Issue 7

A

ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

the VOLUME #60 ISSUE 7

4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003 470

Informinng the Atoms siince 1954 4

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

(703) 642-4229

Mr. Annandale crowned Senior Robert Lamb bests competition

BY BERTA TARQUI AND MERY BERHANE

JAROD GOLUB

Co-Editor in Chief and Staff Writer

Senior Robert Lamb was crowned this year's Mr. Annandale out of the 13 contestants.

After singing a song while playing his guitar and showing off his strength by lifting balloons, Leadership crowned senior Robert Lamb this year's Mr. Annandale.

"I feel relieved now that its over, I didn't think I was going to win honestly, when I didn't get one of those [category sashes] I didn't think so," Lamb said.

Throughout the competition, there were different categories in which other contestants could have placed as well.

Senior Michael Velasquez was crowned Mr. Elegance; senior Luvius Thanh was given the title of Mr. Muscle; junior Alhassan Sessay was chosen as Mr. Talent as well as Mr. Fan Favorite and junior Nana Forson was crowned Mr. Spirit.

A new category was introduced this year, Mr. Intelligence and which was awarded to senior Akim Bangura.

The panel of teacher judges included technology teacher Phillip Harris, Latin teacher Norm Ash, English teacher Kathleen Mathis, social studies teacher John Hawes and safety and security assistant Carl Klein. The judges chose the winner of the competition from the 13 contestants who participated.

Acts such as singing and dancing were popular among the juniors and seniors.

To determine the winner of the competition, judges rated each contestant for each category from a one to a ten which was then combined to determine their final scores which decided the overall winner.

The audience was laughing throughout most of the categories which was the general atmosphere during the competition.

"The talent I did was from African culture to make people laugh. I will probably come to watch from college next year," Bangura said.

Others saw it as an opportunity to participate in something that they usually would not see themselves doing.

"Mr. Annandale is about giving kids an opportunity to come on stage and share they're talent with others and as a result, hopefully

Austin Hall breaks record

BY DANIEL YENEGETA Sports X-tra

Lamb and his escort during the Elegance portion of the competition.

cause someone to step out of their comfort zone and share their talent as well," junior Nana Forson said.

For his talent portion, Forson played the guitar with two backup singers, and eventually invited one of the judges, Mathis, on the stage.

The 13 candidates as well as the other people involved have put lots of dedication and effort into this annual event.

"There was a lot more diversity among the candidates this year which was really nice to see variety of acts," leadership sponsor Carmen Bartley said.

AHS Alum charged with murder

see RECORD pg. 15

Elective Fair held

BY JAROD GOLUB Co-Editor in Chief Reginald James Scott, an AHS alum from the Class of 2012 was charged with the murder of a student at the University of Illi- Scott nois at UrbanaChampaign.

According to Champaign police reports, Scott and the other convicted student had arranged a meeting with the student before hand and were planning to rob him of the see SCOTT pg. 5

BY HABEN CHEFFENA Staff Writer

MONEY MAKER

Annual competition preparation begins

BY OMAR HADDOU AHMAD AYUB

Teachers prepare presentations for upcoming classes

JAROD GOLUB

Black History Bowl

Clubs and organizations cash in on Valentine's Day

decided to sponsor a matchmaker questionnaire for all classes. The filled out slips of questions would then be sent off to the Matchmaker company and the results of the people paired can be bought by the a student who participated in it. The results cost two dollars and can be bought at all uestions varying from your height preference to the type of lunches. The results are also private to that person and are delivered in an animal you think best suits your personality were asked on a envelope. red slip given to students in their W4 classes. A matchmaker While the Class of 2015 is hoping to help aid questionnaire was given in the hopes to new friendships or relationships that may not have show students who their perfect match would be. The Classof 2015 sponsored the matchmaker activity in MATCHMAKER FACTS flourished without the help of this questionnaire, the results are not to be taken seriously as the perfect the hopes of raising money for Prom. match for you.

The Class of 2015 fundraiser is just one of many · 852 students took "They might look beautiful, but if you have a ways that organizations try to raise money around the matchmaker terrible personality, that can make you the most ugly this time of year. questionnarie. person in the world," junior Hime Kebede said.

As Valentine's Day approached clubs and organiza· Results were sold in Rm 77 Sponsor Craigan Winkler had completed a persontions throughout AHS took the chance to raise money. and during all lunches. ality matchmaker in her high schools years and found The Chorus Department raised money by having it very successful so she decided to bring it to AHS. students buy a Singing Valentine. A chorus student · The categories of the results were split into "I think it can be a good strategy to meet new would then come around to the classrooms and sing males and females. people because when you get your results back, there a song to the student that the Valentine was sent to. might be people on the list that you might not even be The culinary arts department sold cookie grams which · The top 15 matches were friends with or didn't think that you were as compatwere given out during W6 and W8. shown. ible with," Winkler said.

Upwards of $300 was raised through the · Facts from the data given The questionnaire was was taken by about 852 matchmaker fundraiser, which highlights the comshowed the amount students and for the most part, they did not take the mercialization of Valentine's day. Small presents ofpeople with the same test seriously. available through the school such as cookie grams and first and last name and birthday.

"For the most part I took most of the questions singing valentines make presenting giving convenient pretty seriously," Kebrom said. "I feel like other to students.

To go along with this theme, the Class of 2015 see MATCHMAKER pg. 5

BY BERTA TARQUI Co-editor in Chief

AND

Staff Writers Who was the first African American to play in the MLB? "Jackie Robinson!" senior Umar Farooq buzzes in.

This is one of the possible questions that can be heard at the Black History Bowl on Thursday, Feb. 26.

At the Black History Bowl, students from each grade compete to show which class knows the most about the history of African Americans in the U.S. Last year, the sophomores took home the trophy, after a great competition hosted by technology education teacher Phillip Harris.

This year, Harris will return to lead the event that is to be held in the auditorium.

The competition asks the students questions about five different categories - Maya Angelou, Harlem Renaissance Poets, Famous Vir-

Q

see BLACK HISTORY BOWL pg. 5

Baby care project Students take care of babies to practice for real life Academics 6

The boys varsity basketball team's victory over the West Potomac Wolverines was special in more ways than one. The game secured the boys fifth spot in the conference, extended the team's winning streak to four games, and school history was made.

Austin Hall needed seven points last night to become the school's all time leading point scorer. Hall scored nine in the first quarter alone, with the record-breaking shot being a step back three-pointer from the right corner. The announcer officially recognized the achievement a few seconds after the bucket as the crowd roared.

"It felt really good, it was like scoring my thousandth point all over again," Hall said. "So much work went into that, and to achieve that feels really good and it's really special."

The Atoms found themselves down by seven at the half, after the Wolverines had a 20 point second

Humans of Annandalee Behind the lives of students and faculty In Depth 10-11

Interracial couples

Couples come together as one despite cultural differences People 13

The announcements commenced the start of the elective fair. Students rushed through the halls with their favorite choices marked. Some students used this time to introduce themselves to new classes such as IB Topics, while some organized with their friends to join a class together.

The elective fair is a four session fair where students explore electives that they might want to join next year.

As some students have heard business classes have become mandatory, as in you have to take a business class in order to graduate.

Also starting with the Class of 2017, students must take an online class throughout their high school career. see ELECTIVE pg. 5

SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS PHYSICS 1st place - Dylan Jones, Nicholas Russell and Everett Butler 2nd place - Benjamin Betts and Alex Pham-Minh Tran

BIOLOGY 1st place - Marina Chen and Astha Banjara 2nd place - Lidya Peters, Vittoria Duquette and Jemela Kanu 2nd place - Jhoselyn Cordoba, Cindy Ma and Anakim Herbas

CHEMISTRY 1st place - Sabrina Huynh, Erin Lundy and Jessica Ferson 2nd place - Erin Ahn and Casana Nguyen

2 EDITORIALS

Feb. 18, 2015

The consequences of lying

BY PHUONG NGUYEN Editorials Editor NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams reported during the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 that his helicopter was shot down by an RPG in the middle of the Iraqi desert. Little did Williams know that he would become part of the news story rather than reporting the news 12 years later.

Williams addressed that he made a mistake in his coverage of the helicopter incident in front of millions of television viewers last week. He admitted that the helicopter he was travelling in was behind the actual aircraft struck by the RPG and apologized to veterans that were part of the convoy.

Williams retold the story on numerous occasions during interviews and successive coverages of Iraq War events.

Although it may seem like an honest attempt to correct an innocent mistake, Williams made his already troubling situation worse with his confession.

It's disappointing to see that one of most watched anchors of all time who is often compared to Walter Cronkite witness an abrupt downfall.

However, Williams should have been

more responsible in his handling of the facts.

Williams should have verified his facts before announcing to all of America that he was involved in a fictitious helicopter attack in the desert.

Williams broke perhaps the most important rule aspect in journalist ethics which is to "seek the truth and report it" listed on the Society of Professional Journalists ethical code.

Accuracy is crucial to the credibility of journalists and news agencies because no audience would ever rely on a news source that is rifled with lies.

William's alleged "mistake" makes a mockery of professional journalism.

Did it ever occur to Williams that his "mistake" will catch up to him after years of reciting the story numerous times television?

Iraq War veterans that were in the same helicopter convoy as Williams also for years that the news anchor was providing false accounts of the RPG incident.

Williams was oblivious to the fact that he lied even after facing scrutiny from veterans. He should have corrected his initial report immediately after recognizing its flaws, yet choose to admit the lie twelve years

PHUONG NGUYEN AND CHELSEA ALFONSO

Anchor Brian Williams embellishes news story

The more Brian Williams stretches the truth of his reporting, the lengthier his list of lying allegations become.

too late.

Williams' popularity and rank as one of the best news anchors in America likely got the best of him.

The real motive behind Williams' lie may never be truly revealed for some time as he has been placed on a six month dismissal from NBC News.

In this day and age where social media and the Internet are part of everyone's lives, such news gaffes are not likely to be ignored by the public.

The topic #BrianWilliamsMisremembers has been trending on Twitter, highlighting the once iconic figure's abrupt decline to notoriety.

If Williams admitted to making a mistake on the helicopter incident in Iraq what else did he get wrong along the twelve years?

Williams is also suspected of falsifying a several stories during his coverage of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

According to the New York Daily News, Williams reported to have

witness sights of dead bodies floating in the French Quarter of New Orleans, contracted dysentery and encountered a hotel filled with gangs.

Sources are questioning the accuracy of these claims as flooding in the French Quarter was minor and no cases of dysentery were reported to the city health department.

If all the accusations of Williams falsifying the stories turn out to be true, Williams might as well give up his career to prevent further embarrassment.

Perhaps he could learn one or two things about striving for accurate reporting and honesty from student journalists at The A-Blast. Every member of The A-Blast is reminded from day one to be accurate never plagiarize or fabricate any stories.

The previously mentioned factors are crucial to maintain the trust of students and the community.

We understand that failure to comply with the standards results in harsh and lasting consequences to the reputation of the newspaper.

With all things considered, it's very unlikely that Williams will regain his image as a popular and trustful news source on NBC. Williams will soon join the ranks of Lance Armstrong and David Petraeus as one of the worst liars of all time.

Lance Armstrong failed to admit to the public of his doping allegations since the '90s. The seven time Tour de France winner's career turned out to be completely fictional when the truth came out in 2013.

David Petraeus was involved in a scandal in 2012 for leaking classified documents to his biographer and mistress Paula Broadwell.

Petraeus has yet to admit to the allegations of the leakings.

Once hailed as a CIA genius, Petraeus faced a considerable decline is his status and credibility, highlighting that dishonesty will ultimately lead to downfalls.

Any person can learn from the dishonesty of public figures such as Williams, Armstrong and Petraeus.

Posing fake stories as actual news and the failure to be accountable will inevitably lead to public backlash.

Colleges crack down on student truancy

BY PHUONG NGUYEN Editorials Editor Its 6 a.m. in the morning and students are waking up from horrific "all-nighters" digging through piles of math homework or cramming for that dreaded midterm. Some students may contemplate on ditching school for day to catch up on unfinished homework or some much needed sleep.

However, skipping classes is not an option for many college students as schools are cracking down on truancy with a smartphone application called Class120.

For $17.99 a month, Class120 alerts parents, administrators and professors when a student is not present in one of their classes.

Some students may argue that the app is an invasion of their privacy, however the app is completely optional for students to use. Some students enjoy using Class120 to keep to save their attendance records.

Although Class120 may sound like a tool for colleges to stalk their students, there are no threats of

privacy concern as the app only monitors student whereabouts during class transitions.

Creator Jeff Whorley claims that his app will prevent students in America from wasting over $31 billion dollars in unattended classes each school year.

Class120 highlights that colleges are increasingly treating students less as adults and more as high schools who need extra guidance.

Colleges such as Villanova University, University of Arkansas, Harvard, and St Mary's University have adopted similar methods to combat truancy.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Villanova uses an ID card system to track whether students attend lectures while students at Harvard are filmed in the halls to monitor trends of class skipping.

Use of apps such as Class120 highlights the need to encourage students of attending classes in order to increase graduation rates.

According to the National Center for Education Statistic, only a total of 59% of full time four year undergraduate students graduate on time

CLASS120.COM

Smartphone app monitors attendance

Class120 keeps students in line by sending alerts to parents and administers regarding abscences.

in 2012 A graduation rate of 59% in a developed country that's involved in practically every international affair is abominable.

Showing to class impacts a student's performance in their classes.

Students who rarely miss classes have higher final marks than students than those that skip.

University students in China and

Japan must be laughing at us incompetent Americans for failing to do the simple task of showing up to class.

How can America expect to be a leader in the global community when its students are too lazy to show up to class?

The United States ranks 27 in mathematics, 17 in reading

and 20 in science; below the average for developed countries based on 2012 PISA exam results.

It's very likely that being lazy and skipping classes is negatively affecting the educational system.

There is nothing for students to gain from skipping classes as they are simply throwing away thousands of dollars of college investments

Dos and Don'ts of SATs

Staff EDITORS IN CHIEF Jarod Golub Berta Tarqui

INTERNATIONAL EDITOR: Summar Ayoub

HEAD OF SOCIAL MEDIA: Andrew Gonzalez

MANAGING EDITOR Chelsea Alfonso

ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS: Nuhami Mandefro Conrad Shartel

HEAD VIDEOGRAPHER: Rahel Tecle

EDITORIALS EDITORS Phuong Nguyen Sarah Metzel COPY EDITOR Linus Bumbaca IN-DEPTH EDITORS Alexandra Zernik Cayley Byrne SPORTS EDITORS: Marife Baragano Sabrina Hawa SPORTS XTRA EDITOR: Daniel Yenetega PEOPLE EDITOR: Biruk Negash WEEKEND EDITOR: Erin Johnson

LIFESTYLES EDITORS: Soulisa Pathammavong Marilyn Rivas HEALTH EDITOR: Nancy Evora PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORS: Kiara Patino Julie Swenton ART EDITOR: Bailey Oliver ACADEMICS EDITORS: Kailyn Garay Alaina Garay WEB EDITOR/ MASTER: Jared Lefbom

AD MANAGER: Zeke Yonas CIRCULATION MANAGER: Zeke Yonas STAFF WRITERS: Sheila Aguirre Faisal Hassan Ricque' Lynch Thida Pathammavong Nebeyu Solomon Maria Suarez Raphael Yu Timothy Gray Tipyan Abdelrahman Marem Atef Ahmad Ayub Jeanine Barakat Haben Cheffna Omar Haddou

Emily Lien Mery Berhene Hussein Salem Arzoo Marzi Binqi Chen Judy Chen Mohamed Elhag Teagan Foti Ryan Gammon Jonathan Gutierrez Grace Hogye Crew McCarthy Ruth Mekonnen Julius Miller Sadie Modica Julie Nguyen Aseal Saed Sharon Sanchez Rachel Shogren Tooba Siddique Halley Thadeus PHOTOGRAPHER: Ricky Lam Emily Lien Andrew Nunez ADVISER: Alan Weintraut

down the drain.

A lifetime buried in debt is not worth it.

What's the point of students going to college if many are using their lecture blocks as campus social hour?

Skipping numerous classes has led to dire consequences for students. According to the Walls Street Journal, students on the cusp of failure dropout and are sometimes expelled.

Without a proper college education and career, students have no means of paying back debt for college educations now considered worthless.

The habit of skipping can be easily broken in high school where students are constantly reminded to go to class or suffer the consequences.

In addition, attending classes on time prepares students for the real world.

Some students don't realize that attending classes is the equivalent of showing up to a job on time and ready to work. Attendance can mean the difference between keeping a job and unemployment.

With that said, students at AHS who love to hide in the bathrooms or walk to Subway instead of going to W6 period need to watch it before the bad habit affects their future.

Annandale High School Vol. 60 No.7 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003 703.642.4229 Feb. 18, 2015 Adviser: Alan Weintraut ajweintraut@fcps.edu

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 emailed to theablast14@gmail.com or submitted to room 262 or mailed to the school. The A-Blast reserves the right to refuse advertisements.

All submissions become property of The A-Blast, Copyright, 2015.

No matter how good you think you are in English, study lots of vocabulary!

Don't forget your test ticket and student ID and home. You will be turned away from testing center.

Be sure to take many practice tests to prepare for the actual exam. Practice makes perfect!

Do not skip breakfast before the test. You will feel the the hungry later on while trying to read huge passages.

EDITORIALS 3

Feb. 18, 2014

War with Russia is not the answer Let's avoid World War III

BY SARAH METZEL

Indicated in red is the Crimean peninsula, the contested area of land on the southern coast of Ukraine.

RUSSIA FACTS

· Current President: Vladimir Putin · Capital: Moscow · Relationship status with the US: some think we could be going to war · Population: 143.5 million people · GDP per capita: 14,600 USD

Petro Poroshenko fight over the coveted Crimean peninsula.

