Isssue 1

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ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL 4 7 0 0 M e d f o r d D r. A n n a n d a l e , VA 2 2 0 0 3

ABLAST informing the Atoms since 1954

703.642.4229

REMEMBERING SEPT. 11 How should the infamous day be remembered this year and years to come?

PTSA clothing drive From October 2-4 the PTSA will hold a clothing drive in coordination with the Salvation Army. Vouchers will be distributed to needy families that will be redeemable at the Salvation Army in Annandale.

Buy A Brick!

For $50, be one of the165 bricks that have already been bought to help support the Class of 2004. These bricks are engraved with your name and are installed in the walkway outside the Jock Lobby. Get forms from the main office.

Students and parents walk to stop suicide A group of AHS students and parents participated in the “Out of the Darkness Walk.” This 26- mile walk was held to raise funds and awareness for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Don’t forget your forms Before students will be issued lockers, the following forms must be turned in to your R1 teacher.

— Pupils Riding Bus Agreement — Student Attendance Policy — Accepatable Use Policy for Network Access — Emergency Care Information — Health Information — Student Rights and Responsibilities

C-train painted The class of 2003 painted the C-train last Thursday, the rail car located next to the tack field that is used to store athletic equipment. Last year’s saying “Fired Up” was replaced by “Enjoy Annandale High, Class of 03’, Always Seniors,” a play on the Coca-Cola slogan. Home Depot donated black paint and and spray paint for the project.

Freshman Oriented Last Friday incoming freshman were bused to AHS and to get acquainted with the school. The band and color guard welcomed the freshman during a presentation in the auditorium. A question and answer coffee was held for the parents of freshman.

PEARLS OF WISDOM FOR FRESHMAN — Get involved. AHS offers a host of activities for whatever your interests may be. Participating in sports and clubs is the best way to meet new people and build relations.

— Don’t forget about your grades. Just because its freshman year, there is no excuse to slack off.

— Take advantage of after school time. Teachers are readily available and appreciate it when students go the extra mile to excell in their class.

— Don’t forget your locker combination. Write it down in a planner or binder to avoid the hassles of having to obtain it from the office.

— Get to know your counselor. Their help is crucial throughout your high school years.

— Enjoy your high school years. These may be four of the best years of your life, so there is no reason to hurry to graduate.

This Month at AHS Sept. 3— First Day of School Sept. 14— Band Tag Day Sept. 17— PTSA Meeting @ 7 p.m.

Sept. 23— Freshman Parents Night in Auditorium, PTSA Reception @ 7 p.m., Freshman Meeting @ 7:30 p.m.

—Information gathered from the Annandale Courier

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CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS

FIELD HOCKEY TRAINING HARD

Renovations have changed plans for sports and home games, how does it affect you?

Over the summer the team has been practicing twice a day.

ATOMS READY TO ANNIHILATE OPPONENTS Football opens against Fairfax this Thursday.

Loren Sexton, senior

Summer renovations to yield new front entrance, senior hall Construction still behind schedule, front office, guidance prepare to move by the end of month

BY LAUREN STERLACCI Staff Writer With the new school year in session, students and faculty returned to a drastically changed building after a rigorous summer construction campaign. Many new additions were completed, yet much works remains. Though the summer construction ran down to the wire, all of the crucial projects were completed that were necessary for school to start on time.

The new lecture hall, attendance office, clinic, the business labs and the “buy a brick walkway,” all integral parts of the construction, were completed over the summer. Senior Anne Nguyen said, “I was really surprised going back to school, seeing all the really nice changes that had been made.

I really wonder how they will be able to keep up the work now that we’ve started.”

During the week of Sept. 23, the new Main Office will be completed allowing the administration to move into its permanent home. The guidance office will move into the space that previously housed the main office.

Assistant Principal Brandon Cooley said, “Construction has definitely picked up over the last month of the summer thanks in large part to Chris Hightower (Grunley Superintendent), the persistent dedication of Ted Dean (On-Site Inspector) and of course, all the patience of Mr. Clausen.”

The primary concern of students regarding the construction was whether or not all students would be issued lockers.

According to the administration, all students will eventually have lockers. “During the school year, no interferences with construction will occur until after school when the workers are on the clock,” said Cooley.

Principal Don Clausen said, “There’s been real progress in the last month, so school can start. We still have a lot that has to be done. For so long I’ve been hearing students complain about the bathrooms, and now we have really nice ones.

Lets take care of them students.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF GERI LEE, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

SCHOOL NEWS

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The smoke stack comes tumblin’ down The AHS smoke stack was taken down by construction during the summer break for students. Also during the summer, the senior hall was moved to the opposite side of the school and the front entrance was nearly completed.

New programs and classes fill the new year “Basically, it’s a team approach to getting the kids ready for college.”

