Issue 7

Wed. March 20, 2019 Vol. 64 Issue #7

Annandale High School’s

THE A BLAST

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Color Fun Run set to take place

SPORTS 17

Your

LIFE ON LINE

BY JUDE NANAW Co-Editor in Chief Students and members of the AHS community will soon be dashing down a two-mile course on Medford Drive all while being pelted with colored powder.

On April 27, the PTSA will be sponsoring the first annual Color Fun Run/ Walk. The event will be open to all who want to participate, with prices for students being $10 and prices for adults being $15. Proceeds will be to the PTSA as well as the Class of 2022 as they look to fundraise towards a free Prom.

Class of 2022 officers alongside sponsors Carl and Jessica Klein proposed the idea while discussing potential fundraising options.

“We came up with the idea that instead of having small fundraisers throughout the year, we should have one big one that lots of people would be attracted to,” Class of 2022 Vice President Andrew Zurita said. “To make the run more appealing, we wanted to implement a fun aspect where people would get sprayed with color.”

--ANDREW ZURITA

freshman The run will be two miles long in distance starting at AHS. Throughout the duration of the event, participants will be showered in colored powder.

Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the run itself kicking off at 10 a.m.

“We’re really excited about this very first color run,” Jessica Klein said. “We are trying to get the word out about the event to communities as well as feeder schools so that they can participate in the run.”

In addition to runners, the Color Fun Run will also require volunteers for various positions including setup, check-in and registration, powder throwers and clean-up. To sign-up to volunteer or register for the run, individuals can register online. The PTSA is also accepting donations to help with the costs associated with the event.

Scan here for more information or to register for the Color Fun Run/Walk.

Teen job fair rescheduled

BY JUDE NANAW Co-Editor in Chief Throughout their high school careers, students often do not have the opportunity to thoroughly plan for the future and evaluate potential career paths.

However, the English department is attempting to change that narrative in order to better prepare students for what lies ahead of them. The first step they have taken in doing this is by planning and organizing the first ever Career Fair at AHS. The fair which will be attended by English 12 students will be held during Pride Time on April 8 in the cafeteria.

The event was initially slated to take place on Jan. 29, but was postponed to a later date due to a school cancellation.

A number of community members with various career backgrounds will be English teacher Kath- volunteering at leen Mathis’ senior stu- the fair and will dents will be particibe meeting with pating in the upcoming small groups of career fair on April 8. students consisting of between three and five students per group.

“We are hoping that students will be able to make connections with the volunteers,” English teacher Kathleen Mathis said. “We’ve tried our best to match students up with people in their field of interest as much as possible.”

Students have been working hard to prepare their resumes, cover letters and e-portfolios as well as work samples that they completed throughout their high school career so that they can present to the volunteers what they have created and get receive feedback both career wise and portfolio wise.

“I’m excited about the career fair because I feel like it will give us students confidence for the future,” senior Sam Abourakty said.

BY KIMBERLY LAURA Co-Editor in Chief When senior Andrew Izquierdo wakes up, his iPhone 6S is next to him. It’s the first and last thing he sees, spending at least six hours daily on it. He has push notifications for Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter. Like many teens, he has the common habit of always having his smartphone to post about his day publicly.

“I’m independent. I can post what I want, say what I want, when I want like many others,” Izquierdo said.

His daily feed consists of casual remarks about people’s days. Sometimes his feed shows profanity, vulgar speech and images. A common trend is for students to rant or expose others either in private stories or accounts.

“I do express my opinion and emotions a lot. However, I limited a bit of what I say because word gets out easily,” Izquierdo said. “People can post whatever because, why not? But one thing that annoys me is when social media becomes a diary for some people. That’s when things get explicit and unnecessary.”

Adolescents can be impulsive when it comes to expressing personal information, and sharing it online can affect their future.Even though posts can be deleted, they may not be gone forever.

Inappropriate messages, posts and texts can still go viral or be saved by

users on the other end. Colleges and employers are beginning to take notice of student’s digital footprints.

According to a survey conducted by Kaplan Test Prep, that approximately 25% of admissions officers from various colleges and universities around the country monitor the social media profiles of applicants. Everything from Instagram to Snapchat stories has quickly become a part of the review of appli-

photos, videos of drug use, and drinking because it might be funny now, but in 15 or 20 years when you’re trying to get a serious job, these things can come back,” School Resource Officer Adam Curcio said. “There are some things that don’t need to be documented.”

Smartphone users spend the majority of their time on social media. It offers a digitally interconnected world with access to world news and endless

10th graders who believe they have the right to say anything online

6.3% Strongly Agree

14.2% Agree

43.2% Disagree

43.6% Strongly Disagree Source: 2017 FCPS Youth Survey

cants.

Just two admission cycles ago, Harvard rescinded admission offers to at least 10 students after discovering obscene memes that were exchanges between the students via a private Facebook group chat. The prospective Class of 2021 students who lost their opportunity to enroll at the prestigious university also exchanged sexually explicit messages that sometimes targeted minority groups as well.

Careless posting can cause for college applications to be revoked, disqualification from jobs and ruined reputations. Even after being accepted, an individual’s digital footprint can still be monitored.

“Stop the nudes, compromising

updates. Snapchat is currently one of the most popular applications among teenagers. What makes the app appealing is its unique feature to terminate Snaps once they’ve been opened. Snapchat seemingly allows its users the most privacy by controlling what others can and cannot see.

“Most kids I’ve seen who’ve gotten in trouble for the cases that dealt with [social media], is [the assumption that] just because they sent it on Snapchat or some other platform, it will remain private,” Curcio said. “The reality is that even if it disappears or even if you send it, some of them keep it on their servers and we’ve been able to recover some of these images on Snapchat.”

The 2017 Fairfax County Youth

Survey reported that 50.1% of FCPS students reported playing video games, or using a computer (tablets, smartphones etc.) for non-academic purposes for three or more hours on an average school day.

There are different Fairfax County Code Sections that explain certain crimes in detail. Examples of possible social media crimes include sexting, harassment, stalking and sending nudes.

“As far as nude pictures, [it can] always be a serious crime and have the potential to be a serious crime. It’s a felony offense regardless if you send it or if you receive it from someone,” Curcio said. “If your nude is uncovered and you’re a minor, and that it can be determined that it’s you, it’s a felony.”

Most cases can fall into a misdemeanor but can become a felony depending on various factors of Code Sections, such as being done repeatedly, having malicious intent and having the means to carry it out.

“I’ve seen accounts that post gruesome things throughout my years here like weed, drinking and smoking,” senior Vinh Tran said. “I’m glad I don’t participate in those activities and it made me realize I don’t want to do those things in the future.”

The Youth Survey also recorded students who believe they have the right to say anything online with 7.5% CONT. Page 5

New event informs community on internet safety

Free Prom dresses offered

BY JUDE NANAW Co-Editor In Chief With the Class of 2019 Prom set to be taking place on April 6, there will be a return in the Princess for a Night (PFAN) project. The program, which has been ongoing for 15 years, assists students across the region with participating in Prom. community members donate items such as dresses, shoes, purses, makeup and more to the project which are collected by local high schools. Items are then made available to and provided to students in the weeks leading up to Prom. Over 300 students from local high schools were outfitted with dresses for Prom.

“The nice thing about the Princess for a Night donations and Pop Up Prom shop is that students that may not able to afford a dress or shoes or accessories will have the opportunity to shop for these items,” Assistant Principal Monica Bentley said.

Along with formal dresses being collected, gently used shoes, handbags, jewelry and unused makeup such as cosmetics, are being collected.

Collection of donations at AHS began on March 4 and will continue being collected through March 29 in the main office.

“I think that it is a really nice thing for the school to participate in a project like Princess for a Night,” senior Hemen Besufekad said. “Not everyone is in the financial place to afford a dress and other items for Prom so making these things available to students in need is considerate.”

With items for donation being collected throughout the rest of the

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION OF VITALINA FUENTES BY JUDE NANAW

Social media posts can leave permanent digital footprint

BY KIMBERLY LAURA Co-Editor in Chief

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY HENRY HOANG

“Our goal that we hope to reach is to fundraise enough for our [Class of 2022] Prom to be free.”

the

Senior Hemen Besufekad looks at donated prom dress in the Parent Resource Center. Pop-up shop will begin Wed. March 20 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Thurs.

March 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. month, there will be two Pop Up Prom dress shop dates taking place which will be for AHS students only. Students will have the opportunity to shop for items on March 20 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. and March 21 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

The pop up dress shop will be located in the Parent Resource Center.

“It gives every student that may not have a dress thee opportuntiy to come and look at what we have,” Bentley said.

2019 Prom Facts • • • •

•

Prom will be held on April 6 Prom will be earlier due to IB Testing and Ramadan The location will be at the Torpedo Factory in Old Town, Alexandria Rather than being sold in the cafeteria, tickets will be sold online through MySchoolBucks The expected cost for tickets is $60

The PTSA is offering AHS’ first free Digital Families Community Event, sponsored by Facebook, on March 22 at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria. The information session is a family-friendly event that invites students and their parents. This is an opportunity for the community to learn how to be smarter and safer with their smartphones.

The PTSA recognized that 98% of children 8 years-old and younger have access to a mobile device at home, and 89% of teens have their own smartphone. While technology is actively used at school, it is important for students to know how to manage their decisions on line. As well as recognizing the importance of limiting screen time and socializing. Those who come can have discussions about usage, benefits, risks, balance and create a comfortable family digital plan. As well as help establishing ground rules for the internet and digital devices.

The event will begin with a group pasta dinner, a showing of “Screenagers” from 6:30–7:30 p.m. and interactive sessions afterwords. There will also be a room set aside for sessions for any Spanish speakers. Those interesting in attending are asked to RSVP to ensure sufficient food for all guests.

The PTSA is also currently looking for volunteers to help with the event.

More information about the event can be found at the Digital Families Community Event web page, or the PTSA website.

2 EDITORIALS

Wed. March 20, 2019

Senioritis plagues students As the second semester rolls through the school year, many students are starting to show effects of the dreaded “senioritis”. It’s the time of year when students, reflect lazier and decreased performance in school.

Students tend to lose motivation and feel as if their workload for the year should be over. This affects their grades and the attitude of their teachers. This is a problem when it comes to getting work done and to move through the curriculum fluidly. senioritis should be treated by having more emphasis on it; teachers need to address this problem head on, and talk to them about how their grades still matter and that same attitude would continue into their college days.

Bonnie Vining, an English teacher deals with continuous senioritis, with both her upperclassmen and lower class men.

“I think senioritis happens because when students are seniors, they’ve completed their SOLs and college apps. A majority of them have their future planned out and know where they’re heading to school; so by the time spring rolls around, they

“If I had the power to, I would make seniors only attend one semester of school.

They would then have to participate in an internship or work.”

--BONNIE VINING

English Teacher feel like they’re done with school.

I was the same way when I was in high school, but I knew I had to keep going,” Vining said.

If able to control the school system, Vining would, “only make seniors go to school for a semester, and then have them work or participate in an internship in the spring because I think they’ve done enough by the time they reached the new year.”

COURTESY OF ELIAS MOURA

BY ELIAS MOURA Editorials Editor

Four representatives drew attention for newly introduced legislation as well as controversial statements. Steve King (R), Dan Crenshaw (R), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D), and Ilhan Omar (D) have all been in the news cycle. Members of both parties have said inappropriate things however, the Republicans did a better job of disavowing their members than the Democrats.

Hypocrisy grows among Dems

BY ELIAS MOURA Editorials Editor With the 2018 midterm elections now far in hindsight, it is time to begin looking at the record of the freshman class of representatives and senators thus far.

When taking a step back, it is evident that two things have become even further emphasized by the new faces to Congress on the Democratic side, hypocrisy and extremism.

Just weeks ago, newly elected Congresswoman from Minnesota’s 5th congressional district Rep. Ilhan Omar, came under fire for her allegedly anti-Semitic comments about the influence of the Israeli government and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

In her statement, Omar said, “I want to talk about the political influence in this country that says it is okay for people to push for allegiance to a foreign country.”

Omar’s use of the word “allegiance” in reference to Israel sparked criticism as the use of the word has ties to anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, and rightfully so. Although Omar has since somewhat apologized for her remarks, saying they were misinterpreted, this is not the first time that she has displayed animosity towards Israel.

Moreover, the most egregious

display of hypocrisy comes from House Democrats including Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Rather than disavow Omar for her comments, many top-ranking Democrats in Congress opted to defend her instead.

In the light of Omar’s comments, the house should have held a real vote to condemn her statements. Instead, the resolution brought to the floor by Pelosi and House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn says nothing of significance.

Pelosi went on to make excuses for Omar saying that she “did not understand the full weight of her words.”

The stark hypocrisy comes into play when analyzing the manner in which the Democrats handled this case of hateful speech compared to that of the GOP. Back in January, house Republicans led by Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy voted to unanimously disavow white supremacist comments made by Rep. Steve King of Iowa.

The GOP did not stop there, as they also stripped King of his committee assignments.

The ho-hum and insincere attitude of Democratic leadership in response to Omar is inexcusable. For someone who has a seat on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Omar should have indefinitely been removed and stripped of her committee assignments.

Nonetheless, she was not even directly

decried as her district remains angered and recruits 2020 primary challengers to go against Omar.

As for extremism, there is not a single freshman representative who displays it in as pronounced a way as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York. For starters, Ocasio-Cortez has been nothing but an endless fountain of idiotic and uneducated statements since entering Congress.

A self-described socialist, OcasioCortez personifies ideological extremism. Just over a month ago on Feb.7, Ocasio-Cortez alongside introduced the Green New Deal resolution alongside Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts.

The GDN mentions an unreal amount of outlandish, unrealistic and flat-out nonsensical proposals. The resolution entails a number of horrid socialist priorities such as universal healthcare, universal basic income and placing more restrictions on businesses and the business environment.

As if this proposal wasn’t preposterous enough, Ocasio-Cortez has not mentioned any clear way in which any of its priorities will be paid for. However, it is expected that if the GDN would go into effect, it would cost an overwhelming and unacceptable $93 trillion.

As a further matter, Ocasio-Cortez’s ineptitude was demonstrated in her clumsy debacle with Amazon. As of last

year, Amazon planned last year to plant one of its new headquarters in New York City within Ocasio-Cortez’ jurisdiction in Queens.

The freshman congresswoman’s opposition to the deal resulted in Amazon pulling out of NYC, costing the city over 25,000 jobs in addition to an approximated $4 billion in lost wages which would have gone to working-classing class individuals.

Ocasio-Cortez’ sheer incompetence drew ire from members of her district who overwhelmingly supported the Amazon deal as well as Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Ocasio-Cortez’ comments on the New Zealand massacre caused a backlash amongst representatives.

Representative Dan Crenshaw (R), a former Navy Seal, took OcasioCortez’ tweets and messages which attacked groups such as the NRA and bringing the event which is still being mourned upon, to politics. “If you find yourself using the tragedy in New Zealand to take backhanded swipes at conservatives in America -- many of my colleagues already have -- then you really have no shame and you are part of the problem. It should be easy for us to stand united and condemn terrorism,” Crenshaw replied.

Crenshaw, a pronounced Republican has taken action on social media to combat opposing views.

Celebrity slandering on TV is getting out of hand

BY ABEL SAMSON Staff Writer

“Surviving R Kelly”

COURTESY OF ELIAS MOURA

“Leaving Neverland”

HBO is under fire for their documentaries such as Leaving Neverland, The Case Against Adnan Syed and Surviving R.Kelly for going against the decisions that the U.S. legal system made. These documentaries re-explore the cases and promise the viewers that they are going to reveal the “truth.” But is HBO doing all this just to catch more viewers?

Michael Jackson’s trial, in which he was accused of molesting the under aged Gavin Arvizo, was a big deal when it first happened in 2005. Although he was aquitted and found not guilty, people still have their doubts. This case should be settled. However, HBO has reignited the controversy. That’s the power of Jackson’s celebrity even years after his

death. Of course Leaving Neverland, a documentary that features two of Jackson’s former friends Wade Robson and James Safechuck alleging that they were raped repeatedly by the mega-star, was going to draw similar attention.

“There could be a possibility that some people make false statements about big names,” senior Tahid Mamun said. “But I don’t understand why they feel the need to hurt someone’s reputation that bad. I don’t believe Michael Jackson raped his former friends.”

Networks like HBO and the rest of the entertainment industry would indeed hurt big named artists to increase their ratings and make more money. Stars like Michael Jackson could be innocent, but since the network is so popular, the audience will take the side.

He’s no longer around as well to defend himself.

Monthly Poll

THE A BLAST STAFF CO-EDITORS IN CHIEF Jude Nanaw Kim Laura MANAGING EDITOR Casey Nguyen NEWS EDITOR Jude Nanaw Kim Laura

ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS Cameron Foti Christian Reyes Matthew Dinh Ayman Elhag

AD MANAGER Ethan Zimmerman

ADVISER Alan Weintraut

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Kayla Holcomb

LIFESTYLES EDITOR Maryam Dereje

CIRCULATION MANAGER Ethan Zimmerman

Annandale High School Vol 64. Issue No. 7 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003

PEOPLE EDITOR Jamie Hamadeh

STAFF WRITERS Ladan Abdi Robin Han Jasmin Harris Bismaa Khan Fatima Mohamed Marian Osman Manoucher Precht Thonny Anwar Dilan Yousif Ivanna Perez Mia Antezana Garcia Jane Elkins Tyler Plank Abel Samson Patrick Brown Eyob Dagnachew Shyeim Campbell Jacqueline Claros Lopez Abraham Kebrom

EDITORIALS EDITORS Elias Moura Luke Elkins

ARTS EDITOR Galilea Sejas

COPY EDITOR Thomas Ray

INTERNATIONAL EDITOR Yabi Bereket

IN-DEPTH EDITORS Suad Mohamed Henry Hoang

HEALTH EDITOR Manny Precht

SPORTS EDITORS Alex Burita Eric Rivas-Martinez SPORTS X-TRA EDITORS Fares Ayoub Adam Shawish WEEKEND EDITOR Katie Pope

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Jessica Salisbury ACADEMICS EDITOR Khadija Ahmed SPANISH EDITOR Frances Montevilla SPANISH ADVISER Mauren Hunt WEB EDITOR/MASTER Victor Nguyen

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In an interview on CBS Network with Gayle King on March 8, former artist R.Kelly claimed that the documentary Surviving R.Kelly is all a lie. He claims they made him sound like a devil and that he could never treat women in such a way. He blamed the documentary for ruining his reputation and making everyone believe that he committed all of those nasty crimes.

