Issue 10 by AHS Publications

3 Editorials features a story on the declaration that sexting is less of a crime than child pornography.

Entertainment

Lifestyles

In-Depth

provides tips for prom on a frugal budget

looks at the future faces of AHS

reveals the new time requirement put in place by the creators of Pandora Radio.

Weekend showcases the many attractions along metro stops

ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

the VOLUME #59 ISSUE 11

19 20

6-7

4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003 470

Informiing the Atoms siince 1954 4

WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2013

(703) 642-4229

Slicing up schedules

Low enrollment means teachers de-staffed BY OMNIA SAED Co-Editor in Chief

1 4 $5 40 59

The number of days you have to watch the Theater Without Borders’ Midsummer’s Night Dream. See page 8 The number of people interviewed to showcase the rising AHS class next year See page 10-11 The minimum donation that’s available for the Red and White Golf Classic. See page 4 The number of hours Pandora will give you a month before charging See page 19 The number of goals Max Ruffing has scored in the 2013 season. See page 16

International Bike or Walk to School Day Students are encouraged to walk or ride their bike to school tomorrow, May 8th, as part of a global effort to make the world a cleaner, and more environmentally friendly,

OMNIA SAED

By the numbers

Due to a series of redistrictings and relocations, starting next year the AHS population will begin to see a steady decline in its number of students; and with that decline in students comes another decline in the teachers that teach them. Over ten AHS teachers will not return next year. But the decline in teachers has a much larger effect than just a loss in staff, it correlates directly with the classes offered next year. “Our staff went down, our student population went down, from over 2,400 this year, to being staffed at just below 2,200 for next year, and so we have a proportionate amount of teachers versus the amount of students,” Principal Vincent Randazzo said. Electives will take a large hit. Next year’s drama department will only hold two classes for the year, down from five this year, and will only showcase one play for the year. “I think it’s a bad thing. Theater and being involved in the arts helps with other academic classes and taking that away is going to affect a lot of people in negative ways” sophomore Deanna Gowland said. Many of the elective classes that students had signed up for next year will have to be reassessed, as some have already been cut. Annandale prides itself in its electives that have come to be as diverse as its student body, ranging from IB Anthropology, to Gourmet Foods and even to Sports and Fashion Marketing. But with the shortage of teachers comes an inevitable shortage of variety in classes. Classes such as IB Psychology and the newly added With a smaller incoming class, AHS will have a smaller teaching staff and inevitable decrease in offered classes offered. “Staff alterations” continues on page 5

Electives losing incoming Smartphones enrollment due to Econ. class being unused New graduation requirement hurts electives BY BAYLEY BRILL News Editor While in the midst of the country’s most recent financial recession, Fairfax County Public Schools decided they needed to educate their students about economics and personal finances and prepare students to prevent another economic crisis in the future. In the spring of 2010, the school board voted to require students graduating in 2015 and below to take an Economic and Finance class. This, as well as the already existing boundary change, has resulted in lower enrollment levels in all electives at AHS with a student population of only 2,200 from a pre-existing 2,700. “I think this class [Economics] can definitely help me once I’m out of high school. While I am not looking forward to losing another elective, I don’t mind,” sophomore Jack Curtin said. With the recent addition of an Economics class required for all students in the Class of 2016 or younger, many electives have taken a hit with low enrollment numbers in their classes. While some students show optimism in regards to the Economics requirement, some are not so excited. “I think the class is a waste of an elective that could be used for something more productive,” sophomore Kevin Arevalo said.

With the newly required classes, all electives are seeing a decline in students that are signing up. Freshman and sophomores are required to take a laboratory science, English, history and math class, along with P.E. leaving them with only two free electives, one of which generally goes to a foreign language. Now students are required to take the economics and personal finances class before they graduate. “I just want to get the class out of the way, so I can have more free electives,” Curtin said. This desire to complete the course during the sophomore or junior year has shown to be detrimental as the enrollment for electives drops. English teacher and yearbook adviser Julia Hanneman has not seen a decrease in overall enrollment for her yearbook class, but for students already on the yearbook staff. “Some of my sophomores have come up to me and told me they have to drop yearbook for economics,” Hanneman said. “It’s sad because they’re usually the ones that will fill leadership positions last year, plus there are so many sophomores returning.” Because of these changes, at least one teacher from the math, science, history and English department may be let go. These spots that need to be removed may be instead compensated by teacher retirements. “I hope the administration finds a way to keep all the teachers,” junior Sarah Padrutt said. Over the past two years AHS has seen a “Elective decline” continues on page 5

Recent study reveals technology being put to waste BY JAROD GOLUB News Editor From Twitter to Instagram, most students at AHS rely on their smartphones to get through the school day. With the rise of technology, in this day and age students of all ages are more likely to respond better with the use of gadgets in the classroom. “My phone is really important in helping me get through the day,” senior Ulugbek Israilov said. “It has all of my activities listed in a schedule.” Technology has advanced significantly in the past 20 years. Today, children can communicate, shop from their homes, and even earn a college degree online. With 95 percent of teenagers active in some way online, there are many new advances that can be taken advantage of. Online classes are one way that schools are utilizing the internet to give students more opportunities. “Taking a class online allows students to study at their own pace, although there are still some deadlines, it lets them learn how they want to learn,” junior Josh Keller said. There is a constant push for a more widespread use of laptops in classes, yet there is no push for smartphones, which reach the internet faster. Teachers are accustomed to using laptops in class when students need to do research or type a paper, but why then, are they not open-minded to the use of smartphones during the class period? If a student can take an entire class through a computer, then why should they not be “Smartphone” continues on page 5

A-Blast Instagram On your smartphone, scan this code using the application “QR Code” to connect to The A-Blast’s newly created Instagram

A-Blast end-of-the year video stops production BY DESTINY GAMMON Co-Editor in Chief This year will mark the first time that The Antenna yearbook will not have a corresponding video yearbook. The DVD that is added to the back of every edition of The Antenna yearbook. A product of the video staff of The A-Blast, the video is a correlation of clips and photographs that have

been taken and recorded throughout the year. In the past, it had been used as a way to document and reveal memories, but this year it will not be making its debut as its importance is lacking in this day and age. “In the age of Facebook and the 21st century, students do not need us [The A-Blast] to be the repository of their visual video memories,” The A-Blast adviser Alan Weintraut said. As students become more in-tune with modern technology, the need for memories to be professionally recorded is nonexistent, making the DVD an almost pointless project. “Everybody has video capabilities on their own phones they post it to their own Facebook sites,”

DESTINY GAMMON

Signal video yearbook now canceled

Last year’s edition of The Signal was the last time the video

“Yearbook” continues on page 5 yearbook would be produced by The A-Blast video.

Where do you go to find you re daily news update? “I mostly go to Fox News and CNN for news.”

—Michael Ryan freshman

“I usually get news updates from either Facebook, Twitter, or Youtube.”

—Sulton Naieem junior

“I get a lot of news updates through Facebook when my friends post status or when they read articles.”

— Sangya Shrestha junior

“I get breaking news from TV and other news from Twitter.”

—Joey Shifflett senior

May 7, 2013

With the rise in Twitter users, news is spreading around differently BY SHAMAIM SYED Editorials Editor

newspapers don’t cover local news, like take the incident in which a student had just committed suicide in Woodson HS on April 24,2013. A lot of the students from other schools including AHS found out about this through the tweets that Woodson students had sent. All these and more types of tweets are usually on Twitter, where it is mainly students who tweet about news update. Now students have become better journalists in covering more breaking news about schools and just local news more than Professional journalists who mainly focus on bigger and national news. This trend in my opinion is a better way for students to be well aware of their surroundings. Not a lot of people really enjoy reading a long story to find out a couple of things, its rather more interesting to read a quick 140 character tweet and then if they want to get more information, they could go and read upon it more thoroughly thorough the hyperlink that is usually embedded in the tweet. But its not only students who have become better journalists, but everybody in general has also done a better job in keeping others

Did you hear about the time when “Britney Spears died” or when “President Barack Obama was assassinated on Independence Day?” These were just some of the types of trends that rocketed to number one world wide as misleading tweets by some Twitter users. Even though Twitter has been accused for these fallacious tweets,Twitter is usually a great starting point for students to get updated on what is going on in the world. Many times, Twitter has helped me become aware of what was going on at that moment. Take for instance the Boston Bombings situation; “#PrayForBoston” and “#BostonBombings” were a couple of the tweets that I had encountered while going through my Twitter feed on the afternoon of April 15, 2013. At first I didn’t even understand what it was and what was happening, all I knew was that there Twitter has helped me was a bomb which had become aware of what was exploded in Boston. I am probably not the only one going on at that moment. that got this news through Twitter, since a lot of people don’t usually have news channels running constantly throughout the well aware of their surroundings. day. E v e n t h o u g h I h a v e T h e During the Boston bombings, a Washington Post app, I don’t get man was tweeting from his house in notifications that inform me about Watertown, while the whole city was breaking news, whereas Twitter on in lock down. The man was constantly the other hand is something that I updating about what was happening am constantly checking and usually and how everything was going down. The mans personal experience, alerts me when someone tweets not only informed us better than a something important. Maybe the reason the increase professional journalist would, but of students reading more tweets for it was much more reliable since we breaking news is because many big knew that he was right at the scene

“

”

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SHAMAIM SYED

EDITORIALS Twitter the new source of news?

and directly informing us about everything that was happening. A significant thing about Twitter becoming a great way to get news updates is that its easily seen worldwide. Wherever you are, in which ever country, in any part of the world, you would be updated with what is happening on the other side of the globe. As big news tweets quickly become worldwide trends, everyone in the world becomes aware of what just happened. This is also how a lot of people in third world countries, get notified. Since they probably don’t know about the different newspapers in the U.S., Twitter is able to inform anyone in any part of the world, because its popularity is so global. But on the other hand, Twitter isn’t the only place to get your news update. Many times earlier this year and last year, there were occasions in which celebrity deaths started trending and for a quick second or two you would probably see tweets like, ‘Justin Bieber has died’ or ‘Rihanna had died of a plane crash and a heart attack.’ At first you don’t realize that its fake or real, but eventually you come to a conclusion that it was all a lie. So if you were new to Twitter at

that moment, you wouldn’t be the only one to think that these deaths were real, but then you would realize that it was only some of the twitter users playing a joke and making it all up. So sometimes, Twitter isn’t the best place to get the most trustworthy information. Unlike in Washington Post or another big newspaper, you probably wouldn’t get these false alarms of celebrity deaths, or in anything erroneous in general. Another thing to remember when you are going through your twitter feed is that it is seen to be very left winged especially since most of the twitter users are believed to be composed of students. So you will encounter a pretty good amount of biased in the tweets. So it really isn’t too hard to say that Twitter might be a good social network site, that is doing a pretty good job in helping people all around the world be well aware of what is happening. When Twitter was first created, it wasn’t aimed to be like a newspaper site, but with the rise of the Twitter users it surely has become one. If any major news whether it was national or local it starts trending worldwide

I’m Muslim and I’m not a terrorist Don’t blame the actions of some Muslims on the religion of Islam “I usually watch the news when I have free time, but occasionally I find some articles on social networks that I like to read.”

—Areeqa Khilji senior

QUOTE COLLECTION The A-Blast wants to hear your opinion. Your response to the following question might be features in our quote collection:

What is your opinion of Twitter increasing as a news site? E-mail your responses to Ablast.editorials@gmail.com

CORRECTIONS

BY OMNIA SAED Co-Editor in Chief With the recent Boston bombings, once again, Islam has taken center stage. In fact, minutes after the second bomb set off, the number one trend on Twitter was the word “Muslim,” and Fox analyst Erik Rush took the social media site by storm in response to those speculating Muslims for the cause of the tragedy. “Yes they’re evil,” he tweeted, “Let’s kill them all.” As an American, I am deeply saddened by what took place in Boston, and my prayers go out to the three lives tragically cut short, and the hundreds injured. What I don’t understand is that after the attack, the first couple of people that everyone was to point fingers at was a 16 year old Moroccan high school student, who was a track star and was there to observe how the race works out, so he could apply for it next year. He was the front cover of many national newspapers, calling him the suspect and how FBI was in search for him. This accusation made must have been so embarrassing because lets not forget he was a high school student. But as trite and cyclic as it may seem, this was not the actions of Islam. According to a recent LA Times and Gallop polls, conducted by Gallop, 66 percent of Americans agree to having at least some prejudice against Muslims, one in five say they have “a great deal”

of prejudices. Almost 50 percent believe that American Muslims are not “loyal” to the United States and one in four do not want a Muslim neighbor. When I read and hear of these statistics I could not help but gape at the ignorance of some of these people. Almost finishing high school, in my sixteen years of existence, I’ve come to terms that when many do not understand something or someone, they tend to utilize fear and irrationality to lead the way, in this case generalizations on the world’s fastest growing religion. Yes, in a post 9/11 generation, where it was extremists who conducted one of the worst attacks on American soil, where it was extremists

who claim the lives of US troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, it’s common to point a finger, especially when that finger leads to a common theme. I can’t help but wonder why 1.6 billion people are categorized as terrorists, and why the term terrorist has become synonymous with Islam, when it is such a small group of people deranging society. The actions of so few have the power to instill fear in the whole nation, and bring down one of the world’s largest religions. Let us not forget that the number one victims of Al Quieda, and other Muslim extremist groups are the Muslims themselves. Almost 70 percent of those killed by the terrorist groups are civilians in their homelands. But to really put it in perspective, an FBI report showcases that between 1980 and 2005 98 percent of all terrorist attacks on U.S. soil are Non-Muslim related. What about the 60 Muslims who died at ground zero, who among them were electricians, financial analysts, secretaries? Muhammad Hamdani, a 23-year-old first responder who died saving those trapped in the World Trade Center; he was a Muslim, yet he was one of the many people who helped rescue lives. Timothy McVeigh, Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev, Adam Lanza, and the list goes on, have all attacked our nation in way unexplainable and immoral. Whether they may be a Muslim, Christian, or agnostic, attacks are the actions of those deranged without validation and justification. It’s not my religion that’s the problem, or anyone else’s and it’s time we focus on the accounting those who do wrong instead of the irrational fear that we get succumbed into and they bring with

Vol. 58, Issue 9: –– On the International page, Celeste Chauhan is not pictured ––On page 16, Sports page Junior Mustafa Elrayah is pictured in the Lacrosse story, not

Staff

Jason Collins come out On your smartphone, scan the QR code to read a story how Jason Collins come out as the first

Annandale High School 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, Virginia 22003 email: theablast@gmail.com

Vol. 59 No.10 May 7, 2013 fax: (703) 642-4299

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. The A-Blast is an independent, open forum for discussion that 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 262 or mailed to the school. The A-Blast reserves the right to refuse advertisements. All submissions become property of The A-Blast, Copyright, 2010.