—Sarah Farnsworth

Guidance Counselor

BY MAGGIE OWNER AND KATIE STANTON Features Editor and Entertainment Editor Every new school year brings many changes for the student body, ranging from new books to different classmates and teachers. This year at AHS will bring even more changes, as the school is further acclimated to the IB program.

New courses for the school year, such as IB Music, are debuting in the 2002-03 school year.

IB Music is a new class for AHS, a one-year course covering such topics as the history of classical music, world music and music theory. “It’s like a music appreciation class, but for musicians,” said Douglas Martin, the new IB Music teacher. The class will be assessed in three ways: through a written test, a paper test and a performance.

Martin previously taught music at Mount Vernon High School for the past four years, as the band director. “It’s always small because of the nature of the class... It’s college level, but that’s what makes it good.” IB Music is open to students who sing or play a musical instrument, either through the school or by taking private lessons. “95 percent of students are in school music classes,” said Martin.

Other new IB classes include IB Environmental System and Theory of Knowledge. This will also be the first year in which Annandale students have the opportunity to receive a full I.B. diploma.

In addition, the Academic Task Force will help pay for the expensive I.B. “The Academic Task Force, which is a group of parents and teachers and administrators, met over the summer, and they met with School Board people and representatives from the community,” said IB Coordinator Erin Albright.

“They met and they decided that they would pay all of the IB fees, even though they don’t have the money yet. They made that comAlbright mitment, and that’s the amazing part: they are going to raise this. So what they’ve done is that they’ve set up a fund where parents can contribute their own kid’s fees... That’s tax deductible, because it’s a nonprofit organization.”

Parents can also donate money for other students’ tests, for example, paying $100 to cover their student’s fees and the fees of another student.

“It shows the amazing support that the school has from the parent community and amazing support that the IB program has from the community.

There isn’t any other school, as far as I know, that’s doing this,” said Albright.

In addition to the IB program, AHS offers a wide range of programs for college preparation. “The ISA program, college partnership, AVID and IB are college prep types of programs, and they continued on pg. 3

ANDREW MENEGAT

NEWS BRIEFS

VOLUME #48 ISSUE 1

Coach Cindy Hook

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TUESDAY, SEPT. 3, 2002

Parking prices for students have increased to $150 this year.

Parking price increases by 50%

BY SARAH BIZER Atomic Articles Editor Parking prices are going up again. Last year’s price for a spot was $100, and this year they will be raised to $150. “It is the school board’s decision to raise the price, the reasoning probably being the budget crunch,” said Security Specialist Cliff Cornwell .

Many students are appalled by the increase. “This is ridiculous, we don’t have enough parking in the first place, and now they are going to raise the price. I’m going to buy a [parking] pass, because I’m too lazy to find my own spot and because I’m a teacher cadet,” said senior Meagan Olgetree. The increase is county wide; every student now in Fairfax County has to pay $150 for parking. “It’s a lot of money, but it’s worth it. I’m going to be able to come as late as I want, and still have a spot,” said senior Karlyn Hixson.

Seniors will be given the opportunity to apply for a parking passes during the first week of school during their lunch period.

Other students are searching for alternative methods to purchasing the steep parking passes. Many are resorting to carpooling, while others will try to work out deals with neighbors of AHS to park their cars in their driveways.

the

2 EDITORIALS THE A-BLAST GOALS AND POLICIES FOR 2002-2003

ABLAST

TUES. SEPT. 3, 2002

Justice reform: It’s about time Poor policies cause incorrect indictments

What are your goals?

Our goals are to inform educate and entertain the student body, faculty, and staff, as well as our community readers. We provide an open forum for students to be expressed, but writers of The ABlast do not necessarily represent the opinions of the entire staff, the administration and/or the adviser.

How do you choose what the content of your paper will be?

The A-Blast staff determines the content and we welcome input from readers. We choose the content based on timeliness, relevance to student life and entertainment value. The editorial board meets before every issue and takes into account upcoming events and reader responses prior to deciding upon the content of the next issue.

What is your policy on controversial issues?

Controversial issues will appear in the paper, but not without careful consideration of the editorial board.

We do not seek to create controversy, but we do recognize that some news stories are controversial and should not be avoided, but rather dealt with in a professional manner.

What do you do if you make a mistake?

When either The A-Blast or its readers notice an error, we will print a correction in the following issue in a box on page 2.

What is your policy on advertising?

We will solicit advertisements from merchants who sell products that are legally available to the student readership.

What is your policy on editorials?

Editorials relating to newsworthy subjects provide an analytical voice to the paper. Unsigned editorials represent the majority of opinion of the editorial board; signed editorials represent the opinion of the author.