“I watched the documentary about R.Kelly as soon as I heard it was released,” senior Hlina Wondwossen said. “I believe everything that the documentary said. There’s no way people can just make stuff up like that.”

At a certain point it becomes essential to ask: are the questions raised in these documentaries worth the pain they inevitably inflict on these stars’ loved ones?

Look out for the next poll @theablast on Twitter to vote for the next issue!

24 people voted 15% said that senioritis

doesn’t affect them at all.

8% said that senioritis affects

them sometimes.

23% said that senioritis affects them a lot.

54% said that senioritis affects them all the time.

WALEED AFRIDI senior “I think senioritis is a big deal and that students don’t really realize how big of a deal it is. Students need to realize that their education is the most important thing.”

OSMAN OSMAN senior “I feel like senioritis affects me a lot, especially at this time of the year. Since all the SOLs and exams are coming up, I’m taking more time to relax before I have to start studying a lot.”

EDITORIALS 3 O’Bannon vs NCAA

Wed. March 20, 2019

• Former UCLA basketball player Ed O’Bannon filed a lawsuit against the NCAA on behalf of the NCAA’s Division I football and men’s basketball players, challenging the organization’s use of the images of its former student athletes for commercial purposes.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY LUKE ELKINS

PAID TO PLAY?

College athletes should be compensated fairly

BY LUKE ELKINS Editorials Editor Being a college athlete is almost like having a full-time job. They have to balance long practices and game days with their schoolwork and studies. Many argue that they receive compensation in the form of a college education, but is this really enough?

Their long days leaves no opportunities for them to earn any kind of money through working. This means many of them live a lifestyle that doesn’t match the revenue they generate for their

university. There is a solution to this, but the NCAA seems unwilling to change.

Since student-athletes bring in revenue for their team and college or university, those who debate in favor of paying them say the students could receive a small portion of the profits. Yes, pay would vary, just as the universities with the more successful teams receive more television time or money than those with less successful teams. College football and men’s basketball programs earn far more than any other athletic program, so these athletes would likely earn more as well. This may not be considered fair pay, but many of those who argue in support of paying college players point out that team popularity and consumers generally determine what is considered fair.

Another possible solution if the NCAA refuses to change college athletes from amateurs to professionals is allowing college athletes to profit off their own image. College athletes would remain amateur, in the sense that they don’t receive any kind of salary, but allowing them to profit off their image would allow them to pursue endorsements.

Under current rules, the NCAA is very strict about any kind of money that college athletes make. UCF kicker Donald De La Haye had his scholarship removed because he had a YouTube channel where he posted football videos, among others. His channel had 700k subscribers at that point, so he was making significant money, but the NCAA said it was not permitted because he was using his name with sports activities. De La Haye isn’t the

BY LUKE ELKINS Editorials Editor

• O’Bannon agreed to be the lead plaintiff after seeing his likeness used in a video game without his permission. 20 other former athletes joined him as plaintiffs.

• On March 8, circuit court judge Claudia Wilken ruled the NCAA was in violation of antitrust law regarding compensation for football and men’s and women’s basketball players.

• Wilken’s ruling said the NCAA could not limit compensation or benefits “related to education,” which can be broadly interpreted by schools to provide more benefits towards their athletes.

athletes and scholars, just to get into a good school.

This reminds me of something that is legally going on in America, A huge college admission scheme legacy admissions. Studies show was unveiled on Tues. March 12 was that universities that admit legacy the largest of its kind the Justice applicants at more than five times the Department has ever seen, prosecutors rate of non-legacies. In fact, having said. The scheme involved an alum as a parent is said at least 50 offenders to increase an applicants by across six states, millions 45 percentage points. That is, of dollars in illegally if one candidate has an 30% wired funds and a handful chance of admission, another of the country’s most applicant who has the same selective and competitive chances, but has a parent universities like Yale, who attended the school will Stanford and other bigundoubtedly be chosen over the name schools. other.

LORI LOUGHLIN Thirty-three wealthy It shouldn’t matter that actress parents were charged wealthy graduates of colleges Loughlin, best known in the case, including provide funds and donations to for her role as Aunt Hollywood celebrities like the colleges, as college should Becky on “Full House,” actress Felicity Huffman be all about equal opportunity. and TV star Lori Loughlin allegedly agreed to Supporters of the practice pay bribes totaling as well as some big-name argue that its about “tradition” $500,000 to have business leaders. but it’s pretty clear that is her two daughters The authorities say about money and personal gain. designated as recruits the parents of some of the To me, that “tradition” seems to the University of nation’s wealthiest and more like inherited aristocracy Southern California most privileged students and undeserved gains. crew team, even bought and bribed spots All this just comes to show though they had never for their children at top the unfair admissions process participated in crew. universities, not only in America very openly favors cheating the system, but wealthier students and how potentially cheating other children of alumni already hard-working students out of a chance have an incredible built-in advantage at a college education. merely by being the children of college Also being prosecuted are top college graduates from elite universities. The athletic coaches, who were accused of real victims of both legacy admissions accepting millions of dollars to help and the fraud scheme are the millions admit undeserving students to a wide of hard working students that actually variety of colleges. This means that put in the work to get into a good these parents had the audacity to make school. their children seem like college level

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY LUKE ELKINS

BY JANE ELKINS Staff Writer

extended the First Amendment to written, visual and spoken expression posted on the Internet. But this also extends to the limits on free speech as well, which include fighting words and speech advocating illegal activity.

Social media companies try their best to regulate this, but the massive amount of users they have to oversee is challenging.

The main problem with this is if there are extreme viewpoints that are not caught by companies. The setup of social media can create an echo chamber and can disillusion those caught in the middle of it because of

the algorithms that promote engaging content, in a feedback loop that, link by link, guides new audiences to toxic ideas. Many radicalists who commit serious crimes were later found out to have a presence on social media linking to many hateful and violent ideas.

True freedom of speech is not possible, nor should it be when such radical ideas are spread on social media. Social media companies should try their best to respect freedom of speech whenever possible, while also realizing their responsibility to prevent hateful and violent speech as well.

MAKIN’ THE GRADE Boeing 737 Max 8 flights grounded worldwide

Cartoonist Corner

Governments across the world decided to ground all flights that were on Boeing 737 Max 8 planes after another tragic accident occurred in Ethiopia.

It was the second deadly crash involving the plane as the other was an Indonesian flight in Oct. This is the right call in order to prevent more accidents that might be caused by the specific plane.

Smoking age raised to 21 in VA Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has signed a bill that raises the age to purchase tobacco products to 21 years old. This is legislation to address the epidemic of teenage vaping and end teen access to tobacco products by raising the minimum age required to purchase tobacco products. However, there are many doubts on whether this actually will convince teens to stop vaping and whether it was necessary at all.

Prom 2019 Prom tickets are now on sale for $60, but not everyone is happy. This year’s prom is on April 6, which is very early compared to previous years. This is because it was the only date the Torpedo Factory was available. Prom is before spring break, and is about two months before graduation. Prom is an exciting event that everyone looks forward to, but the timing of it does not satisfy everyone.

New York Giants Many New York Giants fans were left shell-shocked and confused after they traded their star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. OBJ had just signed a deal with the Giants to make him the highest paid receiver in the NFL. The Giants appear to have decided to rebuild their team, but it can’t make Giants fans happy to see one of the best players in the NFL be traded.

ERNEST OWEN

A C C F

• The NCAA argues that paying its athletes would be a violation of its concept of amateurism in sports.

Privilege and the college admissions scandal

Freedom of speech on social media One of the biggest appeals of social media for many people is the ability to say whatever you want, whenever you want. However as good as this seems, it can quickly reach an extreme, and companies feel they have a responsibility to regulate it.

One big recent spark was provided

by Alex Jones. He is an infamous conspiracy theorist who has long floated patently false claims that child-sex rings run by prominent public figures (like Robert Mueller and Hillary Clinton) are operating right under our noses, and that the Sandy Hook shooting was a hoax staged by guncontrol activists. In August of 2018, social media companies decided they had had enough.

YouTube took down Jones’ channel, which had 2.4 million subscribers, saying it violated the firm’s policy on hate speech, and Apple dropped some of Jones’ InfoWars podcasts from its app for the same reason. Facebook removed some of his pages, saying they were “glorifying violence” and using “dehumanizing language to describe people who are transgender, Muslims and immigrants.” Twitter eventually suspended Jones and InfoWars as well, for what it called repeated violations of its policy against abusive behavior.

Jones cried censorship. Now, social media companies are caught between a rock and a hard place. They want to create a pleasant environment for users, while also upholding the American value of free speech.

In 1996, in the case Reno vs ACLU, a unanimous Supreme Court decision

only student-athlete to be screwed by the NCAA. Dakota and Dylan Gonzalez, women’s basketball players at UNLV, had to give up their last year of eligibility in order to pursue a career in music. Joel Bauman, a wrestler at Minnesota, was deemed ineligible after selling a hip-hop song he made on iTunes.

The NCAA seems to want to control every aspect of their athletes lives, but they really need to take a step back and consider their mission statement that those who participate are students first and not professional athletes. The NCAA brings in $10.8 billion a year yet the student-athletes don’t see a cent of it. Playing a sport in college is a 40+ hour per week job and for the effort the players put in, they should be compensated.

• The suit argues that upon graduation, a former student athlete should become entitled to financial compensation for NCAA’s commercial uses of his or her image.

4 NOTICIAS DESTACADAS

JOSELYN CASTELLÓN

Miércoles, Marzo 20, 2019

Joselyn Castellón viajó a Bolivia en 2016 para ver el carnaval en La Loma, un lugar en la ciudad de Chuquisaca. También había ido al Festival Boliviano en Manassas, Virginia, organizado por el Comité Pro Bolivia.

Los Carnavales llegan a diferentes países del mundo con anticipación POR FRANCES MONTEVILLA Editor de Noticias Durante los últimos 2 meses, los hispanos han esperado que llegue este momento. Actualmente se encuentran en preparativos para celebrar los famosos Carnavales. Sin embargo, estos Carnavales no son solo en uno o dos países latinoamericanos, sino en varios. Los países que son internacionalmente conocidos por los Carnavales son Bolivia, Brasil, Suiza, Francia, Italia, Paraguay, Uruguay y EE.UU..

Los orígenes de los Carnavales se remontan a hace

mucho tiempo. Para la mayoría de los bailes que se forman, la religión, especialmente el catolicismo, es un factor común de por qué se realizan.

El hogar de uno de los Carnavales más conocidos es Río de Janeiro, Brasil, a menudo asociado con la extravagancia y los colores vibrantes de los bailarines. Lo que motiva a estos bailarines es la celebración del inicio de la Cuaresma, un período de 40 días antes del Día de Pascua, donde los católicos romanos deben evitar el consumo de carne los viernes.

Los Carnavales brasileños se remontan al siglo XVIII, donde también se puede ver la influencia de la cultura

afroamericana.

Otro país donde esto se puede ver es en Bolivia. Una de las danzas más conocidas en los Carnavales bolivianos es la Diablada. Existen múltiples teorías en disputa entre las regiones del condado con respecto a la ubicación exacta del origen de la danza, que se encuentra en la ciudad de Potosí o La Paz. Una de las teorías, creada por Emeterio Villarroel, sugiere que la danza y los trajes nacieron a través de las leyendas contadas por los mineros sobre la Nina Nina, o Belarmino, un ladrón conocido por robar a los ricos y dárselo a los pobres. Había sido herido en uno de sus robos y fue

trasladado al hospital por la Virgen de Socavón.

Es importante conocer la historia de dónde provienen los bailes de un país porque permite que alguien entienda y diferencie la variedad y singularidad de cada país.

Dejando a un lado la historia, la preparación para cualquier tipo de carnaval requiere una cantidad abundante de tiempo.

En primer lugar, los bailes que se realizan con sincronización no sólo suceden de la noche a la mañana, sino que demoran varias horas, días, meses e incluso años para que los bailarines practican entre sí para asegurarse de que nadie se confunda. Sin embargo,

incluso si un bailarín comete un error, lo mejor que pueden hacer es seguir bailando con alegría para que el público pueda disfrutar de la vista.

En segundo lugar, estos bailes requieren vestimentas que muchos espectadores admiran, pero el proceso de crearlas lleva mucho tiempo con el uso de los detalles más pequeños. Esto es para asegurar que se respete la cultura y también para que se vea bien en los bailarines.

La estudiante de AHS Joselyn Castellón es una boliviana que tuvo la oportunidad de viajar a Bolivia para ver un carnaval en la Loma, un lugar que se encuentra en la ciudad de

Chuquisaca. Sin embargo, como los bolivianos se han adaptado a los Estados Unidos, también han traído una parte de su cultura, que incluye bailes, comida, ropa y Carnavales.

En septiembre, Castellón también pudo ver un evento en Manassas, Virginia, llamado “Festival Boliviano.”

“Bailo, canto y animo cuando voy a Carnavales,” dijo Castellón. “La pasión de los bailarines y los trajes intrincados me recuerdan lo fuerte y hermosa que es realmente Bolivia. Así que poder experimentar esta parte de mi cultura al menos una vez al año es algo por lo que siempre estaré agradecido.”

El racismo de Virginia del pasado nunca ha muerto Durante la Guerra Civil Americana, Virginia fue parte de la Confederación que los estadounidenses ahora asocian con la esclavitud, el odio y el KKK. A menudo, tratamos de salir del pasado y aprender de los errores para hacer que el país sea más diverso y aceptable.

Recientemente, Virginia está siendo atacada por los descubrimientos de actos racistas por parte de representantes del gobierno estatal. En febrero, Ralph Northam se enfrentó al odio después de que se descubrió una foto en el anuario de su escuela de medicina, donde se representan dos hombres, uno

con cara negra y el otro vestido como miembro del Klu Klux Klan. Además, el fiscal general demócrata Mark Herring también confesó que había usado la cara negra en su época durante la universidad.

Aparte de que los funcionarios gubernamentales estaban involucrados en actos racistas, las comunidades locales también han comenzado a enfrentar el mismo problema.

En Ashburn, Virginia, las escuelas públicas del condado de loudoun se han enfrentado a quejas después de que los estudiantes de 3º, 4º y 5º que asisten a la primaria Madison’s Trust participaron en un juego de obstáculos llamado “el ferrocarril subterráneo” o “juego de esclavos fuera de control”, durante su clase de educación física que Supuestamente representaba

cómo escapaban los esclavos.

Esto se hizo para celebrar el Mes de la Historia Negra en febrero.

Los padres de los estudiantes se pusieron en contacto rápidamente con el capítulo local de la Asociación Nacional para el Avance de las Personas de Color (NAACP) porque, según Fox 5, al menos 2 estudiantes eran afroamericanos.

En una entrevista con FOX 5, la pastora Michelle Thomas de NAACP del condado de Loudoun dijo: “Usted tiene tres maestros y un administrador que no vieron el racismo en este ejercicio. Eso es sorprendente “.

Para el futuro, el NAACP está trabajando con el distrito escolar para asegurarse de que se eviten situaciones como esta, lo que incluye más capacitación para los miembros del personal.

como me abrieron los ojos, Sin embargo, porque todavía hay personas en combate con las que son antisemitas, antinoticias recientes negras, anti-lo que sea.” sobre el uso de En una reunión pública la cara negra por del condado de Loudoun parte de individuos organizada después del influyentes, otros incidente, una miembro de se están levantando la comunidad Adrienne Sims e iluminando a dijo: “Enseñe la historia aquellos que no afroamericano como historia están conscientes de Virginia durante todo el de su problema. año, en lugar de centrarse En las Escuelas únicamente en las partes Públicas de Falls más dolorosas de nuestra Church City, el historia compartida, que profesor de la deben aprenderse para escuela secundaria Michelle Thomas, presidenta de la filial de LouMary Ellen doun de NAACP, habló en una reunión sobre la aumentar la sensibilidad lección insensible que se dio a los estudiantes así que no tenemos a esas Henderson, Jeff de primaria en Madison’s Trust el 26 de febrero. personas haciendo estas Buck, enseñó a cosas a la cabeza de nuestro sus estudiantes de acción durante la manifestación gobierno.” séptimo grado sobre la historia de nacionalistas blancos en de la cara negra.

Charlottesville, Virginia, en Matthew Patrone fue uno 2017. “Fue aterrador y también de los estudiantes en la clase, soy judío,” dijo Patrone. “Así que pudo ver el racismo en que eso también fue algo así LOUDOUN TIMES

POR FRANCES MONTEVILLA Editor de Noticias

Virginia y estudiantes ¿Es Arlington realmente Humanos de Annandale la “mejor ciudad para de FCPS luchan Señora Rosenberg contra el uso de vape vivir en América”?

Unos estudiantes en Chantilly High School empezaron un grupo llamado ‘Teens Against Vaping,’ protestando el uso de cigarrillos electrónicos. El propósito del grupo es desalentar a los estudiantes al vape, también conocido como ‘Juul.’

De acuerdo a un artículo de Fox Local News, el grupo empezó con una campana en el medio social. Los fundadores del grupo tienen planes de viajar por el país para difundir el mensaje sobre por qué los estudiantes deben evitar el vapeo.

De acuerdo al artículo, uno de los fundadores del grupo, Will Wieder, dijo, “Niños que no saben nada mejor. Esta arruinando sus vidas.”

Segun el artículo, Kamal Mazhar, otro fundador, dijo “Estamos hablando con otros adolescentes como adolescentes, así que creo que es una forma más fácil para que algunas víctimas se conecten con nosotros.”