EDITORIALS Rebuttal: The American Genocide May 7, 2013

BY KATHERINE ROSS AND AMELIE TRIEU Specials to The A-Blast As young women growing up in an era when women are experiencing the most freedom, we found the editorial on abortion both personally offensive and insensitive to the issue. The editorial made several assumptions, which may not be applicable to everyone. It was assumed that every woman who wanted an abortion was from the same social class and income level with similar ideologies and reasons for receiving an abortion. It assumed the same about those involved in the discussion of abortion as well. This is more than just an issue discussed by politicians, it affects a woman’s freedom to decide what is best for her body, and her life. “The American Genocide” assumes life begins at conception-–we argue that life truly begins when the fetus is viable, meaning it can survive outside the mother’s womb. Most scientists agree that a fetus is viable at 24 weeks, though it still has only a 50-50 chance of survival. Many factors go into determining the weight of a baby, but one of the most important is the health of the mother. If a mother cannot afford to feed herself a diet beneficial to her fetus and take the recommended prenatal vitamins, the baby has a much higher chance of weighing less and therefore not surviving. Barker claims that abortions are akin to genocides. However, most abortions are not even surgical procedures, the majority of abortions are done with a pill, very early in the pregnancy. Genocides are the knowing systematic of a group of targeted individuals for cultural and political reasons. They are carried out with deliverate intent to destroy a specific group of people. It is unreasonable and offensive to categorize a health procedure such as abortion to an act of malice, such as a mass elimination. Abortions are private decisions that are made by women who cannot economically, physically, or emotionally care for a child for 18 years. This is an issue concerning the woman’s right to choose, public awareness, and education. We cannot control the actions of others but instead of making abortion a taboo or an illegal practice, we should spread awareness and educate both genders about birth control. It is unreasonable to

those by pill. The in-clinic abortions cost anywhere between $300 and $950 in the first trimester. The cost depends on the insurance a woman has and whether or not it is done in a hospital. If a woman is in the second trimester it generally costs even more. This is not fair to women who are not financially capable of affording such an expensive procedure, even if she has a health insurance plan. The pill costs anywhere between $300 and $800, and cost is dependent on the same factors. It doesn’t make sense to assume that couples would try to use abortion as a form of birth control when it’s more expensive than traditional forms of birth control. Fetuses are not autonomous because their livelihood is dependent on the mother. Therefore, the mother is responsible for the fetus. Human beings cannot be classified as thus until birth, denoting its ability to be bipedals and obtain/ use knowledge. They are different The FDA recently approved over the counter morning-after pills, such as Plan B for women age 15 and over. The move is part of the Obama’s administration’s from human beings because they are efforts to circumvent a court order making morning-after pills available to all ages.not viable until the third trimester, even then, there is a 50/50 chance assume that every woman is financially, physically, and mentally capable of caring for another being, of survival. The banning of abortion contradicts right to especially a baby. The fetuses are not technically babies because they are not viable and capable of privacy, right to make personal medical decisionsAbortion is the only medical procedure that people intelligent thought. The writer correctly pointed out that there are want to deny a person based on how they got into laws protecting eagles and redwood trees, but not the situation. It’s the mother’s body, and thus her for fetuses. Trees and eagles are both important decision as to what to do with it-should be disfor the environment but do not require 18 years cussed only between a woman and her doctor, not of support, care, and nourishment. The cost and by legislatures Ultimately, that is what it comes down to. responsibility associated with childrearing is high Everybody has a right to their opinion, just like and unattainable. Furthermore, abortions are way more expensive everyone has the right to decide what is best for than birth control. Barker assumed that couples themselves. Abortion is a medical procedure, the would use abortions as a form of birth control for merits of which should be discussed only between unwanted pregnancies. However, the two most com- a woman and her doctor, nobody else.

3 QUOTE COLLECTION The A-Blast wants to hear your opinion. Your response to the following question might be featured in our quote collection:

What is your opinion on Collaboration being moved to the end of the day? E-mail your responses to ablast.editorials@gmail.com

Likes or Dislikes

Derek Ernst wins Wells Fargo World number 1,207 wins prestigious PGA tournament at renowned Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, NC.

mon types of abortion are in-clinic abortions and

Sexting different from child pornography Charges are too severe for sexting, they should be lessened BY CHRISTINE TAMIR Editorials Editor Teenage students who take nude photos and send them to their significant other are guilty of all three counts of child pornography: creation, distribution and possession. Does that make those students sex offenders? For the past few years, there has not been any type of difference between child pornography and sexting charges. If a teenager stupidly takes a risque picture of herself/himself, they are subject to the same charges that adults face when charged with any crimes related to child pornography. According to CBS News, Arizona, Nebraska, North Dakotah, Utah and Vermont have already introduced reforms to their state constitutions to declare sexting different from child pornography to lessen the charges for teenagers who make the stupid decision to sext. The changes are welcome, especially in the face of laws that were created with different intentions in mind. The child pornography laws in the United States were created prior the 1980s–a time without the Internet or widely-used camera phones. According the Department of Justice’s website, child pornography was almost completely eradicated during the 1980s due to “a series of

Statistics on sexting •

19 percent of teenagers (ages 12-19) have sent a sexually suggestive photo or video

•

4 percent of teenagers (ages 12-17) who own cell phones have sent sexually suggestive pictures or videos

•

12.9 percent of youth have revieved a sexually-suggestive photo or video from someone in their school

•

62 percent of teenagers involved in sexting cases are arrested

•

53 percent of sexts are only sent by cell phones and never reach the internet

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, cyberbully.us successful campaigns waged by law enforcement.” There are three charges associated with child pornography: possession, creation and distribution. During the mid-20th century, it was much more difficult to possess and distribute, let alone create, child pornography than it is today. With the invention of the World Wide Web, distribution has especially been facilitated. It is not incredibly difficult to find child pornography online for those who are looking for it. Uploading it is even easier as it ostensibly only includes minimal typing and clicking. In order to obtain child pornography throughout the past century, young children were generally abducted then photographed, and often killed afterwards. If people were found with child pornography, authorities

generally assumed that they had taken the pictures themselves. Distribution was incredibly risky for child predators because of the penalties if they were found guilty of the charge. However, fast forward to 2013, and it’s incredibly easy to find child pornography online or in high schools in the form of sexts – explicit pictures of minors in text messages. Being in possession of child pornography does not mean that a child was abducted or forced to perform explicit acts. What we now define as child pornography is often teenage girls and boys stupidly making the decision to take nude pictures and texting it to their friends. The situation back in the 1960s was of a different gravity: these types of pictures were taken by force and of pedophilic nature. Nowadays, typical

child pornogrphy is self-portraits. Is it fair to inflict the same penalties for those who are involved in sexting scandals? Teenagers found guilty of child pornography charges because of sexting will be listed as sex offenders for the rest of their lives, and face “severe statutory penalties” according to the DOJ’s website. It’s a bit ridiculous to think that, 50 or 60 years from now people will be listed as sex offenders because they either sent, distributed or were found in possession of sexts. Charges of possession of child pornography in relation to sexting have also become increasingly absurd. According to Manikas Law Blog, in 2008, Freedom HS’ then-assistant principal Ting-Yi Oei was charged with possession of child pornography. He was conducting an investigation on sexting scandals at the school when he came across a sexually explicit picture of a student “clad in underwear with her arms draped over breasts”. He saved it onto his computer to keep the evidence. Loudon County prosecutors found it to be child pornography and Oei was accused of possession of child pornography. Luckily for Oei, the Loundon County School Board voted to reimburse him $167, 000 for legal expenses. While distributing, creating and possessing child pornography is a terrible crime, there can be no question that there should be a legal difference between sexting and child pornography. Sexting is done willingly, and while it is a stupid decision, it does not carry the same weight as child pornography.

Make your own dang sandwich Gender jokees outdated, not funny and very rude BY CHRISTINE TAMIR Editorials Editor On my daily commute from R1 to R3, I saw perhaps the most offensive outfit in existence. A male student was wearing a black shirt proudly featuring the phrase “Cool story babe. Now go make me a sandwich.” As a female teenager, I’ve heard the “go make me a sammich” line countless times. You’d think that I’d resign myself to the demeaning insult, but alas, I have not. I generally provide some type of retort, but I always wonder why anyone would make such a distasteful joke. For some reason, people (generally men) find that one-liner “funny.” Well, it’s not. It’s offensive in a lot of ways–primarily, it’s degrading and disrespectful. As the average female, I’m particularly insulted because a comment like “make me a sammich” undermines feminine capabilities. Women have made great strides in the workforce and academic fields. We are no longer living in a time when women are predestined for a life in a domestic

sphere. With women like Ellen Degeneres, Sheryl Sandberg (CFO of Facebook) and Virginia Rometty (CEO of IBM) sprinkled throughout the entertainment and business industries, we can see that women are beginning to emerge as industry leaders. Adding to that, there are now more females in colleges than there are males. That just goes to show that women have raised expectations for themselves: we now expect more from ourselves than solely cooking and cleaning our houses. That’s not to say that stay-at-home mothers aren’t making something of themselves–they chose to make the completely selfless decision to give up their careers

“

At the end of the day, after the cheap laughs, just take a moment and reflect. What would your mother say?

”

to raise their children. However, jokes of a similar nature as “make me a sammich” undermine the value of a stay-at-home mother. Among jokes that I’ve encountered on Twitter, I’ve seen “Women, know your place–stay in the kitchen.” Funny? That being said, women who make the decision to be home-makers are not any less of people than those who choose to be apart of the workforce and vice versa. It does not mean they “belong” in the kitchen, it just means that they made the choice to completely devote their lives to raising their kids. A woman’s place is not in the kitchen. Rather, it is wherever the woman wants to be, whether it is in her home and taking care of her family, working as a scientist or as a teacher. Much like their male counterparts, women have the choice to go anywhere. It’s a selfless decision, and it should be commended and valued rather than ridiculed. Kitchen jokes are not funny. They’re demeaning and rude. However, “make me a sandwich” is only a part of a whole host of gender jokes which are the result of stereotypes. But at the end of the day, after the cheap laughs, just take a moment and reflect. What would your mother say?

The arrival of cicadas The East Coast will see an influx of cicadas this spring and summer. This specific species has been growing underground since 1996.

Iron Man 3 The premiere of Iron Man 3 is met with great success and popular approval of both AHS students and the public.

IB/SOL/AP testing begins Students have now begun standardized testing at AHS. It will last until the last week of May, to the dismay of students.

Jason Collins comes out Jason Collins, center for the Washington Wizards came out as gay, to the approval of NBA fans.

Rejection Isn’t Everything On your smartphone, scan the QR code to the read a story on the the benefits of being rejected by your “dream school.”

EDITORIALS Rebuttal: The American Genocide May 7, 2013

3 QUOTE COLLECTION The A-Blast wants to hear your opinion. Your response to the following question might be featured in our quote collection:

What is your opinion on Collaboration being moved to the end of the day? E-mail your responses to ablast.editorials@gmail.com

Likes or Dislikes

Derek Ernst wins Wells Fargo World number 1,207 wins prestigious PGA tournament at renowned Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, NC.

mon types of abortion are in-clinic abortions and

Statistics on sexting •

19 percent of teenagers (ages 12-19) have sent a sexually suggestive photo or video

•

4 percent of teenagers (ages 12-17) who own cell phones have sent sexually suggestive pictures or videos

•

12.9 percent of youth have revieved a sexually-suggestive photo or video from someone in their school

•

62 percent of teenagers involved in sexting cases are arrested

•

53 percent of sexts are only sent by cell phones and never reach the internet

“

At the end of the day, after the cheap laughs, just take a moment and reflect. What would your mother say?

”

The arrival of cicadas The East Coast will see an influx of cicadas this spring and summer. This specific species has been growing underground since 1996.

Iron Man 3 The premiere of Iron Man 3 is met with great success and popular approval of both AHS students and the public.

IB/SOL/AP testing begins Students have now begun standardized testing at AHS. It will last until the last week of May, to the dismay of students.

Jason Collins comes out Jason Collins, center for the Washington Wizards came out as gay, to the approval of NBA fans.

Rejection Isn’t Everything On your smartphone, scan the QR code to the read a story on the the benefits of being rejected by your “dream school.”

News

A Blast

the

April 10, 2013

Staffing alterations faculty changes brought about by decrease in enrollment “Staff alterations” continued from page 1

Broadcast Journalism will not be available to students next year, and so it seems variety is at a loss. “I don’t think any electives should be cut because electives give students a chance to explore their interests,” junior Kaitleigh Fetterman said. But, the students won’t be the only ones to feel the strain. “Some teachers will probably go part time. Some teachers will probably work one day here, one day at another school. To fill out two half time positions, that’ll be a full-time position for them. There’s a possibility that may happen,” Principle Randazzo said. With the recent addition of a mandatory Economics class set in place for the Class of 2015 and under, electives seem to become incessantly limited.

With a reduced staff, larger classroom sizes, and smaller electives, many are wondering what this means for AHS students, and the school’s reputation overall. “I feel like its ridiculous. It’s the only thing I’m excited about coming to school for,” freshman, Yocias Fekade said. Although, it has yet to be confirmed what next years master schedule will look like, which classes will be offered and which will not, teacher will nonetheless be missed. “Any time you lose teachers it’s not a great thing. And the teachers that are leaving our building are all very good, great teachers, who have had significant positive impact on our school, on our students [and] the community, so they will be sorely missed,” Randazzo said. As Annandale begins to feel the effects of the infamous Wakefield Chapel redistricting, many nonetheless are once again beginning to question if this is the first of many changes to come to AHS due to the decision.

However, Principal Randazzo remains positive that the newly arranged staff for next year will not affect the school. “On the other side of the coin, we have a great body of teachers here . . . Annandale teachers are responsible for our students and broadening their vision and their minds and prodding and pushing them to do better. . . And that’s the thing you’ve got to remember. . . Right when we walked in, your teacher is vested in your community.” Randazzo said.

Scan the QR code to view a catalog of the courses that will be offered next year at AHS, excluding the courses that have been dropped.

Requirement decreases enrollment easier to correct students and teach them. That is more rewarding than the payment you receive.” Behne does however highlight the frustration of teachers’ salaries. “The pay for most teachers isn’t near what it should be for teachers to live comfortably in society,” Behne said. “Good teachers make a good school, and since pay isn’t based off performance, it may be that a great teacher gets paid the same amount as a bad teacher.” In FCPS, pay is often determined by years of experience and what level of education a teacher has. “[The most frustrating thing for teachers is] the student to teacher ratio,” Behne said. “When you have just one new student in the classroom, that’s another personality, someone else you have to stay after and help and more work to grade. It doesn’t make teachers unhappy, but it’s very stressful.”

Electives lose students due to Economics and personal finance dramatic change of its students and teachers alike, from the classes students are required to take to teachers trying to do what they can to keep their job and increase enrollment for their class. Forbes found in a recent study that teaching was ranked as one of the most unhappy jobs. According to business teacher Matthew Behne, around 330 students have already signed up for personal finance classes next year. This is Behne’s fifth year in Fairfax County as a teacher. Before coming to Fairfax County, he worked in retail at Borders and CompUSA. “I was working and making more money, but I wasn’t enjoying it,” Behne said. “In that sort of field, you’re ordering adults around and correcting them. As a teacher, it’s

DESTINY GAMMON

“Elective decline” continued from page 1

5 Students to participate in annual day of physical activity By Jarod Golub News Editor AHS students will participate in the annual Bike/Walk to School Day on May 8. This is an event that takes place in more than 40 countries around the globe. The event was started in 1997 as Walk to School Day, only taking place in the U.S. It became an international event in 2000 when people in the U.K. and Canada began to participate. The Bike to School Day aspect was added in 2012. This will be Annandale’s first time participating in the event. “We are looking to promote physical activity here at Annandale High School and sharing time as a community,” Director of Student Services Karl Kerns said. “Hopefully our students will realize they can bike/walk to school more often,” Kearns said. “It’s good for them physically and it would alleviate traffic in the morning.” There will also be a special guest waiting for the students when they arrive at school. School Board Member Sandy Evans will be standing outside greeting the students before school starts that day. “Ms. Evans will be here to see our wonderful students involved in a great cause, I am sure she will want to talk to some of the kids,” Kerns said. Students who already bike or walk to school find it convenient and rewarding. “I used to bike to school so that I could get home in the afternoon [because of practice], now, I just do it for fun,” sophomore Michael O’Neill said.