BY EDRIS QARGHAH Editorials Editor

In 1982, 18-year-old Marvin Lamont Anderson seemed close to actualizing his dream of becoming a career firefighter. Abruptly, this dream was shattered as he was sentenced to 210 years in jail for a rape he did not commit. Though he was released on parole in 1997, it seemed that he might never enjoy the liberties of a normal citizen so long as he could be labeled “excon.”

Thanks to a law allowing post-conviction DNA analysis, which went into effect July 2001, Anderson is finally capable of enjoying the simple pleasures of a truly free man. On August 21, 2002, Anderson became the first Virginian to be pardoned as a result of this law DNA analysis is a deciding factor as to whether or not a suspect might become a criminal or remain an innocent civilian. Making this tool available to those already convicted of crimes is not merely important, but vital in assuring that justice is served.

We should not be comforted by this newfound ability to identify errors in previous judgment. It is important that we rectify the errors of the past, however, it is equally important to be certain not to make similar errors in the future. The 110 convicted persons exonerated nationwide as a result of DNA analysis are a pain-

Do you publish letters to the editor and guest editorials?

Submission of letters to the editor and guest editorials are welcomed.

Letters should not exceed 250 words and editorials should be limited to 1,500 words. All works must be signed. Only “experts from the field” will be solicited for guest editorials.

Under what circumstances do you print profanities?

Material considered profane by community standards of the paper will not be used unless the words themselves have contextual relevence that, when omitted, would significantly alter the meaning of the sentence and/or article. The full version of the editorial policy is available in room 225 and the main library.

How can I subscribe?

Send in a check for $15 to The ABlast, 4700 Medford Dr., Annandale, VA 22003.

helped clear Anderson and five other Virginia convicts.

They have called upon state lawmakers to create an Innocence Commission to achieve that particular goal. There remains, however , a significant amount of work to be done, before there can be certainty that our justice system is solid in its convictions.

Anderson, now once again capable of volunteering as a firefighter, said “I’m not the only one this has happened to. There are more that are incarcerated.” Many of these, may yet, due to the post-conviction DNA analysis law, be set free. Many will not be in the position to take advantage of this law (eg. there may not be evidence to test for DNA) It remains imperative that we continue to make reforms that will ensure that innocent people, like Anderson, do not end up doing time in state penitentiaries.

DNA Analysis Law Sets the Indicted Free •On August 21, after 20 years in jail, Marvin Lamont Anderson of Virginia was pardoned due to DNA test results that proved he didn’t deserve his 210-year sentence.

•DNA Analysis also released Michigan man Eddie Joe Lloyd, who had spent 17 years in prison for the rape and murder of Michelle Jackson. Lloyd was convicted based on a false confession he was forced to make.

•Justice system reforms would decrease the number of false and incorrect convictions.

•110 convicted inmates have been exonerated nationwide due to the same type of DNA Analysis that was used in the Anderson and Lloyd cases.

Commemorating Sept. 11th: Stand Firm How should Americans spend the anniversary of the “day of terror?”

What is your policy on censorship and freedom of the press?

Although freedom of expression is a parmount right to be preserved, we will not publish anything (printed words, artwork, or photographs) that invade an individual’s right to privacy, or that is obscene, libelous or slanderous as defined by state and community laws. Material that incites violence or may cause a significant disruption of the school day will also not be printed.

ful reminder of exactly how fallible our current justice system is.

Anderson became a suspect for the crime because the victim recalled her black assailant having mentioned his white girlfriend. He was convicted largely on his identification as a black man, by the traumatized victim, from a photo array.

Also exonerated was Eddie Joe Lloyd of Michigan, after spending 17 years in prison for the rape and murder of Michelle Jackson. Lloyd was convicted largely on a false confession Detroit police had coaxed him into making.

Since the evidence that led to their lengthy imprisonment was apparently insufficient, it is necessary to investigate how such a ruling was passed, and how it might be avoided in the future. There is need of a more stringent method of analyzing evidence and determining the amount of evidence needed to dish out such serious and devastating sentences.

The first step in reforming our justice system in this regards is to determine what went wrong with each of the 110 exonerated inmates and create policy changes accordingly. It is particularly important to consider how to protect against mistaken eyewitness testimony and false confessions. Ideally, cases should not rely heavily on testimony in determining whether a suspect is guilty.

The first steps towards establishing an approach towards a more reliable justice system have been taken by the Lawyers from the Innocence Project, which has

BY KATHY SAUPP Editorials Editor

It was about this time last year that all of our lives were changed forever: the events of Sept. 11 made us all look at life a little bit differently. Now, as 9/ 11 rolls around again, many are filled with mixed emotions regarding how to respectfully commemorate the “day of terror.”

When it comes to remembering those taken from us by acts of terror, there have been several different ideas proposed in our nation’s educational system.

Under to the direction of SuperintendentDaniel Domenech, AHS is appropriately taking a low key approach to the anniversary of September 11th. The SGA will have a banner in the Cafeteria that is open for all students to write their thoughts and wishes. The completed banner will then be sent to the Pentagon.

