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700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2006

PIPE DOWN, POPE

STRUGGLING THROUGH STRESS

Pope Benedict XVI is criticized for making racist remarks against Muslims.

Though the school year has just begun, stress seems to dominate studentʼs lives.

Low: 56

Today’s Lunch

Soft Beef Taco w/ Shredded Cheese Beef and Bean Burrito Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Yogurt w/ Pretzel

Today’s Flex Tues., Sept. — W6/R7

This Day in History 1939 —Warsaw, Poland surrendered to the Nazis after weeks of resistance 1959 — Typhoon Vera hit the Japanese island of Honshu, killing almost 5,000 people 1998 — Mark McGuire hits his record setting 70th home run during regular season

NEWS BRIEFS Fugate replaced by former AHS employee

TheAHS library was filled with reporters, government officials, students and Fairfax County Public School dignitaries on Sept.

20. The commotion was caused due to a ceremony in which U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings attendedAHS. During the visit, Spellings presented a $188,000 grant which will further the development of Chinese and Arabic programs throughout Fairfax County Public Schools.

While at AHS, Spellings attended a level three and four Arabic class.After approximately 20 minutes of observing the class, Spellings moved on to the library where she spoke to reporters, school board members and students. “[Developing Chinese and Arabic programs] is not only important for the spread of knowledge,” said Spellings during the ceremony. “But it’s also important for the spread of world peace.”

The grant that Spellings presented will help at least 1,500 students study either Arabic or Chinese.

There are many reasons why AHS was chosen as the

On Oct. 27, students from Dietrich Bonhoeffer Gymnasium in Eppelheim, Germany will arrive at AHS. The students will be staying for two weeks with members of the AHS choral program. While in America, the German students will have the opportunity to tour Washington DC and attend classes at AHS. The German students, under the direction of Dr. Ralf Schnitzer, will preform a combined concert with the AHS choral groups, directed by Carleen Dixon.

During this concert, the groups will preform the widely acclaimed piece, Carmina Burana. This piece lasts approximately 60 minutes, and requires a great deal of talent and preparation.

According to choral booster president Juli Navarrete, the choral department will be hiring many professionals to assist them with the combined concert. A professional orchestra, a professional pianist and professional soloists will perform with the German and AHS groups.

The concert will be performed at Cornerstone Church on Gallows Road on Nov. 1 at 7:30.

As always, the main discussion was Prom. For 45 minutes, in four different locations, four completely different classes discussed the biggest event that a high school can hold. Every class needs money, every class wants participation, all because no class wants a bad Prom. All the classes go about these goes in radically

Freshman Goldy Berhane addresses classmates during the freshman elections in the auditoium on Sept. 21.

Auditions will soon be underway for the first everAHS talent show. This event, sponsored by the senior class, will be performed in November. Because this is the first talent show at AHS, the senior class anticipates that it will be a popular event.

Audtion forms were distributed from room 254 and collected by Sept. 22. Students who submitted audition forms will be asked to try out in front of a panel of AHS teachers and staff members. Auditions, open to students, parents and AHS staff, will be held from Oct. 3 through Oct. 6 in LindaLee Slesinger’s room, room 254.

Religion Survey

Other 3%

Agnostic 3%

None 6%

Judism 2%

Islam 12%

Hinduism 1%

Christianity 62%

The A-Blast conducted a survey to determine which religions are represented at AHS.

This survey was distributed on Sept. 14 and Sept. 18 during B, C and D lunches. Of 1,000 surveys distributed, 842 were completed and returned for inclusion in this graph.

Gas prices drop low

different ways.

The senior class, for example, is going all out this year of fundraisers. The class is using everything from cookie dough sales, car washes, and Fuddruckers nights to a talent show in order to dd money to their bnk account. The junior class took a slightly different approach, attempting to enlist their numbers in the sale of Domino’s pizza cards. The sophomores have high hope for their classic 2009 spirit wear, as well as carnation sales on Valentine’s Day. The freshman only held elections, but their officers have big ideas for the coming four years.

All this fundraising is simple enough; all the revenue goes toward raising more money. That is, until senior year when the money is devoted to Prom expenses. The senior class is now in their final stages of Prom planning, including a possible theme.

“I think it would be really fun to have a masquerade theme,” said senior Rachel Frank. At the meeting, the class officers passed out surveys to ascertain the class opinion on the prom theme, among other things.

Some expressed worry about the coming end-of-year celebrations. “I heard we don’t have much money, I really hope we have a good Prom. I don’t mind going to the fundraisers, I just really want a good Prom,” said senior Tina Le. Younger classes are already worrying about the “Class elections” continued on page 5

“Gas prices” continued on page 5

BY DAVID SHERMAN Co-Editor in Chief It is 6:45 a.m., and while many students are just getting picked up by the bus or starting up their cars for another day of school, AHS teachers are already arriving at the building and readying their classrooms.

This type of hard work and dedication towards their students has been the cause of the awards that Alan Weintrat and Linda Wheeler recently received.

The Dow Jones Newspaper Fund, Inc. recently awarded Alan Weintraut, advisor of The A-Blast and film teacher, 2006 National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year.

Weintraut will be honored

Wheeler

at the Journalism Education/ National Scholastic Press Association conference in Nashville, TN, on Nov. 11. He will receive a commemorative pin, a plaque, a laptop computer and a free classroom subscription to the Wall Street Journal, Classroom Edition.

Weintraut will be a featured speaker throughout the year at academic and “Teacher awards” continued on page 5

Parents attend meetings to familiarize themselves with school policies and procedures

BY LUCAS HIGGINS Staff Writer Senior Andrew Awadalla was constantly frustrated by his inability to go on any kind of extended trip in his car.

“I couldn’t go anywhere that was even remotely far,” said Awadalla. “No trips to the beach with friends. Nothing like that.”

This was a problem that plagued many AHS students throughout the summer.

Costly gas prices were preventing any extended use of their car simply because they could not afford it.

In the year 2000, gas prices were hovering around $1 per gallon. By 2003, prices had spiked to the highest in 20 years, but still nowhere near the all-time high of $3.07 that was reached in 1981. Recently though, anyone driving in the metro area this past summer has seen the $3.15, $3.20 and $3.25 per gallon prices that put most driver’s—especially teenage driver’s—wallets in a stranglehold.

Many AHS students’ summer plans were directly affected by the high gas prices.

“There were a couple times when I wanted to go somewhere and just didn’t have the gas or cash to get there,” said senior Wade Akridge. “These places weren’t

receive awards

Parents head back to school

BY JULIE TUMASZ Staff Writer

JULIE TUMASZ

Auditions to begin for first ever AHS talent show

FCPS Superintendent Jack Dale, Congressman Tom Davis and Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings, address an Arabic class during a ceremony in the library on Sept. 20. The ceremony was held to announce a grant that will go towards developing electronic Arabic and Chinese programs throughout Fairfax Country Public School system.

Class meetings, elections held Staff members

BY EMILY SAMPLE News Editor

Choral department prepares for German exchange

Buddhism 7%

The Arena Stage version of Cabaret combines dark issues with eye-catching theatrics.

BY ALYSSA NAVARRETE Co-Editor in Chief

“Secretary of Education” continued on page 5

After many years of service to AHS, Dr. Barbara Fugate decided to retire. Jamie Caarayiannis, a formerAHS employee, will be returning to AHS as an administrator to replace Fugate.

Atheist 4%

CABARET DAZZLES

The beginning of another year brings new students and teachers to AHS.

Secretary of Education attends ceremony to present grant to Fairfax County Public Schools

AMY STEINBUECHLER

High: 77

FRESH FACES

Spellings presents grant

Today’s Weather Partly Cloudy

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10-11

DAVID SHERMAN

VOLUME #52 ISSUE 2

ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

Parents at Freshman Parentsʼ Night come out of the auditorium and head towards the awaiting counselors. This yearʼs Freshman Parentsʼ Night, held on Sept. 19, drew about 220 parents.

Back to School Night and Freshman Parents’ Night can be scary nights for parents as well as students. While parents are getting lost trying to find their child’s classes on time, students are at home worrying about the embarrassing stories their parents are telling their teacher and counselors, and visa versa.

“Kids are scared that the parents and staff are talking about them, and that’s exactly what we’re trying to do,” said Steve Sengstack, director of student services and the host of Freshman Parents’ Night. “Freshman Parent Night and Back to School Night are ways for the staff and parents to connect.”

Both these events are organized by the school staff to include parents in their child’s education.

“Freshman Parents’ Night is supposed to be very personal and relaxed for the parents and the staff,” said Sengstack. “The goal of the parents and staff are for there to be a triangle connection for the parents, students and the guidance counselors.”

About 220 freshman parents attended Freshman Parents’ Night on Sept. 19. The parents assembled in the auditorium to listen to lectures on the aspects of life at AHS. In an attempt to keep it personal, the staff never used microphones, spoke briefly on every subject to keep the parents attention and told lots of jokes about the students.

“Parents” continued on page 5

BY LAITH ABU-TALEB Staff Writer

In the Sept. 5 issue, Mohamad Elbarasse argues that Hezbollah and Hamas should be considered “nationalist groups” who are simply defending their citizens and therefore they should not be referred to as “terrorist” organizations. I disagree.

Hezbollah is the very antithesis of a nationalist organization.

Dictionary.com defines “Nationalist” as “a political group advocating . . . for national independence or a strong national government.” In fact, Hezbollah has resisted the establishment of a strong central government in Lebanon and undermined that government’s efforts to implement UN Resolution 1559 (which calls for the Hezbollah militia to disarm) while advocating a significant role for Syria in Lebanon.

With regard to the term “terrorist,” it is defined as “somebody who uses violence, expecially bombing, kidnapping and assassination, to intimidate others, often for political purposes.” Both Hamas and Hezbollah have: —refused to accept the State of Israel -—renounced the Oslo accords negotiated by Isaela dn the P.L.O.; —rejected U.N. resolutions that seek a peaceful resolution of hostilities in the region; —embedded military resources in civilian areas thus increasing civilian casualties; and —explicity stated that they intentionally target Israeli civilian population centers for rocket attacks, suicide bombings, and other acts of violence.

To suggest, as the editorial did, that Hamas and Hezbollah are simply using the same tactics that George Washington employed during the American Revolution is a gross distortion of history.

Elbarasse’s editorial correctly stated, that “war is a nasty game…people die and people get hurt.” Over the past sixty years, numerous innocent civilians on both sides have been killed.

Equally tragically, the Palestinian people have lived in a state of abject poverty and limited political representation.

Hamas and Hezbollah have become political parties with substantial domestic support. If Hamas were to use its political power to seek a peaceful, negotiated settlement with Israel, they would earn the support of the international community.

However, so long as they pursue political objectives and utilize military tactics that that are both immoral and destabilizing, they will rightly be considered terrorist organizations. As former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir once said, “You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist.”

While America is battling terror, gas prices and crack, the citizens themselves are waging another battle.Approximately 75 percent of Americans are overweight. Three out of every four Americans being considered “unhealthy” is a very serious problem. This not only leads to their own health-related issues, but also affects the taxpayers for reasons such as their Medicare or the amount of hospitals per city. The taxpayers have no business paying for these problems. The United States leads the entire world on the obesity charts, yet are we taking the right steps to win this battle?

You always hear about lawsuits against corporations such as McDonalds, for having their restaurants too close to schools, but is that really the cause of America’s weight problems? Food is not the culprit here; it is American’s personal lifestyle. Per capita, the second country with the highest number of McDonald’s is New Zealand, yet their obesity rate is about half that of the United States.

New Zealand’s number of McDonalds vs. its obesity rate is proof that the Americans can lead healthy lifestyles and not change their diet dramatically.

In this country, the many freedoms that we enjoy allow us to complain to our employers if our parking spots are too far away from our offices. Technology allows us to shop for clothes, groceries, school supplies, baseball cards and even have pizza delivered to your door at the click of a button.

These days, people complain it’s too tiring to walk through

your neighborhood Safeway. Thus, they can now sit at their computer, accompanied by their ham and cheese sandwich, and shop online. It all adds up: potential burned calories walking to your job or the mall or practically anywhere are now completely eliminated.

Another indirect reason for our obesity problem is the rise in crime. How often do you see kids on tricycles in your neighborhood? Parents are too scared to let their own kids out to play for lengths at a time. Consequently, the child stays home and plays the new Madden ’07 on his Playstation. This now develops into a habit; a habit of playing video games, Myspace-ing, watching TV or chatting away onAIM as an alternative to physical activity in the beautiful outdoors. This continues the trend; our next generation will also suffer from obesity, and end up suing McDonalds.

Should we blame the fast food industry? No. Fast food is a choice, not a necessity. Personally, my metabolism is as fast as it can be. At times, I indulge myself in Big Mac after Big Mac after Big Mac. That is my personal choice.

Nowadays, portions are getting smaller, even at school.

Why? What about the rest of us? Why take away my opportunity to scarf down a 2,000 calorie burger? People in New Zealand can.

Their government doesn’t have to deal with obesity problems, and that is because of their lifestyle. That is why New Zealanders are generally healthier than Americans, not because of how many fast food chains we have. In New Zealand, people actually walk to the bus stop to get to the mall. They actually bike – yes, bike — to their workplaces.

They even buy groceries at a grocery store.

Did you know that if you are a certain number of pounds overweight you are entitled to one of those neat handicap stickers for your car? In America, obese people are actually given the privilege of walking shorter distances to their destination, instead of having to walk 25 extra feet and burning a few more calories.America has taken the burden and, if those parking spaces were any closer, would actually

BY EMILY SAMPLE News Editor Students thumbing through their agendas at the start of this year are all doing the same thing; going through, circling all the important dates: birthdays, days off, and personal holidays. For many students, Christmas or Hanukkah are the days to circle. But for Muslim students looking for Ramadan or Eid ul-fitr, their holidays were missing.

This years’ agenda omits both Muslim holidays, while it includes Christmas, Easter, Good Friday, Palm Sunday (Christianity), Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, Passover (Judaism) and even the non-religious affirmation of African-American values, Kwanzaa. This is especially significant after a recent A-Blast survey of 842 people found that 12 percent were Muslim, while only 2 percent were found to be Jewish.

Who is to blame for this oversight? Student Activities Assistant Judy Mariman was in charge of organizing the activities included in the agenda. Her responsibilities included everything from student holidays, to football games, to the band spring trip. She answers to Dean of Students, Rebecca Julca, both of whom are in their first year of being in charge of this project. The omission is forgivable, compiling the dates for the agenda is a goliath job, and to be fair, Ramadan is not the only mistake, just the most obvious.

What doesn’t make sense is the fact that “no holidays were specified” by Mariman to be placed in the agenda, and

Julca “never gave it a single thought.” The holidays printed were default by School DateBooks, the publisher for the agendas. So, it then becomes not a question of who decided which holidays to schedule, but who edited the agenda, and why didn’t they catch it? Did no one realize that religious holidays were clearly being included in the agenda when looking at the draft, thus making it necessary to check for all major religious holidays? No one individual in the administration has taken responsibility for the oversight, stating that those under and over him or her should have caught it.

To add insult to insult, the traditional Friday night lights became Thursday night lights when the Sept. 21 football game was moved forward a day to avoid conflicting with Rosh Hashanah. What wasn’t caught was the fact that the Homecoming dance had been planned smack in the last weekend of Ramadan, the weekend of Eid ul-Fitr. The oversight has made it almost impossible for any practicing Muslim to attend the Homecoming dance this year.

During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to abstain from actions that distract them from their faith, which include interaction with the opposite sex, envy, lust, and greed, among other things.

How are people supposed to react to this unintentional, yet significant, cultural insensitivity? Muslims who had planned to attend the only big dance of the year, now must choose between their main religious holiday and a school tradition. Students who are in relationships with or hoped to go to the dance with a Muslim student are forced to either choose a new date, or forgo the dance.

MAking the GrAde Teacher will not shave until Bin Laden caught

All letters must be signed with first and last name and phone number to verify authorship.

Issue 1 Sept. 5 Corrections Tiffanie Le’s name was mispelled on page four in the story “2006 fall sports preview.”

Senior Luis Ferreira manages to stay in shape all the while enjoying junk food.

allow them to park inside the mall. America might as well buy them dinner.

Instead of fighting a war that should not have been fought, worrying about poor Nicole Richie being too skinny, or attempting to predict what Katie Couric will wear on her debut; this country should educate the people and explain to them just why they are overweight. I bet they’d like to know. Some 400-pounders are perfectly satisfied with their weight, so why not allow us to eat what we really want to eat? 100 calorie packs of Oreos? Fat free chocolate? No thanks America, I’ll get my satisfaction elsewhere. author’s e-mail: laith.abutaleb@thea-blast.org

Muslim holidays omitted in agenda

—Steve Shapiro Math Teacher If you would like a letter to the editor published, e-mail it to: mohamad.elbarasse@thea-blast.org or shriya.adhikary@thea-blast.org

Sept. 27, 2006

The war against obesity

Millions of Americans are obese and the rest of us are forced to share the weight Letter to the Editor

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MOHAMAD ELBARASSE

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EDITORIALS

B D F F

What started out as a loss of memory has turned into a symbolized pledge for Washington state science teacher Gary Weddle. After the 9/11 attacks, he was so caught up in the events that he forgot to shave. He then decided to refrain from trimming his facial hair until Osama Bin Laden was caught. Weddle’s beard is already a foot long and who knows how much more it will increase before Laden is captured?

Teens addicted to cell phones 1 in 6 students are hopelessly addicted to cell phones. A study has recently declared cell phones to be as addictive as smoking or gambling. Out of all people surveyed, 13% were irritated when their cell phones were taken away, 14% lied about the amount of time they used them, and 7% would rather lose a job then give up their phones.

Suicidal teen shot dead by police A concerned mother from Washington County, Oregon called 911 to attempt to receive professional help concerning her suicidal son. Her son Lukus Glenn,18, had gotten drunk and was holding a knife to his throat. Police arrived at the scene and shortly after, the teenager was shot dead in front of his home. In the months preceeding his death Lukus had been working at a Oregon Liquor Control Commission warehouse.