With the dropping of certain electives, students are finding it harder to choose classes.

Opportunity for advance overlooked Phones can provide faster learning in the classroom “Smartphone” continued from page 1

Students participate in last years Bike/ Walk to school Day. There were over 4,000 registered events, just in the United States. There were more events that took place but were not registered.

DESTINY GAMMON

able to use a smartphone to do some research during class? This is what is known as preference falsification. The teachers are aware that smartphones and laptops have similar functions, and they know that smartphones are more convenient for students, with 51 percent of high schoolers owning one according to the same Ed Week article, yet the faculty chooses not to actualize on this and does not allow students to use phones for academic purposes. “Many teachers could be uncomfortable with the use of smartphones due to the fact that kids are easily distracted, and teachers may not know how to control the use of phones yet,” Assistant Principal Donna Higgins said. Many students at AHS feel that smartphones would better benefit their learning experience throughout the day. “It would help a lot if we were allowed to use our smartphones, that’s what we are going to do in the real world anyway,” Israilov said. Smartphones are capable of doing almost everything that a laptop can do. They are capable of connecting to the internet, typing documents, and also connecting with other people. Phones are theoretically much better than laptops for classroom use. They are portable, and work can be taken with the student. “Cell phones are more beneficial to students because they are faster than the school laptops,

and they are more convenient,” English teacher Kathleen Mathis said. However, there are some problems with the use of smartphones in class. Students are tempted to stray away from the academic side of things, and start playing games and going on social networking sites. “It is hard to control,” Mathis said. “They could be looking at anything.” Students are also aware of the issues posed by smartphones, but they also believe that the benefits

outweigh the cons of using phones in class. “I think a lot of students will be drawn towards the fact that they are allowed to use their phones, and that will lead them to stop doing academic things,” sophomore Michael Ambrosio said. Administrators believe that smartphones can begin to aid teachers in how they teach a class. “As there is more training, the teachers will become more accustomed and we will see phones more in classrooms,” Higgins said.

Prom this year will be held at the Fairview Park Marriott. It is located in Falls Church and will be held on Friday, June 7th. News about ticket sales will be decided throughout the month of May.

The class of 2014 held a fundraiser at Flippin’ Pizza on May 4th. It lasted from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. after the SAT’s. 50 percent of the proceeds went towards the class of 2014 to fund their prom.

Battle of the Bands The Annual AHS Battle of the Bands will take place on May 31st. Bands must sign up by May 10th. To sign up e-mail Rebecca Costello at annandalebattleofthebands@gmail. com

Students enjoy reading the yearbook as a method of looking back on past years.

preview of the book a week before to get everyone excited. My staff members will be walking around

JAROD GOLUB

“Yearbook” continued from page 1

Weintraut said. Due to the fact that the focal point of the yearbook is the book itself, Yearbook adviser Julia Hanneman believe that it will not be a total loss for the final product. “As far as my experience with it I do not think it was something that we really needed. Some students enjoyed seeing video footage of games, but it was not integral to the yearbook,” Julia Hanneman said. Despite the fact that students do not necessarily need the video

yearbook any longer, Weintraut admits that, the overall cost, time and energy that the DVD’s production takes is not available this year. At its current state, any volunteers that would like to be in charge of the creation of the video yearbook can contact Weintraut in the future. Although it has been determined that the video yearbook will not be featured in this edition, and all future editions, of The Antenna, this has not hindered nor altered the planned release date of the book itself. The Antenna will be released on May 31st all day and the current cost is $80. Students must be sure to have some form of student ID in order to receive their book. “We will actually be having a

Senior Prom

Class of 2014 Fundraiser

Antenna ends long time tradition, video yearbook Technology defeats purpose of video yearbook

News Briefs

teasing other students with it,” Hanneman said.

Yearbooks Yearbooks come out on May 31st this year. The cost is currently 80 dollars. Order now!

By the numbers

1.9

The percent of teens that were arrested doing violent crimes that could’ve resulted in death. The number in millions, of juvenile arrests every year

The percent the crime rate among teens have dropped

The percentage of juveniles arrested with the age under 15 in one year. The place that the U.S. holds on the worst crime rates

The number in thousands, of arrests for every10,000 youths ages 10-17 in the U.S.

The percent of the juvenile crimes commited by females

COURTESY OF OFFICE OF JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s 20th Anniversary Seniors Omar Khatib, Daniel Critchfield and Nardos Assefa attended the 20th anniversary of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. They placed commemorative pins on survivors and veterans of the the Holocaust and of World War II. Khatib, Critchfield and Assefa are all ambasadors of the Bring the Lessons Home program at the museum. “The most influential part was when I pinned a survivor and after saying how much we appreciate him, he looked me dead in the eyes, with his own self tearing up and said ‘thank you, thank you for everything you do’,” said Khatib. Former president Bill Clinton and Elie Wiesel, a survivor and founding chairman, were asked to speak. “No matter how smart people are, if you have a head without a heart, you are not human,” Clinton said in his speech. Wiesel survived the German death camp Auschwitz. He wrote the award winning novel, “Night”, that describes his experiences as a young Jewish man imprisoned by Nazis. “This museum which is a monument of human suffering but also of human courage to over come human suffering,” Wiesel said. “Passerby, do not enter this place without fear, but nor without hope.” Many of the survivors are first hand witnesses and are now in their late 80s and 90s. They came from all over the world to attend this special occasion. “Remembering the Holocaust will allow people to take actions against any unjust actions that they witness,” Assefa said. “Young people have the responsibility to reach out to their communities and give knowledge to those who lack it.”

On your smartphone, scan this code using the application “QR Code” to see a slideshow of the Holocaust Museum’s 20th anniversary along with a more detailed story.

May 7, 2013

The Aftermath of Actions

A former AHS student gives an exclusive story of his life changing jail experience CHLOE LOVING People Editor No family and no friends. Just two distant strangers sharing a small cell with two rock hard cots. A harsh fluorescent light glares at you from deep in the corner that reveals a toilet and a desk set composed out of a slab of wood and a brick stool. This exact scene is what a former AHS student called home for three weeks, whose name will be John Smith for the purpose of this article. Smith was charged for assaulting a teacher. He represented himself in court. His sentence was lessened from 180 days to three weeks because he admitted his actions. “There was no point [in denying the crime] because it was caught on video,” Smith said. Because his crime was considered violent, Smith was tried and charged as an adult. “My mom hated that I went [to jail] so she bought me everything I wanted for when I got out,” Smith said. Smith claimed that one of the worst part of his experience was seeing his mother cry. During the assault, Smith claimed he was caught up in the moment. He was not conscious of his actions until after he was restrained. “I blacked out,” Smith said. Wake up time every morning was at 7:30 a.m. sharp. Smith’s mandatory schooling began at 8:30 a.m. and ended at 2:30 every afternoon. Three meals were served, but they were far from a preferred cuisine. Smith was charged as an adult and he was therefore moved back and forth between the Juvenile Detention Center (JDC) and the adult quarters. While JDC served tolerable chicken sandwiches, a mixture of various kitchen scraps called “loaf” was served in the adult detention centers. “It was the most disgusting thing I had ever seen,” Smith said. After his schooling hours ended, he would return to his unit for “quiet time.” During quiet time, detainees were limited to either reading

Who am I?

COURTESY OF OLIVIA LAFFERTY

PEOPLE

John Smith spent three weeks in jail switching back and forth between a juvenile detention center and an adult center.

or watching television. Interaction among the inmates was not encouraged and the majority of individuals kept to themselves. “You have to mind your own business.” Smith said. Because his crime was considered violent, he was charged as an adult and placed in the same center as rapists and other violent abusers. “[It’s] not a place I want to be,” Smith said. “[Other prisoners] were calm in a scary way.” Different prisoners are deemed as belonging to different levels of required security depending on the amount of time they have spent in the jail. As Smith was a recent addition to the center, he was classified as level one. Level one prisoners have a directed bed time of 9 p.m. His bed was not comforting but instead hard and cold. Every stiff cot was furnished with a sheet, a cover and a fabric that could be used as a makeshift pillow case. “It’s not cool. It’s not like the movies,” Smith said. Smith was only allowed to contact friends or family twice a week for a five minute phone call

each time. He mainly used his allowance of calls to speak to his mother. “I missed my friends,” Smith admitted. “I hate being told when to go to bed like I was a little kid again. I probably missed my X-Box the most.” After being released, Smith was transferred to an alternative school to finish his high school education. Smith acknowledges that he let his emotions get the better of him. “Now I think twice before making irrational decisions.” Smith said. “This is an experience I don’t want anyone to know about.” Smith attends anger management classes to fulfil his mandatory 100 hours. He plans to stay out of trouble and focus on his athletic career. This experience opened his eyes and helped him realize the opportunities that he needs to take advantage of. “[This experience] made me become aware of situations that I could possibly get into.” Smith said. “Next time I will think before I act. I don’t ever want to go to jail [again]. That isn’t for me.”

• This is my third year teaching at AHS.

To find out who this teacher is, visit: www.thea-blast.org/ • I attended Radford and George Mason University. category/student-life/people/ • I majored in Education. • In my spare time I like to play with my little girl and do karaoke. • I listen to the fun music like David Mathis, Mumford and Sons, Rihanna, and Bruno Mars. • I have traveled to Germany, and also lived there for three years, I traveled through Europe, and parts of the Caribean. • My birthday is September 26th. • The sports I have participated in include soccer. • My favorite TV show is Modern Family. • My favorite store is Express. • Interesting facts about me are that I sing an awesome “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” and I love to read. • My favorite part of working in a school is the connections I make with my students. • My motto is: “Make learning fun.”

–Compiled by Kiara Patino

HEALTH

May 7, 2013

Dangers in the pool

Pool Exercises

Recognizing pool risks and knowing how to keep yourself safe is important

device nearby to help drowning victims. It is important to know where these devices are located, especially if there is no lifeguard around. Knowing this will make the procedure of saving somebody’s life a lot easier. Lifeguards If there are lifeguards, check to see if they are licensed and have gone through extensive training. Also, always make sure they are attentive to the pool goers. Sophomore Shannon Lewendowski is a lifeguard in the summer and she offers some advice, “If you cannot swim do not get in water above your head, do not run on the deck and as a lifeguard use a buoy.” The important thing to remember is that not all pools are dangerous, most of the time the lifeguards do a great job at keeping the pool safe for the public.

pool. Some leaves in the pool are common if there are trees nearby and this is not harmful. When you start noticing dirt, discoloration, band aids or bugs, you may want to check out another pool. Look for electrical cords According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), “There have been 60 deaths and nearly 50 serious shocks reported over the past 13 years involving electrical hazards in and around swimming pools.” If you walk into the pool and see electrical cords or appliances lying around, you probably should not stay, or you can ask a lifeguard to remove the hazards. Check for emergency devices If you choose to swim in a pool without a lifeguard, you are swimming at your own risk. However, there should be some form of flotation

Six tips to keep yourself safe

2. The Bicycle This is similar to the first exercise. Lie on your back and try to stay afloat. Then move your legs in the way you would ride a bike. Try to keep your body straight to help increase ab strength. You can also keep you back against the wall and bike from there.

THEDECOROLOGIST.COM

WWW.TOWNOFROLAND.COM

Pools are generally safe, but there are many factors that can turn the pool deadly like bacteria, electric cords and chemicals.

BICYCLETUTOR.COM

1. Leg Kicks If you have ever taken a swimming class when you were younger this may sound familiar. Find a spot on the edge of the pool and make sure no one is within a three ft. radius of you. Hold on to the edge and extend your arms. Then, kick your legs and try to move only your lower body to create a better workout.

BY BERTA TARQUI Health Editor What many students love about Memorial Day Weekend is knowing that the pool is open. The public pool is a common place for teens to go, but many don’t realize that there are dangers within them. Most people don’t have any problems in the pool and usually in Annandale, the pools are clean. However, it is important to know dangers that can arise to prevent a fun pool trip from turning into a visit at the doctors. To keep the pool sterile, chlorine is added, which can be harmful to your body. It can enter your eyes and make them itchy and red, and your skin could feel irritated. There are many chemicals in a pool, that are used to help kill bacteria and keep the pool clean. However, if the chemicals are mixed incorrectly, then there could be a possibility of sickness from either digesting the water or inhaling the fumes. Examine the pool Usually, workers will check the pH of the water to make sure it is safe. If you do not see this, ask them if they know what the pH is. The pH is trivial at first but any extremes could be dangerous. According to the Pool Wizard, if the pool has an off color, that is usually a sign that the pH is a bit off. A low pH balance means that the pool is too acidic. Low acidity can cause scalp or skin irritation. On the other hand, having a high pH balance is just as harmful and the pool may seem a bit cloudy. A high pH balance means that the pool is too basic and this can also cause skin or eye irritation. You can also tell if the pH is too high if metal parts immersed in the pool, such as the stairs are eroding. Also, take time to look at the cleanliness of the

3. Swing Hold yourself against the wall as if you try to get out of the pool. Lift one leg by your side and hold for ten seconds. Then switch to the other leg. This will help to strengthen your thighs. Remember to lift your leg as high as you can.

Pool Exercises Continued

BERTA TARQUI

On your smartphone, scan this code using the application “QR Code” to view the rest of the story about pool exercises.

2. Do not go if you have rash or skin irritation: If you have a contagious rash, keep others healthy by not going in. It will be harmful to yourself and others who may catch it. Keep away from the pool if you have an open wound as you could contaminate the pool, and the pool could hold harmful bacteria, which could further harm your wound.

1. Shower before going in: People usually skip the shower because they feel it is unnecessary. Showering will get rid of any dirt or bacteria on you. This will be beneficial to you and to others who want a clean pool.

Cute Snack: Banana Butterfly Ingredients Needed: One banana, a few pretzels and a box of raisins.

3. Shower immediately after visiting the pool: Chlorine on your skin or in your hair can leave you with irritation. If you have blonde hair, you may want to wash your hair to prevent hair discoloration. Showering will get rid of the chemicals used in the pool. Make sure to rub some lotion to prevent dry skin.

1.)Take your banana and peel it, then cut it into fourths. 2.)Then take two pretzels and place them on the side. They will be the wings. 3.) Add raisins as eyes. 4.) Optional: Add small apple slices as antennas. Serves: 4

5. Don’t going swimming if you are under the influence If you are taking any medication that can impair you or have drank alcohol (which is illegal for people under 21) keep away from the pool. It is dangerous to swim if you do not have your senses together. Medication and alcohol can make you perceive things differently than if you have not taken anything.

WWW.FREEIMAGESLIVE.CO.UK

6. Swim with a friend or have a flotation device: If there are no lifeguards around, it is essential to have someone or something with you just in case you need any help. Swimming by yourself can be risky because so many things can go wrong. You could hurt yourself, or even drown.

WWW.SUPERHEALTHYKIDS.COM

4. Keep your mouth shut: When in the pool, it is okay to talk with friends, but if you are under water, try to keep your mouth closed to prevent drinking any of the water. It is alright to accidently swallow some pool water, but for the most part, try not to. Pools have lots of chemicals that should not be ingested.