The Russian government reported that a referendum of Crimeans citizens last March indicated that 96 percent of Crimeans are in favor of annexation, or in other words officially becoming part of Russia.

As I read about this, I immediately became skeptical of this landslide result. As it turns out, I am not the only skeptic. Surprisingly, the

Russian government has an official Human Rights Council that regularly criticizes and exposes their government's civil rights issues.

After the results of the referendum came out, the Human Rights Council reported that at most, only 30 percent of Crimeans even showed up to vote for this referendum. More importantly, in this sample of the Crimean population, the divide between proponents and opponents of annexation is more evenly split.

It is important to know that this Council is one of the few government agencies in Russia that openly

"I doubt Ukraine welcomes the idea of the U.S. planting a stake in its future. Our unsavory reputation precedes us." criticizes Putin and his bureaucracy.

Unfortunately, some of the liberal members of this Council have recently resigned or have been "forced out".

It is undeniable that the Ukrainian and Russian cultures are closely connected, especially since Ukraine only became its own country a little over two decades ago in 1991. Crimea in particular has many citizens that ethnically identify as

WWW.USATODAY.COM

Tension has been building between the U.S. and Russia in recent months, leading many to wonder if conflict between these two nucleararmed nations could come to blows.

Vladimir Putin, the Russian prime minister, has made many decisions that clash with U.S. standards for democracy. For one thing, Putin granted asylum to Edward Snowden, a man wanted by the U.S. for leaking classified government information.

What is also concerning is that Putin has been known to squash his critics by either jailing them or sending them out of the country.

Putin's most damning decision in the eyes of Western leaders was to send troops into western Ukraine under the pretense of controlling the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution after they ousted their president.

There is no excuse for Putin's conduct. He was President of Russia from 2000 to 2008, and the fact that he is now serving a third term is just another indicator that his administration has become increasingly dictatorial.

This February marks the anniversary of Putin's first intervention in Ukraine. Throughout the past year, the violence between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian civilians has only escalated.

At this point, Russians are attacking towns in eastern Ukraine on a daily basis. This month the U.N. refugee agency reported that close to a million people have been displaced by the conflict.

Due to the increase in violence in the eastern provinces, infrastructure and basic health services have fallen apart. The town of Debaltseve has experienced the brunt of the violence. Its inhabitants are dependent on foreign assistance and live in constant fear of shellings and rocket attacks.

A large part of the current conflict is over Crimea, a peninsula on the southern coast of Ukraine that extends into the Black Sea. Throughout history, Crimea has been fought over by rulers because of its ideal location between central and eastern Europe.

History is repeating itself today as Putin and Ukrainian president

WWW.STATE.GOV

Editorials Editor

Ashely Graham is a trailblazer for all "plus size" models, though she avoids the label as much as possible.

Brave new fashion world Sarah Gets Sassy

BY SARAH METZEL Editorials Edtior To say the least, I was surprised when I heard the news that Sports Illustrated would be featuring plus size models in their 2015 swimsuit issue. Despite the fact that their photos are not featured on the cover, plus size models Robyn Lawley and Ashley Graham seem to be the two women getting the most hype.

Some people are mystified that Sports Illustrated considers Robyn Lawley to be a plus size model. I can understand their confusion, since from her photos she appears to be just as slender and toned as the next model.

The truth is she is 6'3'', which is tall even in the modeling world. She wears a size 12, and the fashion industry considers sizes 8 through 18 to be plus sizes.

Lawley also looks a lot healthier than some stick-thin models in magazines. Though she is bigger than most, the fact that she is over six feet tall and wears size 12 pants is a far cry from looking relatable in the eyes of most American women.

The average woman in the US is 5'4'' and a wears a size 14. A person with these measurements is considered overweight by the Body Mass Index (BMI).

Ashley Graham is the other plus size model featured in the issue. Graham, more than Lawley, represents a shift toward more realistic-looking models.

At 5'10'' and a size 14, Graham has recently be selected to be the face of the "Curves in Bikinis" advertisement campaign by the Swimsuits For All company.

In an advertisement clip that went viral on the internet, Graham walks past a group of men in a skimpy black bikini and heels, causing them to go crazy and jump into

a pool. It achieved its desired effect: it got people talking.

Being able to inspire discussion and change is exactly what Graham has wanted to do with her career. She considers herself a "body activist" and in an interview with CNN she said that this is "the curvy girl era."

Graham is truly a great role model for young girls who cannot identify with the popular portrayal of women in the media.

The advent of an age of healthier-looking models has been a long time coming. In 2012, Vogue magazine made a statement that "too young and too thin is no longer in."

They admitted to "unknowingly" featuring models who were under 16 and had eating disorders.

The main fashion organizations in Spain and Italy also contributed to the healthy-image effort by banning the featuring of models that are below the normal BMI level.

Of course, the men that play the supporting roles in the "Curves in Bikinis" advertisements have all the typical male model attributes: toned muscles, ripped sixpacks, and generally Adonis-like features.

Isn't that a bit of a double standard? That's not fair to all the guys out there who can't catch a break when it comes to their weight. This image of the impossibly toned male body is the only one being portrayed in the fashion industry.

This encourages women (and men, for that matter) to enter the dating scene with ridiculously high standards for their boyfriend's appearance, since that is the only ideal that has been expressed in the magazines.

For a society that puts such a high value on equality, I'm surprised that more people have not voiced their opinion on this topic. Sports Illustrated has made a huge step forward by featuring plus size models, thereby bringing this issue into the mainstream media.

So it appears that the era of the bulimic model is coming to a close. Models like Graham are making this happen by flaunting their curves and encouraging others to do the same.

No one should feel ashamed of who they are: the first step to loving yourself is feeling comfortable in your own skin.

Russian.

The way I see it, the conflicts happening between Ukraine and Russia are meant to be solved by the two parties involved.

I was happy to hear that last week, Presidents Poroshenko and Putin seem to finally be coming to an accord. On Feb. 12, four European leaders -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, Poroshenko and Putin -- convened in Minsk, Belarus, and signed a Ukrainian cease-fire agreement.

After 17 hours of negotiation, it was agreed that the cease-fire between Ukrainian and Russian forces would take place on Feb. 15.

The city of Minsk is the same location where previous accords involving Ukraine have been determined. Historically, these have had less than satisfactory results. Hopefully the latest agreement will prove more effective than the previous ones.

I am confident that Ukraine's European neighbors will be able to provide more than enough support in this difficult time of transition.

History has the tendency of repeating itself, but it can also serve as a cautionary tale. It is my hope that in this century, European leaders will not simply appease the bully on the block, as they did with Nazi Germany, but instead learn to lay down the law.

The economic sanctions we have

UKRAINE FACTS

· Current President: Petro Poroshenko · Capital: Kiev · Relationship status with the US: Obama is willing to protect Ukraine in the name of democracy · Population: 45.5 million people · GDP per capita: 3,900 USD

thus far imposed on Russia are good examples of how nations are able to stand up to an opponent without breaking out the bombs.

The U.S.-imposed economic sanctions on Russia are a viable method of deterring them from invading Ukraine, but military force is not. American intervention in foreign conflicts is not always beneficial to the war-torn nation.

We mean well by offering to help, but I doubt Ukrainians would welcome the idea of the U.S. planting a stake in their country's future. Our unsavory reputation precedes us.

I can see why the U.S. might be tempted to intervene in this European conflict to prevent a larger war from starting. The idea of extinguishing a relatively contained conflict between Ukraine and Russia is more palatable than the prospect of all-out nuclear war with Russia.

However, every country inevitably hits a few speed bumps as it develops. Ukraine has been officially independent from Russia for only 24 years, so it should expect to face a few difficulties on its path to maturity.

In our own nation, we have experienced significant transformations: the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, various civil rights movements and immigration reforms.

Many of us have older siblings who like to boss us around and make decisions for us. As a young sibling myself, I know when to take my older siblings' advice, but I also know that I internalize and learn from my experiences when I make my own calls.

If Ukraine is ever to become an independently-functioning sovereign nation, it needs to be able to make its own decisions.

In other words, now is not the time for the U.S. to intervene by arming Ukraine and sending them lethal weapons. During a press conference on Feb. 9, Obama hinted that this plan of action could be an option if Russia continues to terrorize Ukraine.

"We continue to encourage a diplomatic resolution on this issue," Obama said. "...the 21st century cannot stand idle and simply allow the borders of Europe to be redrawn at the barrel of a gun."

President Obama, who was delivered a joint address at the White House with German Chancellor Merkel, emphasized that Western nations need to present a united front to Russia, which is a nation that is largely isolated from the rest of the world.

"When free people stand united, our interests and our values will ultimately prevail," Obama said. "...we can end wars."

What is the only thing better than ending a war? Never starting one in the first place.

Are students under too much pressure?

BY SADIE MODICA AND JULIE NGUYEN Journalism I Students At Annandale High School, students are fortunate enough to be offered many different paths of education.

A more rigorous and ultimately rewarding path is that of the IB Diploma. Students have the option of taking IB classes (International Baccalaureate) which are college level courses one can take in high school for a GPA boost, an attractive course on their transcript and the much coveted college credit.

Also offered is the Advanced Diploma, which a student can get when they perform at a higher level than standard. Students may choose to take IB classes, but not partake in the full IB Diploma.

Regardless of where they stand with their class schedule, students at Annandale are very active in all sorts of extracurricular activities and sports. Throughout the school year, teachers expect their students to come to class, take notes, do homework and receive good grades. But do teachers fully understand how much pressure and stress is put on their students?

With the amount of work given to students in each of their classes, combined with extracurriculars and whatever else they occupy their time with, it can be hard for them to keep up their good work habits and stay organized. Especially for those taking IB courses, there may be little to no time for procrastination.

Despite the fact that some students may complain about their excessive amount of schoolwork, teachers also worry about how much stress their students are under.

"We talk about this as teachers, how our workload impacts our students and the stress level you guys face.

This is a conversation your teachers have," IB Anthropology teacher Lindsay Zurawski said, who also is the coordinator of CAS, a mandatory project for IB Diploma students that encourages them to reach out in their community and express themselves creatively.

"It's something we are aware of and it's something we try to be aware of when we assign you guys work in class," Zurawski said.

The work of a full schedule with honors or IB combined with various extracurriculars often leads to conflicts of time. "[My workload] affects how I manage my time," sophomore class president Saad Farooq said.

Time management is a very important skill for active students in Annandale, but sometimes, the virtue is not

enough. The work eventually impedes on the students ability to get enough sleep. A full nights sleep is gradually becoming a commodity among teenagers.

"On good school nights, which seems to be quite rare nowadays, [I get] around six to eight hours. On nights when there is a heavy workload, somewhere between three and five," junior IB Diploma candidate Kim Mai said.

School gets out at 2 p.m. If you do sports or clubs at AHS, however, you almost never get to leave at that time. Most athletes find themselves starting homework at night, and when homework turns out to take many hours, they have to delay their sleep greatly.

"Sometimes I have to stay up later doing homework because I will get home from practice late," sophomore track star Emily Pope said. "Usually, I end up going to bed around 12."

Although things like sports and clubs often force students to start their schoolwork later, there is a component of exercise and social interaction after school that actually relieves some of that stress. If a student goes home at 2:00 and they are inundated with homework, they often end up procrastinating because they are stressed, or because they think they have more time than they really do.

"I don't think most students know how to deal with stress," Track Coach and teacher Phil Harris. "I think most of them need a sport to take the pressure off of that stress. That's one reason sports can help you. I think that relieves you, I think every kid needs something to do right after school. When you get home you have a fresh body, a fresh mind, but I think if you just ponder, ponder with no break in between, that's when you stress out."

To some degree it seems that students can cause their own stress. Allowing all of the work to get to you can make you think you are capable of less than you really are. Extracurriculars are not for everyone, they do push your workload often to the limit and even past it, but that's when you discover who you really are and what you can handle.

So the verdict? Yes, oftentimes students get way too much work, but it is important to understand the teachers are not trying to ruin your grades or your future. They are there to help you, and all you have to do is be there to receive the help. There is no harm in pursuing whatever extracurricular activities catch your eye, as long as at the end of the day, you are ready to honor your commitments. Make the most out of your high school career!

4 NEWS Leadership Just World prepares activism ends collection Feb. 18 2015

of jeans

BY ALAN VARGAS News Editor After about a month's worth of collecting jeans, the denim drive has now come to a close. All together, more than 650 pairs of jeans have been donated. Leadership has successfully seen participation from all grades, even though the most participation came from juniors and seniors.

"I think they [underclassmen] didn't participate because they didn't have motivation or they didn't know about it," freshman Sergio Villarroel said.

Despite the more one-sided participation, there was a rather large turnout in jean donations.

These jeans will benefit hundreds of homeless youth across the country.

As previously stated, the goal of this drive was to not only benefit the homeless teen community, but the AHS community as well. The goal was to bring together students from all over the school towards the single goal of helping out homeless youth.

As this was a new program, there were some doubts on the capability of participation. Fortunately for leadership, it was a rather big turnout, and leadership members expressed their surprise to its success.

"I think it was really successful," junior leadership member Sheryl Fox said. "At first I was questioning whether it was going to be, but everyone participated and stepped up.

A big part of the drive was the Mr. Annandale incentive. Though not everyone participated for the event, it played a big part in convincing students to get involved.

"It helps out the student body because we have great incentives like Mr. Annandale tickets to get students involved," senior leadership president Ravyn Hankinson said.

Though the drive has come to an end, leadership members expect to offer similar events in the future.

"We are always looking for ways to improve the community," Fox said.

"So, we plan on doing similar things in the future."

Officers set up for the annual social event

BY CHELSEA ALFONSO Managing Editor

This year, the theme of the festival is Power of the People, as is shown by the choice to have Ryan Mcleveen as the key note speaker of the festival. The design on the Just World shirts also clearly depicts this main idea of the gathering.

As always, the club hopes to promote youth involvement in the community as well as empowerment of the people.

Officers of Just World Interact are gathering members and visitors for the annual festival this month.

This year's festival will be held Friday Feb. 27, from 2:00pm to 5:30pm. The members are working towards publicity for the event, as they hope for a big turnout.

"I think the participation is gonna be really good," junior shadow officer Elise Kim said. "For participation, I think it's gonna turn out really good. I mean, Mr. Jepsen is giving out extra credit for students that go to the festival."

This years theme is different from the last. It is more representative of the leaders and members of the club, as was the hopes of the officers.

"I think the theme is very fitting for us," senior Just World president Soriya deLopez said.

"We're basically the change makers in our community, and we help bring everyone together and give power to organizations to help fight numerous social causes."

Now second year officers, the Just World Interact club leaders are hoping for a better turnout by

we're utilizing shadow officers, which are potential officers for next year's board, to look into the inside organizations at Annandale.

Then, we [Co-VP's for Exhibitor's and Speaker's] try to find outside organizations the center around our theme as well" A big part of getting people to the festival includes the publicity committee. This committee is led Lynn Kha by senior Vice President of Publicity senior Annika Hackfeld. Along with other members of the club, she works to both members and participants. create flyers, posters, banners, and However, the main focus right now other forms of advertisement for is the participants, as the groups the festival, both within and outside who participate will represent the of the AHS community.

"We're going to make posters theme of the year the best.

Senior Co-Vice President of and banners, like the stuff Exhibitor's and Speaker's Lynn Kha leadership does and then we'll shares her method of work and have flyers. Also we are getting in contact with other schools in the gathering.

"We try to come up with a theme county, our pyramid schools and the for the festival first," Kha said. mid-atlantic region, the IB schools," "Then, we try to find people in the Hackfeld said. "There will be an school community as well as outside advertisement across eight states to come and participate. This year, so hopefully that will get a lot of

"It's fun to get people to embrace the diversity that we have at Annandale."

people. Also since Ryan McElveen is our keynote speaker, we're going to be using that in a lot of publicity [because] that is what interests a lot of people."

There will be many similar factors to this year's festival as the one's in the past. As done in the past years, the festival will be held the main portion of the festival will be held in the cafeteria. There will also be workshops in the Clausen Hall and some classrooms in the math hallway. Mounteer even hopes to close off half of the cafeteria so the venue can be smaller which will result in a cozier mood.

Anyone who has been to the festival in the past can express their excitement and enthusiasm towards the events.

"It's really fun to get people who come to the festival to get involved," Kha said. And, it's fun to get people to embrace the diversity that we have at Annandale."

Junior class hold student game in March

Basketball competition to be held

BY HUSSEIN SALEM Staff Writer

AHS presents its very own March Madness, a three on three basketball tournament inspired by the NCAA. The class of 2016 will hold it on March 4, located in the main gym.

Signing up for the event is relatively simple. To sign up a team, students must sign up during red day lunches. If there are any questions, students are encourage to contact either Esol teach Tricia Kapuscinski in room 218, or Math teacher Michael Mazzarella in room 236.

Junior officers went out of their way to seearch for a new idea, and this basketball game is what they came up with.

" The idea originally came from the hectic and widely famous Division I annual college tournament, also called "March Madness," junior officer Ahmed Mohammed said. "It takes place during March. We basically wanted to capture the excitement of that tournament by making our very own one here at Annandale."

This is one of the first major events held by the junior class at AHS. Most other fundraisers consists of bake sales afterschool.

Officers might have some doubt, but overall they feel optimistic on the turnout of the game.

"I think it'll do well because who doesn't like basketball?" junior officer Ashley Britton said when asked if the tournament will go well.

This opportunity to participate in the basketball game is avialable to everyone, to increase the odds of the turnout. Similar to many other clubs and organizations at AHS, there is a goal to bring together the community, along with any other goals.

HOW TO JOIN THE GAME · Each team can have a maximum of 4 players · Only 1 team member can be from either a JV or Varsity basketball team · Girls can only be on a team with other girls, and vice versa · All students must sign up during a red day lunch or through one of the two sponsors · All participants must pay 3 dollars to be elligible to participate

Some students see this as a fun and easy way to get involved and have fun.