Second string punter stabs starter in leg Mitch Cozad, the backup punter for Northern Colorado College, has been arrested for stabbing the starting punter in the right leg. The punter, Rafael Mendoza was stabbed in the right thigh

by Cozad, who has been accused of being jealous of the obviously better qualified punter. A liquor store clerk who saw Cozad removing the license plate off his car then driving away foiled this late night attack.

For a school that promotes its religious and cultural diversity as one of the best in the nation, we don’t seem very sensitive. This isn’t even the first time this has happened; AHS has scheduled the dance during Ramadan in years before, while this could be due to the tight scheduling of all school days from now until June, it doesn’t excuse the insensitivity. Does the lack of awareness of the Islamic holidays reveal a lack of knowledge of Islam or the possible outsider status of the Muslim students? Both Jewish and Christian holidays are always included, and the Muslim students deserve no less.

Julca, Mariman, and Principal John Ponton all point out that the omission was unintentional. “We’re very sorry this happened, we try very hard here to be tolerant and fair,” said Ponton. “We already have rooms set up for students who are fasting for the month of Ramadan.”

“As of right now, the online schedule has been edited to include both Ramadan and Eid ul-fitr,” said Mariman.

But, as the Pope recently realized, the world has become hypersensitive to politically incorrect actions. Even one misunderstood statement can lead to outrage, protests, and even murder. While a badly planned Homecoming and poorly edited agenda will most likely not lead to the same results as a misinterpreted papal speech, it is the same concept of the lack of Islamic understanding in the world.

When will the world, and more close to home, our school, realize the “equal opportunity” that is preached, must be practiced—from personal interactions to something as simple as planning a dance? author’s email: emily.sample@thea-blast.org

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Annandale High School 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, Virginia 22003

Vol. 53 No. 2 Sept. 27, 2006

Editors in Chief, Print: Alyssa Navarrete David Sherman Editor in Chief, Online: Erick Vu Taylor Hobson Emily Vincent Managing Editor: Krista Silano Copy Editor: Tim Yuskavage Online Editor: Bryan Krzywicki Design Editor: Matt Camilli Kevin Leach Graphics Editor: Adam Kasdorf Circulation Manager: Kyle Knoche

Photography Editor:

Margaret Crowley Julianne Simpson Sports Editors: Avery Adcock Greg Rosenstein Sports Xtra Editors:

Jeff Dean Matt Johnson In-Depth Editors: Paul Mathis Chrissy Osipchak

Ad Manager: Amy Stevens Academics Editors: Michael Craig Cason Kynes Videographers/Editors: Gus Nielson Drew Wildes Ben Hendrickson Arts Editors: Lyndsay Jacobs Laura Simpson Cultures Editors: Vanessa Cerro Waliha Gani Editorials Editors: Shriya Adhikary Mohamad Elbarasse Entertainment: Layluma Hotaki Jenny Jacobs Health Editors: Becca Grimsley Sarah Waiter News Editors: Michelle Risse Emily Sample People Editors: Julie Baker Lindsey Downen

(703)642-4229 email: thea-blast@thea-blast.org fax: (703)642-4299

Weekend Editors: Kate McCormack Tim Shadyac Online Staff: Amy Steinbuechler Marisa Tordella Matt Camilli CJ Sidener Spanish Consultant: Antonio Rivadinera Staff Writers/Photographers: Rachael Burnett, Ebony Chambers, Charlie Winters, Lucas Higgins, Lea Nicherson, Meredith Rutherford, Julie Tumasz, Brandon Williams, Greg Young, Nathalie Cladera Carrera, Claire Bui, Nicole Swiger, Aya Saed, Caroline Merz, Cristian Roldan, Laith Abu-Taleb, Daniel Fishman Adviser: Alan Weintraut

CSPA Silver Crown 2004-2005

Pacemaker Trophy Class National Scholastic Virginia High Press Association School 2004-2005 2004-2005 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 ot the school. The A-Blast reserves the right to refuse advertisements. All submissions become property of The A-Blast, Copyright, 2006.

EDITORIALS

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Sept. 27, 2005

Pope adds fuel to fire catastrophic event. Excessive political correctness or not, Western figures of authority must say the “right things,” with no exceptions.

So I ask, why even say it, Pope? There so many other things you can talk about, like Sunday school, or giving money to charity (I won’t digress into the hypocrisy of the Pope condemning religious based violence either). The Pope is enough of a public figure that people will listen to what he says. And in most cases, that is probably a good thing. However, foreign relations are far too important to be left into the hands of untrained theologians nowadays. Let the diplomats and politicians inflame passion around the Muslim world, and keep the Pope to giving out communion.

These are not the Dark Ages where some would argue that the Church was the government. While Catholicism is sill the largest religious body in the world, it is by no means the only. A bit of sensitivity would go a long way for Islamic-Christian relations. While it is still the largest religious body in the world, the Church is by no means the political juggernaut it used to be, and would be prudent to act in such a way.

Additionally, has the Vatican gotten the memo that is it 2006? Maybe Papal publicity office is unaware, but nothing can be kept secret. Anything anyone says, especially the Pope, will be broadcast all over the world on the Internet, TV and every newspaper outlet. Better he learn it sooner than later, which is that nothing Pope Benedict says will remain a secret.

Another unmentioned victim is the non-Catholic Christian. To many around the world, the Pope and Christianity are interchangeable. However, for all the Protestants, Orthodox and other sects of Christianity, does the Pope speak for you? He does not, but at the same time he is helping to turn Muslim sentiment against Christianity as a whole. Actions like that do wonders for unity within the Christian church, don’t they?

Was the Pope trying to be malicious? Probably not.

He probably thought his speech made sense, and to be quite truthful, it may have. That is not the issue though.

Opinion

By Tim Yuskavage As if the Muhammad cartoons, the Korans-flusheddown-the-toilet-at-Guantanamo-scandal and the veiled comments about a religious crusade by George Bush were not enough to incense the Muslim world, Pope Benedict has done a splendid job of adding fuel to the fire between the Christian and Muslim worlds. Pope Benedict XVI recently characterized Islam as essentially a wicked and violent religious sect: “Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.”

His Holiness might be right, he might be wrong. This editorial is not the forum for that debate.

What is important, however, is that whether or not he was right is probably irrelevant.

All too often in politics we have learned that the truth and facts are far less important than perception.

Take a situation with a couple of centuries bad blood between two groups, and, as we have seen recently, most anything will set off a spark.

Take, for instance, what is mentioned at the top of the page. You may or may not remember, but a few months ago it was alleged that U.S. guards at Guantanamo Bay flushed Korans (the Muslim equivalent of the Bible) down toilets, sparking riots across the Muslim world. As it turns out, no books were ever flushed.

What can we take from that? Any story with an inkling of Western intolerance of Islam can lead to a

Do you think obesity is a major crisis in America?

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although it does have representative that holds a symbolic vote. The Congress is broken up into two chambers, one being the House of Representatives, the other the Senate.

In essence, the people of Washington, D.C., the people that live closest to the White House— a supposed beacon of democracy and freedom, have no say or vote in the process of passing bills.

Even though they do not get to vote on bills, the residents of Washington, D.C. are still subject to the same taxes as people living in a state with full representation. And so goes the motto “Taxation without representation.” This

“Yes, it is. People should cut down on fast food restaurants.”

—Dennis GondalezFlores junior

author’s e-mail: tim.yuskavage@thea-blast.org

Mo’s

A performance is held at a protest for D.C. statehood. Many residents of Washington, D.C. try to do all they can to draw attention to this urgent matter.

—Marie Han senior

The issue is that, perception in global politics can be far more powerful than the truth. Does that mean that speeches have to be watered down so much that there is no hint of an offensive line in them? For the Pope, yes, actually. The Pope is the leader of over one billion people.

Hu Jintao of China also leads over a billion people.

Imagine the fallout if he said such things. So I say to you Pope Benedict, get with the times and learn when to shut up.

Residents of the District find themselves fighting for their right to vote

We see it everyday when we are on the road, a Washington, D.C. license plate with the oh-so familiar motto “taxation without representation.” But what does that really mean? Why do so many residents of our nation’s capital have this displayed?

Sadly, the answer is because Washington, D.C. has no representation in the United States Senate. The irony here is almost too great to fathom. The capital of a nation based on democracy is reliving its fight for the right to vote.

Before the early colonists declared their independence from Great Britain, they had no representation in the British Parliament. Hence the phrase, “No taxation without representation.” This mantra was one of the key principles to the foundation of the U.S. But then in the midst of all these freedoms and rights we find hypocrisy, the capital of the U. S. completely disenfranchised when it comes to making decisions.

The bottom line is that Washington, D.C. has no senator

“The government shouldn’t be at fault. It’s more the individual. There is help out there, but people just don’t take it.”

The Pope shocked the Muslim world with his derogatory comments towards Islam and the Prophet, Muhammad.

Washington, D.C. locked in battle for rights

By Mohamad Elbarasse

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issue should be dealt with as soon as possible.

The one thing D.C. residents do have is a non-voting delegate who holds a symbolic vote in the House. The current non-voting delegate is Eleanor Holmes Norton.

Other than that, Washington, D.C. is relatively powerless. This has to be the biggest aberration in American history.

In 1978 an amendment was proposed by Don Edwards of California to give Washington, D.C. voting rights. The amendment was approved by the House of Representatives and was given a seven-year deadline. The bill was never ratified because it was not approved by at least 38 state legislatures.

Another attempt to give Washington, D.C. more voting rights was in 1980 when a local constitutional convention was held regarding Washington, D.C.’s statehood. The convention was trying to turn Washington, D.C. into New Columbia, a full-blown state.

Although the convention was not a success, some provisions are still upheld till this day, such as allowing “shadow representatives” to lobby Congress regarding issues of importance to Washington, D.C. We are always told to vote and that every vote counts, but this is not true in Washington, D.C. During the presidential elections, Washington, D.C. is entitled to only three electoral votes. That is the same amount of votes as the states with the lowest population, such as Wyoming.

A new bill should be introduced that would grant DC full statehood. Some six hundred thousand people living in DC go without representation in the Senate.

It is time for the U.S. to own up to what it so easily offers to so many others— Democracy.

“Yes, it is a major problem.

We need to lower the prices of healthy food. Junk food is inexpensive and easy to get.”

—Navila Rashid junior “It is a crisis in the U.S. because of all the available foods. They should reduce the amount of fat and artificial foods available in stores.”

—Mariam Nadri freshman “Commercials pinpoint food and it makes people eat when they are not hungry.

If we could stop things like that, I think it wouldn’t be as much of a problem. ”

—Annie Wieser sophomore “I think that it is their choice if people mess up their lives or not.

Nothing should be done about it.”

author’s e-mail: mohamad.elbarasse@thea-blast.org

One year later: a look back at Katrina of their past lives and move forward from the horror of the storm. The August 2005 hurricane created damages estimated at a whopping $81.2 billion dollars and killed at least 1,836 people. It was responsible for the destructive flooding of New Orleans and the collapse of many levees and floodwalls Opinion protecting New Orleans. Communities

By Shriya Adhikary were destroyed completely, with no hope It has been a year since we witnessed of salvaging anything.

As of April 2006, the Bush Administrathe devastation and havoc caused by Hurtion has sought for $105 billion for repair ricane Katrina, the costliest hurricane and reconstruction in the devastated in the history of the U.S. This past year areas. has been a year of recovery and healing It can- not be debated that the as people struggle to regain a semblance days after hurricane Katrina was an especially catastrophic period in the U.S. But the issue that makes this event even more regrettable is the way it was handled and the way it is being handled even a year after.

There have been other natural disasters in the history of the U.S. Floods, storms, and fires have wrecked homes, property and whole cities all over the world. No other natural disaster, however, has ever cost this much to deal with. Why, in this day of technology and advancement in every field known to man, are we putting The city of New Orleans was deep in flood waters before the more money in the reend of the storm. The clean up process continues to this day. building of what should WWW.NIAGRA.ANGLICAN.CA

Shriya Says

not have been destroyed in the first place?

If the levees and floodwalls protecting New Orleans had been established correctly, much of the city could have been protected from the flooding. It is disheartening to realize that so many deaths and so much damage could have been prevented had we paid attention when making plans for the building. It is truly regrettable that we have to mourn for our losses when the preventable loss has already occurred.

There was so much money pledged to this disaster and so much of that money was misused. The government’s response to Hurricane Katrina was deplorable. There was an irresponsible handling of matters right after the hurricane and a huge lack of planning as how do go about resolving things.

What was lacking in the government response and protection at the time of Hurricane Katrina than other hurricanes?

Shouldn’t we have learned from our mistakes in the past?

Past hurricanes have also been deadly and destructive, and yet they did not cost nearly as much as Hurricane Katrina.

The 1989 hurricane, Hugo, was also a Category 5 hurricane, just the same as Hurricane Andrew in 1992. These storms cost $13.6 billion and $45 billion respectively.

The devastation of Katrina, however, went beyond any other hurricane, not to mention any other natural disaster, ever recorded in the U.S. What goes past my grasp is the fact that even though we are in a state of time when so many technological advancements are

being made, we failed to shelter the people in the midst of the danger. Let alone failing to give refuge to the people, which might or might not have been possible, we failed in the little we could have done to lessen the damage. Those levees in New Orleans were there to retain the full force of the storms and to withstand the impact, and yet they were flawed.

Our own government failed in a duty that is desperately important in times of disasters. The Bush Administration needs to answer for the irresponsible handling of affairs in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. With so much money, why did it take so long to set things even remotely right?

The incompetency of this government is something to be greatly worried about.

I guess the question a year later is clear.

Hurricane season is once again upon us, and you hear about certain category storms in the Atlantic region very often. If another such storm were to come upon us, would we be able to respond to it in a better way?

If any good could come out of this lamentable disaster, it could be that we are now better prepared. Hopefully, our government now has a lucid plan to bolster us for what the future may bring. One can only hope that the levees being rebuilt will actually be able to carry out their job, unlike the government that built them. author’s email: shriya.adhikary@theablast.org

—Jon Molina sophomore

“Yes, it is a crisis.

There needs to be more education in proper diet and exercise.”

— Kathy Ayers P.E. teacher

Elections were held on Thurdsay, Sept.

21 during first flex in the auditorium. Results, which were announced that afternoon over the loud speaker, were as follows: President- Irving Henderson Vice President- Goldy Berhane Treasurer- Logan Miller Secretary- ELizabeth Flint Senators- Kelly McGarey, Jennifer Oakes, Michelle Kinzer

Rooms available for fasting students Students who are fasting for Ramadan may go to one of the following rooms during lunches beginning Sept. 25. Students should report directly to the room at the beginning of the lunch period. No passes will be given from the cafeteria.

RED DAYS A lunch- Bistro Area Chef G B lunch- Room 254 Linda Lee Slesinger C lunch- Room 275 Greg Reed D lunch- Room 275 Greg Reed WHITE DAYS A lunch- Bistro Area Chef G B lunch- Room 254 Linda Lee Slesinger C lunch- Room 90 Nanette Gibbs D lunch- Room 90 Nanette Gibbs

University of Maryland Expo There is a college and career expo to be held on Sept. 30 at the University of Maryland School of Architechure from 10: 30 am to 3:30 pm. For more information, go to http://www.acsa-arch.org/students/college expo.apx

Athletic Equiptment Missing Athletic trainers are currently searching for boxes marked “Body Blade” or “Hymanson, Inc.” The box conains valuable training equiptment the trainers use in treatement and rehablilitation. If found, please return to the athletic department.

Ethically Speaking Ethics Advice

By Layluma Hotaki

Dear Student Ethics Council, The other day I witnessed a senior cutting in line at lunch. When the person who had been in line said something, the senior told them to shut up. I think the person already in line was a freshman. I don’t think freshman deserve to be picked on, do you?

Sincerely, Sympathetic for Freshmen Dear Sympathetic, I completely understand where you are coming from. You’re asking me for my opinion on bullying. Ethically speaking, it is wrong and can be very harmful to a person’s esteem. There isn’t really a solution for bullying, unless it is really harmful such as in physical encounters. In that case, you would tell a teacher, parent, etc. As a bystander, you also shouldn’t get involved because that can cause even more problems. If you really feel uncomfortable with the situation, you should tell someone who is in the cafeteria at the time. This way, they will witness it themselves and catch the “bully” first-hand.

Sincerely, The SEC

Dear SEC, My friend was making a joke of my religion the other day. I’m Muslim and she was making fun of the fact that I have to fast from sun-up to sundown. I didn’t really appreciate it, but I just stuck through it and didn’t say anything. If she does it again, what should I say?

Sincerely, A Confused Muslim Dear Confused, I recommend you talking to her even before it happens again so she understands that you didn’t like what she said. I think it would be best to confront her with a calm approach and explain to her how you feel.

It might even help your friendship by telling her how you feel in confidentiality. Try not to make her feel guilty in the process, but just explain how she might have said what she said in a better manner, not in an offensive way. However, I’m sure she was merely kidding, and not in any way trying to offend you. Good luck!

Sincerely, SEC If you have an ethical dilemma and would like advice on how to handle the situation, submit your questions to layluma.hotaki@thea-blast.org. All submissions will be confidential.

Teachers earn esteemed recognition

The PCACAC looks at the counselors’ “Teacher awards” from page 1 professional leadership, honesty, senprofessional journalism confrences. The newssitivity, patience, thoroughness and, to paper Fund will also provide a $1,000 scholara lesser extent, sense of humor. ship to one graduating AHS senior to study Wheeler, who is the first counselor journalism at the college of their choice. from AHS to ever receiver such an “This kind of award doesn’t go to one person award, was nominated by PCACAC it goes to an entire community,” said Weintraut. member and AHS Career Center “Within that community, first and foremost, it’s specialist, Robin Roth. the students and what they do with the print, “I’m a member of the Potomac and the webpage, video, video yearbook and film. A Chesapeake Association,” said Roth. teacher is only as good as his students.”

“So when the time came around for an Weintraut attended the University of Iowa nominating an applicant, I responded for his undergraduate diploma and American via e-mail and nominated her.”

University for his masters in producing for film In addition to the already hectic and video. Before coming to AHS, Weintraut schedule of being a high school counworked in communications for a labor union selor, Wheeler is involved in many in Washington, D.C., and in communications other activities at AHS. Wheeler and public relations director for an inner runs the ASVAB test, hosts a group city children’s advocacy group called Project for expectant mothers and is the deRenewal. partment chair of student services.