BERTA TARQUI

OMEGAMANJOURNAL.WORDPRESS.COM

Nutritional Grade: A

Breakfast meal: Eggs and veggies BY BERTA TARQUI Health Editor Ingredients Needed: -Two eggs - One Onion - One Red Pepper -One Green Pepper -A medium sized pan -A spatula -Cooking Oil or Butter -Bowl Optional: Salt and Pepper

Directions: 1. Heat up your pan to a medium temperature with either some cooking oil or butter. 2. While the pan is heating up, crack both of the eggs into a bowl and whisk them. Add a pinch of pepper and salt. 3. Take the onion and cut approximately a fourth of it up. 4. Repeat with your red and green pepper. You can choose whether you want more or less. 5. Add the eggs in the pan, once it is heated, then add the vegetables on top. 6. Proceed to cook like scrambled eggs with your spatula. Helpful Tip: Do not leave the eggs longer than 3-5 minutes to prevent burning, but make sure it is cooked well thoroughly. 7. Serve by itself or with toasted bread. Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Exercise Routine: Week three

WWW.123RF.COM

A fairly quick breakfast meal that is easy to make

Fact: Green and red peppers have a lot of vitamin C and E. Vitamin E is great to help improve your skin health.

On your smartphone, scan this code using the application “QR Code” to view an exercise routine that you can stick to.

ARTS

8 Portfolio Art Show

May 7, 2013

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Theater Without Borders to perform Shakespeare Thursday

“Untitled 2” by Kelcie Chandler, junior

Theater Without Borders (TWB) is preparing for their production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, for which ESOL students have tackled the daunting task of memorizing lines in an antiquated form of a foreign language. Their performance will run for one night only, on May 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Admission for the show is free, but donations are gladly accepted. “We really encourage everybody to come. It should be a lot of fun; the kids are really creative,” Leslie Chekin, ESOL cosponsor with Nick Liacopoulos, said. While the memorization of lines is a difficult task on its own, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), a program for students that are not native English speakers, offers its students an even greater challenge; ESOL actors must memorize pages of Shakespearean English, a poetic language filled with complexities such as inverted syntax. “This play is really difficult because most of the people do not speak English,” student director junior Sheinyco Necepcion said. Necepcion also plays the role of Hippolyta. While the complexities of Shakespearean language may present difficulties, they also help ESOL students develop their skills in the English language. “This program definitely helps [improve]

SANDRA WEBB

BY SANDRA WEBB Arts Editor

the Shakespearian program offered by the D.C. Shakespeare theatre Company. “They loved the production they saw at the Shakespeare theater. They were very inspired by it, so they were very excited about doing this play,” Chekin said. After watching the professional version, the students began the process of auditioning in January and then started rehearsing in February. “I think the teachers did well to cast people in the right places and I think it is going to be a good show,” junior Ramatu Fofanah, who plays the role of Titania, said. Now, after three months of rehearsals, the performance is only days away and the actors are feeling pressured to get serious about their show. For many, this performance is much more than just a class requirement; it is an opportunity to develop theater experience and to express themselves. “The best part? Being yourself,” junior Luis Canjura, who is cast in the role of Dimitrius, said. “I am looking forward to people being serious about the play because we’re good. But I want people to put an effort into the play because it’s a huge thing for most of us. This is like one step for me to pursue my dreams [of acting],” Fofanah said. While they expect more hard work, students feel confident in each other and themselves; they are anticipating successful performance. “I am proud of the people that we have... because they’re doing a really good job,” Necepcion said. The cast and crew Theater Without Borders’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream are hopeful for good audience turnout and a successful performance.

Junior Ramatu Fofanah, Titania, and junior Hendell Concepcion, Oberon, rehearse a scene from A Midsummer Night’s Dream in which Oberon places a spell on Titania.

English. It helps confidence and speaking, it helps mastery of literature,” Chekin said. This is not the students’ first exposure to Shakespeare. Before they began rehearsing the play, TWB students attended a showing of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in December as part of

Students receive results after orchestra placement auditions “The Owl” by James Lord, junior

“Pushing back the limit” by James Nguyen, junior

BY SHIRA STEINBERG Staff Writer During the week of auditions, the orchestra room, for many a home away from home, turns into a room of nerves and frantic practicing. When the students are not skipping lunch to practice, they are spending hours after-school, practicing for hours. After-school this week students will be auditioning for the orchestra they wish to play with next school year. Auditions will take place April 30 from 4:30 to 9 and May 2 from 3:30 to 7:30. Students are also allowed to audition during classes. Students were asked to sign up for their auditions online, where all the music was posted as well. Although auditions can be stressful for students, many look forward to the prospect of being in a new, tougher orchestra next year. “I am excited for auditions because I hope I make the orchestra that I want,” junior Kyla Robinson said.

To audition, students must go on to the Annandale Orchestra web page to receive their music. Students may audition for four different orchestras: Concert, Sinfonia, Artiste, and Philharmonic, also known as chamber, orchestras. Students decide which to audition for based on the music posted online. “I am auditioning for the Chamber orchestra,” Robinson said. The Chamber orchestra is the “highest” of the four orchestras and the piece of music that was required for the audition proved to be difficult for some. “I’ve been practicing like crazy, a lot more than normal,” Robinson said. In order to audition students have to prepare various different things including scales, their own piece of music, and the piece that is required for particular auditions. While some students have no problem with the requirements, some students find this slightly unnecessary and too time consuming. “The fact that I have to do two is a bit unfair,” sophomore Yonatan Ayele said. Director Angela Ammerman will be conducting the auditions for two different groups of students. “We have both rising ninth graders and current

SHIRA STEINBERG

Orchestra holds annual auditions

Junior Kyla Robinson practices her violin during class.

students auditioning this year,” Ammerman said. This year, there are about 25 rising Freshman coming in to audition, and almost all of the existing orchestra is auditioning for next year. Following the auditions, students will eagerly await the arrival of the results of their audition. “I’m so nervous I don’t know how I’ve been able to handle it up to now,” Ayele said. Ms. Ammerman will notify the students on Monday May 6. “I’ll send an e-mail out to all students to tell them which group they’re in,” Ammerman said.

Studio 3 and 4 art class hang up artwork PHOTOS BY SANDRA WEBB

Portfolio art students prepare to hold end of year art show BY SANDRA WEBB Arts Editor

“Across the Universe” by Meghan Mohr, junior

“Going Through” by James Lord, junior

DIY hand dotted tumblers On your smartphone, scan the code above using the application “QR Code” to view a DIY tutorial on how to make hand dotted tumblers.

After a full year of hard work, Portfolio art students are preparing to host an art show to showcase their completed works. The art show is scheduled for tomorrow from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Clausen Hall. “It is an opportunity for the students to actually have their work displayed and have their parents and their friends come and just show up in like a gallery setting and be the artist of the night and explain their work and show their work and be proud of it,” Portfolio art teacher Jackie Pappas said. Students will display a variety of work, ranging from sculptures to watercolor to photography. All of their works are focused around a theme that

Left: “Cloudy Skies” is an acrylic painting created by senior Christina Uglietta. Above: “Bedroom Eyed Girl” was photographed by junior Meghan Mohr.

they chose and have been working with all year. Students choose a theme that inspires them, then use it as a basis for creations in whatever form they choose. This kind of freedom with assignments creates a range of ideas and products, no two alike. “They can just build and do whatever projects

they want and whatever media they want, they just go from that. Everybody thinks very differently,” Pappas said. “They will have an artist statement that explains what their theme is and the you’ll be able to see how the work ties together with that theme.” Art showcases such as this allow students to show off their work, but also to reflect on it and the progress they’ve made over the course of the year. “[It’s great] seeing how far I came from last year, seeing how I’ve improved from last year,” art

ACADEMICS

May 7, 2013

SOLs taking up class time BY LINUS BUMBACA Academics Editor

As the SOL season begins, classes shift over from learning to reviewing what has been learned. This means different things for individual classes, but for students it means numerous review packets and online practice tests. “I usually get two to four packets, one for each of my main classes. We also do JLabs to get ready,” freshman Gary Colomo said Gary studies for the SOLs in his spare time, in one to two hour sessions. “I don’t take it too seriously, but I still make sure I’m ready for it and usually get a good score.” Although the review helps students get ready for the SOLs, some find that review time forces teachers to rush lessons in the fourth quarter to fit in the information students need. The time spent on SOL review differs depending on the subject. History SOLs could require any type of information learned in the year, while math SOLs cover formulas and have questions with exact answers. The math SOLs take up much less learning time because the necessary knowledge is directly related with the content that is being taught, as opposed to history and english SOLs that require students to know anything that could be on them.

used to working with the toolbars for technology-based questions,” Olarinde said. Increasing focus on the SOLs impacts learning throughout the year, making teachers concentrate on helping students that are likely to have difficulty on the SOL. Changes to SOLs affect some students in big ways, depending on what grades they are getting. Students with Ds or Fs get directed during Atom Time to the classes they are not succeeding in. Students who have grades above a C are undirected, but some still need help with work. Already busy making sure directed students are caught up and ready for the SOLs, teachers are often unable to help students that don’t have low grades. However, the grade a student gets based on their homework and class assignments doesn’t directly determine Victor Machado and Oscar Andasol work on JLabs in room M20 during Atom Time for SOL prep how well they will do on the SOL. “I spend a month teaching about they don’t keep up with the schedule. “We started more rigorous testing The pressure is increased on last year, so we’re still collecting data,” Rome,” Dunnell said, “but I don’t know what questions the test will have on students when they get review packets Olarinde said. “Students can still do from each of their classes. Rome.” well on the SOL, even if they had an Olarinde prepares students with average grade.” World History teacher Brian Dunnell prepares students for SOLs review packets and JLab assignments Lessons in the fourth quarter are two to three weeks before the SOLs quick, but the time needed to get ready throughout May. “We pace it out as a team in all begin. for SOLs leaves students with less Math SOLs have technology-based classtime to go over homework or work subjects, so that we can teach what we need to before the SOLs,” Karen questions that require students to use on large projects that are due. Olarinde, Geometry and Algebra 1 tools such as rulers or highlighters, The SOLs only take place in the which separates them from other SOLs. fourth quarter, but they limit the time teacher said on SOL preparation. By the time SOL preparation begins, Students taking the SOL are given an that can be spent teaching. old material is expected to be finished. entire class period to get used to the “It’s embedded in teaching all year, This leaves teachers, and students, tools. in what we learn and study,” Dunnell “The day before the test we go to said. “Even the best students need to rushing to complete final lessons, which they have to balance with the review if the computer lab and students get review for the SOLs.” LINUS BUMBACA

SOLs compromise time spent learning

2012-2013 SOL schedule May 13: Algebra 2 SOL a.m., Biology SOL p.m. May 14: Algebra 2 SOL a.m., Biology SOL a.m. and p.m., Chemistry SOL p.m. May 15: Algebra 1 SOL a.m., Earth Science SOL a.m., Geometry SOL p.m., Chemistry SOL p.m. May 16: English Reading SOL a.m. and p.m., Earth Science SOL p.m., World History I p.m.

May 17: Geometry SOL a.m., World History I SOL p.m., World History 2 SOL p.m. May 20: World History 2 SOL a.m., US History SOL p.m. May 21: US History SOL a.m., Make Up SOL a.m. and p.m.

May 22: Make Up SOL a.m. May 28: Math Retake SOL a.m., Science Retake SOL p.m. May 29: Reading Retake SOL a.m., History Retake SOL p.m. May 30: Tentative retakes as needed June 3: Senior Retakes SOL a.m. and p.m.

NEHS 2nd annual book drive NEHS prepares books for summer reading BY ANIQA RASHID Academics Editor

The National English Honor Society, which has only been in existence for two years, experienced their first and most successful book drive last year, with students donating more than 4,000 books. Last year’s focus was to obtain as many book as possible to have in school, as well as to donate to other organizations such as Books for America. This year’s book drive is meant to find books that would be suitable for building the English department’s classroom libraries. The drive began last week on April 29, and the NEHS will collect all books from English teachers on the thirteenth of May. NEHS asks for any books that are

Many books in classroom libraries are stocked by donations from both students & teachers

to be donated to be young adult novels or non-fiction books only. If there are books that are not suitable for the libraries in teachers’ classrooms, then the books will be donated to Books for America. This organization will then donate to various places such as prisons, and various other charitable organizations. English teacher Catherine Gibson, one of the NEHS sponsors since

Biology Crossword Across:

1. These group of organisms are eukaryotic and usually multi-cellular.

5. Can grow, reproduce, and carry out respiration.

2. These are eukaryotic, uni- or multicellular organisms that lack complex organ systems.

8. A eukaryotic, uni- and multicellular organism that is not motile.

4. These diagrams group organisms basked on structural similarities.

11. Part of animal tissues that help animals conserve heat. 12. This is the maintaining of internal bodily functions.

6. Most cellular activites are processes regulated by the action of — 7. This is where DNA replication takes place in a cell. 9. This is the movement of very small particles from an area of higher to lower concentration.

13. These organisms are motile and are heterotrophic.

Answers to this crossword puzzle

Tips for balancing SOLs and homework Fourth quarter can be stressful for everyone, so use these tips to avoid putting yourself in a stressful situation. 1. Dedicate more time to classes you are having difficulty in: Difficult assignments can be discouraging to some people, but the longer you avoid them the more pressure there will be. 2. Don’t procrastinate: You have probably heard this time and time again, but turning work in late or not at all is a poor decision. 3. Review content from throughout the year: While you may think you’re ready, take a look at your notes and find things you are uncertain about. 4. Pace yourself: Review packets are inevitable for almost all of your classes, so pace yourself as you work on them. Finish one page or section a day, and start the day you get it. 5. Go to review sessions: Review sessions will help you far more than if you just did the packets, and they give you opportunities to get questions answered. 6. Study with a group: Studying with a group is beneficial for everyone involved. You can help others who are struggling, and by doing so reinforce the knowledge you have.

Vocabulary Words MENDACIOUS adjective Telling lies or false reports. MERCURIAL adjective Liable to sudden unpredictable change. VENERATE verb To regard with feelings of respect and reverence. COALESCE verb To come together so as to form one whole. ASYLUM noun A place offering protection and safety; a shelter. PENURY noun A state of extreme poverty or destitution.

Down:

3. Phylum of Kingdom Animalia that we belong in.

10. Diffusion of water through a semi-permeable membrane from an area of higher to lower concentration.

last year, says the honor society is planning to continue operating this project for years to come. “This program is meant to help supplement summer reading programs for high school students,” said Gibson. Students may not want to donate for the lack of interest in such a drive, but there are particular incentives for those who do. Reading over the summer

benefits students in various ways. It stimulates the students’ minds in terms of learning and applying new vocabulary and grammar, when they have no other schoolwork to help them stretch to the full extent of their capabilities to learn. “Students can take and read interesting books that they would enjoy, as opposed to books that they would consider ‘boring’ or ‘lame’,” said Gibson. The English class that collects the most books wins an array of baked goods created by NEHS members. Last year, Gibson’s class donated more than 400 books, becoming the winning class. This year, NEHS hopes to raise as much books as they had last year, and more. “I think the book drive is a great way to recycle old books and I think it will be just as successful as last year because many English teachers give extra credit to students who donate books,” said sophomore Sahrain Zahoor.

On your smartphone, scan this code using the application “QR Code” to view the answers to this “Name It” crossword puzzle.

College Profile: New York University On your smartphone, scan this code above using the application “QR Code” to view a review about New York University.

