet and debate with. “You get as the Republican county chairman. a lot of intelligent people… [The club is] The club’s next meeting is today after brain exercises for everyone involved.” school in Zuniga’s room, 181, and all “Politics are important because Republicans are encouraged to attend. they run the country,” said Carpenter.

BY JOE WILBUR Staff Writer

ANDREW MENEGAT

Young Democrats

Nov. 10, 2003

Face-off

Student voices independent views

BY STUART DUNBAR Staff Writer With approximately 15 members, the Young Independents club is the newest political club. The club was created by senior SukHo Na and his friends in an effort to voice their seemingly different views. Na’s third party disagrees with Republicans and Democrats on different issues concerning the nation.

SukHo Na, president of the Independent Club, promotes the new club by handing out flyers (above and below right).

Members of the club create their own political ideas, debating on every-day issues at their meetings. For example, it was a widely accepted view at their last meeting that capital punishment is a good thing. According to Na, it costs as much as 30 students’ education to keep a convict in jail for life. For this reason, Na and other club members believe capital punishment is better than life imprisonment.

“The purpose of Young Independents is to discuss current events, compare different voices and also to come up with practical solutions to solve issues,” said Na. Na’s goal this year is to increase club membership in future years. Sponsored by John Hawes, the meetings takes place every other Wednesday after school for about an hour in room 145B. At the meetings, members bring issues they have to be discussed with other club members.

To counter some rumors, Na states thatYoung Independents is not a communist party, but sim-

ply a club that is an independent party, creating their own ideas and solutions to problems. Na also states that both Democrats and Republicans know the issues, but spend too much time bickering with each other. Young Independence recognizes the problems in the nation and solves them.

Na currently has three IB courses, but does not think that his schedule is difficult or will affect his time in starting and running a club. He has made clear that his spare time will be concentrated on the club’s success.

In addition, Na hopes to attend either the UniversityofVirginiaorVirginiaTech,wherehehopes to continue to expand his independent views.

According to teacher and sponsor John Hawes, Na isn’t taking political sides and thinks that it is useful to look for political ideas without being tied down by party lines.

It is Hawes’ belief that students should have an opportunity to talk about political ideas.

As a result, when he was asked to be the club’s sponsor, he jumped on the opportunity to aid students in getting involved in politics. Hawes thinks that creating a new political club is good for the school and is in total favor of it. “At this point it is a work in progress,” said Hawes.

Na not only started the club, but is also the

ANDREW MENEGAT

Pin point information about political clubs at AHS

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ANDREW MENEGAT

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president of Young Independents. Na sets up meeting dates, surmises topics that can be discussed, decides club activities and sends emails to keep in touch with members. However, Na is still hoping for an increase in membership. “I encourage new members to join which they will get many benefits in education and in the future,” said Na.

Who Am I? •I have been teaching since 1991.

•Before I came to AHS I taught at NOVA on the Loudoun and Annandale campuses, Garrett County Community College and Pimmit Hills.

•I have been teaching at AHS for seven years.

•My main hobby is I love working on home improvement projects with carpentry and tools, especially power saws.

•My main pet peeves are people who don’t take responsibility for their actions and people who do not stand up for themselves.

•My previous occupations were managing radio and television stations in Georgia and California then corporate broadcast management in public television and radio.

•My main favorite food is chocolate.

•I sponsor the Black Cultural Awareness Association.

•My two main mottoes in life are “Let go and let God” and “Chocolate rules!”

•I have lived in Virginia since 1982.

•The courses I teach at AHS are English and Achievement Via Individual Determination (AVID).

•I attended Howard University and Georgia State University where I majored in English and Education.

•I’ve lived in 8 different places, including 15 different cities. In addition, I have travelled to -visited in- the Arctic Circle and experienced the midnight sun.

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

Last Issue’s Who Am I? Jack Hiatt was last issue’s Who Am I? •His favorite foods are coconut cake, tapioca and spaghetti.

•His motto in life is “Make your mark in this world, but watch out for the little man with the eraser.”

Chip Brandt correctly answered last issues Who Am I?

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Nov 10, 2003

13 Necessities for the big night: what every good football game needs.

SEAN SULLIVAN

1. The Home Team

Friday nights at J. Wallace Bolding Stadium would be rather uneventful without a team on the field. The Atoms Varsity football squad huddles around coaches to hear one last round of encouragement and advice from their coaches in preparation for the night’s game.

The pregame coin toss: fate and luck play a key role during this portion of the game. Team captains from both sides are called to the 50 yard line to decide which side they wish to defend and whether they want to kick or receive. After the coin hits the ground, the player sskill and intensity decide the outcome of the game

AHS Football Traditions On and Off the Field

SEAN SULLIVAN

2. Some Fans

SEAN SULLIVAN

Seniors Catherine Lynch and Sarah Bizer along with sophomore Sumner Lynch, show their Atom s Spirit and help pump up the crowd. Showing some skin and painting it red and white, these enthused fans spend their money and their time in order to have a more enjoyable experience.

Second to pride and tradition, the fans are the next biggest driving factor in any athletic event. The cheering and enthusiasm of a crowd can make or break a game for the home team.

3. Referees

SEAN SULLIVAN

SEAN SULLIVAN

Without certified referees, football games would be left in the hands of the coaches and the fans. To put that kind of responsibility in the hands of those football fanatics, any stadium would be reduced to sheer chaos. Even though fans may not always agree on a few of their calls, referees play an integral part in the flow and the enjoyment of the game

SEAN SULLIVAN

The Marching Atoms parade onto the field every night to pave the way for the football team s entrance into J. Wallace Bolding stadium. Forming a tunnel and later playing The National Anthem, the marching band kicks things off on a good note. During the game, the band plays classic hits as “Hey Baby”, the theme song for Monday Night Football and of course “The Annandale Fight Song.”

4. A Ball Boy

In the true tailgate fashion, senior Nick Peyton warms up the grill and throws on some dogs in the back of his pick up truck.

This resurrected tradition is a popular way to gather all the fans and get them psyched before kickoff.

Lets face it, no footballs, no game.

These young volunteers, most often the son or daughter of an AHS coach or staff member, are in charge of the game balls at all times. Raising these elementary school tikes in the traditions and environment of AHS is just what these kids need to develop into full grown AHS athletes.

First in spirit and first to arrive, cheerleaders make their entrance with their crates and their megaphones and begin to set up as the football takes the field to warm up. During the game it is hard to miss this spirited bunch, as they dance, cheer and throw candy up and down the sidelines.

MORGAN MCEVILLY

MORGAN MCEVILLY

5. Half Time Show

Monday through Thursday are spent in preparation for a single competitor. All the plays practiced in massive repetition, all the sweat shed during the week was all for this one night. Before the game the team follows a strict ritual: dinner, polishing cleats, and a final run through of the plays. As the game clock is set and as the visiting team takes the field, all eyes are now

The driving force behind the majority of pro sports, especially football, is entertainment. While high school athletics are unable to have fireworks and laser shows during their halftime events, the fans still have the Atomic Dance fusion to keep their entertainment levels peaked.

Students express their commitment to Ramadan and their beliefs

BY WIDED KHADRAUOI Cultures Editor

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is actally the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. For the entire month, called the Fast of Ramadan, Muslims fast all over the world. It is a time to worship, contemplate and strengthen family and community ties.

Are there other rules to what a Muslim can or cannot do during Ramadan?

Yes, there are additional rules that must be followed in order to observe the holiday. During the month of Ramadan, while fasting, smoking and sexual relations are strictly forbidden.

When is the Fast of Ramadan over and what happens after?

The Fast of Ramadan is over when the month of Ramadan is over and the month of Shawwal begins. The first three days are a celebration called Id-al-fatr, meaning the Feast of Fast Breaking. Family and friends gather to eat large meals together and to celebrate in prayer.

¿Que piensas sobre la situación en Bolivia?

“Debería organizarse para que sea mejor el país.”

—Rodney Francisdaky freshman

“Tiene que mejorar porque estamos en crisis.

Tenemos que mejorar”

—Heidi Bontons sophomore “No me gusta el terrorismo en Bolivia y quiero que acaben el terrorismo.”

—Chris Carrion sophomore

“La situación esta mala porque hay la pobreza. Ojala que las cosas mejoren.”

—Juan Yanio Garcia senior

“La situación en este momento es muy grave por la pobreza y los cambios de gobierno”

—Eddy LaTorre Boys JV soccer coach

Cien años de independencia ¡Felicidades a Panamá, que celebró cien años de libertad el 3 de noviembre! En 1903, Panamá ganó independencia de Colombia. ¡Felicitaciones!

Nov. 10, 2003

NIGEEN SADOZAI

Rohina Hussain is one of many Muslim students attending AHS. With the onset of Ramadan, she especially recognizes the importance of her religious traditions such as the fast. “I don t find it difficult to fast because knowing that God has asked to fast makes me stronger.”

Ramadan is a special month of the year for over one billion Muslims throughout the world. It is a time for inner reflection, devotion to God, and selfcontrol. Muslims regard it as a kind of tune-up for their spiritual lives. “I wait the whole year for this month because it’s so wonderful. For example, when you go to the Mosque for Taraweeh, the Mosque is all full, you can’t find a parking spot, now it makes me feel so happy,” said senior Rohina Hussain.

There are as many meanings of Ramadan as there are Muslims.

With a large population of Muslims in Annandale alone, many AHS students have different opinions on this holy month. “This month makes me feel so safe, I see all the Muslims together, praying together. Ramadan is a month of purifying and a perfect chance to ask for forgiveness,” said Hussain.

With the arrival of Ramadan, each family such as Hussain’s partake in different traditions as well as routines.

Following a family tradition, Hussain wakes up at four in the morning to eat Sahoor and do her morning prayers. After coming home from school, depending on her workload, Rahina will help prepare the big feast set daily for after sunset. “Then around eight o’clock I go to Dar Al-Hijrah (a local mosque) to pray Taraweeh (long prayer) and the Imam recites the chapters of the Quran, starting from the beginning) with my family, a long prayer.”

“Being openly Muslim and wearing a niqab, I get a lot of questions from people about why I wear the hijab (the scarf worn by women over their heads) and why I decided to add the niqab,” said Hussain.

When Hussain first began to wear the niqab, the veil worn over the face, her parents didn’t think that she would actually wear it to school, but now they have accepted it. Although her first week of wearing the niqab was extremely difficult, she got used to it and now it’s a part of who she is.