"I mean I think it's a pretty good idea," senior Alex Parrado said. "For people who love basketball, it's just an easy way to hang out with your friends and do something new.

It's not like if you're trying to join a team and you're under the pressure to cpmete."

"It's a fun way to play with your friends while also being competitive" Britton said.

This tournament can be a great way to integrate a basketball tournament with a fun time with friends. This idea is similar to the student versus faculty game that happens every year, sponsored this year by the class of 2015.

"I'm not sure how many people are going to show up, but it seems like people have a lot of interest in it" Britton said.

Of course, another hope of the officers is that students gain from this opportunity.

"By participating in this tournament, I hope that students gain the opportunity to be a part of something that encourages teamwork, cooperation, and an overall proud sense of being an Atom," Mohammed said. "But most importantly, I hope that the students get to enjoy the tournament win or lose!"

Seniors enjoy traditional breakfast meal

Students qualify for states

PTSA sponsors a breakfast for the upperclassmen

BY ALAN VARGAS News Editor

BY MAREM ATEF While the underclassmen participated in the Elective Fair in preparation for next year, the Class of 2015 met in the cafeteria to discuss the beginning of the end. That is, they were given a presentation on all of the upcoming events and deadlines for seniors.

The meeting was like a wake up call, reminding us that we are so close to the finish line," senior Fatima Tauqir said.

"It s honestly incredible preparing for the end, definitely super stressful but very exciting because we are almost done with high school and that itself is something to celebrate.

The presentation also served as the senior breakfast, an annual tradition for the seniors at AHS. Tables with an array of pastries, fruits and drinks welcomed the senior class as they entered after W2. Students got their meal and were able to sit down with their friends in the remaining parts of the cafeteria.

After everyone was settled, class sponsor Craigan Winkler said a few words about the breakfast and began the presentation by talking about the end of the year. Graduation rehearsal, Prom, Graduation and All Night Grad were some of the upcoming events that were covered during the meeting.

As many students begin to prepare for the end, the next couple of months have plenty of opportunities in store for seniors to create memories that will last a lifetime. Many students are eager to experience the senior perks and traditions that have been promised.

ALAN VARGAS

Staff Writer

Seniors Bee Coaquira, Amber Hines, and Sabrina Rivera discuss their matchmaker results during the senior breakfast.

"I have been counting the days for graduation since freshman year, so I am really looking forward to it and so is my family," Tauqir said.

Along with Tauqir many students from the class of 2015 have been eagerly waiting for June 16.

The amount of time until graduation can be measured in many ways. There are 119 days, 2,856 hours or 171,360 minutes before the seniors take the stage at Constitution Hall on June 16.

"It's crazy how fast time flies I mean I can t believe I am actually talking about Prom and Graduation and just all the fun stuff that comes along with being a senior, senior Vicky Lopez said.

Besides receiving a diploma from Principal Vincent Randazzo himself, many students look forward to the All Night Grad celebration following the big event.

To get more students excited, at the senior breakfast, five

envelopes with a free ticket to All-Night-Grad were taped under five random chairs. Rasel Abutaa, Kara Hoisington, Melvin Castellon-Cajina, Devin Hamlett and Kristen Peralta were the five lucky winners for tickets to All Night Grad that are starting at 35 dollars.

After the breakfast, seniors were also given the chance to buy their matchmaker results and discuss them. Most found the results to be very humouring, and it brought up the mood for those who were struck with grief and/or shock at the thought of graduating.

Some students also felt inspired by the meeting to look forward to their future at AHS. "It was really nice being around all my friends, senior Lorenzo Aluning said. "I got really excited because I could just imagine all of us graduating together. It was a really nice thing to think about."

Two senior track athletes Aviad Gebrehiwot and Nathan Hogye, qualified for states in their last competitions.

Both students have shown prowess in both their academic and sports careers.

However, many teachers recognize the talents these students hold in competing. They have been very successful in their meets, and have shown great improvements and success in the last four years of track.

"They are true leaders of Annandale High School," Safety & Security Assistant Carl Klein said.

"And [these students] represent Annandale Pride to the fullest. I could not be more proud of what they have accomplished academically and athletically."

Coaches hope that other students can recognize Gebrehiwot and Hogye's success, and congradulate them on their successful track career.

TRACK VIDEO On your smartphone, scan this code using the application "QR Code" to view the video of the two runners during a meet.

NEWS 5 Alumni Matchmaker or heartbreaker charged

Feb. 18, 2015

CONT. "MATCHMAKER"

JAROD GOLUB

people did not take it as serious, that is why some of the results are weird to me."

Since some put fake answers about themselves and some forgot to put vital information like the age range, the results may not have pleased every single person who bought it.

Relationships in general, whether they be romantic or platonic, are seen in every high school or schooling system in this nation. It is not uncommon to see couples in the halls or students asking each other to school dances in a flashy manner.

"The big deals, the prom, that kind of stuff, the elaborate invitations, that's all new," social studies teacher John Hawes said. "There you are in the football stadium saying 'will you go to prom with me', that's all new. Couples in the halls, all those kinds of things, we had all that, that's not different.

High school relationships can be seen as healthy since it is, for most people, their first introduction to serious relationships. Although they may not last for several years, it seen as a step in which a teenager slowly matures. However, relationships are not vital to every single person and some may see romantic relationships as a waste of time, or they believe they are not ready to

Results were last sold in Rm.77 and those who bought them were excited to see their results and were surprised.

start dating.

"I mean it is that nice that you have someone that you like and you guys are together, that whole thing is nice but for negative, I just feel like it is a distraction and people get so caught up like 'oh that's my boyfriend, that's my girlfriend,' all that drama that comes with being in a relationship. They forget that in the future, that person will most likely be with you," Kebrom said.

Most teachers and students can

agree that dating during high school is normal and should be allowed as long as the relationship is healthy.

"People can get into healthy relationships and I think it is an important part of our culture and growing up and figuring out life," social studies teacher Holly Miller said.

The dynamics of dating has changed over the years, mainly due to technology advancing. Without phones, teens would not be able to communicate as often as they would

like to. Asking for someone's number is almost asking for someone's permission to talk with them. There are also several different types of social media in which you can follow partners such as Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

"I am not on Twitter or on Facebook, but obviously it does play a role. You guys can contact each other instantly. In my generation, if you missed an appointment, you had no idea where anybody was," Hawes said.

"Every appointment had to be planned. So in many ways, social life was much more complicated, you had to know where you were going and where people were because otherwise, it simply wouldn't work."

With these platforms, it is simple to talk to someone you may be interested in. It could also give you a glimpse of their life that they choose to set as public.

Those who are comfortable with meeting new people that may not be around the area may sign up for a matchmaker app such as Tinder which advertises as a place to meet new people, not just to start romantic relationships.

This app lets users upload a photo of themselves and write a description of themselves that tells their interests. However, the stigma attached to social apps such

as Tinder has changed from a once helpful relationship app to one-time hook ups to underage teens.

Phone apps also relate to online dating and the stigma attached to that. It used to be thought as a place for people who could not get a date in their life, or people who are desperately trying to be in a relationship. It was seen as dangerous since it is easy to create a new persona and lie about yourself when the interaction is not daily and face to face.

It seems as though the people who are signing up for these types of sites are getting younger and younger. The pressure to be in a relationship by the time students finish high school may extend to their later life.

On the other hand, some may believe that dating is normal for teenagers and can be beneficial in some aspects.

"I mean obviously it can be hard, and people can get hurt but that's life. It is almost better if you experience that at a younger age when it doesn't have as big consequences," Miller said. "Because when you're older and you're more serious about looking for someone to marry or something like that, it can be more hurtful. I think if you get into good habits in high school, it can be healthy."

with murder CONT. "SCOTT" years. I don't recall really what he was like as a student, but he was a very talented athlete," Cross Country coach Dave O'Hara said.

People who knew Scott at the time were also surprised to hear about the unfolding events.

"I was pretty shocked as I'm sure everyone else was," senior Aviad Gebrehiwot said. "Reggie was a nice guy," senior Nathan Hogye said. "I didn't think he would ever do something like this."

However, it was not completely out of the question that something like this would happen.

"He [Scott] seemed like he may have been headed down a pretty rough path when he left here," O'Hara said. "It got rougher than what I think some people might have thought."

"I knew he had some bad habits and did some stupid things," Gebrehiwot said. "But I don't think anyone could have guessed that he would take a life. That's just a whole different level."

Heard in the Hall: What was your reaction to the matchmaker results?

" I don't know any of these people" MAX RAHARDJO sophomore

FATMATA KAMARA sophomore

"Well I didn't really know most of them but there were some names that I did recognize and I actually do talk to sometimes."

"I was really surprised, it was really awkward because I got some of my boyfriend's closest friends."

DANIEL INTERIANO

"I didn't really care about my results."

DIANNA AGYEMAN

"It was really funny, especially because I didn't put my grade so I got my boyfriends younger brother so it was kind of funny but it's cool I guess."

juniorr

SYMONE JENKINS

BEAU HATCH junior

sophomore

CONT. "ELECTIVE" Business classes had a large turnout for each session because a lot of people came to find out about economics and personal finance because it is mandatory.

The reason business classes became mandatory classes is because they want students to know about economy, finances and their place in society in terms of what they can do to make their lives better financially .

In business, students learn that the most important thing is that they pay themselves back so to build an emergency fund or always have money there when they need it instead of having to be in a situation of having to always take out a loan.

"We are really hoping that a lot of students will come up and sign up for business classes, there are a lot of classes that will help the students once they sign up for college whether you're majoring in business or not there is always classes you're going to need in order to be productive in any kind of job," business and information technology teacher Albert Steppe said.

Other electives that had presentations during the fair include the Atom's Writing Center, which involves an Advanced Composition class.

According to English teacher Stephanie Hanson, the Atom's Writing Center presentation also went well.

To make students join the Atoms Writing Center, they had students who have been in the program for

DANIELA SALINAS

ALLY VAN BALEN

senior

senior

junior

Black History Bowl teams prepare CONT. "BLACK HISOTRY BOWL" Hughes, Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks and music idol Beyonce.

Junior Meriem Awlaki was a part of last year's winning class, the class of 2016.

"It felt good to represent the Class of 2016 and hopefully I will again this year," Awlaki said.

Senior Lorenzo Aluning hasn't been to the competition before, and is excited to attend this year. "I hope to go so I can learn more about African American history in the U.S.," Aluning said.

Awlaki gave some insight on how someone that is competing in the tournament can prepare themselves to help their class win it.

"Last year, I highlighted important points in the packet, and later made note cards for people and facts I should know about them," Awlaki said. She continued to talk about how the Class of 2016 felt all set going into the Black History Bowl because they were all dedicated and had practiced an ample amount.

This year, many more students are trying to join, causing the organizers of the Bowl to have

to make cuts. "There's going to be a tryout of sorts," Awlaki said.

Teachers are excited about the event as well. English teacher Sean Hardy told us what he thought about last year's Black History Bowl. "It went great. The kids had fun and also Coach Harris is a great commentator."

Hardy said that the questions were formed by history teacher Kathlyn Berry along with several other teachers.

Awlaki has very high hopes for the junior class this year and how she believes that her class can with for the third year in a row. "I think we will do really well. Even though we have a lot of school work and activities we are very excited to prepare and go for the third time and hopefully win again," Awlaki said.

She also believes that musicians will be her best category. "I think the strongest is music because I love to listen to music, and I already know most of the artists that are included in the music category, which makes it easier," Awlaki said.

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE · Who was the first African American Major League Baseball player? · Who was the first African American Nobel Peace Prize winner? · Who was the first black U.S. senator? · Who was the first black Academy Award winner? · What amendment abolished slavery? · When was the NAACP founded?

OMAR HADDOU

Elective fair recruits students

" I was very surprised, "I was surprised my jaw dropped when because I didn't really I saw my results." know the person that was my number one."

Senior Umar Farooq studies for the Black History Bowl.

· Who was an original member of the NAACP? · Trivia from World History Project ANSWERS: JACKIE ROBINSON, RALPH BUNCHE, HIRAM REVELS, HATTIE MCDANIEL, 13TH, 1909 AND DU BOIS

"I was actually really surprised because I never thought that those people would be equivalent to what I am."

FCPS releases 2016 school budget

BY EMILY LIEN Photographer FCPS released a tentative budget for the upcoming school year of $2.6 billion. This is a 2.6 percent or $64 million increase from this year's budget.

Superintendent Karen Garza released a snapshot of the more interesting highlights of the new budget.

The most significant of these changes is $59.4 million towards raises for eligible FCPS employees. FCPS teacher salaries are ranked fifth in starting, eighth in mid-career and ninth in maximum in the metropolitan Washington area. FCPS has to offer high salaries if they want to be able to attract the most competent and qualified teachers.

"I would agree that more money should be put in that area."

Cragin Winkler Health and physical education teacher

"I believe that teachers should get paid more because they do more work then they get credit for," senior Diana Nguyen said. "I do

a couple of different volunteer activities with kids, and I definitely know that kids can be a handful, and it isn't easy to teach at all."

The next biggest chunk is $18.6 million towards the demographic changes and growth in the area. In the last four years, there has been a net increase of 13,171 students. The area is also becoming more diverse and somewhat less affluent. 28.2 percent of students are eligible for Free or Reduced Meals and 17.1 percent are eligible for ESOL services. The money in this section of the budget will go towards supporting more students, providing subsidized meals and funding more ESOL services.

"I would agree that more money should be put in that area because just in Annandale that does affect our school more comparable to others. The funding is necessary in my

opinion," health and physical education teacher Cragin Winkler said.

The rest of the more noticeable changes take up a significantly less amount of the budget.

CONTINUATION On your smartphone, scan this code using the application "QR Code" finish the budget story.

NEWS BRIEFS JUNIOR COURSE SELECTION

ORCHESTRA CONCERT

JUST WORLD FESTIVAL

Juniors will begin selecting their courses for the 2015-2016 school year from Tuesday, Feb. 17 to Friday, Feb. 20.

On Thursday, Feb. 19, the Orchestra will hold their pre-assessment concert in the auditorium from 7 to 9 p.m.

On Friday, Feb. 27, the Just World Interact Club will hold their annual festival from 2 to 6 p.m. in the cafeteria, Clausen Hall and select classrooms.

YEARBOOK PHOTOS

BLACK HISTORY BOWL

On Wednesday, Feb. 11 and 18, the On Thursday, Feb. 27, during the extended Antenna Yearbook will hold their club W4, the Black History Bowl will be held in the and organization photo sessions in the auditorium and televised. It will be held from 9 cafeteria from 2 to 4 p.m. to 10:30 a.m.

CLASS OF 2016 MARCH MADNESS On Wednesday, March. 4, there will be a basketball game sponsored by the Class of 2016 in the main gym from 2:10 to 4 p.m.

WINTER SPORTS BANQUET

STRESS LESS LAUGH MORE CARTOON DAY

On Wednesday March. 4 from 6 to 10 p.m., all winter sports will have their banquet in the cafeteria

Stress Less Laugh More is holding a Cartoon Day during all lunches on Thursday, March. 5 in the Clausen Hall.

ANNANDALE BIBLE STUDY Seniors who plan to attend NOVA need to go to Room 18, the IMS Lab for testing from Monday, Feb. 9 to Friday, Feb. 13.

STUDENT HOLIDAY On Monday, March. 16, there will be a strategic planning day for the faculty and students will not attend school.

6 ACADEMICS AHS competes at It's Academic

BY CHRIS LEE Special to The A-Blast Annandale High School competed at the NBC program It's Academic, which will be broadcasted on NBC on March 28, 2015. We went against Osbourn Park High School and South County High School Each school sends three students to compete, with no substitutions. I ended up being the team captain with junior Phuong Nguyen and senior Alex Mekuria as team members. We walked into the studio nervous, seeing that the other schools seemed very intimidating.

Nevertheless, we sat down in our chairs before the cameras and prepared to compete.

After the quick first round, we were down only 10 points, the scores being 110-140-120. Many of the questions were easy, but I could not buzz in, as the nervousness was overwhelming. The second round was a team round, and we answered almost all of the questions correctly. No team answered all questions of the second round correctly.

After the third and fourth rounds, we had lost the match in last place, 370-400-420, Osbourn Park winning after a tiebreaker with South County. The match was close, with only a few questions from last and first place.

We shook the hands of our opponents and left the studio in defeat, but we were confident that we could do better next time.

The real challenge in It's Academic bowls is not one's

level of knowledge, but one's confidence in his or her knowledge, although knowledge is a fundamental part of the game. I, along with my teammates, knew many of the answers to the questions asked, but we only buzzed in on ones we knew 100 percent.

We answered all of the buzzed-in questions correctly because we played it safe; we did not take risks. I noticed that winning teams get questions right, as well as wrong, but take risks on questions that they think they know because, in the long run, they will get more questions right than questions wrong.

It's Academic is a club for people who enjoy trivia and quizzes. Questions are of every subject, including music, history, literature, math and science. Buzzers are used, just like in the famous game show Jeopardy, and the team's objective to answer as many questions as possible before any other team can answer them.

I joined the It's Academic club in the beginning of my sophomore year at Annandale, and I was really intimidated by the other members. I tried my best, but I really could only do well in math, which is my strength.

As the year progressed, I gained confidence, and I started to answer many more questions, and also many more incorrectly. Still, the correct answers outweighed the incorrect, and I was starting to do a little better.

As a junior, I looked forward to competing in scrimmages and bowls against other schools. The first Scholastic Bowl we went to was at Woodson High School.

I ended up the team captain, with sophomore Derek Lawrence and Adrian Gomez as my team mates. There was a slight dilemma; teams consisted of four people with room for substitutes, while we only had the three of us.