IN-DEPTH

May 7, 2013

The Future of AHS

Timeline of AHS

1953 Construction begins on school property

1955 AHS opens, The A-Blast and Antenna are started, and Ralph Buckley becomes principal

1954

B Y S ARAH M ETZEL In-Depth Editor

Cafeteria, gym, and auditirium is built

1955 12 more classrooms built

ANDREW PETERS

1957 11 more classrooms built

What does the future hold? It’s a question that people grapple with throughout their entire lives. In high school especially, the future can seem daunting. High school is meant to prepare us for adulthood. The nurturing environment of AHS gives us many opportunities for success. We are offered the chance to try out new things, find our talents, and specialize with our interests. With so much emphasis placed on grades, sometimes it can be hard to pursue all the avenues of opportunity that AHS offers us. While it is important to maintain our GPA, it is also important to explore the multi-faceted culture in our school and surrounding community. Around this time each year,

we start to think about all the things we could have done better. This disappointment in ourselves can be seen in a positive way—a c h a n c e t o i m p r o v e . Wi t h o u t this necessary albeit painful reflection, we can never better ourselves. Ye s , t h e f u t u r e c a n s e e m daunting—but not if we maintain a n o p t i m i s t i c o u t l o o k . Wi t h reflection and planning, we can always improve upon our circumstances. For the seniors, the time has come to bid farewell to the nurturing environment of AHS. The rest of us, however, will remain here. If the end of the year has got you down, for whatever reason, here are some stories and advice from representatives of each grade level.

Students walk toward the main entrance and prepare for a new day.

1958 New library is built Old library is changed into 3 classrooms

Rising freshman: Hunter Sloan Poe Raven peers into his future at AHS and plans to meet new friends

New music area and gym are built as old music area is turned into new guidance office

1966 James Finch becomes principal

1986 Raymond Watson becomes principal

1994 Donald Clausen becomes principal

Hunter Sloan is a rising freshman who is currently attending Poe Middle School. He is looking forward to playing basketball and participating in the marching band at AHS. Sloan currently plays on the rising freshman basketball team organized byAHS and is doing marching band for Poe. Sloan plans on contributing to AHS academically with good grades and through his participation in the marching band and the basketball team. Much of middle school is spent in anticipation for high school. Sloan is excited about coming to Annandale. “[I am] excited about meeting new people [and teachers],” Sloan said. Most of his graduating class at Poe is coming to AHS. Having familiar faces making his transition with him makes him feel more comfortable about coming to AHS.

“

ANDREW PETERS

1962-63

BY ANDREW PETERS In-Depth Editor

Don’t change [yourself] for somebody, be who you really are.

”

Hunter Sloan, a rising freshman from Poe Middle School, pictured in his house.

Meeting new people can be a daunting task for all students, especially for rising freshmen. This rule is true for Sloan as well. However, he thinks meeting new teachers and “figuring my way around school” will be easier than meeting new people. Math is Sloan’s favorite, but most challenging subject. At AHS he wants to improve

his grades in math. Sloan likes Poe for its teachers and simple hallways. He offers advice to Atoms old and new. “Don’t change [yourself] for somebody, be who you really are,” Sloan said.

Rising sophomore: Zakaria Nour Freshman reflects on his year and offers advice to others on time management BY ANDREW PETERS In-Depth Editor

2005 John Ponton becomes principal

2011 Vincient Randazzo becomes principal *Mr. Kime filled in for a portion of Manuel’s last year SOURCE: ANTENNA YEARBOOK

“

Know your priorities. Get the important stuff done before the less important

TOBA RASOLI

2004

Rodney Manuel becomes principal *

Zakaria Nour is a rising sophomore who is looking forward to classes and electives next year. He is taking three honors classes next year just as he did this year. “[I’m] shooting to make the honor roll,” Nour said.“If I continue to work hard I think I can make the honor roll.” This year Nour did not join clubs so that he could focus on his academics. Prioritizing is a choice every student has to make. Each person knows themselves best and has to make that decision for himself. He says choosing academics over clubs was both a good and bad decision. He was able to focus on academics, but clubs could have taught him useful skills as well.

”

Apart from his academics, Nour played basketball this year as a guard. Nour is glad he played basketball. “[Playing basketball helped] me improve my basketball skills and make friends,” said Nour. He learned to balance school activities with school work. This ability can only be learned through experience. “As the year progressed it taught me how to manage my time well,” said Nour.”It helped me improve my skills and make friends.” He is considering doing track and cross country in addition to basketball next year. Next year he is planning on contributing to AHS through Peer Mediation. He did Peer Mediation in 8th grade. Peer Mediation is a club to help students with conflict

Zakaria Nour, a rising sophomore, is pictured in his W4 classroom.

resolution, a useful skill for everyone. Peer Mediation is sponsored by the ESOL teacher Ms. Mounteer. In addition to peer mediation and sports, he is also looking forward to joining the Business Club and the Key Club. AHS has many clubs, and in this multitude there is one for everyone. Before the year began, Nour’s sister, an AHS alumni, advised him to take his freshman year seriously. Many counselors would agree with this sage advice, as many colleges look at freshman grades. Nour’s biggest challenge freshman year was time management. “Know your priorities. Get the important stuff done before the less important. Make a list of the top five most important,” said Nour. Prioritizing helped him with his academics during his freshman year.

IN-DEPTH

May 7, 2013

11 How have you changed since freshman year?

The upcoming plans and future contributions of aspiring Atoms

“I think I’ve matured a lot and I’ve become more responsible. I realize that the things I do now matter in the future.”

— Natalia Amador freshman

“Because I move so much, I don’t really have time to change because everything around me is changing.” — Olivia Rogers sophomore

“I’ve gotten stronger and much more confident.”

— Marcus Walton junior

Rising junior: Alan Vargas “Over time I feel like I’ve gotten more serious about school and maybe even life.”

Ambitous sophomore discusses his past mistakes and aspirations for next year BY SARAH METZEL In-Depth Editor

— Hamdi Abdullahi junior

“I feel like I’m less talkative than I used to be.”

— John Park senior

SARAH METZEL

Since the start of high school, sophomore Alan Vargas has challenged himself. He took all the hardest courses his freshman year, and continued this rigorous course schedule into sophomore year. Though he enjoys challenging himself academically, he faces challenges with maintaining a regular sleeping schedule. “This year I messed up my sleeping schedule more than last year,” Vargas said. Like many students, Vargas has difficulty concentrating on his school work. Vargas has a minor case of dyslexia, which is a learning disability that can impair one’s ability to read or concentrate on words. Dyslexia makes it hard for Vargas to articulate his thoughts when writing various assignments for school, such as english papers. “I talk to myself when I type sometimes because I like to think out loud,” Vargas said. “I always mess up on typing because I’m so dyslexic.” Another source of distraction for Vargas is his favorite computer game, League of Legends. Commonly referred to as “League” or “L.O.L.”, this video game allows players to interact with friends on a team in a battle arena from the comfort of their own homes. “I won’t be able to play League a lot next year because I’m actually planning to put Vargas works on his laptop during a Just World Club meeting. in a lot of effort,” said Vargas. This year,Alan participated in the MiddleYears Program (MYP). The MYP requires charge of looking for exhibitors and speakers for the event. you to complete your personal project, which is a project done over the course of the whole “I’m really excited because I’ve noticed the executive boards of many clubs are all year in four phases. This MYP project is a source of stress for many sophomores, but it sophomores.” said Vargas. “I’m excited to be working amidst my peers since we can served as a good lesson in time-management. function efficiently and cooperatively.” “A lot of things went wrong this year, especially with projects. I needed to make Alan has learned a lot from sophomore year and is looking forward to next year as backup plans,” said Vargas. a junior. He advises rising sophomores to try their hardest. Another good lesson in time-management is your ability to juggle extra-curriculars “Don’t take the year too lightly just because you are not a junior or a senior. It’s harder and academics. Vargas has high hopes for the clubs he is involved in next year. than you expect,” said Vargas. “Don’t blow it off. Make sure you do something you want “I want to meet and exceed expectations in the clubs and activities I’m a part of -- Key to achieve and can achieve.” Club, Just World, and FCCLA,” said Vargas. “I hope FCCLA gets better though, since I feel like some people only went for the parties.” Recently, Alan Vargas became a vice president of Just World Club. He will be in

- COMPILED BY JONATHAN TEDLA

What are you going to contribute to AHS?

Rising senior: Jazmine Gomez Basketball player to lead the team BY SARAH METZEL In-Depth Editor Rising senior Jazmine Gomez has been playing basketball forAHS since freshman year of high school. She was on junior varsity for the first two years of high school, but she made it onto varsity this year as a junior. Being on varsity as a junior taught her many things. It took perseverance for her to improve as she worked on different aspects of her athletic ability. “In the beginning of the year, my mental toughness was weaker,” said Gomez. “But then throughout the season my mental toughness got stronger.”

You can contibute to AHS by...

”

In basketball as in any sport, mental toughness is important to the competitive edge of a team. If you let your opponents intimidate you, then you might as well give up before you start. She relies on the support of her family and friends to keep her game up and keep going strong. Her dad is especially important in her life, and has inspired her to work harder. While being supportive, he also gives her feedback so that she can improve her game and achieve her goals. “My dad is always supporting me in the bleachers. He helped me see what I could potentially do,” Gomez said. “He gives me constructive criticism.” Next year as a senior, she will be taking a leadership role in the team. She aspires to do better than in past years. Though she does not know if coach will select her as captain, she has big plans for the team. “I hope to improve our chemistry next year,” Gomez said. “With the seniors leaving

Inviting people to sit with you at lunch Being respectful JAZMINE GOMEZ

“

Even in the beginning if it seems too hard and you want to quit, keep pushing and finish strong.

Gomez, second from the right, will lead the basketball team next year as a senior.

Smiling Helping rising freshmen that look lost Praying for classmates Being considerate Staying informed

I hope that we can play better together.” Gomez believes in herself, despite the fact that she has been through many experiences with trial and error. Her resiliency is obvious in her ability to bounce back from whatever happens. “Even in the beginning if it seems too hard and you want to quit, keep pushing and finish strong,” Gomez said.

IDEAS FROM ANNIE STOUT, JENNIFER PETERS, AND HUNTER SLOAN

Tips on getting more in touch with your culture 1. Get a better understanding of your culture by staying up to date with the news. 2. Instead of going to a American fast food complex, Find places that make your culture’s food. 3. Try joining or starting a club that deals with your culture. This way, you could meet others that could help you get a better understand of your country. 4. Try listening to your own culture’s music or watch movies. 5. Tell your friends about the unique things in your culture.

Cultural Quotes

May 7, 2013

Cultural pressure on high Students discuss going against their native cultures BY: JASMINE HAITALANI AND NUHAMI MANDEFRO

International Editors Annandale is known for its diversity, although many students try to hide it to blend in. The different things students do and hide from their friends is numerous. Whether they hide the fact that they’re going to church or mosque or even about things that their parents allow them to do. Others choose to change themselves simply because they think society won’t accept the way they are. They choose to do something knowing deep down that their parents would never agree. This especially goes for the students who moved here after being raised elsewhere. They expect their children to be raised the same way they were, even though they aren’t even of the same culture. This can be from what the families eat, to how they dress or to where they can or cannot go. Cultures can vary a lot in such values, especially if they are from different places completely, such as the Middle East or Europe. They also tend to differ when it comes to clothing such as wearing a hijab or going out in shorts. “I don’t exactly feel pressure to rebel against my culture but I feel pressure to behave a certain way due to my culture” sophomore Blin Kebrom said “I feel that even though my parents came toAmerica so that my siblings and I could have a different experience growing up than they did, they don’t make us feel like that.” This seems to be the most challenging thing for sophomore Blin Kebrom. “My parents like to always compare things to how they were growing up and it’s irritating because we’re far from the same and growing up how I did” said Kebrom. “I’ve been exposed to things that they would find inappropriate. It’s hard sometimes because I hate disappointing them but I’d

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY RACHEL WILSON

INTERNATIONAL

Junior Sakshi Chhabra demonstrates how she incorporates her Indian and American background.

rather do hat than pretend to be something I’m not, nor will I ever be.” Students whose parents grew up in such different cultures rather than here in the States still think that tradition and culture has to be a thing for their children to learn as well. Even if the students’ parents lived in different places. Students also feel pressured when it comes to adapting for their parents at home and having a completely different personality at school “I’m definitely not as in touch with my Indian culture as I used to be when I was younger,” said junior Sakshi Chhabra. Hiding your culture doesn’t necessarily mean that you are ashamed of it. It sometimes doesn’t work because you’re surrounded by a different environment than what your culture is based on,which makes it hard to support your culture if none of your friends understand. “My friends and I come from different and are completely comfortable about our cultural backgrounds,” said junior Anu Mandefro. “I think my friends wouldn’t care where I’m from because that’s the way friends are and the main thing is that we would respect one another.” Also, many students find it necessary to change the way they act in order to adjust to the background that their friends have been living in for years. Sophomore Urmia Awan also grew up with a strong cultural background. “Well, for me, I feel like I do things that people or my parents don’t let me do just because they said I can’t,” Awan said. “I don’t even know why and sometimes I do feel the pressure to rebel against my culture just because of the generation we live in.” People are born to be different and born to stand out whether it’s from what they say or what they do. It’s where one comes from that makes them who they are. Your culture will always seem unique to everyone else which is why you should never hide it.

From the Philippines to AHS the subjects taught in class.

“Culture is the habit of being pleased with the best and knowing why.” - Henry Van Dyke

Differences between AHS and school in Philippines BY: JOB ALLAN DALUDOG Special to the A-Blast

Starting a school in a different country is not easy. When I came to America, I could not believe how different everything was. The biggest differences between the U.S. and Philippines were the grade levels, the classroom, and

The classrooms in AHS are very different than from my country. The rooms here have air conditioners, but in my country we did not have this. Classes were very big but there are some small classes. The rooms in my country were dirty, small, and so hot, and no air conditioning compare here. The rooms here are so awesome. The subjects here are very challenging. The subjects here are different than in my country because there are more subject here. There are more subject category here in the U.S. we only took Math, Science, Language Arts, and Philippines History Advanced education is very hard. I need to go back to being freshman, changing rooms for every class. I need to study hard to do well in the subjects. I still miss my old school even if it’s better here.

NUHAMI MANDEFRO

The grade levels in the Philippines were not the same at all. The grade levels in the U.S. go up to 12 grade but in the Philippines, we don’t have 11th or 12th grade. The grade levels here are longer and much more difficult. The years of learning here are much better because of the extra two grades.

Freshman Job Allan Dalugdog.

Problems in Syria take toll on U.S. politics Syria’s current situation affects Middle East, the United States, and students perceptions of war B Y : S UMMER A YOUB Staff Writer Syria is located in Asia. Bordered by Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea from the west, Iraq to the east, Jordan from the west, and Turkey from the north. Syria’s population is 21 million people. Modern Syria became an independent state in 1946. Currently, and since March 2011 civilian demonstration were attacked by the government forces and resulting in more than 100,000 people’s death. Civilians organized themselves and aligned with government soldiers defeated to join the resistance. Syria is a country located in the Middle East. Since 2011, conflicts with other Middle Eastern countries and the Now a war between the resistance forces and troops government have forced the US to become involved is occurring loyal to Bashar Assad (Syria’s President). reconciliation. financial cost and may be American casualties. In 1980, Syria’s president Hafez Assad (the father However, the Obama administration is under a lot The resistance forces should be armed with antiof the current president) destroyed the town of Hama, of pressure to act against Syria because of the horrific aircraft missiles and antitank missiles. killing between 30,000 – 40,000 people. amount of civilian casualties. Hopefully that will solve the problem and help relieve As far as the United States is concerned, the If the United States does enforce a no fly zone over the Syrian people resistance. chairman of the Joint Chief of staff said he is cautious Syria that would cost us financially. The question is how Finally as our great father Thomas Jefferson once said, about the U.S. military intervention in Syria because of affective will the no fly zone be. “When the people fear the government there is tyranny; the doubts that it would halt violence or achieve political MaybeAmerican forces on the ground, that is another when the government fears the people there is liberty.” Google Images

“Culture is the widening of the mind and of spirit.” - Jawaharlal Nehru

“A culture is made or destroyed by its articulate voices.” - Ayn Rand —Compiled by Jasmine Haitalani and Nuhami Mandefro

On your smartphone, scan this code using the application “QR code” to read the American story about an AHS student.