Wearing the hijab, Hussain feels as though she is treated with much more respect from society.

“I first chose to wear the hijab because I feel like it represents Mabarak, as seen above in Arabic, is a greetwho I am. Eid ing typically exchanged by Muslims at the end of The hijab is the month of Ramadan. a symbol of modesty and I love being part of that symbol,” said Hussain.

Abstaining from food and drink is usually the hardest aspect of Ramadan for numerous people. “I don’t find it difficult to fast because knowing that God has asked to fast makes me stronger,” said Hussain.

Some of her sisters and her little brothers have goals to fast for some of the month and her entire family is getting more involved. Her little brother, Bilal, fasted for two days before her mother made him stop, because he’s the youngest sibling in her large family.

The Muslim Student Association, also known as MSA, is planning activities to celebrate Ramadan. “As Secretary of MSA during Ramadan will be having guest speakers every week and we are planning on having an inftar dinner. I am hoping all Muslims and Non-Muslims will attend our meeting to have more knowledge on Islam,” said Hussain.

Once in a lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca

BY SOHAIB KHAN Staff Writer Senior Dalal Atef is one of the millions of Muslims worldwide to make the pilgrimamage to Mecca. “I felt purified and started a whole new life with no sins,” said Dalal.

In the Muslim religion, there are five pillars. One of the pillars comes into play only once during the entire span of a Muslim’s life, which is the fulfillment of Hajj. Hajj is the religious obligation to perform a pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime if the person is financially and physically able.

Every year millions of Muslims converge to Islam’s holiest city, Mecca located in Saudi Arabia, to perform Hajj or Umra. Hajj is performed only in the month of Zil-Hajj (tenth month of the Muslim calendar), while Umra can be performed anytime during the year as long as Hajj is not being performed. Umra is not mandatory for Muslims but it must be performed twice before performing Hajj as part of the requirement.

Umra is a journey to Ka’aba and Haram in Mecca to perform specific

Arka’s (rites) of Umra, while in the state of Ihram. Although it is a lesser pilgrimage to Hajj, the word Umra literally means to visit a populated place.

Atef has visited the Ka’aba. She went to Mecca with her family when she was 12 years old. Her parents perfomed Umra on their way to Atef’s aunt in Saudi Arabia.

A visit to Mecca serves as a spritually fulfilling excursion for every Muslim. According to the Islamic belief, pilgrimage to Mecca purifies all Muslims from the sins they previously committed.

Muslims enter Ka’aba wearing Ihram (white togas) while women cover their heads with a scarf and wear Abaya (a cloth that covers your whole body). A “thank you” prayer is offered for reaching Mecca safely.

Muslims do tawaf , going around Holy Ka’aba seven times while reciting a prayer that praises God. In a struggle through an enormous crowd, Dalal was also fortunate enough to kiss the black rock called Hijrah Al-Aswad (a rock used by prophet Abraham and his son

Pictured above is Mecca, one of the holiest places for Muslims who gather here once a year in imitation of the prophet Abraham s journey.Called Hajj, it s a pilgrimagetaken once in a lifetime for Muslims. Millions of people congregate together at one time around the Kabbah.

Ishmael while building Ka’aba). Muslims around the world kiss it because the Holy prophet Muhammad (PBUH) kissed it and it is a rock from heaven. The PBUH, standing for Peace Be Upon Him, is written after Muhammad’s (PBUH) name as a term of respect.

According to Muslims and their

religious beliefs, one visits Mecca when God blesses an individual and calls one to him. “You feel closer to Allah; you are in a place where everyone is praying. It is extra Hashanahs (good deeds) for you.” said Dalal.

La renuncia forzada de Sanchez de Lozada

Estudiantes reaccionan a la actual situación de Bolivia y a la renuncia del presidente KATHY IBARRA Editora de cultura “Tengo que decirlo, era lo necesario y lo correcto. Fue un gran milagro y excitante,” dijo la júnior Natalia Aguirre.

Nativa de Cochabamba, Aguirre es una de los muchos bolivianos que alrededor del mundo expresaron su aprobación por la forma en que se desarrollaron los eventos en Bolivia, cuando protestantes indígenas forzaron la renuncia del ahora expresidente, Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada.

Sánchez de Lozada resignó a la presidencia el 17 de octubre debido a las numerosas amenazas que recibió, las cuales colocaron la vida de su familia y la suya propia en peligro. Durante las últimas semanas, él se había enfrentado con la inmensa oposición de los grupos indígenas bolivianos. “El es un ignorante y oprimió a la población, él solo quería enriquecerse,” dijo Aguirre.

Sánchez de Lozada, huyó de la capital La Paz en un helicóptero, escapando de los miles de furiosos indígenas, mientras que su vicepresidente Carlos Mesa era posesionado como presidente.

“Por primera vez la población mostró su descontento y ejercieron sus derechos como ciudadanos para expresar su opinión contra un gobierno que era opresivo e injusto. Ellos tenían el derecho para protestar y exigir que se reconocieran los derechos que supuestamente poseían desde el principio,” dijo Aguirre.

Los bolivianos tenían suficientes razones para su descontento. El nuevo presidente Carlos Mesa, ya tiene una gran lista de problemas para resolver,

Sanchez de Lozada

especialmente solucionar la gran crisis económica de Bolivia. Pero, estos problemas van a tomar tiempo para resolverse sin importar que tan rápido se tenga conciencia de los mismos.

“Yo creo que todos estos problemas comenzaron desde el principio de la colonia. Suramérica fue fundada por exiliados españoles que eran corruptos. Por tanto ellos no tenían nada que ofrecer,” dijo Aguirre.

La realidad Boliviana no es diferente de los otro países en Suramérica. El setenta por ciento de la población boliviana se encuentra por debajo de la línea de pobreza. Actualmente el país se encuentra dividido sobre si se debe o no exportar el excedente de la producción de gas natural.

Si el gobierno aprueba suministrar a California y Méjico con este producto, Bolivia podría dar el primer paso

para resolver el problema de la pobreza.

“En Bolivia hay pobreza, desempleo y una economía en ruinas. La gente se esta muriendo de hambre y no encuentran trabajos para mantenerse. Los bolivianos se encuentran forzados a cometer actividades ilegales como robar y traficar con drogas. El mercado negro es su opción,” dijo Aguirre.

Pero no solamente hay problemas políticos y económicos para Bolivia, también hay problemas sociales. La mitad de su población es de origen indígena que habla las lenguas Aymará y Quechua. Ellos conforman la mayoría de los protestantes que forzaron la renuncia de Sánchez de Lozada. “Hay una pirámide de clases en la sociedad boliviana, donde los indígenas están abajo y los oficiales del gobierno arriba,” dijo la júnior Valerie Rosas, quien visitó a su pueblo natal de Cochabamba el pasado mes de agosto.

En su mayoría, Rosas disfrutó un clima de paz en Bolivia, pero observó un gran sentimiento antiamericano mientras participaba en una protesta en Cochabamba.

“Cuando estaba en la plaza y los indígenas protestaban, había un hombre que decía que los EEUU no ayuda para nada a Bolivia, pero observé que estaba tomando una Coca-Cola. Pensé que era irónico que estuviera hablando mal de los EEUU y al mismo tiempo le estuviera dando su dinero a compañias americanas cuando compra Coca-Cola.”

Aguirre y Rosas como la gran mayoría de los bolivianos tienen esperanza de que las cosas cambien positivamente en su país.

Sus familias quieren este cambio también.

“Mi familia tiene esperanza en el futuro.

Con el nuevo presidente, las cosas deben cambiar pero al mismo tiempo ellos están preocupados por su seguridad personal.

Todo lo que quieren es que se haga justicia,” dijo Aguirre. “Personalmente, yo quiero que el nuevo presidente una a la gente y recobre su confianza a través de obras que solucionen los problemas económicas y sociales” dijo Rosas. “En este momento solo quiero que suceda un cambio.”

-¡Gracias, Señor Rivadeneira, para su ayuda con nuestra sección en español!

COURTESÍA DE VALERIE ROSAS

The Basics about Ramadan

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HTTP://PSEPHOS.ADAM-CARR.NET/BOLIVIA/BOLIVIA2002INDEX.HTML

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CULTURES A Religiously devoted

Junior Valerie Rosas está conociendo un indígena boliviano durante su viaje a Cochabamba. Indígenas como este niño son considerados como inferiores en la sociedad del país. “Hay una pirámide de clases en la sociedad boliviana, donde los indígenas están abajo y los oficiales del gobierno arriba,” dijo Rosas.

SPORTS XTRA

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Nov. 10, 2003

BY ERICA SATTEN Atomic Athletics

PRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM SKYDIVE ORANGE

The two boys shakily sat in their seats as the plane rose from the ground and climbed to 13,000 feet. As the plane reached a stable elevation, the instructor began to explain the safety precautions and tips for one of the most dangerous, but exhilarating experiences in the world, that these people were about to face. But the boys could not pay attention.

There were too many nervous thoughts running through their minds. Drawing them out of their pensive state, the door opened and an icy wind blew through the plane, giving chills to all the passengers. One by one, seniors Richard Hores and Zander Roberts watched as the other occupants stepped up to the door, checked their harness and parachute and jumped out of the plane. Next it was their turn. They took a quick glace at

the distant green and brown landscape masked by clouds below them, before taking the most daring steps of their lives.

On Sept. 6, Hores and Roberts drove to Skydive Orange in Orange Country which is about an hour and a half from AHS. They were gone for about six hours and the total experience cost $200.

“The day before, I wasn’t really nervous at all, but when I was in the plane I was terrified. When I walked up to the door my mouth felt completely dry,” said Roberts. He had never been skydiving before, but became interested in going after hearing Hores talk about his experience.

Their group consisted of about ten to 13 other divers ranging from 20 to 30 years old. Roberts and Hores were the youngest members. Many of the people in their group had not been skydiving before, but everyone still took the plunge.

The entire group is taken up in one plane and each diver is paired with a professional that follows about a foot behind. “Although skydiving seems dangerous, it is safer than riding in a car. The harness can hold up to 20,000 pounds,” said Roberts.

Roberts and Hores were dropped from 13,000 ft. “The only and most important instructions that were given

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was to bend our knees and hold onto the harness,” said Roberts.