The morning announcements will feature a different introduction to the standard moment of silence, asking students and faculty to take the moment to remember and respect those

who perished last year.

Sept. 11 should be remembered annually for the new values that it inspired within the nation, but not through a day off work or school, or a change in te school’s curriculum. We should prove the strength of the na-

Makin’ Grade the

Politicians Declare Truce

A B D F

Democrats and Republicans have agreed to refrain from advertising political ads on Sept. 11th so as not to take advantage of the public’s emotions regarding that tragic event. This is an intelligent, tactful way to avoid the exploitation of the anniverary of the tragic event.

tion by not letting it change the way we live our everyday lives.

According to the New York Times, dozens of high schools across the United States will take 5 days surrounding Sept. 11 and stop their usual curriculum, to learn about the difference between a freedom fighter and a suicide bomber, as well as other facts about terrorism through a course developed at Brown University.

This is not a way to recognize such a tragic event. A course like this would cause high schoolers to ruminate in superfluous information regarding terrorism, and could cause more racial and religious friction between students. School is supposed to be a neutral environment.

At the University of North Carolina, students are required, unless they write an essay of exemption, to read excerpts of the Koran. The information that they learn will be applied in twohour discussion groups throughout the month of September.

While it is important to learn about

the ABLAST Vol.48 No. 1 Sept.3, 2002 Editors in Chief

Philippe Podhorecki Andrew Satten Reid Edwards Caroline Friedman Abby Segall Rebecca Kraushaar Junaid Shams Edris Qarghah Kathy Saupp Hayley Fletcher Hana Nguyen Martha Amoako Maggie Owner

Managing Editor News Editors Academics Editors Editorial Editors

Redskins Kick Off the Season Positively The Washington Redskins have gotten their 70th annual season off to a great start, with a 4-1 preseason record by defeating the 49ers, Panthers, Steelers, and the Buccaneers. However, a humiliating 28-14 loss to the New England Patriots makes us all wonder: can they keep it up?

In-Depth Editors Features Editors Atomic Articles Editor Profiles Editors Cultures Editors Sports Editors

SAT Minority Gap Widens Due to growing number of non-native English speakers, SAT verbal scores have stagnated. As more seniors take the test, scores have dropped because they are increasingly less prepared. As more and more minority students are taking the SAT’s, something needs to be done to accomadate their individual needs.

Judge Releases Known Sex Offender A Montgomery County Judge allowed known sex offender Sidney R. Richardson, 51, to return home to live with his step-daughter, whom he had previously assaulted. Sex offenses are unacceptable, and known offenders have a tendency to return to their old ways.

Laws regarding a minimum incarceration time for such offenders should be evaluated.

Annandale High School 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, Virginia 22003

Sarah Bizer Laura Hollowell Saman Hussain Wala’a El Barasse Rachel Sinaiko John Berndhart Jared Smith

other cultures to improve racial relations, Sep. 11 is not the day that normal protocol should be changed. The 11th should be a day of stability.

This time last year, we were forced to put our lives on hold. Our nation’s stability and confidence were comproised. This year, those who want to observe this day as a national holiday are trying to do so by interrupting our lives and studies through the aforementioned programs.

Obviously, they have forgetten what the attacks have taught us , the strength and courage to live our lives normally despite interruption. In order to pay our respects to those who lost their lives, the spirit of America must live on, and that spirit doesnt get put on hold.

Americans should take Sept. 11 this year to reflect on the new, determined values this tragedy has instilled in us. We should commemorate Sept.

11 by going about our everyday lives with a new zeal and enthusiasm, because that day proved to us how quickly an entire nation can be brought to it’s knees.

(703) 642-4229 e-mail: ahsablast@aol.com fax: 642-4197

Entertainment Editors Alejandro Salinas Katie Stanton Arts Editor Crystan Blanco Erin O’Brien Weekend Editor Cameron Kynes Katharine Kishiyama Business/Circulation Manager Ryan Teichler Advertising Manager Rachel Jones Copy Editor Meg Nielsen Photography Editor Chae-Wha Park Photographers: Morgan McEvilly, Sean Sulluvan, Andrew Menegat, Sarah Sherman Staff Writers: Kathy Ibarra, Wided Khadraoui, Laura Johnson, Chris Kallander, John Reiss, Evan Rowland, Amanda Sheaffer, Sarah Sherman, Kyle Smeallie, Sabrina Stacy, Lauren Sterlacci Principal Don Clausen Adviser Alan Weintraut

Sports “Extra” Editors

David Marin Paul Gleason Atomic Athletics Editor Evan Ashe

Gallup Award Quill & Scroll 2000-2001

Trophy Class Virginia High School 2000-2001

All American National Scholastic Press Association 2000-2001

The A-Blast is an award winning newspaper that strives to inform, educate and entertain the student body and community. Published every three weeks. The A-Blast will not print any material that is obscene or libelous; or that which substantially disrupts the school day or invades an individual’s right to privacy. Unsigned editorials represent the staff opinions which solely represent the opinion of the newspaper staff. The ABlast is an independent, open forum for discussion which is printed at the Springfield Plant of The Washington Post. Signed letters to the editor of 250 words or less may be submitted to room 225 or mailed to the school.