PHOTO

May 7, 2013

Annandale’s 5K Students, teachers and members of the community came together on May 5, Cinco De Mayo, for the annual 5K raising approximately $5,000 for AHS college scholarships awarded by Atoms Athletics

13 What was your experience during the 5K? “It was fun. I was pacing myself and running as hard as I can at the finish.” — Danny Mom freshman

“It was fun and I beat my time [from last year].” —Mahlet Ayele freshman

“It was really fun because I did it with my friend.” — Julia Nguyen sophomore

As the gun goes off, the 251 runners in this year’s Annandale 5K begin their 3.1 mile run at Four Year Run, through the USATF certified course through the Annandale community.

“I just tried to keep my pace for the rest of the race.” — Gabriel Lajnef junior

Top 10 Results: 1. David O’Hara – 16:15 2. Salvattore Ames – 18:18 3. Gabriel Lajnef – 18:36 Coach and Physical Education teacher David O’Hara runs hard to finish in first-place overall, with a time of 16:15.

Band Director Adam Hilkert conducts band students as they perform the national anthem before the race begins.

4. Edgar Alvarado – 18:42 5. Hung Troung – 19:23 6. Eric Lien – 19:26 7. Risky Alvarado – 20:05 8. Nick Warner – 20:33 9. Kenny Nguyen – 21:49 10. Yonatan Ayele – 22:14

Varsity girls lacrosse team manages a water station on Four Year Run to keep participants hydrated. Junior Salvattore Ames, keeps a strong pace to come in secondplace overall in the race.

Results from the “Cinco-K” To see the top times from the 2013 Annandale 5k, scan this code using the application “QR Code” on your smartphone. Freshman Kiara Patino volunteers at the 5K by handing out water bottles to students and teachers as they finish the race, as well as the Barefoot Runners and Young Men in Motion from Braddock ES.

Annandale alumni Ahmed Bile runs alongside his brother.

14 Livi Listens

LIFESTYLES

May 7, 2013

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Advice Column

By Olivia Lafferty Dear Livi,

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My boyfriend and I have been dating for almost three years now and I couldn’t imagine my life without him. We are both seniors this year and we plan on staying together in college. We both applied to the same Virginia schools and got accepted to James Madison University. It’s a really good school and all, but I also got accepted to a university in California that I’ve wanted to go to since I was little. He already out down his deposit for JMU and I’m afraid that if I leave he’ll want to break up. I have to put in my deposit soon and I Don’t know what to do. Please help!

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Have a problem? E-mail Livi at: livi.listens@gmail.com

What celebrity inspires your personal style? “Shakira on the days I want to really dress up and Selena Gomez when I want to dress related and free.”

— Jamiah Harrison freshman

“Kylie Jenner because I like her style and she’s really creative.”

— Blaine Ephrem sophomore

“Lady Gaga because I listen to her music a lot.”

—Carlos Valenzuela sophomore

“I really like Luke Bryan because he’s a boss.”

—Eric Stavenjord senior — Compiled by Phuong Nguyen

Actor Austin Butler

My Friend’s Closet has arrived at AHS AHS thrift store prepares for upcoming Prom sale BY PHUONG NGUYEN AND JENNIFER KANG Lifestyles Editor and Staff Writer The AHS My Friend’s Closet is now open. My Friend’s Closet is a thrift store where students and the community can shop for various clothing items. The store is located at the back of the Annandale Neighborhood Center, next to the modulars, and is opened from 6 to 8p.m. The store proposes an alternative to overpriced and lackluster department store options because there is always something new. The purpose of My Friend’s Closet is to provide free clothing items for students in need. “I think it’s a good idea, especially for low-income families,” sophomore Lynn Kha said. On May 8, during opening hours, the store will conduct a Prom Special for seniors who are in need of a prom dress. Styles that will be on sale include gowns as well

as low-to-high length dresses in various colors. All of the dresses available are free. In addition to prom dresses, a variety of clothing items can also be found at the new shop, ranging from jeans, shirts, shoes and accessories. All items in the store are donated and have been gently used by their donors. Anyone who has an unwanted dress is welcomed to donate their items. “I don’t know if I would personally buy [clothes] from there, but if I was in a financial situation, I would,” Kha said. For more information about the sale and available options visit the store’s Instagram page @ ahsmyfriendscloset.

Courtesy of @ahsmyfriendscloset

Dear College Bound, College is a really important part of a person’s life. It is where you make life long friends, grow independent, and find out what you want to do in life. If you make such a big life decision based off of someone else, you’re not giving yourself the opportunity to grow and mature. This is a personal decision, and no matter how much you want to stay with your boyfriend in college, you need to make this decision on your own. Choose the college that best suits you, not your relationship. If you and your boyfriend were really meant to be, you’ll be able to get. Love, Livi

Options that are available at My Friend’s Closet include, jeans, shirts, shoes, accessories, and prom dresses to fulfill any occasion

SPORTS X-TRA

May 7, 2013

Athlete signs to prep school BY ERIN JOHNSON Sports X-tra Editor Louisburg College, home of the Hurricanes, is a private accredited two-year residential college located four hours away in North Carolina. The school is just like any other college that students can attend, but senior Matt Stevens is using it as a pit stop on his journey to a larger university. “I chose Louisburg because it’s a prep school that leads into a bigger school,” senior Matt Stevens said. Many high school athletes are making the decision to attend a prep school before attending a larger university. Other AHS students such as Sanar Shamdeen and Ali Musa have made the same decision. “It was a good decision to go to prep school first,” Stevens said. Many students benefit from attending a prep school before a major university to help them transition from high school to college. Also, it

Where do you want to play sports? “I really want to go to LSU and play basketball. I really like the school colors and they have a good team.” —Ashley Giddings freshman “I’m hoping to go to UVA or George Mason and do track & field. They are both good academically and with sports.” COURTESY OF ALLI FOSTER

Senior Matt Stevens signs to Louisburg College for baseball

gives students more time to get their grades up while they continue to better themselves in sports to get more attention from major universities. “It’s a country school, there are nice people there, and it will help me study” said Stevens. The baseball team at Louisburg recently improved their record from 2012 to the 30-12 record they have so far in their 2013 season. “I am more excited than he is and it’s only four hours away,” father Dale Stevens said. His parents plan on driving four hours to Louisburg, North Carolina, to attend his games next spring. Stevens will be apart of the team next year along with 47 other athletes from the east coast. The team is a D1 school in the NJCAA. The baseball team had four baseball players inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame over the past few years. “[Louisburg] is one of the top 25 D1 junior colleges schools in baseball. I loved it, I thought it was [the right school] for me,” Stevens said. Although the varsity team at AHS is 3-11 so far this year, Stevens is sure to be apart of an excellent team that is still on the rise. “I think he’s the best catcher in the district; he will do great things in college,” teammate Noah Wolfenstein said.

—Aviad Gebrehiwot sophomore “I want to play lacrosse at either High Point or North Western. I really like the colors from High Point and North Western has one of the best teams.”

Stevens, the catcher for varsity baseball team takes his stance during a game.

—Ashley Britton Freshman “LSU or Howard for track because I know their curriculum is of high standards and they’re competitive for sports.”

OIVIA LAFFERTY

COURTESY OF MATT STEVENS

—Destiny Anderson Junior

Senior Matt Stevens signs to Louisburg College, a D1 prep school, to play for their baseball team.

“Bradford for cross country because it’s a fun school and their good at Cross Country.” —Faith Paletti Junior

Stevens steps up to bat for the Atoms against T.C. Williams.

Swim and school over sleep

“USC for track & field because I have family down there, so it’s like I’m close to home.”

Student-Athletes waive their sleep to remain top notch swimmers in the pool

—Ravyn Hankinson Sophomore

Freshman swimmer Aaron Boyd is one of several AHS students who sacrifices his sleep schedule to be a top notch student-athlete.

Athlete nixing schoolwork, sleep, practice, and free time to participate in club swimming before school

COURTESY OF TRICIA LILLER

COURTESY OF AARON BOYD

—By Nuhami Mandefro and Erin Johnson

Junior swimmer Tricia Liller wakes up two mornings a week at 4 am in order to complete swim practice before school starts.

Athlete wakes up before the crack of dawn to be at practice and back before the school day begins

BY ERIN JOHNSON Sports X-Tra Editor

We sat down with freshman Aaron Boyd who is part of a club swim team that holds practice before school starts. Boyd, who wakes up at 4 a.m. twice a week talks to us about his experience as a morning swimmer.

We sat down with junior Tricia Liller who gets up before the rest of AHS students to be in and out of the pool before school starts. She tells us of her experience as a morning swimmer.

Q: What time do you get up for practice in the morning and how many days a week do you do it? A: I usually get up around 4:15 a.m. for 4:45 a.m. practice and I usually do it once or twice a week. Q: What two sports do you participate in? A: I swim for a year round club and I play baseball for Annandale. Q: What is the most challenging thing about having two practices a day along with school and homework? A: The most challenging thing is trying to get all of my homework done and still try to get to bed at a decent hour. Q: How much down time do you have each day? A: Not a lot, but sometimes I use my homework time as my down time. Q: Why do you choose to do two sports a season? A: I don’t really choose to, but I feel that I have to keep up with swimming all year to compete with the guys who only swim. But I think that if I only swam, I would go crazy. Q: How do you feel your commitment to swimming effects what you do at school? A: It gets me in trouble more because I fall asleep in a lot of my classes and I have to miss some baseball practices for swim.

Q: What time do you get up for practice in the morning and how many days a week do you do it? A: I get up at 4 a.m. and I’m in the water at 4:45. I only do it twice a week but it takes a lot of planning. The night before I can’t do my homework because I go to bed at 7. Q: What two sports do you participate in? A: I run track plus I swim outside of school for the Marlins [Swim Team] year round. Q: What is the most challenging thing about having two practices a day along with school and homework? A: I don’t ever get to see my friends. Ever. Q: How much down time do you have each day? A: None. What is down time? Q: Why do you choose to do two sports a season? A: I like doing it all for some reason. I think it keeps me focused on school and I manage my time better. Q: How do you feel your commitment to swimming effects what you do at school? A: [It] has given me a large appreciation for anyone who plays a sport and works hard. I think it has also given me a lot of insight to the fact that hard work does pay off and star players are the ones willing to put in the time and effort.

Upcoming pro sports games in D.C. Nationals vs. Tigers @ 7:05pm: May 7-8 D.C. United vs. Houston @ 7 pm: May 8 Nationals vs. Cubs @ 7:05pm: May 10, 11, and 12 Washington Mystics vs. Brazilian National Team @ 11:30am- May 15 D.C. United vs. Sporting KC @ 5 pm- May 19 Nationals vs. Phillies @ 7:15pm: May 25 DC United vs. Portland @ 7 pm: May 25 Nats vs. Orioles @ 1:05pm: May 27 and 28

Athlete officially signs with college for swimming On your smartphone, scan this code above using the application “QR Code” to view a slideshow of these athletes signing to their chosen schools.

SPORTS

May 7, 2013

Boys excel in first round

Boys and girls tennis teams

The lacrosse team defeats T.C. Williams and advances to the second round of playoffs

BETSY KRUSE

Sophomore Lorenzo Aluning lunges to return a ball to his partner.

COURTESY OF HANNAH COULTER

Freshman Nebeyu Solomon uses his backhand at a recent practice.

Sophomore Soriya De Lopez plays in a recent match against Lee HS.

The first round of districts came with ease for the boys lacrosse team as they defeated the T.C. William Titans 15-8. Although they did not play as well as they had hoped, they still came out on top. The TC Titans started off strong scoring a few quick goals in succession putting the pressure on the Atoms. But the Atoms bounced back strong after the first quarter gaining a good lead on the titans that could not be regained. “We had a good week of practice leading up to the game,” senior James Terrell said. We were mentally prepared and that helped us out come game time.” Goals scored by seniors James Terrell, Max Ruffing and Zack Lalande, juniors Kendall Sapp and Stephen Read, and four goals scored by senior Will Oviatt helped pave the way for the Atoms. The boys’ next game is tomorrow night against the Lake Braddock Bruins for the semi-finals of the district tournament. “We have a good chance to go far,” senior Max Ruffing says. “We have a strong defense and our offense is scoring.” With their win in the first round of the tournament, the team has auto-qualified for regionals and hopes to advance to the state tournament. “I’m not really thinking about regionals, I’m just taking it one game at a time,” Terrell said. There are still many things the boys need to work on in order to prepare for their upcoming games. “We have to limit the turnovers and win more loose

CAYLEY BYRNE

BETSY KRUSE

BY KYLE PEICH Sports Editor

Senior Sean George practices his passing during a recent practice. George was a key factor in defeating T.C. Williams.

The boys hope to keep up the good performance for the remainder of the tournament. “We have a strong district record so we are prepared for the upcoming games” Ruffing says. The boys lacrosse team went into the tournament ranked second and has been solid so far with very few flaws. The boys are very optimistic for the rest of the district and regional tournament. “The strongest thing for the boys is them believing in their experience in non-district games to help them with the district teams,” Maglisceau said. “They recognize the need to be outside their comfort zone.”

balls,” varsity head coach Bill Maglisceau says. “Every possession we lose is a chance for the other team to score.” There are many strong players that are helping the team through the district tournament. Returning senior Joe Bermingham has been solid in goal and has allowed the team to focus on their offensive output. Seniors Max Ruffing and Will Oviatt have been extremely productive on the offensive side as well. Max Ruffing has 59 goals on the season, which is three shy of the school record of 62 goals currently held by alumni Ryan Miller and Matt Johnson.

Girls looks to face Cavaliers After defeating the Stallions, the Lady Atoms face W.T. Woodson during the semifinals of playoffs

COURTESY OF HANNAH COULTER

Junior Hannah Coulter waits for the perfect moment to serve the ball.

The girls team poses with the seniors.

The girls lacrosse team defeated the South County Stallions 13-10 in a close game that had viewers on the edge of their seat to the very end. The momentum went back-and-forth between the Stallions and the Atoms through out the whole game. As the end neared, the Stallions fought to come back, scoring several goals in succession. However, the Atoms held on to their lead and possessed the ball to run down the clock and take the win. “[South County] was a good, competitive team, but we ended up on top,” junior Sureyya Gokturk said. With goals by freshmen Janan Gokturk and Ashley Britton, Sureyya Gokturk, and seniors Kate Grandchamp and Paige Britton, the Atoms defeated the Stallions in dramatic fashion. It was never a one-sided game and it was unclear who the winner would be until the final seconds. The game was full of ups and downs by both teams and each displayed their strengths and weaknesses. “Although we have gotten better at transitions, I feel that we could do better on them,” junior Lailumah Faisal said. “I think we did good on our mental game and not letting the other team in our head.” “I was proud of how the team fought for the whole

BETSY KRUSE

COURTESY OF HANNAH COULTER

BY KYLE PEICH Sports Editor

Senior Paige Britton looks to pass off the ball to a teammate.

game on Friday,” senior Paige Britton said. “We showed awesome teamwork.” The Atoms will play W.T. Woodson tonight at Lee HS during the second round of the Patriot District Tournament. “We need to be confident in our plan and execute our plan for the best results,” varsity lacrosse head coach Cindy Hook said. “We need to keep our mental edge.” The girls are very excited for the remainder of the tournament and hope to carry the momentum into the regional tournament. “I know we’ve done everything to be prepared,” Hook said. With their win in the first round of the district tournament, the girls have qualified for the regional tournament. “I’m really nervous about the upcoming games, but I’m confident in my team and I know we’ll do well,” Faisal said. There are many things the girls are working on for the coming games. “To prepare for regionals, we just need to realize the strengths of our team and use them,” Britton said. “We need to keep up the energy throughout the game and just do what we’ve been doing.” Even with all of the positive teamwork and play the team is having, there is still some work they need to improve on. “We can continue on working on transitions by spreading and passing the ball quickly,” junior Jenny Nguyen said. “We can also work on anticipating the next play more.” With their win in the first round of the tournament, the girls’ spirits and expectations are high for the rest of their season.