First free fall lasts for about one minute at 120 m.p.h. falling about 1,000 ft. every 10 to 15 seconds. Then the shoot is pulled at about 6,000 ft. and a glide lasts for 15 to 25 minutes. “As I was falling I couldn’t believe I was actually doing this, it was incredible. I only felt a little sick when we were doing spins,” said Roberts.

Lastly, divers land in a huge field about 50 ft. away from the main building. “When I landed I could not believe that I had actually just done that, and it still gives me the chills to think about it,” said Roberts.

Hores had already skydived once on Aug. 23 as a present from his parents for his 18th birthday. He went in a group of 15 people and knew no one. “The second time was still scary, but I knew what was going on more, so it was not as scary as before,” said Hores.

When Roberts told some of his friends that he was going skydiving many people said he was crazy. “I would not go skydiving because I am not a daring person. I’d be afraid of something going

The only and most important instructions that were given was to bend our knees and hold onto the harnesses

”

PRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM SKYDIVE ORANGE

A total adrenaline rush

wrong,” said sophomore Allison Price.

Others such as Emanuel Martinez think skydiving would be an exhilarating experience. “I would go skydiving because of the adrenaline rush, and it would be nice to be up in the air and look down at all the landscapes,” said Martinez.

Neither Hores nor Roberts know of any other students who have been skydiving, but Hores thinks that is it something that everyone should experience. Roberts would do other extreme sports, but he does not think that anything else would compare to this. Roberts said, “I would definitely do it again, it was worth ten times more than the actal cost. You are going to be really scared at first, but just do it.”

cause they want to do something adventurous and spontaneous.

As exciting as it is this plunge of thrill doesn’t come with a cheap price tag. Skydiving ranges anywhere from $120 to $300.

It really depends on what kind of jump the skydiver wants.

These costs only per-

“[I would go with] Vin Diesel because he looks good!”

—Gloria Manana senior

“I’d want to go with my best friend, Chris, because it’s [skydiving] something we haven’t done yet.”

—Darrin Burrel junior “If I wanted to go skydiving, I would go with my father because we love skydiving and have always wanted to go.”

“I would go with Kelly Scrivener because it would be funny since we’d be so scared.”

on what type of license the diver has obtained. Skydivers are advised to deploy their main parachute by 2,500 ft. and then release the emergency chute before 1,800 ft.

Astandard sized parachute is about 135 sq. ft, but can come in

smaller sizes.

This sport isn’t offered to everyone in the U.S.A., only people 18 and older are eligible to skydive in the U.S.

SKYDIVE ORANGE: Price: $120-300 for beginners, $15-17 for the licensed Distance from home: 1 1/2 hours (75 miles) Address: 1139 Bloomburg Rd., Orange, VA 22960 Phone Number: 1-877-DIVE SKY

PRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM SKYDIVE ORANGE

PRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM SKYDIVE ORANGE

Thousands of feet up in the air with nothing but a back-pack that your life is counting on, you’re filled with the overwhelming yet exciting high of peering down and seeing nothing but sheets of clouds in your way, and then you take the plunge.

This plunge is also known as the extreme sport of skydiving. There’s more to skydiving a just jumping off an airplane thousands of feet in the air. There’s all different aspects of skydiving that most of us don’t know about.

People try skydiving be-

tain to student skydivers. Once you have earned your skydiving license, it becomes the affordable price of $15- $17. Skydiving equipment on the other hand ranges anywhere from $1,000- $3,500.

The different kinds of technical jumps that a diver can learn how to master are static line jumps, accelerated free fall and tandem jumps that consist of two people.

Most beginners start out with tandem jump. It’s the easiest way to experience freefall with a minimal amount of training. This style of jumping is when the diver is strapped to another person and both of them dive at the same time.Accelerated free fall is pretty much just a freestyle jump. The diver jumps out and usually has his arms positioned in front of them and their legs extended behind them. Static line jumps is when the person jumps out and looks like they’re standing while falling. Before even stepping foot onto a plane there’s a four to five hour training session on the ground.

Skydiving attire is important and is usually decided by the weather. On cold days it is suggested that divers wear layers of sweatshirts without hoods instead of bulky coats. Also to protect the divers’ hands, deer skin gloves or leathers are recommended, not thick snow gloves or mittens. However, on a warmer day, a casual t-shirt, jeans or long pants, and tennis shoes with eye slits (not hooks) are appropriate for skydiving.

Like many other sports, a diver has to be somewhat fit to participate. In skydiving there is a weight capacity. The weight limit is 220 pounds, but with innovated equipment it can hold a person who weighs up to 270 pounds, but he has to be in reasonable physical condition and proportion.

If someone is diving for the first time and has reached all the standard requirements, then he is on his way up to 3,000-4,000 feet in the air. Beginners start at this altitude; others who are more experienced can travel up to as high as 16,000 feet without supplemental oxygen. It depends

Who is the one person you would go skydiving with?

Why?

—Jean-Paul Lee sophomore

Freefall of facts for ‘first-timers’

BY BRIDGETTE KIM Staff Writer

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—Grace McMurry freshman

“I would want to go with my art teacher because I really like her, and I would really want to see the look on her face!”

—John Derrickson freshman

Sports News Boys Basketball Tryouts

The boys basketball team will be holding tryouts today.

Varsity: 2:30-5:45 (main gym) JV: 6:30-9:00 (upstairs gym) Frosh: 4:30-7:00 (upstairs gym)

Girls Basketball Tryouts

The girls basketball team will be holding tryouts today.

JV-Varsity (grades 10-12): 5:00-8:00 (upstairs gym) Freshman: 2:30-5:00 (upstairs gym)

Mello wins round one

In the first of many matchups, rookie sensations Lebron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets last Wed. night as Carmelo led his Nuggets to a 93-89 victory. James was held to only 7 points and 7 rebounds but is averaging over 15 points per game along with 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals per game.

Reds OF shot dead

Cincinnati Reds 25-year old outfielder Dernell Stenson was found dead on Nov. 5 in a residential area of Phoenix. After stealing his car, the suspect shot Stenson and proceeded to run him over with his car. Stenson’s SUV was found later and a man was arrested by the Phoenix police.

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Nov. 10, 2003

Rams end playoff hopes

BY STACY MARIN Staff Writer The Atoms concluded their season last Friday night as they were defeated 21-7 by the undefeated 6th ranked Robinson Rams.

“It was a tremendous effort,” head coach Dick Adams said. This was the closest game of the year for the Rams as they have been previously defeating their opponents by an average of 35.3 points per game.

“This game was a reflection of how the team has played all year and should be an example for the rest of the school,” said Adams.

Davis Murillo led all passers by going 12-27 for 159 yards and 1 TD. The final home game of the season took place October 31st against Lake Braddock. With a festive Halloween mood in the air, the Atoms won this game 14-13, clinching a winning record for the season.

The Atoms first fell behind to a Lake Braddock touchdown, but soon game back to tie the score late in the first half 7-7. Mike Torbert ran a kickoff return for a touchdown.

With Annandale leading 14-13 late in the fourth quarter, the Bruins got to inside the Atoms’ ten-yard-line, but

SEAN SULLIVAN

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SPORTS

Junior defensive back Mike Torbert and asst. coach Jamie Caryannis prepare for the opening kickoff against Lake Braddock on Oct. 31. The Atoms special teams came up vital as Torbert pinned the Bruins offense deep in their own end and returned a 91 yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the 14-13 AHS victory.

the Atoms defense pushed them back, and blocked their field goal attempt.

“If they score, we’re out,” said assistant coach Jamie Caryannis. “We stepped up and did what we had to do to prevent them from scoring.”

Junior quarterback Davis Murillo scored the other touchdown

for the Atoms. Running back Keith Watson rushed for 122 yards in 21 attempts. Also, defensive back Chris Barnes had two interceptions that gave the Atoms more opportunities.”

“They’re not only finding ways to win,” Adams said, “They’re refusing to lose.”

Despite losing their two games before October 24th, the Atoms looked to bounce back against West Potomac. They were successful in this with a 16-6 win over the Wolverines. Though facing major setbacks, the Atoms stepped up to win this important district match-up.

“The majority of our starting offense was out,” Adams said. “Jared Smith stepped up as quarterback and did a great job. He ran the offense well, and everyone rallied around him.”

Smith completed four of five attempts, for 60 yards. Watson rushed for 104 yards in 21 attempts, also rushing for the two Annandale touchdowns. T “Our team’s theme is that we have to play hard to compete. We’re finding out that we have to play very hard to compete,” said Adams. “If we don’t play hard, we don’t play very well, and we don’t win. If we work hard all week, we come out Friday night and have a great game, no matter who we play.”

As the season is now over the Atoms 6-4 record is the best since 1998 and have many key players returning last year such as juniors Davis Murillo, Larry Asante, Nate Williams, and the second leading rusher in the district sophomore Keith Watson.

Bruins oust Atoms in district quarterfinals Football

BY JULIE WOLF Staff Writer

(Through 11/8) Robinson 9-0 (5-0) Annandale 6-3 (4-1) Hayfield 6-3 (4-1)

West Potomac 3-6 (2-3) West Springfield 4-5 (2-4) Lake Braddock 2-7 (1-4) T.C. Williams 0-9 (0-5)

Field Hockey Final

Lake Braddock 15-4-1 (11-1-1) Annandale 14-4-1 (7-1-0) TINA DOUROUDIAN

Hayfield 8-7-0 (4-3-0) T. C. Williams 7-8-0 (3-3-0) Robinson 1-10-1 (1-4-1) West Springfield 1-8-1 (0-5-1) West Potomac 2-7-0 (1-6-0)

Player Profiles with Jared Smith

Senior setter Kari Wolfe warms up before her match against the Robinson Rams. Wolfe has been the starting setter on the varsity team for two years and is the captain this year.

The volleyball season came to and end last Mon. Oct. 27 as the Lake Braddock Bruins defeated the Atoms 3-0 in the first round of the Patriot Disrict tournament.

“Overall we played ok in the Lake Braddock game,” said junior Emilie Fagot. “Higher attendance at practice definitely helped our efforts.”

Although the team exuded a great sense of team unity, the team fell short of advancing to the second round of the tourney.

“We played well, but we could of played a lot better,” said senior co-captain Kari Wolfe. “We did improve from last year though, which was good.” The Atoms succesfully improved on last years record of zero district wins, by beating Hayfield and TC Williams in district play this year.