The A-Blast reserves the right to refuse advertisements. All submissions become property of The A-Blast Copyright, 2002.

the

ABLAST

TUES. SEPT. 3, 2002

Construction’s effects felt throughout fall sports Main gym to be completed ‘next week’

As many students have already discovered, the renovation at AHS plays a major part in the everyday lives of students, even before the start of school, especially athletes.

The girls tennis and volleyball teams have felt the impact of the work more so than other fall sports.

Both teams cannot use the downstairs gym which will be under construction until “somtime next week,” according to Director of Student Activities, Angelo Hilios.

The girls tennis team is currently practicing at Wakefield Recreation Center because the fences around the courts at Annandale have been removed in order to lay asphalt for the new walkway. The tennis team has one of the shortest seasons out of any sport.

The home courts are unavailable for practices and the situation is becoming more dire as the season progresses. Girls tennis coach Albert Steppe said, “It’s been an impediment but we’re working through it, we’re adjusting.”

This also has a more personal effect on

MORGAN MCEVILLY

BY LAURA JOHNSON & ELIZABETH NOWROVZ Staff Writers

Raise the roof Construction workers improve electrical systems in the main hallway during the summer. In order to open the school on time, only authorized workers in hard hats were allowed in the building over the summer.

some athletes, particularly freshman, who are just entering AHS. Girls tennis player Molly Sterlacci said, “It’s frustrating that we don’t get a chance to practice at school. Since I am a freshman I would rather be around Annandale to jump start my high school experience, it would also have been nice to be able to prac-

tice around my peers who are also playing other sports.”

The volleyball team is also having issues with the continuing construction. Besides being forced to practice in the upstairs gym at inconvenient and changing times, they must also use the lower quality P.E. net for practice. Sophomore JV player

NEWS 3

NEWS BRIEFS LUNCH SCHEDULE CHANGES The 2002 freshmen class is the

Renee Tran said, “All the school supplies are crammed into the gym and it’s really inconvenient to play in there.”

Dance and cheerleading teams are also in a bind because of constantly changing practice times as a result of only one gym available for use.

The football players had to endure moving from one locker room to another and adjusting to sharing their space with construction equipment and machinery.

However, a major trade-off for them was that the weight room was recently updated.

Field hockey has escaped many of the inconveniences that other teams have been subjected to.

They are fairly far away from the building, and no work is being done to the fields on which they play. That said, it still takes some time to get used to the temporary new look of our school.

Hopefully all of the P.E. lockers will be finished by the start of school, and there is hope that the sports lockers will be ready as well.

They are currently under construction, but the work is going according to plan and should be finished on time.

Hilios expressed confidence that all sports will be given their necessary facilities in due course.

largest class ever to attend AHS. Last year, students could feel the crunch of the crowded lunches.

Students became angry about the long food lines and no seating available throughout the cafeteria.

With approximately 2,450 students enrolled this year, four lunches over the previous three were needed.

In years past, B lunch has been the only lunch which splits a class.

However, this year, both B and C lunches will split class into one hour and one half hour parts. A lunch will be before class, and D Lunch will be after either R5 or W6. Junior Maryanna O’Neill said, “I don’t really care about the four lunches because it won’t really affect our schedules that much.”

Due to the limited amount of time per period, the addition of a fourth lunch leaves no time in between lunches for students leaving to leave before the incoming lunch enters. The lunches start consecutively after one another. Principal Donald Clausen said, “Students will have to pick up their mess so there is halfway decent cafeteria.”

New lunch schedule A lunch—10:24-10:54 Drama, science, art and family and consumer science (white days: technology)

B lunch—10:54-11:24 English and math

C lunch—11:24-11:54 Social studies, ESOL, Special Ed and leadership (white days: mediation and teacher cadet)

36 new faces join the AHS faculty

D lunch—11:54-12:25 Foreign Language, Business, P.E., and music (white days: marketing)

BY ABBY SEGALL News Editor

HUMOR

Dear Freshmen...

ABBY SEGALL

Anastasia Criswell is a new teacher to AHS who came from London, England.

Chris Segaar is a first year teacher to AHS and a ten year coach who hopes to improve the schools soccer and football program.

Rick Neave is a four-year teacher who came to AHS as the new varsity softball coach and special education English teacher.