Weintraut has taught journalism and Wheeler is also an advocate for the advised The A-Blast and The A-Blast Online College Partnership Program, sponsince 1994. He also oversees the production of sors the SAFE club, serves on the the Signal DVD yearbook and the annual Film Faculty Advisory Committee and is Festival. The National Honor Society of High The A-Blast adviser and journalism teacher Alan Weintraut instructs co-editors-in-chief a liaison to the Learning Center.

School Scholars named Weintraut an Educator Alyssa Navarrete and David Sherman while looking at the front page. Weintraut reads all “I find Wheeler to be a very of Distinction earlier this year, and he currently stories that are printed and reviews every page before publication of The A-Blast. compassionate and caring counselor serves on a Knight-Carnegie panel at Harvard up to my students’ expectations and to those of anybody who always goes the extra mile with her students,” said University to study youth media use and consumption. who’s ever taught me.”

Weintraut, however, has mixed feelings on receiving In addition to Weintraut,AHS has another award-win- Roth. “[She has] the ability to listen and to know when to step back and when to step in. She has a fantastic sense such an award. ning staff member in the guidance office.

“To be honest, it means I have to work even harder,” Linda Wheeler, a counselor at AHS for 13 years, was of humor that lets her see the comedy when all around said Weintraut. “And I think it does because people see you awarded the Potomac and ChesapeakeAssociation for Col- her is tragedy.”

Wheeler was a teacher for seven years; three at the differently after something like this. I’m happy to have won lege Admission Counseling (PCACAC) 2006 Counselor of elementary level and four in high school, before deciding it, and it’s not a challenge I’m unwilling to take, but it does the Year award. mean I’ll have to work harder,” said Weintraut.

The PCACAC presents ten Counselor of the Year it was “time for a change” in 1988. It was then that she A handful of former students, their parents and past awards to outstanding secondary school counselors and went back to school for her master’s degree in secondary and present colleagues nominated Weintraut. His packet college admission counselors. An award is given to one school counseling. In 1993 she began working for AHS as was composed of testimonials, signatures and recommen- high school counselor and college admission counselor a new counselor.

“I hesitate to take any credit at all for this award,” said dations from numerous former student editors, parents from Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and Wheeler. “So many people in this department work long and professionals. the District of Columbia.

“As a teacher, I put students first,” said Weintraut.

There are some minor criteria that a counselor or admis- hours, staying late everyday [and] going the extra mile with “There’s no denying recognition is nice. It’s my job to live sions counselor must meet to be considered for the award. families who have extraordinary challenges.”

Class meetings; elections held

“Class meetings” from page 1 same thing. “Right now we really want people to notice the class of ’08. We need to raise money, but even more we need commitment,” said junior class treasurer Seemal Awan. “We hope to raise $4,000 this year.”

The sophomore class has put major effort into the fundraising edge of their year. “This year we’re selling bottled water at back to school night, selling coffee and bagels before the PSATs, and selling food and drinks at the Homecoming dance,” said class president Spencer Smith. The group will also be sponsoring bake sales, car washes, and candy sales all year long.

The freshman class is sponsored this year by science teachers Rob Snowhite and Abbie Kahn. “They seem very enthusiastic, they have big plans,” said Kahn of the incoming freshman officers. The newest class officers are Irving Henderson in the position of president, Goldy Berhane as vice president, Elizabeth Flint as secretary, and Logan Miller as treasurer.

As all four classes look forward to another busy, and hopefully lucrative, year, the seniors look back on the years before. “We haven’t done a great job in the past; we’re the biggest class Annandale has ever had but we’re the poorest. But I know [this years officers] are doing the best they can,” said Le.

Gas prices fall with the season, but for how long?

“Gas prices” from page 1 maybe higher. Many of the problems that caused even very far away.” the record-breaking prices last summer have not Not only were student’s plans with friends and been solved. family disrupted, getting to and from work became The general consensus among AHS is that a concern for some. prices will rise again. “[My mother and I] had to take the metro to “They may go down a little bit more from here, work in D.C.,” said senior Kelsey Grant. “Metro but they’ll just go back up again,” said senior Trevor takes a lot longer than driving. It was really Daggle. “No way are they going to go down and inconvenient.” stay down. It won’t happen.”

With prices so high and driving restrictions The first time a gallon of gas cost over $3.00, increasing, there was never a worse time to be a in 1981, they had fallen back under $1.50 after teen driver than this past summer. only about six months. From there, prices rose and However, since school has started, AHS has fell for the next 15 years, never getting extremely seen gas prices drop by more than 40 cents at some high or low. Now, experts predict there is a chance stations. The BP gas station on of prices rising again in a Braddock Road, which at one few months and not compoint last summer had prices ing back down. If this is the over $3.25 a gallon, has fallen [The prices] may go down case, American motorists into the range of $2.60, and need to learn how to budis continuing to fall. It almost a little bit more from here, get their gas intake more seems to good too be true that effectively. In some parts prices will continue on this but they’ll go back up again. of the world, especially in downward trend throughout Europe, drivers have been the school year. It would be one paying over $5.00 a gallon —TrevorDaggle less thing the driving students for years. Residents ofAmSenior would have to worry about. So, sterdam have been paying of course, the question becomes: more than $6.00 a gallon how will this last? for the last five years.

According to theAmericanAutomobileAssocia“I think [prices] will drop again for now,” said tion, drivers in the U.S. can expect prices to fall senior Samson Belay. “But soon after that, they’ll another $0.10 or more in the next month. National just go past where they were in August.” prices are averaging about $2.61 a gallon. How“Prices will go back up,” said Akridge. “They ever, D.C.’s average gas prices are about $2.79, always do.” which makes the Metro area one of the highest No one really knows what exactly will happen priced regions in the nation. in the near future with gas prices, there are only It appears as if drivers can expect another few theories so far. As of now, gas is not a huge probmonths of similar pricing. But it is predicted that lem, which gives good reason for some tentative by the time the new year arrives, prices could optimism at least until the year runs out. After climb back to where they were in August and that, it’s anyone’s guess.

“

”

Freshmen sit in the auditorum and listen to the campaign speeches of their peers in the auditorium during R5 flex.

Dignitaries visit AHS language department “Secretary of education” from page 1 location where the grant would be presented; including our diverse community and theArabic program that is already implemented at AHS. “[The grant was presented at AHS] because it already has an Arabic program to build on, and it has Arabic speakers in the community,” said Cecelia Krill, the assistant superintendent for Cluster Three schools.

“I’m thrilled that the grant is focusing on Arabic and Chinese because they are two emerging languages.”

At the high school level, this grant will primarily be taught using computers. The program will be known as “distance learning.” Students who elect to take either Chinese or Arabic will be put into a computer lab with other students.

“I think it’s important as we look towards the 21st century to bring instruction through technology,” said Paula Patrick, co-author of the grant.

The “teacher” in the class will principally serve as

a monitor, to ensure that students are not misusing the computers. The format of these online courses will be very similar to blackboard.com, which FCPS already uses.

“With the computer system, students all around the commonwealth [of Virginia] will be able to learn these languages,” Patrick said.

On the elementary level, adopting a Chinese or an Arabic program will be optional. Elementary schools that choose to implement either one, or both, of those languages will teach the course twice a week for 30 minutes.

Virginia Representative Tom Davis also attended the ceremony. Davis spoke about the grant, and about his pride in the FCPS school district.

“FCPS is ahead of the curve,” said Davis. “We have a great school system.”

ALYSSA NAVARRETE

Officers of the class of 2010

Sept. 27, 2006

JULIANNE SIMPSON

News Briefs

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AMY STEINBUECHLER

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NEWS

Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings speaks to reporters, students, and FCPS dignitaries as Representative Tom Davis looks on.

Freshmen parents learn about student classes “Parents” from page 1 Jackie Hess, PTSA President, humorously started the first discussion of the night, with the parents appreciating every spoof of their own children.

“Everyone wants students to establish habits for high school, well not ones that will require rehab,” said Hess during the assembly. She followed this with: “High school kids, especially boys, are information void zones.”

Freshman parent Cindy Griffin was very impressed with how well organized AHS was compared to other schools. Griffin’s older daughter attended Gar-field High

School, so she has had two different views on how to handle the new freshmen.

“The packet of forms that was sent to the homes during the summer was a great way to keep all the parents on top of things,” said Griffin.

The parents did not talk between themselves during the lectures like their children might have, but they did have a few characteristics that were in common with their children. Many of the parents came in late, the rustle of papers clearly audible during the presentations, and a couple cell phones were hurriedly silenced when brought to a ring.

Only a handful of parents were wearing their school spirit color:Atom red. Rocksana Qabazard, mother of freshman Sammy Qabazard, wore a bright red Afghan Turban to support theAtom spirit.At the meeting Qabazard took a nostalgic look at her son’s freshman year, noting it’s likness to his preschool years.

“I remember Sammy’s first day of preschool at Annandale High School,” said Qabazard. “In those days, the seniors did a preschool program in the school to study child development, and now he’s a freshman here!”

NEWS

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‘Get Ready’ for band

News Briefs

Marching Band is working hard to prepare for the new season

Students prepare for SOL retakes

“Getready‘causehereIcome,I’monmyway.”TheAHSMarchingBandplayed the tune to the 1960’s Temptations song, “Get Ready”, as an opening piece on Sept. 16 at a band competition hosted by Hylton High School, in Woodbridge, VA. Also performed at the competition were several other salutes to Motown, including Temptation songs “Just My Imagination” and “I Can’t Get Next To You”, and the Four Tops tune, “Reach Out, I’ll Be There”, to finish off the show.

Of the 21 other groups that competed, three, Battlefield High School, Fairfax High School and Woodbridge High School, contended with AHS in their class. Seven different judges scored each group under the categories of music, marching, general effect (GE), percussion, drum major, and color guard.

While theAHS Band received fourth out of four in their class, the marching section came in at second place. The band as a whole received a high general effects score. This is an overall combination of how the show flowed together.

“We performed reasonably well. There were some mistakes in music, but we could have done worse, so it wasn’t that bad,” said junior Emily Ainsworth.

“I told the group we had to do a first show and that we might struggle,” said band director Jack Elgin. “This competition [at Hylton High School] was our first performance, and we struggled a little bit. It wasn’t a bad show, but we are going to make some adjustments to it. We’re just going to tweak the game plan and fix some things to make it come together a little more,” said Elgin.

One of the points that the marching band looks to improve upon is getting their feet to hit the ground in a synchronized fashion with the music. Playing the music and marching together at the same Freshmen Connor Volk and Abby Cummins listen to instruction from band director Jack Elgin. The marchtime was one of the difficulties that the band faced in Woodbridge. ing band rehearses three times a week, performs at football games and competes on the weekends.

“That is where our pulse comes from. If the feet are right, then the pulse and the playing are going to be right,” said Elgin. “If the playing and the pulse are right, sophomore Brooke Barlow. “Either some of us don’t know the drill or music, or we don’t pay as much attention to what is going on, as we should. The band needs to look up at then the feet will be right. We just have to line it up.”

“Everything held together quite well for the first three tunes. Then all of a sud- the section leaders and learn from them. They need to ask for help and look for help when den, on the fourth number, the band got separated. The main reason for this was the they need it, not just assume that they have everything down perfectly,” said Barlow.

With three practices a week, and nearly a month left, the Marching Band is now fact that one group started in the back and another started in the front. They were and supposed to meet, but it’s really difficult to get that matched up,” said Elgin. preparing for the remainder of the football season and the State Competition on Oct. 21, Additionally, listening to their leaders and pulling together as a team during the in Winchester, VA. Last year, the band received a superior rating at States in the AAAA class. “It’s just another competition, but it’s really serious. It’s what we work towards the competitions is another goal of the Marching Band.

“When a performance doesn’t go as well as we planned, I feel as if it’s our fault,” said whole season,” said Barlow. “Everything will pay off in the end,” she said.

Drama students prepare for ‘Acts’ Sophomores Emily Rogers and Max Auliere rehearse and listen to direction from director Natalia Schwien for the class acts performance. Each class was allowed only one day to rehearse in the auditorium. Each class has been putting in numerours hours of rehearsal. Class Acts performances will be held on Oct. 12 in the auditorium at 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Study program helps struggling students reach their full potential

SAM is a program that “targets students that aren’t quite reaching their potential,” says assistant principal Brandon Cooley. This helps students reach their potential. The Student Achievement Model (SAM) helps students to excel at AHS. This program was founded with a grant from the Institute for Student Achievement out of New York. SAM is now in its fifth year, and is now independent from the Institute for Student Achievement. This program is working with Fairfax County to maintain the program for future students.

The goals of the program are to identify students whose teachers say that they should be doing more in class. It is the quiet student that does not cause any problems and is not the class clown. However, the student does not participate in class regularly. SAM takes students with a C average and shows them that they have the capabilities of getting A’s and B’s in all their classes.

The program helps students by assisting them with financial aid forms such as Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is a federal financial aid form that helps determine how much money a student should receive for college. Additionally, it helps prepare the students for the SAT’s.

Along with its after school programs, SAM also gives students the opportunity to go on college trips.

As the program exposes the student to their ability to receive better grades, it also prepares the student for life after high school. SAM is essentially a college preparatory program, because it is a four-year program geared toward helping students succeed. “It shows students they’re capable of going to college,” said history teacher Brian Dunnell.

Students that are involved in SAM have the opportunity to go to “Pathways to Baccalaureate” at Northern Virginia Community College. This is a four-year program: two years at NVCC and then two years at George Mason University. In this program, a counselor from NVCC comes in at the beginning of the student’s senior year to help them prepare for college.

There are now 170 students involved in the program. Since it was established five years ago, the club has grown significantly.

The program has the support of the congressman of Virginia and the superintendent of Fairfax County.

Ilana Schwartz, a SAM counselor, says that there are typically programs for really smart students and for those who get into trouble, but “there aren’t programs for students that have the capabilities to do well but need a little extra support.”

The program allows students to develop a close, one-on-one relationship with their teachers, which helps them succeed in class. Some of the students in SAM have the opportunity to take IB and academy classes.

SAM student Leonard Booker, a junior said, “the program does not make me feel any different than any other student; it simply encourages me to do better.” Starting the program during his freshman year has changed his behavior as well as his grades.

“I used to be bad and disruptive when I was in middles school,” said Booker ”I use to slam doors in teachers faces.”

The SAM program has encouraged him to do better and to receive better grades.

Another SAM student Eric Loch, a junior said the program allowed him to develop a better relationship with his teachers.

“The teachers are very understanding and patient with us.” Eric said he does not mind doing the work because once a quarter the have “Donut Day.” This happens once a quarter and recognizes SAM’s students of the quarter.

“There is nothing easier about being in SAM,” said Loch.

“If anything SAM is harder, because you’re expected to do well because you’ve identified yourself as someone who wants to be successful.”

MICHELLE RISSE

BY EBONY CHAMBERS Staff Writer

BY LEA NICKERSON Staff Writer Every year the AHS drama department holds a competi tion too see which class can direct and perform the best play. Now that auditions are over and each director has chosen their cast, they are ready to begin preparing for the class acts show.

The directors each have their own prompt book, containing all the info and ideas about the plays. Drama teacher Vicki Farish said, “[the director’s] prompt book is like their bible.” The four directors include senior Trish Eggerton, junior Lizzy D’Amico, sophomore Natalia Schwien and senior Even Milberg.

Directors are in charge of their class’s play except Eggerton who has been given the challenge of directing the freshman play. It has been a tradition for a senior to direct the freshman class since they have not been in the school long enough to know how everything works.

Eggerton has chosen a play about kids who are rehearsing Romeo and Juliet called “Act 3 Scene 2”.

In order to prepare for the performance, Eggerton claims that they are going to have to rehearse and practice everyday, and the actors and actresses will have to memorize all of their lines at home. “It is also the director’s job to plan out all the movements and motions which is called blocking” said Eggerton.

Milberg, the senior class’s director agrees with Eggerton on how to prepare for the performances. He said, “I’m trying to help the actors create as realistic environment as possible. When the audience sees the actors on stage I want them to feel as though they are in the office building that the play takes place.” The seniors are going to perform a French comedy that mocks masculine vanity called The Apollo of Bellac. Milberg said,“ I think that a lot of one on one director to actor help will help character development.”

The first rehearsals began on Sept. 18 after school with the sophomores in the auditorium. Each class is given the auditorium only once a week and is forced to find other spaces to rehearse when it is not their day.

Natalia Schwien, the sophomore director, began their rehearsal with a read through so that all the actors and actresses could read all their lines together for the first time. At the end of the read through Schwien instructed everyone to meet at her house the following day so that they can squeeze in some extra rehearsal time.

With rehearsal space and time limited, everyone in class acts is feeling the pressure. Because preparationtime has been so short, when asked which class she thought would win Farish said, “It is too early to predict who the winner is since they have barely began to rehearse. ” The decision will be left up to the judges for the competition on Oct. 12.

Soccer tournaments are held

BY DAVID SHERMAN Co-editor in chief Even though it is nearing the cold weather of the fall, soccer balls bounce around the upstairs gym regularly. But it is not the varsity soccer team doing some off-season training for the upcoming year, it is the student soccer tournament that coach Eduardo Latorree has been hosting for 13 years.

The tournament consists of 16 teams, with about eight players per team. The players vary in race and ethnicity. Players of many different descents participate regularly in the tournament. “These kids are from all types of different ethnicities,” said Latorree, the JV boys soccer coach. “This game is all for different types of people.”

Latorree, who is called “Coach Eddy” by the students, started this after-school program for a number of reasons. The first and foremost, however, was the fact that year after year, Latorree would see students that just want to play soccer cut from AHS soccer teams.

“I see too many kids who can’t make any [soccer] teams, and I see too many kids who want to play soccer, that’s why I made one small tournament,” said Latorree. “And the best thing is, these guys, everyone who participates, it’s all friendly.

You have guys [representing] every country here, and it is all friendly.”

Any students wishing to participate in the tournaments should go to the upstairs gym on any of the days that the tournament is being held. “If I were to put in for an an-

nouncement, I will have maybe 20 teams,” said Latorree. “And we just don’t have the space. They only give me the gym for two hours, so that’s 30 minutes per game.”