La idea de empezar este grupo vino por la cantidad de estudiantes que fueron atrapados vapeando el año pasado en Franklin Middle School, acuerdo al artículo.

Una nueva ley en Virginia

fue aceptada el 6 de marzo, prohibiendo el tabaco u otras formas de nicotina en toda las propiedades escolares como canchas deportivas, áreas verdes o parqueos así como dentro de las escuelas. De acuerdo a un artículo de Across Virginia, la ley fue firmada por el Gobernador Ralph Northam.

Según el artículo, Northam firmó las leyes HB 2384 y SB 1295, las cuales expanden las leyes que ya existen.

La nueva ley, que entra en vigor en el 10 de julio de 2019, va a requerir que las escuelas sean más explícitas en cuanto a sus reglas contra el uso de tabaco, según el artículo.

“El reciente y dramático aumento en el consumo de tabaco y el vapeo en los jóvenes representa una grave crisis de salud pública que requiere nuestra atención y acción” dijo Northman, según el artículo, “Tenemos la responsabilidad de evitar que nuestros niños estén expuestos a todo tipo de tabaco o productos que contienen nicotina”.

Podrían estos clubes y leyes ayudar a evitar el uso de la nicotina en la escuela?

No es seguro, pero por ahora los estudiantes harán todo lo posible para prevenir el uso de los juuls y el Gobernador Northam hará todo lo posible para reforzar las leyes que ya existen.

POR BRENDA HUAMANI Escritor de Personal

Recientemente, el Condado de Arlington ha estado recibiendo mucha atención luego de que la escuela primaria Ashlawn participó en el evento del “Día Nacional de Lecturas de la Escuela y la Comunidad”. Uno de los libros que se leyó a los estudiantes se tituló “Soy Jazz”, es una historia escrita por una niña de 14 años llamada Jazz Jennings que habla sobre ser transgénera.

El Condado de Arlington no solo tiene calificaciones

Este año, la ciudad de Arlington, Virginia, fue reconocido como la mejor ciudad donde vivir en Estados Unidos. Anteriormente en 2016, Arlington recibió el mismo título.

Según Fox 5, Arlington recibió este título de Niche, un servicio de revisión en línea. En el informe, se enumeran varios comentarios positivos, como las escuelas públicas de alta calidad, los bajos índices de criminalidad y varias opciones de vida nocturna.

Aunque no recibieron el titular el año pasado, Niche clasificó el sistema escolar de Arlington como el número Por segunda vez, Arlington, Virginia, fue uno y su ciudad elegida como la “mejor ciudad para vivir en como uno de Estados Unidos” de este año. En la foto de arriba se encuentra el Arlington Memorial los mejores suburbios de los Bridge, construido en 1932.

Estados Unidos. superiores en categorías como Este año, ganando la los trabajos y el viaje diario al posición más alta, Arlington trabajo, ahora también tienen superó a otras ciudades entre una calificación buena en las 5 mejores ubicadas en inclusión.

Michigan, California y Texas.

SERVICIO DE PARQUES NACIONALES

POR MIA ANTEZANA GARCIA Escritor de Personal

Profesora de ESOL ¿Cuál es su país deherencia?

Nací en Chicago, Illinois, en Estados Unidos. ¿De qué manera contribuye a la comunidad hispana?

Me encanta la cultura hispana. Mi especialización académica fue en español y viví en la ciudad de Madrid durante dos años.

Tengo ropa y joyas que vienen dediferentes lugares hispanos. Me encanta la comida, me encanta compartir la comida. La mayoría de mis estudiantes son hispanos y me encanta ser parte de esa comunidad. ¿Estás orgullosa de la diversidad en AHS? Me encanta la diversidad en esta escuela. Eso es lo que me hace seguir. Me encanta tener personas de todo el mundo trabajando juntas. Hay mucho respeto por toda la cultura y el idioma.

Tenemos una ‘noche de herencia’ y muchas otras formas de expresar cada cultura en esta escuela. A veces almorzamos donde cada persona trae comida de su país y es como ver cómo la historia cobra vida. En lugar de leer sobre un país o una cultura, vemos la experiencia de cada estudiante.

Why is this page translated in Spanish?

This section was created with the intention of expanding our reach as a publication towards the growing population of Spanish-speaking students. As one of the most diverse schools in Fairfax County, Spanish has become the second most spoken language at our school, accompanied with an extensive ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program.

The goal of The A-Blast is to inform and entertain the largest possible group of readers. Las Noticias Destacadas is a collection of articles of relevant news affecting the hispanic community, written in Spanish. We hope that this section will allow the A-Blast to be a more inclusive and diverse newspaper.

NEWS 5

Wed. March 20, 2019

Heritage Night shows culture

BY JUDE NANAW Co-Editor in Chief

“The main priority is for everyone in the Class of 2020 to have a memorable and fun senior year.”

--TARIK DARWEISH

Class of 2020 president

JUDE NANAW

With a multitude of different countries and various languages represented, AHS has one of the most diverse student bodies among all high schools nationally.

Recently, this incredible diversity was put on display at the annual Heritage Night event on March 8. Every year, Heritage Night takes place in the auditorium following the Just World Festival.

Heritage Night is comprised of two different sections, the fashion show and the performances. The event as a whole required vigorous preparation as students participating had to audition and then practice multiple times in the weeks leading up to the event.

“Our preparation and practice for the Habesha performance definitely took a long time,” senior Ruth Seyoum said. “We had to rehearse everything from the choreography to being in step with the music of our performance as well.”

For the fashion show portion of Heritage Night, there were 11 different countries represented. Participants in the fashion show dressed in cultural attire and displayed it on stage in their own unique way. Countries represented in the fashion show included Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, South Asia, South Korea and Sudan.

“We were really excited and eager to celebrate our Bengali culture and share it with others as well,” senior Tahid Mamun. “The fashion show was interesting because we had the opportunity to share our culture with the audience while also getting to see the clothing of individuals from other countries.”

After a brief intermission, participants in the performances portion

New class presidents

Junior Kaleab Mengistu (Left) and senior Jonathan Assefa (Right) dance on stage as part of the Habesha performance. of Heritage Night took the stage. Performances featured elaborate cultural group dances in addition to cultural music as well.

In total, there were 10 different performances presented, each linked to a particular nation or a handful of different countries. Performances included FJLL, Salay Pasion Bolivia USA, African Girls, Somali Girls, Dances of Sierra Leone, Dances of Cameroon, Habeshas, HJPOP! and the Royal Bloods of Africa.

“The whole process in preparing for our Habesha performance was a lot of fun,” senior Abbey Yared said. “Being a part of it all and seeing it come together on stage made it a memorable experience.”

One performance that stood out as it was not a cultural group dance but

a rap trio, was the Trifecta group. Featuring senior Idris Dahir and juniors Tarik Darweish and Kaleab Mengistu, Trifecta rapped about the different cultures of the world including clever lines throughout.

“My favorite part of our performance was hearing the crowd roar after we dropped some bar,” Mengistu said. “It hyped us up for the next verse to come.”

In the conclusion of the event, all performers from the night were invited back on stage for a rendition of “We are the World.”

“Annandale is the most diverse school in Virginia and because of that Heritage Night was a great experience for all of us who participated,” Mamun said.

News briefs Legislation Passed HB 1753, a bill introduced by the family of teacher Amy Lipicky passed both houses of the Virginia Assembly by unananimous votes. The bill, places restrictions on partitions in schools in the wake of the death of Wesley Lipicky. It is expected that Governor Ralph Northam will sign the bill into law.

Sophomore Parents Night There will be a Sophomore Parents Night on Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m. in Clausen Hall. Students and parents are welcomed to learn more about college and obligations for students.

“I want to use my platform to highlight and discuss mental health issues.”

NOVA Test Prep

--JIMMY LE

Class of 2021 president

The school will be offering a NOVA test prep and application session on Thursday, March 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Students can sign up at the Career Center during all lunches.

English Honor Society Meeting The National English Honor Society will have their monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 2 after school in Room 269B.

“What I am looking forward to the most as class president are fundraisers.”

Student Holiday There will be no school for students Friday, April 5. This will be a teacher workday and the end of the third quarter for students.

--ANDREW ZURITA

Class of 2022 president

Battle of the Bands The annual Battle of the Bands will be held in the

Students cautious with social media usage CONT. From Page 1 of 12th graders reporting they strongly agree while 32.7% strongly disagreed with this statement.

Adolescents should be conscious of how social media gives a first impression. According to Forbes, more than a third of all employers evaluate social sites as part of their hiring process.

Many times, individuals are not hired due to the public information posted on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and any site with one’s name.

“I’ve definitely posted some things that I regret,” junior Hakim Idris said.

It’s really awkward when someone brings it up, especially when it’s a long time ago. Even if I forgot it, someone

will remember it or have a screenshot of it. Then I immediately delete it afterward.”

Ever since freshman Sophia Marigliano got her iPhone 4S at the end of the seventh grade, she primarily uses it for texts and calls. Marigliano is one of the few teenagers who does not have any social media accounts.

“The reason I don’t have social media is that I’ve never felt a compelling urge to share every little detail of my life with everyone. I have a sense of privacy and I know people spend hours a day just replying to people on Snapchat or scrolling through Instagram,” Marigliano said. For her, the lack of social media does not impact her social life or disconnect her with others.

Marigliano finds more time to manage school with track practice and social life.

“If I don’t have my phone with me, then I don’t have to constantly be looking at posts. I have more time and I can focus more on my schoolwork,” Marigliano said. “It has such little effect on your life. You can text friends and it’s the same effect as Snapchat to communicate the same ideas to them.

Just because they are not seeing what they’re seeing at any given moment, doesn’t mean that you can’t communicate or have a good relationship with them.”

Once it’s posted online, it’s public information for anyone to see and evaluate.The network of social media can

also be a paradox. Someone can appear to be social with numerous followers, friends or living an ideal life, but this is far from reality. It is possible that the more time spent on social media could lead to an increase in depressive symptoms.

Last month, a study done by EClinicalMedicine evaluated the correlation between social media use and depressive symptoms in 14-year-olds. In comparison to teens who use social media about one to three hours daily, those who spend more than five hours a day had a 50% increase in depressive symptom among girls and 35% among boys.

EClinicalMedicine linked the increase in depressive symptoms with the possibility of social media impacting

sleep and low self-esteem. It can also be connected with cyberbullying. In FCPS, 10.7% of 10th graders reported as having been cyberbullied in the past year compared to 9.8% of 12th graders. Both numbers are approximately 4% below the national average.

“Cyberbullying, just like any type of bullying, is serious. If a student does not feel safe at school in their environment, they are not going to be available for learning,” Social Worker Alissa Green said. “In terms of cyberbullying, make sure an adult knows, a parent.

Make sure that you are going and seeking help from a trusted adult, whether that’s a parent, teacher or an administrator.”

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JUDE NANAW

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Senior Emily Trachsel performs a poem at the previous Coffee House on Wed. Jan. 23.

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BY JUDE NANAW Co-Editor in Chief The Filament Literary Magazine has hosted an array of Coffee House events throughout the school year. The event has grown and developed as it has attracted not only new performers, but also new audience members as the location was shifted from the Bistro to Clausen Hall.

Typically during Coffee House, performers display various talents through songs, raps, poetry, one-act plays, band performances and more.

However, this upcoming Coffee House will be different as it will be centered around an international and bilingual theme.

“We have so many students that come from different backgrounds where their parents and they themselves are from other countries and cultures,” Filament Literary Magazine sponsor Leslie Chekin said. “We also have an enormous ESOL program, so it seemed fair and right to reach out and represent these students.”

Two previous Coffee House events on Oct. 31 and Dec. 12 were also based on themes, with the former being Halloween themed and the latter having a winter and holiday season theme. The international theme this time around is expected to be more pronounced in the acts and performances.

“With the bilingual concept, it

creates a bridge and is more welcoming,” Filament Literary Magazine sponsor Soo-Jin Lee said. “If they [performers] see that is concept, they are more willing to bring out their other languages.”

With a wide-range of nationalities represented within the demographics of AHS, the bilingual theme to the upcoming Coffee House will provide students with the opportunity to perform in native languages. Additionally, performers may implement cultural aspects into their acts.

“We found this [the bilingual Coffee House] as a fitting accompaniment to other activities such as Heritage Night and the Just World Festival and a nod to the diversity of this school,” Chekin said.

Performers for the Coffee House which will be taking place on March 20, initially went through the audition process on March 6 where they were selected to perform. Selected performers then had a rehearsal practice last week.

“The best thing about performing for Coffee House is the opportunity to share poetry or songs with a great audience,” senior Javonte Durr-Cannon said.

Entry to the event in Clausen Hall will be $5 with baked goods and coffee being sold as well.

“We want the bilingual Coffee House to become a tradition here at school,” Chekin said.

6 ACADEMICS

Wed. March 20, 2019

Tecle poses for a picture in front of the Rotunda at Charlottesville with fellow prospective student Vitalina Fuentes.

Senior Efrata Tecle visits the University of Virginia Before the Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery, Nurse Darla Ferris starts the session with a prior knowledge test in the INOVA Dome classroom.

BY KHADIJA AHMED Academics Editor

Students view heart surgery

Q: Why did you want to visit UVA? A: I thought that it would be smart to take a tour before I make a decision on which school I want to attend on May 1.

BY KHADIJA AHMED Academics Editor Senior Cort Hollis was cranky about having to be at school by 6:45 a.m. but he still had excitement running through his veins. Along with the rest of the Human Anatomy class students taught by Marcia Bellamy, he was a short bus ride away from seeing a cardiovascular surgery at Inova Heart and Vascular Institute.

This is thanks to the Dome Experience program in the Center for Learning and Innovation. Students can see direct views of procedures with the “Dome,” a special viewing platform above the operating room.

“I was expecting the kind of viewing room in Grey’s Anatomy,” senior Jennifer Chavez said. “In reality, the room we were in had rolling chairs and windows that showed the operating room.”

Students were at the edge of their seats during the procedure.

“We saw every detail of a four-hour surgery with every second being entertaining,” Hollis said.

What is the best field trip you have ever attended?

In particular, the class watched a my brain after the surgery as a visual coronary artery bypass surgery, somelearner,” Hollis said. times called CABG (pronounced “cabSeeing what it takes to complete bage”). The process reroutes blood surgery and how many people are around clogged involved gave stuarteries to dents a fresh perimprove blood spective.

“It’s lifeflow. In order to “It was so changing do this, the surinteresting geon harvests because I got to to witness veins from the see the differsomepatient’s leg. ent types of peo“The patient ple that are in the one’s heart essentially prooperation room stop for 87 vides their own like the lead surspare parts,” Belgeon, anesthesiminutes and come back lamy said. ologist and nurse healthier than before.”

Viewers practitioner,” learned things Chavez said.

--CORT HOLLIS that they couldn’t Hollis was able senior have in a tradito make connectional classroom. tions between medical television shows “The heart is way smaller in real and his personal surgical experience. life than the models we saw in class,” “There are fewer mishaps, but the Chavez said. humor is 100% there,” Hollis said. “The Hollis benefited in a different way. lead surgeon was wearing cowboy boots “I had already learned most of during his operations and he also likes what was involved in the surgery, but to listen to lithium music.” it all made sense and was solidified in Hollis said he encourages anybody

CALEB YENENEH freshman “In first grade, I went to DC for the first time.

I got to go with my friends to places my parents told me about.”

LILIANA INKPEN freshman I used to live in Florida, and I had a field trip around the whole state which was really fun and unique to me.”

TIMOTHY SUE sophomore “I went to the Air and Space Museum in Udvar-Hazy. It was really cool because it was huge and they had an actual spaceship.”

Kora Coker paints a picture of IB

JASMINE MANN sophomore “In freshman year, I went to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and I got to see different workshops there.”

else to jump at this amazing opportunity of a field trip, but that’s not the only reason he took the Human Anatomy course.

“Although the surgery is for sure a highlight, I am mostly interested in the complexity of how humans work,” Hollis said.

With multiple days reserved for the visits and a maximum of 25 students each day, Bellamy was able to see the same procedure two days in a row as a chaperone.

“I was fascinated by the similarities as well as differences in the work of different doctors,” Bellamy said. Surgeons sometimes have the option to use their preferred techniques instead of sticking to a script.

The Dome Experience, although free, is always in extremely high demand.

“This was a fascinating experience, but it was very difficult to secure a date,” Bellamy said. Luckily, she has already secured a reservation for March 2020 so that next year’s Human Anatomy classes can experience the very same surgical brilliance.

KALEAB MENGISTU junior “I went to Winkler Botanical Reserve. I got lost in the woods and it took them four hours to find me.”

KENZIE GARDNER senior “My English class went to Ford’s Theatre to watch Death of Salesman. It was very emotional and moving to me.”

Q: What was the drive there like?

A: The drive there was really long, but not as long as it probably would have been if we had gone later. We had to wake up at 5:30 in the morning in order to leave early so that we could beat the traffic. I drove, so it was a little bit tiring but other than that the roads were pretty empty so it was really peaceful.

Q: What did you learn from visiting?

A: When I visited, I learned more about the history of the school and some of the course requirements and student life at UVA. It was a good experience in order to be able to see the students on campus going to and from class and exactly what their lives looks like on a day-to-day basis.

Q: What’s a good memory you have from your visit?

A: I was able to see one of my friends that go to UVA that I haven’t seen in a while.

DAVID BETANCO senior “In third grade, I went to George Washington’s estate, Mount Vernon. I saw the tombs of George and Martha Washington.”

BIANCA MULLINS Spanish teacher “When I was a junior in high school way back in the day, I went to see Les Miserables with my French 4 class.”

Saint Patrick’s Day Word Search

BY KHADIJA AHMED Academics Editor

Q: What clubs are you in?

A: I’m in National English Honor Society and National Honor Society, but I don’t hold any leadership positions in either.

Q: What is your favorite IB subject?

A: I actually really enjoy IB Topics. I have always loved history and Mr. York is a really good teacher. I find the class really interesting and look forward to it every Red Day.