Softball continues to improve Team hopes to build off of recent win against the T.C. Williams Titans

Freshman Nguyen Jocab hits the ball.

Girls Lacrosse vs. Woodson On your smartphone, scan this code using the application “QR Code” to view a story about girls lacrosse.

The Atoms defeated T.C. Williams 19-6 in a thrilling fashion on Senior Night, improving their record to 3-7 in the district. [The Atoms played against Lee HS last night, but the game ended too late to be covered in this issue of The A-Blast.] The Titans went up early in the game, but the Atoms made a strong comeback that they held on until the end. “We worked really well as a team top to bottom at our T.C. game,” assistant coach Cragin Winkler said. “I was really proud of them, especially when [junior] Carly Potts stepped up to pitch.” “We did not play to our full potential, but it was a nice win for the seniors,” junior co-captain Jocelyn Hotter said. The softball team consists of three seniors, Beatrice Ohene-Okae, Ann Marie Frankfurt and Shalia Johnson. The fact that the team has significantly more underclassmen will be a key advantage for next year in building a strong foundation.

CAYLEY BYRNE

BETSY KRUSE

KYLE PEICH AND TIFFANY HUYNH Sports Editor and Staff Writer

The girls softball teams warms-up for a recent game. The girls hope to keep their momentum from senior night when they beat the Titans.

“This season has been a growing year,” head coach Jamie Harrison said. “The girls have worked extremely hard and have put in a lot practice time working on their skills. Each and every one of them has grown as a softball player and the improvement they have made is tremendous.” There are many things that the softball team will look to improve for the rest of the season. “We are going to prepare for

districts with continued hard work and dedication at practice,” Harrison said. “We need to be focused and be confident that we can compete. With the start of the district tournament nearing, the team is preparing for the postseason. [We will succeed at districts if we] practice hard and play hard,” Harrison said. “I think all the teams are competitive and no matter who we face, we need to take them serious and

play competitive Annandale softball.” The girls will need to focus on their strong points if they hope to succeed in the district tournament. “If we play to our full strength we have a chance,” Ann Marie-Frankfurt said. “I think if the girls come out with the fire, focus and drive that I, and the rest of the coaches, know they have, then we will be successful,” Harrison said.

Sports

May 7, 2013

Baseball is victorious By Melanie Bennett Sports Editor

The 6-1 boys varsity baseball team took on T.C. Williams High School. It was the team’s second to last regular season game before districts. The team won 4-2 on a 3 run double by Luke Lundy in the 6th inning on May 2. Joey Rainey pitched 6 strong innings and Nolan Gilbert pitched the 7th. Two TC Williams runners were caught trying to get home, one by Jonathan Pratt and the other by Nolan Gilbert. “I think we played a great game,” Junior Travis Swann said. “We were consistent and determined to win.” “Defensively, we were really strong and we made minimal errors; often times only one or even none,” senior Jonathan Pratt said. “Ever since halfway through the season we have come together and our energy is high.” “I think I pitched really well. I only gave up two runs in six innings,”senior Joey Rainey said.

Coach’s Corner Baseball: Ron Abrigo

is almost over they will begin to prepare for the district tournament. The district tournament will be a series of four games determining the rank of all the teams in the district. The team is hopeful that they will rank well. Head coach Ron Abrigo is hopeful that the team will excel in the tournament. He will be doing his best to help his team improve for districts. “To improve for districts we simply have to get better everyday and not take a steps back from where we are now,” Abrigo said. The tournament will mostly take place at home giving Annandale the home field advantage. “I’m glad the game will be at home.” Swann said. “[Playing at home] gives any team, not just ours, more confidence.” Even though the team won there is always room for improvement. “Our hitting approach needs to come together. we need to have a plan before going up there,” Pratt said. “Personally I think I need to work on my throwing accuracy and base running,” Sophomore Aaron Boyd said. Senior Joey Rainey pitches against T.C. Williams High School. Rainey pitched for six innings. “I did well but I could have finished the game.” Rainey said. “I am really Unexpectedly the two players a concussion. “I felt fine while pitching, my excited for districts. I’m also really who contributed the most to the game both had injuries at one point shoulder wasn’t bothering me at all. excited to play our biggest rival, Woodson.” before the game. Joey Rainey had a I was good to go.” Rainey said. Now that the teams regular season shoulder injury and Luke Lundy had

Q: How do you think the team will perform in districts? A: Our goal is to win the district tournament and or finish in the top 4 to advance in the region playoffs.

Courtesy of Bob dores

Titans fall against Atoms in first round of District Championships

Q: What are some improvements made this season? A: The improvements have been the leadership of the seniors, confidence, sticking with the team goals and plan. Q: How will you prepare the team for districts? A: Physically we are ready, we just need to completely believe that we can beat anyone. Q: Who is your toughest rival in districts? A: Woodson is probably our best rival based on history and proximity. The players grew up playing each other.

Competition at UVA Track works towards another state championship and athletes place well at Dogwood Invitational

Track and Field members from schools across Virginia travelled to the University of Virginia to compete in the Dogwood Classic Track Invitational. The Atoms’ best runners and throwers met their coaches in the jock lobby early that morning and started south. Events began at 9 a.m. The Atoms as a whole had strong performances. All members made it into the finals for their respective events. The boys’ 4x8 won second, 4x4 won third and 4x1 won fourth. The girls’ 4x1 team won fifth. “The team performed well. Boys were top five in the meet and many athletes got times that qualified them for regionals,” head coach Sean Miller said. Only one field member was brought along to Charlottesville. “Being the only thrower representing AHS, I felt a little bit of pressure,” junior Margaret Njomo said. “I did not meet the opening distance for shot put but was able to try my best for disc.” The regular season ended on May 1 with a meet at TC Williams, meaning that all JV athletes were

courtesy of Clark Girardin

By Jonathan Tedla Staff Writer

Junior Destiny Anderson sprints to the finish in the 200 meter dash. Anderson went on to place 24th in the event.

Q: Who are your key players? A: Everyone has had a role in our recent success in practices and in games. We are playing a perfect team game during our 4-1 record in the last five games.

done for the year. Varsity runners and throwers, however, are still expected to work hard at least until the Patriot District Championship on the 15th. “I didn’t get to go to Dogwood, but I’m happy to be going to Districts. Margaret performed well for the team,” senior Omar Armstrong said. Sophomore Astrid Ligonde triple jumped exceptionally well and scored in the top five of all girls. She had little prior experience in the event. Even so, she jumped 35 feet 10 inches and missed the school record by a mere half inch. “I was surprised that I did so well on Saturday,” Ligonde said. “It frustrated me that I missed the school’s record by not even an inch but I was also motivated to work even harder to improve.” Other key performances came from seniors Brandon Atkins, Austin Chavez and Draven Pike. Atkins won third in the 300 meter hurdles, Chavez won fourth in the 200 meter dash, and Pike won fourth in the mile. For girls, Melissa Pratt and Elexis Evans respectively won eighth in the 300 meter hurdles and in the 100 meter dash. From District’s, the playing field will narrow down even more as only a select few athletes will continue to show what it takes to advance. Ultimately, not even 5 percent of the track team’s beginning members will be chosen to defend the Atoms’ state title in Newport News. “We ran as hard as we could and left it all on the track,” Atkins said. “I had no regrets about how I did that day.”

Boys soccer vs. Lee HS

Senior Kurtis Neal scans for passing options before taking a free kick.

Easy wins for varsity boys and girls soccer vs. Lee Teams season is ending well with a win against Lee

Girls soccer feels confident after win versus Lee

By Melanie Bennett Sports Editor

Melanie Bennett

After a 4-2 defeat over Lee HS, the girls varsity team improves its district record to 2-3-1 and solidifies the team’s confidence in their own play. “We’re a strong team and although we’ve only won two district games, we’re starting to really connect and play well together,” senior Connie Tran said. The team controlled the ball from the beginning and quickly found themselves with a two goal lead during the first half. Junior Michelle Burnett scored the first goal and later took a free kick, which sophomore

Sophomore Phillip Blystone runs down the field after completing a pass

Sophomore Francis Hrtado heads the ball to his teammate to try and score.

Junior Christian Garamendi dribbles the ball towards the goal in an attempt to score.

throughout the second half. About 10 minutes into the half, Javier Aguila scored. The goal was assisted by Cesar Flores. The last goal was scored by Perez on an marvelous penalty kick. This goal capped Perez’s hat trick and was he named the “Man of the Match.” “I think the game went really well but I know that there are always improvements to be made,” Casillas said. “As a team I think we need to work on our intensity at the beginning of games and finishing the ball. Also we need to release the ball quicker by looking for better passes.” “Overall it was a good match and we are confident for the next game versus Falls Church,” Neal said.

Girls lacrosse Senior Night Courtesy of randy Allshouse

The boys soccer team took on the Lee Lancers on Thursday May 3 in one of their last district games. The boys came out with the 6-2 win. The team started out a little shaky in the first few minutes when Lee scored two early goals against them but they quickly answered back. “I felt confident going into the game,” junior Abdiel Casillas said. “We were all determined to beat Lee.” The Atoms’ first goal, scored by Luis Perez, was scored off a cross from the right flank by Kyle Peich. “After the first goal, I felt that our attitude changed dramatically,” senior Kurtis Neal said. “From that point on we played a lot smarter.” The second goal scored by Henver Palma tied the game up 2-2. “I felt so great after I scored that goal,” Palma said. “It was a perfect upper 90 shot but I don’t remember how it happened because I was so focused.” With the game now tied, you could tell the boys were playing with more confidence. They were starting to play more cohesively. This cohesiveness brought the team their next two goals, scored by Luis Perez and Cesar Flores with assists by Diego Cabrera and Augustine Njikang respectively. The first half ended with a score of 4-2. “At the end of the first half I knew our hard work was paying off,” sophomore Robert Lamb said. “I was pumped for the next half.” The Atoms remained strong

By Betsy Kruse Sports Editor

Jenny McCann was able to place in the back of the goal. Lee came back and was able to break through the Atoms’ defense and score before the end of the first half. “We started off really strong and then we started to slack once we had a two goal lead,” Tran said. “But after the half time speech we started to pick it back up.” The final two goals were scored in the second half by sophomore Meg Hua and Burnett making the final score 4-2 and enabling the Atoms to defeat the Lancers on their own turf. The Atoms have one more district game, which will be played against T.C. Williams tomorrow night, and hope to continue to improve their standing before entering playoffs. “We’re working really hard in practice, which is definitely helping us to work better together on the field as well,” McCann said. “We just need to improve connecting our passes in the game and we’ll be really solid.”

Sophmore Meg Hua warms up before the game against Lee HS, which took place May 2.

On your smartphone, scan this code using the application “QR Code” to view pictures from girls lacrosse senior night.

Upcoming concerts

ENTERTAINMENT

May 7, 2013

ABC Family getting too racy The popular family network is not living up to its past image BY AYAH OWEIS Entertainment Editor Imagine you’re baby sitting a five year old, you turn on the TV and switch to ABC Family in hopes of finding a kid friendly show to watch. Instead of seeing a family friendly movie, you are shocked to see an inappropriate scene that you thought could only could be seen on MTV. You would think that a channel called ABC Family would be family oriented, and at first it was, but not anymore. Original ABC Family shows included Full House, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Gilmore Girls. Each of these shows did have something controversial but they were for the most part, family-friendly. Now, shows airing on ABC Family include Pretty Little Liars, The Secret Life of An American Teenager and Switched at Birth. While many love to watch these shows because of the suspension in each episode, they are not family appropriate. Although these new shows are not as wholesome, Shows like, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, are based on racy subjects that are not considered family appropriate. they are still very popular among teenagers because these shows are getting out of hand. While many believe that ABC Family has been of the sharp plot twists that keep the viewer hooked. “ABC Family used to be a channel that was okay getting out of hand with its controversial shows, others The most popular ABC Family show, Pretty Little for children to watch, but now I think it is getting too think it is just another phase through which ABC Liars, is based on a group of girls who seem to be risky,” junior Kelcie Chandler said. “The shows are not family is progressing. haunted by their dead best friend; the plots twists and good for kids to watch anymore. ” “I think the people working in ABC Family are turns include boy trouble, parties and sometimes even The show that sparks the most controversy now is just changing the shows to be directed at a younger murder. This is anything but family-oriented. The Secret Life of the American Teenager, a show whose audience to get more viewers,” junior Hannah Coulter Flashback to only four years ago, the most popular main character finds out she is pregnant in the first said. show on ABC Family was Kyle XY, a show about a episode. The entire show is mainly focused around the ABC Family was a family oriented network before, teenager with extraordinary abilities who is found subject of sex, which is not a very family-friendly topic. but in order to stay in touch with newer subjects and on the street with no navel or recollection of his past. “It is a family network and their shows don’t exactly trends, they seem to have strayed from their original After only four years the plots and story lines of ABC show that,” senior Nardos Assefa said. “Secret life is vision into something more risqué. Family shows have completely changed; while some the most inappropriate [show I’ve seen] because it is Although the content of the shows is controversial, it are happy with the more “exciting” shows, others think so open on the subject of sex.” nonetheless seems to keep viewers entertained.

Fortunate Youth Wed., May 8 Jammin Java

The Ocean Blue Thurs., May. 9 Jammin Java

Taylor Swift Sat., May. 11 The Verizon Center

Duck Dynasty catches attention The Robertson family’s ‘rags to riches’ story catches viewers’ hearts

Ben Miller Band Sun., May 12 The 9:30 Club

BY AYAH OWEIS Entertainment Editor

The Band Perry Sat., May 18 Merriweather Post Pavilion

Luke Bryan Sat., May. 18 Jiffy Lube Live

It’s hard to believe a show about bearded men making duck calls would be popular, but it is. The men of Duck Dynasty and their rags to riches story has proved itself worthy of high school students’ attention. The Robertson family of Duck Dynasty created their multi-million dollar duck call business out of practically nothing. Father Si Robertson gave up a serious football career and created the Duck Commander business simply because of his love for hunting. Now, son Willie Robertson is the CEO of the company and keeps the business intact. “I have heard a lot of people

Although each one of the bearded men have their own personalities that never fail to crack a smile on people’s faces, many say the highlight of the show is Willie’s Uncle, Si Robertson. Si, being an elderly Vietnam veteran with a child’s personality, never fails to disappoint with his

talking about it,” senior Sherief Beshara said. “I’ve seen short clips from the show and it seems really good.” This program is no ordinary reality TV show, it is not focused on partying or drama; it is instead focused on this family’s morals and their down-to-earth way of life.

witty, yet confused, jokes. These attributes and more make him everybody’s favorite character. “My favorite character is Si because he’s really fun and he does crazy stuff without caring about what people will think,” junior Eric Mejean said. The members of the cast pride themselves on the fact that the show is unscripted and shows good American fun without any of the crazy partying; the show always ends with the family praying before dinner. “I like the show because it is good clean American fun and it’s not scripted,” Mejean said. “It is really entertaining.” Despite their gravelly voices, long beards and camouflage painted faces, these men and their families really know how to make people laugh. The show airs on Wednesday nights at 10pm on A&E.