The tournament will be meeting today at 2:00 p.m. in the upstairs gym, with the first game starting around 2:30 p.m. Latorree will be refereeing over the games with the help of the Varsity Boys Soccer Coach, Antonio Rivadeineira.

The Peer Mediators, who sponsor the tournament, will also be in attendance.

“If the kids are happy, then I’m happy,” said Latorree. “Simple as that.”

ALYSSA NAVARRETE

BY CLAIRE BUI Staff Writer

SAM program comes to AHS

5 Last week, 24 students waited anxiously to retake their Standards of Learning exams to receive graduation credits.

The SOLs for Virginia public schools are given to every public school student in grades K-12 to test the students basic learning and achievement in English, science, history/ social studies, and mathematics.

“High school students are required to have six SOL credits for graduation,” said test coordinator Paul Litwinetz. In order to graduate, students are required to have passed two English SOLs, one science, one social studies/ history, and one SOL of their choice.

Last week, only 24 students retook the SOLs because they were considered expedited testers. “An expedited tester is a student who received a score of 375 or higher, but did not pass the SOL. Students must get a score of 400 to pass,” said Litwinetz.

There are only ten classes at AHS which require students to take the SOL exams. It is extremely important for seniors who do not have all the required credits for graduation to pass the exams.

“We will be administering SOLs again in October for seniors only,” said Litwinetz. “It is extremely important that these seniors retake their exams so they can graduate on June 13,” he said.

The other testing window will be in the month of January. This is the time for anyone else who has not passed an SOL to make it up. “Throughout the entire month, there will be some sort of test being offered,” said Litwinetz. “[January] is the big chance for any student to make their SOLs,” he said.

January will be a very hectic SOL month because of the number of students expected to take them. Currently. Litwinetz is not certain of the exact number of students, but he is prepared to test “lots of students. There are hundreds [of students] that have not passed,” he said. More information about October and January make up testing will be given to students at a later time. Litwinetz said he will inform the students about these upcoming testing windows when the time draws nearer.

—Michelle Risse News Editor

SCA hosts food drive The SCA is currently planning a canned food drive that will start on Sept. 25. “We want to help thehomeless and needy in our community,” said senior Maeden Pourrabi.

Pourrabi is one of the three-committee members involved in the drive, along with Hilda Kaetu-Smith and Sadhana Rampersad. The SCA is eagerly planning for this event, to finally get a chance to give back to their community. They will place four boxes one will be placed beside the auditorium, the jock lobby, the cafeteria, and room 132. The yellow colored boxes are placed in the most popular areas of the school, so as to make them accessible for every one.

The drive will last a week, from Sept.

25 to the 29. The canned food will be given to the Food Bank, and then distributed to as many homeless and needy families as possible.

“Lots of students are probably going to participate, not only is it easy, but it’s a chance to help all the unfortunate families,” said sophmore Hira Asif.

Many students around Annandale are ready to support this event. “I think it’s a great idea, all I have to do is put a can in a box and I’ll help a needy family,” said sophmore Dalia Faris. Last year, Faris was a significant contributor of the canned food and clothes drive .

“I’m new at Annandale, and I’ve heard of all the events, like the canned food drive and clothes drive, I think that they are very great ideas, that I will definitely be part of,” said freshman Salma Mohammad.

Although only three SCA members are in the canned food drive committee, the whole staff seems to support the idea.

“I’m in the homecoming committee, but the canned food drive is definitely a great idea that every one should be part of,” said senior Anastasia Franjie.

The SCA is in the midst of preparing for spirit week, and has been working hard organizing the many events in the upcoming holiday season.

All members of the SCA are fervently waiting to see the results of the drive. “Hopefully we did a good job in planning the event, I guess we’ll just have to wait and see,” said Kaetu-Smith.

Last year, a successful canned food and clothes drive was created in order to help the victims of Katrina; and this year, the idea has been brought back to help our local community.

The SCA is also planning a clothes and blood drive sometime in the spring. “We have so many things going on this year, hopefully every one gets a chance to help” said Rampersad.

Abby Khan, the SCA advisor, hopes that many students take part in the event.

“I’m glad to see the students participate in events that will aid the community, while at the same time build their character.”

—Aya Saed Staff Writer

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ACADEMICS

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Sept. 27, 2003

8

The Final Product

SPORTS XTRA

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Sept. 27, 2006

Behind the Glory MATT JOHNSON

A closer look at the AHS football team

the team and the players because aca- not necessarily the kicking/returning. Afdemics come first, and if the players don’t ter the special teams work, the team has do well enough in school then they will be both their offensive and defensive review to prepare for the game. This practice Friday night being under the lights ineligible.

2:40 p.m.—The players go down to the ends at a similar time to the Monday and can give you goose bumps. Students and fans exude energy and excitement, locker room where they have 20 minutes Tuesday practices. having been waiting for this moment to prepare their equipment for practice. all day long. For the next few hours Some players spend this time preparing Thursday hardcore fans yell, shout, and paint their equipment while others tend to 2:05 p.m.—The entire team their bodies for the team. The football injuries before practice. cleans their helmets outside the 3:00 p.m.—Specialists (kickers, punt- locker room. This is a necesteam has been preparing vigorously for this moment since the Saturday before ers, holders, long snappers, and return sary ritual, as the team likes the football team has been bruised, beat men) go on the field to practice. This to look their best for the and battered before they finally reach first part of practice is important because game. Helmets get dirty this moment. The game means so special teams can often be the difference during the week from mulmuch for the players and the coaches. between a win or loss. tiple sources; there always 3:15 p.m. —Actual practice begins with is the possibly to get dirt or Here is a chronology of the weeks the team going through their stretches mud on their helmets as well events leading up to the game. and pre—practice exercises. Monday is as red paint scratches from the primarily a defensive minded practice. facemasks of other players. These Friday 10:30 p.m.—The players shower Players go through fundamentals for their paint scratches are sometimes a status and clean up all their equipment. The specific positions, after this there is a period symbol as it means that one that has hit Sophomore defensive end John McErlean washes his helmet on mood in the locker room is either dead of 7 on 7(where there is no offensive/defen- someone very hard. But this only applies if Thursday which is part of AHS sive line) while the scratches are in the front of the helmet silent or lively, tratition. the linemen go if you have scratches on the back then it is depending on through other senior offensive linemen Mike obvious that you’ve been hit from behind. whether or drills, finally 2:30 p.m.—The practice begins with the Singer. The pre—game dinner usunot the team practice culmi- players wearing only helmets, half—tees ally lasts about an hour. wins or loses. nates with 11 on and shorts. These infamous half—tees are 4:30 p.m.—At this time the team Player’s with 11 which is the exclusively for the varsity football team. It leaves the lecture hall and proceeds injuries or equivalent to a may not look pretty or be popular, but they down to the locker room. For the next “bumps and full team scrim- allow ventilation in the hot days of sum- hour players fix up their equipment bruises” acmage. Practice mer. “The half tees aren’t anything special. and prepare their game jerseys. When cording to usually lasts I don’t really like them personally because asked what his favorite pre-game traCoach Dick from 3:00 p.m. they’re disproportional. The sleeves are too dition is senior offensive linemen Wade Adams visit the athletic Players take a water break during Wednesday practice until around long and the part is too short,” said junior Akridge said ,“Rocking out in the lock7:00 p.m. but offensive linemen Jesse Kruse. During the er before the game.” Players’ visit the training room the practices end time varies on how satis- colder part of the season the team also re- equipment room where Coach Mike for ice or other treatment. ceives sweatpants and sweatshirts, which Scott helps players repair any dam11:00 p.m.—Coaches congregate fied the coaching staff is. aged gear. are worn in play and watch film together and analyze The players of the half—tees a player’s performance of earlier that Tuesday also visit 2:10 p.m.—Players again have study and the shorts. evening. Coaches can scrutinize a the athletic The Thursday player’s performance much better from hall before practice. training room 2:40 p.m.—Players are dismissed from practice is mainwatching film than watching them durto get any last study hall and have a similar pre—prac- ly a review of ing the game. minute treatthe entire game tice schedule to that of Monday’s. ment before 3:00 p.m.—Tuesday is a practice that plan, which helps Saturday the game. prepare the playis similar to Monday’ s , but the focus is pri8:00 a.m.—Players meet in the After the Lecture Hall early Saturday morning marily on offense. The offense practice is ers better for the hour of orgaupcoming game. usually less mentally grueling because the to view the film of the previous game. nizing their Coach Adams critiques and corrects players don’t have to learn as many new This light review equipment usually ends things like the defensive players have to.

A players’ mistakes during the film sesthe players sion to help them imrpove upon their few new plays may be added, but despite around 6 p.m. go into the Coach Mike Scott manages the equipment room 6:00 p.m.—Afhaving the performances. weight room same plays, ter the practice the Players have the team offensive and defensive linemen play a to prepare themselves mentally for a tradition still needs to two—hand touch football game, with the upcoming battle. Many players of bringing refine their coach Adams acting as quarterback for like to use this time to take a quick donuts every both teams. The game determines which nap to reenergize their bodies. This movements Saturday and memories unit (offense or defense) will be announced ritual has become a favorite of many morning to players and has gained the nickname of the plays. at the beginning of home games. eat while “Pregame Nap”. My favorite pregame Practice will they watch tradition is sleeping [pre—game nap] end at the the film. This Friday and thinking about what I’m about to same time film session 2:40 p.m.—The team prepares for a do in the game,” said senior defensive as Monday’s usually lasts “walk through” to give a refresher of the practice be- game plan and nuances of the game. The back J.P. Zambrana. from 8:00 5:45 p.m. — The players leave cause there “walk through” isn’t physically demanda.m. to around might be a ing, the players don’t even wear helmets, the weight room and move closer to 10:00 a.m. but team watches film in the Drivers Ed Room 15—minute pe- and it only lasts 30—45 minutes. After the the field, into the girls locker room. it varies on the The because the Lecture Hall was being used riod for defense “walk through” the players put down the Right before the players go onto the team’s perforfield, Coach Adams gives a scripted or special teams in this practice as well. mance in the game. Whether the team tarps that cover the sideline grass. This is speech about every aspect of the wins or loses does not necessarily affect done so the players and coaches that are game. This speech has been told for the amount of time spent in films. The Wednesday standing on the sideline the whole game do 40 years to Annandale football play2:10 p.m.—Players team andAdams are always looking for not tear up this grass. ers. The speech gives players a small ways to improve their performance on again have study hall 3:30 p.m.—After the reminder of their assignments and before practice the field. “walk through” the rules of the game.

2:40 p.m.—Players team goes down to the 6:15 p.m. – The specialists go out are dismissed from lecture hall to eat their onto the field and 15 minutes later the Weekend study hall and have a pre-game dinner. In the rest of the team follows to warm up Time Varies—Coaches view film past the team has had to on the field. The team warms up on of the upcoming opponent. Coaches similar pre—practice pay $2 for subs that were the field for 30 minutes, just enough receive the film in a trade with the schedule.

3:00 p.m. — Practice provided by the coaches, so that they are ready to play but opposing coaches. This is a common but this year the parents, not burnt out and wasting a lot of practice among high school coaches. The begins with the specialled by Cary Vu (mother energy. trading of game tapes is a necessity for ists (similar to Monday of Junior Erick Vu), are the success in the upcoming week. All and Tuesday). Wednes7:30 p.m.—Game time asking local businesses high school teams have different identi- days practice differs from the previous two to help the team and ties and styles that the team’s defense The team commits at least 31 provide dinners for the hours to being successful on that one needs to adapt to. Football is known to days because the entire team is dressed in their team. The team files up Friday night. All the work that they be a physically grueling and intense game, but there is a massive mental team shorts instead Players prepare for practice in to get their dinner in order put in makes the game about pride, of seniority, although all the not just a game where they can win or aspect to the game that can often be of their padded football the athletic lockerroom starters are allowed to get lose. The team refuses to lose because the difference between winning and pants. The team is still dinner at the same time as the seniors. they didn’t prepare properly. Only a losing. The coaches watch the film and dressed in their shoulder After the entire team has gotten their dinrecord all plays and tendencies of the pads, helmets, and cleats.

3:15 p.m. — The team warms up in ner Coach Adams puts on film of previous small percentage of the player’s playopposing team. the same fashion, but after the warm AHS football games. A player favorite is ing football is under the lights, in the glory of Friday night. Behind the glory up the team goes over all of their special the ’94 state championship.

Monday there is work, passion and desire. team units and plays (punt, punt return, These game films provide inspiration 2:10 p.m.—The first practice of the kick—off, and kick—off return). This is Additional Information Compiled by week begins as players attend study different from specialists because is focuses for the team. “My favorite pre—game traGreg Young hall. Study hall is very important to more on the play of the entire team and dition is watching the ’94 state championship game…it gets me hyped,” said MATT JOHNSON AND JEFF DEAN Sports Xtra Editors

Coach Adams watches as the Atoms square off against Lake Braddock. The Atoms won this game 26-6 for their first vicotry.

The offensive line blocks for the AHS running attack.

MATT JOHNSON

The offense lines up against the Bruins.

JEFF DEAN

GREG ROSENSTEIN

Coach Mike Scott and Coach Bill Edwards shout coverages to the defense.

MATT JOHNSON

The offense breaks the huddle ready to march down the field.

The defensive line gets ready to knock the Bruins back.

All photos taken by Greg Rosenstein

The AHS Football Glossary Skeleton

The team’s section of practice, which includes all the players except for the lineman. All the offensive lineman are big so it seems like all the players who participate are skinny, or could be called skeletons.

The Sled

The piece of equipment that the linemen use to practice on blocking and driving people.

Decals Walk Through

A practice without pads, and is focused on the mental aspect of the game.

Chargers

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Yards that senior quarterback Nathan Cartegena ran for in the Atom’s victory over the West Springfield Spartans .

Hussle Drills

Jerseys worn by the offensive players on the team during practice.

A contact drill where 3 offensive linemen and one running back go against 3 defensive linemen and one linebacker.

Bandits

Whoʼs Who Day

Jerseys worn by the defensive players on the team during practice.

The Chutes

The piece of equipment that the lineman use to practice staying low and getting better leverage on the opposing players.

Stickers that go on the varsity players’ helmets, including the Atom logo, the number of the player and the American flag.

Bubbles

Air pockets that appear on the player’s Decals because they are not properly put on.

The first day of full gear (when the team wheres helmets, shoulder pads, and their padded pants.

Two-a-days

The summer practice schedule that conisistes of 2 practices in one day. the first practice usually starts around 6:30 a.m. and ends around 9:00a.m. and the second practice begins around 10:00a.m.

and ends around 1 p.m.

Team Camp

A camp thats at the end of July that is a week long and consists of a practicelike regiment that allows the coaches to determine what positions players will be playing. Team Camp is played with only helmets on.

The AHS Coaches

Coach Adams—Head Coach Coach Jefferson—Running Backs Coach Edwards—Linebacker’s Coach Scott—Defensive Back’s Coach Hill—Receiver’s Coach Bagot—Receiver’s Coach Davis—Defensive Line Coach Kynes—QB’s

HEALTH

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Athletes fill training room

BY BUD IRELAND AND BRANDON WILLIAMS Staff Writers

BUD IRELAND

It seems when a new sportsseason occurs, a new season of injuries follows slowly along.

Athletic trainers KathyAyers and Alison Lane tend to the constant flow of injured athletes.

“It seems like everyone comes at the exact same time,” said Lane.

“Everyone wants help right before practice.”

In the training room you can find an array of different athletes, all with various types of injuries. football players are the most common type of athlete present

in the trainging room before and after their practices.

The most common injuries seen by Lane and Ayers are ankle injuries and shin splints. These injuries arise from lack of exercise and stretching from the athletes.

To prevent these injuries an athlete should pay close attention to their form, and make sure they are properly hydrated and limber.

Lack of being in shape is a good way for injuries to happen.

On a typical day in the training room one would see a countless number of people in need. Injuries like strained muscles, popped knees, tendonitis, shin splints, torn ACLs, sprained ACLs, and

Athletic trainer Kathy Ayers tends to Fredy Santosʼs injured ACL.

sprained wrists, are are just a few of the injries being treated. To treate these injuries the athlete should try to ice as soon as they feel injured, and then try a range of motions to stretch Junior Erik Cabellos and senior Fredy Santos are two football players currently injured.

Santos, who has been sidelined from actions for over three weeks, is faced with a torn ACL. Cabellos however is looking at a long recovery.

Santos’s injury came from a play that went wrong during practice.

“I was follow- Junior Erik Cabellos uses a heating pad to tend to his injuries. Cabellos suffered the ing the screen in injury after an accidental collision with a helmet to his thigh. Internal bleeding resulted practice, and I and rest is most important for a full recovery. tried to plant my sometimes forms in a sever the brain. Conditions like this are foot, but when I tried to move it, hematoma, or deep tissue bleed- very severe and should be dealt my knee popped,” said Santos. ing. To treat this injury, one must with immediately.

Due to his misfortune, Santos just simply rest. The injury was The trainers seem to be busy has been out of action on the field caused by accidental helmet to from the ending school bell to the for over 3 weeks, and just recently the thigh, resulting in pain. The time they have to close the doors. has been ordered to wear a knee amount of time that Erik is out The time spent in the training brace. Santos has has begun to will be determined by how he rooms is used virtuously. Ayers strengthen his leg with weight- works out and treatment given hates for foolishness and inlifting and more exercises. It’s by the trainers. consistency to be present in the possible that he may have to While many of the injuries the training room. consider reconstruction surgery trainers tend to are minor, there to fix his ACL. have been the occasional emerCabellos has an unusual gencies. Ayers once dealt with condition Myositis Ossificamus. an athlete who suffered a concusThis is a boney calcification that sion, that later led to bleeding in

Fall sports takes its toll on star athletes Senior Julie Tumasz broke her nose after being struck with hockey ball

Senior Reid Runolfson dislocated his shoulder while making a tackle

A hard day of Varsity field hockey practice was almost over when senior Julie Tumasz was struck in the face with a field hockey ball. Tumasz says that right after sophomore Marissa Tordella accidentally hit her she blacked out for an instant to find her self on the ground holding her nose. “At first” says Tumasz, “everyone thought that it was my eye that got hit and they all kept telling me I was going to be blind.” Coach hook quickly called for the trainer and ran over to see the damage. A fellow field hockey player, sophomore Meredith Rutherford, said that she “heard the conk” when the ball hit Julie’s nose.