Despite the clear disadvantages, we went on to compete with the other schools in our district, three to four. We lost against all of the schools, but we came close to tying with two other schools. We were also ahead against Woodson after the second round (Woodson beat

PHOTO COURTESY: VINCENT RANDAZZO

Chris Lee talks about his experience on the team

Feb. 18, 2015

The It's Academic team and the AHS cheer squad pose for a picture in the It's Academic studio

all other schools).

Even after the losses, we went home happy knowing we could go head to head with the smartest students at each school (many of those competing were seniors, and our team consisted of a junior and two sophomores).

Even though we lost the It's Academic bowls, I feel like the experience in the studio will help us do better during the next Scholastic Bowl in the spring, and the NBC taping next year.

Harper Lee sequel On your smartphone, scan this code using the application “QR Code” to read about Harper Lee’s new sequel to To Kill a Mockingbird

Students learn how to raise babies Child development PHOTO COURTESY: ROBIN

class takes care of computerized dolls

BY ALAINA GARAY Academics Editor It needs a lot of care and attention. You need to change its diapers and feed it bottles. It coos when happy, cries when it needs something and cries when its needs are not met! It seems like the answer to this riddle is a baby, but thankfuly you can take out the batteries.

This type of baby is called a RealCare baby. They look like real babies and are the same size as real babies, the only difference is that they're plastic.

The RealCare babies look like your average baby doll from a toy store, but their purpose is so much more than just to be played with.

With parent permission, each student has the

Robin Griffin's students holding RealCare babies.

opportunity to take a RealCare baby home for the weekend.

"I am taking the RealCare baby home next weekend.

I'm kind of nervous but I'm sure I'll do fine because I have past experience in childcare of newborns," sophomore Caitlin Hall said.

The RealCare babies are programmed to turn on

SAT Word Search

Friday at 3 p.m. and turn off Monday at 5 a.m. Students must care for the baby individually because each RealCare baby has a computerized sensor that responds to a sensor the student must wear on their wrist.

Child development is taught by Robin Griffin at AHS. Child development is the class where students are given the RealCare babies.

Griffin teaches students about pregnancy, childbirth and parenting. Students also learn how to properly care for the baby simulator before they can take it home.

When the students take the RealCare babies home, they are given a diaper bag with a bottle and diapers in it. The bottles and diapers have sensors in them, which respond to the baby and records feeding and diaper changes. The computer gathers all the care information that takes place over the weekend.

The RealCare babies are computerized so on Monday Griffin gets a print out of how the baby was cared for over the weekend. Everything from missed feeding to poor head support is recorded. This is how she grades the students on taking care of the RealCare babies.

The RealCare babies are programmed with actual baby sounds. They cry when they need something and

they coo when they're happy just like real babies.

"The best part about having the RealCare baby was taking it to the mall with my friends and having people look at me but then noticing it was a fake baby!" senior Sandy Reyes said.

Some RealCare babies are harder to take care of than others. Students can ask to have the baby programmed on Easy, Medium or Hard, which decides the amount of care the baby will need over the weekend.

"My students love taking the baby home!" Griffin said.

"They are always nervous, but they are prepared and enjoy the challenge. However, they are always very happy to return the baby on Monday."

Taking care of a RealCare baby is a rare and amazing opportunity for teens.

Having an actual real baby is difficult for everybody, not just teens, so this experience lets them know how difficult raising a child will be no matter how old they are.

"I love teaching this course because not only is it fun, it's life changing!" Griffin said.

The child development class teaches life lessons and skills that the students will use and take with them after high school.

IB Diploma candidate spotlight: Aya Eltahir Q: Who is your favorite IB teacher?

A: This is a really difficult question because this is actually the first year that I've enjoyed every single one of my teachers (or have grown to like them, at least). If I had to choose, I'd pick Ms. Gibson. Her dark humor and pessimism, along with her tolerance for my Harry Potter fangirling is really a ray of sunshine in the stressful environment that is the IB.

Q: What is your daily routine when you get home from school?

A: I usually spend upwards of an JAROD GOLUB

hour after getting home changing into pajamas, eating a snack and then being the mom by cleaning up the high traffic areas in our house. As I'm the eldest, I have to pick my youngest brother up from the bus stop and make sure my other siblings have eaten and then gotten Senior IB Diploma candidate Aya Eltahir started on their homework. This takes a good two hours, by which time it's 6 p.m. and I can switch back to Aya-mode and do homework and other things because my parents would've come back from work or running errands. Then I do homework for an indefinite amount of time because sleep doesn't really factor into the equation like it used to. Then it repeats.

Q: How do you keep up with your academics and social life?

A: In the end, it really is a balancing act. Everyone has a good feel for what they can do and when they can do it, so essentially it's choosing when you're going to pull an all-nighter and when you're going to take it easy. Personally, my social life consists of sleep, pizza and Saturday afternoons, and all three of those only happen on the weekend so you can see the (un)balanced split.

Q: What are your studying habits?

Acrid Boorish Cynical Epistle Heresy Lance Obscure Poignant Respite Terse Bourgeois Debility Epistolary Hiatus

Languid Obscured Poised Resplendent Therapeutic Acuity Braggart Debunking Hidebound Languish Obsequious Polemical Restorative Err

Adamant Brawny Decathlon Equivocate Hieroglyphics Larceny Obsession Ponderous Retention Timorous Adroit Brevity Decorum Thwart

A: It depends from class to class. When I study alone it usually consists of me staring at pages of notes

Hinder Largess Obsolete Pontificate

hoping that knowledge will happen and I will retain enough photographic memory to pass my tests. Other times, I like to collaborate on Google docs or hangouts and have video chat study sessions that can last for hours. Needless to say I think the other option is the one where I'm actually learning something.

Q: What was your essay topic about?

A: It was about my love for Barnes and Nobles. Bookstores (as well as cookies and pizza) are my

Word search answers On your smart phone, scan this code using the application QR Code to see the answers to the word search.

weakness, and having so many so close to home is amazing. It's also great because I can spend as much time as I want in there, read a book or two and not buy them because I never have money. It's like going to Sephora and trying all the makeup but not buying a single thing and still looking great. It's really the same concept and something that I touched upon in my essay.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: Honestly, in 10 years I see myself in a career which I can at least tolerate, if not wholeheartedly enjoy.

I might even have started a family, who knows? In any case, by that time I need to have jumped out of a plane at least twice and to have participated in a flash mob in South Africa.

ARTS 9

Feb. 18, 2015

Draw the curtains... or just open the door?

BY JENNIFER KANG

BAILEY OLIVER

Special to The A-Blast

William Rabgel Cardozo (left) practices a scene with Trevor Boynton in order to prepare for the play.

Blue Heart is the Annandale Theatre Company's winter black box show by playwright Caryl Churchill.

Black box plays, also known as experimental plays, became famous in the 1960s and are characterized by their simplicity and unadorned space. The setting and props are minimal so that more attention may be drawn on the characters and the plot.

Rehearsals are held almost every day after school for approximately three hours or more. Despite the hard work, however, actors and actresses alike enjoy bringing their characters to life and working with peers.

"It's very funny but at times and it can be very challenging because of the accents and the way we blend our emotions and work together," freshman Holly Ramia said. "If you are the kind of person who wants to enjoy the guts and joy of the play, you should come see it because you

will really get into it."

Blue Heart is split into two oneact plays, Blue Kettle and Heart's Desire.

The first play, Blue Kettle, focuses on Derek, a 40 year-old man played by sophomore Beckman Hollis, who is in search for his birth mother. He rounds up multiple women, each claiming to be each his mother. In addition to the journey for his mother, the play encompasses Derek's relationship with his girlfriend Enid, played by junior Sarah Woodward and their financial problems. As the play progresses, the characters increasingly replace words with "blue" and "kettle" in their dialogue, creating confusion and intrigue as to what is going on.

The second play is called Heart's Desire. This act is about Brian and Alice, played by sophomore William Rangel and junior Sacha Cameron respectively, awaiting the arrival of their daughter Suzy, played by freshman Holly Ramia, from Australia.

Set in the comfort of their own

homes, along with the presence of Maisie, played by freshman Ricardo Pereira, the couple argue about a variety of issues. Everything that could possibly go wrong does. The play captures the essence of the anxiety of waiting in a fragile family home.

"It's not like any other shows we've done," Cameron said. "[The audience] should expect a lot of weird things to pop up and happen."

Not only is the genre new to the actors, but so is guest director Tyler Hermann instead of Noelle Vinas, Annandale's theatre teacher.

"It's interesting working with a different director; it's a different style of directing," Cameron said.

Many should anticipate the abstractness of the black box play and for all the surprises the Blue Heart cast has in store.

"They should be pumped about the British accents and how weird the plays are. I think they're absurd and that's fun. It's really mind bending," Vinas said. "Everyone should come see it."

—Compiled by Bailey Oliver

Meet the cast of AHS Blue Kettle and Heart's Desire

Beckman Hollis Derek in Blue Kettle

Sarah Woodward Enid in Blue Kettle

Holly Ramia Suzy in Heart's Desire

William Rangel Cardozo Brian in Heart's Desire

Ricardo Pereira Maisie in Heart's Desire

Sacha Cameron Alice in Heart's Desire

Students achieve success at districts

BY BAILEY OLIVER AND JENNIFER KANG

Jamiah Harrison, junior

instrument groups in the band type they performed for.

The festival itself, comprised of over 100 musicians was held at West Potomic High School. Rehearsals were on the weekend of Feb 5-7.

The two bands representing Annandale were the Symphonic Band as well as Wind ensemble.

Each group plays a total of three to five pieces.

Songs included "Blue Shades" by Frank Ticheli, "Sleep" by Eric Whitacre and "Xerxes" by John Mackey.

The music performed in districts is known for being more difficult than that played in school, but, according to senior Caitlin Odom, that's

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSEPH WITKOWSKI

Wind Ensemble members (Left to right) Caitlin Odom, Nathan Pho, clinician Dr. Kenneth Thompson, Kenneth Duong, Thomas White and Andrew Lauler

what makes the competition more interesting.

"The songs are really good though, because the music that they give you at districts is a lot harder than the music you play in your school, so it's more interesting," Odom said.

Because the amount of students

an honest way. I also dance aside from singing.

Q: What materials/equipment do you use for what you do?

A: I simply use my voice, my keyboard and computer.

Q: What is it that you do and what got you into doing it? Why do you do it?

A: Basically I sing and I've been doing it since I was two. I do it because it makes me feel good and lets me express feeling with the words of music in

Q: What is it about what you do that you enjoy? What sets what you do apart from other types of art or other activities?

A: It's just the feeling of singing that makes me happy. For instance, if I'm singing a sad song I cry, but If singing a happy song I'm so joyful. Songs with attitude I tend to sing really sassy.

Q: What advice do you have for other young, developing artists?

A: The advice I have is work very hard and never give up on what you love! Be enthusiastic with what you do because it's going to help you later in life.

selected to perform is very low, those who do make it spend lots of time practicing for the audition.

"I spent about a month and a half preparing for this audition. It was actually really cool because I have been auditioning for district band for six years and this was the first year that I got in," White said.

A: I plan to major in music and either teach for a chorus or I plan to sing professionally. I haven't made anything of my own but I write little songs here and there, but none of them are finalized.

Q: Do you have a favorite painting or piece of art? Do you have a favorite personal work?

A: I love to sing all types of music but my favorite would probably be R&B because I'm more of a contemporary kind of singer.

Q: What would you say to someone that wants to get into creating art, whatever form of art it may be (artwork, music, literature)?

A: What I would tell people who are trying to do something with music is when you start never give up. For singers I say get a voice coach and get someone to really help you carry and work and kind of water. Your voice because the voice is like a plant and it needs to be watered and treated well.

Q: What do you plan to do with your talents in the future?

Featured art of the issue

PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA LE

Featured artist of the month

Symphonic Band members (Left to right) Clinician Stan Schoonover, Caitlin White, Ben Betts, Toby Singh and Nick Mortensen

BAILEY OLIVER

The nine members of selected band ensembles received top rankings for their performances at the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors District 10 All-District Honor Band Festival.

In both ensembles, the students of AHS placed consistently high in the district. Junior Caitlin White, sophomore Andrew Lauler, senior Thomas White and senior Kenneth Duong qualified to audition for the All-State Band and are scheduled to do so at end of the month.

"For percussion, which is what I play, you have to get in the top 15. I got third place overall," Lauler said.

Wind Ensemble members Caitlin Odom and Nathan Pho got first and fifth respectively for their instrument groups. Symphonic Band member Ben Betts was fourth in the district for his instrument group.

Performers were ranked individually instead in their respective

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSEPH WITKOWSKI

Arts Editor and Special to The A-Blast

While the music may have been difficult, working with the conductors proved to be helpful.

"We prepared three pieces with Dr. Thompson. He actually spent time and really picked the pieces and [highlighted] the issues that young students usually have playing," Thomas said. "He went through and taught us a lot with counting, subdividing and how to make sure you come in [at the right time]. He made a lot of stuff with knowing when your part was important."

Overall, the experience seemed to be positive for participating performers.

"The pieces were fun and challenging and I loved the conductor; he was very animated with his movements," White said.

Betts shares what he found the most fun with district performances.

"It's [the best part] hanging out with your friends, because the playing is kind of cool, but I think it's just the people that are fun," Betts said.

"I loved it. I encourage every single person in the entire world to audition for it," Lauler said.

Want to have your art featured in the next issue of The A-Blast? Each issue, the Arts page will pick a student's art of submitted content and feature a their work of art on the Arts page. All mediums are welcome, whether it be a painting, doodle, poem or song. Videos can be submitted too! Send all submissions, or if you have questions, to ablastartsmailbox@ gmail.com, or send it to our dropbox (using the same email as above) for files larger than 2 GB.

8 PHOTO

Feb. 18, 2015

A DAY IN THE LIFE

COURTESY OF DAVID O’HARA

David O'Hara: teacher, coach and parent

5:30 a.m. eats breakfast O'Hara eats a healthy breakfast before heading to AHS. "I do eat a lot of healthy food but I also have a pretty bad sweet tooth," O'Hara said, " I love Coke and Gummy Bears but I try to only drink/ eat them on the weekends. The key is moderation when it comes to sweets."

7:20 a.m. teaches W2 O'Hara is a gym and health teacher for freshmen and sophomores. He is also a cross country and track coach. "Coach O'Hara taught me everything I know about running," senior Aviad Gebrehiwot said, "It's a hard sport to love and he made me love it and I do not know where I would be without cross country."

10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. exercises COURTESY OF DAVID O’HARA

O'Hara runs nine miles around the AHS campus in 50 minutes and lifts weights for 20 minutes during his W6 planning period. "I run for two main reasons besides to be healthy. One is that it's a great time for me to workout my thoughts And to just lower my stress levels." O'Hara said, "The other reason is that I love to compete.

Really at anything and I just happen to be pretty good at running I just keep racing whenever I can!" He runs 70 miles a week and competes in about 10 races a year.

12:00 p.m. lunch O'Hara packs a nutritious lunch that contains a PB&J, applesauce, yogurt, banana and veggies. "For myself personally I feel much better when I am eating healthy and working out. I feel more alert and have more energy to teach and coach," O'Hara said.

COURTESY OF DAVID O’HARA

O'Hara attended Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. He was a member of the cross country team, and was the captain his junior and senior year. His wife, Laura, attended Stanford and was on the cross country team as well. He has been teaching for 15 years and has been a teacher at AHS for 7 years. O'Hara said, "I would have to say my favorite memory from AHS was when I was coaching Ahmed Bile and he won the high school national championship in the 800 meter run."

4:00 p.m. story time

COURTESY OF DAVID O’HARA

O'Hara and his wife read books to Greta before their neighborhood walk.

He reads book such as Goodnight Gorilla and Pat the Bunny

12:30 p.m. teaches W8 O'Hara helps sophomore Vy Nguyen with notes during class. "I enjoy being a teacher because I like helping kids reach their full potential and getting them to believe in themselves," O'Hara said. "I like coach O'Hara because he's a great motivator and a good teacher," junior Jeff Montano said.

O'Hara cooks dinner after he cleans his daughter's dinner mess. This dish is a whole wheat pizza with eggplant, cherry tomatoes, onions, balsamic vinegar and buffalo mozzarella cheese.

COURTESY OF DAVID O’HARA

O'Hara takes Greta for a stroll around Chinquapin Park, near T.C. Williams high school.

O'Hara's daughter, Greta, is 11 months old.

O'Hara and his wife named Greta after Grete Waitz, the 9-time

4:30 p.m. stroller walk

7:15 p.m. prepare Dinner

ARTS 9

Feb. 18, 2015

Draw the curtains... or just open the door?

BY JENNIFER KANG

BAILEY OLIVER

Special to The A-Blast

William Rabgel Cardozo (left) practices a scene with Trevor Boynton in order to prepare for the play.

Blue Heart is the Annandale Theatre Company's winter black box show by playwright Caryl Churchill.

Black box plays, also known as experimental plays, became famous in the 1960s and are characterized by their simplicity and unadorned space. The setting and props are minimal so that more attention may be drawn on the characters and the plot.

Rehearsals are held almost every day after school for approximately three hours or more. Despite the hard work, however, actors and actresses alike enjoy bringing their characters to life and working with peers.

"It's very funny but at times and it can be very challenging because of the accents and the way we blend our emotions and work together," freshman Holly Ramia said. "If you are the kind of person who wants to enjoy the guts and joy of the play, you should come see it because you

will really get into it."

Blue Heart is split into two oneact plays, Blue Kettle and Heart's Desire.

The first play, Blue Kettle, focuses on Derek, a 40 year-old man played by sophomore Beckman Hollis, who is in search for his birth mother. He rounds up multiple women, each claiming to be each his mother. In addition to the journey for his mother, the play encompasses Derek's relationship with his girlfriend Enid, played by junior Sarah Woodward and their financial problems. As the play progresses, the characters increasingly replace words with "blue" and "kettle" in their dialogue, creating confusion and intrigue as to what is going on.