In the Atoms’ final game against Robinson on Wed. Oct. 22, the girls fell 3-0. This game was the Atoms’ senior night in which the three seniors, Elizabeth Gil, Carrie Horton, and Kari Wolfe, were recognized.

As the team looks back at the ups and downs of the season, many play-

ers reflect on thier efforts this year.

“I think that attending practice and working hard payed off in improving from last year,” Fagot said.

As for nextyear, even though the

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Higher attendance and hard work at practice definitely improved our chances.

”

—Emilie Fagot junior

three graduating seniors, Gil, Horton, and Wolfe were key assets a strong upcoming sophomore and junior class will help the Atoms reload next year.

“We should win a lot of games next season,” said sophomore JV starter Marie Pierce. “I’m excited about next year, and I hope it is as fun as this one was.”

You Make The Call: NBA rookie of the year The NBA is filled with many outstanding rookies, who will be crowned the best come June?

Jared’s Jargon

Keith Watson Sophomore How did it feel to start on Varsity as a freshman?

“I was really nervous and I didn’t want to mess up, but it felt good to know that I could step up to the challenge and play on a high level.”

What are your thoughts on Coach Adams and his coaching style?

“Ultimate motivator. He makes you do things you never thought you could do. He makes you believe that size doesn’t matter.”

How have your parents influenced your sports career?

“They are always supporting me and telling me to keep my grades up and to work hard and do my best at everything I do.”

What is your greatest sports moment?

“When Coach Adams told me I would be the starting tail back this year. It made me believe that he and the team had faith in me.”

Who gives you inspiration to become a better football player?

“My dad, he’s always supporting me. I also look up to Clinton Portis becasue I try to base my running style on him.”

Any plans to play football after high school?

“I want to play at Virginia Tech after high school.”

After many years of howling over who will be the NBA’s best rookie, this 2003 season is not only filled with many candidates for rookie of the year, but dare we Lebron James was the say, MVP. No. 1 pick in the Draft.

All the hype entering this season is Lebron this, Lebron that, and it is 100% accurate. Lebron James is the most talented rookie ever to play in the NBA, more talented then Jordan, Bird, Kareem, all of them. Notice I said talented, yes Lebron has the most talent out of all of them, but it is still yet to be said if he has the all-around, mental game, and the intangibles that those three great players had.

Although James is showing his metal early in the season, he is averaging 15.3 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game, 2.25 steals per game, and is boasting a 2.1 assist to turnover ratio, the best of any rookie ever. The only factor that could bring Lebron’s worth down is the fact that he is playing on the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers who are off to another 0 for season. Even though Lebrong is putting forth an MVP-type effort, he will never be able to shine when it means most, the playoffs. But Lebron’s biggest downfall could also make him standout more. Sometimes players get more recognition if they are standing out on a bad team. It is an anomaly in the sports world to see an

amazing player on an amazingly bad team, but with James, and other top Wiest’s Wisdom pick Carmelo Anthony, they will shine on bad teams this season. A sleeper The tip off of this year’s NBA pick for the NBA rookie of the year season inevitably poses the question is Chris Bosh of the Toronto Raptors. of exactly how good LeBron James Bosh also left after one year at Georwill be. He’s out of high school and in gia Tech and is already contributing to with the real deal: the professionals. the Toronto swingman offense. With He has clearly proven after first few Vince Carter running the offense, games that he is capable of competBosh is getting a lot of inside touches ing, but will he be able to live up to the and is leading the team in blocks avexpectations of his fans and the media? eraging over 1 per game. With Bosh Maybe, but he won’t get rookie of the getting more and more effective as the year. It remains unlikely that James season goes on, he will not only have will be able to continue compete on the a shot at the rookie of the year, but he same level he did the first three games, might just be the driving force on the as he proved in the Nov. 5 game against inside that the Raptors need to make the Denver Nuggets. In the first of two another playoff run . Another rookie matchups against to watch out for the third pick overis Reece Gaines all of last year’s of the Orlando draft, Carmello AnMagic. Gaines thony, James scored was selected just seven points 15th overall in 41 minutes, all out of Lousivthis against a team ille. He has a that concluded good chance Jared Smith Matt Wiest last season in a to be succestie for the worst Sports Editors ful becasue of record in the NBA. his amazing Due to all ball handling the hype about and shooting skills, but mainly beJames’ strong performance the first cause of his coach Rick Pitino. The two games, people seem to overLouisville head man has not only look the fact that the Cavaliers, as been succesful in the college ranks, of Nov. 6, have yet to win a game. but he has led NBA teams to the Cleveland is still undoubtedly among promise land too, and is one of the the worst teams in basketball with or most gifted coaches of his time. without LeBron. It has become obvious But all that is well and good, that James, still a teenager, has become Lebron James is the man, no questhe leader of the Cavs, perhaps a role tions asked. he will give the all time for which he is not ready. While scorscoring record and the title of greatest ing over twenty points in his first two player of all time a good run. Look out games, he has failed to break ten in the Clevelend, and the rest of the nationmonth of November. Anyone hoping to because 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 win rookie of the year on a team as bad assists in his first game ever is just a as Cleveland needs to step up and play small taste of what this 18 year-old the role of leader, a role that James, sensation will provide in the future. thus far, has not proven himself capable.

The Cavaliers-Nuggets matchup on Nov. 5 can be viewed in a slightly different light for Carmello Anthony. He has stepped into the leadership position for the Nuggets who, for the first time in quite some time, have a winning record.

No doubt, their 3-1 record this season can be attributed to the stellar play of ‘“Mello.” Putting my hatred of the Syracuse Orangemen aside, Anthony has had a greater impact on his team than any rookie on any team. Consistent play and strong performance have been the story of Anthony’s time at Denver.

This being said, Anthony has placed himself in a better position to win the honor of being the league’s best rookie than has James. Add to this the fact that Anthony’s team has actually shown the capacity to win , unlike James and the Cavs, and you have a formula for rookie of the year.

However, other rookies in the league cannot be overlooked. Namely, Josh Howard of the Dallas Mavericks and Darko Milicic of the Detroit Pistons. Though they both have yet to seen significant playing time, this will inevitably change as they acquaint themselves with their respective teams’ systems as they have great potential.

As the NBA season progresses, each of these rookies will gain an opportunity to show their abilities as newcomers in the league.

However, if things remain how they are, Carmello Anthony is in a prime position to take the cake.

SPORTS

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Nov. 10, 2003

Atoms advance to states

BY TED GIBSON Staff Writer In the Northern Region semifinal game on Nov. 7, the Atoms defeated the Madison Warhawks in a startling 3-2 comeback victory. Madison came out strong with a commanding 2-0 advantage early in the first half, but the Atoms’ defense came alive and held the Warhwaks scoreless for the duration of the game. Junior Diana Hollingsworth led her teammates back into the game with a pair of back-toback goals, tying the score 2-2 at the half.

“I knew we were the better team and we were determined to make it to states. Everyone really pulled together as a team to make it happen,” said Hollingsworth. Seniors Erin O’Brien and Julie Stone helped the Atoms keep their intensity up with a dominating performance in the second half on offense.

With only a few minutes left in regulation, sophomore Natalie Gilbert scored the winning goal, assisted by senior Julie Stone.

“It was a big relief to finally take the lead, but we knew we had to stay focused and hold them for the rest of the game,” said Gilbert. The win over Madison advances AHS to the regional championship, where they will face the liberty district’s number one seed, the Woodson Cavaliers.

AHS entered the third round of the regional tournament after a surprising 1-0 victory over the favored Centreville Wildcats in the quarterfinal game. In the fourth minute of overtime, senior Erin O’Brien scored the winning goal on a penalty stroke, defeating Centreville in sudden death. The scene on the field at

Sophomore Sarah Sheehan fights for the ball in the Atoms 4-0 shutout of the Robinson Rams on Fri. Oct 24. After going undefeated in district play in the regular season, the Atoms went on to lose in the District Championship game in overtime 2-1 to defending champion Lake Braddock. (See letter-sized insert for game results).

Oakton High School was an emotional one, as the Atoms celebrated another playoff victory on their postseason winning streak.

After this victory over the expected regional champion Wildcats the Atoms’ began to turn some heads in their regional drive.

The Atoms wrapped up their regular season with a 5-0 shut out over the Robinson Rams, earning a perfect 6-0 record in district play and the no. 1 seed in the annual Patriot District tournament. The

Atom’s experienced an exhilirating 1-0 defeat of the Hayfield Hawks in 2 OT in the semifinals game before suffering a heartbreaking 2-1 loss in overtime to the rivaled Lake Braddock Bruins in the championship.

Despite their defeat, theAtoms remained optimistic and kept their momentum alive in the regional tournament, led by an astonishing ten all-district players. Including the Patriot District player of the year in senior forward Erin O’Brien, and the

Atomic Athletics A wrapup of JV and Freshman sports throughout AHS.

Patriot District coach of the year in Cindy Hook. Seniors Julie Stone andAmanda Sheaffer also won first team all district honors.

“Watching Lake Braddock receive their district championship patches on our own field just made us hungrier for a win. We put the loss behind us, and I’m still confident we have the best team in the region,” said Head Coach Cindy Hook. Among the awardwinning Atoms were first team all-district senior forwards Julie Stone and Amanda Sheaffer, senior defenders Tracie Hiatt and Cameron Wells, and senior Erin O’Brien and sophomore Natalie Gilbert at midfield.

Gilbert was the only sophomore who was awarded first-team honors in the Patriot District. Additionally, Coach Hook was named Patriot District Coach of the Year.

This is the furthestAHS field hockey has advanced in the post season since winning the regional tournament in 1989, when the Atoms defeated the West Springfield Spartans in 13 overtimes in the championship game. On Thursday, AHS will travel to Virginia Beach to play in the first round of theAAAState Tournament with exact dates, times, and opponents to be determined.

“Right now our focus is on winning the regionalal tournament. We need to maintain our level of confidence and play well as a team on both sides of the field,” said Hook.

TheAtoms’regional championship game against the defendingAAAState Champion W.T. Woodson Cavaliers who beat the Thomas Jefferson Colonials in the other regional semifinal game. The results of this game was too late to publish in this issue.