“I turned around and she was gushing blood all over her hands and onto the field” says Rutherford.

Once Julie was taken to the training room Annandale’s trainer Ms. Aires stuck butterfly band-aids on her cuts and stuffed cotton balls up her nose to stop the bleeding.

Tumasz was then driven to the emergency room at the INOVA Fairfax hospital. The doctors X-rayed her nose and found that the bone had cracked but that there would be no need for surgery. Tumasz had to restrain from practicing for a week but then was able to return as long as she wore a mask to protect her nose from worsening her injury.

Senior Reid Runolfson dislocated his shoulder on the fourth day of home summer camp. He was practicing with the rest of the varsity football team on a demanding schedule of two a days.

The injury occurred during drills when Runolfson made an aggressive tackle at junior Matt Camilli. He was rushed to the emergency room in the INOVA Fairfax Hospital where a doctor had to set or “re-locate” his arm. Although Runolfson claims he didn’t cry, he does admit that the pain was intense and that he could not stop screaming. He protests, “I couldn’t move my arm it hurt so bad until it got popped back in at the ER.” Even though Reid does not need to wear any type of cast or sling, he still has to work to recover from his accident. In order to strengthen his shoulder and to prevent the injury from becoming worse, Reid is doing rehab in a clinic in Fort Myers Military Base. In addition to this, Runolfson attends the training room everyday before practice and games to perform exercises instructed

by Annandale’s trainer Ms. Lane.

The R.I.C.E. Method Athletes with acute injuries can treat themselves using this simple 4 step method Step 1:

REST—rest is very important after an injury occurs. Resting protects the muscle, tendon, ligament or other tissues from further injury

Step 2:

ICE—apply an ice bag or cold pack to the injury for 15-20 minutes at a time.

This provides short-term releif and also limits swelling by reducing blood flow to the injured area.

Step 3:

BUD IRELAND

Athletes from fall sports keep trainers busy with a steady occurrence of injuries

COMPRESSION—compressing, like ice, also reduces swelling. An easy way to compress an injury is to wrap an ACE bandage over it. Remove the bandange and rewrap it if you feel throbbing or if it is simply too tight.

Step 4:

ELEVATION—elevating an injury is most successful when the injury is raised above the level of your heart. If you have an ankle injury, try lying down with your foot propped on one or two pillows. Elevation also helps to reduce swelling. The less swelling, the faster the injury will heal.

—After two days of using the R.I.C.E. method, injuries should begin to heal. If the pain and swelling from the injury do not decrease after 48 hours, see a doctor.

—Gently massaging an injury can speed healing time and also prevent reinjury.

—When swelling subsides, simple stretching can be very beneficial. Be careful not to force a stretch. Stretching should never cause pain.

Top 10 most common high school sports related injuries: 1. The muscle pull 2. Neck strain and pain 3. Frozen shoulder injury 4. Strained lower back injury 5. Tennis elbow-Tendonitus 6. Runner’s knee injury 7. Shin splints 8. Sprained, twisted ankle 9. Achilles Tendonitus injury 10. Foot arche pain and strain Information taken from www.cellhealthmakeover.com

Disabled List Washington Redskins

Santana Moss — hip Moss injured his hip during drills in practice.

Clinton Portis — shoulder Portis injured his shoulder making a tackle in the first preseason game.

ALL PHOTOS BY SARAH WAITER

Shin splints are a normal occurence for avid runner junior Ryan Schaedal

BY LEAH NICKERSON Staff Writer Simple stretches such as these can ease the pain of shin splints. Above: Sit on both shins with your toes facing behind. Lift each knee and hold for 20 seconds. Below: Kneel on one knee while pushing slowly forward with the other. Hold for 20 seconds.

Shin splints are a very common injury among the cross country runners. Senior Theresa Pham says that “they are generally caused from running improperly but may also come from wearing bad or worn down shoes.” Junior Ryan Schaedal, a member of the cross-country team, describes the feeling as “a sharp pain on the insides of his shins.” Unlike other injuries shin splints heal but then may return “every now and then” said Schaedal.

As soon as he begins to feel pain he goes to the

trainer to try and prevent them from becoming any worse. In the training room Schaedal ices down his shins for immediate but temporary relief and to prevent inflammation.

In order for him to fully recover and to help reduce occurrences in the future, Schaedal is encouraged to workout to build the muscle in his legs. Schaedal claims “most runners get them at one point and they are really a pain to have to deal with.” He describes the injury as a “splitting pain running down your shin that won’t go away.”

Shawn Springs — abdominal surgery Springs is recoveing from abdominal surgery that he had in late August.

Washington Nationals

Micah Bowie — shoulder injury Bowie injured his shoulder blade in a recent game, and will be out the rest of the season.

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Atoms Who Matter MOST LIKELY TO BE LATE

PEOPLE

Freshman Ricky Adams said “Itʼs not my fault Iʼm late, itʼs because my dad, Coach Adams wakes up late.” In an afterthought he concludes that, “if he had a car heʼd always be on time.”

However, his dad, Coach Adams, claims that his sonʼs tardy record is not his fault and that Ricky was only late once because of him. “The one time he was late because of me” said Coach Adams, “was because there was an accident on I-66 and it took us an hour and twenty minutes to get to school. I called attendance and he was excused.”

Ashley Davis

Sophomore Ashley Davis claims that she was nominated because she likes talking with her friends and jokes around with her teachers about coming in late. She says that she likes to socialize and that there isnʼt near enough time to talk with her friends especially since the teachers donʼt allow people to talk during class. She states, “itʼs cool to be late.”

Kaiser Kabir

Junior Kaiser Kabir was nominated by many of his teachers. He says that his lateness is attributed to waking up late due because of a broken alarm clock. In a sarcastic tone Kabir adds “Oh and of course, I stay up late doing all of my homework.” In addition he claims that he walks really slow and that it takes him forever to get ready for school in the morning. Kabir suggests that, “the school should make a club out of all the late comers and that the teachers should give out extra credit for those who come late.”

Sept. 27, 2006

The go-to person for...

As school begins, there are many people who help with the running of AHS. Interested in playing a sport? Need help with college applications?

Here are just a few of the many must-see people at the school.

College application help: Robin Roth

RIcky Adams

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A good meal: Chef Christine Gloninger

COMPILED BY CLAIRE BUI Staff Writer

COMPILED BY CLAIRE BUI Staff Writer

How did you become such an expert on college applications?

After doing it for eight years! Iʼve talked to students and college representatives, and I also check all of the [college] websites.

How do you help students at the Career Center?

I can help students find and/or download applications, I talk to them about looking and researching for colleges, and just anything that has to do with what you want to do after high school. This includes Roth sorts through college files. careers, school, financial aid, military information, etc.

I try and maintain a good library information on how to do things, where to go, or find out where students can get the information if I donʼt have it.

What do most students come to you for?

Instances vary, but a lot of kids will come in if they donʼt know what they want to do for the rest of their lives, what they want to major in, donʼt have enough money, or are looking for scholarships that are available. I can help them plan things like that out.

What kinds of students come to the Career Center?

I have an assortment of students. I have the really “good” students come in, I have students who have just come the here from another country and are looking for schools to go to…I get a different mix of things. My day is never the same, itʼs exciting!

What kind of advice would you give to students?

Think about things that you might want to do. Get career experiences, so that you can see what you might be interested in, and what turns you off. Start early in the college process; in your senior year, try to be finished with your applications by December 1st. You want to be able to spend the rest of your time and energy devoting it to finances, scholarship opportunities, and things of that sort. You can make a mistake in this, you get lots of “do-overs.” If you make the wrong choice for yourself, you donʼt have to live with it, you can rectify it.

What is the hardest part about your job?

Finding out that somebody didnʼt come to me when they needed me. I could have helped them. I donʼt work magic, but I could possibly help students cut through some of the red tape.

What made you want to become a chef?

Iʼve always liked food. So in order to be around it more, I decided to go into that field. I went and started teaching and enjoyed it a lot. I graduated from Annandale and got an opportunity to work here four years ago.

What kind of work goes on in your classrooms?

Students are taught about sanitation, foods, and learn culinary basics so that they can go into the industry at a beginning level. They study cooking methods and then break into groups where they cook sauces and soups, entrees, vegetables and desserts. We cook meals for the public, and serve the faculty as well as special events at school.

How does being a chef affect your life?

It requires extra time outside of work and makes it hard to eat “junky, take-out” food for anyone in my family. I end up cooking everything at home also, after Iʼve cooked all day at work.

Teaching is wonderful because I can leave most of it at school.

What is the hardest part about your job?

The paperwork. Ordering all the food that comes in and making sure that all the finances are kept up to date. Also, the timing. Iʼd like to have a longer period of time with students, so that they can complete a task, as opposed to sending that task to the next class.

What previous jobs and/or experiences did you have prior to coming to AHS? Gloninger and her four year I used to teach culinary at Stratford University. I also was a flight old daughter, Lulu. attendant a long time ago. Between those two, I worked in restaurants; two that are around here are Red Sage, where I worked in the banquet department and Willow Grove Inn, where I was head of the kitchen. I graduated from culinary school and had gone to the University of Alabama before that.

Have your past students gone on to culinary schools or become chefs?

I have four in culinary school. They are at Johnson and Wales University and the Culinary Institute of America, respectively. Iʼm sure some of them will go on to own restaurants.

A captivating history lesson: John Hawes

AHS sports information: Angelo Hilios

COMPLIED BY CLAIRE BUI Staff Writer

COMPILED BY CLAIRE BUI Staff Writer

What were your past jobs and experiences?

I worked for the government for 30 years and have done a variety of different things. Iʼm a retiree from the Foreign Service Department of State and did a great deal of traveling in that time. I was the U.S. Consulate General in Italy and India, Iʼve worked for the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia and Morocco, and have also worked in Austria, Belgium, and Malaysia. Iʼve also done some of work here based in Washington [D.C].

What historical events have you experienced or taken place in?

My government career was in the Cold War. I was in Moscow when the Soviet Union collapsed, I was on the wrong side of the wall when the Berlin Wall was put up, and lots of things in between. Iʼve dealt with a lot of arms controls negotiations with what used to be the Soviet Union, nuclear weapons, chemical weapons, and other things of that sort. Additionally, Iʼve worked with negotiations with our friends and allies about how you build military bases, and I did a bit of work on economic development. I didnʼt do anything world shaking, I just did a lot of things on the edges of stuff.

How do you incorporate your experiences and travels into your lessons at school?

Opportunistically. I tie them in with my classes when they correlate with what Iʼm teaching. For example, Iʼll discuss geography issues or the population distribution of the countries that Iʼve been to.

How did you wind up teaching at AHS? Good luck. I was interested in teaching government and there happened to be an assistant principal at Annandale that had an open position for me as a teacher. I came here in 2000.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

You get to have a perspective on the world, which is informed by bright Hawes people in other countries. As a teacher, itʼs the same thing, except itʼs everyday where you have an incredible range of diverse kids that youʼre working with.

Where did you receive your education and what kinds of degrees have you earned?

I earned my bachelorʼs degree in international affairs from Princeton University. When I decided that I wanted to teach, I went back to school at George Mason University. There, I received my masterʼs degree.

As the Director of Student Activities, what do you do on a day-to-day basis?

I deal with number of different things that are not just limited to athletics or clubs.Basically, I help organize all of the activities that take place in our building. Anybody who wishes to use our facilities comes to me to set up spaces and times where they take place. In addition to that, I help maintain the fields, lights and signs throughout our school. Iʼm also in charge of ordering busses for field trips, setting up certain meetings, dances, and finding a way to get equipment fixed when it is needed. Itʼs a learning experience every day, Hilios but none of this could happen without a cooperative team of staff working close by me.

What do most students and teachers come to you for help with?

Students generally come to my office if they want to set up an event or hang flyers up around the school. There is an annual calendar meeting every May, where all clubs, athletics, and groups come to set up dates and places for their activities. This allows us all be more organized.

Prior to taking on this role at AHS, what other jobs did you hold?

Before becoming the Director of Student Services, I was a social studies teacher for 15 years, where I was the department chair. In that time I also coached soccer, and was a tennis coach for two years.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

The satisfaction of seeing students smile. We [the staff] want to make sure a student here has a complete program, not just academically, but socially, as well. We want to make as many activities available as possible to get to everybody. With the variety of cultures that we have, itʼs essential that everybody has an equal opportunity.

What would you consider as the most difficult part of your job?

The hardest part about this job trying to please everybody. Sometimes itʼs difficult when you are unable to achieve that goal. If (and when) events lack coordination, and there are only a limited amount of locations available, itʼs hard to get what you want. Nevertheless, I just try my hardest and do whatever I can to make life easier for as many people as possible.

Senior events: Linda Lee Slesinger Mentor on and off the field: Dick Adams Thomas Paxman

Senior Thomas Paxman doesnʼt blame his broken alarm clock, but instead his carpool driver, Lucky Ames. Paxman claims Ames picks him up extremely late everyday and that by the time they arrive to school it is not possible for him to get to his class on time. He figures that “it shouldnʼt be that big of deal to be late as long as youʼre there before 20 minutes into the class because, hey, at least youʼre there. Itʼs gotta be better then not coming at all”

Comprised By Lea Nickerson and Julie Tumasz

COMPILED BY CLAIRE BUI Staff Writer How long have you been a part of the football program at AHS? Iʼve been a part of the program for 26 years.

How do you help the players off the field?

I work very hard to make sure the players do well academically, and demand that they play other sports throughout the year because it helps them stay structured. I also help them get into a college that they can participate in. It becomes an extremely hard job that takes a lot of time and you become an extended parent. Often, a lot of boys donʼt want to listen to their parents, but they will listen to their coach.

What other school activities do you take part in?

I spend a tremendous amount of time with wrestling and help Coach Shoulders a lot with his program.

I coached the youth club for seven years, and I am also the assistant track coach for shot put and discus throwing. I just work constantly to help my players get involved in many sports. We think its great for the kids to not only focus on one thing but to have a variety of activities.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Without a doubt, itʼs when I get to see the kids go off to college and become successful. We have a lot of students who make some mistakes and itʼs rewarding to see how they grow and mature. When the students do go off to college and they come back to visit and talk about their new careers itʼs a very rewarding experience.

Have any of your players gone on to receive scholarships for football?

Adams Weʼve had players at Virginia Tech, Boston College and Penn State.

Most players go to Division 3 schools.

Before you came to AHS what were you doing?

I was a teacher at J.E.B. Stuart and was a wrestling and track coach for a year-a-half.

COMPILED BY CLAIRE BUI Staff Writer As the senior class sponsor, what are you responsible for?

Iʼm responsible to make sure that the committee (the officers and the senators) stays in the FCPS guidelines. Iʼm also responsible to teach leadership, such as delegation and responsibility.

What do you have planned for this year?

We have lot of things planned! Among these are fundraisers, such as carwashes, Fuddruckers night and bagel sales. Other activities include a talent show, a Valentines Day dance, the Homecoming float and prom. Prom should be fabulous this year, weʼve hired a top-notch DJ and are planning on having Slesinger a light show, along with red carpet treatment, the whole nine yards!

What do students come to you for?

When they need to have things Xeroxed, or need to have permission or a proposal from the administration. Sometimes I work with the administration as the “middle person” between them and the students to facilitate or explain what is going on.

How often does the SGA have meetings?

Usually once a month, but often times, we have meetings a lot more than that, even over the summer.

This is a very committed senior class.

What do you find the most rewarding about your job?

Working with students and seeing how theyʼve grown and matured from freshman to senior year.

When students start to realize their full potential itʼs really rewarding as a teacher.

How did you come to the job?

I was a therapist for many years in the mental health field. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts I kept on losing my jobs. I moved down here from New York in 2000 to take a job in DC and that job also came to an end. My daughter, who is a teacher, suggested that I, also, teach. I came to Annandale when a teacher left due to maternity, and I was asked to fulfill her spot. At the end of the 2002 school year, I was asked to stay as a permanent teacher.

A

PHOTO

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Sept. 27, 2006

New KIDS On the BLOCK ” s a x e T “ e c e e R Mann Q. Where are you from?

A. Devine, Texas, a small town right near the city of San Antonio.

Each school year AHS brings new and interesting faces to the school and community. These students contribute diversity and culture to the red and white hallways and make our school unique among the many in Fairfax County. The combination of different races, religions and backgrounds results in a more understanding and accepting student body.

ann sports his Dallas Cowb rsey at lunch after their big gainst the Redskins Sunday ept. 17. “Iʼm proud to be a C oys fan even if everyone els ates them.”Mann went to fel Texan, Joe Carpenterʼs house watch the Cowboys defeat the Redskins.

13 What were you most excited about coming back to AHS for?

“I wasn’t excited to come to AHS because I was supposed to go to O’Connell, but now I love it!”

—Kelly McGarey ffreshman

”I was really excited to get back to school so I could start new classes and see people I hadn’t seen in a long time.”

Q. Why did you move?

A. I came here to live with my mom, my little sister, and my two younger brothers.

sophomore

“I’was excited to start weight training with Coach Shoulders and to get in shape.”

JULIANNE SIMPSON

Q. How is Annandale different from your previous school/ community?

A. Itʼs really crowded and thereʼs not a lot to do here. Diversity wise, itʼs a big change. Back in Devine you donʼt see such a wide variety of ethnic groups.

—Linda Rayasse

—David Winters

JULIANNE SIMPSON

Mann practices his skills in his R1 guitar class. “Iʼm only in Guitar 1, but I really like it.

Iʼm not very good, but Mr. Kee is really cool.”One thing Mann enjoys about AHS is the different electives offered.

Q. What was your first mpression of Annandale?

A. My first impression was that its boring, but itʼs getting better.

There was always a party I could go to, but I havenʼt heard of many here.

Mann plays varsity football for AHS, but says it is a big change. “Football in Texas is a lot bigger. The players are bigger. I would have died if I had played in Divine.

Crowds in Texas for football were huge. At our homecoming game last year twice the number of people living in my town came to watch.

Sophomore

“I was looking forward to coming back to school because I can’t wait for the lacrosee season to start.”