The second play is called Heart's Desire. This act is about Brian and Alice, played by sophomore William Rangel and junior Sacha Cameron respectively, awaiting the arrival of their daughter Suzy, played by freshman Holly Ramia, from Australia.

Set in the comfort of their own

homes, along with the presence of Maisie, played by freshman Ricardo Pereira, the couple argue about a variety of issues. Everything that could possibly go wrong does. The play captures the essence of the anxiety of waiting in a fragile family home.

"It's not like any other shows we've done," Cameron said. "[The audience] should expect a lot of weird things to pop up and happen."

Not only is the genre new to the actors, but so is guest director Tyler Hermann instead of Noelle Vinas, Annandale's theatre teacher.

"It's interesting working with a different director; it's a different style of directing," Cameron said.

Many should anticipate the abstractness of the black box play and for all the surprises the Blue Heart cast has in store.

"They should be pumped about the British accents and how weird the plays are. I think they're absurd and that's fun. It's really mind bending," Vinas said. "Everyone should come see it."

—Compiled by Bailey Oliver

Meet the cast of AHS Blue Kettle and Heart's Desire

Beckman Hollis Derek in Blue Kettle

Sarah Woodward Enid in Blue Kettle

Holly Ramia Suzy in Heart's Desire

William Rangel Cardozo Brian in Heart's Desire

Ricardo Pereira Maisie in Heart's Desire

Sacha Cameron Alice in Heart's Desire

Students achieve success at districts

BY BAILEY OLIVER AND JENNIFER KANG

Jamiah Harrison, junior

instrument groups in the band type they performed for.

The festival itself, comprised of over 100 musicians was held at West Potomic High School. Rehearsals were on the weekend of Feb 5-7.

The two bands representing Annandale were the Symphonic Band as well as Wind ensemble.

Each group plays a total of three to five pieces.

Songs included "Blue Shades" by Frank Ticheli, "Sleep" by Eric Whitacre and "Xerxes" by John Mackey.

The music performed in districts is known for being more difficult than that played in school, but, according to senior Caitlin Odom, that's

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSEPH WITKOWSKI

Wind Ensemble members (Left to right) Caitlin Odom, Nathan Pho, clinician Dr. Kenneth Thompson, Kenneth Duong, Thomas White and Andrew Lauler

what makes the competition more interesting.

"The songs are really good though, because the music that they give you at districts is a lot harder than the music you play in your school, so it's more interesting," Odom said.

Because the amount of students

an honest way. I also dance aside from singing.

Q: What materials/equipment do you use for what you do?

A: I simply use my voice, my keyboard and computer.

Q: What is it that you do and what got you into doing it? Why do you do it?

A: Basically I sing and I've been doing it since I was two. I do it because it makes me feel good and lets me express feeling with the words of music in

Q: What is it about what you do that you enjoy? What sets what you do apart from other types of art or other activities?

A: It's just the feeling of singing that makes me happy. For instance, if I'm singing a sad song I cry, but If singing a happy song I'm so joyful. Songs with attitude I tend to sing really sassy.

Q: What advice do you have for other young, developing artists?

A: The advice I have is work very hard and never give up on what you love! Be enthusiastic with what you do because it's going to help you later in life.

selected to perform is very low, those who do make it spend lots of time practicing for the audition.

"I spent about a month and a half preparing for this audition. It was actually really cool because I have been auditioning for district band for six years and this was the first year that I got in," White said.

A: I plan to major in music and either teach for a chorus or I plan to sing professionally. I haven't made anything of my own but I write little songs here and there, but none of them are finalized.

Q: Do you have a favorite painting or piece of art? Do you have a favorite personal work?

A: I love to sing all types of music but my favorite would probably be R&B because I'm more of a contemporary kind of singer.

Q: What would you say to someone that wants to get into creating art, whatever form of art it may be (artwork, music, literature)?

A: What I would tell people who are trying to do something with music is when you start never give up. For singers I say get a voice coach and get someone to really help you carry and work and kind of water. Your voice because the voice is like a plant and it needs to be watered and treated well.

Q: What do you plan to do with your talents in the future?

Featured art of the issue

PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA LE

Featured artist of the month

Symphonic Band members (Left to right) Clinician Stan Schoonover, Caitlin White, Ben Betts, Toby Singh and Nick Mortensen

BAILEY OLIVER

The nine members of selected band ensembles received top rankings for their performances at the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors District 10 All-District Honor Band Festival.

In both ensembles, the students of AHS placed consistently high in the district. Junior Caitlin White, sophomore Andrew Lauler, senior Thomas White and senior Kenneth Duong qualified to audition for the All-State Band and are scheduled to do so at end of the month.

"For percussion, which is what I play, you have to get in the top 15. I got third place overall," Lauler said.

Wind Ensemble members Caitlin Odom and Nathan Pho got first and fifth respectively for their instrument groups. Symphonic Band member Ben Betts was fourth in the district for his instrument group.

Performers were ranked individually instead in their respective

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSEPH WITKOWSKI

Arts Editor and Special to The A-Blast

While the music may have been difficult, working with the conductors proved to be helpful.

"We prepared three pieces with Dr. Thompson. He actually spent time and really picked the pieces and [highlighted] the issues that young students usually have playing," Thomas said. "He went through and taught us a lot with counting, subdividing and how to make sure you come in [at the right time]. He made a lot of stuff with knowing when your part was important."

Overall, the experience seemed to be positive for participating performers.

"The pieces were fun and challenging and I loved the conductor; he was very animated with his movements," White said.

Betts shares what he found the most fun with district performances.

"It's [the best part] hanging out with your friends, because the playing is kind of cool, but I think it's just the people that are fun," Betts said.

"I loved it. I encourage every single person in the entire world to audition for it," Lauler said.

Want to have your art featured in the next issue of The A-Blast? Each issue, the Arts page will pick a student's art of submitted content and feature a their work of art on the Arts page. All mediums are welcome, whether it be a painting, doodle, poem or song. Videos can be submitted too! Send all submissions, or if you have questions, to ablastartsmailbox@ gmail.com, or send it to our dropbox (using the same email as above) for files larger than 2 GB.

12 INTERNATIONAL

Feb. 18, 2015

Students and teachers reflect on Middle East The Jordanian suicide bomber killed by ISIS

The new king on the Saudi Arabian Throne

BY SUMMAR AYOUB International Editor

BY SUMMAR AYOUB & JEANINE BARAKAT International Editor & Staff Writer

Recently, Jordanian suicide bomber Moath al- Kasasbeh crashed his aircraft in Syria while on a mission to bomb Syria. After the crash landing, al-Kasasbeh was captured and burned to death by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS).

Jordanian student Sultan Abuhasheesh currently has family in Jordan and continues to keep in touch with them almost weekly. Abuhasheesh was born in Jordan, then moved to the United States when he was young.

Due to the recent tragedy in Jordan, Abuhasheesh feels that ISIS could have handled the situation differently by punishing him in a different way.

"No one expected it but everyone thought it was a really brutal thing to do," Abuhasheesh said.

Like most citizens of Jordan, Abuhasheesh is worried that his country may get into war with another country and probably even ISIS. Abuhasheesh is really proud of the way Jordan came together to defend a member of his country. The Jordanian is on the side of his people while the burning terror had occurred. While, everyone is sticking together, ISIS will continue to create these acts of terror, unless something is done.

"I think Jordan handled the situation really well by having everyone nationally stick together and really try

After Saudi Arabian King Abdullah died from Pneumonia, the government of Saudi Arabia immediately crowned his younger brother Prince Salman as the new king of Saudi Arabia.

Junior Mohammed Alzhrani was born in Saudi Arabia and visits the country yearly. Alzhrani has many family members and friends in his home town.

"I went there this past summer," junior Mohammed Alzhrani said.

Unlike other Middle Eastern countries, the Saudi Arabian people are happy with their president and the presidential family.

"I feel like everything is going to stay the same even Junior Mohammed Alzhrani though there is a new president," Alzhrani said.

Although they have many tourist acitvities, they also One of the religious landmarks in Saudi Arabia is Mecca, this is where Muslims go to complete their once in have many historical roots. Before the death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud, he was one of the few a lifetime pilgrimage.

The country is known internationally for their wealth royal children to assume the role of King of Saudi Arabia.

Before he became King, Abdullah's father Ibn Saud in the oil industry. It is known for having the largest oil was the first monarch of Saudi Arabia. When he died from reserves, which estimates about 297 billion barrels.

Since it is a rich county due to their oil, they have a heart attack, Abdullah was next in line. Now that Abdulmany activities for the tourists and the natives. Alzhrani lah has died, his brother has assumed the role as King.

Citizens only hope that their new king can be as great goes to Saudi Arabia to engage in fun activities.

"I sometimes go to the desert with my family and ski as their last. on the sand dunes," Alzhrani said.

Senior Sultan Abuhasheesh

to defend the pilot," Abuhasheesh said.

Although this terror has occurred, Abuhasheesh still hopes to travel to Jordan with his family soon.

"My favorite thing's to do in Jordan are being able to see my family and eating the authentic Arabic food," Abuhasheesh said.

Jordan is slow recovery after the burning of their Air Force pilot. ISIS seemed to have commited this terror to warn other countries not to go against them, but to join them.

Syria air raids on rebel-held areas kills dozens

Yemen Al-Qaeda Leader Killed by United States Drone

BY SUMMAR AYOUB & JEANINE BARAKAT International Editor & Staff Writer

BY JEANINE BARAKAT Staff Writer

The Syrian government launched air strikes on rebel groups in Damascus killing around 76 people.

The Syrian people and government have been in a disagreement for about three years. After the people overthrew their government, they wanted to put the people in line by taking over the country like they had before.

Arabic teacher Ola Layaly feels that the government is taking this situation overboard and the Syrian's do not deserve to be put through this terror.

"It's very upsetting for me, my heart goes out to them," Layaly said.

Although the people of Syria are going through a tough time, they still manage to remain optimistic, just like the people that have family in Syria.

"I'm still very optimistic because I know it's going to be a very sad and gloomy part of our lives," Layaly said.

Any country that is at war with their own government can be difficult and also challenging, since they are the main source of money for people.

"Terrorism is not who we are, this is not Islam and I truly believe deep down in my heart we are going to overpower them," Layaly said. "We're going to stand next to each other and overpower them. Even though it will take some time, in the end we are going to be in very good shape."

After two years of manhunting, American-born Anwar al-Awlaki was recently killed by a U.S. drone.

Awlaki was wanted by the U.S. government because he is the Al-Qaeda leader of Yemen. As the Al-Qaeda leader, Awlaki has commited multiple acts of terrorism around the world.

The United States caught and killed al-Awlaki by tracking him with armed drones operated by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

"I think with his capture, we're one step closer to achieving peace and stopping acts of terrorism around the world, " senior Wahib Abdella said.

Abdella was born in the U.S., but has family in Yemen that he keeps in contact with and hopes they are safe.

Abdella is happy that the Yemeni leader was taken down.

"I'm happy that they finally caught him after all this time," Abdella said.

There are terrorist groups in almost every Middle Eastern country. Like most people that have terrorist groups affiliated with their country, some people have fear as their first instinct concerning situations like this, but Abdella is not scared about the situation.

"I think that if we all stand together against terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda, then we will have nothing to fear.

Arabic teacher Ola Layaly

Since this attack of terror, over dozens of people have died and some children are left without their families, and many parents have lost their children.

Funeral were held for all of the lost lives, by their neighbors and remaining family members.

"I still believe that they will have the power to pull themselves together and get back on track," Layaly said.

The Annandale community is heavily populated with many Middle Eastern students that have family back home. They are in constant contact with them and hope they are safe from all the dangers occurring.

What are your thoughts on the problems in the Middle East?

"I think they should just have peace because a lot of dehumanizing acts are taking place."

ISLAMIC TERROR RELATED TERMS

"I think they're going to escalate until something drastic happens and terrorists use God to hide their true colors."

AMANDA VILLAGRAN junior

Senior Wahib Abdella

As long as we are united, they can't break us," Abdella said.

Although many citizens are satisfied with the capture of the Al-Qaeda leader, some fear that the Al-Qaeda group will retaliate on them. " I definitely think they'll retaliate, but once again if we stick together we have nothing to fear," Abdella said.

Citizens of Yemen continue to prepare for the worst, and hope for the best, while they are going through this tragic time.

YOCIAS FEKADE

Islamaphobia (Noun)Syllabification: Is·lam·o·pho·bi·a Dislike of or prejudice against Islam or Muslims, especially as a political force.

Islamicide (Noun)Syllabification: Is·lam·i·cide The heinous act of murder caused by a believer of Islam using his own body to deliver a bomb.

Islamitrauma (Noun)Syllabification: Is·lam·i·tra·u·ma Generally used to describe a condition in which behavior or belief invariant with mainstream/ moderate Islam produce conditions in which an individual engages in unislamic behavior.

Islamobore (Noun)Syllabification: Is·lam·o·bore Someone who cannot stop going on about Islam.

junior

"I feel like most people think that the Middle Eastern problems are caused by all Muslims but I feel like a lot of people don't know the full story."

"I think solutions in the Middle East are extremely difficult to find."

JOEL JEPSON History teacher

Islamo-fascism (Noun)Syllabification: Is·lam·o·fas·ci·sm Oppressive system of government mainly having to do with Islam.

IMAN NAIEEM senior Compiled by Summar Ayoub and Jeanine Barakat

Annandale: American Stories

JEANINE BARAKAT

BY HENRY CALDERON-TORO Special to The A-Blast We still cannot discover what human beings are able to do. A human's best quality is to get comfortable in unknown surroundings.

In my case, when I came to the United States, it was pretty hard to get used to the huge differences between the United States and Colombia. It was hard for me to face this dramatic change in my life. Even though the United States is a great nation and gives a lot of facilities to the community, I still miss my people, my school and my family, on the other side of the world.

First of all, one important fact in our lives and surroundings is people.

The people that are around us have a big influence in the way we act.

According to some investigations, it is considered that Colombia is one of the happiest countries in the world. People from my country are much happier than the people in the United States. They are crazier, in a

SOURCE: TERRORISM.ABOUT.COM

Student comes to America to escape dangers in Columbia

way that you would enjoy the craziness. In spite of all the good things I am telling, there is also a dark side of the story. Colombia is dangerous in any sector of the country and it is important that you know this if you go there. You cannot just pull out your phone from your pocket without looking around to check if there is someone strange.

Thieves are everywhere. It does not matter the background or the place you are in, they are just there, waiting for the victim. That is probably the thing I do not miss about Colombia. Thus, people help each other and the majority of them are nice people. They give you respect and kindness. People are an important factor in lives that we do not consider important until you move out of country.

Secondly, we all know how important school is for teenagers.

School is like a second house where you meet people and get to know each other, especially if you have

been studying in the same school for several years. But, where I am from, not all children are able to go to school. Some of them don't like it and drop out, and some of them just cannot afford it. School is not free in Columbia. There are no facilities from the government related to education and no one takes action about it.

Despite the fact that there are no facilities for students to enroll into any school, the education is very good. Teachers and staff help the students succeed throughout the school year. They help them if they had a problem. There are good methods of teaching and preparing the students to the real world. There are also more strict rules and more packets or homework to do at home.

Lastly, the most important and dramatic change for my father's family. I never had the opportunity to meet them. However, in the last two years I have been here in the United States, I had plenty of time

to meet them and get to know each other. We spend most of the time together and I am very happy about it.

In spite of the good members of my father's family, I still miss my mom's.

My mom's family raised me, and they have a lot to do with who I have become. My two families are completely different from each other.

My mom's family is much happier than my father's. They are also much crazier and funnier. My father's family is more united. They gather very frequently.

To sum up, adapting to the United States was the hardest sacrifice I had to make in order to have a better education and future. I sacrificed all I had which were the kindness from the people, the school in which I studied all my life and of course my family. I really miss my country, and I cannot wait to go and visit it again to see my family and relive the memories.

PEOPLE 13 Interracial Relationships

Feb. 18, 2015

Seniors Ahmed Hassan and Nina Fairman

For seniors Ahmed Hassan and Nina Fairman, ethnicities is something that has allowed them to become closer. Hassan is Sudanese while Fairman is half Mexican and half Caucasian.

Fairman and Hassan met each

other their freshman year and started dating after being crowned King and Queen for homecoming their senior year.

Food has been something that they have been able to enjoy and incorporate in each other's cultures.

"When I went to his house it was really interesting to see their culture inside their house.

The food that his mom gave me

was good food and it was really cool because I have never tried it before," Fairman said.

Fairman doesn't believe that the ethnicities of couples makes a difference, while Hassan believes that it makes it better.

"I feel like white and white couples and black and black are basic couples. Interracial relationships have a little bit more spice," Hassan said.

Hassan has met Fairman's parents on several occasions and has even had lunch with them.

"I was kind of nervous because it was a first time thing for me. It was nice and they seemed to really like me. They liked that I was a football player and that I cared for her."

Fairman's parents are also interracial and have been able to integrate both cultures in their houses.

"My parents are mixed too and we eat anything," Fairman said. "We don't really have a specific thing that we do. My house is mixed with both cultures and he probably thought that was interesting."

Junior Grant Thompson and senior Aimee Cabrera Junior Grant Thompson and senior Aimee Cabrera met in Spanish class last year. They have been officially dating for four months. Cabrera is half El Salvadorian and half Honduran while Thompson is Caucasian.

Thompson has been able to experience aspects of Cabrera's culture when she brought him homemade food.

"Aimee brought me kabobs that her mom made at home and it was different from what I eat, it had different flavors and spices," Thompson said.