IB Spotlight: Profiles of Diploma Candidates

Q: What made you decide to get the IB diploma?

A: I really wanted to challenge myself by taking the hardest courses possible. Some say that the IB Diploma doesn’t do much, but I really feel that it’s helping me prepare for college coursework. The rigor I’m currently experiencing is helping me prepare for my intended career path.

Q: What skills do you think the IB program has taught you that can help you later in life?

A: The IB program has taught me a lot in terms of managing my time, and I also think it has greatly improved my writing and thinking skills.

I think this will definitely help me in college and beyond.

Q: What is your extended essay topic?

A: I chose to research how China’s recently implemented two-child policy has affected their government’s consideration of and attention to pediatric care. I chose this paper because I knew I wanted to do something related to pediatric care, and I was only able to apply this within the context of a global politics paper.

Q: How are you preparing for IB exams?

A: I’m going to study hard by reviewing all of my notes from previous units and grades.

What lasting impact do you want to leave on this school?

A: I honestly just hope I can leave a good reputation both as a student and as a friend to others.

Senior Kora Coker is the recipient of the 2019 Student Peace Award, given by Fairfax County, for writing and publishing her children’s book, Cassi and Isaac. Isaac is new to Cassi’s school and is learning English. As the story progresses, they become friends while unfolding a tale of cultural differences.

Q: What colleges have you applied to?

A: I applied to Johns Hopkins, William and Mary, Duke, Yale, George Washington, Georgetown, Williams, and Dartmouth because they all have good medical and humanities programs and also have good reputations for pleasant student life. I applied all regular decision, so I haven’t gotten any outcomes yet.

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

A: I hopefully see myself in residency as a pediatrician, or something else within the realm of medicine.

Q: What advice do you have for future IB candidates?

A: Try not to procrastinate. It really makes things a lot more complicated than they need to be.

Charm Clover Gold Green Ireland Legend

Leprechaun Luck Rainbow Seventeenth Shamrock Treasure

HEALTH 7

Wed. March 20, 2019

PHOTO ILLUSTRATIOM OF DUC NGO BY MANNY PRECHT

THE REASONTRAINING FOR FOR THE SNEEZIN’ THE FUTURE

Allergy season has arrived at AHS

BY MANNY PRECHT Health Editor With spring right around the corner, students have much to look forward to. Seniors are wrapping up their final year at AHS and underclassmen are anticipating an eventful summer.

Despite the good times that lie ahead, many students are faced with a looming threat: seasonal allergies.

Like other types of allergies, seasonal allergies develop when the body’s immune system overreacts to something in the environment, usually during spring, summer or fall when certain plants pollinate.

Almost everyone agrees that allergies really bring you down. No one wants to be sneezing all throughout your springtime endeavors.

“My seasonal allergies impair my ability to breathe during sports events,” junior Annika Yugner said.

However, students shouldn’t surrender to their allergies. Luckily enough, there are many methods to cope with seasonal allergies.

The first step should be consulting an allergist. It is critical to ensure your symptoms are purely seasonal and not year round.

More than two-thirds of spring

How do you manage your allergies?

allergy sufferers actually have yearround symptoms. Your best resource for finding what’s causing your suffering and stopping it, not just treating the symptoms, is an allergist.

Working with your allergist, it is important that you monitor pollen and mold counts.

Luckily, weather reports in newspapers and on radio and television often include this information during allergy seasons.

Although it may deprive you of all that healthy Vitamin D, keeping windows and doors shut at home and in your car will help reduce your exposure to pollen.

To further avoid pollen, know which pollens you are sensitive to and then check pollen counts.

In spring and summer, during tree and grass pollen season, levels are highest in the evening.

The easiest of precautions is to take a shower, wash your hair and change your clothes after you’ve been working or playing outdoors.

Depending on the severity of your allergies, your allergist may also recommend one or more medications to control symptoms. Some of the most widely recommended drugs are available without a prescription.

One of the most effective ways to

CARTER MCGRAW junior “I manage my allergies by trying to avoid places and things that I know will make me act up.”

ANGIE SNOW junior “I manage my allergies by taking household and over the counter medications to prevent symptoms and reactions.”

treat seasonal allergies linked to pollen is immunotherapy (allergy shots).

These injections expose you over time to gradual increments of your allergen, so you learn to tolerate it rather than reacting with sneezing, a stuffy nose or itchy, watery eyes.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, it is also crucial to understand the triggers related to your symptoms.

While the term “seasonal allergies” generally refers to grass, pollen and mold, there is a different group of triggers that are closely tied to particular seasons.

In regards to the upcoming seasons of spring and summer, insect “My allergies bites and stings and chlorine in suck because, indoor and outdoor swimming pools are triggers tied to those two seaduring the sons. summer, All of this information is lengthy for allergies that only affect you durmosquitos are ing a certain season. always out and Seasonal allergies are extremely difficult to handle. However, many I’m always out people are effected by allergies year so it’s pretty hard to avoid round.

Allergies affect an estimated 40 getting bitten. Luckily, my million to 50 million people in the allergies only really affect United States. Some allergies may me during warmer months.” interfere with day-to-day activities or lessen the quality of life.

--MAISHA MALIHA Year-round allergies are just senior as severe if not more than seasonal allergies. Some examples of year “Allergy shots are effective because round allergies include food, pet and they allows parents to be aware of basic drug allergies. daily items that could give their chilFood allergies are estimated to affect 4% – 6% of children and 4% of dren allergic reactions,” junior Alex Yi adults, according to the Centers for said.

CYNTHIA NGUYEN junior “I’m allergic to pineapple so I avoid the things that make me react and I am careful when it comes to juices and smoothies.”

MITCHELL EGGERT junior “Due to my pollen allergy, I take allergy medicine and keeping a nose spray with me at all times.”

VY LUU junior “I manage my allergies by looking at the ingredients of foods that are processed.”

NATE FERSON junior “I manage my allergies by taking medicine and keeping an epipen with me.”

Disease Control and Prevention.

Additionally, while any food can cause an adverse reaction, eight types of food account for about 90 percent of all reactions: eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat or soy.

In regards to a pet allergy, the two most common types are allergies related to dogs and cats.

Unlike food and pet allergies, there is no common drug that a wide population of people are allergic to.

The best method for preventing allergic reactions to these examples is simply avoiding them. As a matter of fact, avoiding anything that makes allergic will logically reduce your chances of a reaction or the development of symptoms.

Whether you suffer from seasonal allergies or year round allergies, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure your own well being.

Taking precautionary steps such as allergy shots keeps you healthy and provides valuable information about your own health.

Simple steps such as avoiding your allergens will keep you healthy and active during the time of beautiful weather and freedom from obligations.

Allegra is the most commonly used type of allergy medication

Leading Allergens

Peanuts About 0.6 – 1.0 % of people have peanut allergys.

Milk 2 in every 100 children under 4 years old are allergic to milk.

Dust

Pollen

As many as 10 percent of Americans are sensitive to dust.

Pollen allergy affects about 8 percent of adults in the United States.

Drugs Up to 10% of people report being allergic to penicilin.

Varsity Allergy Spotlight: Junior Rahul Mann What are you allergic to?

I am allergic to wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, nuts and shellfish.

to eat around half of the things I can eat now. Hopefully as time goes on I will be able to eat other foods.

How do your allergies effect you day to day life?

Allergies don’t affect my day to day life much because I’m used to my dietary restrictions.

When did you find out about your allergies?

My parents found out I was allergic to a myriad of food when I was an infant. There are blood tests that measure how allergic you are to certain foods and I remember getting them often during my childhood.

Do your allergies make your life harder?

I wouldn’t say my allergies make life harder, but they do make things inconvenient. I’m not able to eat most things in restaurants and finding food on short notice can sometimes be a hassle.

Have your allegies improved over time?

My allergies have improved overtime. When I was younger I wasn’t able

How do you keep your allegries in check?

I keep my allergies in check by only eating food that I already know I can eat. I can try new things as long as I know all the ingredients.

Do you think that the school does a good job with preventing

possible allergic reactions?

I think the clinic here at Annandale has an epipen that can be used if someone didn’t know about an allergy. With the nature of severe allergies I think that students should carry epipens on them because going all the way to the nurse during an emergency isn’t feasible.

What do you do to improve your allergies?

I can improve my allergies by eating larger increments of food that I’m not severely allergic too. I’m actually able to eat potatoes because of this method/

8 PHOTO

Wed. March 20, 2019

Spring Fever

With spring sports in full swing, many students make the most of their last season of the year

ALL PHOTOS BY JESSICA SALISBURY

Freshman varsity baseball player Zach Pacak rounds the bases during practice after school. “I love the family aspect of baseball because it makes the experience a lot of fun,” Pacak said. “It’s really nice joking around and building relationships between my teammates, which also helps improve our performance on the field.”

Members of the girls varisty soccer team bundle up together on the sidelines to keep warm while they cheer on their teammates during a cold scrimmage against Freedom High School on Tues. March 5. Annandale won with a final score of 7 to 1.

Senior varsity tennis player Jasmine Phan anticipates an incoming serve as she warms up for her scrimmage against Forest Park High School on Mon. March 11.

LEFT: Girls varisty lacrosse head coach Cindy Hook demonstrates an offensive scoring drill during an after school practice.

BELOW: Junior varsity lacrosse player Danny Flynn battles defenders as he carries the ball down the field during a scrimmage against Woodbridge on Thurs. March 7. “This season I’m excited to build more friendships and make lasting memories with my teammates,” Flynn said. “I want this season to be one to remember.” Annandale won with a final score of 10 - 5.

TOP: During a time out in a scrimmage against Wakefield High School on Thurs.

March 7, varsity head coach Jim Patterson gives freshman Sayde Pritt some helpful advice before her upcoming at bat.

ABOVE: Sophomore varsity baseball player Orlando Torres prepares to tag a runner out on second base during practice. “Practices allow us to develop new skills that can be applied to games,” Torres said. “Which can ultimately help us win.”

Sophomore varsity soccer player Madison Cruz dribbles the ball past a defender during her scrimmage against Freedom High School. “This season I’m really looking forward to creating a strong team dynamic which will hopefully result in winning a lot of games,” Cruz said.

Senior varsity softball captain Sarah Hawkins sits in ready position and anticipates a possible incoming play ball at first base during her scrimmage against Wakefield High School on Thurs. March 8.

Since this was scrimmage, no official score was recorded.

ARTS 9

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF GALILEA SEJAS

Wed. March 20, 2019

Junior Makayla Collins (left) and senior Emily Trachsel rehearse the song, “Amazing Mayzie,” with the other bird girls, juniors Savannah Gravitt and Vera Miller.

Thespians prepare for the spring musical

BY GALILEA SEJAS Arts Editor In previous shows that the Annandale Theatre Company (ATC) produced, they discussed serious topics and mature themes that many high school students would be able to relate to in their current lives. For this year’s spring musical, AHS students can relate to the themes or ideas of the musical in a different way; they are able to relate to it through their childhood experiences.

The musical, Seussical, reflects a combination of multiple Dr. Seuss books and characters that many have grown to appreciate and love. The audience can view their favorite characters such as The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, and the Sour Kangaroo, come to life before their very eyes.

Seussical discusses the treacherous journey and adventures of Jojo, who’s guided by the Cat in the Hat. As the Cat is guiding Jojo through the Seuss world that he created, they come across the caring Horton the Elephant, who soon finds himself in possession of a clover, carrying the town of Whoville on the small speck of dust.

“I hope to see us bring Through Horton’s every character to life and get journey in trying to the audience laugh-crying,” maintain the livelihood “If we can get junior Savannah Gravitt, who of The Who’s (Whoville plays a Bird Girl, said. citizens), by venturing to the musical Despite the the highest mountain from together, it lightheartedness of the the Jungle of Nool. musical, it does not hinder As he continues his has the potenits ability for it to relate to all quest, he meets various tial to be villainous and sassy age ranges. great because characters such as the “It’s really deep and it Sour Kangaroo and touches on subjects that I of the songs, dancing and Mayzie La Bird who ends think are important, that colors involved.” up giving him an egg deal with acceptance of for him to take care of people regardless of their size --IOANA MARIN towards Act II. junior or what kind of animal they Though the story of are, where they’re from, what Seussical seems very they believe,” theatre director complicated, the interwoven stories and characters Katherine Brunberg said. “It’s a fun silly show, create a new world for the audience members to but it’s a good message.” experience.

Through the larger than life characters that Since many of the notable Dr.Seuss characters ATC is hoping to create, it surely requires them to act in a certain absurd way, with a tremendous not only act on behalf of their character, but also amount of energy, this means that many continue at the same pace and level of animation actors would need to continue with the general throughout the show. sentiments and feelings of such characters.

Every day for the past month (since late

January) they have been rehearsing various aspects of their performance, whether it be the music, dance or specifically acting. This show revolves a lot around the actors, their ability to dance and flexibility.

“I’m hoping to see a fun musical because it’s the most dance heavy musical that we’ve done up until now,” junior Ioana Marin said. “If we can get the musical together, it has the potential to be great because of the songs, dancing and colors involved.”

The show has to reflect the sentiments and themes of Dr. Seuss, since it pays tribute to his sense of imagination and the amount of passion that he had for entertaining the younger audiences and spurring the creativity in their young minds.

Aside from the amount of color used by the tech, the various music arrangements that were composed by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, incorporates a combination of instruments.

This coupled with the dramatic acting being performed on stage should make for a stellar performance. The show dates for the musical are on March 28-29 at 7 p.m. and March 30 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

What do you hope/expect to see in Seussical?

Kyle Dalsimer

Jack Dalrymple

Claire Vaughn

Nia Collins

Makayla Collins

THE CAT IN THE HAT AND COCHOREOGRAPHER

HORTON THE ELEPHANT

JOJO

SOUR KANGAROO

MAYZIE LA BIRD

“I hope we see a finished product that we are all proud of and that we all thoroughly enjoy. I decided to do Seussical because I love performing and getting up on stage no matter what the show is, and doing what I love to do.”

“I play the role of Jojo, who creates the world of Seuss in his imagination.

I hope to see a lot of people working together on a fun musical. It’s a very lighthearted musical and I’m just excited for the audience to experience the same.”

“I hope to see a lot of good talent come out and a lot of people coming out of their boxes finally. I didn’t do the previous musical because I was too afraid to audition.The only thing that changed was my outlook on theatre and life in general, and I didn’t want to be in the spotlight now I just can’t get out of it.”

“I want to see fun, joy and happiness.

I would like to bring back the inner child that everyone has. Being able to bring back the Dr.Seuss books that I used to read when I was younger and bring these infamous characters into life is what made me want to do the show. My experience with the theater company has been life-changing, and I know that this is my family.”

“The Cat in the Hat is a very interesting character. He was always one of the most influential characters in my childhood, so being able to portray him and get into his mind and what motivates his actions is really exciting for me. I’m hoping to see good acting, on my part, with a lot of energy.”

The Pit Orchestra/Band prepares music for the musical Why did you decide to be a part of the pit and how have been preparing for Seussical?

BY GALILEA SEJAS Arts Editor Now most people think that being a part of a musical requires one to be either: a. a good actor, or b. a good stage hand, ready to take on any assignment or task that the directors and/or stage managers ask them to do.

Of course taking part of a musical includes multiple other roles that are not limited to either of these things, but what most people don’t consider is the fact that one could also join the pit.

The pit is a composition of roughly 20 talented musicians from orchestra or band who join together to create the music for the actors to alongside.

“I think my experience will be similar to last time, because you still carry on with the idea of supporting theatre and making music as well,” said junior Jackson Ramos.

Though the pit combines multiple skilled musicians from multiple grade levels, it doesn’t run as normal band or orchestra classes do.

Normally, the musician would need to come in with their music already learned or rather rehearsed before hand so that the pit would be able to only practice as an ensemble and not focus on individual parts of the song that would require more work.

In each rehearsal, starting around 4:30 pm and lasting roughly two hours,

Junior Jackson Ramos plays the Cello as he is rehearsing the songs in Seussical, along with the other pit orchestra players. it allows each student to individually prepare their instrument and use the remaining time to prep for the music that they would go over in that specific rehearsal.

With everyone working on the production of Seussical, or any musical in general, each artist (whether it be an actor or specific musician) needs

ANDREW ZURITA freshman “I really enjoy playing music. I was already a part of the symphonic band and want to be more involved in music, so I joined the pit. I’ve been preparing through coming in during Pride Time and sometimes lunches to practice my music in the band room.”

to have an understanding of the basic elements of the music or scene.

Since Seussical incorporates an integration of various instruments, there is time allotted in the rehearsal focused on the ideas of the music.

“We’re using a program called rehearscore that the singers are using as well, that kind of has some of the

ILSON GUEVARA RIVAS junior “I decided to be a part of the pit because I love making music. I have been preparing by practicing the three parts that I play, ‘Here on Who,’ ‘How Lucky You Are,’ and ‘Having a Hunch,’ and I play the bass clarinet.”

CONNOR YI junior “I decided to be apart of the pit again because I think it would be fun to play, because I did it last year so might as well do it again. I have been preparing for the musical by writing notes in my music so that I know which instrument to play since I play many.”

background music already,” Witkowski said.

Musicians would first listen to the recording of the song that they would soon be practicing, then learn the essence of the song: the pauses, breaks or pulses.

Aside from this, the pit players need to learn how to not only learn their

DIANA VILLARROEL senior “This would give me an opportunity to get back to my original instrument, the trumpet, rather than playing the french horn during class. I’m hoping that we play to the best of our abilities.”

MILTON RAMOS senior “This is my fourth year doing the musical, and I have a very big interest in the musical; potentially seeing if I want to do this as a profession. I’ve been preparing for the musical through score study, and hope that we see a great show; the greatest show.”

music, but to also understand it enough since the music may slightly change due to the movements of the actors.

“I think my experience will be similar to last time I was a part of pit,” junior and cello player Ramos said.

“You still carry on with the idea of supporting theatre and making music as well.”