JULIANNE SIMPSON

MARGARET CROWLEY

Q. What do you do after school?

A. I play on the varsity football team and I also like playing tennis.

Favorites TV: Family Guy Food: Fajitas, anything Mexican

Cristi Rivera

—Chase Briggs Junior

. Where did you come from?

A. I moved here from Puerto Rico four months ago.

”I was really excited to get back to school so that I could see my friend and just hang out with them.

Q. Why did you move?

A.The reason I moved here was to challenge myself senior year.

Q. How is Annandale different from your previous school/community?

A.The biggest difference is the size of the school. AHS is huge and my last school had a graduating class of 60.

Q. What was your first impression of Annadale?

A. That the school was a lot bigger than where I last went.

MARGARET CROWLEY

—Raynia Johnson

sophomore “I really look forward to the new classes and new seasons of sports.

—Chester Yavari

Junior

“I was excited to get back to school for the football and to see my friends.”

Q. What do you do after school?

A.I have work afterschool at Mountain Kim Tae Kwon Do. On the weekends I play soccer and hang out with my friends.

MARGARET CROWLEY

MARGARET CROWLEY

Pictured top, Senior Cristi Rivera finds time during the school day to do her work. Above, Rivera works after school at Mountain Kim Tae Kwon Do. “Iʼve been working here for four months and I really enjoy it so far,” said Rivera.

Top, Senior Cristi Rivera eats lunch with her friends on a White day,”the size of the school is something so new to me,” said Rivera Above Rivera uses her locker in between classes. “I have some really fun classes this year and Iʼm looking forward to having a successful senior year.”said Rivera.

Q. What do you plan on doing after you graduate high school?

A. I plan on going to college in Virginia.

Iʼm not moving back to Puerto Rico, Iʼll only go there to visit.

—Reid Runolfson

Senior

“I wanted to get back to school so that I can finally graduate and go to college.

—Sophonias Gabnemariam

Sara Zagurski

Junior ”I was really excited to get back to school to see all my friends and the girls.

Q. How long have you been teaching A. Iʼve been teaching for two years.

Q. What other schools have you taught at?

A. I worked at Abraham Lincoln High School in Denver.

Q. What do you like most about AHS? A. The student body is amazing.

—Diego Cajchun Senior “I was excited to start my second year as principal and keep the positive momentum that we created last year.

MARISA

Q. Why did you come to Annandale?

A. I came to AHS for the diversity and direction the school is moving in.

Q. What is the one thing you donʼt like about AHS? A. The fact that the color red is everywhere.

Q. How is AHS different from the previous schools you taught at?

A. The students here are more well behaved and more interested in learning.

—John Ponton Principal

MARISA TORDELLA MARGARET CROWLEY

Sara Zagurski helps her students during her R5 chemistry class. “My favorite part about teaching is interacting with the students to stay young,” Zagurski said.

ALL INFORMATION COMPILED BY MEREDITH RUTHERFORD

14

Do you think Pope Benedict’s statement was offensive?

INTERNATIONAL A Pope Benedict’s words stir anger t

Sept. 27, 2006

Pope cites a 14th century emperor’s statement, evoking anger among Muslims

“Yes, because he offended the Prophet who is very sacred for the Muslims.”

—Ahmad Alfrangi sophomore

“Yes, because he had no right to say anything about anyone’s religion like that.”

—Mehreen Aman junior

“Yes, because it is a sensative issue and it makes people angry.”

—Raisa Mohamed senior

Immigration rally held in Washington D.C.

Around 6,000 Immigrants made a stop for about 83 minutes in front of the U.S. Capitol to demand fairness, respect, compation and opportunity.

The few thousand of Immigrants that participated in the rally made themselves to be heard.

Violent Protests A small group of Iraqis burn an image of Pope Benedict XVI and the German flag during a demonstration in Basra, Iraq. There have been many other protests in Turkey and Somalia.

year-old church in the West Bank town of Tul Karem and partly burned a smaller church in the village of Tubas. In addition, there have been protests in Iran, Somalia, Iraq, and Turkey. In Somalia, an Italian nun was killed in an attack, which an Islamist source suspects may be linked to the crisis. In Iran, in the religious city of Qom, hundreds of people presented their anger, along with cleric Ahmad Khatami, who told protestors that the Pope and George W. Bush were “united in order to repeat the Crusades.”

Many Muslim scholars and religious leaders have criticized Pope Benedict for his remarks and urged him to play a positive role in bringing Islam and Christianity together.

Pope Benedict’s words have created tremendous fury within the Muslim population throughout the globe. It has been speculated that these remarks many even and worsen the already rough tensions between the Muslims and the West.

For the full text of the speech by Pope Benedic XVI, visit http://www.vatican.va/ holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2006/september/documents/hf_benxvi_spe_ 20060912_university-resensburg_en.html.

Is immigration losing its force?

Fewer immigrants participated in recent rally than in previous years

BY CRISTIAN ROLDAN Staff Writer It has been four months since the first pro-immigration rally was carried out, and there was a slight “victory” in the Senate after the approval of a bill in favor of immigration.

It seems that the immigrant community decreased their support to the immigration reform that were originally proposed. It was anticipated that at least one million of people would attend the rally.

Approximately 6,000 people participated in the rally held on Sept. 7th . Participants of the rally could witness the disappointment of the several immigrant leaders who were present.

“I believe that people did not support a lot this occasion because of the fear that there is in the community to lose their job, if they show up in this kind of demonstration, there is the risk to be catch and arrested by the police or lose their jobs,” said senior Sara Negron.

Ted Kennedy, who is recognized as the most powerful friend of the immigrants, demanded that the Senate take immediate action on the immigration problem.

“The immigrants contribution to the United States is not only economically, but we all must recall that Latinos have earned more than 20 percent of the highest ranksmedals in the US military,” said Kennedy. “At the present times, there are more than 60.000 immigrants in the

PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN ROLDAN

—Ibsatu Koroma freshmen

Once again, derogatory remarks about Islam have aroused anger and stirred violent anti-Western protests among the Middle Eastern countries. These reactions are similar to those following the blasphemous caricatures of Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam, last January.

While cruising on a trip to Germany, Pope Benedict XVI castigated the controversial subject of jihad, or holy war, in Islam in his speech on September 12. He cited a 14th Century Byzantine Christian emperor, Manuel II Paleologos, who had declared the teachings of Prophet Muhammed as “evil and inhuman.”

The Associated Press produced a transcript of the Pope’s comments stating: “He (the 14th Century Emperor) said, I quote, “Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread faith by the sword he preached.”

These words by Pope Benedict have aroused tremendous fury among the Muslims across the globe. The Muslim community at AHS has also voiced their opinions toward the issue.

“I find it pathetically sad that a prominent figure like the Pope would even restate the thinking of an emperor so long ago, only to create hate and violence, which is natural because anything about religion tends to create anger in any culture, especially in today’s society,” said senior Sahar Palvaan. “It is obvious that he was implying his own view as quoting the emperor, so his so called apology through the Vatican makes him sound a lot like a hypocrite.”

Some students disagree with Palvann. “I agree that the comments made by the Pope were very offensive and wrong, but I think that the Muslims should just let him say what he wants, instead of all the protests,” said freshmen Dalia Faris.

“I was very offended at what the Pope said because it was about Prophet Mohamed, the messenger ofAllah, who basically began the spread of Islam,” said junior Sadiah Choudary.

“He should have more sense than to even begin speaking about other religions.”

“When you call the prophet of Islam, a terrorist, since that is what Benedict was meaning, then it is natural that most Muslims will be angered,” said sophmore Amina Mohamed. “Prophet Mohamed’s forms the major teachings of Islam, and many Muslims place his teaching above anything else in their religion.”

Anger and protests throughout the Muslim world have intensified since the Pope’s remarks throughout the Muslim world. In the West Bank in Palestine, a Greek Orthodox and an Anglican church in the city of Nablus were hit by two firebombs Saturday. In a phone call to TheAssociated Press, a group recognizing itself as the “Lions of Monotheism” is taking responsibility for the attack and has stated that it was a protest to Benedict’s words.

More anger was presented on Sunday, as the “Lions of Monotheism” torched a 170-

WWW.NBC.COM

BY WALIHA GANI International Editor

“Yes, it is offensive. I think it’s rude, you can’t say things about other’s religion.

Some people worship differently so others should respect others no matter.”

Patrick OʼConnor, one of the hundreds Irish immigrants that came over to D.C. from New York. Patrick explains that he supports the rally because as Latinos, there are thousands of Irish, African and Asian Illegal immigrants en the country.

Armed Forces that are defending our country.”

The main message of the rally came evident when Jaime Contreras, the president of the Coalition of Immigrants for the Washington D.C. area, demanded “the 6 million immigrants that are US citizens” that did not vote in the last elections, should vote this upcoming elections.

Contreras also encouraged “the 8 million US permanent residents to become U.S. citizens to be heard, and then vote for what they think is right.” At 6:30 p.m. the anticipated peaceful march began around the National Mall.

The march lasted at least 45 minutes, stopping the traffic and getting the attention of the residents of the D.C. area.

The march ended near the Washington Monument.

Now the question is, what has to be done in the future to make other rallies successful?

“The rallies should be carried out on weekend days instead of a Thursday, but also I understand that during the week, the attention created by rallies is more effective and the Senate and the media will pay more attention to it,” said Negron.

Has the community lost their faith of having a somehow positive immigration reform?

It is not clear yet. However, the population should understand that decisions of this magnitude are not easy to make, especially since this issue affect more than 12 million people in additional to the national security of our country.

People say that the pressure should be constant, to keep this “hot topic” in constant debate, especially now that other organizations are supporting immigrants. With more consistent pressure, a faster solution is imminent.

But we’ll have to wait and see how long will it take to have this longed desired solution.

Free Yearbook Name Stamp Buy your yearbook today with this form, and

The sentiments of many Mexican immigrants are shown in poster like the poster above.

PICTURES TAKEN BY CHRISTIAN ROLDAN

you will be entered in a drawing for a FREE name stamp. Antenna Yearbook - only $65!

Drawing to be held Fri., Oct. 6 Name

R1 Teacher

Address

City, State, Zip

ARTS

A

t

Sept. 27, 2006

Weimar what?

What museum do you like to visit in D.C.?

William Wegman’s strange exhibit comes to D.C.

BY MEREDITH RUTHERFORD Staff Writer

a unique way of capturing Man Ray in strange poses and giving him human like qualities.

Both Wegman and Man Ray became famous in the art world. In March 1982, Wegman’s partner and best friend, Man Ray, died. Wegman was so devastated that he promised himself never to get another dog. Additionally, he vowed he would never photograph another dog.

He upheld his pledge until 1986 when he met Fay Ray. Wegman fell in love with the sweet and intelligent Weimariner and decided to buy her.

As their friendship grew, Wegman slowly decided that he would make Fay the subject of his pictures. Fay preformed beautifully; and she was more patient than Man Ray had been, so photographing her was easier. She stood still Many of Wegmanʼs photographs have the dogs dressed up in funky outfits to draw the for hours and paitiently allowed Wegman to dress her viewerʼs attention. up or put her in abnormal positions. Fay and Wegman Sesame Street. They did simple videos of Fay showing launched into their new career together. concepts like going in and out, being on or off of someFreshman Steven Novak has owned a Weimariner thing and the difference between near and far. Fay also for five years. He and his dog, Theodore, often go hunt- removed and replaced blue balls to show that “one ball ing in Quantico together. Novak enjoys spending time plus two balls is three balls.” with his dog; however, he acknowledges that Theodore Much to Wegman’s surprise, the ratings for Fay’s is incredibly playful. clips were very high. They soon were invited to do “He takes up a lot of room and he tries to be a lap dog spots on Nickelodeon and other children’s television by climbing on you,” said Novak. channels.

Weimariners are good pets mainly because they are “It would be kind of weird if my dog was on Sesame so friendly and patient.

Street, I don’t think I would like it very much,” said Wegman and Fay Ray’s life took another turn in 1987 Novak. Fay and Wegman’s fame was constantly on the when they were asked to do short video segments for rise as they took on job after job. the hit As Wegman’s fame and art increased, he established televiart galleries and exhibits all over the world, including sion Japan and Sweden. The Smithsonian’s exhibit on Wegshow, man’s art offers a different way to explore his paintings, PICTURES TAKEN FROM BOOK “FAY” WILLIAM WEGMAN

In a brightly lit room, dogs pop out at the viewer from every direction. Pictures of dogs line the walls and capture the attention of passersby. The pictures of Weimariner dogs in strange poses are unlike anything one has ever seen. Some pictures are of dogs in dresses and hats, others are of dogs painted bright hues of blue, yellow or red, while still more are of dogs in rollerblades or on furniture.

The unique art of William Wegman is found in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, in Washington D.C. Wegman has been photographing Weimariners for many years. His photographs, paintings and the drawings can been observed in the gallery titled “Funny/Strange Art,” which is a very fitting names for his collection.

Wegman has always been drawn to the long, skinny body of the gray Weimariner dogs. Even at a young age, he was interested in art. He launched his career when he graduated from the Massachusetts College of Art in 1965. After college, Wegman began painting. He then moved to black and white photography in the 70s. He started to take pictures of the Weimariner, Man Ray, soon after his switch to photography.

The pictures intrigued viewers because they were unlike anything people had ever seen. Wegman had

Above: Wegmanʼs photo of Fay with 6 arms.

Top Left: Wegmanʼs photo of Fay on skates.

Bottom Left: Wegmanʼs photo of Fay playing the guitar. All photos are taken from the book “Fay” by William Wegman.

Artsy News!

15 “I really enjoy visiting the Spy Museum because of all the cool gadgets on display.”

—Annika Jessen freshman

“My favorite museum to visit is the Smithsonian African Art Museum because it represents my culture.”

—Kadir Mohammed sophomore “I like the Air and Space Museum because the early airplanes are interesting to see.”

—Rachel Sykes junior

“I like the Natural History Museum the most because they have IMAX theaters.”

—Laith Abu-Taleb junior

“My favorite museum is the Air and Space Exhibit because it’s really hands on and you’re not just staring at stuff.”

drawings and videos. A recommended way of viewing the gallery is to take the audio cell phone tour. There are fifteen stations that information on certain pictures and paintings.

Wegman explains the art himself when the viewer types in a given number. The voice recording explains fifteen stations of his work and what his goals were for each piece of work. The Smithsonian offers a great way to experience the funny and strange work of William Wegman.

The exhibit is located at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Admission is free and it is open from 11: 30 a.m to 7 p.m. The museum is located at 750 Ninth Street NW Washington D.C. 20001-4505

—Kat Reach junior

New art teacher welcomed to Annandale Art teacher Catherine Stark is new to AHS this year. Stark is excited to get to know the Annandale community, along with having the student body get to know her.

Where are you from?

Newton, New Jersey.

What school did you teach at before AHS? I taught at some schools in New Jersey for about five years officially. I came to the Northern Virginia area because there was a lot of oppertunities, and I wanted a new enviornment. Fairfax County is one of the top counties in the country, and I wanted high ideals.

What classes are you teaching at AHS? Iamteaching, Art 1, Computer Graphics 1, and In-Photo 1.

What got you into art?

When I was younger, my elementary school hired new teachers that were really disorganized, so my parents enrolled me in a summer art program and I really enjoyed it. I continued art in highschool and decided to pursue it in college.

Who is your favorite artist?

One of my favorite artists isAndrew Wyetth. I enjoy his watercolors and he was the first artist that really inspired me to explore my own artistic abilities.

What is your favorite type of art?

My favorite art to do is non-objective art or abstract expressionist art. I love non-objective art because it allows me to freely explore color and space on the

canvas. The color really allows me to show my emotions.

What is your favorite art museum to visit?

I used to go to the smaller art museums in New York City right in SOHO. I also enjoyed going to the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim.

What are you looking forward to this year?

I’m looking forward to getting to know my students, collegues, and just becoming a part of the AHS community.

Is there anything that surprised you about AHS? I was surprised at how large the student body is in the school.

What college did you attend?

James Madison University because it was one of the few schools that offered an art education program, and I knew I wanted to be a teacher. It was also warmer in Virginia!

What was your major?

I graduated with a bachelor in FineArts, and I had concentrations in paintings and drawings and a minor in photography.

What are your hobbies?

I like to ski, I have been skiing since I was four and I also indulge in ceramics and photography because ceramics connect me to the past and photos capture special moments.

Do you have a favorite painting?

No, there are too many to choose from.

LYNDSAY JACOBS

BY LAURA SIMPSON Arts Editor

Crystal Cregge spends much of her spare time in the arts room working on her paintings and other works of art.

Artist of the Issue Crystal Cregge prepares to leave for college, but plans to continue art

BY LYNDSAY JACOBS Arts Editor “Crystal is talented, imaginative, and focused, all of these traits will support her lifetime as an artist,” said Ann Harper, an art teacher at AHS. Senior Crystal Cregge has been taking art at AHS for the past few years.

Though her high school days will end in June, that is not true for her passion of art.

Cregge is hoping to get a master’s degree in art or graphics in college. After that, she hopes to work for Pixar or a Japanese animation company.

Either of these careers will further her dreams of becoming an artist.

Like many of us, Cregge started art in elementary school. She always enjoyed the days when she was able to go to art class and paint. “I’ve always loved it,” said Cregge.

While working on art, Cregge is inspired by other artists work. She

also uses her imagination to create her artwork. Her favorite artist is Frita, because the art is “simple but has a lot of deep meaning.” said Cregge. Also, she enjoys looking at Japanese style art.

Cregge is not the typical artist. Not only is she a painter but she also enjoys doing other styles of art. To name a few, sculpting, drawing and computer graphics. Cregge not only is in IB Art, but she also takes a computer graphics class. On top of that Cregge is a dancer and enjoys listening to music.

During the summer while most people were at the pool or beach.

Cregge did a summer art program.

She really enjoyed it and it showed her devotion to art.

Cregge’s presence in the art room is always wanted. Her high energy and spunk lightens the room. Cregge’s devotion to art makes her the choice for artist of the issue.