Since both Thompson and Cabrera come from different ethnicities they are able to see how it affects their lifestyles.

"I think the fact that we're interracial has made us closer because we learn new things about each other. We're able to find out more new things about each other," Thompson said.

COURTESY OF GRANT THOMPSON

COURTESY OF AHMED HASSAN

Students and teachers discuss the role of their cultures

"I think that our relationship is maybe a little different because we're interracial because we don't come from the same background.

We're able to see how each family works."

The couple spent their first date having dinner at Panera Bread. "It was a perfect date," Thompson said.

Thompson and Cabrera spend a lot of their dates by going to

dinner and a movie or try to do something different.

"Since you don't come from the same background it gives you the opportunity learn new things about a different culture," Cabrera said. "I don't think anything would change if we were the same race."

History teacher Joel Jepson

COURTESY OF JOEL JEPSON

History teacher Joel Jepson met his wife of nine months after meeting online. After Skyping every day, Jepson went to see her in Macau, Vietnam.

"I met her in person and we still continued to Skype every day and we realized that there was some sort of magic and we decided to go with it. We dated for two years before we got married," Jepson said.

Jepson enjoyed meeting her family and even flew over to Saigon to ask father for permission to marry her.

"Her father was a sergeant in the south Vietnamese Air force during the Vietnam war so she described him to be a tough guy but he actually turned out to be a very congenial man," Jepson said.

"It was funny because I went to meet her family and ask her father for permission and like the whole neighborhood came out, it was like this parade they were looking to see what was going on and they were like who is this foreigner in our neighborhood."

Jepson's parents were fond of his wife and liked her right away.

Despite their unusual circumstances, Jepson had a great first date. She had greeted him at the airport followed by a dinner.

"It wasn't like 'let's meet for a cup of coffee at Starbucks' it's let me fly across the Pacific Ocean and see where she lives in Asia' and as a result it was fascinating because it combined me seeing a place for the first time and me seeing the love of my life, " Jepson said.

Celebrating the holidays is still something that they are working on. They are celebrating Lunar New Year on Feb. 19 due to the fact that it is a big family holiday. However, since her family is not in the States they are trying to find some place local that is able to offer

WHO AM I? This is my ninth year teaching at AHS

•

I attended McLean High school

•

I went to James Madison University

•

I was born in Washington D.C.

•

My favorite TV show is The Real Housewives of anywhere if its on Bravo I probably love it

•

My favorite movie is Moulin Rouge

•

In high school I participated in cross country, basketball, and softball

•

A fun fact about me is that I have seven tattoos

•

My biggest fears are spiders, bugs, and heights

•

The craziest thing I’ve ever done is marry a man who went to my rival high school

wesome toms MARIA SUAREZ

•

the cultural aspects of the holiday.

"It'll probably be a little bit of trial and error, you know we'll try this, do this and maybe do something else next year," Jepson said. "She goes along with our holidays very well, we're both very flexible when it comes to that sort of thing and we both are fascinated by each other cultures and it only adds to our interest to celebrate each other's holidays, it's kind of natural."

Food is also something that has brought both cultures together.

"I eat whatever she cooks, fortunately I like all types of food," Jepson said. "She has turned out to be an outstanding cook, but she cooks what she knows which is Vietnamese so we end up eating Vietnamese probably about four times a week and I'm not complaining she's a great cook, but when she works late I cook."

"You have to understand she's coming from overseas so she could really only carry what she s carrying in a few suitcases so she just kind of moved into my place when we got married," Jepson said.

Being in an interracial relationship is not always as easy, and takes a lot of patience and understanding. Jepson is open to interracial couples, as he is married to someone of a different culture and of a different race.

"I think that you need to be cognizant of the cultural differences which you see in the world and understand and be open to the fact that there is going to be a learning curve for both of you," Jepson said. "So you have to be very patient but you know what you look for is the soul of the other person, what's inside, so race therefore doesn't matter when you see the soul that you fall in love with."

On your smartphone, scan this code using the application QR Code to find the answer to the Who Am I.

Math teacher Karen Olarinde received the Awesome Atom award for approaching each student as an individual with specific needs and learning styles and for being an incredibly caring and nurturing colleague, teacher and leader.

These students and staff were selected for demonstrating Atom Pride Front office administrative assistant Suzan Hertzler received the Awesome Atom award for being professional, helpful, efficient and organized. Hertzler handles the chaos of the main office with a smile and calm demeanor and is a team player.

Junior Giuliana Nunez Anchiraico received the Awesome Atom award for always looking for ways to help others. She is a responsible and hardworking student and a role model for other ESOL students and often volunteers inside or outside the school.

14 LIFESTYLES Strut into New York Fashion Week

Feb. 18, 2015

Fashion Week is back in New York, which consists of brand name designers launching their semi-annual fall and winter debut.

It all started on Feb. 12 and ends tomorrow and of course everyone is talking about it.

"It is a great cultural event, it shows that diversity around the world and how it equates to fashion," fashion marketing teacher Michael Strand said.

This month will be the last Fashion Week held at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. International Management Group is the official company that runs the presentations and shows.

Their contract with IMG broke off at the end of 2014, although it was initially supposed to end in 2020.

This will be the second venue change in NYFW history. Prior to

the Lincoln Center, it took place at Bryant Center then moved to the Lincoln Center in 2010.

Mercedes-Benz will be also pulling out as the title sponsor after being the official sponsor since 2009.

MB has sponsored various fashion events all over the world, and displays their advocation of the fashion industry. The runway shows provided for the designers are beneficial to their businesses.

After February, the tents of Fashion Week will be finding a new sponsor and home for designers to show off their work and models to walk the runway.

We all know how stressful this week will be due to all changes and preparations that have to be made to make this event perfect.

Front row seats are occupied with well known celebrities. Special appearances will be made by Kim Kardashian West and Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue Magazine.

"I loved the outfit that Rihanna wore to last years Fashion Week," senior Aimee Cabrera said, "Her style is always on point."

BITESOFSTYLE

BY SOULISA PATHAMMAVONG AND THIDA PATHAMMAVONG Lifestyles Editor and Staff Writer

The models are not the only ones with breathtaking outfits. Celebrities always dress to impress during NYFW. It is not only Fashion Week for those on the runway, but also Fashion Week on the streets.

You will be able to find individuals with unique senses of style on the streets of New York, London, Paris and Milan.

"The people that wear clothing inspired by the designers are making a fashion statement," junior Kadijah Sesay said. "letting people know they are aware of the current styles."

You are guaranteed to see people strolling around the cities with inspirational and elegant fashion styles.

Fashion Week is not just about business, but includes after parties and connections between influential designers and stylists.

Some designers such as Michael Kors, Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren will be involved in this important fashion event. Even well known models such as Kendall Jenner will be cat-walking down the runway.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevingne in the fashion shows," sophomore Madie Walsh said. "I follow them on Instagram and seen so many photos of them modeling."

Each year designers display the upcoming autumn and winter trends in February, and summer and spring

PERB.NY.GOV

Students share their thoughts on the returning well-known fashion event

The Lincoln Center in New York City, where Fashion Week has been held since 2010.

trends in September. They present their newest collections on the runways.

"I think that they're trying to get their work out there for people to see," Sesay said.

For the fall and winter collections of 2015, there will be a variety of different trends. The runway designs show forthcoming seasonal trends that are more stylish than the apparel that will be sold in stores.

"The trends that I think will be on the runway are animal prints and mesh," senior Toba Rasoli said.

"They might even throw in some fur too."

Everything shown in the runways will have more detailed and magnificent items. As this eventful week quickly approaches, everyone is looking for a glimpse of what the designers have in store as fall and winter apparel.

Everyone who is anyone would greatly appreciate being present at this fashion event. It is the talk of the month and everyone is excited to see what is new!

Creativity and style truly reflect off those involved in this major event.

"Fashion week in New York is pretty awesome," junior Hassa Koroma said. "I'm looking forward to seeing many different styles of clothing that appeal to interests of many."

Get the look with Marilyn and Soulisa Steal the styles of Hollywood's hottest couple, Kanye and Kim Kardashian West

Sunglasses Urban Outffiters $15

Button up shirt Urban Outfitters $30

Utility jacket Zara $70

Beige trench coat Nastygal $70

Bodycon dress Bebe $60

Trousers H&M $30

Black sneakers Foot locker $70

SOULISA PATHAMMAVONG

Ankle strap heels Zara $20

Feel the city vibes in Georgetown View Washington D.C in a whole new way by exploring these places Sweet Green Eating healthy has never been easier.

Sweet Green has all the perks of a nutritious meal and even taste delicious. They guarantee the best with all organic ingredients. Your mom will never have to force you to eat your greens again.

Georgetown Cupcakes

Good Stuff Eatery

As soon as you take a bite out of a gourmet Georgetown cupcake, it will be love at first bite.

Although they are somewhat pricey, they are definitely worth it.

"Goodness Gracious" is not only used to describe Good Stuff Eatery's mouth-watering food, but also the good vibes the eatery gives off.

It has the ideal atmosphere to just go out and hang.

MARILYN RIVAS

MARILYN RIVAS

SOULISA PATHAMMAVONG

Georgetown Waterfront Park

Anthropologie If you like Urban Outfitters, you will truly love Anthropologie. It has unique and chic women clothing. It also carries a wide variety of home goods that help you express yourself.

This destination is fantastic for exploring gorgeous outdoor scenery. With so much to see and do, you will be entertained from sunrise to sunset.

SOULISA PATHAMMAVONG

MARILYN RIVAS

Compiled by Soulisa Pathammavong and Marilyn Rivas

SPORTS X-TRA 15

Feb. 18, 2015

AHS has new all time leading scorer CONT. "RECORD"

Austin Hall Timeline Freshman year, 2011-2012

Sophomore year, 2012-2013

JULIE SWENTON

quarter lead.

However, at the end of the third quarter, Hall hit a buzzer beating three pointer from the top of the key to cut the lead to three.

The Atoms then found their groove in the fourth quarter, clicking on offense and playing excellent defense. Hall drove into the paint and scored on an and-one layup. The ensuing free throw gave the Atoms an 11 point lead. They never looked back and won the game 76-63.

Everyone saw Austin Hall break the school record, but what many don't see is the work that went into Hall's 27 point performance. The work did not begin last month or last season. Ever since he was a child, Hall has been around basketball.

"I started playing when I was six, my dad coached a travel team, and used to take me to practice, and that's just where I started," Hall said.

"Ever since I picked up a basketball he knew I had something special, that I was kind of a natural with it, I could always shoot it from the first time I touched it."

A natural athlete and a hard worker, Hall stands apart from many other student athletes.

"Austin is one of the hardest working young men we've ever had," Behne said. "Before he even got here, when he was little he was working on his shot, the countless hours he puts in the gym, after he leaves here he goes and gets shots up, he's just a relentless worker. He takes pride in what he does. Those are the two things that really set him apart from most other people."

"I play basketball every day of my life," Hall said. "I spend two to three hours in the gym, after every practice I'm at the gym, it's my life. I play every day."

Thursday night's game quickly became a favorite memory of many players, including Hall.

"I'd say tonight, breaking the record, that was pretty special," Hall said. "A lot of work went into that.

It's not something that's easy. It's been lot of years and there's been lot of great players, and to be able to be at the top of that, it's really big."

This season, Hall also broke the single season points record, with Don't be fooled into thinking that

Austin Hall's record breaking shot came with 3:42 left in the first quarter.

Hall is only a scorer. Hall is a multidimensional player that can impact a game in multiple ways.

"He impacts the team in the way he leads the team attitude," boys varsity basketball head coach Matthew Behne said. "The way that, just in the last four games alone, he's had more assists, he's been hitting free throws and he's been taking care of the basketball. He's such a good ball handler and he's so fast. He's a very good defender when he wants to be. He has a lot of positives that are way beyond scoring. Scoring is just what people notice because it's what everybody looks at."

The team has been playing solidly over the last four games, showing teamwork and camaraderie.

"We're really close, a close-knit family," Hall said. "Everybody likes each other and everybody pushes

each other in practice. We all enjoy playing with each other."

The boys varsity basketball program will keep improving, as Hall has created a standard that will last for years.

"It will continue to go up. What I tell people all the time is about a legacy," Behne said. "This isn't about this year. This is about setting the tone for the next few years to come, for the guys that aren"t even here yet. It's for the fourth graders, it's for the fifth graders, it's for the sixth graders. It's for them to see the way that it's supposed to be done, not just playing at Ossian all day and thinking that's good enough. Put your work in, go to the gym, work hard, be a good student and be a good kid. The program is going to move forward, and Austin is leaving an image and a mark on that which the other kids are going to try and achieve."

Q: What were your earliest experiences with basketball?

A: I started playing when I was six. My dad coached a travel team and used to take me to practice, and that's just where I started. Ever since I picked up a basketball, he knew I had something special, that I was kind of a natural with it. I could always shoot it from the first time I touched it.

Q: How has your experience playing for AHS impacted you?

A: It's been great, four years on varsity, couldn't ask for anything more. A lot of controversy, a lot of good teammates but it's been amazing, especially with the achievements I've accomplished. It's been a great four years here, and just keep it going.

Q: How does breaking the all-time points record feel?

A: It feels really good, it was like scoring my thousandth point. So much work went into that, and to achieve that feels really good and it's really special.

PHOTO COURTESTY OF AUSTIN HALL

Q&A with Austin Hall

Q: Is there any advice that you'd like to give to student athletes who are trying out for varsity next year?

A: Just to work, all you can do is work. Good things come when guys work. During the offseason and during the season itself is when everybody improves.

Q: How hard have you worked to get here?

A: I play basketball every day of my life. I spend two to three hours in the gym, after every practice I'm at the gym, it's my life. I play every day.

Q: What's your favorite memory playing at AHS? A: I'd say tonight, breaking the record, that was pretty special. A lot of work went into that. It's not something that's easy. A lot of years and a lot of great players, and to be able to be at the top of that, it's really big.

Q: Can you tell us about Coach Behne?

A: Coach Behne is great, he's a real good coach. He loves everybody on the team, and treats everybody like they were his son. He wants the best for us all, and that's what makes him awesome.

Q: What do you do during the offseason?

A: Offseason is a lot of playing and a lot of traveling. I travel a lot, all over the US to play. I'm also working in the gym, lifting, and just playing ball.

Q: Tell us about the team A: This year's team? We're really close, a close-knit family. Everybody likes each other and everybody pushes each other in practice. We all enjoy playing with each other.

Q: What's your favorite part about basketball?

A: Just seeing all your work pay off on the court. Getting the accolades and the credentials, you work hard and good things happen, and that's why I work hard.

Q: Who do you look up to outside of basketball?

A: Neymar, because he's a young player with a ton of pressure on his back but he never lets it get to him and he's fearless on the pitch.

Junior year, 2013-2014

PHOTOS COURTESTY OF THE ANTENNA YEARBOOK

Q&A with Coach Behne Q: What qualities about Austin stand out to you?

A: Austin is one of the hardest working young men we've ever had. Before he even got here, when he was little he was working on his shot. The countless hours he puts in the gym, after he leaves here he goes and gets shots up, he's just a relentless worker. He takes pride in what he does. Those are the two things that really set him apart from most other people.

Q: Did you see this type of potential in him?

A: I didn't have a clue about that, no one ever does, because you never know about injuries, you have to worry about the grades and the way they act. There are so many disciplinary things to worry about, but that's what I've said sets Austin so much apart as well. The fact that he's a great student, a great kid, he does what he is supposed to, and then he lets you go ahead and stay on the floor and do his thing. He has a certain amount of talent that you just don't know.

Scoring all of these points are one thing, but there's no way we would have ever perceived that he could have done all these things.

Q: Are you proud of what he's been able to accomplish for the school?

A: I'm proud of what he's been able to accomplish for him. The school is lucky to have him. We're lucky to have all these boys. We're lucky to have them represent us because they're great quality kids. As far as representing, Austin takes pride because of what he represents to the school and the community and also on the court. He's a model citizen and a great student. That's what makes the school excited to have him.

Q: What is it like to be able to coach a player like Austin?

A: Challenging. He does things a little differently because he is able to do some things that other players can't. The only thing that is difficult is that he has such quickness and speed that sometimes he takes ill-advised shots, but gets positive results. He's led us this year with 22 points per game. We could've had a few more wins, but he's done a darn good job.

Q: Besides points, how else does Austin impact the team?

A: The way he leads the team attitude. The way that, just in the last four games alone, he's had more assists, he's been hitting free throws, he's been taking care of the basketball. He's such a good ball handler and he's so fast. He's a very good defender when he wants to be. He has a lot of positives that are way beyond scoring. Scoring is just what people notice because it's what everybody looks at.

Q: Where does the AHS boys basketball program go from here, after Austin and all of the seniors graduate?

A: It will continue to go up. What I tell people all the time is about a legacy. This isn't about this year. This is about setting the tone for the next few years to come, for the guys that aren't even here yet. It's for the fourth graders, it's for the fifth graders, it's for the sixth graders. It's for them to see the way that it's supposed to be done, not just playing at Ossian all day and thinking that's good enough. Put your work in, go to the gym, work hard, be a good student and be a good kid. The program is going to move forward, and Austin is leaving an image and a mark on that which the other kids are going to try and achieve.

AUSTIN HALL FACTS

· Favorite school subject is history · Favorite NBA player is Steve Nash · First basketball team was the Fairfax Stars · Started playing at the age of six · Best move is the crossover · Always takes a nap, gets a lot of shots up before games · Favorite pair of shoes are Kobes

16 SPORTS Wrestling team wins championship

Feb. 18, 2015

Six players advance to regionals Staff Writer The Grappling Atoms have once again exceeded their expectations by becoming the 2014-2015 Patriot Conference champions.