Edwards sprints into regional tourney

COURTESY OF BOB CHRISTIE

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Rebecca Freece - Sr. - Guard Stephanie Freece - Jr. - Guard Sam Muchmore - Jr. - Guard Nakia Williams - Jr. - Guard Angela Briggs - Sr. - Forward

Outlook: Determined to improve upon last year’s season, the boys basketball has high hopes for this year as the Atoms have all but one member of of last winter’s team potentially returning. In the Patriot District tournament, the Atoms fell short of the regional tournament only because of a loss to West Springfield.

“Last season will definitely be improved upon,” said Coach Pat Hughes, “we have a lot of seniors and I think we’ve got what it takes. We’ve got the focus we need.”

The team will come into the season with a lot more experience than last year. Travis Johnson, who was on the team for the first time last season, is the only player from last year’s team not to be returning.

“We will have more experience and a lot more focus this year,” said coach Hughes.

The season will tip off on Dec. 2, with a scrimmage against Herndon, which, along with Hayfield, will be two of the top teams in the region this year. Over the winter break, the team will travel down to Orlando, Florida for a holiday tournament.

However,thebiggestgameswillcomeagainsttheAtomsdistrictfoes,namely,Hayfield,T.C.Williams.andWestSpringfield.

“Hayfield is definitely one of the best teams around, but every district game is important,” said Hughes.

Returning players this year include seniors Chris Flowers, Matt Hubacher, Billy Purdon, Brandon Betz, and juniors Davis Murillo and Mike Torbert “I think we have a lot of potential this season,” said senior Chris Flowers, “we have a lot of guys coming back and we know how to work as a team.”

With Dec. 2 approaching fast, the team will begin its preparation next week after the conclusion of tryouts.

-Matt Wiest Sports Editor

Outlook: Coming off a 9-16 record last season, the girls basketball teams looks to recapture the magic that won them the 1988 AAA State Championship. Last year the Atoms’ were ousted in the first round of the Northern Regional Tournament by the Chantilly Chargers. To avoid a similar outcome to this season, the team has worked incredibly hard in the offseason to prepare for the long year ahead. The lady Atoms have held conditioning and weight lifting sessions for all players three days a week since the school started in Sept., and have had fall league games and open gym almost everry night since the summer.

“We’re very excited about the upcoming season,” said head coach Lori Barb. “We have almost everyone returning from last season and both the girls and I have very high expectations.” The Atoms’ do expect 11 of last years lettering players to return this year including Division 1 prospect, senior guard Rebecca Freece.

As for the rest of the Patriot District, “Lake Braddock has everyone returning, but after that, it’s anybody’s ball game,” said Barb. “I think we will be competitive with every team we play this season, every game is important.”

The Atoms’ will kick off the season on Dec. 2 in the TipOff Tournament at Thomas Jefferson High School with opponents to be determined. This is the first year the Atoms’ are participating in this preseason tournament, in which perennial powerhouse schools such as Lake Braddock, Robinson, Jefferson, and Woodson will all be competing in.

Coach Barb also feels that she will get a lift from two newcomers to the basketball program. Freshman Denay Wood and Kelly Muchmore will be competing for varsity slots this year.

By Jared Smith Sports Editor

Sean Armstrong and the rest of the freshman offense scored 38 points in a win over Lake Braddock.

Coaches: Bill Maglisceau Key Players: SeanArmstrong,Andrew Lewis, Robert Pearson Record: 4-1-1 Results of Final Game: 33-0 win over Lake Braddock Player’s Quote: “Football is good and the freshman team rocks. The only bad thing is that it is very time consuming.” said freshman Sean Armstrong.

Ana Natividad greatly contributed to the team s 5-8 record this season.

Coaches: Joel Jepson Key Players: Lucia Schafer, Ana Natividad, Donna Yu Record: 5-8 Results of Final Game: 2-1 win over Herndon last Fri. Oct. 17 Coach’s Quote: “I am very proud of the girls and the way they have worked and fought very hard every game.” head coach Joel Jepson.

JV Field Hockey

Forward Suzanne Vandereijk led the JV squad to their second consecutive one-loss season.

SARAH SOZIO

Key Returning Players

Freshman Football

Freshman Volleyball

improve on last season.

Billy Purdon - Sr. - Center Brandon Betz - Sr. - Forward Chris Flowers - Sr. - Point Guard Matt Hubacher - Sr. - Forward Mike Torbert - Jr. - Guard

Coaches: Marshall Jefferson, Clay Yoder, Mike Scott Key Players: Kyle Murphy, Jason Rutherford, Jason Troy Record: 4-3 Results of Final Game: 38-0 win vs. Lake Braddock Player’s Quote: “We have had a successful season then last year and we are keeping up he hard work,” said sophomore Kyle Murphy.

Coaches: Beth Caudle Key Players: Robin Hertel, Madline Mejean.

Record: 3-10 Results of Final Game: 2-1 win over Herndon last Fri. Oct. 17 Player’s Quote: “Being moved up to JV was a good opportunity for me to improve my skills,” said freshman Madeline Mejean.

Cheerleading places 5th in districts, falls one slot Freece and the lady Atoms look to short of Regionals.

Key Returning Players

Kyle Murphy bolsters a JV offensive line which averages over 2 rushing touchdowns per game.

Freshman Madeline Mejean was the only freshman moved up to the JV squad this season.

look ahead: Basketball Preview Boys basketball takes flight for next season.

JV Football

JV Volleyball

in three miles. Katie Tubb (20:36) and Katie Littlefield (21:03) also were impressive assets.

With only one runner advancing to At the district meet Oct 22, both the girls regionals the cross country team looks back and boys teams put forward great effort fin- on their overall performance throughout the ishing sixth place overall. The outstanding year. Generally the season was successful, dotted with triumphs times were evidence and hardships of the tremedous throughout the year. success that came Both the team and with this season. the coach are happy For the boys, IsWe are slowly moving up with the performance mael Ahmed came and it seems that yet in first, finishing and mixing in with the top another year of with a time of 16: hard work and 38.

In second runners in our district. diligence has paid off. place for the boys, “This was one junior Brandon —BobChristie of the most successFlowers finished head coach ful seasons since strong wiht a time I’ve been coachof 16:45. Both top ing,” said hristie. finishers for the In the Atoms’ boys finished witing 5 sports of the regional tournamnet. most recent meet at Albemarle, the For the girls, Lauren Edwards qualified boys team maintained their winning for regionals by finishing fourteenth out ways, finishing 12th out of twenty-seven of 49 participants with a time of 19:25. teams. The girls squad also had sucess “Edwards was a big inspiration to the on the 3 mile course finishing tenth. The team this year,” said head coach Bob Chris- Abermale Course was the most rigortie. “We are a lot stronger because of her.” ous, consisting of incredibly steep hills.

Although the team is losing two key FreshmanHannaTubbalsomadeanoteworthy run when she broke twenty minutes seniors, they are still very optimistic and

BY AMY MATHIS Staff Writer

Members of the girls cross country, senior Stephanie Kruse, junior Monica Dinh (38), junior Jessica Samuelson (51), junior Angel Cregge (36), senior Lauren Edwards (39), and sophomore Katie Tubb (53) pose before their district meet. By finishing 14th overall Lauren Edwards qualified for the Northern Regional tournament. Edwards was the only Annandale runner to advance to the regional tourney.

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Go, Fight, Win! Senior Catherine Mazur, juniors Tamara Kinney, Jenna Wade, and sophomore Tammy McCoy pose for the national anthem before the district cheerleading competition on Wed. Oct. 29th. The Atoms performed well but came one slot short of a regional berth by finishing 5th out of seven teams.

Robinson came in first place, West Springfield came in second, defending champion Lake Braddock came in third, and Hayfield, in fourth. The top four make the regional tournamnent which was held last week at Robinson High School. Annandale along with other district schools, TC Williams and West Potomac fell short of qualifying. The squad improved in the final round moving up from there 7th place finish in the preliminary round.The Atoms were not able to repeat last year’s regional berth.

Coaches: Katie Stribbling Key Players: Suzanne Vandereijk, Elizabeth Waxler, Maria Gonzales Record: 7-1-3 Results of Final Game: 1-0 win over Robinson on Fri. Oct. 17.

Player’s Quote: “We had an awesome season and we weren’t just a team, but we were all friends.” said sophomore Suzanne Vandereijk.

Freshman Hockey

Standout freshman forward Julie Tumaz

Coaches: Kelly Eklund Key Players: Julie Tumaz, Emily Sanders, Kate McCormack Record: 2-3-4 Results of Final Game: 2-1 loss vs.

Madison last Fri. Oct. 17 Player’s Quote: “This season was really fun and it was great bonding with my teammates,” said freshman Julie Tumaz.

16 Sports News

SPORTS

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Oct. 15, 2003

18 1. SCARY MOVIE 3 Starring Charlie Sheen, Anna Farris, Scary Movie 3 spoofs The Ring, The Matrix and Signs. (PG-13, 88 min) Directed

by David Zucker.

Cumulative Gross: $77,540,714.

2. BROTHER BEAR Starring Rick Moranis, David Thomas, Joaquin Pheonix, Jeremy Suarez and Jason Raize, Brother Bear is about a pacific northwesterner who turns into a bear to learn compassion. (G, 85 min) Directed by Aaron Blaise and Bob Walker. Cumulative $19,786,118 Goss:$19,786,118

ENTERTAINMENT

4. RADIO Starring Cuba Gooding Jr., Ed Harris, S. Epatha Merkerson and Alfre Woodard, Radio is a drama about a retarded man befriended by a highschool football coach. (PG, 109 min) Directed by Mike Tollin. Cumulative Gross:$26,245,062 $26,245,062

BY BEN BERGLUND Entertainment Editor “Is it over?” asks villain Smith as his fight with Neo ends. This is the same question on the entire audience’s mind. The movie is 129 minutes, but it feels more like five… on fast-foreword. By the time Smith’s question is uttered, we’re all left wondering, “Is it over, is that how the Matrix ends?”

This is not to say the move is bad, but there are more questions upon exiting than entering.

They wonder, “What just happened between Neo and Smith?” “How did that little girl do whatever she did to the sky?” “What’s going to happen now?”

Back in 1999, when The Matrix first rolled around, the Wachowskis knew how to keep us waiting. They kept fight scenes short, and the battles did not seem predetermined. They had longer waits in between sequences. They used the lost art of dialogue. Their script kept us on our toes, and we really wondered whether Neo would take the red pill or the blue one.