10 IN-DEPTH

Wed. March 20, 2019

IN-DEPTH 11

Wed. March 20, 2019

The importance of living an active life Top five

Top five

Physical benefits

Mental benefits

of exercising

of exercising

ANDY HERNANDEZ

6

SELF-ESTEEM Everybody knows that exercising is great for confidence, but they do not know all the reasons.

Of course having a fitter body will make someone feel good about themselves.

However, the chemicals that the brain releases also have a hand in the self-confidence boost that comes with physical activity.

According to studies from Harvard Health Publishing, it states that teenagers are not exercising. This is because teenagers are less likely to exercise than the elderly. Student athletes are a small population that blance school life with excerise.

Junior Emily Shawish's daily stretching routine

BY SUAD MOHAMED In-Depth Editor Exercise is not all about gaining muscle mass and doing cardio.

As any good athlete knows, stretching is an important and vital part of anybody's exercising routine.

Stretching helps increase a person's flexibility and maintain a wide range of motion. But stretching for one day doesn't mean that your flexibility increases right there.

Stretching for a long span of time will gradually increase your flexibility.

But if you neglect to stretch daily can make muscles tight and shorter than usual. This is a really big risk because you are likely to be prone to more injuries.

Doing any sort of physical activity without stretching beforehand can lead to cramps, and sometimes even a serious injury.

Another thing that people often forget to do is stretch after physical activity.

Doing a long workout and not stretching out your muscles afterwards can lead to pain and cramps the next day. This pain tends to correlate with the soreness that is shown after a good day of working out.

"Before I do any activity, I always stretch and make sure I am loosened up," Shawish said. "This is to prepare myself and make sure that I don't get into any injuries."

But, if you feel pain in a certain spot when stretching, make sure to not stretch that spot again. If there is pain, that might mean that there is an injured tissue which should not be stretched.

2

If you had the chance to go to the gym, would you?

YOUR LUNGS GET STRONGER When you run, your brain sends signals to your lungs to help you breathe faster and deeper, delivering extra oxygen to your muscles. This will relieve your muscles because your lungs are going to be doing all of the work.

"After all of the running, I used to get so tired, but I think I adapted to it," Amaya said. "After learning about this, it is definite that my lungs have gotten way stronger."

Exercising regularly will make your lungs stronger over a period of time, making sure you can adapt to the new

change of working out. This benefit also ties into getting stronger.

3

BUILDS MUSCLE Another benefit of working out is building and maintaining strong bones and muscles. Physical activity such as weightlifting combined with using protein shakes will make it easier.

It is easier due to the fact that when you exercise, it releases hormones that increases your ability to absorb amino acids into your muscles. This is the main reason they grow.

“When I workout, I tend to get sore,” junior Drake Amaya said. “I think my muscles are getting bigger when that happens, but who knows.”

As people tend to get older, they lose muscle mass and the muscle’s function, which could lead to injuries. Doing regular exercise is proven to reduce muscle loss and maintaining strength as you age.

4

CLEARS YOUR SKIN When exercising, it can stimulate the blood flow to the skin cells and can help delay the appearance of skin aging.

When skin ages, it is because of the oxidative stress inside your body. This oxidative stress happens when your body’s antioxidant defenses can’t repair the damage that radicals cause to the skin cells. This could lead to damage and deterioration to the skin.

5

IMPROVES YOUR SLEEP After a long day of working out or doing a type of exercise, you fall on your bed and fall right to bed.

This is because that exercise or working out can help night owls fall to sleep faster and even stay asleep longer to repair the body and maintain energy levels.

When asleep, your brain repairs itself causing your body to go into a deep stage of sleep, but when exercising is thrown into that equation, it enhances it twice fold.

Today's youth turning into teenior citizens Research shows that teenagers exercise less than the elderly

BY SUAD MOHAMED In-Depth Editor

Arm stretches

Shoulder stretches

Hamstring stretches

5 reps for each side 20 seconds each

5 reps for each side 20 seconds each

10 reps for each side 5 seconds each

"This arm stretch really helps me loos-

"I like doing my shoulder stretches

"After I finish all of my upper-body

en my muscles before I do any physical

rather than doing more arm stretches

stretches, I move towards the lower

activity. I encorporate this stretch into

because I always tend to play games that

body," Shawish said. "This is because I

every routine I do because it is a good

forces me to throw something," Shawish

don't want to intertwine the two and do

base to start from and then work your

said. "This helps me from becoming sore

one of each. For my lower body stretch-

way up," Shawish said. "This is a key

the day after working out which will

es, I like to start off with my hamstrings

fundamental before working out."

really help me out."

then work my way down."

Quad stretchs

Standing-Butterfly stretch

Calve stretch

High knees in place

5 reps for each side 15 seconds each

6 reps for each side 10 seconds each

4 reps for each side 10 seconds each

2 reps 10 seconds each

"After I work on my hamstrings, I

"But instead of quad stretches, I some-

"After those leg stretches, I move down to

"After all of these static stretches, I move

move right to my quads to make sure

times do my standing butterfly stretch

my lower leg. I start off with going side

towards dynamic stretches. Sometimes

I stretch out each muscle in my upper

instead if I am running out of time for

to side to flex my calves and then make

I like to do high knees or I do jogging in

leg," Shawish said. "This really helps

my warmups," Shawish said. "This is

sure to let them cool off," Shawish said.

place," Shawish said. "This is to maxi-

me move faster and makes sure that I

because I take at least 5 minutes for my

"This is so I don't get shin splints or pull

mize the amount of stretching I did and

don't get injured while going on a run or

warm-ups if I do them correctly and in

something when I am working out or

is a really good way to end my warm-ups

doing anything that involves running."

the amount of time given to me."

exercising."

and stretches."

JADIL KAMARA freshman "No, I wouldn't go to the gym because I don't have the time for it. Since I do sports after school and I have a lot of homework as soon as I get home from finishing my sports.

CRYSTAL TRAN freshman "Yeah, I would go to the gym because it is something different that I haven't tried yet.

Since this is going to be new to me, I think I am going to set up a routine for it."

SHEILA SINDI sophomore "I don't think I would go to the gym unless it is free. In my opinion, I think that the gym is too pricy. Like look at St. James, it is over a $100 for a month. So I don't think I would."

BENNETT STENBERG sophomore "I would go to the gym because I really like working out after a good run. Sometimes after cross country, I go to the gym at the school and workout."

YOUSEF AL-SUQI Junior "I go to the gym right now and I love it. Working out has really helped me change my body to what I wanted.

I go to the gym every week at least once but sometimes I go twice a week. "

SAFIA AHMED Junior "I would go to the gym because I want to try something new. I have a lot of free time when I get home from school so I think going to the gym would fill that void."

In the U.S., the problem of obesity, specifically child-obesity, is only accelerating. The reason why?

Americans lead a life that is way too sedentary. All people do all day is go to work or school and come home and sit all day, and eat meals that are too big in between.

Though developing rapidly, this issue is relatively new.

A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health concluded that children of past generations exercised far more than children do nowadays.

The NIH collected this data by making people from ages 6-84 wear bracelets that tracked how many hours they spent on physical activity and being sedentary.

It also tracked vitals such as blood pressure and heart rate.

Not surprisingly, the study also demonstrated that as age increased, inactivity did as well.

However, there was an unusual outlier in the trend of this data.

The study also showed that middle and high schoolers exercise less than people aged 60 and older.

According to the World Health Organization, children and teenagers are supposed to exercise for a minimum of one hour daily.

The results of the study showed that with ages 6-11, 25% of boys and 50% of girls did not meet this requirement.

With teens, the statistics were even higher, with 50% of boys and 75% of girls aged 12-19 failing to meet the recommendation.

For doctors and parents, these results are extremely worrisome.

Exercise is necessary to build strong bones and muscles.

Daily movement also promotes protection against diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Even more worrisome is the rising level obesity, which are directly related to the decreasing amount of children who exercise.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that the number of children who are obese has tripled since the 1970’s, and is likely to quadruple in another 11 years.

So what is causing children to remain inactive and put on weight?

Most adults claim that the rise of the use of technology as the problem.

While it may seem like they are just

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION OF JUNIOR NAZ NYADZAYO BY HENRY HOANG

3

STRESS Having a lot of stress can lead to both physical and mental issues.

Thankfully, exercising helps with both.

5

PTSD AND TRAUMA Many doctors have also considered exercise to be a good strategy to help with the symptoms related to suffering a trauma.

By focusing one’s energy and mind onto exercise, a traumatized person can become “unstuck” from the state of mind that their trauma put them in.

Doctors say that this is key to moving on and healing.

KIMBERLY LAURA

2

ANXIETY Another issue that exercising can help with is anxiety. Daily physical activity can relieve tension and stress.

The release of endorphins that helps alleviate symptoms of depression can also aid with symptoms of anxiety.

Also, having control over every step of your exercise routine, such as technique, reps, and location, can make people with anxiety feel like they have more control over other parts of their lives.

1

YOU LOSE WEIGHT One of the main benefits of working out is weight loss. This is because that some people might go to the gym to spend energy. But also, some people may tend to change their ways of eating and go on a diet.

When dieting, reducing your calorie intake will lower your metabolic rate.

It is also shown that combining aerobic exercise with training can maximize your fat loss. This is because the movement paired with working out in the gym gives you the utmost amount of fat loss that is possible.

"I like to run after every workout so I can loosen my muscles after a long day of working out," sophomore Hugo Amaya said. "It makes me have a good time to cool off and is pretty fun in my opinion."

ANDREW SILVERA

1

DEPRESSION Studies have shown that exercising can treat mild to moderate depression to the same extent as medicine.

The good part? It does not have any of the negative side effects that come along with taking medicine.

It also has been shown to reduce the possibility of worsening depression.

When exercising, the brain changes in many ways.

It begins to release endorphins, which are chemicals that make people feel better and promote feelings of calmness and joy.

Exercise also serves as a daily distraction for the awful feelings that a depressed person may go through

4

ADHD People with ADHD (attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder) have trouble with concentration and focus.

Putting a lot of time and effort into one activity, such as exercising, can help the mind learn to focus and help with the symptoms of ADHD. In fact, many doctors tell patients with ADHD to exercise, along with taking medication.

Exercising also makes the brain release chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin, which help improve a person’s attention span, working practically the same as medicines such as Ritalin, which help with ADHD symptoms.

HAKIM IDRIS

It’s no doubt that people focus more on the physical aspect of exercise. It basic common sense since exercise is a physical activity.

But that does not mean that the mental aspect of exercise should be ignored.

People who go to the gym daily and play sports do it for one main reason - it makes them feel and think better.

Research has shown that exercising daily has multiple positive effects.

The sun is shining on a nice breezy day. The sky is blue and clear and there is nothing to do. You plan to think out your day and exercising comes across your mind, but it was for just a second.

Exercising has many benefits physically.

Being active is proven to show an increase in clinical health, weight loss, and stress relief. Here are the top ten physical benefits of working out.

ANDREW IZQUIERDA

BY SUAD MOHAMED In-Depth Editor

BY HENRY HOANG In-Depth Editor

Stress can lead to physical symptoms such as tightened muscles. Moving your body helps solve these issues, and as the body starts to feel better, the mind does to.

It also serves as a distraction from the stressors in one’s daily life. Exercising can also help with other issues that stem from stress, such as headaches and insomnia, which only stand to worsen one’s stress, and thus their mental health.

Junior Naz Nyadzayo uses his phone while in the weight room. He plans to check out his grades and then text his mom before starting his workout session for the baseball team.

trying to pin everything on phones and computers, they do have a point.

Most children who do not do the proper amount of exercise usually spend their time on things like social media and video games.

“When I was a kid, we used to go outside to hang out and play games

“When I get home, I barely have time to exercise, which is upsetting because I like to be active.”

--ANDRES PACHECO-RIVERA

junior

together,” health and PE teacher Craig Dodd said. “Nowadays, kids can just go on FaceTime and Snapchat to talk to each other, so why even bother to play games outside anymore?”

While adults say that it is technology that distracts students from

exercising, students say that it is actually because of a long and strenuous school day.

The average student’s course load is much more heavy now than it was for the last couple generations.

Between honors and IB classes, honors societies, clubs, sports, and spending time with friends, most students have no time to get the necessary eight hours of sleep, let alone time to run a few laps.

“I am an IB Diploma Candidate, so I take a lot of classes that require more time and effort than previous years,” junior Andres Pacheco-Rivera said. “I only have time to go to the gym three times a week, which is not as much I would like.”

This theory can also be supported by the evidence from the NIH study.

The evidence collected from the bracelet showed that the most sedentary time of day for students was from 6 am to 7 pm. This encompasses the time spent at school, on homework, and on all extracurricular activities.

It also showed that students who were more apathetic towards school

spent more time on exercise.

Regardless of the true source of the problem, one thing is clear: students are not exercising nearly as much as they should.

Many things can be done to sort this issue out. While not much can be done at school, teachers can try to incorporate activities that make students get out of their seat, even if only for a few minutes.

At home, parents can try to have the whole family exercise together by planning activities such as a walk around the neighborhood.

However, the most change can only be done by students.

All students need to try to incorporate physical activity into their days.

Though many might not think so, working out is just as important as eating breakfast in the morning and studying for tests.

Making small lifestyle changes, like walking to school or taking the stairs more often, can add up to the hour of exercise necessary to live a healthy life.

12 INTERNATIONAL

PHOTO CREDIT: EPHRATA YOHANNES

Wed. March 20, 2019

Senior Ephrata Yohannes participates in this years' Abiy Tsome, which leads up to Easter. Yohannes eats traditonal Ethiopian foods, such as injera and misir, which is cooked lentils and different spices.

Students observe the Orthodox Easter fast 5 facts about Easter

BY YABI BEREKET International Editor The usual smells of meats and spices blending together in an Ethiopian household will be put on pause as the annual Oriental Orthodox fasting begins.

Every year, the Orthodox fast leading up to Easter lasts a total of 55 days, and it is the most important fast of this faith.

It is filled with spiritual hymns and more church attendance. Yet, for senior Hemen Besufekad, her yearly challenge, alongside trying to practice the faith as much as necessary, is practicing it while attending school.

This year, the Oriental Orthodox fast began on March 4 and is set to end on April 28, adding to a total of 55 days. This is 15 days more than the Catholic fast called Lent.

Besufekad is one of the few within her friend group who is participating in this fast, which consists of living a vegan lifestyle the whole way through.

This becomes more of a challenge as days go by in school when she is feeling famished, but isn’t able to eat fulfilling foods which some people may have on hand.

“I do get hungry more often while

• This fast starts on March 4 and ends on April 28, totaled to 55 days.

• It is followed by the six sister Oriental Orthodox churches which includes Armenian, Eritrean, Egyptian, Indian, and Syrian.

• This fast requires people to avoid eating any sort of dairy and meat.

• This is the longest and most important fast for those who participate.

• People begin fasting at the age of seven.

I’m in school, but I have to remind myself why I’m doing this in the first place,” Besufekad said.

Being surrounded by people during the lunch period who continue to enjoy their cosmic brownies and crunchy cheetos taunt Besufekad and continue to tempt her, yet it is no match for her strong faith and willpower.

“I chose to do this fast because I know it is good for me. I don’t expect my friends to be phased by my new change in diet, but yeah it gets hard sometimes,” Besufekad said.

Despite having a large majority of her friends who do not observe the fast, she is surrounded by a vast Habesha

What foods and activities are you giving up for the fast this year?

ELIYAHU MANDEFRO sophomore "I'm not giving up too much, but mainly music, certain foods, and movies. I'm giving up these things because it's part of the fast and my mother told me that you shouldn't watch violent things which send the wrong message. I hope that I will be able to get closer to God."

ESTIFANOS HAILU sophomore "I'm giving up music.

Before, I would listen to music from time to time, but now I feel like giving it up will help strengthen me spiritually. Now I listen to spiritual music like mezmur and spiritual teachings.

For this fast, I also pray a lot more than I usually do as well. "

(Ethiopian and Eritrean) community in the area, and some in school, who help to keep the faith strong.

“It’s like I have a personal support group," Besufekad said.

"Within my group of Habesha friends, we all share the struggle together which makes it more bearable,” Besufekad said.

This fast, referred to as the ‘Abiy Tsome’ (Fast of the Father) is the only fast where people who follow the Oriental Orthodox faith are required to participate if in good health.

It is broken down week by week, and each week focuses on an aspect of

KALEAB MENGISTU Junior "So this year, I'm giving up certain types of music which involve profanity and praising the devil in certain ways. If it's music which doesn't help push me closer to God, then I don't listen to it.

I'm going to miss being able to go to Popeyes with my friends."

MARAMAWIT ALTASEB junior "I'm giving up kitfo, which is a traditional dish that is made with raw meat and butter. I'm also giving up the ability to go out with my friends. Before, we would go out and eat at restaurants and stuff, but now it has been two weeks since I went out."

Christ.

The first week is called Zewerede, meaning "He came down".

From this, the next upcoming weeks are Qidist, Mikurab, Metsagu’e, Debrezeit, Gebir’her, Niqodimos, Hosa’ena, then Tinsae which is Easter.

Each week carries a certain significance to it, and requires the reading of certain bible verses as well.

Besides simply being vegan, there are other options of how one may fast for this season. Some may choose to wait until 12 p.m. to have their first meal, while others wait until 3 p.m.

“I was raised by eating vegan meals when having to fast, so that’s what I choose to stick with during the season,” senior Ephrata Yohannes said.

Every person who follows this faith is allowed to choose on their own basis if this is a journey which they want to take, but some choose otherwise.

“I do this fast because it is a way for me to serve penance for whatever sin I have committed, and is an opportunity for me to reconnect with God,” Yohannes said.

It is expected to also abstain from worldly things like listening to music, television, and things of that nature.

Despite the many hardships of this two month long fast, it is the feeling of community which strengthens those fasting to stick together.

RUTH SEYOUM senior "I gave up a lot of things during this fast.

On top of giving up animal products, I'm also giving up listening to some music. I also don't go out as much as I used to as well. I gave it up because It's generally not appropriate and won't help me connect with God."