The Atoms have been working all season to achieve this goal and not only has the team won districts, but six individual players have placed first from AHS. The winners that will head to regionals are freshman Alan Koklianda, sophomore Santiago Medrano, junior Hammaad Lodhi, junior Sergio Martinez, senior Devin Hamlett and senior Wesley Miller.

In addition, six more wrestlers from AHS have advanced to regionals along with the winners: senior Tony Gibbs, junior Mohammad Hamza, junior Jose Camacho, junior Azamat Israilov, junior Michael Weaver, junior Alex Joya and freshman Uriel Sejas.

They have been working hard all season and preparing for this moment with coach Keith Sholders's leadership and commitment to the

team.

"The kids balled into what we were doing all year, we had some tough times. They worked extremely hard and hard work pays off," Coach Keith Sholders said.

Sholders has a unique coaching style which has worked throughout the years with the success of his team.

"It's a good feeling for the school and for the kids who worked extremely hard," Sholders said, "but we have unfinished business and we have cranked it up even harder this week because we still have the regional and state tournament and we still have to work harder as a team to achieve our goals individually and as a team."

The Grappling Atoms have been working as a team during practice to achieve their goal.

"The kids held each other accountable and pushed each other to their limits, and to where they wanted to win a title. They are doing the same thing this week for the regional title and the state title as well," Sholders said. "The boys have

been really committed to coming to practice every day and staying focused which is why they have had so much success over the years."

"We always tell the kids we're not done. We met one goal and we have several more, and most importantly they have to stay hungry and meet all the goals that they set from the beginning of the year, " Sholders said.

Sholders anticipates that the wrestlers will stay hungry and do what it takes to achieve their goals.

CONFERENCE SCORES 1st - Annandale 2nd - South County 3rd - Lake Braddock 4th - W.T. Woodson 5th - West Springfield 6th - West Potomac 7th - T.C. Willams

242.0 211.5 186.0 145.0 97.0 96.5 90.0 The wrestling team takes a picture as they celebrate their win last week in the Patriot Conference Championship.

SPRING SPORTS TRYOUTS CHECKLIST

What memory stands out to you the most from the the sport you played this season?

"My favorite memory was when we beat T.C. Williams."

COURTESY OF SAUD SHAH

BY NEBEYU SOLOMON

Make sure you have everything you need to try out:

KATIE PACAK

JAROD GOLUB

Junior Hannah Curran at a game

"My favorite memory is Pack The Pit because it was our senior night and we won as a team."

DREW WHITE

SAUD SHAH sophomore, wrestling

"My favorite memory of this season was hanging in the locker room with my friends and laughing with them on the bus."

"Scoring 80 points against Lee is my favorite memory."

MIKAEL MECHAL sophomore, basketball

ASTRID LIGONDE senior, track

"When I dunked against West Potomac is my favorite memory for this season."

"My favorite memory was when I broke 11 minutes for two miles."

DAGIM TIGABU

DONTAE JOHNSON

sophomore, track

sophomore, basketball

Sports Editor The varisty girls basketball team defeated the West Potomac Wolverines on Feb. 12 with a tremendous amount of three pointers and foul shots from most of the players.

The final score of the girls game ended with an outstanding score of 60-34.

For the girls, the win they had last against West Potomac high school was one of their biggest accomplishments.

This win was a tremendous for the ladies because the game ended the season and it was on West Potomac's senior night.

The girls wrapped up the regular season with a total of 9-12.

"Winning the game was a big accomplishment for us because they have always been one of our biggest rivals. It was also their team's senior night so the pressure was on to play our best," sophomore Katie Garrish said. "The game was really intense so when the buzzer went off at the end of the fourth quarter, it was such

a good feeling. " Throughout the whole game, the girls kept the game close against the other team, keeping the score close by maintaining their defense and being able to get the open pass for shots and layups on offense.

The teams also had their fair amount of fouls thus leading in foul shots, which also kept the score close.

The tremendous lead was also a big accomplishment for the girls due to all the close games they have had throughout the season.

As the girls season and winter sports come to an end, the girls take this time to reflect on their season as a whole.

"Overall, we have really grown as a team and as a family," Garrish said. "This season was really fun and it'll just prepare us more for next season."

The girls also hope to accomplish a lot at their time during regionals later in the month.

"We always have room for improvement and we hope to go far in regionals," Garrish said.

COURTESY OF ANNANDALE ATHLETICS

Girls basketball ball beats West Potomac

BY SABRINA HAWA

Junior Asaada Hatcher goes up for a layup at the game.

Emergency Care Card (turned into Athletic's office)

· Remember to go into tryouts with a positive attitude and play your best.

sophomore, track

sophomore, swimming

·

· Also, try to attend 'Green Days' to get in an extra workout before tryouts begin.

NORA HASRAT

"Having team dinner at Silverado is my favorite memory."

VHSL Physical papers (turned into Ahletic's office)

· Both components of online concussion education components completed by you and your parents.

"My favorite memory is going to all the different meets."

junior, basketball

·

SPORTS 17 Swim qualifies for states in Richmond Feb. 18, 2015

Five swimmers advance to states after tough competition at regionals

Q&A with junior Ashley Britton When did you start swimming and why?

BY TIM GRAY

I started swimming when I was eight (even though I told myself I would never join the swim team) because it looked like a lot of fun and I when I was younger I pretty much wanted to try every sport. I also loved being in the water.

Staff Writer After a tough season, the Atom's most skilled swimmers reached regionals and found success.

Eleven swimmers were sent to regionals for five relays and three individual events, and five of those swimmers will be going on to the State Meet. Those five swimmers are senior Ben Martino, juniors Ashley Britton, Aaron Boyd, Luke Daggle and Gabe Martino. Britton made states in the 50 Freestyle placing 10th at regionals (is now two one hundredths off the 40 year old school record).

Boyd set two new school records in the 50 freestyle and 100 fly, placing fifth and seventh and made states in both events. Many have plans to improve, drop times and, most importantly, break records.

"At regionals I swam at two events, the 200 relay and the 400 relay. Unfortunately our 400 relay didn't quite make it at prelims, but our 200 relay made it to finals and now we're going to states," Daggle said.

Other athletes are not only looking to better themselves, but to make history.

"At relays I swam the 200 medley relay, along with the 200 freestyle relay and the 50 freestyle," Britton said. "I made it to finals in the 50 free and I swam my best time of 24.52.

I'm going to be swimming that event in states and my goal is to hopefully make it past prelims and into finals. My all time goal is to beat a 24.50 which is the school record from 1975, so I'm really pushing for that. The whole state team has been working super hard, so I know the rest of the guys are going to do killer."

Others, like Boyd, are (quite literally) making waves in AHS swim history.

"At regionals I got fifth in the 50-free, and seventh in 100fly; I improved my times and broke records in both events," Boyd said. "At states I'm swimming the 50 free and 100 free and I hope to do really well, and drop some times."

"We're all very prepared, so we're pretty excited and optimistic," Britton said. "I'm a little anxious because I'm not really sure what to expect, but I know how strong the other swimmers are so I have to show well at prelims. I've kind of got only one more shot so that's a little stressful".

The Atoms will compete in states in Richmond on Friday, Feb. 27 and Saturday, Feb. 28. Last season, we saw success at states when Boyd broke the record for the 200 free with a time of one minute and 45 seconds. Congratulations to all of the Atoms who made it to finals. Let's break some records!

What is the best memory you have of swimming?

Being the only girl going to states feels pretty cool, but it would have been awesome if some of the other girls made it too, which I know will definitely happen in the future. The guys are killer though and we're all friends so we have a lot of fun together at practice! I'm really stoked because I've never been to states for anything in my life and it's going to be really intense being around such a competitive environment.

What will you do to prepare for states?

To prepare I'm just going to do my best in practice, and bank on sleep the week before. I'm also going to be drinking tons and tons of water and of course carb loading the night before.

COURTESY OF ASHLEY BRITTON

Do you have any rituals before your meets?

Senior Ben Martino, juniors Luke Daggle, Ashley Britton, Aaron Boyd and Gabe Martino posed for a group picture after qualifying for states.

I have a very particular pre-meet schedule. I always try to nap if I can, but not right before the meet because then I feel drowsy. After that I always drink a smoothie from Tropical Smoothie and eat bananas and peanut butter and I take a shower. I get pumped with some specific songs like 'Hungry like the Wolf' by Duran Duran, "Come Clean" by Hillary Duff, and "Fight Night" by Migos.

I always write "GOD" on my left wrist with sharpie before I swim, to remind myself who I'm swimming for. Sometimes I'll write a Bible verse too or '24.50' which is the time I want to beat in my 50 freestyle. I also listen to a lot of Christian rock.

What are your goals for states?

My goal for states is to make it past prelims into finals, and to beat the school record for the 50 yard freestyle. At regionals I swam a 24.52 and the team record from 1975 is a 24.50. I'm 0.2 off and

Junior Ashley Britton exits the pool after a vigorous training session outside.

it's killing me! I could have never made it to states without God because I have been going to the same time all year until districts. I could also never have made it without the help of coach Smith and coach Klein. They have been working with us.

What is your favorite stroke? How long do you guys usually practice for? And where?

Freestyle is definitely my favorite stroke because I can really push it as hard as I can. We practice for one hour from 3:30-4:30 at the Audrey Moore Rec Center.

COURTESY OF ASHLEY BRITTON

How does it feel to be the only girl going to states? Are you excited?

COURTESY OF ASHLEY BRITTON

My best memory of swimming would be when my summer team, the Wakefield Chapel Wahoos, were in the division four championship. It came down to the very last relay, which was the girls 200 meter mixed age freestyle relay, and I was in it. I was so nervous and on the last leg of the race we were trailing behind, but our anchor, Rachel Burnett (who has most of the swim records here at AHS), caught up and we won the division and went onto division 3. It was so insane being able to be in a relay with such a strong swimmer, and to this day she is someone who I strive to be like whenever I compete.

What does it feel like when you are standing behind the block getting ready for your race?

When I'm standing behind the block getting ready for a race my heart is basically screaming and I literally shake all over. Sometimes I'm so nervous that I feel like I'm going to puke or I almost cry. I try not to look at the other girls but I always do. I try to always take three large breaths in through my nose and out through my mouth, because that is what a coach of mine used to say.

Do you think it's better to relax before a race or jump around and get your energy flowing Personally I don't like to jump around a lot before a race because it gets me pretty tired. Especially for a sprint race like the 50 free, I try to save as much energy as possible. However I'll do some quick high-knees or butt-kicks to get myself on top of things, or I'll just stretch my legs. I always take a sip of water, swish it around my mouth, swallow half and spit the rest out. Always. And I pray because God is the only reason I'm able to swim so He's the one I should be looking to.

Britton poses for a picture after coming back from swim practice.

What is your favorite part of being on the team?

My favorite part of being on the Atoms is the fact that we all love each other like a family. Everyone is extremely supportive and they are always happy for each other's success. We have the greatest traditions like always doing the hokey pokey in the pool before the meet, and having the funniest cheers like the watermelon cheer. I love swimming for AHS so much and I honestly wish it would never end. The memories I've made so far swimming here are irreplaceable, and it just rocks. It makes me so happy.

What are your plans for the end of the season?

"I am going to practice with an old college basketball player to get ready for next basketball season."

IAN MARBURGER Basketball, freshman

"I plan to continue with spring track.

Working with the coaches to do the best I can."

"In the spring I will be doing shot put and also attend football green days."

RAVYN HANKINSON

Track and Field, junior

BRANDON HUNT

Track, senior

"I will be doing Track and Field this spring because it will help my endurance for basketball. " ASAADA HATCHER Basketball, junior

Track & field takes on regional conference Sports Editor Boys and girls track is exceeding all expectations.

Staring Feb. 19, the Atoms that qualified for regionals are going to the PG Sports Complex to compete in both field and track events. With two Atoms already qualified for states, seniors Aviad Gebrehiwot and Nathan Hogye, the team is ready to compete.

"I'm proud of how far my team had come and how much we've improved!" senior Ravyn Hankinson said.

On Feb. 7, the boys and girls team competed at the Patriot District Conference 7 Championship at Episcopal High School.

The meet held many events that the Atoms participated in, ranging from field events like shot put and running events like the girls and boys 500 meter dash.

Gebrehiwot placed third in the boys 1600 meter dash with a time of 4:25.65, qualifying him for states.

"It's a pretty good feeling, I managed to PR in the mile at 4:24 at conference, which was an auto state qualifying time," Gebrehiwot said. "Now I can take risks at regionals and even if I didn't place top six (which I plan to do) I'll still have a spot at states. And at this point we work on speed rather than endurance because speed work isn't as taxing on the body as opposed to high mileage. I'm also just trying to have the right mind set because running is a big mental sport."

Hogye placed third in the boys 500 meter dash running a time of 1:06.80, also qualifying him to compete in states.

Though only two Atoms auto qualified for states, the rest of the team still has a chance to grab a spot at states.

Others who have a chance are seniors Astrid Ligonde,

COURTESY OF SHANNYEA WHICHARD

BY MARIFE BARAGANO

Junior Shannyea Whichard prepares to recieve the botton from her teammate in the girls 4x200 run.

James (Jack) Curtain, Andre Wright, the member of the boys 4x800 relay, junior Shannyea Whichard, senior Ravyn Hankinson and Gebrehiwot in another event.

Ligonde competed in both the girls 55 meter hurdles and the triple jump earning a length of 33-08.00 and a time of 9.28.

Curtain participated in the triple jump as well getting fifth place with a length of 40-00.25.

Wright placed third in boys shot put with a 41-09.00.

The boys 4x800 meter relay also placed third with a time of 8:27.25 including runners Gebrehiwot, senior Robert Lamb, senior Justice Kerfoot and junior Risky Alvarado.

Whichard, the only junior placed second in the girls 55 meter dash with a 7.64.

"The last meet was a roller-coaster, after my first time trial for the 55 I was so scared because I personally

thought I had a bad start, but after coach Klein told me that my race looked good I calmed down until I made finals," Whichard said. "After getting second overall, I almost cried because I wasn't able to make it out the conference last year it meant a lot to make it out this year."

Hankinson received ninth with an overall time of 1:26.29.

Gebrehiwot, who auto qualified for states, also regional qualified in the 1000 meter run with a 2:41.18.

The team has come together in many aspects, supporting and pushing each other to do the best they can. When a single member of the team beats their personal record it is like a win for every member of the team.

"Everybody is so supportive, I've played, basketball, soccer and even tried cheerleading and no sport felt

COURTESY OF SHANNYEA WHICHARD

Seniors Aviad Gebrehiwot and Nathan Hogye autoqualified from states

Whichard's facial expression after placing second in the girls 55 meter dash with a time of 7.64.

more like a team than track," Whichard said.

Track may seem to be an individual sport but the Atoms have learned to create an environment where everyone can become a family.

"My favorite aspect of being an Atoms runner is definitely being a part of such a supportive team, we support each other with everything." Hankinson said.

"I was honestly sad because it was my last indoor meet ever."

At the moment no girls are going to states, but the girls believe that will change. The team is working harder than ever to prepare for the meet at practices.

Running in not so inviting weather is also allowing them to practice in tough conditions making indoor running a bit of an easier case. Most competitors end up winning most of the racers and matches that they competed in, which gives them an overall high ranking against opponents.

It is important that the team stays as a unit and works hard to win as many positions as possible at states.

18 ENTERTAINMENT Students vote for Oscar winners Best Picture: American Sniper - 66%

Other nominees: Whiplash

The Theory of Everything

Feb. 18, 2015

Best Actor: Benedict Cumberbatch - 58% Other nominees:

Selma

Michael Keaton

Bradley Cooper

Eddie Redmayne

Foxcatcher

Grand Budapest Hotel The Imitation Game

Best Director: Morten Tyldum - 52%

Boyhood

Birdman

Other nominees:

Best Actress: Rosamund Pike - 40%

Birdman

Boyhood

Grand Budapest Hotel

Foxcatcher

THIS POLL WAS COMPILED ON 2/12 AND 100 STUDENTS WERE USED

Other nominees: Reese Witherspoon

Julianne Moore

Felicity Jones

Marion Cotillard

Geeky facts on your favorite teachers LINDSAY ZURAWSKI

ILANA REYES

SEAN HARDY

Teaches: History and Anthropology Favorite movie: Star Wars Favorite TV show: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Favorite book: Graveyard Look Favorite actor/actress: David Tennant/Emma Watson Favorite fictional character: Harry Potter Nomination for Best Picture Oscar: Birdman

Teaches: Counselor Favorite movie: A League of Their Own Favorite TV show: West Wing/Entourage Favorite book: Harry Potter Favorite actor/actress: Bradley Cooper/Tina Fey Favorite fictional character: Ari Gold Nomination for Best Picture Oscar: American Sniper

Teaches: English/AVID Favorite movie: The Usual Suspects Favorite TV show: True Detective Favorite book: Game of Thrones Favorite actor/actress: Penelope Cruz/Woody Harrelson Favorite fictional character: Tyrion Lannister Nomination for Best Picture Oscar: Boyhood

YAARA CRANE

FRANCESCA MAST

JONATHAN YORK

Teaches: Science Favorite movie: The Little Mermaid Favorite TV show: Big Bang Theory Favorite book: Wheel of Time/Narnia Favorite actor/actress: Natalie Portman Favorite fictional character: Princess Leia Nomination for Best Picture Oscar: Grand Budapest Hotel

Teaches: Science Favorite movie: Bladerunner Favorite TV show: Keen Eddie Favorite book: Submergence Favorite actor/actress: Uma Thurman/Colin Firth Favorite fictional character: Harry Bosch Nomination for Best Picture Oscar: Grand Budapest Hotel

Teaches: History Favorite movie: Godfather Trilogy Favorite TV show: The Simpsons Favorite book: Undaunted Courage Favorite actor/actress: Clint Eastwood/Helen Hunt Favorite fictional character: Homer Simpson Nomination for Best Picture Oscar: Selma

NOELLE VINAS

MICHAEL MAZZARELLA

DAVID TYNDALL

Teaches: Theater Arts Favorite movie: Blue Velvet Favorite TV show: Transparent Favorite book: The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay Favorite actor/actress: Edward Norton/Lizzie Caplan Favorite fictional character: Ender Wiggin Nomination for Best Picture Oscar: Birdman

Teaches: Math Favorite movie: Inception Favorite TV show: Seinfield Favorite book: Don Quixote Favorite actor/actress: Michael Caine Favorite fictional character: Randy from South Park Nomination for Best Picture Oscar: Boyhood

Teaches: Science Favorite movie: Fantasia Favorite TV show: Doctor Who Favorite book: Solaris Favorite actor/actress: Jodie Foster Favorite fictional character: Elly Eroway Nomination for Best Picture Oscar: Boyhood

Seventh Son differs from book series The Last Apprentice series hits the big screen, but disappoints viewers

BY CONRAD SHARTEL Entertainment Editor Seventh Son sadly did not live up to the expectations of the book The Last Apprentice. Many of the characters in the movie were either made up completely or lacked important characteristics they had in the book, such as their seriousness or goofiness. A huge problem was the events dealing with the villain Mother Malkin; her rise to power and her evil companions.