Revolutions lacks that dialogue that kept our

mouths hanging open and our eyes glued to the screen. It has its moments, mind you, but they’re left at just that – moments. Most disappointingly, there is no Morpheus speech that brings it all together. He utters his one-liner, like everyone else, and the movie goes on. There isn’t even a Neo phone call at the end to wrap things up.

The battle for Zion is too long. It features none of the main characters and takes away time that would have been better spent on plot revelations. Watching human-piloted mechs fight thousands upon thousands of squids has its value, sure, but it shouldn’t take the place of the main characters on screen. It is obvious by the quickness of the ending that there was too much time spent here during the production.

Neo’s journey to the machine city is both good and bad. It does give the sense of a final battle, but it keeps Neo off the screen for the duration of the Zion battle.

We are left wondering what he and Trinity are up to.

The Neo vs. Smith culmination is truly awesome. Before they fight, Smith explains how he is unstoppable in an old Matrix-style dialogue. Neo decides to try anyway. They fight on the ground, in

Neo is who Morpheus believes is “the one. In the prophecy of “The One”, the one is supposed to return balance and harmony to the world.

buildings, in pits created from their very battle and in the sky. They pound each other mercilessly, and neither can seem to gain the advantage for a long time. Finally, it seems that Smith cannot lose, he becomes frustrated by the fact that Neo won’t give up and questions Neo’s motives. The rain (which was technologically augmented) and lightning added to this scene, which was the best part of the movie.

It’s a good movie; don’t let the critics convince you otherwise. Unfortunately, it’s also an easy target because it doesn’t live up to the Matrix legacy. With such a phenomenal beginning, we all expected an Movie Review ending that transcended The Matrx: movie reality. Go see it (maybe twice to answer Revolutions some questions), but lower your expectations.

It’s only pretty good.

Trinity is on the crew of the Nebuchenezer. She is Neo’s significant other. She was shot by an agent in The Matrix Reloaded, but Neo saved her using his Matrixaltering abilities.

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Good, but not the ultimate ending it should have been.

Smith is a former agent, and now serves as Neo’s arch nemesis.

According to the oracle, Smith is the opposite of the one, and his existance is to “balance out the equation.”

Kill Bill falls short of Tarantino’s talent

BY CHRIS SOPHER Ad Manager Since his debut in 1992, director Quentin Tarantino has become the deity of his cinematic niche. A simple tale of revenge, Kill Bill is Tarantino’s fourth exploration into offbeat filmmaking.

Yet somehow this one fails to grasp the uncanny essence of his previous films; it lacks the comical ingenuity that de-

Uma Thurman stands en garde in Kill Bill.

fined Pulp Fiction, and the gritty touch that made Reservoir Dogs what it is.

The film opens in a manner we have come to expect; Tarantino defines the plot in a single sentence stolen from Star Trek’s Klingons: “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” And that’s all there

Dear Abby Advice Column

By Abby Segall

5. RUNAWAY JURY Starring John Cusack, Bruce Davison, Gene Hackman Melora Walters and Dustin Hoffman, Runaway Jury is about a corrupted jury consultant who tries to bend the rules for his client. (PG-13, 127 min) Directed by Gary Fleder. Cumulative $33,315,320 Gross:$33,315,320

Nov. 10, 2003

The Matrix has you

Morpheus is the pilot of the Nebechenezer and is Neo’s mentor.

Morpheus is the leader of those Zionites who beleive the prophecy of “The One.”

3. TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACREStarring Jonathan Tucker, Jessica Biel, Eric Balfour and Erica Leerhsen, Texas Chainsaw Massacre is about some hippies who visit a farmhouse owned by crazed sadists. (R, 95 min) Directed by Marcus Nispel. Cumulative Gross:$66,047,114 $66,047,114

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Dear Abby, I love my parents and I admire them for the effort they have made to come to this country and make a good life for our family. There is one thing though that is a continual aggravation to me. They refuse to let me go to a sleepover. My mom and dad don’t understand how much I am missing in my friendships when I can’t share that experience with my friends. Can you suggest a way for me to make them more comfortable with the idea that sleepovers are safe and fun?

–Missing the nightlife

is. The confrontational is to it. Uma Thurman Movie Review dialogue is reminiscent (Black Mamba), returnKill Bill of bad James Bond ing from her classic role scripts, and is truly more in Pulp Fiction, spends lifeless than Star Wars: the first installment of Episode II. Quentin this series exacting her For not living up to Tarantino’s prerevenge upon former col- vious works, and being entertaining Tarantino seems to be losing the touch for leagues in the “Deadly but unoriginal dialogue that made Pulp Viper Assassination Fiction the hit it was.

Squad,” who previously The actors, however, had attempted to murdo deserve marginal der her on her wedding day. Of course, no revenge movie could credit for even dealing with such a script. be complete without plenty of fight Uma Thurman, apparently hopelessly scenes and ample squirting blood. attached to Tarantino, is, for at least Surprisingly enough, though, Taran- two minutes of the two-hour story, tino only manages to copy this simple quite fitting in her role. The completed formula. The ultra-violent fight scenes cast also included Michael Carradine that embody the film somehow seem as Bill and Lucy Liu in her worst apconfused. Tarantino said Kill Bill was pearance yet, as a Japanese crime lord his chance to make his childhood ideas who loses the top of her head (literally) reality. And that’s all it manages to be: in a confrontation with our semi-heroa mixture of childhood fight-scene obses- ine. Still, the acting remains quite dry.

Kill Bill strives to be more bloody, sions stuffed into a single, confused film.

It seems more a combination of previ- violent and gruesome than any of ous concepts; at times like Crouching Tarantino’s previous work. We see the Tiger, Hidden Dragon’s gravity-defying first appearance of the never-ending sword escapades, at others The Ma- blood fountain—each lost limb encourtrix’s slow motion, and still others like ages the loss of quarts of blood—that scenes from a bad Jackie Chan movie. will likely make a return in the second It is even more difficult to un- volume. While this inevitably adds to derstand the script; it’s hard to tell its entertainment value, it is the shalwhether or not the stiff, dry dialogue low, gory soul of the film. Kill Bill is was intended to be as comically bad as it violent, bloody, and nothing more.

C+

I can understand your frustration because I have friends whose parents feel the same way. I found out with my friendships that the parents never really felt comfortable with the idea of a sleepover. If it was an extremely rare or important occasion, however, the parent might say “yes.” Guidance counselor Linda Wheeler explains that “many parents from other cultures are not used to the idea of sleepovers saying it is an “American thing.” Your parents may never feel comfortable letting you go to another person s house to spend the night, but one attempt to make that “no” turn into (a least) a “maybe” might be to arrange the parents to meet each other ahead of time. If your mom or dad is able to speak with the parent of your friend, they may feel more comfortable.

Wheeler also says many parents don t allow their children to attend sleepovers because of a fear of letting go. “I think kids need to understand [parents] are not trying to be mean or keep you from having fun. It is more like fear

Simply put, Kill Bill falls in with every other violent action movie as the bad collage, strewn with elements of every other violent action film. It lacks plot, direction, and ingenuity—all usually qualities of Tarantino’s work.

Given, it is mildly entertaining, if only for its lengthy action sequences.

Quentin Tarantino fans may still want to travel to see it, simply to contrast it with his previous work. And the movie’s not terrible—it’s just been done before. Kill Bill is simply an exercise in mediocrity for a director that could have easily managed better.

Tarantino searly films such as Pulp Fiction offered more originality than Kill Bill.

time goes by the disappointment and upset resulting from the breakup will get easier to accept,” said Guidance counselor Susan Taylor. “In situations like this, the first thing we have to accept is that we can t make somebody else like us, or love us, or even be our friend, practice for the “real world.” but I m sure that the person has many wonderful qualities and by making an Dear Abby, effort, can find a girlfriend elsewhere.”

My girlfriend broke up with me about Although you might not be ready for a month ago, and I m still having a another relationship yet, it is time hard time accepting it. I get a pang you start focusing your time on other when I see her in the hall, and feel activities or people. “One thing that very jealous when I see her hanging helps is to stay busy or stay involved out with other guys. What can I do to instead of staying at home, feeling sorry make my life feel normal again, and for yourself,” said Taylor. You may feel get her out of my head? –Heartbroken as though you have hit rock bottom, but in Springfield do not fret because I assure you it will get better with time, for now preoccupy Breaking up is hard to do and although yourself with an after school activity to you have probably heard this a million get your mind off of the lost girl. times before, recovery is all about time.

It is true when it comes to physical wounds, such as a scraped knee, and it is true in this situation as well. “As of not being able to protect them,” said Wheeler. If you plan on attending college in the future then remind your parents that before they know it, you will be moving out soon. Try to explain to your parents that sleepovers are

ENTERTAINMENT

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Nov. 10, 2003

50 years of Atoms, 50 years of stars

BY JOSEPH BURKE Staff Writer As AHS celebrates its 50th anniversary, students are constantly reminded of how different today’s school and the world around it is from their counterparts in the fifties. Photos from our school’s early days show different hairstyles and clothing choices from what one would expect today; Sophomore DJ Sam Rabinovitz’s Friday morning broadcasts to the student body illustrate the evolution of popular music; history classes teach students the different concerns and values held

by Americans in the past. But the differences between our lives and the lives of those

first students to enter AHS stretch far beyond these aspects. They are also found in what students now turn to for entertainment, as opposed to what teens from the 50s did in their pursuit of very same thing.

Today a favorite leisure activity of students is to watch their favorite shows on television. Having debuted in 1947, television was becoming more and more popular in the early and mid 1950s, when AHS first opened. However, the sheer variety of shows available today is vastly greater than the selection one would have 50 years ago. Unlike today’s cable and satellite TV with dozens if not hundreds of channels at a viewer’s disposal, television of the ’50s only had a handful of stations: NBC, CBS, and ABC, a far cry from the multitude of options offered to the viewers of today.

The content of television, that is the subject and theme of a show, also was quite different. Today some of the most popular TV shows are unscripted, reality based shows, that often show the faults and sometimes-extreme competitiveness of its participants. A good example of such a show is the smash hit Survivor. Also on today’s shows, characters are often linked simply by friendship, not familiar or vocational bonds; this trend has of course been catalyzed or at least affected by the extreme success of NBC’s Friends.