Those are just some of the new faculty members for this 2002-2003 school year.

There are three new art, nine special education, three math, one science, three ESOL, one auto shop, three language and two interns from George Washington.

Some teachers ended up at AHS by luck like Segaar who believed that is what allowed him to take this job. “Out of all the schools that I interviewed at, I was the most impressed with Annandale High School,” said Bethany Davis, English teacher.

Coming to a new school is not only challenging for both the students, but also the teachers. All teachers old and new are excited and looking forward to a promising 2002-2003 school year.

Who’s Who in New Annandale Faculty FRONT ROW: Evelyn Hsia, ESOL; Anastasia Criswell, French; Francesca Fitzgerald, orchestra; Audrey Reiter, ESOL; Rachna Dadoo, family and consumer science; Kenya Curry, special education; Sarah-Ann Rufe, special ed.; Bethany Davis, special ed.; Linda-Lee Lewis, special ed; Aimee Monticchio, Administrative intern.

BACK ROW: Julie Hindman, English; Douglas Martin, orchestra; Chris Segaar, special ed.; Ann Schwartz, George Washington Intern; Oscar Baker, math; Lottie Ligon-Thomas, math; Frank Cannon, auto shop; Kemba Ford, physical education; Sarah Farnsworth, counselor; Rick Neave, special ed; Brian Dunnell, special ed; Steve Shapiro, math.

New programs, college help arrive “Programs”, from pg. 1

IB classes added for seniors, new clubs begin, rules change for new year

college partnership, AVID and IB are college prep types of programs, and they cater to different groups of kids,” said Assistant Principal Shawn Hearn.

“From kids who have proven that they really are the high achievers... to those kids who have been underachievers, the kids who have not been doing well, who have the potential to do well, and then those kids who may have run into some other problems, that have kept them from being able to achieve to the potential that they have.

At Annandale we’re able to cover the full range of student needs as far as college prep.”

The newest addition to this group of college prep programs is the Student Achievement Model (SAM), a collegeprep course for 50 selected incoming freshmen. “[It] is forming a learning community within the 9th grade, where

students will have the same 4 core teachers, English, science, social studies and math,” said Principal Don Clausen. “Those teachers will share these kids and have a counselor working with them.”

“Basically, it’s a team approach to getting the kids ready for college,” said new counselor Sarah Farnsworth.

“I take care of social and emotional needs... scheduling needs and conflicts, parent contacts, and group counseling as well as individual counseling.” Farnsworth will act as the counselor for the 50 students involved.

SAM was launched to help students in the program focus on starting to prepare for college in their freshman year, with help from Farnsworth and the core teachers: John Clauss, Vince Randazzo, Brian Dunnell and Lottie Thomas. Freshmen will, for example, have the opportunity to attend college tours earlier than other students and get SOL and SAT prep.

School opts to pay for AP, IB exams

BY CAROLINE FRIEDMAN AND ABBY SEGALL News Editors Exam fees for students enrolled in AP and IB courses for the 2002-2003 school year were set at $25 as part of the adopted FY2003 budget plan.

However, AHS decided to take it upon itself to pay for each student to take the different tests. No student will be required to pay the $25 fee. In return the school is asking for contributions of $50 from the students taking these tests.

“The monetary contribution that the school PTSA has made to establish the fund demonstrates our community’s commitment to a challenging education for all,” said former PTSA President, Liz Segall.

Junior Emily Miller echos this statement. She thinks it is great that the school is paying for students to take the necessary tests and said, “it will let more people take the classes that they normally wouldn’t.” She also said that she would willingly contribute to the fund because she wants, “to give people the opportunity to take higher level classes that can’t afford it.”

On the other hand, Junior Janet Partlow feels differently. “I don’t think it is a good idea [for the school to pay] because it doesn’t show consistency throughout the county.” Partlow also said that she wouldn’t contribute to the fund because she thinks, “if the school is taking on paying for it [the tests] then they should be able to do it all the way instead of passing off some of the burden to the students.”

Whether or not students make contributions, the school has decided to take on the responsibility of paying for all IB and AP testing. To contribute, the form to donate money can be found in the student packets given with the schedule.

The total cost for the school to pay the program is approximately $12,000 for 480 exams schoolwide.

As you begin your ninth grade year here at AHS, I would like to offer you a few pieces of advice as well as tell you a few things that will hopefully make your first year here a lot Caroline Friedman easier.

First of all, the third floor pool will be closed due to the construction. It is scheduled to reopen in late December. The pool and student lounge can be reached only by taking the elevator. Elevator keys can be purchased from Dr. Fugate for $10 and must be returned at the end of the year.

Tennis and volleyball courts have been relocated to the basement. Practices will be held here for the remainder of the season.

Something that you need to pick up quickly is the code of respect here at Annandale. One of the most important rules is that if a senior enters the room, you must stand promptly and may only resume your seat after the senior gives permission.