She does not break out of her prison by herself in the book like she does in the movie, and she is alone in the book. The movie showed her to have an army of demons, which was completely inaccurate.

Seventh Son premiered in theaters on Feb. 6. The movie includes characters Gregory (Jeff Bridges) who plays the spook, Thomas Ward (Ben Barnes) who is the apprentice and Mother Malkin (Julianne Moore). It takes place in a fictional medieval world that has witches, demons, boggarts and a number of other horrifying creatures.

The film starts out with Gregory and his apprentice (Kit Harrington), whose name is not given, and their encounter with the witch Mother Malkin.

She explains how she has broken out of her prison, and intends to lay waste to the land when the blood moon becomes full. She then flies away after killing the apprentice, leaving Gregory in the dust screaming.

The story then brings us to Thomas Ward, who is the seventh son of a

One of the posters for Seventh Son which shows the spook Gregory.

seventh son. In this world, being that means one is destined to be a spook.

A spook is someone who tends to the creatures of the dark. Thomas is recruited by Old Gregory, who is the local and last spook, of the County. He teaches Tom the tricks of the trade; how to defeat witches, kill boggarts, capture ghosts and all kinds of demons. Gregory explains that they must travel to Pendle Mountain and defeat Mother Malkin and her army of demons at their home. After a series of obstacles, such as drowning a

boggart, burning a man that can turn into a bear and meeting with a witchspy named Alice, the pair and their trusty companion/troll Tusk finally arrive at the base of the mountain.

They are then ambushed, and Gregory is kidnapped and taken to the mountain by Malkin's forces, leaving Tom and Tusk to arrive on their own.

Just when Mother Malkin is about to kill Gregory, Tom jumps in and saves him. The battle breaks out: the demons begin to fight against the spooks, and the spooks intend to kill Mother Malkin. After her armies are dead, Malkin is left seriously injured in her room. Tom and Gregory find her, and Tom is tasked with burning the witch once and for all, as it is the only way to kill a witch.

After that, they return back to the spook's home, and Tom is granted the rank of spook and is no longer an apprentice. Gregory then leaves, saying the town is in Tom's hands and he should protect is at he sees fit.

The movie is based on the book series The Last Apprentice, written by Joseph Delaney. The movie strayed very far from the book and had many things that were different. As someone who read the book, and as many people understand, it is hard to see a great book be changed so much when put on the big screen. The movie also had many cheesy lines and cheesy scenes. For instance, the relationship between Tom and the half-witch Alice was very corny. They barely even knew each other, and seemed to get along perfectly and be in love.

However, the action was great. The fight scenes were very similar to those of Clash of the Titans, with lots of large dragons and falling buildings.

The concepts and ideas were very cool, but some were poorly executed The ideas for villainous characters were all very scary and unique, but had either poor acting or just very minor roles that never showed much. All in all, the movie could have done better. It definitely could have if it had stuck to the books. Rating: B-.

TITUS’S DRIVING SCHOOL “Taking pride in road safety”

Why choose Titus's Driving School Over Others?

"Titus is a great teacher and helps you become a safe driver. In just a week, I learned so much about driving and gained a lot of valuable experience."

— Michael Ambrosio, senior

1. The school is bonded and insured 2. Students do not need 45 hours driving time prior to the program 3. Parents and students can check yellowpages. com for school reviews 4. Students don’t have to pay until they get their drivers license 5. If you bring your friend along, you get $25 off your payment Contact us by phone or email (571) 217-1441 (703) 751-2391

Fax: (703) 879-5943 info@titus-driving-school.

“Titus’s Driving School is the best driving school for any new drivers.

I learned how to drive through him and from day one, all he dealt with was driving safely. He would always remind us that when driving, you must be safe because being behind the wheel is the only course in which you are handling your life and potentially that of others.”

— Emmanuel Kwayke, senior

ENTERTAINMENT 19 Empire takes over FOX Network

Feb. 18, 2015

Newest drama series tops channel ratings

BY NUHAMI MANDEFRO Entertainment Editor The idea is to take over and be the best, but what do you choose, your family or the kingdom? Over a millions viewers tune in every Wednesday night to watch who conquers in the newest FOX Network musical drama series, Empire.

Multiple students at AHS come to school Thursday morning gossiping about their favorite characters and the chilling climax. The show has recently made headlines for being the first show in 23 years to raise a constant million viewers every week. The devoted fan base continues to climb in ratings as the show goes on and the buzz gets louder.

"At first I wasn't going to watch the show but after the premiere and hearing my friends talk about how good it was I checked out the show and was instantly hooked," senior Blin Kebrom said.

Academy Award winning actors Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson star as main characters, Lucious and Cookie Lyon. Over 20 years ago, the couple spent their time together hustling and trying to make it in the music business. Both were dealing large amounts of concentrated substances The Lyon family have a dinner at Lucious' palace has they celebrate Hakeem's new single. In this specific scene, tensions spark as Jamal is pushed away from his to create money for their project and eventually were caught right before father and Cookie and Anika size eachother up. their big shot. Cookie served both their sentences and was incarcerated for from the past, relationships, and secrets arise as well. challenges the redundant plot of a 17 years while Lucious became a music mogul, entrepreneur, and found of Seniors Blin Kebrom and Sara Abraham are dedicated fans that are father pinning his family against each multi-million dollar music label, Empire Enterprise. always discussing the drama portrayed in the show. Even social media sites other and the absent mother trying to Though sometimes The show jump starts to Cookie's release and fight for her rights to the like Twitter have started popular hashtags promoting characters. bring them together. The show also over dramatic, the company. She is at ties in the battle by her three sons, Andre, Jamal, and "It's so different from the other shows out right now and so much brings up controversial topics in the Hakeem. Since she's been gone, Andre, played by Trai Byers, has married happens in each episode, there's never a dull moment," Kebrom said. "My music industry and the real world like show is one to be high status and power hungry, Rhonda (played by Kaitilyn Doubleday), and favorite character is definitely Cookie (#teamCookie). She's so raw and real, homosexuality, drug abuse, illnesses, reckoned with. Overall, helps his father regulate the company's business ventures. Jamal, played by it's so interesting watching her try to rebuild her life and regain what's hers and loyalty. Each episode, a character Jussie Smollett, is a homosexual singer fighting for his father's respect and (the company)." develops, as the fallen deeper into the phemonial program. his music dream with his mother by his side. Lastly, Hakeem is the spoiled "I love watching Empire. It's so addicting and so action/drama filled," dark music world and get sidetracked rapper constantly cared for and protected by his father due to his immature Abraham said. "I enjoy watching the family dynamic, it's very different and by their past. behavior that causes news controversy. unlike anything portrayed on television. My favorite character is Jamal. He's "If you don''t already watch Lucious tries to pick one of his sons to care for the company while secretly so genuine and is trying to make a name for himself. I can't wait for the rest Empire, I highly suggest you start," battling ALS and dangerous haters. He has his company associate and Kebrom said. of the season." fiancee, Anika (played by Grace Greasley), and his long-time friend, Vermon Overall, the show is one of the most entertaining on TV today. It (played by Malik Yoba), by his side. As the competition escalates, tensions

Grade: B+

Gigi comes back to the stage Blacklist returns with thrill Production returns after 40 years with a new audience

Student praises the NBC series after its national recognition

BY CHELSEA ALFONSO Managing Editor Centered in the city of romance, a young woman is on an adventure to find true love and to understand who she wants to be.

After 40 years of not being played on Broadway, Gigi, returned to first show at the Kennedy Center as a pre-Broadway show.

The musical is a romantic comedy set in Paris in the 1940s. Women wear their long dresses along with all the glitz and shimmer of their flashy jewelry. Vanessa Hudgens, playing the main role of Gigi, is a simple young adult who is in the midst of learning proper etiquette and transitioning into a real woman. She is an energetic and clumsy young lady who doesn't meet the standards of her Aunt Alicia, played by Tony nominated Dee Hoty.

The musical is full of upbeat songs along with jumpy choreography.

Gigi is centered around the concept of accepting and loving a person for who they truly are. As Gigi transitions into a glamorous, mature woman, her childhood friend, Gaston Lachaille, played by Corey Cott, realizes that she isn't the child she was before and falls in love with her.

He is known as the rich playboy of

BY LORENZO ALUNING Special to the A-Blast

The cast of Gigi traveled to the Kennedy Center on Feb. 6.

Paris, who buys an excessive amount of overpriced jewelry for who his current woman is.

He finds himself in love with a young woman who doesn't meet his typical standards. Gigi is unique in a way that she dresses simple and doesn't care for the expensive and charismatic clothing.

As they spend more hours together, Gigi falls in love with him, but she doesn't want to become like the other women Gaston has been with. Gaston asks Gigi's grandmother, Mamita, played by Victoria Clark, for her permission to have Gigi become his mistress. Mamita accepts the proposal, but Gigi rejects it. Gaston leaves enraged and heartbroken by the fact that the woman he loves doesn't want to accept him, so they don't speak for weeks.

Gigi then realizes that she would rather be miserable with him than

without him and Gaston then buys her all this lavish jewelry and tight clothing. Gigi becomes unhappy with having to change her lifestyle causing her to leave Gaston. Gaston changes his ways and recognizes that if he truly loves her, he will have to accept her for who she is.

In general, I think the musical gives a message that is essential to everyone's life, everyone should learn to love a person for who they are. It teaches how people shouldn't try to become someone they are not.

The cast certainly did not disappoint the audience and had the crowd giving them a standing ovation at the end of the show.

Seeing Vanessa Hudgens transition from being the star of the High School Musical series to performing live on stage was an experience I'll never forget.

The thriller series, Blacklist, had a commercial that was aired during the Super Bowl this year. This is the first time I witnessed the greatness and creativity of the show brought to TV. At first, I paid little attention to the show, but I decided to give it a chance since it was on Netflix. Once I watched the first episode, I was immediately hooked. I just had to watch another episode. Now, I am currently watching the last episode in the first season. There's another season that I cannot wait to start.

The show is about a man named Raymond Reddington (played by James Spader) who presents the FBI with a blacklist, thus the title Blacklist. This blacklist contains a list of names that are on the top of the FBI's, CIA's and NSA's mostwanted lists. Reddington has a mysterious connection with an FBI agent named Elizabeth Keen (played

by Megan Boone). Reddington realizes he may be Keen's father, and

Actors Megan Boone and James Spader star in the critically-acclaimed show, Blacklist.

this complicates their relationship because this means they are on opposing sides. In addition, Keen's husband is a secret agent for an unknown organization that wants to kill Reddington. This is why Reddington coerces with the FBI for protection.

Overall, I like this show because it is both exhilarating and romantic.

There is a plottwist in every episode, which keeps me on my toes. It changed my life because it makes me see things in a different way.

The show displays how people are all connected in one way or another.

Blacklist will leave you in awe. I definitely recommend this show.

In with the old in order to strike the platinum gold New stars collaborate with music legends that boost record sales

BY TIM GRAY AND NUHAMI MANDEFRO Staff Writer and Entertainment Editor The past few years have seen a rampant trend in the revitalization of old-school artists. From R. Kelly and The Isley Brothers to Mary J. Blige and Elton John, old-school and new-school collaborations have been very popular.

Recently, hip-hop artist Kanye West and rock legend/ former Beatle Paul McCartney have collaborated on "Only One" and "FourFiveSeconds" with Rihanna; and are set to have more collaborations on Kanye's upcoming album, currently untitled. These collaborations have very many times in the past proved to be appealing to the masses for their combination of new age style and classic, oldfashioned rock. They also provide a sense of nostalgia that both teens and their parents can enjoy.

West and McCartney have managed to do this by integrating electronic instrumentals such as 808s and auto-tune with pure acoustics and the use of Rihanna's significant voice making for a highly unique sound on "FourFiveSeconds."

"Only One" uses heartfelt lyrics meant to be from Kanye's deceased mother's point of view paired with autotune and instrumentals that are melancholy yet all at once do a good job at lifting spirits later in the song.

On the other side of music, pop sensation Lady Gaga and jazz legend Tony Bennett collaborated on the critically-acclaimed album, Cheek to Cheek (2014). Since then, the two have been on a national tour from Las Vegas to Radio City in New York City. The audiences have ranged from early adults to the last generation. A ticket has escalated to hundreds of dollars and the tour has been nearly sold out. Just recently, the both performed at the Grammys.

Students at AHS have had positive reactions to the return of the legend.

When asked about her opinion on the collaborations, senior Hiwot Dagnachew stated "I think that old-school and new-school collaborations tend to involve artists with good chemistry who create or have created great music in their time periods and it bodes well for music."

ABOVE: New pop sensation, Ed Sheeran, performs with legendary band, E.L.O., at the 2015 Grammy Awards. Though, it is very usual for legends to perform with today's artist during this ceremony, this year surpassed the annual amount.

UPPER RIGHT: Kanye West is seen with rock legend Paul McCartney. The two collaborated on singles "FourFiveSeconds" and "Only One," with more collaborations on the way.

LOWER RIGHT: In September 2014, musicians Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett released a collaborative album called Cheek to Cheek. They are currently on a national tour

These collaborations tend to be heavily sought out by fans of artists looking to observe their favorite artist's versatility or fans looking to see their artists revitalized for one more run before retirement.

Junior Yoyo Teshome had this to say "Musicians such as Kanye West and Paul McCartney are a good pair. They don't get much positive reception together because the two together create a whole new sound, but i enjoy it for that."

These collaborations seem to be a tend that will not decline for some time now. They get plenty of positive reception from fans and newcomers alike.

20 WEEKEND

5 1 2 3 4 5

Feb. 18, 2015

First Dates

Your go-to guide for five of the best fool-proof outings Roller Skating

Wii Olympics

For all of you

ATHLETES!

"I think roller skating is a wonderful idea and it's a chance to laugh, have a good time and bond."

Roll into the DM's and finally ask her on a date (twitter). Spin her right into your arms as you woo her with your killer blading skills. Always be there to catch her when she falls.

HASSA KOROMA junior

For all of you

GAMERS!

You can get bowling, baseball, tennis and golf all in one place! Break out your competitive side and score her heart with your impressive skills. But don't be embarrassed if she has to let you win.

Movie Marathon

For all of you

COUCH POTATOES! Don't movie hop, that's bad. Instead, have an all-day Netflix or movie theater marathon. Share all your laughs, tears and screams with the girl of your dreams.

"It is a good first date because you don't have to pay to go anywhere, you can kick it at your house and wear sweats."

SHERYL FOX sophomore

"It's a perfect opportunity to cuddle. And if you're watching Netflix, you never have to get up and go to the next episode because it changes automatically."

RAVYN HANKINSON senior

For all of you

Zoo

ANIMAL LOVERS!

Lions, tigers, bears and true love! Stroll around the National Zoo together. It'll be wild day as you experience all of nature's true beauty, including her.

Hiking

"Nothing is better than walking around in nice weather with your guy or gal.

It's also good because you have something to entertain you, as well as enough time to talk to each other."

CRAIGAN WINKLER teacher

For all of you

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEE HAYES

ACTION SEEKERS!

Senior Andrew Leal poses on top of a cliff at Great Falls in Virginia.

Where: Skate N' Fun Zone- 7878 Sudley Rd., Manassas VA When: Check online for details Cost: Admission varies day to day.

Cheapest times to go are Monday and Wednesday from 5-9.

Admission is $4.

Need an adventure?

Why not share it with BAE (before anything else)? Don't run over her heart when you can run through the fields of love together.

Kissing in the rain is cute, but a sunny day is ideal.

"Hiking would be an awesome first date because you can go outside and explore whatever you want.

It is peaceful and it would be a good way to get to know someone."

ROCHELLE KENNEY senior

Where: In your crib When: Anytime that you want, but in this case...Valentine's Day! Cost: If you already have a Wii, it is free.

If not, borrow a Wii from your friend... for free.

Where: Either your house or at your local movie theater When: Whenever your heart desires Cost: Movie tickets generally cost about $13 and renting a movie costs about $5

Where: Smithsonian National Zoo- 3001 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC 20008-2537 When: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Cost: Admission is free. Take the metro and get off at the Woodley Park Metro stop

Where: Great Falls National Park-9200 Old Dominion Dr. Great Falls, VA 22102-1019 When: 7 a.m. until dark Cost: $5 entry fee for a parking pass

Class of 2015 Bulletin To-do List: February Edition Spring sports athletes, get ready for your last season ever!

43 days until all college acceptances are in!

Junior Aaron Boyd qualified for states in the 50 freestyle, 100 fly and the 200 freestyle relay.

It's February...show your significant other some LOVEEEEE

119 days until graduation