The shows of the ‘50s though, were mostly situation comedies based on nuclear families and dramas concerning people who work together (like cop and lawyer shows). Today’s prevalence of reality shows was also something al-

together foreign to television viewers of the ‘50s. Viewers and TV producers seemed to prefer shows with morals of wholesome family values versus the kind of shows we have today, with their largely permissive attitudes towards sex and violence. Father Knows Best, which first appeared during the fall of AHS’s first scholastic year, perhaps best epitomizes this. It starred Robert Young as the patriarchal leader of the wholesome Anderson family. When compared to today’s sitcoms about somewhat dysfunctional families, like The Simpsons and Malcom in the Middle; shows like Father Knows Best seem unrealistically innocent.

However, Some things remain essentially the same, even over a period of five decades. Young stars in the ’50s were often wildly popular and rich because of their image and sex appeal. Look no further than entertainment shows like ET and Access Hollywood and you can see this holds true today. For example, in the ‘50s, Marilyn Monroe became extremely popular and achieved superstar status. Her romances with high-profile men like Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller were constantly subjects of gossip and scrutiny. This is reminiscent of Jennifer Lopez, the singer and movie star whose recent romance, engagement, and breakup with fellow star Ben Affleck, among others, has been well documented and publicized.

In terms of male media stars, young people from the ’50s would have followed celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, a singer and actor who starred in such popular films from the 50s like the

romantic From Here to Eternity. There are stars today that too excel in both film and music. Like Sinatra, many have never been formally taught the acting trade and stick to movie characters mirroring their own personality.

An example from today is Ice Cube, the rapper who starred the Friday movies.

Although of the first classes of AHS may have differences, they share similarities too. ’50s students turned to television for entertainment just as we do today, even if the shows are different. We still are intrigued by the lives of celebrities, like those of the ‘50s were. “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

Elliot Smith remembered: 1969-2003 “You had plans for both of us/ That involved a trip out of town/ To a place/ I’ve seen in a magazine/ That you left lying around/ I don’t have you with me but/ I keep a good attitude/ Do you miss me, miss misery/ Like you say you do?”

“Miss Misery” by the late Elliot Smith, won an Academy Award in 1997 for best original song in Good Will Hunting, which led Smith to a primetime spot, performing on the Oscars, as well as a record deal with Dreamworks. Six years later, Elliot Smith took his life, through the Japanese method of Hari-Kari on Oct. 22, and ended an era of one of the most accomplished folk singers in a decade.

Elliot Smith’s career has been compared to the likes of renowned folk-singer Nick Drake, who committed suicide by overdose in 1974. Smith began his career while attending Lincoln High School in Portland, Oregon, where he formed the band Stranger Than Fiction.

After he graduated from school in 1991, Smith attended Hampshire College in Massachusetts, where he formed Heatmeister, which, sounded more like a punk band, swore they had folk roots. After Heatmeister disbanded in ’96, Smith pursued an acoustic solo act, releasing his first album Either/Or. Touring through small-town clubs and bars, Smith began to

become an icon in the alternative music scene; his music was aimed to show listeners the pain and beauty within himself, and wrote with a sincerity that allowed fans to feel it also.

Touring throughout the U.S., Smith found a friend in filmmaker Gus Van Sant, who would go on to direct Good

Live Wire Music Review

By John Reiss Will Hunting, and incorporate six of Smiths’ songs into the movie, that would not only provide a soundtrack, but were used in the fabric of the film, filling the silences in it.

His breakthrough musical scoring and performance on the Good Will Hunting soundtrack, brought Smith into the national spotlight, as well as XO, Smith’s first major label release. XO exhibited Smith’s most adventurous music, filled with vocals full of emotional wreckage and café ballads, he mixes in pianos, horns and even a full-blown strings section to accompany his guitar, creating songs which bring out

the best and worst of heartache.

Departing from his ballad-style anthems, Smith took a quieter tone on his next Dreamworks release, Figure 8. “There’s no point in making the same record over and over again,” said Smith in a Rolling Stone interview. “It’s always going to be kind of coherent because it’s all coming from the same person. So given that amount of boredom, you might as well change it up as much as possible.” Figure 8 found Smith returning to his acoustic roots, with simpler arrangements, but more complex lyrics, displaying the peak of Smith’s talent. He swathed listeners with sadeyed melodies, and yet moved them from their seat with his addictive chords. The standout finale track on the album, “Can’t Make a Sound,” where Smith has written an anthem that screams out that with finding no peace in isolation, there is still something worse than solitude.

Elliot Smith left a legacy of music for the world to hear, after his tragic death. While his songs might make one label his music as sad and depressive, Smith maintains that, “...there has to be some sadness in it-there has to be so that the happiness in it will matter.”

Released on October 21, Something Corporate’s sophomore CD, North, gives listeners a looks at the darker side of these talented musicians.

All five of Something Corporate’s members were friends in high school and decided to form band because of their immense love for music and the spotlight. Something Corporate’s career was jump started when they signed with Drive-Thru Records and entered the music scene as an indie or emo band. Their album, Leaving Through the Window was their first full-length album, released in 2002.

Front man Andrew McMahon who plays piano and sings for the band, has definitely developed from the first CD to this one. His voice has a more morose quality to it and is more mature than in the first album. The bands’ sound is a unique one, balancing the softer, more subdued sound of the piano, to the more grinding sound of a guitar. Overall they achieve an elegant and balanced sound.

North’s debut song, “Space,” was first released to the public this summer when it was played on an episode of Fox’s “The O.C.” The song has an addicting melody and lyrics. The chorus sums up the feeling of wanting to be left alone and have your own space; “Hey, give me space so I can breathe, give me space

so I can sleep, give me space so you can drown in this with me.” While many emo bands have a dark side to them, Something Corporate intersperses their dark lyrics with upbeat melodies.

“Only Ashes” has both a dark tone, and sullen lyrics. The song, as many of their other songs are like, is about not being able to let, seeking revenge, or undistinguishable emotions. “Incinerate what’s left of this, and torch the part of me that’s you,” shows the common adolescent struggle with emotions and how to deal with them.

Even Something Corporate’s more ballad-like songs encompass a lot of pain and sadness. One of their most beautiful songs, infused with piano in the beginning that is slowly drowned out by the strumming of the guitar, is one of their more disturbing songs. “Ruthless,” is a combination of gorgeous instrumentation, and lyrics such as, “this is your ghost that kneels before me, razors on her tongue a body full of oxygen, it won’t be the last time she’ll ignore me, thinning in my skin, without the strength to go, winter setting in, to cover you in snow.” The upbeat melody diverts attention from what the lyrics say, or what they mean. “Ruthless” is an example of the pain and frustration that is found in many of Something Corporate’s songs.

Something Corporate has a quality in their music that makes you feel empowered and that you can take on

HOROSCOPES Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Don’t take a relationship for granted. You either want or have just received something very exspensive. There will be an improvement in your financial future. Don’t forget your manners.

Another Scorpio may not like you.

Sagittarrus (Nov. 2-Dec. 21) Do something different with your hair or clothes; everyone will notice. A loved one likes you for yourself, not your style. Big dreams may come true. A Capricorn has big plans for you. Lucky numbers: 2, 6, 8.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Song lyrics hold a special meaning to you. Thinking about that concert? Go to it, you may just meet that special someone to fill the gap in your heart. Trust can be found in the most unexpected people.

“Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.”

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb.18) Learn to let people go, even if it’s the last thing you want to do. If they need you, they’ll come back.

You are very grateful to someone but you’re afraid to tell them.

Don’t be quiet, speaking up is usually easy for you. A Cancer likes that about you.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Look out for someone who can’t look after themselves. The weather’s getting colder, but your’re feeling warmer and friendlier.

Don’t let the little things bother you anymore. Things are looking up and Libras are a good time.

Aries (March 21- April 19) You’ve been frustrated lately. Take some time off to rest and recover.

Loved ones just can’t seem to understand sometimes. Don’t hold it against them, a Gemini is an influence on you.

Remember the world’s not falling apart, no matter how it feels.

Taurus (April 30-May 20) Go visit some old friends; they may have some surprising news. If you’ve been having relationship trouble, seek advice from a trusted source, but take what they say with a grain of salt. An Aquarius needs to hear the truth.

Elliot Smith was one of the most impressive folk singers of the ‘90 s, who ended his life tragically with suicide on Oct. 22. Smith gained recognition through his Oscar winning performance on the Good Will Hunting soundtrack.

Something Corporate brings music from the North

BY CAROLINE FRIEDMAN Managing Editor

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Gemini (May 21-June 21) Do something special for the pereson you like the best. You might get something special, too. You’ve been dissapointed recently. Move on to other things. An Aries might need sometime with you. Lately you can’t decide if you’re lazy or frustrighed now.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) If you’re worried about the future, make sure to stay on top of your schedule. Exercise frequently in order to relax. Someone may have his eye on you, but you have no idea who it might be. A taurus is a good bet for friendship.

Leo (July 22-August 22) Save your money. Lately it feels like you just can’t finish everyting on time. Everything should be fixed this week; or, at least you’ll feel better about it.

Look to friends for support. Stay away from Sagittarus.

Look to the stars.

North, the newest album from punk-rockers Something Corporate, departs from their traditional sounds, and brings in more complicated arrangements with pianos, creating a more ballad-filled album. They are currently headlining a tour with RX Bandits and MAE.

the world whenever you listen to it.

This quality is epitomized in “21 and Invincible.” The band members are young and want to have fun, and this shines through in this song. They don’t care what they do or what they mess up, as long as they are living their lives. “We’re 21 and invincible, can’t wait to screw things up, we’re 21 and invincible, I’m in power for the hour, I guess today’s gonna blow us away.”

Lyrics and messages like this balance out the more depressing songs and give Something Corporate the variety that keeps their fans interested.

Something Corporate’s North has a strange, almost foreign sound when first listened to by a loyal fan. However, in a short amount of time the avid listener will realize that the band’s sound has matured, become more full, and their range of types of songs has become much broader. North encompasses the epitome of the band’s talents and the variety of that talent. North lives up to the anticipation and excitement that surrounded its release and is sure to please fans and new listeners alike.

Virgo (August 23-Sept. 22) You’re feeling pretty lucky, but maybe you’re not seeing the whole picture. If you love someone, you need to be sure they love you too; if not they could be a waste of time.

Happiness lies with someone who may not speak your language.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Feeling angry? Save your time.

Nothing will change by you getting mad. Instead, focus that energy somewhere else more productive.