On the third Friday of every month freshmen should wear their pajamas to school to show their Atoms spirit.

Another part of the respect code is towards The A-Blast staff. On distribution days to show your appreciation for how hard they work to distribute the best paper ever, you should bring them a gift. Such gifts could include candy, soda, balloons or stickers.

These are just a few tips to get you started on the right path in high school. Many more can be learned just by watching and listening to the upperclassmen.

Remember these tips and you should have a successful and pleasant high school experience.

Sincerely, Caroline Friedman

4 SPORTS BRIEFS

AHS SPORTS Randazzo joins football coaching staff Vincent Randazzo is the newest addition to the football staff.

Randazzo teaches English 10 and 12. He recently left his coaching position at West Springfield to join the Atoms.

First football game moved Due to the upcoming Jewish New Year, the Atom’s season opener against Fairfax was moved to Thursday, September 5, instead of Friday.

PROFESSIONAL SPORTS Redskins end preseason with high hopes Despite a 28-14 loss to the New England Patriots, the Redskins finished with an overall 4-1 record in the preseason.

UPCOMING GAMES Cross Country Sept. 4- Monroe Parker Invitational @ Burke Lake

ABLAST

TUES. SEPT. 3, 2002

Football to play season opener at Fairfax on Thursday Awadallah. Johnson threw for 1,469 yards last season and running back Monte Moyer scored 11 touchdowns and ran for 450 yards.

Despite mediocre records by the In addition to the returning vetfootball team the past few years, it will erans, Adams is impressed with the start off this season in hopes of bringtalent of younger players. “New, ing back the football powerhouse which young people have beexisted a decade gun to progress and ago. step up,” said Adams.

The season “Were looking to opener is against making the playoffs Fairfax High School for the first time in on Sept. 5, starting eight years,” said seat 7:30. Sept. 20 nior Loren Sexton. against Westfield The Atoms are hoping will be the first home to improve from a 4-5 game for the Atoms. record, which inThe football team got off cluded big wins over to a promising start by winWest Potomac and a ning its first scrimmage earlier 68-67 thriller against this summer at E.C. Glass H.S. Westfield last season.

“We’re excited,” said The Atoms are exhead coach Dick Adams, pected to do well “we have a pretty good look—Jose Gonzalez against the tough Paing team this year.” ReturnSenior triot District competiing from a good season, the tion. team is led by 12 returning starters, “We’re going to be an exciting including key players such as seniors team to watch, led by a high powTravis Johnson, Jose Varela, Cameron ered offense and tenacious defense,” Kynes, Monte Moyer and Ehab said senior Jose Gonzalez.

BY RACHEL JONES Ad Manager

“We’re going to be an exciting team to watch, led by a high powered offense and a tenacious defense.”

SEAN SULLIVAN

SPORT

the

Hut, Hut...Hike!

Seniors Andrew McQuillin (left) and Loren Sexton (right) practice blocking and rehearsing plays for their scrimmage last Friday against Stonewall Jackson. Having set plays prepared is vital to having a successful season.

Sept. 10- Home vs. TC, Hayfield, and W. Potomac

Field hockey off to a swinging start

Varsity Football Sept. 5- Annandale @ Fairfax, 7:30 Sept. 13- Annandale @ Herdon, 7:30

BY ANDREW MENEGAT Photographer

JV and Freshman Football Sept. 4- Versus Fairfax @ home, 5:45 and 7:30 Sept. 12- Versus Herdon @ home, 5:45 and 7:30

Varsity Field Hockey ANDREW MENEGAT

Sept. 5- Versus T.C. @ home, 7:30 Sept. 10 - Annandale @ Hayfield, 7:30

JV Field Hockey Sept. 5- Versus T.C @ home, 6:15 Sept.10- Annandale @ Hayfield, 6:15

JV and Varsity Volleyball Sept. 4- Annandale @ W & L , 6:00 and 7:15 Sept. 10- Annandale @ Yorktown, 6:00 and 7:15

Junior Julie Bowes concentrates on her swing.

Golf team gets second at Liberty

Girls Tennis

BY AMANDA SHAEFFER Staff Writer

Sept. 5- Annandale @ L. Braddock, 4:00

Golf Sept. 4- Versus Hayfield @ Army Navy, 4:00 Sept. 9- Versus T.C. @ Greendale, 4:00

Girls Tennis Brief Girls tennis has been busy at work enhancing their tennis game since August 4, one of the earliest starting dates for a fall sports. They have already had a number of matches, including an impressive victory over West Springfield, and are set to take on Lake Braddock tonight away at 4 p.m.

The team has had to deal with adversity during the early part of their season, as they were unable to practice at the high school due to vandalism of the tennis nets.

Practices have been held at Wakefield Rec Center.