EPHRATA YOHANNES senior "For this fast, I'm giving up a lot of foods. I already don't eat meat in general, so I rely on other dairy foods to provide me with sustenance. Now that I completely cut it out of my diet, I have fruits, veggies, and grains left in my diet. I hope that I will get close to God."

Around the world 157 dead in plane crash Flight Boeing 737 now grounded as a result of two plane crashes. The plane, set out land in Nairobi Kenya, crashed within the first two hours of flight. Every person who was on board had died in the crash.

People of 30 different nationalities including American, Ethiopian, and Kenyan fell victims of the crash as well.

Cohen sues Trump organization On Thursday, Michael Cohen, previous lawyer of Donald Trump, sues the Trump organization for breaking a contract for failing to pay millions of dollars in legal costs. Cohen was told his legal fees would be covered by the Trump organization as part of his job, but failure of this required Cohen to pay it off himself.

Deaths from Dementia increase Dementia, a symptom which increases people's memory loss, has now been reported by the CDC that the number of deaths from this have now doubled. There are possible types of treatments which can help, but no certain cure yet.

Immigrant stories: coming to America How senior Maryam Atique made her journey from Pakistan to the United States Senior Maryam Atique first came to the United States from her native country, Pakistan, in 2006 when she was only five years old.

The trip from Pakistan to America was two days long and stopped in Saudi Arabia on the way.

On the trip, she arrived with her parents and three siblings, alumnus Rida and Areeba, and freshman Minhaj Atique. Once they arrived, they moved straight away to Annandale, Virginia and have stayed in the area ever since.

“I remember the feeling of how quiet everything was when I first came here,” Atique said. “I felt lonely, since most of my family lived in Pakistan and [they] still do [to this day.]”

Besides the feelings of loneliness and isolation from her family in Pakistan, Atique was still able to remain observant of her surroundings. She noticed that there were many sharp contrasts between the two countries.

“The outside life in Pakistan is

more lively [and] the streets are filled with people, and lots of busy markets. But here, it’s quiet and more conserved,” Atique said.

Atique also took notice of the differences in the education system between the two. ‘“[In Pakistan], students usually graduate in 10th grade. Then, they go to a university of their choice,” Atique said.

Despite this, there are similarities with the education as well. For example, many of the core classes are very similar in Pakistan since they teach the basic core classes, like simple algebra and basic biology.

However, in Pakistan, students must also learn Urdu, the official language, and the history of their country, Pakistan.

“When I came to the U.S. I knew some basic English because of the classes I had to take back home. It was still hard at times,” Atique said.

Since her arrival to the United States, Atique has visited Pakistan twice. Her second visit was most recently, during winter break this school year.

During the one month-vacation, Atique traveled with her sisters to

visit family and friends, whom she had not seen in years.

“The trip was very fun since I got to see my family. It was shocking to see the difference in lifestyles especially, since I haven’t been there in six years,” Atique said.

Even though Atique was happy to make the trip, it wasn’t easy for her to adjust to the hectic lifestyle.

Despite this, it did not stop Atique from visiting historical sites in Pakistan, such as different forts which were used in Pakistan during wars and battles.

For Atique, the only thing which she truly misses from Pakistan is seeing all of her family.

When Atique first came to the U.S., she had to say goodbye to all of her aunts, uncles, and cousins who all still live in Pakistan.

“I love the energy when I’m with my family because there is never a boring day, but I don’t get to see them often,” Atique said.

Even though it was hard for Atique and her family to leave family behind, they came to America for opportunity of a good life, which Atique received.

PHOTO CREDIT: MARAM ATIQUE

BY YABI BEREKET International Editor

Senior Maryam Atique with family dressed in Pakistani attire.

LIFESTYLES 13

Wed. March 20, 2019

A girls' guide for Prom Students offers beauty services at an affordable prices

Sesen Beyene, 12

Hair

Price: $25-$90 When did you start: I started doing hair on other people this summer, however, I used to do hair on myself for a long time now.

Do you provide materials: I don't provide hair, you would have to get that on your own.

Where: People come to me.

Availability: The whole week of Prom is booked except Tuesday. However, I am available the week before Prom.

Suggested Styles: Weave or Ponytail, because it stays longer and doesn’t get messed up easily.

Contact info: My Instagram is @sesii.hair. I post all my styles on that Instagram.

Sulakah Abdi, 12

Makeup

Price: $15-$25 When did you start: I started around my freshman year, but around my junior year I started doing full on makeup.

Do you provide materials: I provide my materials as long as it matches you skin color. You can also bring your own. I provided brushes and eyeshadows.

Where: I can come to you, whatever is easier for you.

Availability: I am free to do some Prom makeup on the day of Prom.

Suggested Styles: That depends on your own styles and what your wearing on that day.

Contact info: My Instagram is @sulakhaa and my Snapchat is @suzzzuu

Daiany Rebeca, 11

Nails

Price: $10-$20 When did you start: I started doing nails in Middle school.

Do you provide materials: Yes I provide materias, however if there are colors that I don't have you can bring your own.

Where: I suggest you come to me because I have all the materials at my place.

Availability: I am available anytime after school and in the weekends.

Suggested Styles: It depends on the styles of your choice.

Contact info: You can DM me on Instagram @daiany_rebeca.

Jane Kim, 11

Lashes

Price: $20-$90 When did you start: I started a couple of months ago.

Do you provide materials: I provide my own materials.

Where: I can come to you, but that would cost $5 more, I can also take appointments at my house.

Availability: Prom days have been filling up early, but we can try to make arrangements.

Suggested Styles: With eyelash it just depends on what you eye shape is so we would only know once you come there.

Contact info: my Instagram is @janee_kim and my Snapchat is @janieee64.

Fashion Spotlight: Kassie Peralta, 12

Q: Where do you like to shop?

A: I like to shop at Dicks, American Eagle and Hollister.

PHOTO CREDIT KASSIE PERALTA

Q: What is your favorite accessory?

A: My favorite accessory would probably be my acrylic nails.

Senior Kassie Peralta wears a blue demin jacket with a yellow tube top and black leggings.

Q: What is your typical outfit for school?

A: Typical outfit would probably be leggings and a comfortable T-shirt or sweats with a College-T. Every now and then I dress it up a little more.

Q: What do you wear on bum days?

A: A bum day outfit would be sweats and slides, with a nice shirt.

Q: Do you dress to impress or for yourself?

A: I dress for myself, duh.

Q: What's your favorite season to dress for?

A: My favorite season is fall because i have the option of dressing for warm or cold weather.

Q: How long does it take you to get ready?

A: It takes me like 5 minutes to get dressed and about 10 minutes when also picking a fit.

Q: How much do you invest in clothing?

A: When I do go shopping I spend a lot because I don’t go shopping very often.

Q: What is your favorite pair of shoes?

A: My Air Maxes because they are easy to clean and they go with everything.

Q: Who is your fashion inspiration?

A: I don’t really idolize anybody in fashion, because it’s not my main interest.

PHOTO CREDIT KASSIE PERALTA

Q: How did you learn to dress?

A: I taught myself how to dress by looking at what others wore and being inspired.

Peralta wears a white tube top with a black and white stipped pants.

14 ADVERTISEMENTS

Wed. March 20, 2019

Annandale High School PTSA presents the

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THE A BLAST IT’S NOT TOO LATE! Informing the Atoms since 1954

Join the top 10 ranked newspaper/ website in the entire U.S.!

The A-Blast is nationally ranked and well-known throughout the country.

You will make lifelong friends who may end up being college friends and future colleagues.

It will look GREAT on your college applications!

Most students earn an “A.” This satisfies the Fine Arts credit required to graduate.

Journalism is the English class for the 21st century.

You will develop leadership and life skills!

You get to travel to conventions in cities like NYC and San Franciso. You could go FREE if you sell enough advertisements or subscriptions.

You cover news, music and movies, etc, - whichever topic interests you the most!

The A-Blast is like a family!

Come talk to Mr. Weintraut in the Publications Lab (Room 262) during W4 PrideTime if you’re interested!

SPORTS X-TRA 15

Wed. March 20, 2019

March madness hits home Staff and students prepare for annual basketball tournament

Duke

BY TYLER PLANK Staff Writer March Madness has tipped off and there is action taking place everywhere. Millions of brackets have been filled out by viewers and everyone will be watching to see how the tournament plays.

In a 68 team tournament, there are over, 32 chances to make a mistake. The chances of having a perfect bracket are one in 9,223,372,036,854,775,808. So it is anyone’s guess who will win it all.

UVA has been a make or break team in the past five seasons of the tournament, since many teachers are alumni and students are applying to the university, it makes UVA a favorite.

UVA has disappointed a lot, being ranked No.1 in their tournament division and not getting very far. In the 2018 tournament, UVA was ranked No.1 in their group and lost to the 16 seed, the University of Maryland Baltimore College. This epic loss was the first time ever a 16 seed beat a first-seeded team and resulted in thousands of busted brackets.

This year has come down to a judgment call as the Cavaliers have been in a dog fight for first place in the ACC (Atlantic Coastal Conference) all year with the Duke Blue Devils.

Duke has also been high in the rankings all season, and they rarely disappoint in the tournament.

Duke is known for having successful tournaments. However, with the recent injury to stud freshman Zion Williamson, the Blue Devil’s game had a notable drop-off.

“When Zion Williamson went down it kinda changed everything and Duke fell off a little bit,” freshman Maxwell Lanham said.

The last time Duke won the National Championship was in 2015 against Wisconsin and they could very well do it again after knocking off UNC and Florida State in the ACC Championship tournament.

But then there’s Gonzaga who can dominate any team on the west coast. Gonzaga is a big-time basketball team and they are definitely ready for this year’s tournament. North Carolina has huge hopes as well since they won in 2017 and definitely show up to play every tournament. Both of these teams are favorites to win this year.

Another team is Tennessee, the greater SEC (Southern Eastern Conference) team in the NCAA. They have really brought up their

Virginia

Freshman Zion Williams is the star forward. He has a 22.1 point average per game.

Duke is projected to be The A-Blast bracket champion.

Junior Kyle Guy is a guard for Virginia. He has a 14.1 point average with a 41.5 shooting average.

Michigan

North Carolina

Ignas Brazdeikis is a forward for Michigan. He has a 15.1 point average with a 46.9 shooting average.

Freshman Cobey White is a guard for North Carolina.

He has a 16.3 point average with a 43.1 shooting average. basketball program in the past few years.

“I didn’t expect Tennessee to have such a good start,” Lanham said.

They have been up and down all season being ranked everywhere between 10 and 1.

Another SEC dominance is Kentucky, but they have been questionable the past few years not really shining out or blending in. You either get a good team or mediocre team, but even when they’re mediocre they’re better than most.

Michigan, who really brought their basketball program up in recent years, has always fallen under Michigan State. MSU has always been the more dominant basketball team in Michigan.

Michigan has the team to do something good. Last year, they made to the finals and can easily make it to the Sweet 16 or higher.

Michigan State is doing quite fine, if they could really pull some levers and press some buttons, they have a good chance to get into the Final Four. However, based on the competition, Michigan State will probably end up in the Sweet 16 at best.

The biggest story so far for NCAA basketball this season was the ACC. Every team has been very competitive and over half the teams have at least been ranked.

Virginia Tech has never been as dominant in

past seasons, but they definitely have had the spotlight on them a few times.

For most teams in the ACC, they would be ranked really high at points of the season but were knocked around by Duke, Virginia, etc.

Based on where these teams are placed they could control their region but they will have trouble with the bigger teams. Along with the Hokies; Syracuse, Louisville, and Florida State have all been strong forces inside the ACC. The ACC has really been dominant, the former great Pac-12 (Pacific 12 Conference) only has one hope for a successful March Madness team: Wisconsin. Wisconsin had an okay season so far, but they have to work a little harder if they want to compete with the better teams in the tournament.

The Pac-12 used to be a huge force within the tournament, with teams like Oregon, Washington, and UCLA, they were the conference to beat. However, it is very quiet now and is not very competitive.

Unfortunately, Oregon’s star center, Bol Bol, was injured early on and Oregon has not been able to recover since.

This has built most of the intense competitive energy within the first few months of the

season.

One of the many great things about doing the March Madness bracket is competing with friends, coworkers, and family. English teacher Bill Maglisceau puts together a bracket pool with other staff members every year.

Last year in 2018, there were up to 89 teacher participants in the pool. He started in 1998.

“The old athletic director, Olan Faulk, had asked me to do it,” Maglisceau said.

Some teachers have had some outstanding brackets.

“One year, Mr. [Joseph] Valentino had a near perfect bracket and another year Dr.[Michael] Mazzeralla came from behind and won. Those two are almost always in the mix” Maglisceau said.

Like most, Maglisceau plans on having Duke win it all.

In this tournament there are bound to be some fireworks, upsets, blow outs, nail biters and crazy finishes.

In a tournament with 67 games every basketball play in the book will be implemented.

Scan here to view the official NCAA printable bracket.

The A-Blast March Madness picks

Winner:Duke Duke

Which team are you rooting for this March Madness?

ZACK PACAK freshman “I think Duke will win because they have a lot of good prospects and they have a really good coach.”

FINN SCOTT-DANIELS freshman “I’m rooting for Michigan because last year I picked them to go all the way and they lost.

This year I want them to win.”

YEBSIRA SAHLU freshman “I am rooting for Duke this March Madness season because I am a fan of Zion Williams and I hope he comes back to help Duke win.”

Virginia

ALEJANDRO ERAZO GUTIERREZ sophomore “I am rooting for UVA this March Madness because they have showed a lot of intense gameplay throughout the season.”

PETER EPERLY junior “I am rooting for Virginia Tech because they are my favorite team and I can’t really route against them.”

TARIK DARWIESH junior “I am hoping Duke will take it all because they have showed good effort this season and I am a fan of RJ Barett.”

JASON MERCADO senior “The team I am rooting for is UVA because they are really good and I like how they play.”

TAHID MAMUN senior “Duke because their the best team in the NCAA and Zion Williamson is the greatest player to ever play college basketball.”

16 SPORTS

Wed. March 20, 2018

The boys varsity lacrosse team lines up before their first regular season game on March 14 against Washington-Lee.

COURTESY OF RICH FINK

COURTESY OF KENZIE GARDNER

Lax wins its first game

Junior Patrick Lee prepares to defend a shot on goal during the scrimmage against C.D. Hylton on March 2. This was the Atoms’ first scrimmage of the season.

Strong offensive performance leads lacrosse to a 16-8 win against W&L

BY EYOB DAGNACHEW Staff Writer As a new season begins, many people can agree that lacrosse is one of the most popular spring sports. With that popularity, the sport can garner much more interest in how it performs this season.

This season does not look like it will disappoint fans as the boys varsity lacrosse team has faced a variety of schools during both the preseason and early regular season.

So far, the team has had a great deal of success. For one, they had a perfect preseason due to their wins against C.D. Hylton and Woodbridge, whose season was ended by AHS in the regional tournament last year.

During their first game of the season against Washington-Lee, they played a dominant game offensively and won 16-8. The top scorer for the Atoms was Alex Bellem with five goals.

Despite the team having to face some notoriously challenging teams like West Potomac on March 18 and T.C. Williams on March 20, many people are confident that lacrosse is on a positive path to success later in the season.

Unfortunately, the results of the game against West Potomac on March 18 were not available by the publication date of this article, as the game had not yet been played.

As for any sport the coach needed to get both their players and rosters ready for the new season to be as successful as possible.

Additionally, the way coach Bill Maglisceau prepares the lacrosse team is no different.

“We practiced for six weeks starting from Feb. 18th until our first game,” coach Maglisceau said.

As for any team, both players and the coach determine the future success of the team in the district, regional, or even state tournament.

As a result, each and every team

last years with more wins this season, has their respective strengths and but it is too early to tell what this seaweaknesses. son holds for AHS,” Maglisceau said.

“We have decent goalie and face off But, something to keep in mind situations and our top scorers on the is that even team are back though varsity and stronger,” lacrosse is concoach Maglisceau “It is too early to tell stantly improvsaid. how we will perform this ing and training One of the to get better, the most imporseason. But, we do have same thing tant things for decent goalie, faceoff and exact is happening in a team throughoffensive situations that other schools. out their season In fact, is improvement could help us in tough other teams can in performance to matchups such as T.C. improve at greatbe strong during er rates, improvpostseason. and West Potomac.”

--BILL MAGLISCEAU ing success durEvery team Varsity Lacrosse Coach ing postseason. wants to conSo it is safe to stantly play betsay that not all ter each game their games will be easy wins especialleading up to important postseason ly important ones against T.C. Wilgames even if they come off of a loss. liams or West Potomac, one of whom In coach Maglisceau’s eyes his AHS will have to beat to have a shot teams always improve before the conat winning the district. clusion of the season.

To coach Maglisceau, there are “We hope to perform better than

specific games that serve as greater obstacles to lacrosse’s success.

“T.C. Williams and West Potomac are some good teams in our district that will be tough teams to beat, but we cant sleep on Mount Vernon or Hayfield,” coach Maglisceau said.

Another factor that will contribute to the team’s hopeful success this season is the amount of returning players to the varsity squad.

Overall, most of the team, both offense and defense, is composed of returning seniors who are experienced in the game and have prepared during the offseason.

So, as shown in their first few games of the season, there will be a lot to be excited about for the future of AHS lacrosse this season.

Upcoming games: March 20 vs T.C.- 7:15 p.m.

March 25 vs Mt. Vernon- 7:15 p.m.

March 27 @ Hayfield- 7:15 p.m.

April 5 vs. West Potomac- 7:15 p.m.

Track prepares for a new season

BY ALEX BURITA Sports Editor After advancing to the VHSL State Indoor Track and Field Championships and placing 34th as a team, AHS track heads into a new outdoor season.

At the state meet, highlights for the team include a fifth place finish by senior Dazon Harrison in the 300 meter dash.

Harrison’s past times in the 200 meter dash this season qualified him for the New Balance National Indoor Championship. That meet took place

from March 8 to March 10 in New York.