Ever try kickboxing? Don’t forget that stress is only temporary. There is a Pisces in your

WEEKEND

Washington DC Survival Kit Make sure you check off these items before you venture downtown

Walkin’ on the streets of D.C. A guide to famous memorials and museums

ELIZABETH NOWROUZ

Washington D.C. can be confusing, so to avoid back- tracking, it’s best to bring along some sort of map. There are some public directories, but personal maps make getting around easier and relatively hassle- free.

SOURCE: HTTP://WWW.WCER.WISC.EDU/TECHED99/ METROMAP.GIF

Walking around D.C., you never want to risk getting your belongings taken.

A fanny pack is a great way to keep all your personal items in sight and easily accessable.

ELIZABETH NOWROUZ

D.C., like most cities, has a very limited amount of parking, and most of it is quite pricey. The Metro is cheap, usually under $5 for both ways, and fast, with many stations and frequent trains.

A visitor to the Vietnam Memorial traces the name of a fallen soldier. Over 58,000 names of killed or missing soldiers are engraved into the wall, which is visited by thousands yearly.

You’ve got to be able to capture all your great D.C. adventures and sightings, so be sure to bring along a camera and some film.

ELIZABETH NOWROUZ

A comfortable pair of sneakers is necessary for the amount of walking you will be doing.

ham Lincoln is enshrined forever.” and details from the lives of the “It is a very important brothers and their achievements.

“It’s my favorite museum in icon of our history. I think we should honor President Lincoln D.C. I love the flight simulations,” because he overcame many said junior Jimmy Connor. The hardships to bring America flight simulation machine is just together,” said senior Eric Ober. one of the out of-this-world experiences that Air The setand Space offers. ting of the They also have Lincoln Mespace food for sale morial is a in their gift shop, very famous including fruit spot, in D.C. and ice cream. and beyond.

From the Many demyoungest children onstrations to senior citizens, and speeches the Air and Space have been Air and Space Museum has a museum offers made there, The large collection of aircrafts, some of enough for an perhaps most which visitors are allowed to walk entire day of fun famously through. and learning.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream There is very little public parkSpeech” during the civil rights ing close-by, but it is located just movement in 1963. The backdrop across the National Mall from the of the Reflecting Pool and the Smithsonian Metro exit. It is open Lincoln Memorial make for an daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Vietnam Memorial exciting scene, whether it is politiThe Vietnam Memorial is one cal or recreational.

The Lincoln Memorial is open of the most moving sites in D.C. to the public daily and admission It serves as a tribute to the thousands of American soldiers who is free. gave their lives in the Vietnam war.

The National Air and This war was largely unsupported Space Museum Whether you are interested by the American population. The monumental in planes, rockets, number of casuspaceships, or just alties inscribed flying, the Smithsoin the wall nian National Air totals to 58,178. and Space Museum Junior is one of the coolest Michael Krzymuseums in D.C. wicki said, “The The building is Vietnam Medecorated with hismorial is very torical planes and powerful and rockets suspended captivating and from the ceiling it really makes above you and on think.” the floor around you. Junior Kelly Beam explores the you The Vietnam Most kids who insect and mammal exhibit at the Natural History Museum.

Memorial is grew up in the area located adjacent have been to Air and Space at least once, if only for to the Lincoln Memorial. The wall an elementary school field trip. is surrounded by a scenic park There are three levels of exhibits, with rolling hills and lush trees.

The emotional atmosphere ranging from the Wright brothers’ first glider to some of the world’s of the Vietnam Memorial is fastest jets. They also have a large solely based upon the names, section dedicated to space explo- and the overwhelming presence ration from the United States of loss. Many tributes to the and other countries. There are life people on the wall have been size models of the moon landing in left, ranging from poems and 1969, our first satellites, and the letters to drawings and flowers.

There are also war veterans first craft to be launched into space.

World War I was the first war present who are ready and willing to be fought in the air. It had some to answer your questions. They of the most revolutionary planes have several booths set up outside ever seen, and they were a major of the memorial which are run by factor in the outcome of the war. veterans and offer books, pamMany of these aircrafts and mod- phlets, buttons and war figures.

The park services offer a list of els are on display in the museum, which also includes a plethora of the names and where they are loinformation on each of the subjects cated so you are able to find someand time periods that it explores. one.Apopular tradition at the VietThe newest exhibit at Air nam Memorial is to trace a name and Space is titled “The Wright on the wall on a piece of paper proBrothers and the Invention of the vided by the National Park Service.

The Vietnam Memorial is open Aerial Age.” They have a spectacular model of the first glider, from 8 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. daily.

LAURA JOHNSON

the people of the United States to one of their greatest leaders.

The obelisk-shaped figure was designed by Robert Mills, a noted How often do you hear students architect of the time. Construccomplaining about how there is tion began in 1848, and pronothing to do on the weekend? gressed until the outbreak of the We live 15 minutes away from Civil War. Work resumed after the nation’s capital, which at- the war, finishing in 1884, and it tracts many tourists from all over was opened to the public in 1888.

A little known fact is that 188 the world, yet we don’t appreciate the history and culture that is stones on the interior of the strucon display in Washington D.C. ture have been engraved with the names of individuals, societies, citThe Washington ies, states, and nations of the world.

Monument Junior Max Maples The Washington Monument is one of the most recognizable said, “I like the Washington structures in the world. Standing Monument because it’s not 555 feet high, it is Washington too flashy or complex— it’s D.C.’s Statue of Liberty and Space simple and pretty cool looking.”

The Washington monument Needle rolled into one. Situated in the heart of historic Washington, is open daily with free admisit sits between the Mall and the sion, but tickets must very often famous Reflecting Pool, which be reserved in advance. The leads to the steps of the Lincoln tickets sell quickly, especially on Memorial. Countless concerts, weekends, so get yours early.

The Lincoln Memorial festivals, and protests are held Even if it weren’t on the back in the shadow of the Washington of the penny, the LinMonument, and is a coln Memorial would national symbol of the still be a very famous country, just as the Eibuilding. It was built ffel Tower is for France. to commemorate Many can claim the tremendous having ridden to the service Abraham top of the tower, which Lincoln performed can be reached by elfor his country in and evator. It is a famous around the time of tourist attraction, and people from all over A giant statue of Lincoln America’s Civil War. Modeled after the world have come greets visitors to his memorial. ancient Greek to ascend it and take temples, the builda peek at Washington D.C. from above. This is possible ing is an architectural marvel.

The Gettysburg Address is on because height ordinances do not allow any structure to exceed the the south wall, which is below a height of the monument. Gaz- mural illustrating a slave being ing at the structure at night, the rescued by the Angel of Truth. windows blink with a red light to Lincoln’s second inaugural adhelp planes navigate. While seem- dress is etched above which is ingly insignificant, the lights from another mural depicting the the Monument can be seen far unity of the north and south.

Most famous though is the gioutside the city, as if to be a guiding light to the nation’s capital. ant sculpture of Lincoln, which was The monument was built in carved by Daniel Chester French the middle of the 19th century, as and is seated in the center of the a memorial to our country’s first chamber. Above him is the dedicapresident and his contributions tion, “In this temple as in the heart to this nation. It is a long-stand- of the people for whom he saved ing reminder of the gratitude of the Union the memory of AbraELIZABETH NOWROUZ AND LAURA JOHNSON Weekend Editors

Capital eats at the Corner Bakery NOVA Nibbles Restaurant guide

Located at the corner of 19th and L Street in Northwest Washington, D.C., Corner Bakery is a bright and cheery respite in the middle of a bustling city. It offers breakfast and lunch, both categories having a broad range of choices.

Upon walking through the revolving doors, you are greeted by the smell of freshly baked goodies and sandwich fixings. For breakfast, it has a wide selection of omelets, bagels, and breakfast pastries. When lunchtime rolls around, Corner Bakery is ready with their delicious lunch options.

This isn’t your regular peanut butter and jelly joint.

Corner Bakery has gourmet sandwiches, panini’s, soups and chilis.

The prices are a bit steep for a light, casual lunch, but they are not exorbitant by any means.Aturkey and swiss sandwich that came with a pickle and chips was $5.99. It was served on fresh French bread and came with lettuce, tomato, and mustard. The Chicken Pomodori panini is a mouthwatering mix of grilled chicken with roasted tomatoes, provolone cheese, spinach, and a pesto mayonnaise.

This also came with potato chips and a pickle for $5.99.

Orders are taken in a casual manner, looking much like a lunch-line. Customers pick up a clean tray from a stack and move down the line, looking through the win-

LAURA JOHNSON

By Elizabeth Nowrouz and Laura Johnson

Since the museums and memorials of D.C. all have free admittance, it is not as expensive as many other cities. But it is still a city, and you always should have at least some money with you for food, souveniers, or emergencies.

GLEASON PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS BY PAUL

20

Nov. 10, 2003

The Corner Bakery offers a wide variety of soups and sandwiches to quench the appetite you ll build up after your trek through Washington D.C.

dow at the food displays and reading the colorful menu, in addition to the daily specials written on a chalkboard next to the main menu. As you contemplate your decision and wait for you food, there is a basket of fresh bread and but-

ter to nibble on. The cash register is at the end of the line, past the desserts (the fudge brownie is incredible).You can request a bottled drink such as water or juice, or ask for a cup and have tea or soft drinks, which are self- serve.

While this method is time-efficient, I can see how things could get confusing in a weekday lunchtime rush, since there are few employees taking orders. The staff seemed more concerned with getting the line moving than giving the customers time or an opportunity to ask questions. This attitude detracted some from the store’s cheery appeal, but the lines moved quickly, and the tables, trays, and floors were clean and tidy.

The dining area is spread out in various corners of the restaurant, and is sparsely but tastefully decorated with mirrors, a painting or two, and dining reviews from the likes of Washingtonian Magazine and the Washington Post. There are multiple windows facing out to the streets, giving the café a very urban feel.

For those customers who want a quality meal but are on a tight schedule, Corner Bakery has an express booth, where you can pick up your own drink, chips, and fruit, and sandwiches are pre-made and easy to grab and go. If you are especially pressed for time, you can call in your order and it will have it ready for you when you arrive. It also has combos, which include any of their sandwich options and a soup or salad.

Corner Bakery’s name is becoming more and more well-known. What started as a small store in one town has now blossomed into a multistate business, and it is growing faster than ever.

There are quite a few Corner Bakeries in Washington D.C. and most are open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.