Wise words from the men of Duck Dynasty Paramore Sat., May. 18 The Fillmore: Silver Spring

“The more make-up a woman wears, the more she is trying to hide. Make-up can hide a lot of evil. ” —Phil Robertson

Korn Tues., May. 21 The Fillmore: Silver Spring

“If you park a camper outside of a donut shop, rednecks will come running from rocks, caves and mountaintops to eat your donuts. ”

“One time, hey, in high school, this girl told me, hey, it’s not you, it’s me. Dang right it’s you heifer! ” —Si Robertson

“I sure hope that ax doesn’t slip and hit you in the gut, cause then gravy’s going to come out.” —Jep Robertson

—Willie Robertson

—Jase Robertson

Random hiatuses disrupt seasons Sudden mid-season breaks continue to disappoint viewers

Kelly Rowland Sun., May. 26 The Fillmore: Silver Spring

Netflix-made series disappoints On your smart phone, scan this code using the application “QR Code” to read a review of the Netflix produced series-, House of Cards.

“Nothing makes a father happier than seeing his daughter with a smile on her face and her boyfriend with fear in his eyes.”

BY AYAH OWEIS Entertainment Editor All shows have hiatuses, or mid seasons breaks, that never fail to irritate viewers and leave them wondering why they have to wait weeks or months for the next episode. Although these breaks are annoying and completely throw off viewers, they do have a purpose. The main reason for these breaks is to split up a season and make it longer, but there are also often many personal issues that could cause a season to stop midway. In some cases, a show may be put on hiatus to evaluate the show’s quality and determine if it is worth keeping on

The current Breaking Bad season is in hiatus to make room for other shows like Mad Men.

the network. Other times, the mid-season break is caused by the actors. Some actors have legal or health issues that need to be taken care of, therefore they are forced to leave the show for a certain length of time; if it is an important character, the network is likely to put the show on hiatus.

For example, in recent events, Glee star Cory Monteith had to take time out of filming to go to rehab for drug abuse. Recently, Breaking Bad viewers were disappointed by the sudden hiatus taken right after big reveal, leaving viewers hanging on until June. This being their last season, producers of Breaking Bad decided

to have a break in order to keep the season going on for as long as possible. The popular show is not just taking a break to make the season longer; it also makes room for other well-known and loved show, like Mad Men, to air. Other shows like Modern Family and The Vampire Diaries have upset viewers by taking breaks and showing reruns in place of new episodes, but no one knows if there is a specific reason for the hiatuses. “I do not like the mid-season breaks because it takes a long time for the show to come back on and I want to watch my shows,” freshman Thida Pathmmavong said. Viewers can only hang on for so long. If a network channel messes with the schedule, many tend to lose patience and instead of waiting for the suspenseful returning episode, they forget about the show altogether.

ENTERTAINMENT Pandora limits listening time t

The music limit on the free music website doesn’t sit well BY MEGAN RYAN Entertainment Editor Recently, Pandora has restricted users from only being able to use only 40 hours of free music a month while previously has been free for everybody to use as much as they want. This new change in music streaming is upsetting to their constant listeners since they not only had no say in the “I think it’s ridiculous how they have limit us to 40 hours. The advertisements are annoying enough. It’s a free music website and by limiting it to the 40 hours, it’s like getting a taste of something you can’t have,” junior Nguyen Cao said. The cool layout and personalized radios and playlists give Pandora listeners the music they want while providing them with an easy medium to navigate. From rap to country, Pandora has music that can appeal to all types of people and music tastes. This move by the Pandora founders was smart, because the 40 hours gives enough time for the listener to get a feel for what Pandora consist of, so if they want to pay the money to subscribe to get unlimited hours, they can.

senior Alex Williams said. Pandora makes their money by having the ads on the side rails and ads in between songs here and then. They can even make money by having people subscribe to Pandora and not have the ads in between the songs that they play. People can subscribe for $36 a year, or pay every month for $3.99. Other websites have a completely free stream of music, whether it be radio or just songs that you can search for on Youtube. Limiting the time that people can use Pandora is counterbalanced by the ability to go to these websites and get more music for free. They aren’t forced to pay for Pandora, they have other options as well. “I think they should get rid of the limit because it is just so ridiculous because after years of having Junior Jennifer Ngyuen logs onto Pandora, where she struggles it for free, it’s not fair for people who do subscribe with the 40 hour limit a month listening to her music and pay the money anyway” Cao said. With copyright laws like Title 17, the Copy After the 40 hours is up, Pandora listeners will right act of 1796 and The Copyright Royalty and have to resort to other free music websites like iHeart Distribution Reform Act of 2004 Pandora can only Radio and Youtube if they want free music. play certain songs and making sure that they can This limit not only makes other free music websites play those cost a lot of money. look better, but also makes people just not want to So limiting the listener to 40 hours before paying listen to Pandora or music. could let the listener have more of a song selection “I find it stupid putting limitations on free music, to make their perfect playlist. because Pandora is a free music website. Even though But is the public ready to start paying more I don’t really use Pandora, there shouldn’t be a limit.” money for their music? The answer is no. OLIVIA LAFFERTY

May 7, 2013

Metal Gear Rising gets good reviews developer made the game), but after playing, my worries have been washed away. The game is frantic, fast and wonderful to play. The quality of gameplay is smooth, fluid and the cutting mechanic works beautifully. Although there were BY BAILEY OLIVER some mild camera issues (specifically when targeting Copy Editor enemies), the gameplay is where Revengeance shines; The Metal Gear series is one of tactical espionage and it is a breath of fresh air to the series. The upgrade system is awesome, and as you upgrade, action, over-the-top villains, numerous conspiracies, complex but well written storyline and excessively long you are able to see yourself become a truly powerful cyborg. cut scenes. Although it is an absolute blast to play, Revengeance 2012 marked the 25th anniversary of the stealthbased franchise, and the recently released Metal Gear is not without faults. The story is terrible. It was generic, Rising: Revengeance marks the ninth entry for the main uninteresting and at times, the dialogue was a bit goofy; which is not what I associate with the Metal series. The game succeeding 2008’s Metal Gear Gear series. Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots. It does have a few good moments, proving Revengeance follows Raiden, the Game Review: protagonist of Metal Gear Solid: Sons of Metal Gear Rising: that it could have been more enjoyable, but Revengance this game contains easily the worst story in the Liberty, released in 2001, who is newly entire Metal Gear series. This is disappointing enhanced as a sword-wielding cyborg. since the core “Metal Gear Solid” series has Revengeance strays from the usual stealthalways had an engaging storyline. I managed oriented gameplay and instead plays as a third to beat the game in under 10 hours with mild person hack and slash action/adventure game. difficulty and already started a second time. Being a huge fan of the series, I was a bit Despite the short and uninteresting storyline, skeptical to see the series take this radical new direction (not to mention the fact that a completely different Revengeance has plenty of content and encourages multiple playthroughs. There are 20 VR missions, which

The action packed video game strays away from expectations

8.7 10

are extra missions that range from more hacking and slashing to actual stealth. You have to find these VR missions in the campaign and cannot get all the upgrades in one run-through. The missions that you have already unlocked however, carry over to from each playthrough. Also, exclusively to PS3 owners are 30 additional downloadable missions for free through the Playstation™ Store. Verdict: Overall, Metal Gear Rising is a fine game from Platinum Games. It’s worthy spin-off that has superb gameplay but its story falls short. Fans of the Metal Gear series however, will appreciate the various references to the former titles.

19 Upcoming movies

PEEPLES: Things go astray when Wade Walker (Craig Robinson) disrupts the Peeples annual family reunion to ask Mr. Peeple’s daughters hand in marriage. Fri. May 10

THE GREAT GATSBY: Jay Gatsby uses his fortune to buy himself into Long Island society while also trying to win back his long lost love Daisy Buchanan. Narrated by Gatsby’s best friend, Nick Carraway played by Tobey Maguire Fri. May 10

STAR TREK INTO THE DARKNESS: After an act of terrorism from within the ship, The Enterprise is required to go back to Earth and Captain Kirk leads his crew to find whoever was responsible for the destruction of the ship. Fri. May 17

Celebri-

S U D O K U

WEBSUDOKU.COM

Get inside your favorite celebrities’ heads

“Thought of the day: we are wrong as often as we are right, the margin is in ones capacity to turn their wrongs into rights ”

“If u could be just one thing in the world , what would it be? For example, I am the happiest person on earth. I would Pick comfortable .”

“The “real world” can be cruel, why not try to change it into a better place? I am an activist. Nobody takes adolescents seriously, I do.”

—Ashton Kutcher @aplusk

—Jennifer Hudson @ IAMJHUD

—Lady Gaga @ladygaga

“Quote of the day: “All problems become smaller if you don’t dodge them, but confront him. Touch a thistle timidly, and it pricks you. Grasp it boldly and it’s spines crumble”. - William S. Halsey” —Nina Dobrev @ninadobrev

FAST AND FURIOUS : Agent Hobbs requests the help of Dom and his team to defeat the rival gang and bring them to justice. The gang needs to put an end to their meddling with agent Hobbs in order to be clear of Dom and his team. Fri. May 24

THE HANGOVER PART III: Without the bachelor party or the wedding, the threesome travels back to Vegas to be introduced to a hilarious yet intense journey. Fri. May 24

EPIC: A young teenager is transported to a deep forest where a battle between good and evil is taking place. She puts together a odd group of characters to help save our world. Fri. May 24

The Evil Dead; to gorey for the common horror film On your smartphone, scan this code using the application “QR Code” to read an album review of The 20/20 Experience.

May 7, 2013

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY RACHEL WILSON

WEEKEND

Useful Metro Apps

Stop # 2: Gallery PlaceChinatown

The Woodley Park Metro Stop is home to the Smithsonian National Zoo. From pandas to giraffes to alligators, the zoo has it all and admission is free. Or if you’re not feeling up to the zoo, you can visit Rock Creek Park and explore the natural beauty of our nation’s capital. The Zen Park is notorious for its beautiful wildlife and is the perfect getaway from the hustle of the city.

Gallery Place or Chinatown is a great weekend destination if you are feeling a little more adventurous. Try some traditional Chinese cuisine at Ming’s Restaurant, which features various appetizers and seafood, pork and chicken dishes. The Gallery Place Stop is also in walking distance of The Verizon Center, which offers performances from big-name artists.

Stop #3: Smithsonian

HTTP://BLOG.CCBCMD.EDU/

iTrans D.C. Metro: This app offers live DC Metro departure times, directions to different stations and where to go from each stop. It also notifies users if there are any disruptions that may cause a delay. Cost: Free Rating:

Stop #1: Woodley Park

HTTP://WWW.MARRIOTT.COM

D.C. Metro and Bus: This app features real time Metro Rail and Metro Bus predictions and a Metro station and bus stop locator for places nearby. Cost: Free Rating:

Take advantage of the DMV’s fast and cheap transportation system to get to your weekend adventure and explore places found near each stop

HTTP://WWW.DC-CRIMINAL-DEFENSE.COM/

Embark D.C.: This app allows people to view an interactive map and to plan trips from current locations. It is a must-have app when traveling on the Metro. Cost: Free Rating:

Turn in all of your books and obligations before the end of the year. Graduation countdown: 37 days

If you’re in the mood for a romantic date night, take the King Street stop to go to Old Town Alexandria. Old Town offers many jewels, including its variety of restaurants and shops overlooking the Potomac River. From French to Italian to seafood, the town has a diverse selection of menus to soothe your taste buds. While there, you can ride the free King Street Trolley, which takes you to the town’s cutest antique stores and galleries.

E-mail Ms. Roth as you hear from more colleges and universities!

Cuisine Critiques By Gaby Camilli and Priya Adhikary

New Metro rail and bus stop to come to Tysons On your smartphone, scan the code using the application “QR code” to view an exclusive story about the new Metro stop that will be available at Tysons.

This western-inspired gem is one of the many Great American Restaurants, with locations in Centreville, Sterling and Merrifield. The rustic decor of the place gives it charm and makes you feel as if you are in an old western movie. Its lofty ceilings and large dining space make it the perfect place to go with a larger group. It also has a bar with TVs to watch sports games with friends in the middle of the tavern. It offers the same fantastic selection of dishes as Annandale’s favorite Silverado’s, including the delectable aussie rolls. From the sizzling fajitas to the jambalaya pasta, the entree menu is a diverse collection of mouth watering dishes that will leave you wanting seconds. Since we are returning customers, we know the menu pretty well so we went ahead and ordered the Hot Spinach,

HTTP://WASHINGTON.NATIONALS.MLB.COM/

2013 class bulletin

Stop # 5: Navy Yard

Stop # 4: King Street

HTTP://WWW.EXTRAHOLIDAYS.COM/

DC Rider: This app keeps users up to date with Metro alerts and times. It includes a map of the Metro system, ticket fares and information to help you determine which route is the best for you. Cost: Free Rating:

Get off at the Smithsonian stop to get the true Washington D.C. experience. It is in walking distance of the National Monument and the Constitutional Gardens, which are beautiful on a sunny day. Or, if you are interested in exploring our nation’s history, the National Mall is home to many interesting Smithsonian Museums including the Natural History Museum and the Air and Space Museum.

If you want to enjoy an eventful and sport-filled afternoon, consider visiting the Nationals Park and taking part in one of America’s favorite pastimes: watching baseball. The stadium offers a wide assortment of concessions, including Georgetown Grill, Hawaiian Shaved Ice and Five Guys. There are also places that serve gluten-free and vegetarian foods. For cheap tickets to a game, you can visit http://seatgeek.com/ washington-nationals-tickets/

Parmesan and Artichoke Dip as my appetizer and the Short Smoked Grilled Salmon Salad as my entree. Like always, after tasting the dip, we couldn’t put the chips down. The cheesy dip with just a touch of garlic is the perfect combination of flavors to start off your meal. Then came the salad. The vinaigrette was a nice, light alternative to follow the heavier dip we had for the appetizer. The fresh fruit and vegetables along with the perfectly cooked smokey salmon was absolutely decadent. But remember to leave a little space because the desserts are just as good. The warm flourless chocolate waffle with vanilla ice cream is a mustorder and is worth every single calorie. Luckily, if you aren’t a chocolate person, the Deep Dish Apple Pecan Pie is just as delightful. In addition to the unique, country atmosphere and the brilliant menu, the prices are reasonable as well. Many of the entrees are in the $10-20 range and will not leave a hole in your pocket. The service was pretty fast as well, but there is almost always a wait, no matter what day of the week, so you must call ahead. Unfortunately, sound travels very fast in the restaurant and it can get noisy. We don’t recommend going here if you are looking for a quiet, secluded evening.

Above is the Short Smoked Grilled Salmon Salad served with sun dried cranberries, dates, and pine nuts. This dish is a mouth watering healthy alternative to some of the heavier items on the menu.

Sweetwater Tavern

A-

3066 Gate House Plaza, Falls Church, VA 22042