Additionally, the 4x200 meter relay placed 15th with a time of 1:34.52 and sophomore Andy Zepada placed 11th overall in the boys shot put event.

At the meet, he placed 38th out of 69 total competitors in the 200 meter dash prelims with a time of 22.68.

Following their undoubtedly successful indoor season featuring many accomplishments such as advancing a runner to nationals, the team looks to seek even more success during the outdoor season.

The Atoms will now look to find this success early on, hopefully during their first meet of the season just one month after the conclusion of indoor track postseason.

“For the upcoming outdoor season, we are looking to build on our endurance abilities, specifically early in the season,” coach Harris said.

The first meet of the outdoor season will take place at West Potomac High School on March 27. It will be against West Potomac, Mount Vernon, Hayfield, and T.C. Williams.

“In order to prepare for these upcoming meets, we will increasing the amount of tempo intense workouts,” Harris said.

The Carolyn Legard Relays at Woodson High School will follow the West Potomac just three days later on March 30.

So far, the team only three total scheduled invitationals between March 27 and the District Finals on May 14 and May 16.

The other two besides Carolyn Legard Relays are Lake Braddock Hall of Fame Invitational on April 12 and Cassel’s XBC Track Experience on April 27.

However, there are a plentiful amount of in-district meets against

every other team in the Gunston District which will greatly assist AHS in their preparation to outperform standards and possibly win the district at the end of the season.

Last year, though, the team had a mediocre finish in the district of third place for boys and fourth place for girls track and field, but the team indeed moved onto regionals.

“This year, one of the team’s main strengths going into the season is the 100 and 200 meter sprints on both the boys and girls side,” Harris said.

No matter the result of last year’s meets, AHS has shown a great deal of improvement during indoor track and will have a lot to look forward to as the season unfolds.

Upcoming meets: March 27 @ West Potomac- 5 p.m.

April 3 @ Hayfield- 5 p.m.

April 10 @ Mt. Vernon- 5 p.m.

DAZON HARRISON

Senior sprinter qualifies for national championship

Dazon Harrison, who qualified for nationals and placed 38th, races in a relay during an Invitational on Jan. 11.

Athlete Spotlight: Kenzie Gardner ball and passing with a couple of my friends.

Earlier, I have joined DC Lax to keep up with my stick skills.”

BY ALEX BURITA Sports Editor Throughout her career at AHS, senior Kenzie Gardner has participated in both varsity field hockey in the fall and varsity lacrosse in the spring.

In her senior year, she was awarded an athletic scholarship to Eastern Mennonite University to play lacrosse.

She does indeed plan to be a part of the team and remain successful in the sport of Lacrosse. “[Playing in college] was definitely not on my radar, but the stars aligned with a little bit of help from the DC LAX club team. As you can imagine, I am really excited to play on the firstever Women’s Lacrosse team and looking forward to a great college LAX career,” Gardner said.

Q: How did you discover your interest in lacrosse?

A: “I have played Field Hockey in the fall for

COURTESY OF KENZIE GARDNER

Q: What do you like about playing Lacrosse?

A: “At first, I never thought Lacrosse would be my sport during my high school career nor have I ever thought I will be playing at the college level next year.

What I like about playing Lacrosse is that it is a lot of fun, it’s something special and being part of a team, laughing and crying on the field with my teammates, is no greater feeling.

Lacrosse to me is very satisfying to watch and play.”

Q: How long have you been playing?

A: “I have been playing Lacrosse since Freshman year of high school. I managed Lacrosse as a sophomore because of other priorities.”

Q: Do you plan to keep playing in college?

A: “I do plan to pursue playing Lacrosse on the first ever Women’s lacrosse team at Eastern Mennonite University for the four years!

Lacrosse is my #1 sport.”

Q: What are your goals for the season?

A: “My main goal for the season is to push harder than ever. Other goals for the season, are to keep up with the communication on the field, fight for those ground balls and to never give up no matter what. I hope for this season to go farther than we have in the past.”

Senior Kenzie Gardner walks off the field after the conclusion of a previous game last season. the past three years and managed for my fourth year here at Annandale. Field Hockey and Lacrosse are very similar.

I wanted to do a spring sport but didn’t know what sport, so I chose Lacrosse. The coach had mentioned about the two sports being very similar during my freshman year.

Lacrosse looked very easy. Little did I know, to catch a ball in a stick was a challenge for me.

Along the way, I started to love the sport.”

Q: What are your strengths as a player?

A: “I consider myself as a natural leader, a motivator and helper. Another strength I would say is being a mid-fielder (going back and forth for offense and defense)with the speed I have.”

Q: How long have you been preparing for this season?

A: “To prepare for this upcoming season, I have started to go to the gym to get in shape up until now. I started going to the gym just after Field Hockey was over.

I also put in some stick work by doing wall

Q: What was your favorite memory of playing for Annandale?

A: “My favorite memory playing for Annandale was the bonds I have made with my teammates. Team bonding. Every laugh, every tear, and every consequence has made us become more confident, better players. I couldn’t thank them enough.”

PHOTO COURTESY: RICH FINK

As the boys were down 4-3 in the second half against Edison, midfielder junior Andy Hernandez takes a corner kick to look for someone to header a goal.

Boys off to a rocky start

BY ERIK RIVAS Sports Editor The boys varsity soccer team kicked off their season losing 2-1 against South Lakes. Every game after this scrimmage the boys played well but struggled to outplay the other teams.

The boys had three hard practices to prepare for the scrimmage.

South Lakes was able to score the first goal in the scrimmage. Matthew Parraga scored the atoms first goal of the season.

“It was unexpected and wouldn’t be possible without the work from everyone else,” senior Matthew Parraga said.

The players believe that their lack of practices was a major factor to their loss. As well as a lack of communication.

“I think it was our lack of

communication and time we’ve spent with playing each other,” senior Jason Mercado said.

The team was lead by their captain senior Carlos Cabrera.

The Atoms were supposed to play Falls Church on March 8, but due to the weather conditions the scrimmage was canceled.

The boys played their first official game on March 11, this time with more preparation and practice as team. In a tight game against Edison the boys ended up losing 4-3.

The players who scored were Walter Villegas-Hernandez to tie the game 1-1.

Then Ariel Patino and finally Andrew Izquierdo to make the score 4-3 with only 2 minutes left in the game.

The coach expressed how he feels about the season so far.

“The season is very young at the moment, but I see great potential in our soccer teams,” coach Tejas Patel said. “I look forward to seeing the Atom Nation coming out and supporting our team.

We are going to try to do things a bit differently this year during our home games.”

Although the season has barely

begun, the team has its strengths and weakness and things they could improve in practice.

“The team is in the process of getting its rhythm. Once they spend more time playing together, they will begin to get to know each other’s playing style, they will begin to work together as a cohesive unit,” Patel said. “The team’s strength is that there is a lot of talent that needs to be harnessed into playing as a team and for the team.”

The players have set personal goals and the coach has set goals for the team. They are looking forward on working hard in practices to accomplish these goals.

“Some goals of mine consist of improving as a player and a teammate in addition to scoring at least one goal throughout the season,” Mercado said.

“Another goal would be to help my team win most of the games.”

“The goals for this season are for the team to excel both in the classroom and on the pitch,” Patel said. “I would like the team to have more wins then they did last year.”

Softball improves in time for first game

The boys next played against Wakefield on March 15, looking to win their first game of the season. Also to turn around this shaky start to the season. The boys ended up losing by a score of 2-0.

“I’m expecting hard work from everyone and our first season win,” said Parraga.

The coach is looking forward to seeing the team have a great time on the pitch. As well as making seniors cherish and make memories this season so they never forget.

“I am looking forward to seeing the team having a great time on the pitch and seeing the Atom Nation supporting them,” said Patel. “For some of them, it will be the last time that they will be able to play at the high school level so I want them to take in the moment and cherish it.”

Their next game will be on March 22 against West Springfield, this is also their first home game. Then March 26 Justice.

BY JANE ELKINS Staff Writer The girls varsity softball team were coming off a 10-1 lost aginst wakefield, the girls rebounded by crushing Falls Church.

“It was a really great first game for. We really worked hard in practice and I was happy to see it pay off .”

--HOLY WALDRIDGE

freshman

Girls blow out Freedom and Wakefield

PHOTO COURTESY: RICH FINK

BY MIA ANTEZANA GARCIA Staff Writer The girls varsity soccer team started off the season strong and is maintaining their strength. The Atoms came away victorious, winning the game 7-1. On March 11, the team had their first official game of the season, but they feel short and lost by a margin of 1- 2. Some the girls on the team have spoken about their feelings and what their expectations are for this season.

“I’m feeling good about this new season,” sophomore Laila Lopez said.

“We seem to be better than last year.”

Sophomore Jayden Joya agreed saying she felt “pretty good about the season so far this year.”

Lopez said what she believed the team needs to work on based on the games and the practices they have had so far.

“I think we need to work on our intensity,” Lopez said. “We need to start off and play with in 100% the game. We are working well with fighting and applying a hit pressure.”

Both players shared what they want to improve on for the season.

“My goal for this season is to get more goals and assist than last year,” Joya said.

The team is hopeful to be victorious in more games throughout the season and to grow together collectively.

“My expectations are to win more games this year compared to last, and to be a good and communicative

Junior Allauna Harrison steps up to bat against Wakefield.

The majority of the runs were scored

by Seniors Kaitlyn Le, Jessie Salisbury, Megan Johnson, Sarah Hawkins, Allauna Harrison, Kayla Holcomb, and Ginger Mendez.

During the game, it was clear to anyone watching that AHS team’s outfield outmatched their competitors.

Along with that, the team’s bunts, running, and their ability to steal bases was exceedingly better than Falls Church’s.

“Everyone played great,” Waldridge said. “We played very well as a team and I’m excited to see how the rest of the season goes.”

In all, this game was a very important win psychologically for the team as it was the first game of the season and these games are very crucial in determining the results for the rest of their year.

It’s a great start to what seems like a great season and let’s hope that the girls can keep their winning record throughout the rest of the year.

Sophomore Laila Lopez looks to dribble past two defenders for a chance to score against Freedom. team,” Lopez said.

This year’s soccer team also has seven freshmen on it. Jane Elkins, Anna Delaney, Jasmine Bonilla, Camille Cortes, Madeline Dosen, Kate Chrestman and Daniela Dosen.

“It feels really amazing to have made it to the varsity team this year” Dosen said, “I have wanted to play for the varsity team since I was a little kid, so it really is a dream come true.

Everyone is really nice and supportive on the team, so I am really looking forward to a really amazing season.”

Many players have set individual goals to accomplish throughout the season.

“Since I am a freshman I’m not sure which goals are, and which goals aren’t realistic” Dosen said. “However, I would really like to go to Districts and maybe even Regionals. I would also

win more than half of the games that we will play throughout the season.”

The girls played a game on March 15, the girls ended up rolling Wakefield by a score of 5-1.

The varsity girls soccer team still have a lot of games left this season, and are looking forward to playing them with all they’ve got.

Their next game will be against West Springfield.

Senior Michael Woldeab gets ready to serve against Justice High School.

Coach’s Corner: Tejas Patel Q: Who is your favorite player?

A: “Jorge Campos.”

Q: Where did you go to college?

A: “Penn State University.”

Q; What are your best and worst memories from coaching?

A: “My best memories are seeing the players working together as a team, accomplishing their goals, and having fun. I also like seeing the fans and supporters cheering the team with chants. I feel so humbled to have the opportunity to coach such a talented group of players. Worst memories are seeing players getting injured.”

Q: When did you start coaching?

A: “1998.”

Q: Is AHS the only school you have coached at?

A: “No.” Q: How did you first discover your interest in soccer?

A: “I was in 3rd grade and my friends were playing soccer. So, of course, I wanted to try it as well.”

Q: Did you play soccer when you were younger?

A: “Yeah. Once I started playing, I couldn’t stop.”

Q: What do you like most about soccer?

A: “I enjoy the teamwork and the continuity of the game. The game is at a fast pace and exciting to watch.”

Q: How do you handle the discipline of players?

A: “Discipline comes with the players knowing my expectations. As long as I have clearly stated my expectations, the team knows where I stand as well as the consequences if they don’t reach my expectations. The bottom-line is that the team conduct themselves with honor both in the classroom, the pitch as well as in the Atom Nation Community as a whole.

I treat people the way they want to be treated.”

Boy tennis off to a poor start

BY ERIK RIVAS Sport Editor

PHOTO COURTESY: KIM LAURA

Q: Where are you from?

A: “Maryland.”

PHOTO COURTESY: KIM LAURA

Varsity soccer loses both scrimmages and games at 0-2

PHOTO COURTESY: MRS. HARRISON

SPORTS 17

Wed. March 20, 2019

Coach Tejas Patel talks to varsity and JV soccer plays about behavior in school.

The boys tennis team is lacking communication as they have yet to win their first game. They recently took on the Falls Church Jaguars. The tennis team fell short as they were defeated 6-3.

“We had a game the day before and were really tired,” senior Kidus Asmare Ayele said. “However if we had a break between our games we would have performed better.”

This is the tennis team’s third game of the season, but they haven’t been able to pick up a victory.

The coach has talked about his goals for the team for the season.

“My goal this year is too win more matches than we did yesterday,” said coach Steven Zaret.

“I do think that the tennis team has a bright future because even though we lost it was very close,” said Ayele. “We will win more games in the future.”

Their next game will take place on March 20 against Fairfax.

18 ENTERTAINMENT

Wed. Mar. 20, 2019

STUDENTS PREPARE FOR LAST AVENGERS MOVIE

BY AYMAN ELHAG Entertainment Editor One of the most anticipated movies of the year is right around the corner, Avengers: Endgame. The film directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo is based on the Avengers by the late Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

The first trailer came out on Dec. 7, 2018. The two and a half-minute trailer opens with Tony Stark in space sending a message to Pepper Potts. The scene depicts a depressed Stark as he mentions that his food and water is depleted and will soon be out of the oxygen the following day as well.

It is noted that Thanos fulfilled his promise and wiped out 50% of all living creatures. With Stark in space, the rest of the Avengers including Thor, Captain America, Black Widow and Bruce Banner appear plotting for a showdown against Thanos in order to bring back their allies.

The epic teaser trailer concludes with Black Widow telling Steve Rogers that his plan will work to which he responds “I know it will.”

Who is your favorite Jonas Brother?

“I can’t wait until Endgame is released because I grew up watching Marvel movies so this the the ultimate conclusion that will tie it all together,” senior Javonte Durr-Cannon. “I’m looking forward to seeing how some of the superheroes that haven’t met yet will react with each other.”

The second Endgame trailer came out on Mar. 14th and answered some questions as well as sparked new ones.

The trailer is mostly composed of the remaining Avengers training and getting stronger for what seems to be an attempt to finish off Thanos and bring back the other 50% of the living creatures that Thanos wiped out.

The biggest takeaway from this trailer and what seems to have most fans excited and relieved is that Tony Stark, or Iron Man, was shown at the end of the trailer with the remaining Avengers. The previous trailer shows him near death so it can be assumed that he was saved somehow.

There is a lot of excitement building around the movie due to the cliffhanger conclusion that the first part of the film was ended on. Endgame is officially set to be released on April 26.

“I have watched all of the Marvel movies starting from Iron Man all the way to Avengers: Infinity War.” senior Abu Elsadeg said. “So I am eager to see how the Avenger bounce back from this major setback now that Thanos is wiping out half of the population in the universe.” Elsadeg said The first movie of the two part series to Endgame, Infinity War, depicts how each of the Avengers went through their own personal battles. The perspective of all the Avengers is showcased switching from Thor to Iron Man to others with each character getting around six minutes of screen time.

In the end credits of Infinity War, Nick Fury is shown calling Captain Marvel by the logo that came up. When Marvel was scheduled to release Captain Marvel before Endgame, people knew Captain Marvel would play an important role in saving the disappeared Avengers.

The previous movie also had a good balance of jokes and severity. “It was interesting seeing how they mixed humor with the seriousness of their mission that would save the universe, and I want to see more of that.” said

ZACK MILLS freshman “Nick Jonas because I like how he carries himself and I really like his music and how he sounds when he sings.”

ALEX MILLER sophomore “Nick Jonas because I used to like him a lot and I waned to be him growing up. He is also very talented.”

SAYDE PRITT freshman “Kevin is my favorite Jonas Brother because he is the underdog and everyone likes the other two.”

JAYDEN JOYA sophomore “My favorite Jonas brother is Joe Jonas because in ‘Camp Rock’ he was the coolest.”

Durr-Cannon Some unconfirmed statements have left fans scrambling to guess what will go down. Many rumors have emerged about the movie after both trailers coming out.

One of which being that only two original Avengers will survive.

Some viewers also noticed that fan favorite characters Hawkeye and Antman were missing. Although Ant-man’s absence was explained by his own movie, Hawkeye might be playing an important role in the late Avengers’ rescue.

There are also confirmed sequels for several of the characters who disintegrated into dust in Infinity War such as Black Panther, Spider-Man, Doctor Strange, and the Guardians of the Galaxy so people can assume that the Avengers at least bring back this group of heroes.

After years of epic Avengers movies, Marvel looks to go out on top and satisfy their everlasting fanbase by answering all the querstions sparked by the end of Inifinity War and the two trailers that have relseased.

“This movie will define Marvel forver,” Durr-Cannon said.

TARIK DARWEISH junior “Kevin is my favorite Jonas brother because he is really funny and I really like his smile.”

DANI VILLAROEL junior “Joe Jonas because I used to have a huge crush on him and I think he is so hot and musically gifted.”

Actor spotlight Robert Downey Jr. Iron Man After decades in the business, Robert Downey Jr. has emerged as one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. Avengers End Game will be his tenth movie as the iconic Iron Man and leader of the Avengers.

Despite his success in the role it is rumored to be his final movie as the character as his contract of 11 years is coming to an end. Whether he will be resigned or not is still up in the air.

ABBEY YARED senior “Nick is my favorite because he is really creative when he serandes girls with his songs”

EFRATA TECLE senior “Joe Jonas is my favorite because I used to watch the show ‘Jonas’ and he was the best.”