Current Exhibits at the Smithsonian American Art Museum William Wegman-Funny/Strange through September 24, 2006 William H. Johnson’s World on Paper through January 7, 2007 Passing Time: The Art of William Christenberry through July 8, 2007 Temple of Invention : History of a National Landmark through July 8, 2007

Upcoming Exhibits at the Smithsonian American Art Museum An Impressionist Sensibility: The Halff Collection November 3- February 4, 2006 Joseph Cornell: Navigating the Imagination November 17- February 19, 2007 Eadweard Muybridge: The Central American Journey February 2-May 8, 2007 Sual Steinberg: Illuminations April 6- June 24, 2007 Masterworks from the American Art Forum April 13-July 29, 2007 Phone Number: (202)-275-1500 Address: 750 Ninth Street NW Washington D.C. 20001-4505 E-mail: info@saam.si.edu

16 Game Shots: Field Hockey

The Atoms huddle up before the Aug. 31 game against Westfield.

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The Rundown: The success of fall sports Volleyball The atoms are looking a lot better than last year. The key to their success this season will be their difficult offense if ran correctly, teams like Robinson and Westfield will be in for a shock.

They are 4-2 before district game, a much better staisic from last year’s final record. Senior Lucia Schaefer is leading the defense this year. Juniors Jenna McRae and Katie Janssen also lead.

Field Hockey

Golf

It is no secret that along with football, field hockey is one of AHS’s strongest programs. This year is no different, despite three preseason losses to Westfield, Madison and Oakton the Atoms rebounded with an impressive win over West Springfield. Down one goal with five minutes left Sophomore Tanya Bellingham scored a hat trick and bring the team to victory.

This year hopes are high for a district championship.

Golf has ran into some trouble this year. Despite having some great talent on the team they are 0-9. Captains Gus Nielson and Zach Flynn are trying to raly the team to a win. One of the closest games of the season was against T.C. Williams when the atoms lost 190-180. Nick Twomey led them with a 43.

Many of their games have been very close.

The atoms fell to West Springfield 171-180.

Junior Zach Flynn and freshman ended with a 42 and 46 respectively. The team is optomistic about their record, saying that this season is a rebuilidng year.

Field hockey steps it up We will continue to focus on our team perforamce each game- the ket to our winning ways” said Hook.

TheAtoms are relying on their senior players to step it up and lead them to victory. Juliane Simpson, Krista Silano, Tanya Bellingham, and Mary Birmingham are going to be key to the atom’s success this season. Three are veterans and look to feed off of their team’s support to win it big.

BY AVERY ADCOCK Freshman Maggie Birmingham agrees. “ We have a Sports Editor lot of leaders on the field that get us through the tough “We, who have the will to win, never shall be opponents in our district. We get better every time we beat.” If you play field hockey or have been around play,” said Birmingham. the program you probably have heard this, among All preseason losses were to very high-ranked other sayings at least once. teams, Westfield, Madison and Oakton. The Atoms This is exactly what got the atoms through their lost to Oakton in double overtime in a hearbreaker of extremely tough game against West Springfield on a game on Sept. 18.

Sept 20. The Atoms fell behind early and were down The Atoms won the prestigous, annual Albemarle one goal with five minutes to go. Two beautiful goals tournament, winning all three games. Not only did they by sophmore Tanya Bellingham gave her a hat trick win every game but finished the tournament with three and the win. shut-out victories on Sept. 8-9.

“Our season has been really “This season is good and I think through out all really going to be of our games we are only getgreat. We have a lot ting better. We are really rising of strong players and to challenges. We are strong we’re really beginenough to win districts if we ing to connect as a keep working hard like we team, on and off the have been” said Junior Tiffani field. Coach Hook is Le. “We are really a team this a really good coach 2-1-0 in Districts year. We have a lot of fun play- 1-0 in Districts and she pushes us to work ing together and we are all look- Next Game: Saturday at South County 7:30 at our potential. Its a new ing forward to seeing how far we team but we are rising to the can go into the playoffs.” challenges that we face” said One of the challenges that this year’s team has sophomore Annie Wieser. had is having such a young team. Losing more than One thing is sure, the atoms want that district ten seniors last year should have taken a toll on the championship. Last year the atoms lost against Lake team’s moral but it hasn’t. Almost all agree that this Braddock in a heartbreaker. Some of the players know year they are more unified than ever. what it feels like to win a district championship, playIt’s no secret that one of the biggest key to field ing in their 2004 victory and want to taste a win like hockey’s success is their coach, Cindy Hook. “I could that again. not be happier with the progress of our team this year.

Their next matchup will be against South County The seniors are providing great positive leadership and will test the atoms. The Atoms will play Lake and everyone is highly motivated to improve every Braddock on Oct. 5 away. This will surely be a mustday. This team has proven that it is ready to compete see matchup. with the best in the region and their communication, passing, and defense gets better every time we play.

Field Hockey faces a hard schedule this season with a younger team

Junior Mary Birmingham hits a long ball down field toward goal.

Sophomore Annie Weiser runs down the field, beating a Westfield defender.

AVERY ADCOCK

Game Shots: Golf Junior Mary Birmingham dribbles down the field and past a Westfield defender on Aug. 31. The atoms lost with a score of 3-0.

Volleyball strives to keep win streak alive

BY RACHAEL BURNETT Staff Writer

Freshman Patrick Hill and Junior Zach Flynn tee off against Lee on Sept 13.

Awwwww Ace! The Annandale varsity girls volleyball team is on a recent winning streak and look forward for it to continue. With the current record at 4-2 they aim to match last year’s record of 7-4.

The team opened its season by winning its two first matches in 3-0 shut outs against Wakefield and Washington-Lee. The girls all agree that they are getting very pumped especially after having defeated Fairfax in their latest game. Now they look to go out and dominate the Patriot District, which includes some upcoming challenges against district rivals Robert E. Lee and West Potomac.

Coach Tooke is a returning second year coach and is enjoying his time coaching the team. He feels that the effort is really strong and the girls are very willing to practice and compete.

This season he is working on a team-oriented game and feels it is a big priority.

In volleyball it is important to have court awareness and knowing the other players strengths and weaknesses. During practice, Coach Tooke teaches them new drills and ways to be more aggressive.

“I think we need to be working on putting the ball away”, and they are trying to reduce as many mistakes as possible. Coach Tooke is looking forward to the rest of the season and has set some high standards for the girls.

“I would like there to be a district winning banner hanging in the gym for volleyball soon.”

The team is very experienced this year with seven seniors including captains Lucia Schafer and Madeleine Mejean. Schafer said “We are winning our games because of the effort on the court, hard work and spirit that goes into the games.”

So far the team has encountered few set backs except for the minor ankle injury to Junior JennaMcRae.CoachTookesayssheisontheroadtorecoveryandisexpectedtorecuperatefast.

With all of the hard work that the Lady Atoms put in and their new spandex shorts, the students should come and show their enthusiastic support and cheer the team on to victory in the remaining games.

Golf not up to par Junior Stephen Kim looks at the shot, trying to get the best angle possible.

Freshman Mark Spicer has a hard shot in the woods.

All field hockey photos taken by Avery Adcock. All golf photos taken by Josh Miller.

So far, the varsity golf team has yet to win a match. They have been very close in a few, including their recent match against T.C. Williams in which they lost by ten strokes, but they can’t seem to pull out a win.“We need to improve our short game; everything that happens when we get near the green.” said head coach Carl Durkin. Coach Durkin identified All-District Performer Nick Twomey as a key player on the team. Twomey is the only senior on the team and has been on it since his sophomore year.“Practices are pretty fun, but we still need to do some work on putting,” said Twomey.

In the close game against T.C. Williams, Twomey paced the Atoms with a 43, and in the tri-match against Lake Braddock and Hayfield, he had a sub-40 score.

Even though they are having some trouble, the team has a positive outlook on the future. Half of the team is made up of freshmen this year, who recently have been showing improvements in their game. “Yea we have a lot of freshman,”says junior Thomas Beckett. “They seem to be coming along”.

Coach Durkin shares the optimistic outlook for next year and after. “The freshmen on the team appear to be peaking at the right time,”he said. “Sam Tubb and Jeremy Gillcash will be pushing one another to lead our boys to a good season.” Tubb and Gillcash showed their skill in the recent tri-match and are still improving as the District Tournament approaches.

Coach Durkin said that a key to victories next year and in the future is going to be what the team does outside of their two-month season. During the season he tries to be as positive as he can with the team, teaching them the skills they need to improve. Next year poses to be a good season. There will be more seniors next year and the sophomore’s will know what to expect and will be ready for it.

This week is the Patriot District tournament at Twin Lakes. The Atoms hope to be competitive and pull out a strong score.

JOSH MILLER

BY CHARLIE WINTERS Staff Writer

Freshman Jeremy Gilcash is frustrated after a missed putt. The atoms lost to Lee on Sept. 13. The golf teamʼs captains, juniors Gus Nielson and Zach Flynn, are calling this year a “rebuilding year.”

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17

ANNANDALE: 39 WEST SPRINGFIELD: 28 Sept. 21, 2006 AHS (2-2, 2-0) 0 21 12 6 WS (0-3, 0-1) 7 7 0 14 How they scored: WS- Johnson 3 yard run (kick good) A- Cartagena 4 yard run (kick failed) A- Pearson 5 yard run (Two-point conversion) WS- Johnson 1 run (kick good) A- Pearson 19 yard pass from from Cartagena (kick good) A- Lewis 2 yard run (kick failed) A- Pearson 49 yard pass from Cartagena (kick failed) A- Cartagena 3 yard run (kick failed) WS- Williams 78 yard pass from Lalich (kick good) WS- Renner 57 yard pass from Lalich (kick good)

GREG ROSENSTEIN

Atoms defend district Undefeated in Patriot District play, the Atoms look forward to facing the Hayfield Hawks on Oct. 8. The previous game, on Sept. 21, was an offensive showdown between the Atoms and in--conference opponent West Springfield. Spartan quarterback Peter Lalich, who has committed to play football at University of Virginia, threw for two touchdowns and 308 yards.

But Cartagena, the leader of a run-first offense, showed why he is also one of the top quarterbacks in the region.

On 33 carries the AHS quarterback scrambled for 225 yards and two touchdowns, and completed six of seven throws for 121 yards through the air with two touchdowns. The increased passing attack will cause future opposing defenses to

account for more than just the Atoms run.

“I’ve always been able to throw the ball,” said Cartagena. “If receivers are open I will get it to them.”

Complimenting Cartagena in the backfield was senior Andrew Lewis, who gained 72 yards and a touchdown on only 8 carries, and senior Robert Pearson who had 71 yards and two touchdowns receiving, including a 49-yard score.

“For both of R.J. [Pearson]’s touchdowns, we lined him against West Springfield’s linebackers because we knew he would beat them one on one,” said Cartagena.

As the Atoms suited up in the visitor’s locker room for their first Patriot District game of the season against Lake Braddock on Sept.15, they looked into the mirror to see not just shoulder pads and face paint, but a reflection of last season. A year ago, the team lost its first two games to non-con-

ference opponents but went on to take the District title. The start of conference play this year, which debuted on a cool, wet night in Burke, brought reminders that the team still had time to turn things around.

“We realize every District game is important and a must-win,” said Cartagena.

“We treat each one as if it is the Championship.”

As a muffed punt by Lake Braddock allowed the ball to end up on the Bruins own two-yard line, sophomore defensive back John Copenhaver quickly fell on it to gain the possession for the Atoms. Pearson wasted no time, rushing for the score the very next play to take a 6-0 lead. Later in the first quarter, Cartagena scrambled for a 10-yard touchdown, putting the Atoms up 13-0 after the extra point.

The second quarter was much of the same offensively with Cartagena leading

Spotlight Sports Column

Compiled By Greg Rosenstein

AHS Rushing Leaders: Cartagena: 33-225, 2 TD’s Lewis: 8-72, TD Passing Leader: Cartagena 6-7-1, 2 TD’s Receiving Leader: Pearson 3-71

Head Coach DIck Adams instructs the Atom offense during practice last week. With a pivotal offense and smash-mouth defense, the Atoms won their first Patiot District match-up against Lake Braddock 26-6 on Sept. 15. On Sept. 21, the Atoms took care of District foe West Springfield 39-28.

BY GREG ROSENSTEIN Sports Editor

Sports

an 82-yard drive, including a 35-yard pass to junior wide receiver Matt Johnson, culminating with Pearson’s second touchdown score of the half. Defensively, the Atoms shutdown the Bruins first-half attack, giving up only 87 yards of total offense.

Midway through the third-quarter, Cartagena ran for a two-yard touchdown to make the score 26-0 going into the fourth quarter. The Bruins did not even get on the board until there were only four minutes and 36 seconds left in the game. With a 26-6 victory over District foe Lake Braddock, the team headed home the following week with added morale.

“Winning our first District game helped reestablish team confidence,” said Head Coach Dick Adams.

“We’re not scared of anyone,” said sophomore Shane Doty. “We just want to win the Patriot District and take it from there.”

ARA NATIVIDAD Year: Senior Sport: Varsity Volleyball Statistic: Served 25 for 25, scoring 14 points in matches against Woodson and Washington Lee Player Quote: “This season I have improved through lots of practice, focus, and dedication,” said Natividad.

DANNY WIRDZEK Year: Junior Sport: Cross-Country Statistic: Improved three-mile time by nearly three minutes. New personal record is just 18 minutes and 46 seconds Player Quote: “This past summer I attended a running camp that gave me a boost for the season,” said Wirdzek.

Cross Country Improves

SARAH WAITER

BY GREG YOUNG Staff Writer

Junior Sarah Waiter (left) and freshman Liz Flint (# 8) compete in the Monroe Parker Cross Country Invitational at Burke Lake Park on Sept. 9. Led by senior Hannah Tubb, the girls team placed 31st overall with a 3-mile time of 19:44 . The boys team achieved 16th place out of 27 teams. Junior Matt Ashford, had a personal best 3-mile time of 16:44.

Every year, it seems that the AHS varsity football team gets all the attention. However, the Cross Country team has quietly had a much improved year and deserve some attention.

“We have gotten better, making a lot of progress both as a team and with PR’s [personal records.],” said junior Danny Wirdzek.

“We are running more as a team then last year,” said senior captain Peter Flint.

The girls team has shown some improvement, despite losing numerous runners to graduation. “Losing our senior runners from last year has had an effect” said junior Lien Vu. Luckily, the team has several strong runners, including Hannah Tubb and Rebeca Grimsley.

“Some of the teams most improved runners have been Lien Vu, Anais Jojic, and Crystal Cregge,” said head coach Phil Harris.

One individual runner that has shown tremendous improvement has been Danny Wirdzek. “Danny

has droped 3 minutes off of his 3 mile time,” said assistant coach Zach Sykes. His recent improvement was facilitated by a running camp which he went to in the summer, which he says improved his skill and endurance. “It gave me a real boost for the season,” said Wirdzek.

The team has many goals for the rest of the year, including success at the regional competition at Burke Lake Park. “We would like to be in the top four at that meet,” said Harris. Before the regionals the team participates in other competitions, such as Oatlands Invitational and the Octoberfest Invitational. At these upcoming competitions, the team hopes to continue some of its recent success.

Besides races, one of the hardest parts of participating in cross-country involves the long and harsh practices. “We have worked hard, and some of the practices during the summer were grueling,” admitted Harris. The team will run up to 5-6 miles in any given practice.

Nevertheless, the team continues to persevere through the practices and continues to improve.

It is not past-time for America’s Pastime For all you football nuts (which includes me), I have one thing to say: Baseball is here and it’s about to get as exciting as ever! While the 2006 regular season is concluding,

the best is still to come.

In a few weeks, Major League Baseball will enter its postseason with a flurry of exciting storylines. The Detroit Tigers enter the playoffs for the first time since 1987, while the New York Yankees play in October for the ninth consecutive season. As of Sunday, the Philadelphia Phillies have the lead in the National League wild card race. Will they take home the crown like wild card winners Red Sox in 2004 and the White Sox in 2005?

Before we get into the October Classic, it is only right to honor those who have made this past regular season so special. Here are my 2006 award winners…

National League Rookie of the Year: Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals.

Zimmerman has a .284 batting average, 19 homeruns (in a stadium that is pitcher-friendly) and 101 runs-batted-in. Not only are his offensive numbers impressive,

but he is one of the premier defensive third baseman in the game today.

American League Rookie of the Year: Francisco Liriano, Minnesota Twins.

Liriano not only is the best rookie in baseball, but he should be considered for the AL CY Young Award as best pitcher in the American League. His numbers as a rookie starter are unheard of, going 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA. Alongside ace Johan Santana, the two Twin starters maybe the best 1-2 bullpen combination in baseball.

NL CY Young Award (given to the best pitcher in each respective league): Brandon Webb, Arizona Diamondbacks.

While the National League did not have a clear-cut winner, the top choice would be Webb, who racked up a 16-7 season with an ERA of 2.95. If he were on a better team than the NL West’s last place Diamondbacks, this choice would not even be debatable.

AL CY Young Award: Johan Santana, Minnesota Twins Eighteen wins and a 2.76 ERA. When Santana takes the mound, Twin players realize that if they just put up runs, they will win the game. It’s as simple as that. If you polled opposing managers on who they would like to face the least, it would be Santana. By far the best pitcher in baseball.

NL Manager of the Year: Joe Girardi, Florida Marlins In his first season as manager, Girardi has taken a team

with the lowest payroll in baseball - a lineup with more rookies than veterans and literally no owner or fan support - to near contention for the National League Wild Card.

AL Manager of the Year: Jim Leyland, Detroit Tigers Returned to baseball this past season hoping to turn around a Tigers team that previously lost 91 games. He did that and more. As of Sunday, Detroit won the AL Central Division with a record of 94-62, advancing to the postseason for the first time since 1987.

NL MVP: Ryan Howard, Philadelphia Phillies At the All-Star Break in July, the Phillies did not even look like playoff contenders. But after David Bell and Bobby Abreu were traded, Howard carried the team on his back and has single-handedly put Philadelphia in the top spot for the National League Wild Card. As of Sunday, he has 58 home runs, 143 RBIs and is batting .314.

AL MVP: Jermaine Dye, Chicago White Sox Though it does not appear the White Sox will be headed back to the postseason to defend their World Series Title, Dye is the most consistent hitter in the American League.

Dye is in the top 10 for home runs (43), RBIs (119), OnBase-Percentage (.388), and Slugging Percentage (.621).

He is also one of the best defensive outfielders in the game today, making him the total package.