First year girls tennis coach Albert Steppe has emphasized team unity and has encouraged the girls to cheer profusely on the way to the matches. Other team spirit activities have included pot-luck dinners.

Coach Steppe has been assisted by Michael Kishyama during practices.

Senior leadership and a strong freshman class promises to make this a very interesting year.

The golf team started off preseason with a bang with a second place finish from the A Flight at the Liberty Shoot Out golf match.

At the Shoot Out, Nick Ryan and Chris Evans came in second place out of 16 pairs.

“Even though it was a small tournament, there were a lot of good players there and it was well organized and a lot of fun. And I think we are going to go again next year,” said junior Chris Evans an A Flight golfer.

The first day was individual scor-

Top AHS players finish high in tournament

ing, and the second day was pairs in which AHS finished second.

Despite suffering a loss in the first match to Lake Braddock, the team still has positive thoughts about the upcoming season. The team only lost to Lake Braddock by 8 strokes.

“We should finish out in front of everybody this year if we can beat Lake Braddock, which we can,” said junior Ted Gibson. “We just need to take advantage of our home matches.”

“I think we are pretty good this year, and better than we have been in the past. I honestly think that we could go pretty far in districts,” said Mikey Wiest.

Although the B Flight had a last place finish, both A and B Flights are looking forward to a strong season.

success. “Field Hockey is team oriented, so it’s extremely dependent on all players playing well together,” said Hook.

In a three-team scrimmage last week with Fairfax and Centreville, Coach Hook got to see just how teamoriented her girls were. The Atoms finished the day off with a 2-1-1 record.

These scrimmage games gave Coach Hook a chance to see how the girls played together and what needed to be worked on before the season begins.

The team begins its season with an opener at Lake Braddock High School on Tuesday, followed by their first home game against T.C. Williams on Thursday. With hard work and dedication this season hopes to be a winner for the team.

Volleyball hopes to start with spike sophomore Megan Johnson hope to lead to a successful year.

The team is coming off of a 6-7 The volleyball team opened the season in which they went 2-0 year against T.C. Williams against West on August 26 with a victory Springfield 1-1 in a scrimmage. against Lake “We should definitely Braddock, 1-1 have a successful season,” against West said sophomore Anglica Potomac and 1-0 Ramierz. “We kicked butt in a g a i n s t our scrimmage.”

Hayfield.

In addition to the usual The regular JV and varsity teams, this season will open season will feature a freshAnglica Ramierz tomorrow man volleyball team for the against Washfirst time ever. The team is ington and Lee. young with only four seniors, but has Expectations are high this year high hopes for the year. Seniors Jeanie and the team is confident they Adkins and Kaitlin Hackney and will finish better than last year.

BY JARED SMITH Sports editor

Cross Country off to a running start

BY KATHY SAUPP Editorials editor

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ROBERT CHRISTIE

Sept. 9- Versus W. Springfield @ home, 4:00

Team work. Commitment. Heart.

Three things that every team needs to have success in any sport. These three qualities seem to be especially evident in the girls Field Hockey players this season. Coach Cindy Hook said, “The key for success this season is going to be team work.”

Starting off the season with grueling two-practice days, the girls trying out for the team were put to the ultimate test of physical and mental toughness. With one practice in the morning and another at night to avoid the heat, the girls were pushed to their limits.

“Although it was tough, it really helped us set the tone for the season. It showed

who was willing to work hard and put forth the time and effort needed to play,” said Junior Erin O’Brien.

Coming off last season second in the Patriot District with an 11-4-1 record, the varsity field hockey team hopes to continue the winning tradition. Along with an exceptional regular season record last year, the team made it to the regional semifinals where they lost a heartbreaker to McLean 2-1 in overtime.

“Working to get better every practice. The goal for the season is to make it to States at Oakton and we would love to be there,” said Hook on the upcoming season.

With only five seniors gone, the squad has 11 returning varsity players to provide the experience necessary for

The boys cross country team gets down and dirty during one of their practices. Runners usually cover between 4 and 6 miles a day.

The Cross Country team wastes no time getting into its season, with one of its biggest meets of the year taking place tomorrow after school, the Monroe Parker Invitational.

Teams from around the region will be participating in the contest and the Atoms are looking for a strong showing to get their season on the fast track.

The girls team looks to be led by junior sensation Lauren Edwards, coming off strong seasons of winter and spring track in 2002.

The boys team has a strong contingent of senior veteran runners, who will be complemented by a deep pool of freshman runners who will likely contribute to the varsity team.

This year the team is striving for more team unity. Sleepovers, movie nights and pancake breakfasts have already been held to promote camaraderie between members. For fund-raising, a recent car wash yielded over $500. Annandale will also host its first home meet in many years, debuting their new Wakefield Rec course which promises to be one of the best in the region.