Jonas Brothers reunite with single Boy Band

Playlist of the Issue

captures attention of old fan base with new song

Fast Juice WRLD Death Race for Love (2019) On “Fast,” Juice WRLD reflects on how his life has taken off since fame and how fast the world is moving around him.

BY DILAN YOUSSEF Staff Writer The Jonas Brothers have made a highly anticipated comeback with their new single, “Sucker,” and people are here for it. The Jonas Brothers, comprised of Nick Jonas (26), Joe Jonas (29) and Kevin Jonas (31), released their first new track, “Sucker,” in nearly seven years on March 1st.

The pop group confirmed their return the day before they released their new single. The highly anticipated music video also featured the trios’ significant others: Nick Jonas’s wife, Priyanka Chopra (married late last year), Joe Jonas’s fianceé, Sophie Turner (engaged since Oct. 2017), and Kevin Jonas’s wife, Danielle Jonas (married since 2009).

In this pop song, they sing about how they’re head-overheels in their relationships.

The brothers seem to be in the Hatfield House, Queen Elizabeth I’s childhood home, in the music video. The trio group, and their wives and fianceé, wear various wild outfits in the luxurious visuals. Their partners, Danielle, Chopra, and Turner, frisk around in the mansion as the brothers sing about being “suckers” for their love. Their new single, “Sucker,” shows exactly how all three of them have grown since their teen idol days.

My Bad Khalid Single (2019) The song deals with a similar theme to the one from the previous single, “Talk,” as there are still problems of communication between Khalid and his lover.

The Jonas Brothers (picutred above) pose in front of their house for their new single “Sucker.”

Following the release of originals- working with Miley “First Time,” right before the new fast-paced pop song, Cyrus for her Hannah Mon- their split. In 2013, the broththe brothers will begin a tana world tour, starring ers officially disbanded right week-long takeover of “The in their own series Jonas, before they were about to Late Late Show With James and starring in Camp Rock release their fifth LP. Within Corden,” where they will talk (2008) and its 2010 sequel a couple of years, Nick Jonas about their reunion, take part alongside Demi Lovato. The released a hit single called in a few sketches, and per- Jonas Brothers had previous- “Jealous,” and Joe Jonas form “Sucker” on TV for the ly released four full-length joined the pop group DNCE first time ever. As of March albums in the early 2000s: to make the hit song “Cake 7th, they released a new “Car- “It’s About Time” (2006), by the Ocean.” Kevin Jonas, pool Karaoke” segment on “Jonas Brothers” (2007), “A however, was more focused on YouTube. On the show, it was Little Bit Longer” (2008), his real estate development revealed that Nick Jonas was and “Lines, Vines and Trying and construction business actually the one who broke up Times” (2009). during their break. However, the band in the first place.

“As a kid, I really enjoyed it was kind of a given that the “It’s nice to be able to watching them on various brothers would inevitably get finally tell somebody,” Nick Disney Channel shows and back together.

Jonas says on Carpool Kara- movies,” said sophomore The Jonas Brothers have oke, “We’ve kept this a secret Iris Tran. “With this song confirmed that they are offinow for almost seven, eight and music video, I can tell cially reuniting to make new months. This is basically our that they have significantly music. In addition to making first performance back.” changed since their ‘Disney’ new music, the Jonas BrothThe group initially had years, and their music has ers are also working on a docgotten a lot of fame and really matured.” umentary about their musical The Jonas Brothers had journey. attention thanks to being in a few Disney Channel last released a single in 2013,

wish you were gay Billie Eilish Single (2019) “wish you were gay” is about how it felt for Billie to be rejected by a boy she liked. he wanted some other reason for him not liking her, such as him being gay.

Sucker Jonas Brothers Single (2019) “Sucker” marks the band’s first single in almost six years. The brothers collectively portray someone who is infatuated with someone and for whom they would go to great lengths.

Wild Wild West Offset (feat. Gunna) Father of 4 (2019) On “Wild Wild West” Offset and Gunna rap about living like it was the wild west, meaning they do what they want regardless of the law.

ENTERTAINMENT 19

Wed. Mar. 20, 2019

MOMO

BY CHRISTIAN REYES Entertainment Editor

Marvel soars pass box office expectations Students impressed by superpowers

BY ABEL SAMSON Staff Writer Marvel’s new blockbuster film Captain Marvel has finally been released and is said to be a must-watch before watching Avengers: Endgame which comes out this year on April 26. It is rated PG-13 and has a run time of 124 minutes.

The story is based off a woman named Carol Danvers who becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes. She was destined to save the planet in a galactic war against aliens, as she obtains powers from the original Captain Marvel “Mar-Vell.” With

Who’s your favorite Marvel super hero?

help from a mortal named Nick Fury and a few friends from her past life, they take on the aliens full throttle and defeat them.

Captain Marvel has powers similar to Superman from the DC Comics Universe with a slight upgrade. She has super strength, can fly six times faster than the speed of light and has the ability to project energy blasts through her fingertips.

The female superhero has Marvel Studios soaring to another box office success. With $153 million made in North America and over $455 million made worldwide, Captain Marvel becomes the biggest global debut for a women-fronted film ever and the second biggest debut for a superhero movie, behind Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Infinity War. “I’m actually really surprised that Captain Marvel made more money than movies such as Black Panther and Thor: Ragnorak,” freshman Abel

Mehari said. “This makes me really want to watch the new movie. I have really high expectations now.”

Why is this movie getting so much exposure compared to other Marvel productions? Well I can certainly tell you that it is exciting and unique to watch a movie with the main character being a female superhero, which you rarely see in Marvel movies. But this may cause controversy down the road.

“I don’t know why there haven’t been more movies released based around a female superhero,” senior Alison Scott said. “It’s like people think a woman can’t play that role which is totally wrong. It would be smart for them to include more women because more people would watch their movies, leading to them making more money.”

Victoria Alonso, the top female executive for Marvel Studios, says that fans should expect “more women on both sides of the camera.” It is indeed

MOIASSR MOHADMED freshman “I think Groot is the best only because he only says one thing the entire time in all movies.”

SPENCER ROBSON sophomore “II think my favorite is the Hulk because he is green, large and he geeks.”

MEGAN BROWN freshman “Captain America is my favorite superhero because he is the leader of the Avengers.”

Free apps of the issue Venmo Venmo is simple, fun money app for sending cash quickly between friends and shopping at your online stores. You can link your account to your debit card or bank account. You can also opt to get a venmo card yourself.

Pacemaker - Al DJ App Instant music mix! You can pick your favorite songs and playlist from Spotify or Apple Music and let Al DJ help you create a version of the song just for you.

Kik Kik is way more than just a messaging app. This was a vintage way to communicate to your friends or even shooting your shot with the one infamous phrase “kik?”

MovieBox One of the easiest ways to stream popular movies and tv shows. MovieBox is always up to date with all tv shows and will have old tv shows as well. Any movie you’re thinking of, MovieBox will probably have it.

Elevate - Brain Trainer Elevate was selected by Apple as App of the Year. Elevate is a brain training program which is designed to improve focus, speaking abilities, processing speed, memory, math skills and many more.

the right move for Marvel to include more women in their movie productions. It will lead to a more diverse fanbase and women will feel more represented.

Captain Marvel is one of the first steps to having more diverse characters in the Marvel Cinema Universe.

Female characters such as Black Widow and Gamora don’t have the same impact as Captain Marvel does because they did not have their own movie “Captain Marvel is a film you should be proud to let your children watch,” junior Kali Tucker said. “It will inspire them to understand there should be no limits on what women can achieve.” The new movie is available in all local theaters in Northern Virginia, so don’t miss out on a this great experience. Also, don’t leave the theater too early, wait for the credits to end. You’ll thank me later.

ALEXIS GRANDOS sophomore “My top marvel superhero is Wolverine. He is the soul of the X-Men and is just awesome.”

KEVIN GONZALEZ junior “Iron Man is the best because he has the best gear out of all of the Avengers.”

VY LUU junior “I like Iron Man because he did everything by himself and didn’t need any help.”

Although “Momo” sounds like something out of a children’s book, it is nothing to kid around about. The scary halfbird half-woman looking monster has been appearing in YouTube videos that target a younger audience, specifically children 5-9. There are reports and claims that kids have been committing suicide based on Momo’s instructions in the videos, but no deaths have been confirmed since the start of this viral incident.

The original Momo was meant to be a abstract sculpture by Japanese artist Keisuke Aiso, and was even featured in an art show in Tokyo. Aiso has confirmed that the sculpture has now been destroyed, claiming that it was degrading.

Online predators and bullies have been posing as harmless YouTube channels that post episodes or clips of many well known children television shows like Peppa Pig or games like Fortnite.

In these videos, the thumbnail and title are made innocent and lower the parent’s guard when they are putting on videos for their young ones to watch.

About halfway or so through the video, Momo appears and entices the children into committing violent acts against their loved ones or themselves.

If they refuse, Momo vows to appear in their room at night and seek revenge.

These videos caught the attention of Twitter users with younger siblings, and soon spread like wildfire.

There were tweets that captured Momo appearing in videos, and people were warning each other of what was happening on YouTube.

AMIR ABURISH senior “My favorite superhero is the god of thunder, Thor.

CAITLIN NARANJA senior “Doctor Strange because he’s super cool and honestly so slept on but his powers are beyond people’s underanding.”

Apex Legends dethrones Fortnite

BY PATRICK BROWN Staff Writer Just like every viral sensation these days, Fortnite is already out the door with the youth. In the summer of 2017, a new revolutionary video game was released. This game went viral and was the beginning of a gaming revolution. Although there have been other battle royale games before, Fortnite was the first soley battle royale game to be a hit. However, the main reason Fortnite has been such a revolutionary game is that it is free to play, and due to this they were able to amass many more users than a competing battle royale game with a $60 price tag. Although now, there is a new game in town, and it goes by the name of Apex Legends.

On Feb. 4, a new battle royale game, Apex Legends, was released.

Within the first month, 50 million users had been registered. Apex Legends was developed by Respawn Entertainment, who is owned by EA Games. Apex Legends is now the first battle royale game made by one of the major gaming developing companies, and it shows that the industry is now leaning in that direction.

Besides the overall positive reviews Apex Legends has, students have had mixed opinions on the new upcomer, and some argue that Fortnite is still in competition. “I think that Fortnite is definitely not dead but it is dying. If it wants to continue being successful it needs to appeal to its players more than it is right now,” senior Alex Bellem said. “I think the main thing that is different from Fortnite and Apex Legends is

Cover picture of Apex Legends with main characters: Bloodhound, Wraith and Gibraltar that Apex Legends has roles and characters that really help the game flow better. It also has respawning, which is new to battle royal games, and makes dying feel less defeating.”

Although this may be partially true, there are still die-hard Fortnite supporters that believe otherwise.

“I think Fortnite will still be around because it’s still very popular and there is a tournament for all players coming up that has a cash reward,” said junior Omar Hajhassan. “Fortnite is still much better because you can build, and on Apex Legends the characters are plain and boring. In Fortnite there are tons of skins for you to pick from.”

There is one thing these avid

gamers have in common though, finances. “I like the new free game meta, it makes gaming feel a lot more fun and less like an expensive hobby than it used to be. I definitely think it will continue to trend especially with the success Fortnite and Apex Legends has seen,” said Bellem. “I think free games are a good way to attract players. The extra cosmetic items like skins and outfits make up for the profit they are missing out on when releasing a free game.” said Hajhassan. Although Apex Legends and Fortnite are competing against each other, what is evident about both these games is users no longer want to pay outrageous prices for video games.

20 WEEKEND

Wed. March 20, 2019

PHOTO COURTESY OF SASHA SILVA

THE BEST SPOTS TO TAKE PROM PICTURES

Green Spring Gardens, Aelxandria

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGAN LEE

PHOTO COURTESY OF MATTHEW VOGUS

Located only 3.2 miles away, Green Spring Gardens is a convenient place to go for Prom pictures. “We actually decided to take pictures there by accident. We were planning to go to DC to take pictures, but we took so long getting ready that it wasn’t an option, so we thought of the closest place and it was Green Springs,” alum class of 2017 Sasha Silva said.

“I’m glad we took them there because we got great photos with nature and the gazebo.”

The Steps of Belvedere at National Harbor, Maryland

MGM Hotel at National Harbor, Maryland MGM Resorts at National Harbor (14 miles, 25 min. away) has a great water fountain which is perfect for Prom pictures. “I liked the background and atmosphere of MGM. It had lots of photogenic stops which we used for them,” alum class of 2017 Matthew Vogus said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMILY POPE

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSEPH MCCOY

The steps from the Belvedere at National Harbor (11 miles, 24 min away) is a popular spot for unique Prom pictures. “Some people were a little disappointed about the location being so close but I don’t think anybody minded once we got there and saw how nicely it had been decorated,” alum class of 2018 Megan Lee said. “It helped that our parents were like our personal photo crew, telling us to move over and fix our dresses and all that.”

Meadowlark Gardens, Vienna Although it’s 14 miles (35 min.) away from AHS, Meadowlark Gardens Ct. is a stunning place for pictures. “I liked the beautiful gardens of flowers and how big and open it was,” alum class of 2018 Joseph McCoy said. “To ensure the best lighting and angles, my mom used a high tech camera so the pictures came out perfect.”

Crystal City Water Park, Arlington Crystal City Water Park (12 miles, 32 min. away) is worth the drive for those dazzling Prom pictures. “The waterfalls/fountains make a really pretty background. There are trees and flowers too, so you can get a variety of scenery,” alum class of 2017 Emily Pope said. It’s also good for walking around if you’re wearing heels because there’s no grass.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF HAN GYUL CHANG

PHOTO COURTESY OF CONRAD SHARTEL

Tips to take pics:

Old Town, Alexandria

TJ Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Old Town in Alexandria (13 miles, 26 min. away) is a well known location for pictures, especially along the Potomac River. “We decided to go to a pier in Old Town where the setting was really nice to look at,” senior Han Gyul Chang said. “I really loved it and I felt it was a special place to take pictures because of the surroundings and water which were so beautiful.”

With all the historical buildings and designs, Washington DC is great for being the background in Prom pictures. “We picked DC because of the Washington monument, the water, and how much room there was at the TJ Memorial,” alum class of 2017 Conrad Shartel said.

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focus on the foreground and make the background/objects contrast find a spot with even shade and natural, soft lighting. the sun is great, but avoid the shadows stand back and zoom rather than stand up close to prevent face deformation make use of your surroundings e.g. stairs, fireplaces, water take pictures from slightly above the subject(s) for the best angles and results

BY KATIE POPE Weekend Editor Silverado is another Great American Restaurant that is similar to Carlyle, but better and definitely more convenient for the Annandale community. While Silverado and Carlyle both share several menu items like the lobster bisque, short smoked salmon filet and the hickory BBQ burger, only Silverado offers complimentary chips and salsa as well as complimentary bread and butter. The variety of breads matched well with the butters and the crispy chips harmonized with the fresh salsa that leaves a hint of heat in your mouth.

I remember when I was young I used to always order the chicken tenders. They were covered in so much batter that the actual chicken was hidden and barely visible. I tried the chicken tenders again this past month and I had the same problem; too much batter and hardly any chicken.

One time a friend ordered the monterey chicken salad with spiced pecans. The chicken in the salad did not represent the description on the menu; they are classified as lightly fried. It had the same issue as the tenders which was over-battered chicken with hardly any actual meat.

Fortunately, this is the only issue I’ve had with Silverado in all my times of dining there. A few dishes I tasted during my last visit were the cheddar

cheeseburger with fries, the field greens salad, the wood grilled filet mignon (not available at Carlyle) with mashed potatoes, and the drunken ribeye steak (also not available at Carlyle) with a baked potato on the side.

The cheddar cheeseburger was a juicy, medium-well cooked burger with good flavor. Thin french fries accompanied the burger and were well received.

They had a good amount of salt and they had a nice crunch to them.

Several of the entrees came with a field greens salad which was nice because it served as a free second side for the meals. This salad was simply a salad-nothing special to it like a unique sauce or meat. It didn’t dry up my mouth, but it also was not mouth-watering. The toppings (tomatoes,sun-dried cranberries, dates, pinenuts, croutons, and champagne vinaigrette were all flavors that harmonized with each other, but I still do not consider it a superb salad.

Despite the only adequate salad and burger, the wood grilled filet mignon certainly had my taste buds dancing with the cremini mushrooms. I could taste the smokiness of the grilled filet and each bite almost melted in my mouth. As for the mashed potatoes, they were not my favorite, but I did not even focus on them as I was too busy devouring the filet mignon.

Another succulent and flavorful dish that I had the pleasure of eating was

PHOTOS BY KATIE POPE

Dine in at Silverado- one of Annandale’s most popular restaurants

The complimentary appetizer of crunchy, flavorful bread and two types of butter was a great way to start the night. the drunken ribeye steak with a loaded baked potato. The ribeye steak was quite appetizing as the sauce oozed out of the well cooked filet and the flavor made the dish well worth the $32. Even though I really dislike potatoes, I can honestly confess that I enjoyed the baked potato loaded with cheese, bacon, and what I think was chives. All of the flavors mixed well and the different textures enhanced it all.

Silverado may be part of the Great American Restaurant chain, but it certainly has it’s good qualities and uniqueness to it. It is a great environment for anyone of all ages to be in, and it’s not too fancy that you need to wear a dress, but

The juiciess and flavor of the cheddar cheeseburger is what made it stand out from burgers at other restaurants.

it’s not too casual that a dress would be too much. The booths are comfortable to sit in and the lighting induces cool fun.

Located only 1.5 miles- a six minute drive away from Annandale, Silverado is the perfect place to hang out with friends and enjoy some not too pricey, but good quality food. They are open on Mondays from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 pm., and 10:30-10 on Sunday. Make sure to dine at Silverado with friends and/or family so you can experience their food for yourself.

The tender drunken rib eye steak was delicious with a smooth, unique sauce.