The postseason of baseball never disappoints, often with unbelievable upsets and dramatic finishes. Unfortunately, baseball will only be here for one more month. Catch it while you can.

WILL MORRIS Year: Senior Sport: Varsity Football Statistic: Leading Tackler for one of the top defenses in the Region Player Quote: “Will Morris is an excellent leader, never misses a practice and is respected by his entire team,” said Coach Dick Adams

NATHAN CARTAGENA Year: Senior Sport: Varsity Football Statistic: Rushed for 225 yards and two touchdowns; threw for 121 yards and two touchdowns Player Quote: “The past two games our offensive line has stepped up, helping me perform at my best,” said Cartagena.

Atomic Athletics The records of JV Sports around AHS

JV Field Hockey

0-3-1 JV Football

1-1 JV Volleyball

5-1

All sports records taken from www.annandaleatoms.com

18 What T.V. premiere are you most excited for and why?

“The O.C because the drama is entertaining.”

—Maggie Craig freshman

“Monday Night Football because it’s fun to watch football.”

—Matt Beamer sophomore

“Grey’s Anatomy because there’s a whole bunch of drama.”

—Nicole Richey junior

“My Name is Earl because it tickles me.”

—Mike Stavenjord senior

ENTERTAINMENT

BY ALYSSA NAVARRETE AND DAVID SHERMAN Co-Editors in Chief Arena Stage’s production of Cabaret is bo mesmerizing and meaningful. The play be in Berlin, Germany in 1931. Because of the period in which it is set, Cabaret combines ent ment with poignant, pre- World War II topics Clifford Bradshaw, a young, struggling author, comes to Berlin in search of inspira next novel. Instead, he finds himself infat Sally Bowles, a provocative dancer at the Kat Klub.”

Cliff and Sally struggle to keep their love al the city around them begins to fall under th the Nazi. When Sally suddenly becomes pr the couple struggles to decide whether of n will keep the baby.

Act one of Cabaret is much more playfu act two. The first act contains little reference coming war or the Nazi troops. Instead, it develops all of the characters. After the in mission, act two takes on a much more poli angle. The characters that the audience come to love begin to make serious and con versial decisions. Among these are the decis to follow the Nazi party and the decision to an abortion. Additionally, the second act m many anti-Semitic references.

One area in which Cabaret truly shin talent of the cast. Meg Gillentine, who playe is clearly a triple threat. Her dancing, sing acting were flawless and she brought an dinary amount of passion to the role. Addit the “Emcee” of Cabaret,played by Brad Os tremendously talented.

The remarkable acting in the play was c mented by the sets and costumes.All of the on stage, both the actors and the mus were dressed from head to toe in costum matched well with the theme of the play.

The stage on which the play is prefo Fichandler stage, provided the perfect s for Cabaret. Fichandler Stage is round has seating available on all sides, which members of the audience a perfect view f every angle. The circular stage also serve

Upcoming CD Releases

create a very close, intimate setting between the actors and the audience.

Though Cabaret is well done and interesting, it is not suitable for younger audiences. A large portion of the play takes

Senior Daniel Kim is one of the first students at AHS to take advantage of iTunes newest introduction to the technological world. Some of the movies that Kim has downloaded include Anchorman and Wedding Crashers, and he is planning on downloading more in the future.

Since the introduction of their first portable music player in 2001, Apple Computer, Inc. has produced mp3 players in a variety of sizes and capabilities to display and keep your digital pictures, hold an entire CD collection and play your favorite music videos. Recently Apple introduced the ability to buy full-length movies off of iTunes and sync them to an iPod. “I think that it’s great because now you have a portable mp3 player that can play music and movies. I’ve been downloading movies onto my iPod,”

said Kim. Apple customers are now able to search for their favorite movies and download them directly off of iTunes, and they have the option of watching them while they download. This feature is only for the iPod video, not the iPod nano or the iPod shuffle.

As of Sept. 19 there are approximately 140 movies available in the iTunes movie library. More recent film titles include, Annapolis, Stick It, Glory Road and The Wild. iPod associates say that new movies will be as progressive as the music videos and television shows were.

Most of the available movies that are currently on iTunes are from Disney. This is because the Chair of Apple, Steve Jobs, is also on the Board of Directors for Disney.

As new releases come out, viewers will be able to “pre-order” movies as well as actually watch the film as it downloads.

Another recent release is the new iPod Nano. It comes equipped in five new colors, a much thinner design, a brighter display and a 24 hour battery life. It is also available now in 2GB, 4GB and 8GB with the ability to hold 25,000 pictures, podcasts and

A continuum of the past Alan Jackson - Like Red on a Rose (Sept. 26) www.alanjackson.com

Ludacris - Release Therapy (Sept. 26) wwww.ludacris.com

Evanescence - The Open Door (Oct. 3) www.evanescence.com

Mayer sadly laments the loss of a love. But it’s more then that. He is lamenting a love that is in the process of being lost. His metaphor for slow dancing in a burning room speaks to the feeling of a relationship spiraling down when there is nothing that Entertainment Review can be done to save it.

The abundant guitar

By Emily Sample solos throughout the album come into the spotlight in ‘Bold as Love,’ a remake of Continuum- n:Acontinuous extent, the Jimi Hendrix. Mayer adds his own succession, or whole in which no part is flair with newer guitar styles and his distinct or distinguishable from the other classic, sultry voice. Of all the guitarists emerging after the golden age of rock ‘n’ parts.

John Mayer goes by the book with roll, Mayer is one of the most deserving to the title of his new album. Continuum follow in the footsteps of Hendrix. Though is just that, a continuation of his former he lacks some of Hendrix intrinsic outraalbums. If any of these songs that he has geousness, Mayer stays basically true to newly offered onto the public eye were to the lyrics, with only slight deviations to be magically transplanted onto another fit the new beat.

This album is best for the “chilling out” album, no one would know the difference.

He goes for the what-has-worked before scene; lying in bed or trying to do homeapproach, and luckily for him—it worked, work. I find it good to drive to because it keeps me from feeling frantic while just like it did last time.

Very little has changed between rushing around town. My only complaint could be that the entire album was slow.

Continuum and There are almost no upbeat songs to add CD Review a good mix.

Heavier John Mayer Things.

Continuum He employs the same guitar beat rhythm that has been prevalent through all three albums. The piano solos and high, smooth voice are still there. But now, he has added worldly lyrics. His lyrics, in his first album serenading love and the nerd style, have now John Mayer came out with his new attached themselves to war, indifference, album, Continuum, on Sept. 12. belief, and the usual broken heart.

In “Slow Dancing InABurning Room”

Sample This

B+

Jet - Shine On (Oct. 3) www.jettheband.com

place in the “Kit Kat Klub,” which is essentially a 1930s strip club. The costumes that the actors wear during the scenes in the club are skimpy and provocative. However, the provocative tone during these scenes, though inappropriate for children, blends perfectly with the rest of the play.

Arena Stage made it clear why Cabaret is being preformed now rather than at any other time. Along the programs that were handed out at the show, a letter was included to explain why Cabaret is such a timely production.

“Cabaret is especially timely,” said Artistic Director Molly Smith in the letter. “Today in America, our rights are also eroding, and Arena’s production of Cabaret will highlight these losses in a dramatic way.

In one particular scene, a clear reference is made to the war in Iraq. In this scene, while the Nazis are eating Bradshaw, two of the Nazis take his tie like a og leash and pose for pictures, smiling all the while.

This scene draws a startling comparison to the pictures aken of Iraqi prisoners at Abu-Gahrib prison.

The final scene of Cabaret is perhaps the most poignant in the entire play. The scene takes place at a train station. At this point, Cliff has decided to return toAmerica and leave Sally behind. While at the train station, every member of the cast that is not acting in the scene files on stage in very average, plain clothing. The people form two lines and act as if they are boarding a train. When the people file off stage, symbolic of the train leaving he station, only their shoes are left behind. This is early a direct reference to the Holocaust.

The final scene is incredibly solemn. Once the scene es to a close, all of the actors file back on stage to their bows. However, the curtain call for Cabaret ery serious. All of the actors took one bow together, ut the slightest hint of a smile on their faces. Once w had been taken, the actors left the stage. The n call seemed appropriate after the somber final however it was drastically different from the msical atmosphere that Cabaret began with.

Cabaret will be showing at Arena Stage through t. 29. Tickets are available for almost all shows for pproximately 60 dollars per ticket. To purchase ickets, log on to www.arena-stage.org. or call (202) 488-3300.

Movies now available on iTunes

BY CAROLINE MERTZ Staff Writer

—Virginia Crowley English Teacher

Sept. 27 2006

Arena Stage takes on Cabaret

Downloading movies now an option for Apple users

“NCIS [Naval Criminal Investigative Service] because I can have fun with it while grading vocabulary cards.”

A

t

audiobooks. It changed the slogan from “Puts up to 1,000 songs in your pocket” to “Puts up to 2,000 songs in your pocket”.

In addition, the iPod shuffle has shrunk to 1.62 inches long, weighs in at .5 ounce, and holds up to 240 songs.

Apple has also unveiled iTunes 7, the newest iTunes software. It has “Cover Flow,” Automatic AlbumArt, and other features, including multiple libraries, library backup, ratings and parental controls.

Another product introduced back in 2005 was the “iTV,” a set-top box announced for release in January of 2007. Some AHS are excited the new options on iTunes.

Senior Grace McMurry already downloads T.V show The Office.

“I’m excited to download The Little Mermaid so that I can watch it when I go on trips,” said McMurry.

He’s bringing sexy back

BY LAYLUMA HOTAKI Entertainment Editor News flash! The N’Sync craze is back! Well, only if you take Joey, Lance, JC, and Chris out of the picture. Who’s the only one left? Justin!

Man, is this guy on fire or what?

Four years ago he came out with his first solo album, Justified, which sold multi-million copies. I believe this is Justin moving away from the slick sounds of R&B from his debut album and opting for a more funk-rock kind of sound.

With one hit single out, “SexyBack,” (featuring Timbaland) Timberlake is taking over radio stations, music channels, and much more. As I recall, the local Top 20 music station, Hot 99.5, was transformed into Justin 99.5 on Sept. 14. The radio station played only Justin Timberlake music for a whole

CD Review

Justin Timberlake Future Sex, Love Sounds

B day. I wonder how much he paid them to do that…

Although it’s not like he doesn’t have the money to spare for publicity stunts such as that. Within the first week of release, it sold more than 1.8 million copies.

There was so much hype and anticipation surrounding the release of Future Sex, Love Sounds. With a title like that, you’re bound to attract many young teenagers, right?

Timberlake works with big R&B

Singer Justin Timberlake is bringing “SexyBack” with his new album.

stars and producers to make this fulllength album a great listen. Some of these include Snoop Dogg, Will.I.Am, Three 6 Mafia, and probably the most popular of them all, Timbaland, who co-produced the album as well as singing on it.

As his comeback song, the aforementioned “SexyBack,” is a dirty club banging single, was an excellent choice, a no-brainer, if you will. I bet you could even compare it to Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy.”

Another great addition to the album is a slick jam co-produced with Timbaland and featuring T.I. is “My Love,” in which he maintains his hot and fizzy style that we all know and love him for.

When asked to give a comparison for JT, Michael Jackson, in my opinion, fits it most – musically, that is.Any other comparison is more of an insult, rather than a compliment.

When JT gets his groove on, he can be exceptionally funky. But when he does the love songs, then it’s like a blast from the past... those good old N’Sync days. So I guess the sex part is coming up in the future, but as for those love sounds… they’re amazing.

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20 Upcoming Concerts

WEEKEND Cool places to visit on your

James Blunt Friday, October 13

9:30 Club

Built to Spill Monday, October 9 DMX Thursday, October 12

Sept. 27, 2006

Day in Adams Morgan

BY KATE MCCORMACK Weekend Editor

Merriweather Post Pavilion

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Adams Morgan, located in Northwest Washington, D.C., is home to many different shops and restaurants. Although it is known mostly to an older crowd because of its many bars, it also has many places that would appeal to teenagers.

In the five-square-block area where most of the commercial establishments are located, one can choose from a variety of ethnic cuisines. Among them are Ethio-

pian, Mexican, Italian, Vietnamese, West African, French, Cajun, Brazilian and Chinese. There are even a few American restaurants, including the usual assortment of fast food establishments and coffee places (Starbucks, Caribou Coffee etc.)

Although The Washington Post recently called Adams Morgan “the devils playground’ because of crimes that have gone on at night, during the dayAdams Morgan is full of life and pleasant people.

18th street in Adams Morgan is often forgotten as one of Washington’s great

places to visit especially just to get a bite to eat. Often overlooked for its neighbor Georgetown, Adams Morgan is a worth while trip for more culturally diverse foods.

The area is served by a number of Metrobus lines, and the nearest Metro stations are Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan (Red line), and Columbia Heights (Green line). After taking the metro it is only a short walk before colorful buildings line the streets.

To get away from the normal

Annandale eateries that everyone goes to, travel to Adams Morgan for the diverse restaurants.

Adams Morgan’s buildings are part of the appeal. They are brightly painted townhouses in which all of the stores and bars are located. This makes all of the stores long, thin and most have two floors.

If you’re out of ideas for what to do on a weekend, go to Adams Morgan because it is full of city life and good shopping.

KATE MCCORMACK

What it sells: Records, cds, t-shirts, posters.

Black Cat

Sparta Tuesday, October 10

State Theatre

Atmosphere: Carefree with a good feel. Staff is friendly and helpful.

2318 18th Street, NW www.crookedbeat.com

Crooked Beat is filled with both old time record albums and newwave, indie, punk, rock, classic and alternative cds.

The Gin Blossoms Monday, October 2

KATE MCCORMACK

Five For Fighting Monday, October 16

Why go there? It has a wide selection of records and cds, all of which you can listen to before purchasing. There are also posters for 99 cents and band shirts.

Trysts menu contains many sandwiches and coffee items, along with a bakery section filled with pastries.

What it sells: Brunch, lunch, dinner, desserts, coffee.

Why go there? It is a nice place to go and just hang out.

During the warmer months the windows open so that the whole restaurant is partially outdoors. The seating is comprised of comfy couches and chairs. There are many different cake options, and the food is fresh.

What it sells: Books, journals, records, cds.

Why go there? It has comfortable chairs to sit and read in, along with a wide selection of books. Outside of the store there are carts filled with books for one dollar, and bins of free cds.

The Birchmere

KATE MCCORMACK

Lisa Marie Presley Wednesday, October 4

Sonar

Sugarcult Sunday, October 1 Social Distortion Friday, October 6

Unlike most bookstores these days, Idle Time Books has a classic book store feel.

Atmosphere: Young, hip, comfortable.

2459 18th Street, NW http://adamsmorgan.net/tryst/

Atmosphere: Cozy, smells like books.

2467 18th Street, NW http://www.abebooks.com/ home/idletim KATE MCCORMACK

Shear Madness

Sunday, October 1 Twelve Angry Men Tuesday October 3

Warner Theatre

Prince Geroge’s Classic Comedy Show September 30 Rain- The Beatles Experience Friday, October 6 Saturday, October 7 Sunday, October 8

What it sells: Women’s, Men’s and Children’s shoes. For the most part it sells boots, dress shoes and some sporty shoes.

Bazaar Atlas sells many African carpets, congo drums (above) and colorful beads (top right).

Why go there? Because it sells different types of shoes then cannot be found in the usual department stores.

Some of the more “out there” shoes would be good for a costume, or just for anyone with a wacky sense of style.

What it sells: Beading, bedding, tiles, African posters, instruments, baskets, handmade purses, armoires, mirrors, masks, statues, and wall decorations.

KATE MCCORMACK

Kennedy Center

KATE MCCORMACK

Upcoming Plays and Shows

Atmosphere: Fun, welcoming 1512 U Street, NW www.luckymag.com

Outside of Red Box Shoes, Co. shoes line the street and hang off of a fence outside.

Chow Down

Nick Lachey- “What’s Left of Me” Tuesday, October 10

Shakespeare Theatre Co. An Enemy of the People Sunday, October 22

Fordʼs Theatre

State of the Union Sunday, October 22

belly dancers who go around to tables and dance.

The lighting throughout the restaurant is dimmed, and all of the tables have candles. This darkened feel makes the restaurant feel cozy, while the painted red walls make it feel lively as well.

Every course comes with bread before hand and even that is artistically presented. Waiters come around with a large basket of breads which you can choose from.After choosing, a plate with balsamic vinegar and butter is Restaurant Guide brought over.

By Kate McCormack and Tim Shadyac Servers were generally friendly and meals came about 15 minutes after being ordered.

The menu has a wide variety of items for all tastes, Mie N Yu is not just a restaurant, it is a state of but most contain meat, so vegetarians might have mind.

Upon entering, you are greeted by hosts and hostesses happy to meet every customers needs. Right away looking at the decor it is obvious that Mie N Yu is different then the average eatery.

The restaurant boasts four main rooms, each of a different theme and each equally charming. The main room is called the Moroccan Bazaar and has cushioned seats. Above the Moroccan Bazaar are two birdcages where people can sit around two large tables.

The Baroque room is located upstairs and the seats have large ‘tree-like’ backs. Along the walls there are nooks for people on dates. These small rooms have curtains that can be drawn to give more privacy.

The two other rooms, the Tibetan Lounge and TurkAbove is banana hummus, one of Mie N Yuʼs many ish tent, can be rented for large parties. delicious appetizers.

On weekends, there are DJs who play live music and

Why go there? It is filled with odds and ends that are different and interesting. Everything is sold at good prices, and for the next month it will all be on sale 2540% off. It is a fun place to go because it feels like you are entering a different country.

Atmosphere: Stuffy, other-worldly 2405 18th Street, NW www.dcnet.com trouble deciding.

Mie N Yu is known among an older age group for the wine tastings it holds, and that is why the restaurant is known as being expensive. And although meals at Mie N Yu are more pricey than Fuddruckers, they are big enough so they can be shared.

Because of the lively atmosphere and tasty food, Mie N Yu One of the four themed rooms the Moroccan Bazaar room is perfect for a first date. is which has plush seats with Mie N Yu is the per- pillows. fect place for people tired of the ordinary and ready for something extroardinary Mie N Yu 3125 M Street, NW www.mienyu.com

Food: Service: Decor: