Issue 8

Wed. April 10, 2019 Vol. 64 Issue #8

Annandale High School’s

THE A BLAST 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003 www.thea-blast.org

“COVER THE FIELD!” Girls lacrosse continues to have a good season with a current 3-0 record.

Informing the Atoms since 1954

SPORTS 17

Peach Fuzz to be held today

BY KIMBERLY LAURA Co-Editor in Chief

State reduces number of required SOLs while colleges reconsider role of SAT

BY JUDE NANAW Co-Editor in Chief As he prepares to wrap-up his high school career, senior Abbey Yared looks forward to the summer and spending the next four years at the University of Virginia. However, he finds his path blocked by an all too familiar object, standardized testing.

Throughout high school, Yared has grown accustomed to the standardized testing environment. Whether it has been Standards of Learning (SOL) testing, the SAT, ACT or the upcoming IB Exams, he has learned and adapted to the nature of such exams.

Nonetheless, after dealing with the test-taking process for a decade, it begs the question: “Was it worth it?”

Although Yared feels that he was overtested throughout high school, changes are on the way.

With the state reducing the number of required SOLs and colleges beginning to place less emphasis on the SAT, actions have been taken to combat overtesting.

The purpose of standardized tests, particularly the SOL is to assess if students are meeting requirements set by the state for various subjects including mathematics, English, science and social studies.

This past year, the state changed and the wording and requirements regarding the SOLs. With the new

requirements, students are being changes, students are now prohibitrelieved of having to prepare for as ed from taking an SOL if they have many examinations. met their SOL requirements for grad“I think the change is that the state uation. does not want to unnecessarily test stuBefore this change was implementdents,” Crump-Strawderman said. “So ed, students were expected to take the they have made adjustments to when SOL if they were in a course that was students should test but the tests and associated with the test. Now, students results are still as important as they will only take the SOL if they have not were in previous years.” met the SOL graduation requirement Students do not agree with the for that subject area or for their stunotion that this kind of testing the dent selected SOL. most efficient way of evaluating their Additionally, the requirements progress year by year. for students who entered the ninth “I honestly think that the amount of grade in 2018-19 school year have diftime we as students put in during class ferent requirements than before. For and at home should be valued more the standard diploma, students need than a few hours of exams at to earn a total five verified the end of each year,” Yared credits, a decrease from the said. “I understand that we’re previous requirement of six tested to see if we’re meeting verified credits. standards, but there are more Requirements for the effective ways judge that.”

Advanced Studies diploma With many students finddrastically changed on the ing their interests in one or verified credits end as well two subjects, it appears to be as the number of verified excessive to overly test stucredits has been lowered dents in subjects that they from nine to five.

ABBEY YARED will not have future interest “The SOL is not becomsenior in, whether it be in college or ing less emphasized,” Direcas a potential career path. tor of Student Services Jen- “I understand that we’re tested to see if “For me, I find most of my nifer Crump-Strawderman we’re meeting staninterest in history and engisaid. “The SOL pass rates dards, but there are neering,” Yared said. “It’s still are one of many requiremore effective ways of important to learn and gain ments for our state accredjudging that.” knowledge in other subjects itation, so they can’t be less and classes, but I don’t think emphasized.” everything needs to be focused With less testing

on equally.”

Evidently, standardized testing is not only limited to the SOL as students still face many other forms of examination. Every school year, high school students spend endless hours stressing over one three-letter test that can define their collegiate futures: the SAT. Originally introduced in 1926, the SAT has been a major factor in determining student acceptance into universities and colleges after high school.

Not only are student scores used as part of the decision to accept an applicant to a college, but they are also used in awarding merit-based scholarships.

With this being the case, a countless amount of students spend time studying and preparing for the exam, particularly during their junior and senior years of high school.

Student study methods typically include using online practice tests released or made available by the College Board (the organization that administers the SAT), using practice books and study guides, or even preparing for the exam with a tutor.

“When I was getting ready to take the SAT, I used multiple forms of preparation,” senior Reade Sherif said. “The practice tests online were probably the most helpful thing and my tutor helped me work through

Students engage in lesson

BY JUDE NANAW Co-Editor in Chief

English 10 Honors classes compete in Julius Caesar activity

senior last events I’ll participate in for my senior year.”

Both juniors and seniors have been practicing during the last Pride Times with their coaches.

“I’m looking forward to leading my team to victory and humbling my senior acquaintances,” Darwiesh said.

The first to three games will win the match. However, the winner of the match will face off against the teacher team. The teacher team consists of their coach Niki Holmes and players Michael Mazzarella, Joseph Witkowski, Olivia Hess, Brian Aldenderfer, Chris Bagot, Sean Hardy, Jack Jennison, Carl Klein, Jae Lee and Mark Vitelli.

At last year’s Peach Fuzz, the juniors beat the seniors with a score of 2-1. Then, the juniors faced off with the teachers in a close game, but ultimately won and took the title. The players of the winning student or teacher team in the final round will be presented crowns and the title.

IB exams scheduled

BY KIMBERLY LAURA Co-Editor in Chief

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHLEEN MATHIS

BY JUDE NANAW Co-Editor in Chief In English teacher Kathleen Mathis’ classes, she is always creating new and innovative ways to enhance the learning experience for students and to add more fun and entertainment in classroom lessons.

This year, English classes will take part in a hallway game that goes along with lessons based on the play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare.

The activity is in updated version of what took place past school year. While Mathis’ and Justina Butera’s English classes read Julius Caesar, the teacher’s thought of a new way to review material from the book.

“We were learning about the forms of persuasion in Julius Caesar and put together a game that would put those skills and terms to use in a competitive way,” Mathis said.

The idea for the game came from the Food Network show “Guy’s Grocery Games” where the culinary skills of contestants are put to the test as they race through store food aisles collecting items.

Mathis’ version of the game last year featured two mini-shopping carts where students formed teams and then ran up and down the English hallway collecting pieces of paper with forms of persuasion written on them.

After collecting the paper slips, groups had 10 minutes to prepare an impromptu speech where they had to implement all of the terms they collected into their speech.

Although the game was successful

“I’m looking forward to the competition of the match and taking a dub.”

--ALEX BELLEM

CONT. Page 5

Mulch Madness a success As many fundraisers take place throughout the year for the funding of school events, a traditional fundraiser that takes places each year is the annual Mulch Madness drive.

With the help of the Atoms Boys Lacrosse team, over 3000 bags of mulch were collected and delivered to homes across Annandale resulting in an approximated amount of over $8,000 that was raised.

Mulch bags were available for purchase on the PTSA website up until March 28. Proceeds and sales went towards the All Night Grad Celebration. Upon ordering mulch, buyers were able up their order on April 6 from between 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or have it delivered to them by the lacrosse team.

The cost for each mulch bag was $5 if picked up and $6 if delivered with a minimum of 10 bags for delivery. 3076 bags of mulch were sold with 3016 units being delivered by the lacrosse team.

“The lacrosse team helping out with Mulch Madness really brings the team closer,” senior Alex Bellem said. “It helps build a bond because we have to work together to finish the job.”

The lacrosse players broke up into teams of four or five and followed the U-Haul trucks and began dropping off mulch at various locations. The team began delivering purchases as early as 7:30 a.m.

The All Night Grad Celebration which was funded via the drive will be taking place on June 6.

“The support of the community is the best part,” PTSA Vice President Rita Zimmerman said. “Buyers were very enthusiastic and eager to support the cause and many added donations on top of their mulch order.”

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JUDE NANAW AND KIMBERLY LAURA

OVER TESTING

The annual Peach Fuzz volleyball event where senior and junior boys face off with teachers will be held today at 3:15 p.m. until late bus arrival. This year, admission will be free for all students.

Leadership has dedicated the past two months for preparations and practices for the boy’s volleyball game. A interest meeting for senior and junior boys was held in early March to set teams and begin preparations.

The junior team consists of Tarik Darweish, Luis Acevedo, Ryan Adams, Alieu Kamara, Maximus Lehaney, Kaleab Mengistu, Christian Nguyen and Andres Pacheco. Senior Danica Tran is the coach for the senior team.

The senior team consists of Ayman Elhag, Michael Behailu, Alejandro Casquino, Alex Bellem, Cameron Foti, Cort Hollis, Samir Hossain, Han Gyul Chang, Waleed Afridi, Amir Aburish and Angel Crespo.

“I’m looking forward to playing a fun game of volleyball with my friends,” Hossain said. “It’s one of the

Students in English teacher Kathleen Mathis’ class prepare to join in their version of “Guy’s Grocery Games.” last year, the teachers looked to change up the game this year to make it more similar to “Guy’s Grocery Games.”

“I realized that the shopping carts alone didn’t really make a good grocery game,” Mathis said. “I wanted to have something where cans of food would have the paper slips attached to them rather than having students collect the paper slips alone.”

Additionally, along with the help Tech Specialist Jennifer Cory, more students will be able to participate as the game will include four shopping carts this year which have been borrowed from a local Trader Joe’s store.

Not only will the game this year further aid students in their learning, but

cans that have been collected by students will be donated to the AHS Pantry located in the Parent Resource Center.

“We thought that if we were going to bring in food, we should also put it towards a good cause,” Mathis said.

With over 500 cans and boxes of non-perishable foods already brought in to be donated by English students, items will be collected until Spring break. Additionally, Trader Joe’s will be donated $50 worth of non-perishable food items to the Food Pantry as well.

“I love that students are excited that they have the opportunity to help others in a fun way,” Mathis said.

IB and AP exams will commence Friday, May 3 with IB Business and ending on Friday, May 24 with IB French. The full exam schedule is available at the IB office, library, and Clausen Hall.

All subjects are scheduled in an afternoon and morning pattern on consecutive days. This is to minimise the impact of absence on any given day and consistency for students.

Those who decide to take half a study day can either come to school late or study in the library.

This year, study days are exclusive to seniors only who is an IB Diploma candidate or taking more than five IB subjects. The study days are on Wednesday, May 1 and Thursday, May 2.

Form of attendance will be due to the Attendance office by Thursday, April 25.

“The advice for students is to study and come prepared. You will need a blue or black pen, pencils are only for graphing. For the math exam and some of the sciences, if you’re allowed to bring a calculator make sure to bring it,” IB Coordinator Linda Bradshaw said. “You’re allowed to bring water to the testing site.”

Morning exams will begin around 8 a.m. and afternoon exams will begin promptly at 12 p.m.

Students must be present in the examination room at least 15 minutes prior to the start time of each session.On an exam day, students with an afternoon exam will go to A lunch and go directly to their testing location.

All May IB exams results will be released on July 5.

2 EDITORIALS

Wed. April 10, 2019

NO COLLUSION?

Mueller Report must still be released

BY ELIAS MOURA Editorials Editor It has been two years of investigations around Russian interference in the 2016 presidential elections. To some people’s surprise, the Mueller Report came out with no collusion. Special Counsel Mueller was seen as some kind of hero who could dethrone Trump.

On March 24, Attorney General William P. Barr released a four-page letter that said Mueller’s nearly twoyear Russia probe “did not find that the Trump campaign or anyone associated with it conspired or coordinated with Russia in its efforts to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election.”

The report also declined to conclude whether the president obstructed justice during the investigation. As of now, it is currently a question of whether the president obstructed justice during the investigation, not whether he colluded.

Collusion is what many, mostly Democrats, were accusing the president of in the first place.

People were expecting to find ties with Russia. But, the report was

not released and the wait continues.

Democrats should not be upset about their nation’s president not committing treason. Our American taxes paid for the investigation so the public should be able to view it.

This was a modern day witch hunt.

Not a single American has been charged with collusion, not Michael Flynn, Roger Stone, George Papadopoulos, Paul Manafort, or Donald Trump, and the list can go on. Not one of these people have colluded with Russia and betrayed the country.

This investigation was ludicrous and somehow managed to live despite the lack of evidence. This was never about finding the truth, not about justice for wrongdoing. It was about the destruction of a U.S. President and anyone who has or is associating with this administration.

The question is not about collusion or not, its about the other 34 indictments set by the special counsel, seven of whom have been convicted so far – including some senior members of the Trump campaign.

Liberals have no answer for this President’s success and them now they

on the only thing they know, which is to spread hate and discontent throughout

“The Attorney General decided to release the report’s bottomline findings and his conclusions immediately — with the understanding that the report itself would be released after the redaction process.”

--JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

on Willaim Barr their sycophants. House Judiciary Chair, Jerry Nadler, says he will give Trump’s Attorney General, William Barr, more time to hand over the Mueller report before enforcing subpoenas, after voting

Smollett’s charges dropped Evidence still says Empire actor lied

BY ELIAS MOURA Editorials Editor It all started in late January where Jussie Smollett, Empires star actor, allegedly got attacked in Chicago.

What followed was a storm of lies and frustrating cover-ups.

On February 20, Smollett has been charged with felony disorderly conduct for filing a false report after allegedly staging the attack against himself in Chicago, police and the state attorney’s office confirmed to ABC News.

The charge of felony disorderly conduct carries a penalty of one to three years in jail, according to the criminal statute. Smollett provided further false information saying that the attackers called him racial slurs and said: “This is MAGA country.”

The attackers, Olabinjo and Abimbola Osundairo, turned out to be brothers and they came out against Smollett, saying “We are not racist,” the Osundairo brothers said in a statement.

“We are not homophobic and we are not anti-Trump. We were born and raised in Chicago and are American citizens.”

What followed were 16 felony counts of disorderly conduct for filing

a false police report, according to the Cook County State Attorney’s Office. On March 26, all charges were mysteriously dropped for reasons along the lines of “unfair and unwarranted actions.” There should be no reason to why a sudden, secret meeting should be able to drop hate crime charges.

As others are saying, the city of Chicago deserves an apology for the mishap. “You can contrive a hate crime, make it national news, get caught and if you are a well-connected celebrity-get off for $10K and have your record expunged and files sealed.”

“I think this city is still owed an apology” because “at the end of the day, it’s Mr. Smollett who committed this hoax.” Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said.

The lying has been going on for a couple of months and it’s been prolonged too far. Jussie Smollett lied.

However, it is strange that charges miraculously dropped, despite strong police evidence.

to approve them. Nadler says he is not willing to negotiate a middle ground and the House “must see everything.”

This is an appropriate response from the Democrats, as the American public deserves to see the truth, and they then could form a conclusion based on what is found within the report.

When asked about the Russia investigation, Democrats typically said they would reserve judgment until Mueller completed his work. Now that he has, it’s harder for Democrats to quibble with the conclusions.

“You can’t, on the one hand, defer to Mueller,” says Stanley Brand, former counsel for the House of Representatives under Democratic Speaker Tip O’Neill, “and say, Now that we have it, we want to replow that ground.”

This should be a bipartisan effort to find out how much, if any, the Russians meddled with our 2016 elections.

Democrats are going to have to double down on what they already believed in President Trump, and the best way for Trump to be fully exonerated with the American public is for Barr to release as much as possible.

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. 8 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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The A-Blast is an awardwinning newspaper that strives to inform, educate and entertain the student body and community.

Published monthly, The A-Blast will not print any material that is obscene or libelous; or that which substantially disrupts the school day, or invades an individual’s right to privacy. The A-Blast is an independent, open forum for discussion that is printed at the Springfield Plant of The Washington Post.

Signed letters to the editor of 250 words or less may be emailed to theablast2018@gmail.com or submitted to room 262 or mailed to the school. The A-Blast reserves the right to refuse advertisements.

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Summer 2017 The Mueller investigation begins. With more than 2,800 subpoenas, nearly 500 search warrants and a similar number of witness interviews, Mueller had not established that Trump had ties to Russia in the 2016 campaign.

Winter-Spring 2018 More indictments are being issued, with charges being placed on members around President Trump.

December 2018 Michael Cohen sentenced to three years of prison.

Early 2019 Mueller’s memo was released.

Attorney General Bill Barr received Mueller’s report, marking the end of the special counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and possible obstruction of justice by President Trump.

Senior problems with obligations

BY TYLER PLANK Staff Writer We’ve all broken or lost something.

It happens. Every year, students lose some sort of equipment that is borrowed from the school. When a student does break or lose something, they have to pay for it, these are called obligations. This exists because of pure irresponsibility.

A student can’t be considered for a student parking space if their obligations aren’t paid for. “The most common obligations are lost textbooks and parking fees,” Finance Technician Laura Mclean said. That means every time a student parks in a wrong spot, a ticket will be given and an obligation will be issued.

Seniors have the most obligations.

“Seniors won’t pay off their obligations until right before they have to,” Mclean said. That includes the Senior Graduation fee. The $67 price includes all the fees for graduation and Prom. If you don’t pay it, you can’t participate in the ceremony or the party.

“We cleared a lot of obligations last week due to Prom,” said McClean.

In order to be eligible for Prom, you have to pay all your dues. Despite this,

THE A BLAST STAFF CO-EDITORS IN CHIEF Kim Laura Jude Nanaw

Investigation History

there are still roughly 400 students that still owe obligation fees as of right now. Other obligation fees come with being in a class. Students in band, orchestra, or guitar, would also have to pay for a broken instrument or other damaged equipment.

These obligation fees wouldn’t be a big problem if students were better at just keeping track of their stuff.

Students often think that keeping track of school work is important, and that there’s no serious harm in losing it. When you lose something borrowed from the school, your consequences are much more serious than a bad grade.

Another common kind of obligation is library books. From kindergarten, students are given late slips when they cannot turn in a library book.

If you sign into a computer, a big notification comes up, reminding you that you have an overdue book.

“The library takes care of their obligations and we bill the students,” McClean said. In some cities, if a person doesn’t pay for or return a book that belongs to a public library in a period over 20 days, they can be arrested for robbery.

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

46 people voted 6% said that they’ll be visiting their relatives.

33% said that they’ll be traveling out of town.

28% said that they’ll be hanging out with friends.

33% said that they’ll be staying at home.

LIM BAHAR freshman “I’m going to be staying local for Spring Break. I’m planning on hanging out with my friends and spending time with family.”

ALEIU KAMARA junior “Since the weather is getting a lot warmer, my friends and I were thinking of going to Busch Gardens. I also hope to get time to relax and sleep before my end of the year testing.”

EDITORIALS 3 European Union passes controversial copyright law

Wed. April 10, 2019

BY LUKE ELKINS Editorials Editor

Does social media affect our empathy?

BY LUKE ELKINS Editorials Editor On March 31, rapper Nipsey Hussle was fatally shot outside his store in Los Angeles. For the most part, the response on social media was very sympathetic. However, there were also many posts, tweets, and comments saying “Who cares?” and other ignorant comments about his death.

These kinds of things aren’t uncommon on social media. There are loads of negative posts uploaded constantly.

“I try not to spend a lot of time on social media for that reason,” senior Izzudeen Yahia said. “The constant amount of negativity can affect your mind and attitude.”

As social media is still relatively new, the effects it can have on you have not been deeply investigated by scientists. But, some effects have been identified.

One of these is known as compression fatigue, coined by journalist Dave Cullen. Compassion fatigue explains the phenomena where people are constantly bombarded with tragic stories and eventually get

emotionally worn out. On average, created by social media is confirmation people spend 1.72 hours on social media bias. Confirmation bias is when people per day according to the Global Web only expose themselves to their own Index. In that time that we use scrolling thoughts repeated in recursive echo through social media, we see status chambers of increasingly radical and updates and photos that friends post exclusionary thought. When this timelines along with tragic stories from happens, social media users understand across the world. We feel compassion and empathize with other users who fatigue with share the same wars overseas, view as them and tragedies at demonize and “The home, and other attack them. constant awful things Social media that occur in the also provides amount of world around people a platform negativity us. We see the to say things they same thing wouldn’t say in [on social over and over, real life. It’s a lot media] can and eventually easier to insult or lose the ability provoke someone affect your mind and to empathize. when you aren’t attitude.”

While one of the talking to them championing face to face and --IZZUDEEN YAHIA effects of social senior get to hide behind media is that a screen. This it creates an anonymity also interconnected world, this also creates leads to a lot of users who go out of a platform for every single tragedy their way to “troll” others. Basically, worldwide, which means one sad news a social media troll is someone who event after another is moved by really purposely says something controversial quickly. in order to get a rise out of other users.

Another limitation of empathy These people deliberately try and cause

arguments and frustrate others.

“My suggestion to people is to try and take a break from social media.

When you spend your entire day on Twitter or Instagram, not only is it a waste of time, but it can affect your personality as well,” Yahia said.

Taking a break from social media can be a good idea every once in a while. It can help you stay focused on your own goals in life and can help you reclaim wasted time. It can help prevent negative thoughts from entering and taking over your mind as well.

As a whole, social media does have a lot of positives, but it has its drawbacks as well. Social media is a very good source of entertainment and can create positive relationships across the world, but it’s important to be able to distinguish between real life and online life and not get so caught up in the virtual world that you lose your sense of empathy. It’s important to remember that behind every social media account there is a person going through the trials and tribulations of life. Respectful and responsible discourse on social media is the first step to overcoming a loss of empathy.

Professional athletes deserve to make millions

BY JANE ELKINS Staff Writer Comparing a professional athlete’s salary to the average American, it’s easy to say that they make too much for only playing a sport. After all, a professional athlete makes on average $3.2 million a year while the average American makes only $56 thousand.

That means that athletes earn more money than teachers, doctors, and members of the military.

But, it’s important to remember that athletes work under enormous companies and on teams that generate billions of dollars in revenue each year. The NFL, MLB, and NBA all get millions of views each game and can have almost 20,000 people in their arenas who specifically go to watch the players. Without the players, these leagues wouldn’t exist, so it makes perfect sense that there salaries reflect the popularity and huge amounts of

business they bring in. In general, but this is not true for all athletes. In players salaries are just a very small reality, a lot of athletes give back to the portion of all the cash these businesses community. With their large salaries, bring it. a lot of athletes make Another thing to consider very large donations to is that professional athletes different charities. Famous are at a high risk to get basketball player LeBron injured. Their job is to push James even raised $2.5 their body to the limit and million for the Boys and & they have a lot of pressure Girls Clubs of America and to perform well. Whether it David Beckham supports is getting the touchdown in countless programs, most football or diving for the ball prominently UNICEF, MIKE TROUT in baseball, athletes often for which he works as an baseball player times put their bodies on the ambassador and helps with line for the game. In fact, the Unite Against AIDS The center fielder for around 15% of all professional Campaign. the Los Angeles Angels athletes end up getting a Along with that, even signed a 12-year, $430 season or even a career ending million extension on making it to a professional injury. level takes years of hard March 20 giving him There is a perception of work and determination. the world’s largest athletes as greedy people Only around two percent sports contract. whose only concern is for of college athletes end the fastest cars, designer go going to play in clothing, and outlandish spending professional leagues, according to the

MAKIN’ THE GRADE Peak cherry blossom bloom

1. Floyd Mayweather ($285 million) 2. Lionel Messi ($111 million) 3. Cristiano Ronaldo ($108 million) 4. Conor McGregor ($99 million) 5. Neymar ($90 million) 6. LeBron James ($85.5 million) 7. Roger Federer ($77 million) 8. Steph Curry ($76.9 million) 9. Matt Ryan ($67.3 million) 10. Matthew Stafford ($59.5 million)

Cartoonist Corner

D.C.’s cherry blossoms entered peak bloom on April 1 and remained in prime condition through the weekend to the enjoyment of spectators everywhere.

The annual festival celebrates Tokyo’s 1912 gift of 3,020 cherry trees to the city. The first official festival wasn’t held until 1935, and now it’s a celebrated annual event.

Vegetarian Whopper Burger King, well-known for its signature Whopper, now plans to roll out a vegetarian version of their famous sandwich. The Impossible Whopper (whose name is derived from the plant-based patties supplied by the startup Impossible Foods) will be introduced in upcoming weeks at Burger King restaurants in the St. Louis area. The reception of a veggie burger will be interesting to say the least, although initial samplers have liked the taste of it.

Leonardo Bonucci After Juventus striker Moise Kean was subjected to racist abuse from the crowd during a game against Cagliari, defender Leonardo Bonucci drew ire for his response to the events. He claimed the blame was 50/50 on both the crowd and Kean, because of Kean celebrating after he scored a goal. Whether he celebrated scoring or not, it doesn’t justify receiving racial abuse from fans.

Petland An undercover investigation by the Humane Society of Petland in Fairfax found what the organization called inadequate care for rabbits. Several employees indicated that it was regular store practice to let sick or injured rabbits die rather than providing care. Humane Society officials said they found 14 dead rabbits in a freezer, along with another dead rabbit in a plastic basket under a table.

ERNEST OWEN

A B F F

NCAA. Even after making it to pros, not all athletes make millions of dollars.

Athletes in less popular sports make so much less than even the lowest-paid athletes more popular leagues.

For example, players in the National Women’s Soccer League only make an average of $28,000 a year while lowest paid players in the NBA make $500,000.

It’s also important to consider who would get the money if the athletes made less. If the large amount of revenue isn’t paid to the athletes, it’s likely the billionaire owners of these leagues would pocket the difference.

All this just comes to show that professional athletes make huge amounts of money because millions of people all over the world are happy to watch and pay money to see them perform and make breathtaking plays.

If you really believe that they make too much money, perhaps you should stop watching professional sports altogether.

Highest paid athletes in 2018

FORBES

DISCONNECTED FROM REALITY

The future of the Internet in Europe faces a lot of uncertainty after the European Parliament passed Article 13, which sets new copyright restrictions in place on a lot of content. Essentially, it means sites such as YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, Twitter and Soundcloud sites that host user-generated content become legally liable for the copyrighted material it hosts. For YouTube’s case, this is the large majority of it.

Many people on the Internet have labeled Article 13 as the ‘meme ban’ as many memes are repurposed from other original content.

This will effectively ban the process of creating memes, which are entirely driven by the ability to take an image or video and then edit it to provide some humor. Under the new directive, this will be prohibited, as will the remix of any song, unless the remixer had written consent from the original artist to use their work.

The goal of Article 13 is to try and create a shift towards more original content on the Internet, but many who rely on remixing or remaking content may be hurt.

Article 13 will require any media website to remove content that infringes copyright and show they took prior care to prohibit the upload of anything protected by copyright. If they fail to comply, it would likely lead to a fine.

The simplest and most likely solution for companies is to block all EU user-generated content from sites that host it at the point of upload.

This is because as soon as copyrighted work has been published to the world, it immediately breaks the law and then the site would become legally liable for the punishment of breaking copyright law.

Because of the extent of content that is published on these sites, like on Youtube, where 300 hours of video are uploaded every minute, they cannot possibly regulate and decide which videos actually infringe copyright. With all of that content, they can’t physically go through and check every video.

EU member countries have two years to decide how to enforce Article 13, but it will have a serious impact on Internet content not only in Europe, but worldwide as well.

4 NOTICIAS DESTACADAS

Miércoles, Abril 10, 2019

¿Es seguro para estudiantes usar Uber?

Nathaniel Rowland, un hombre de 24 años, fue arrestado y acusado de secuestro y asesinato.

Fundada hace más de diez El asesinato de Josephson años, Uber se inició como una fue un shock para su solución para los costosos comunidad y en una vigilia servicios de taxi en todo el para ella solo un par de mundo. Con solo tocar un horas después de identificar botón, el usuario se conecta su cuerpo, sus padres con un conductor y se le da pronunciaron un discurso para información sobre ellos, como advertir a otros estudiantes que su nombre y la placa de la fueran cautelosos y hablaron licencia. sobre las medidas de seguridad Ahora es la mayor compañía en los servicios de taxi. de taxis del mundo. Con más Después de que la historia de dos millones de conductores, de Samantha Josephson llegó es probable que haya riesgos de a los titulares, más personas se seguridad para el conductor y pusieron alertas al revisar la el pasajero. información del conductor en la Según el Washington Post, aplicación para disminuir las viernes, el 29 de marzo por la posibilidades de que vuelva a mañana, una estudiante de ocurrir un incidente similar.

21 años llamada Samantha Noticias sobre casos Josephson se subió a un similares a los de Josephson automóvil pensando que era su que comenzaron a surgir Uber. Asistió a la Universidad pocas horas después de que se de Carolina del Sur y salió a compartió la noticia. Varios pasar la noche con sus amigos. usuarios entraron en la Las imágenes de vigilancia de conversación a través de las los edificios cercanos muestran redes sociales mencionando el a Josephson entrando al auto hecho de que nunca verificaron luego de el nombre que se de los detuvo “Es mejor conductores o justo a su la matrícula preguntar a lado. porque nunca una persona Se pensaron que suponía les pasaría a conocida que que su ellos. arriesgar las Uber la Un llevaría de posibilidades estudiante de regreso a primer año de casa, pero de su seguridad.”

Annandale, cuando -- ANDRÉS CASTRO Andrés freshman Castro dice: su amiga no oyó de “Es mejor ella, la preguntar reportó como desaparecida. a una persona conocida que Después de 14 horas desde arriesgar las posibilidades de que había subido al vehículo, su seguridad.” fue encontrada muerta en un Es importante estar siempre campo por cazadores de pavos atento a posibles situaciones a solo 40 pies de distancia de la de peligro. Eventos como estos carretera principal. La causa deben dejar de suceder y todo de la muerte de Josephson fue comienza con estar alerta. “múltiples lesiones de fuerza.”

Sólo un par de días después,

Estudiantes de AHS participarán en el Día del Silencio el 12 de abril para reconocer a los individuos de la comunidad de LGBT+. En la imagen de arriba se ve un clavel verde, una flor que generalmente no se encuentra de forma natural, lo que representa un antinatural.

Los estudiantes de AHS se preparan para el Día del Silencio 2019 POR FRANCES MONTEVILLA Editor de Noticias Viernes, el 12 de abril, los estudiantes de todo el país participarán en el Día del Silencio, que es un día dirigido por estudiantes que está destinado a apoyar a la comunidad LGBT +.

El objetivo principal de este día es reconocer a los individuos de la comunidad que han estado en silencio o que no pueden hablar por sí mismos, debido al acoso y hostigamiento que han enfrentado otros en las últimas décadas.

El primer Día de Silencio fue organizado en 1996 por un grupo de estudiantes de la Universidad de Virginia, originalmente con el propósito de completar un proyecto de clase dirigido a las protestas no violentas.

Después de que más de 150 estudiantes participaron en el primer Día de Silencio, el grupo decidió llevar su proyecto al siguiente nivel y llevó a la participación de aproximadamente 100 universidades en 1997.

El evento llamó la atención de GLSEN (Red de educación para gays, lesbianas y heterosexuales). Esta organización educativa de los Estados Unidos fue fundada por un grupo de maestros de Massachusetts en 1990 con el propósito

las leyes.” Debido a los estudiantes están y consecuencias, los de mejorar el sistema que los estudiantes protegidos por la estudiantes también educativo que permitía están protegidos Cláusula de igual deben comunicarse con el maltrato y la por la ley federal, protección de la sus maestros sobre su discriminación de los también significa que Enmienda 14, que dice decisión de participar estudiantes LGBT + las escuelas tienen el que “ningún estado en el Día del Silencio. y se negó a ayudarlos. deber de proteger a ... negará a ninguna Sin embargo, bajo la En 2001, GLSEN los estudiantes que persona dentro de Primera Enmienda se convirtió en el participan en el Día del su jurisdicción la de la Constitución de patrocinador oficial de Silencio. igual protección de los Estados Unidos, la organización. Sin embargo, el Día del Silencio sigue siendo un evento principalmente organizado y dirigido por estudiantes en sus escuelas, con el apoyo de GLSEN. AHS es una de SAVANNAH JONES ELEANOR las varias escuelas sophomore que participan en LAUDERDALE “Sí, el Día de la Silencia el Día del Silencio freshman es importante porque y será la 17ª vez “Creo que es imporpermite que las perque participen los tante que reconozsonas sepan cómo se alumnos. Antes camos todas las creensiente no poder exprede participar, los cias de los estudiantes, sarse. En general, es estudiantes deben especialmente en una una oportunidad para obtener un pase escuela diversa como que la gente aprenda.” y un clavel verde Annandale. Así que sí, (que es una flor es importante reconocer que generalmente el Día del Silencio .“ no se encuentra de forma natural, lo que representa una antinaturalidad) durante todos los almuerzos del 8 de abril al 11 de abril.

Si los estudiantes lo desean, también pueden ayudar a los MARIA KANI KHALED EILLEEN JACKSON RAMOS miembros de GSA CISNEROS-GOMEZ junior NGO-TRAN junior pasar estas flores. senior “Creo que es imporSi un miembro junior “Sí, creo que es importante que reconozde la GSA le pide tante que a los estu“Creo que es impor“Depende de la percamos todas las creendiantes se les permia un estudiante tante porque muchas spectiva de los alumcias de los estudiantes, ta participar porque es personas que todavía que participe, nos, y en ocasiones de especialmente en una la forma en que reconno han salido tienen puede rechazarlo la religión. Pero sí, a los escuela diversa como ocemos y protestamos que permanecer conamablemente sin estudiantes se les debe contra la discriminación Annandale. Así que sí, stantemente en silentener que dar una permitir hacer lo que es importante reconocer cio, por lo que participar razón. quieran, siempre que no y el acoso en la comuel Día del Silencio.” nidad LGBT para ayuen el Día del Silencio es sea ilegal.”

Para evitar dar a las personas que un signo de respeto y posibles conflictos no pueden hablar por sí unidad.” mismos.”

¿Crees que es importante permitir que los estudiantes participen en el Día del Silencio?

Pros y Cons: ¿La decisión de Trump de reducir la ayuda extranjera a 3 países latinoamericanos es una buena decisión?

Sí, la administración está justificada y es correcta en la decisión de reducir la ayuda extranjera.

POR FRANCES MONTEVILLA Editor de Noticias El 30 de marzo, el gobierno del presidente Donald Trump anunció que planeaba recortar más de $ 450 millones en ayuda externa a los tres países centroamericanos conocidos como “el Triángulo del Norte”: Honduras, El Salvador y Guatemala.

El propósito de la ayuda externa es ayudar a los países a mejorar las condiciones de vida y brindar más oportunidades a sus residentes para que no tengan que huir a EE. UU. Según USA TODAY, se puede ver un ejemplo de un proyecto exitoso en Honduras, donde los funcionarios de La Agencia de los Estados Unidos para el Desarrollo Internacional (USAID) logró disminuir la tasa de homicidios entre los años 2011 y 2018 al trabajar en comunidades hondureñas para detener la violencia.

A pesar de los pocos proyectos que han tenido éxito, todavía hay una gran cantidad de migrantes que buscan asilo en EE. UU. Por lo tanto, Trump justifica su razonamiento para recortar la ayuda extranjera como una forma de castigar al gobierno del país.

Para la administración de Trump, hay áreas más importantes en las que deberían invertir, en lugar de ayuda extranjera. Según el Ejecutivo del Gobierno, el Departamento de Estado tiene un total de 85 programas culturales y de intercambio, que les ha costado $600 millones. Según un funcionario, a pesar de tener aproximadamente un millón de estudiantes provenientes de diferentes países, Solo el 1% de ellos pasan por los programas.

“Así que no es irrazonable pedirle al Congreso que vuelva a gastar $300 millones,” dijo el funcionario.

Según un resumen de la Oficina de Administración y Presupuesto, que hace hincapié en la cooperación de ambos partidos gubernamentales., para abordar la frustración del pueblo estadounidense y los trabajadores federales, la administración planea invertir $ 150 millones en tecnología modernizada que reemplazará a las actuales obsoletas.

A diferencia de lo que esperaban antes, la administración planea tener un presupuesto equilibrado en 15 años, en lugar de solo 10.

El recorte de la ayuda externa es razonable en el contexto que permitirá a las futuras administraciones tener éxito en el gasto.

No, la administración está cometiendo un error y solo traerá más problemas para ambas partes.

POR BRENDA HUAMANI Escritor de Personal La mayoría de las personas están confundidas debido al hecho de que la administración de Trump está tomando medidas simplemente para hacerlo, no necesariamente porque es una buena idea.

En 2014, el presidente Barack Obama duplicó la ayuda estadounidense a estos tres países debido a la migración masiva. Este dinero se estableció para reducir la violencia y la pobreza que traía a las personas a los Estados Unidos.

Con el corte, estos países se convertirán en los más pobres que nunca y al final, causarán aún más la migración de sus ciudadanos a EE.UU. El recorte pondrá en suspenso los proyectos destinados a fortalecer la seguridad interna en estos países, como programas educativos, subvenciones para el apoyo policial, agentes de seguridad fronteriza y sus empleados judiciales.

De acuerdo con USA TODAY, los ex funcionarios del gobierno de EE.UU. notaban que se estaba haciendo una diferencia con la ayuda proveniente de los Estados Unidos. En Guatemala, los funcionarios de la Agencia

de Estados Unidos para el Desarrollo Internacional (USAID) hicieron una diferencia al trabajar en las comunidades y al disminuir las tasas de homicidios cada año entre 2011 y 2018.

En El Salvador, USAID ayudó a crear más de 20,000 empleos en pequeñas tiendas.

En Honduras, la ayuda financiera de los Estados Unidos ha estado ingresando a su gobierno para prevenir la corrupción anterior y para contratar nuevos fiscales y seguridad.

James Nelson, ex embajador de EE.UU. en Honduras, afirmó que la mayor parte del dinero proveniente de EE.UU. no va directamente a sus gobiernos como afirma Trump, sino que se destina principalmente a contratistas de EE.UU., organizaciones sin fines de lucro y otros grupos de EE.UU. bajo USAID. Aunque han realizado varios estudios que muestran un resultado positivo de la ayuda de los Estados Unidos a estos países, todavía se está cortando.

CONDADO DE COLLIER

FRANCES MONTEVILLA

POR BRENDA HUAMANI Escritor de Personal

Con el aumento de las tragedias de Uber, se cuestiona la seguridad de las personas, especialmente de los estudiantes que no pueden conducir un automóvil o que alguien los lleve.

Humanos de Annandale Señora Vergaras Profesora de español ¿De qué manera contribuye a la comunidad hispana?

En 1994, entre 94 y 96, mi esposo fundó la organización de la Fundación Magdalena, que tiene como objetivo ayudar a los estudiantes más pobres del área de Magdalena en Colombia para que continúen sus estudios, ya sea en la escuela secundaria o en la universidad y hasta el momento tienen más de 150 niños que tienen Me gradué desde 1994. Y lo que hago es ayudar a la organización como dicen en inglés “detrás de escena.”

No me gusta estar en la comisión, pero si me gusta trabajar, entonces parte del correo controla la invitación porque hay 2 eventos al año, vendemos los sorteos y en Columbia se entregaron las becas para que estos chicos puedan ir a la escuela. eso es lo que más hago actualmente para la comunidad hispana, pero no en los Estados Unidos.

Ahora en los Estados Unidos lo he ayudado a mi esposo cuando él tenía una clínica para la gente más humilde más indigente hispana entre la comunidad de Arlington. El tenía una clínica donde actuaba como médico con otros dos médicos más, así que esa clínica funcionaba una vez a la semana nada más.

Bueno yo también ayudaba hacer las citas y hablar con los pacientes para que fueran vistos y hacer el seguimiento de ellos.

En este momento aquí en la comunidad hispana lo que hago es enseñar a mis chicos y tratar de hacer lo mejor que puedan en todo.

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. April 10, 2019

Filament Literary Magazine earns grant AHS received a grant from the National Education Association known as the “Student Achievement Grant.”

The $5,000 grant was awarded to the Filament Literary Magazine as a means of assisting in funding with not only the magazine itself but with events and applications both inside and outside of the classroom as well.

The provider of the grant, the NEA Foundation, is a public charity founded by educators to improve public education for all students. Through Student Achievement grants, the NEA has provided funding to thousands of educators to enable them to take the lead on a wide range of projects to improve student learning.

The grant has been nicknamed “Unheard Voices” and funding runs through January 2020. It is exclusive as only 20 schools were recipients of the grant nationwide.

“We felt that there is an untapped corner in this community that needs a different kind of venue for self-expression,” English teacher Leslie Chekin said.

Chekin and English teacher SooJin Lee are Co-Advisers for the

Students place at regional science fair

“It was an amazing experience ot go to the Regional Fair. I had a lot of fun and it was actually really interesting.”

College Athletics Ceremony The Athletics Booster club and athletics will recognize seniors who will be playing a sport in college at the College Athletics Ceremony on May 30 at 10 a.m. in Clausen Hall.

More information is available in the Athletics Office.

Spring Break

The Filament Literary Magazine plans on adding more pages to the publication as well as more art. admission and concession sales.

“Through the grant, we now have the money to pay for the props and sound equipment that we need for Coffee House,” Chekin said.

With Coffee House featuring live performances, a wide range of

“I really liked that my project was very simple yet it allowed me to analyze physical concepts a lot easier. ”

--SARAH HAWKINS

1st Place The Effect of Water Absorption on the Distribution of a Bloodstain on a Piece of Cotton Fabric

News briefs

technological and sound equipment is required as well as decorations which go along with the theme of a given Coffee House.

“The grant allows us to professionalize our production unit,” Lee said.

Spring Break will begin on Monday, April 15 to Friday, April 19. Classes will resume on Monday, April 22.

Color Fun Run The first annual Color Fun Run will take place on Saturday, April 26. This is a fund-raiser for the class of 2021.

West Potomac Soccer The boys and girls varsity soccer teams will face off against West Potomac on Tuesday, April 23 at 7:15 p.m. Boys will be at home and girls will play away.

Woodson Baseball “I really enjoyed working with Mr. Tyndall.

It was interesting because I never of it before. ”

--CHRISTIAN LE

--JASMIN PHAN

2nd Place

1st Place honorable mention

Rubber Band Vibrations

COUTESY OF SOO LEE

BY JUDE NANAW Co-Editor in Chief

Filament and they applied for the grant last summer. After the application process and a four-month waiting period, they were notified that AHS was selected for the award.

“Since we both teach IB Language and Literature and Ms. Lee does Creative Writing, we’ve been channeling the results into the Filament,” Chekin said. “Now we have this grant tied to those two classes and we have Coffee House as a venue for the work we do in those classes.”

With a great deal of student creativity put on display in IB Language and Literature classes as well as Creative Writing, the grant will allow for student work to be further expressed.

In recent years, student work has been displayed through two different showcases the Filament and Coffee House, allowing for both live and print forms of expression.

“It [the grant] allows for the work of students to live in multiple ways,” Lee said.

The Coffee House event has developed and grown throughout this school year as students have performed live in front of audiences by performing songs, raps, poems or even plays. Also a fundraiser, Coffee House raises money for the printing of the Filament through

An Investigation of the Sensitivity of a Torsion Pendulum to its External Environment

The boys baseball team will face off against Woodson at home on Wednesday, May 1 at 6:30 p.m.

Annual Physicals The sports physical for athletic students will be on Tuesday, June 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. throughout the building. It will cost $50 to preregister and $60 for walk-ins. For free lunch students, it will be $10 and $20 for reduced lunch students.

Memorial Day There will be no school on Monday, May 27 to observe Memorial Day. Students and staff will have this day off.

SATs become more optional in college admissions process CONT. Page 1 tutor helped me work through questions as well.”

Students find themselves using guided practice questions online and also learning tips on taking the SAT from these same sources such as Khan Academy.

“Khan Academy was a pretty useful for test preparation because it explains how to solve and also provides a faster way of completing the questions,” senior Alex Brennan said.

Despite the historical importance of the SAT in the college application process, many schools are making changes

to the value the test has in determining if a student should be accepted or not.

As of September, there have been more than 1,000 accredited, bachelordegree granting institutions that have become test-optional. If a school is testoptional, that means that the decision to send SAT scores to the school for consideration with a college application is left completely up to the applicant.

There are a number of highlyranked test optional schools including: the University of Chicago, George Washington University, the University of Iowa, Wake Forest University, etc.

In addition, Score Choice, program implemented by the College Board,

allows students who have taken the SAT multiple times to select and submit their only best scores to colleges.

With score choice, students can select their best score from the evidence-based reading and writing section and their best score from the mathematics section.

“I think the SAT as a requirement does not help in evaluating a student,” senior Izzy Yahia said. “A different form of standardized testing such as subject tests where students study for and take the subject test that they are most likely to major in would be a good replacement.”

Another form of standardized

testing which is mostly relevant to high school seniors and juniors are IB Exams. In order to earn an IB credit for a respective IB course, students must not only pass the course, but also earn a certain score on the exam.

These tests are much more rigorous as they are based on international standards and are associated with higherlevel courses. Despite the rigor, there are multiple benefits to not only the courses but the exams as well.

“Some of the topics that appear in the exams will be pretty relevant for students who take higher level math courses in college,” Martins said.

“Taking the exams is beneficial because colleges do like to see students taking IB and AP exams.”

In addition to becoming familiar with material they will see again in college, students also have the opportunity to earn college credits by taking IB exams.

With the many forms of standardized testing, it is a mixed bag as far as benefits and drawbacks. Although the significance of valid arguments against overtesting and the stress associated with studying, many forms of standardized testing in general will remain intact for the foreseeable future.

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At the Battle of the Bands last year, The Morning Commute won first place.

Battle of the Bands canceled more student-led groups to perform as opposed to just chorus, band, or orchestra,” Mills said. “It is always very irritating because nobody talks about it.

Battle of the Bands is an annuEven after I send the information out, al event that allows students to show no one seems to want to participate. their unique musical abilities to the Most of the bands usually come from community. The event was set to take other schools.” place on Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m in the “It is likely that Battle of the Bands auditorium. However, it was recently won’t be held again because of the lack canceled do to the lack of participation.“ of participation from the student body,” This year there were three bands Mills said. “It is a lot of work to do for that would have the adult organizbeen participating ers, and there is gin the event, mak“Now we’re disappointed. not a lot of reacing it half the numtion from people ber of the bands that I was really looking who usually perparticipated last forward to performing form in other secyear. tors of the arts for the school with my The event had department such two rounds. The band.” as choir or thefirst one was for all ater.”

--JACKSON FORNARIS the bands to play One of the sophomore and the second one bands that was was for the top two” planning on parJunior Gabe Mills ticipating this said. “The audience year is Ego. The then voted on who they wanted to win band consist of five members Junior on their ticket and that’s how the winColin Mcgee, senior Kyle Dalsimer, ner was decided. The winner of the batsenior Nareg Boghosian, junior Bentle would have gotten $200.” nett Stenberg and sophomore Jackson Mills is the drummer of the band Fornaris.

‘Gabe’s Fault’ who participated last “We were really excited to play year. He was also the head organizer because our songs were challenging for the event by getting volunteers to and I think people were going to realsign up. ly like our choices,” Fornaris said.

“The performances didn’t need to be “Now we’re disappointed. I was really bands,” Mills said. “It could have been looking forward to performing for the a duet, a saxophone, or quite literally school with my band. I wish there was anything that makes a musical sound.” another opportunity for us to play here, Mills looked forward to being able regardless of the prize or not we just to play and listen to different kind of want to play.” music at school.

The bands will continue to look for “I think that Battle of the Bands is opportunities to play for the school. an important event because it allows

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6 ACADEMICS

Wed. April 10, 2019

MEET THE COUNSELORS Stressed about a test? Seeking a college recommendation? Don’t know what classes to take? Need to vent? Guidance counselors serve these purposes and more.

Although National School Counseling Week was about two months ago, there is no better time to appreciate them like the present.

“I talk to her when I have problems with a teacher, and she helps me figure it out,” sophomore Eva Gomez said.

Counselors have many responsibilities and don’t check any one box. For example, counselor Olivia Hess is also a volleyball coach for the school.

Counselors are respectful to their students and take pride in their individuality. All counselors remarked upon their pride in the school’s diversity and how it makes it such a nice place to work.

Counselors establish a relationship with their students through their four years together.

Having done this for so long, many counselors have experience about different places of higher education and careers.

Walking into their offices full of college pennants, posters, and other helpful materials, it’s hard not to feel at home when students are there.

Through thick and thin, successes and obstacles, counselors are always there to help and deserve all the recognition in the world.

MAISHA MALIHA

BY KHADIJA AHMED Academics Editor

Senior Maisha Maliha poses in front of the campus, holding a pennant.

She took sample classes and toured the city during her visit.

Cheryl Kim Dh-Har Hometown: Annandale, VA Years at Annandale: 18 College attended: Boston University Past career: Production assistant for USA Weekend Magazine Heroes: Parents Favorite food: Pizza Hobby: Brazilian jiu-jitsu Fun fact: I have a dog Why Annandale? I love working with this population.

Stacie Shaffer Has-Led Hometown: Catlett, VA Years at Annandale: 7 Colleges attended: James Madison University, Virginia Tech Past career: Teacher Heroes: Mom, Bono, Dalai Lama Favorite food: Mac and Cheese Favorite drink: Dr. Pepper Favorite movie: Dances with Wolves Favorite book: A Tale of Two Cities Why Annandale? Our students are from all over the world.

Lisa Foliaco Lee-Ngo Hometown: Roanoke, VA Years at Annandale: 21 Colleges attended: James Madison University, George Mason University Hero: Older sister Favorite food: French fries Favorite drink: Iced tea Hobby: Walking the dog Favorite movie: Top Gun Favorite book: Light in August Why Annandale? It’s where I started and I love the diversity.

Student gets accepted to New York University Abu Dhabi

BY KHADIJA AHMED Academics Editor Q: How did you find out about NYUAD? A: I was at lunch with my friends and they told me about a friend of theirs that went there for free and got to travel a lot. I wanted to do both of those things.

Q: What was the flight there like?

A: The flight was horrible. I hate airplanes. I didn’t like the food and my back hurt a lot.

Q: What did you learn from visting?

A: The immense diversity solidified my belief of the importance of evaluating multiple perspectives to any situation before drawing conclusions.

Q: Why or why not is NYUAD your first choice?

A: I want to learn more about it to be more knowledgeable about it. It’s my first choice because I wrote my extended essay about the civil war in Yemen. I learned the background of the Middle East.

Luis Valencia Ngu-Rh

Mark Vitelli Ri-Tem

Hometown: Valparaiso, Chile Years at Annandale: 19 College attended: George Washington University Past careers: Soccer player Heroes: Parents Favorite food: Empanadas Hobby: Spending time with family Favorite movie: Dead Poets Society Fun fact: I am a funny guy Why Annandale? I like the student body and it reminds me of my old high school.

Hometown: Bethel Park, PA Years at Annandale: 3 Colleges attended: Syracuse University, George Washington University Hero: Maya Angelou Favorite food: Tacos Hobbies: Biking, jigsaw puzzles Favorite movie: The Shawshank Redemption Fun fact: I always have music playing, so stop by because I take requests Why Annandale? I learn traditions of countries I’d never even heard of before.

Kristin Reagan Evelyn Clumpkens Ten-Z ESOL Hometown: Williamsburg, VA Years at Annandale: 1 Colleges attended: University of Vermont, George Mason University Past careers: Teacher, Student Affairs Heroes: Billie Jean King, Roger Federer Favorite food: Peanut butter crackers Favorite drink: Diet Coke Hobbies: Reading, playing sports Favorite book: A Separate Piece Why Annandale? I want to help these students with academics and careers.

Hometown: Annandale, VA Years at Annandale: 4 College attended: George Washington University, Virginia Tech Past careers: Hotel manager, VP of Finance for an aircraft supplier Favorite food: Sushi and sashimi Favorite drink: Horchata, sangria Hobby: Photography, tennis Favorite movie: Cinema Paradiso Favorite book: Outlander series Why Annandale? I get to connect with students in a way that makes me feel like we’re family.

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

A: We were riding camels and the girl before me was thrown off her camel. The guide said it was my turn after that and I rocked and never came back.

Q: What was it like finding out you got accepted?

A: It was a bittersweet feeling because I was really happy to get in obviously, but it’s also really far away and I’m going to miss my family and friends a lot if I do end up going there.

Not pictured: Olivia Hess (A-Bem) and Stacey Marville (Ben-Dg)

Kidus Ayele hits hard in IB

Earth Day Word Search

BY KHADIJA AHMED Academics Editor

Q: What clubs are you in?

A: I’m in Key Club, Math Honor Society, National Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society, and I’m the secretary of Future Business Leaders of America.

Q: What is your favorite IB subject?

A: My favorite IB subject is Business because it is a laid back class and gives you a financial sense of the world.

IB Spotlight: Profiles of Diploma Candidates

Q: What is your extended essay topic?

A: My extended essay topic was how reparations of East Germany to the Soviet Union led to East Germany’s crippled economy ten years after the war. I decided to investigate this because in my HOA class we discussed the division of Germany and how it affected East Germany’s and West Germany’s economies. I wanted to investigate the economic disparity.

Q: What colleges have you applied to?

A: I applied Early Decision to Lafayette College as part of Posse Scholarship. I also applied to Virginia Tech because of the engineering program and food; University of Virginia because of the engineering program; William and Mary because I wanted to try an in-state college; Hobart and William Smith Colleges because I wanted a safety school that was out of state; George Mason University because of the engineering program and it’s relatively cheaper; Colby College as a reach school; and Brandeis because my cousin went there and the campus is beautiful.

ERIK RIVAS

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

A: I decided to get the IB Diploma because I wanted to take rigorous classes, so I could be better prepared for college.

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 not to procrastinate and persevere through quizzes, tests, and essays which come about almost every week.

Senior Kidus Ayele plays tennis after school. He is #3 on the varsity team.

Q: What colleges have you been accepted to?

A: I have gotten into Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, George Mason University, and William and Mary.

Q: How are you preparing for IB exams?

A: To prepare for the IB exams, I am currently looking over past IB exams which are found online.

As the exam date approaches, I will be reviewing notes from my junior and senior year.

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

A: Always stay on top of your work and for those considering to take IB, I hope you make the decision to do so because it really isn’t that hard. You just have to work a bit more, and it gives your GPA a boost.

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

A: For those applying to college next year, I advise you to apply to elite schools no matter if acceptance chance calculators, like PrepScholar, or people say otherwise.

Scan the QR code to watch a video of her trip.

Air Earth Energy Environment Flower Nature

Protect Recycle Reduce Resource Reuse Sea

HEALTH 7

PHOTO ILLUSTRATIOM BY MANNY PRECHT PRECHT

Wed. April 10, 2019

The JUUL problem persists

BY MANNY PRECHT Health Editor E-cigarettes have been on the market since 2003, their popularity skyrocketing within the last couple of years.

With this explosion of production came problems, minors were buying e-cigarettes such as Juul’s despite the supposed “rules” against teen access to nicotine products.

The consumption of nicotine products by minors became a serious epidemic and government programs such as the FDA have tried to limit teen access to these products.

Recently, a bill changing the legal smoking age from 18 to 21 was signed and passed by Virginia Govenor Ralph Northam. This is a big step in the right direction of limiting teen access to nicotine products.

However, attempts have not seemed to make much progress. Additionally, former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb resigned from his position due to his anti vape campaign not following through.

It seems as if efforts in the restriction of teen purchase of nicotine products have flopped.

Despite the FDA’s ban on certain flavored nicotine products, teens still have access to these “banned” flavors.

Although the FDA’s and other government organizations efforts are honorable, teens continue to have access to e-cigarettes.

In addition to the massive amounts of e-cigarettes that are already circulating in the possession of minors, some stores continue to sell to minors.

It is just simply still too easy to purchase e-cigarettes. The widespread access can partly be because of lackadaisical attitude towards nicotine products.

Many teens seem to consider advertisements and PSA’s against nicotine products as jokes or delusional.

“I see tons of ads on TV, YouTube, Instagram, just about everywhere honestly,” junior Michael Brown said. “I don’t really take them seriously because I know the risks of nicotine products are being blown out of proportion by the ads.”

Unfortunately, some campaigns against nicotine products make arguments that don’t relate to the teen or contain information that is a stretch from the truth.

A common cautionary phrase is “E-cigarettes can contain other harmful substances besides nicotine.” This statement is a stretch from the truth because, in fact, most e-cigarette products contain only Propylene Glycol (PG) and/or Vegetable Glycerin (VG), Non-Oil Food Grade Flavorings and

Nicotine. Unlike ad campaigns say, none of these ingredients are toxic.

It is critical that opposers to e-cigarettes are aware that the danger of e-cigarette products is the addictivity, not the toxicity.

“I saw one anti vaping ad earlier today and it was terrible. In fact, it was actually repulsive and didn’t really send the message that ‘Vaping is bad.’ If ads want to identify to teens, they have to not blow the risks of vaping out of proportion.”

--BRANDEN KIM

junior For change to be made, there needs to be a new approach to talk about the

harms of e-cigarettes.

Additionally, irresponsible store vendors are part of the blame for widespread use of nicotine products by minors.

Many smoke shops and gas stations around the nation continue to sell nicotine products to anyone, no matter the age.

However, the FDA reported actions against e-cigarette vendors that were accused of dealing to minors.

More than 1,300 warning letters and fines to retailers announced were part of a large-scale, undercover nationwide blitz to crack down on the sale of e-cigarettes to minors at both brick-andmortar and online retailers, which was conducted from June through the end of August.

Despite the FDA’s actions, there are still many vendors that sell to minors.

In fact, smoke shops and gas stations around the Northern Virginia area carry reputations for being easy spots for purchasing e-cigarettes or e-cigarette products.

The unfortunate truth is clear, there is little that can be done to stop the consumption of nicotine products by minors.

It is possible that the flow of e-cigarettes to minors can be slowed by limits in attractive flavors that are sold or stores that have a reputation for dealing to minors.

If teens know the consequences of

The Real Facts Most nicotine products only contain 3 ingredients, none of which are toxic. These ingredients are Propylene Glycol (PG) and/or Vegetable Glycerin (VG), Non-Oil Food Grade Flavorings and Nicotine.

More than 3.6 million youths — about 1 in 5 high school students and 1 in 20 middle school students — reported using e-cigarettes.

A survey from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, released the same week, noted that more than one-third — or 37 percent — of high school seniors had vaped at least once in the past year, up 10 percent from a year prior.

Although many teens like to deny, e-cigarette use can act as a “gateway” to cigarettes later in life.

Regular nicotine use has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, something that becomes a concern if people develop a lifelong addiction as children.

Is teen use of nicotine products really a problem?

PATRICK DICONI freshman “No, honeslty I don’t think it’s that bad because it’s up to each student whether they vape or not.”

LAILA LOPEZ sophomore “Yes, because they’re basically the same as cigarettes and cigarettes are bad for your lungs and the people who vape are spending money on dumb stuff.”

NIA LEWIS junior “I think that it is a problem because the amount of teens that are developing nicotine addictions is rising fast.”

NATE FERSON junior “Yeah, it’s a big problem because I can’t even use the bathroom in peace without seeing people vaping in the stalls.”

SAM ABOURAKTY senior “According to my religion, vaping is very haram and it’s not good for so many teens in our community to be vaping.”

JOEL JEPSON History teacher “Yes, it’s definity a problem because I’ve seen students vape before coming to my class.”

As shown on this map, there are numerous smoke shops in the Northern Virginia area. However, smoke shops are not the only place where nicotine products can be purchased. Northern Virginia has more gas stations than smoke shops, all of which sell nicotine products. The vast amount of places where one could purchase a nicotine problem accounts for the widespread use among minors.

Is it even worth it?

A 4 pack of Juul Pods costs $16

A device kit, which just contains a Juul, costs $20 A starter kit, which contains a Juul and pods, costs $30

Getting caught Juuling in school can result in out of school suspension

One Juul Pod delivers about 200 puffs, about as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes

Juuls can easily break or be lost

It can also result in a 30 ban from all extracurricular activities including clubs or sports

A typical pod can last as little 3/4 of a day

Although the possibility is very small, Juuls have been reported to explode.

A 2 pack of Juul Pods costs $10

Additionally, the student and their parents must attend a tobacco seminar about the dangers of using nicotine products

8 PHOTO

PHOTOS BY JESSICA SALISBURY

Wed. April. 8, 2019

The Prom Process Junior Sydney Wuhrer does senior Kayla Holcomb’s make up a few hours before Prom to help her get the glam look she had envisioned.

PHOTO BY J. BOGHOSIAN

With a little help from Chic-fil-a, senior Hangyul Chang asks senior Michelle Dang to be his date for Prom a couple days before the big night.

Seniors enjoy a night out under the cherry blossoms

PHOTO BY J. BOGHOSIAN

Seniors Sarah Hawkins, Carolyn Lemens, Glilea Sejas-Machado, Justin Pham, Christina Le, Anikta Bhertel, Alene Boghosian, Maya Champion, Diana Villarroel, Elisabeth Platt, Jonathan Yim, and Johnathan Hy decide to ride in style as they pose in front of the white limousine they had rented for transportation to and from Prom. They were just 13 out of the 400 students who attended Prom according to class President Efrata Tecle. “Riding in the limo was a lot of fun,” senior Christina Le said. “It was a great way to start off the night right.”

Senior Philip Barlow enjoys some shrimp at The Chart House, a seafood resturant in Old Town, before heading to the dance. “I had never been there before, but the food was really good, and the location was right by the Prom,” Barlow said.

Senior Alene Boghosian walks around Green Springs with some friends in search of the perfect spot to take photos. “We wanted a place with pretty scenery,” Boghosian said. “To make our photos look nice.”

During the dance, seniors Emily Trachsel and Joe Courtney pose for a photo after being crowned Prom king and queen. “I was so excited when I heard my name called, it made my night perfect,” Courtney said.

LEFTT: Senior Jason Villatoro grabs a pastry from the wide variety of assortments of sweets provided at the dessert table. The fun filled night was held at the Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria.

ABOVE: To stay hydrated Senior David Betanco gets a drink from the refreshments table where beverages, including different types of soda and water, were offered to students.

TOP: Seniors Jorge Martinez and Karen Genovez sit at the cherry blossom themed decorated tables and indulge in the food and drinks offered during Prom. “The place was decorated really nicely,” Genovez said. “The pink decorations and lights really brought the cherry blossom theme to life.”

ABOVE: Students hit the dance floor and enjoy the music provided by DJ Tunes, a locally known DMV DJ, throughout the night.

ARTS 9

Wed. April 10, 2019

Students Prepare for Trilogy Concert

PHOTO COURTESY OF GALILEA SEJAS

Band, Chorus and Orchestra set to perform

The Annandale Singers, Combined Women’s Chorus, Philharmonic Strings and Wind Ensemble perform at the Trilogy Ensemble Concert last year. This year’s Trilogy Concert is set on Tues. April 30 at 7 p.m.

Wind Ensemble Senior Milton Ramos

Annandale Singer Sophomore Isabel Pho

Philharmonic Orchestra Senior Alex Ohene-Okae

BY GALILEA SEJAS Arts Editors

BY GALILEA SEJAS Arts Editor

BY GALILEA SEJAS Arts Editor

Senior Milton Ramos wakes up to the angry sound of an alarm clock and the sun blazing through the blinds of a bedroom, as he gets ready for another Red Day filled with his science classes, and, most importantly, band.

Ramos has been a part of the AHS wind ensemble throughout his high school career (playing the oboe), and has also been participating in marching band. He was fortunate enough to be able to be drum major since junior year, beating out the other seniors vouching for the esteemed position.

“Being a drum major has showed me how to feel welcome since I now have this big family. It has helped me create a family and legacy that I could remember,” Ramos said.

From marching band on, he has continued to be an integral part in the wind ensemble, and has thus been proving his music ability and talent any chance that he can get. He played for the pit orchestra for the spring musical, Seussical, all four years and wants to continue playing professionally, potentially for Broadway.

“You just kind of know where most of my students are and their ability to lead,” band director Joseph Witkowski said. “Part of its musical ability, part of it is a social interpersonal skill to be able to have the respect of other students, and just knowing that a. he’s got the musical knowledge and b. demonstrated the personality to do it.”

Being a part of the band has enabled him to gain the experiences he would need with working with his fellow band members, as well as with the other performing arts departments, with the preparation for the Trilogy Concert.

“I feel like any school or outside community should have a similar experience, with a big group of people,” Ramos said.

Music serves as a way for a student to express themselves in ways that they cannot do with clear words.

Sophomore Isabel Pho has been fortunate enough to be one of three sophomores a part of the top choir at AHS, Annandale Singers, where she can demonstrate her talent even more. Additionally, she has recently been able to take part in the All-State Chorus where a select few of singers, four for her soprano singing range, in all of Virginia, come together and perform.

“She has a strong ability and talent, when she came to me a year ago as a freshman, her class schedule wouldn’t allow her to sing with Atom Chorale, so I immediately moved her up to the upper choir because I didn’t want to lose her,” choral director Patrick Vaughn said.

It’s getting increasingly difficult to enter into the Annandale Singers, due to the amount of skills a singer needs to possess, but it’s not impossible.

“I feel like it’s a great learning opportunity, and it’s definitely a challenge that has pushed me to be better,” Pho said.

The Annandale Singers have been preparing for the Trilogy Concert like other performing arts classes, but they preview the meaning and origin behind each song individually before learning the full song. By doing so, it allows the singers to be able to gain a sense of the theme and purpose of the song to ensure that they sing it with the right ideas and passion that each one of them desires to demonstrate.

Some of the songs that they will be performing are “I Hear America Singing,” composed by Andre Thomas or “Battle of the Hymn Republic,”

by Julia Ward Howe. In various pieces, the Annandale Singers will be singing alongside the band and orchestra groups to create an even more melodious composition. “[Singing] is one of the best feelings in the world,” Pho said. “ I can truly express myself and communicate certain ideas of great importance.

The Philharmonic Orchestra has begun preparing for the Trilogy Concert. This is one of the last times that they would be able to perform as an ensemble with the other performing arts departments, making the whole event even more bittersweet. For senior Alex OheneOkae, the trilogy concert is reflective of how much work and dedication he put into orchestra, from the moment he began freshman year.

Being a part of orchestra, like many other students, has allowed him to redirect any anger, sadness or passionate energy into his music. In addition to playing a cello, dabbling in bass, violin and viola, he has been able to arrange music for the different orchestra levels to perform.

“According to my teacher, the pieces that I’ve been giving to the students, this year has been level 6, the highest level, like the most difficult music to play,” Ohene said.

It is difficult to arrange and compose music, since there is not specific, cheap and professional program or software that students would be able to do so; thus, showing his true dedication to creating music for others.

“He arranges and composes music and I think that’s so special and such a unique gift to be able to arrange music and create those phrases, feelings and passions,” orchestra teacher Larisa Marian said.

Unfortunately, the compositions that Ohene has created may not be heard at the Trilogy Concert, but his performance, along with the Annandale choir and wind ensemble will heard as a uniting ensemble of the performing arts.

“We’re all manifestations of the same things and the human soul, with different techniques, guitar, singing and acting technique,” Marian said. “We are expressing our humanity.”

Boghosian plays guitar in the Butter Battle Band during the spring musical, Seussical, which closed on March 30th.

Boghosian performs as the character Anon, during the fall play, Anon(ymous).

Multi-talented artist: Sophomore Nareg Boghosian

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF NAREG BOGHOSIAN

BY GALILEA SEJAS Arts Editor

Boghosian sings as a mrmber in the Greaser gang in the song, “Greased Lightin,’” during Broadway Desserts early this year.

For most students, they have a specific passion for the arts, rather than every performing arts department. Sophomore Nareg Boghosian has a passion for the performing arts. He not only takes part in the top orchestra available at AHS, he also participates in Mens Chorale, Jazz Band and in the Annandale Theatre Company.

He is an all around performing arts student who loves to perform.

“Basically I wanted to learn new instruments. A lot of my friends are already in these classes, so I just thought it would be fun to make music with them and hang out at the same time,” sophomore Nareg Boghosian said.

Most students continue playing their instrument, whether it be their vocal or physical instrument (i.e. guitar), because they found a sense of family through taking part on any performing arts department, enjoy playing the instrument, or both. Being able to play more than one instrument takes skill, practice and talent to

be able to memorize the different it would be a consistent job and mechanics or tones of each you wouldn’t need to freelance,” instrument; some may be born Boghosian said. with the talent from the start, or Boghosian has been fortunate practice from a young age and enough to continue and pursue his master this skill for the future. various passions for the performing “I started playing violin when arts. He does not limit himself and I was five years old because my his ability to be able to show what great uncle was in a professional he can do through his performance. orchestra, the “Aside John Williams from the fact “Music has orchestra and that he has perfect pitch the national helped me his ability symphony meet new to add to orchestra, so I what we was inspired people, have do in men’s by different new opporchorale is members of significant my family tunities to perform.” especially and took --NAREG BOGHOSIAN at his age,” after that,” sophomore chorale Boghosian director said.

Patrick With the Vaughn said. “The fact that he’s heavy influence that his family has showing a lot of leadership at his played on him, it has inspired him age is a really cool thing.” to continue pursuing music and Mens Chorale is available to has thus enabled him to consider students who don’t have room in finding a lifelong career in music. their schedule to take any chorus “I think it would be nice to join classes during the day, but are a military band, because if I play willing to take part in it every an instrument in a military band,

Tuesday after school.

Taking difficult classes during the day is already stressful enough, but delegating time after and staying at school until 9 p.m. demonstrates how much dedication and passion that Boghosian has towards the performing arts.

“We sure hope it’s not difficult being apart of all the arts departments,” band director Joseph Witkowski said. “The teachers in the department want students to be able to explore different paths.”

All teachers in the performing arts department want to have their students pursue their passions and interests, even if it includes all the forms of art.

“We have students like Nareg who take everything and I wish that we could be more connected like that all the time,” orchestra teacher Larisa Marian. “We are one family, we are all just different sides of the same thing. It’s great for students to observe that.”

10 IN-DEPTH

Wed. April 10, 2019

IN-DEPTH 11

Wed. April 10, 2019

No need to cheat, just study Why do students cheat?

Is the stressful nature of school to blame for the problem of cheating?

Don't make a mistake

“I feel labeled as a 'cheater' and it still follows me, and teachers do not trust me or my own work.”

--ANONYMOUS

When I came to school the next day, my teacher confronted me. I had no defense. It was clear that I messed up, and my attempt at hiding it made it much worse.

As she talked to me, I was pretty silent. She was mad, but more in a disappointed way, which made me feel even worse about what I had done.

She said that she had no choice but to give me a referral. I was surprised, but I had no reason to be and deserved this. This was not the first time that she had talked to me about cheating.

I had to talk to an administrator about what had happened. They called my mom and dad, and since this was not my first infraction, I had detention for a week, and I was not allowed to submit my own version of the essay. In the end, I got a zero for my work.

This punishment was big for me. This referral is always going to be on my record, so that means that colleges will see that I have cheated before.

The zero that I got for the assignment did even more damage to what was already a struggling grade.

Additionally, I feel like the label as a ‘cheater’ still follows me, and teachers do not trust me or my own work.

It is not a good feeling, and this experience definitely scared me straight.

Hopefully, listening to what happened to me will have the same effect on you. I hope others do not ever cheat, and that those who do will stop soon.

The old saying goes that "cheating on a test is cheating one's self." Cheating is a persistent problem amonst students. Everyone has seen it or done it themseleves. As time goes on, cheating is evolving as students pick up on new strategies and techniques as technology expands. The question is: why do people cheat, and what can be done to prevent it?

What would you do if you saw someone cheating?

Struggling to study?

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY SUAD MOHAMED

A quick list of resources to help with studying

BY SUAD MOHAMED In-Depth Editor One of the top reasons that people cheat is not because they are bad people with no morals. Sometimes, people do not have the study skills or knowledge to help them succeed on their own.

Whether one has focus issues or does not understand a concept in class, some people just have a lot of trouble sitting down and preparing for a test.

Thankfully, at there are many resources to help people who need additional support.

1

THE ATOMS WRITING CENTER The AWC is a club that is supported by the Advanced Composition class.

The club offers peer tutors who are available to help students edit and revise writing assignments for all classes.

The peer tutors also run workshops on different topics, such as preparation for SOLs and grammar.

Additionally, the website has blogs that give quick tips on similar topics, like the use of punctuation.

Tutors are available to help fellow students during W4, red day lunches, and after school on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Workshops are held every couple weeks.

2

HONOR SOCIETIES National Social Studies Honor Society is an honors society that is comprised

LOUIS ALTAN freshman "In middle school, I used to see a lot of kids cheating, but I wouldn't usually say anything because there is no reason for me to say something whenever they do something like that."

CAMILLE GRULLARD freshman "I usually don't say anything if they aren't cheating off of me, but if they were, it depends on what they're cheating off of."

ALAN NGUYEN sophomore "If I saw someone cheating, I wouldn't do anything because they would get caught by themselves."

ZARIYAH BROWN sophomore "I don't remember a time I have ever seen anyone cheat on anything big like a test, but I have seen people copy off homework from each other."

VINCENT NGUYEN junior "I wouldn't say anything because if I did, it would look bad on me. Also, people tend to cheat every day so stopping one person wouldn't really matter all that much.

KALKIDAN TUCKER junior "I see people cheating in my classes almost every day but I don't say anything because the teachers find out right there."

Student Survey Cheating is never okay, regardless of the circumstances

The Atoms Writing Center is open during Red Day lunches, W4, and after school on Wednesdays to help students with writing assignments. of the top science students at the school.

The club offers help on all work related to science classes.

Math Honors Societies is another honors society that is always offering to help students with homework and other assignments for math class.

If you are seeking help, you should feel free to talk to your teacher or approach a student that is in one of these clubs to aid you.

GARRETT PATTERSON senior "If the person cheating was cheating off of me, I would usually cover up my paper because there is no reason to cheat if you study hard and manage your time wisely."

LAURA GALLEGOS senior "I wouldn't say anything, because I wasn't in the situation unless they were cheating off of me. If they were, I would probably still not say anything though."

Without a doubt, all students have witnessed someone cheat before, or have cheated themselves. From quick homework assignments to massive finals, everyone has done it before.

Academic Integrity, an organization that conducts studies on students and education, surveyed 70,000 American students.

According to this survey, 95% of these students admitted to cheating in some shape or form throughout their academic career.

Whether we try to deny it or not, it is clear that cheating is big problem that is running rampant through the halls of every single school.

Modern technology has only worsened the issue. It has become very easy to get answers to tests and quizzes online, and some students even go as far as to take pictures of assignments and send them around.

Teachers are obviously aware of this issue, and always take steps to try and solve this issue.

Programs like Safe Assign, giving out different versions of tests and quizzes, and collecting phones at the beginning of class are a few examples of measures teachers take to prevent cheating.

“To prevent cheating in my classroom, I have students submit papers into Safe Assign, and I give failing scores if I catch someone cheating,” English 10 Honors teacher Justina Butera said. “Sometimes, I will allow students to retake or redo the assignment, but that just depends on the situation.”

But sometimes, these preventative measures do not work. So what can be done to solve this issue?

The first step is to attempt to understand what causes students to cheat.

Sometimes, students do not cheat because they are immoral people who do not care about the rules. They do it because they think it’s their only option.

Most days, it feels like the modern day education system is set up in order to overwhelm students with an abundance of tasks.

From homework, to studying for tests who always seem to fall on the same day, it is hard to do things correctly and in an orderly fashion.

Adding on extracurriculars like sports and clubs, and making time to spend with friends and family makes the day feel even more restricting.

Students who feel like they have so much to do in a short period of time are more inclined to cheat. The root of this

TEACHERS WHO CAUGHT STUDENTS CHEATING

Most students claim that they are inclined to cheat on school assignments and tests because they feel like they are overwhelmed and stressed. Most of these people lack study and time management skills. issue is that a lot of students lack time management skills and are procrastinators.

Though this problem is hard to solve, it is entirely possible.

“When I know that I have a lot of assignments to do, I use whatever free time I have to complete my work,” junior Abby Kitila said. “Even if it is just five minutes, that is enough time to solve one math problem or figure out a thesis for an essay.”

“When I know that I have a lot of assignments to do, I use whatever free time I have to complete my work.”

--ABBY KITILA

junior Other helpful solutions include making schedules and alarms, and prioritizing important assignments over those that do not matter as much.

Another reason why students cheat is because they simply have poor study skills.

Many students spend a lot of time looking at notes and solving practice problems, but do so in an inefficient manner that does them no good.

Study skills can be developed rather quickly.

Using tools such as Quizlet and studying with friends can be helpful in ensuring that one will comprehend the material well enough to do well on an assignment.

Additionally, there are many people who feel like they need to cheat in order to impress other people, specifically their parents.

A lot of times, parents can unintentionally set extremely high standards that their kids feel like they have to meet in order to please them.

Other people do the most when it comes to cheating not because they want to make their parents happy, but because they want to beat out their friends and peers.

People like this are racked by nerves and feel like they don’t have the potential to reach this high targets on their own, so they turn to cheating.

Students who are struggling with these issues should understand that their grades do not define them. It may be easier to make everyone happy by earning a false grade, but showing off a grade that they earned on their own will feel even better.

While all of these reasons for cheating are understandable, it still does not make passing off someone else’s work as your own okay and acceptable.

Regardless of what troubles someone is going through, they should work hard on their own to earn fair grades.

If a student is struggling, there are many people, such as teachers and peers, who are willing to support you in being the best student you can be - the right and fair way.

If I see others cheat, it is okay for me to cheat too

Honor Code on Cheating and Plagiarism Honorable school citizens take credit only for work that is their own. Deliberately copying or using the work of others is considered cheating, plagiarism, or forgery. Students are prohibited from sharing work or discussing assessments with others.

Strongly Agree 19.7%

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

37.5%

30.5%

10.2%

Strongly Disagree 2.1%

Strongly Agree 9.6%

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

23.4%

19.3%

29.4%

Consequences of Cheating

Strongly Disagree 18.3%

I feel guilty when I cheat

Cheating is okay as long as I don't get caught

3

GIVE TUTORING Another great tutoring opportunity that is offered in the community is GIVE tutoring.

Held at multiple different libraries and community centers across the Northern Virginia region, GIVE allows students in the area to seek aid from high school volunteers.

Students of all ages and grades can visit the GIVE website to find convenient locations and times to visit and get help on assignments for all subjects.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION OF CARYL PAGULAYAN BY SUAD MOHAMED

The day that I got caught cheating in my English class was one of the worst days of my life.

It was supposed to be another easy summative assignment.

However, it was not the first time that I had cheated in that class, and I definitely was not planning on it being my last.

Most students who take IB Literature know that we do not write a lot of essays. The first formal writing assignment was in the third quarter and to me, it was unexpected.

Prior to that assignment, most of our grade was heavily weighted on class presentations.

I was not very good at the writing aspect of assignments, but I was a good presenter, so that balanced my grades out.

So when it came time do finally do an essay, I was in a tough position.

I never read the book, and I did not have time to before this essay was due. I had multiple other tests and games during that week, and I kept putting the essay off.

The first thing that I did was ask my friends if they could help, but no one could.

We all picked different passages from the book, so no one could relate to or understand the point that I was trying to make with the passage that I had chosen.

My next step was a decision I will forever regret. I decided that the best thing for me to do was to plagiarize my essay.

I came home the day before it was due and spent hours looking for an essay written about the book that was similar enough to my passage.

After about three hours, I found one that was perfect. I copied and pasted it into a Word document and submitted it in the SafeAssign program on Blackboard.

BY SUAD MOHAMED In-Depth Editor

GRACE JONES

BY ANONYMOUS Special to The A-Blast

Safe Assign gives submitters and teachers a percentage of what they believe was plagiarized.

When I saw that the percentage for ‘my’ essay was about 97%, I panicked and quickly hit unsubmit.

I quickly began to edit the essay, change words here and there to decrease the percentage and make the writing seem like my own.

But none of this mattered. Although the plagiarism percentage of my re-submission was far lower, about a 35%, my teacher could see the original submission, so it was glaringly obvious to her that I had cheated.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION OF (LEFT TO RIGHT) TJEODORE HUTNAN, TSENAT EFREY, AND ISAAC BOAKYE BY HENRY HOANG

Student reveals her experience with cheating and the drastic outcomes

Strongly Agree 22.8%

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

17.2%

13.7%

30.4%

Strongly Disagree 15.9%

Strongly Agree 14.2%

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

21.3%

20.3%

12.6%

Strongly Disagree 31.5%

200 SURVEYS WERE DISTRIBUTED ON MARCH 29 DURING PRIDE TIME. 50 OF THEM WERE GIVEN TO EACH GRADE LEVEL AND COUNTED.

If these interventions are successful, referral to the school administrator may not be necessary: • Reminder of improper action and expectations • Seat change • Teacher conference with the student • In-class time-out and/or written reflection • Loss of privileges based on behavior If previous attempts are not effective: • Phone call and/or letter to parent • Teacher conference with parent • Conflict resolution with counselor • Peer meditation • Class or schedule change

When earlier interventions are not effective or behavior is extremely disruptive, school-based consequences may apply: • Detention • Alternative Instruction Arrangement (AIA) for less than half a day • In-school suspension (ISS) for more than half a day • Referral to counselor • Suspension of computer and/or personal device privileges • Loss of personal device privileges • Parent conference with administrator and teacher • Referral to school psychologist and/or school social worker

"I have caught several students cheating on various assignments in my 3 years of teaching. The biggest cheating "scandal" I ever caught was when I found a pencil that had letters written all over it with a perfect answer key to one of my tests.

Apparently a student had left it behind. I asked some students

History Teacher Kathryn Hallett

and people were selling these 'answer-key pencils'. Now before a test, I always check pencils."

English Teacher Timothy Hardy

"I have caught students with

"I have had quite a few cheating

answers written on their arms,

scandals this year. In my World

I have found students trying to

History 2 class, my team-teach-

hide their phone in their lap,

er and I found a pencil with

and most commonly I find that

the answers to the test written

students copy things from the

on it. I have also had incidenc-

internet and submit it as their

es where students were writing

own work. When students copy

answers on desks. It is really a

things from the internet, it is

shame because a zero is worst

usually because they are lazy,

than a failing grade. Thankful-

so I can usually find where they copied from on the first page of Google results."

History and English Teacher Constance McNair

ly, the majority of my students have not been involved with cheating."

"I catch students cheating all

"It's easy to catch them since

the time in my class. Mostly, it

tests are done on the computers

is students copying each oth-

nowadays. Students try to look

er's homework as soon as they

up answers, but I have better

get into class right before it is

than perfect vision, (20/15), so I

due or they're cheating on tests.

can easily see them do it. I also

Most students are not very slick

had a second student turn in an

about it when it comes to cheat-

opinion paper that was copied

ing. I make it a point to walk

from another person. Very few

History Teacher Michael Shumaker

people have the same opinions so when it sounded familiar, I just took a sentence and copied it into my Google Drive."

around the room while they're

Economics and History Teacher Ashley Senior

testing or sit in the back so I can easily see their computer screens."

12 INTERNATIONAL

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY YABI BEREKET

Wed. April 10, 2019

Anthropology teacher Holly Miller teaches her students about different tribes and cultures around the world. By doing this, students become more open to cultural differences.

Students experience culture in Anthropology

BY YABI BEREKET International Editor Whether it’s to spread cultural diversity, or to fight against prejudice in the classroom, many students only have good things to say about the IB Anthropology class offered here.

Holly Miller has been the IB Anthropology SL teacher for 11 years. Since then, a majority of the curriculum has stayed the same.

The class is broken down into different units, the first being What Anthropology Is, the second being What Anthropologists Study, and finally How They Study It. “We also look at different aspects of social structure and try to find similarities between those cultures and our own,” Miller said.

The Anthropology course falls under the umbrella of history classes, which is what Miller has been interested in since high school.

Not only this, but Miller had the opportunity to study abroad in England during her graduate years of college.

“I knew I loved travelling and history, so this was a good experience for me,” Miller said. “The trip was really cool because you meet other students from around the world, and you have a lot of free time on your

What is your favorite aspect of taking Anthropology class?

Holly Miller brings in real world experiences to provide wholesome learning experience hands as well to explore."

After this, Miller participated in the Peace Corps for two and a half years.

“I always knew that I wanted to teach abroad, so I applied after hearing my professor talk about it for a while,” Miller said. “From there, I filled out the application which was a long process, then they sent me an invitation to teach in Kyrgyzstan."

Kyrgyzstan was a newly developed nation when Miller first heard about it, since the Soviet Union had just come to its downfall.

“The country was new to me and I had never heard of it, but I was nonetheless still excited to go and explore,” Miller said.

While there, Miller's main job was to teach English as a second language, and she got to live with a Russian and Kyrgyz family while there.

“We did this thing called teacher training which is where we share our technologies and other things with Kyrgyz teachers who were restricted when under Soviet control,” Miller said.

Miller taught at two schools and with the help of other volunteers, had the chance to open up clubs such as

American Culture club and a Soccer club.

“In the American Culture club, I had the chance to make brownies and pizza with the kids, and we played a lot of baseball too,” Miller said.

While being there, Miller had the experience of trying to teach English, while learning to speak the native language of Kyrgyz.

“Over time I heard my kyrgyz improve, but it was still a challenge for me,” Miller said.

This experience Miller had while living abroad is what led her to become a Anthropology teacher.

In order to be considered to be part of the Peace Corps, Miller had to spend time first teaching immigrants how to speak English in community centers and churches.

Being able to express creativity and watching people begin to understand the concepts led Miller to expressing signs of interest of teaching.

“When I first started teaching at AHS, I didn’t apply for the Anthropology position, but the people who were in charge at the time thought that it would be a good fit for me

REDIET EFREM junior "What I love the most about Anthropology is how easy going the class is. It's a class that I get excited for, and I'm always ready to learn something new whenever I enter. I voluntarily enter the class read to pay attention, and I try to be a cooperative student as well.

I like creating the projects for class too, like the family tree of my lineage."

CYNTHIA NGUYEN junior "I love the atmosphere of the class because it is very open. I am someone who loves to learn about different cultures in order to understand them. I feel like studying so many cultures has made me a much more open person and a less judgemental person of other cultures that are different from my own."

KALIKDAN TUCKER junior "My favorite aspect about taking this class is getting to learn about the cultures, and I also love how Ms. Miller teaches. She brings in foods, videos, and other things to better our learning experiences. I like how we learn about very different cultures, but we are able to find so many similarities between there's and ours."

ALLISON SCOTT senior "I loved learning about the Amish and I'm really excited to go on the field trip. It's interesting to learn about them because they live their life differently life they don't incorporate technology in their lives.

It's really interesting because in our society we are so heavily dependent on technology. This trip will be an interesting one. "

because of my background,” Miller said.

From there, Miller began her teaching career at AHS. “Reading the textbook over the summer was interesting because a lot of the time I would be able to make connections to my own experiences,” Miller said.

Learning about different cultures was no problem for Miller.

However, students who previously took or do take the class are expected to come with a certain open mindedness to cultures and traditions different from their own.

“I think it’s easier to teach students here are Annandale because of the diversity,” Miller said.

Being ethnocentric, or judging another culture based on your own cultural standards, is a negative habit which people naturally have.

But Miller tries her best to combat it through exposing students to different cultures like the Amish and the Ju’hoansi.

"It is important that students are aware of their ethnocentrism as we go through the year,” Miller said.

As the year goes on, students develop the maturity level needed for the class, which allows for students ot focus on other aspects of the class.

NILEE KERR senior "My favorite parts of taking Anthropology is when we have our discussions out loud which incorporates the whole class. I also love how she shows us videos throughout to show us what she might be talking about, and uses it as a reference. I also love how Ms. Miller tries to submerse us into the culture by giving us like foods to eat."

MARYAM ATIQUE senior "I like the different cultures we learn about and how different every culture is in its own special way. The traditions of each culture is so interesting. The tribes we learn about like the Ju'hoansi and the Amish is interesting to learn about because it's so different from how we live our own life, I love learning about it. "

Around the world Female activists set to go on trial In Saudi Arabia, 11 female human rights activists are set to go on trial in Saudi Arabia.

They are charged for fighting for the equality of Saudi women, who are not allowed to walk alone without male guardianship in Saudi. "I think human rights should be universal, and these women have justice," senior Hemen Besufekad said.

India launches satelitte in space According to prime minister Narendra Modi, India has successfully launched their first satellite into space. This then puts them in the race with other countries such as the U.S., China, and Russia, who have also been in space. The space program of India now plans to send someone into space within the next three years.

Anti-LGBTQ laws to be enacted in Brunei Since April 3, new anti-gay laws will be constituted in the small country of Brunei.

This is due to the government now installing Islamic laws in te country, known as Shar'ia law. Many people are seeking asylum in other countries to avoid the persecution they may face.

Immigrant stories: coming to America How senior Hemen Besufekad made her journey from Ethiopia to the United States Senior Hemen Besufekad was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2001. Besufekads trip first started in September of 2009, where she first traveled to London with her mother and sister to visit her aunt.

After staying there for a month, Besufekad made the final stop to Alexandria, Virginia, which became her home for the years to come.

“I was definitely scared when I first came because I was in an unfamiliar setting, but one week in and I saw there were so many habeshas in this area,” Besufekad said. “It helped me find a sense of community, and I was able to make friends with other people of other ethnicities as well.”

After this, Besufekad had to try her best to fit in to the new environment that she was placed into. ”In Ethiopia, all you really see are other Ethiopians who are in the area, besides that, there was no other sort of diversity,” Besufekad said.

Trying to fit in to the country that was completely new and foreign to her

had its struggles as there are for many immigrants.

“I did not know the language well enough to fit in perfectly, but I was able to speak basic conversational English,” Besufekad said.

Back in Ethiopia, some television shows were produced in English.

This made it easier for Besufekad to understand bit and pieces, but she was still unable to grasp the language fully.

Besufekad was really put to the test especially when starting out in the third grade. Although she was trying her best to fit in, other kids never accepted her and purposely voiced their opinions on her lack of English comprehension.

“Some kids in my class would ask me why I had such a heavy accent and things like that, and it drove me to try and learn English better,” Besufekad said.

Lucky enough, Besufekad had picked up on it quick, and began to assimilate to American culture through becoming more fluent in English, and playing games with other kids her age.

“It was in third grade while

learning how to play hopscotch that I met one of my closest friends who was not Ethiopian, we have still remained friends since then,” Besufekad said.

While entering the education system here, Besufekad had been able to pick up on some differences.

“For one thing, I had noticed that it is the teachers who come to you rather than having the class itself change around,” Besufekad said.

Students in Ethiopia are also ranked, starting from when they first attend school, all the way through high school.

School in America came easy to Besufekad since she was heavily prepared in Ethiopia, but the absence of family in her life had not been something she was prepared for.

“We try to call as often as we can, but it doesn’t change the fact that we aren’t there with them,” Besufekad said.

Despite this, Besufekad has made the best of her life here, whether it be through participating in the school choir, or exceling in her classes.

“I really am blessed to have an opportunity like this which I know a lot of people don’t get,” Besufekad said. Senior Hemen Besufekad dances the traditional Ethiopian dance for Heritage Night.

PHOTO CREDIT: HEMEN BESUFEKAD

BY YABI BEREKET International Editor

LIFESTYLES 13

Wed. April 10, 2019

Start off your spring right Follow these fashion tips to help you out Light-Wash Denim Jacket

Graphic Tees

Old Navy; $29.99

TJ Maxx ; $7.99

Even with the sun being out and about a denim jacket is always necessary. Wearing a tube top or a crop tops under can style it a bit. Denim can look good with any color so it shouldn’t be hard to top it off can style it a bit. Denim can look good with any color, so it shouldn’t be hard to top it off.

Tees are very important for guys and girls during the hot season.Tees come in all different colors and sizes.

Wearing a graphic tee is perfect during spring time because it's breezy and fits well with jeans, shorts or sweatpants.

Floral Tube Top

Denim jeans

Zaful; $10

Hollister; $25

Tube top are always a yes during spring and summer. It’s always affordable and can match anything. Forever 21 has them for as low as $5.

Jeans are the most convenient pair of pants to have because they come in many different designs and they can help you stay fashionable while being comfortable.

Black tights H&M; $29.99

Nike

Thankfully, tights are a year round clothing item, so wearing tights in spring is expected. Tights are the universal clothing item, it looks good with any type of outfit and they come in many different designs and colors.

H&M provides quality tights which excuses the high price and they always have a tight fit.

PHOTO CREDIT: JONATHAN ASSEFA

Although the price of the shoes may be a bit high, it's still worth getting because the quality is good and they are durable enough to withstand the warm weather.

PHOTO CREDIT: KASSIE PERALTA

White Fila

Offer Up; $100

Shopbop; $65 Once again, owning a pair of white sneakers is an spring and summer essential so it's smart to purchase some before all the good ones go out and before the prices begin to sky rocket, especially because they are in season.

Apple watch AT&T; $400 Investing in an Apple Watch is very much worth it. The price may be high, however, there are some websites like Bonanza and Ebay that resell used watches for a very low price.

How to dress for the warm weather

BY MARAYM DEREJE Lifestyles Editor As the air gets warmer and the nights get longer, it is important to be aware that your clothing should be changing too.

Updating your wardrobe is time consuming, but it is important that it is done to avoid getting left out from the trends coming up.

Throughout this month, people are able to dress in less layers and still look amazing.

One of the main things to remember when dressing in spring clothing is to wear colors that pop during this time of the year, such as yellow, green, pink, blue, and purple.

These coming months will be the most promising in regards to style and fashion.

There are many main components that make a great outfit for the spring, but one of the key elements in looking your best and staying cool too is

investing in shorts and tank tops. the season and some dresses was on the Almost everyone knows the type list." of look: the long flowy cardigan with a Another key element in trying to crop top and denim shorts. keep up with spring fashion trends is This outfit is the way to go if you rounding up a some cardigans. As basic feel like dressing as buying a carup yet still staying digan may seem, cool and still lookthere is an endless “Whenever I go to the ing good. amount of reasons Crop tops, tube mall, I make sure to why you should tops, shorts and own at least one. look through all the dresses are the Cardigans can most important be worn in other stores before I decide seasons and is clothing items of on purchasing clothes a staple clothspring. ing piece people “Whenever because I want to make should have in I go to the mall, sure I’m getting my their closets.

I make sure to money's worth.”

Using a carlook through all digan looks great the stores before --MELAT HAIMANOT when wearing a I decide on purjunior dress or pants and chasing clothes can really bring because I want an outfit togethto make sure I’m er. There are getting my money so many different patterns and colors worth," senior Melat Haimanot said. which you can purchase at any store.

“I already went out to buy clothes for

One of the many great things about a cardigan is how it works in either direction: it could make your outfit look like you really tried or it could help enhance the 'bum' outfit look and still make you feel like you tried.

Attempting to pick one cardigan will be the challenge, but one worth overcoming if you find the right one.

The one thing to look out for when wearing a cardigan is making sure the color scheme of the outfit actually matches and it is not just a combination of non-coordinating colors.

Lastly, I think the overarching component of a spring clothing item is the ever beloved dress. Dresses have so much variety and you can always count on Forever 21 and thrift stores to provide you with bargains on all types of clothing.

A specific type of dress style that many people tend to steer towards is T-shirt dresses.

T-shirt dresses are much more comforting when wearing and can really compliment your body.

Spring sales happening now • Forever 21

Buy one get one 99% off, on all sale items.

Code: BOGO99

• H&M

Buy one get one 50% off all shorts.

• Anthropologie

You can score an extra $25 off sale items.

• Asos

Sale items are up to 60% off.

• Urban Outfitters

Urban is having a sale online only right now for 50%.

• Hollister

25% off in store and online.

Fashion Spotlight: Isabella Domeneck, 12

Q: Where do you like to shop?

A: I like to shop at Forever 21 since there is always so much you can look for. Some things are nicer than others, but I usually find something. I also check online- but I have to be more careful.

PHOTO CREDIT ISABELLA DOMENECK

Q: What is your favorite accessory?

A: My favorite accessory is the ring I wear everyday since I was nine years old. It was given to me by my grandfather.

Senior Isabella Domeneck wears a light pink shirt with a black skirt.

Q: What is your typical outfit for school?

A: For school, if it’s warm I like to wear a dress or a skirt with a little jacket on top. If it’s cooler., I wear pants and a sweater.

Q: What do you wear on bum days?

A: If I stay at home, I just wear my pajamas all day long.

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

A: I love to dress for spring because it’s pretty and I love floral things.

Q: Do you dress to impress or for yourself?

A: I guess both. If I dress nice I feel happy.

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

A: It takes me about 30 minutes.

Q: How much do you invest in clothing?

A: I don’t think I have to pay the highest amount if money for nice clothes, but I spend like $20-$40.

Q: What is your favorite pair of shoes?

A: I love wearing my Mary Janes which I mainly wear for orchestra concerts but they’re also cute and comfy.

PHOTO CREDIT ISABELLA DOMENECK

Q: How did you learn to dress?

A: I learned to dress a lot from my culture in Brazil, we care a lot about how we look.

It feels nice to also dress well. I was also influenced by my mom and grandma, they told me from a young age the do’s and don'ts of fashion.

Domeneck wears a black dress with white dots and wears a skin tight black leggings under.

14 PEOPLE

Wed. April 10, 2019

PHOTO COURTESY JESSICA

Special Olympics basketball tournament held

The coaches, Leadership students and players from the Special Olympics program pose for a picture after the banquet on Wed. March 20 which recognized each participant and staff with awards.

Atoms win one basketball game against Lee High School The Special Olympics program is an event held for students with intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities.

Although the program has many benefits, one of the goals is to help the Special Ed students feel more involved and included at school.

During W4 in Clausen Hall on March 20, the banquet for the Special Olympics was held and invited parents, players and leadership members to be recognized. Leadership students and the special ed students gathered together for the banquet.

The event began with introductions, recognition of the staff, and paper plate awards for all players but there were also awards for the Leadership students that participated. Leadership students were giving all the players their personal awards based on their characteristics. For example, brightest smile or most energetic.

“The event was an awesome experience and if I could join leadership, I would’ve in order to have the opportunity to help our community and meet new people,” senior Alex Huynh said.

“It gives them friends and people to look up to and say ‘hi’ to in the hallway,” Jessica Arias, Special Olympics coach and Leadership teacher said.

For this year’s tournament, there were around 50 students ho participated.

The students involved have the opportunity to play basketball during the winter season and track

PHOTO COURTESY: JAE LEE

BY JAMIE HAMADEH People Editor

Special olympics coach and Multiple Disabilities teacher Jae Lee encourages junior Thomas Winant at the basketball tournament at Poe Middle School on Jan. 20.

and field for the spring season.

The Spring ournament is a great opportunity for students to take part in the track events. The track and field events include 100-meter, 400meter, 1600-meter, 4x400 relay, softball toss, shot put, javelin throw, standing and running long jump.

The basketball tournaments are unified with peer helpers, the Leadership students and the athletes on the court.

Each athlete was assigned a leadership student to work and build a friendship with.

Some of the games and events are

“It is really fun to see them enjoying what they’re doing, playing and just being kids.”

--JESSICA ARIAS

Leadership teacher

held during the Pride Time period and the tournaments are held on the weekends.

The Leadership students include Leadership president senior Vitalina

HUMANS OF ANNANDALE My passion has always been singing as well as being a stylist. I knew I wanted to be a singer since I was seven years old.

Being on stage is an amazing feeling however it is extremely terrifying. Nothing makes me as happy as I am when I am preforming; especially when people compliment my voice and get emotional when I sing. Singing has been a huge part of my life. I sing every day and I’m starting to make my own music.

In addition to making my own music, I’m also in a rock band named ‘4 sale’. I love being in my band because I get to sing and we all enjoy making music together.

My passion for clothes came later in my life but I love it just as much as I love singing. I take fashion seriously and I love putting pieces together and styling my other friends. I have also been into sewing and making my own clothes. I never walk out of the house without putting effort into my outfits. My outfits and music express who I am.

Many people understand my personality through what I wear because it reflects who I am. When I graduate I plan on majoring in music and minoring in marketing. I want to make music and fashion a lifelong career because it’s all I want to do with my life.

It brings me joy and I want to be able to influence people in a positive way. I want people to relate to what I have to say. I strive to be the voice for others.

Aside from my passions, now that I am older and look back on these past years I’ve

Fuentes, junior Cindy Amaya, and senior Yusuf Muhammad have worked together since the first Special Olympics program which took place last year.

They attend every practice with the athletes to help them improve their skills and build good positive relationships with each other.

“I think the program is important because you create a bond with he students and friendships that they might not have had before,” Arias said. “It is really fun to see them enjoying what they’re doing, playing and just being kids.”

The Leadership students also got involved by playing and attending the basketball games and track meets.

“Inclusion is the key,” Multiple Disabilities Teacher and Special Olympics coach Lee said. “I decided to start this Special Olympics program because we did not really have a program in place for our students with disabilities to participate in and to promote inclusion.”

Last year was the first of the Special Olympics program but it is now a tradition for our school.

“I started the Special Olympics program last year which was my first year as a teacher,” Lee said. “This is just my second year as a teacher at Annandale or ever.”

Lee plans to continue coaching the Special Olympics program for the following years to come.

The events are a great experience not only for the athletes, but also for everyone involved.

“My favorite part of this program is being able to give our students the opportunity to participate in sports and activities that they may not normally be able to participate in,” Lee said, “I also love Special Olympics because it promotes inclusion and to include everyone in everything.”

The biggest event for the Special Olympics program was held earlier this year on Jan. 20 at Poe Middle School.

The teams faced off in two games against Robinson High School and Lee High School.

“We won one of our tournaments with a buzzer beat against Lee HS back in our first tournament in January,” Lee said, “Our shooting guard, Robert Williams,was the one to make the shot.”

WHO AM I? I attended: Xavier University of Louisiana and Lake Central High School The extracurricular activities I did were: Dance and volunteering with foster children.

I was born in: Gary, Indiana.

Why did you choose teaching: I want to mentor students and help them see beyond the classroom.

Before teaching at Annandale: I was traveling around the world and conducting research.

KANOOSH SOLOKI junior realized I’m glad I’ve grown up in this area.

Living in Alexandria and Annandale has made me the person I am today. I love the diversity and how we all accept each other.

I am happy that I got to be in an environment that has diversity even though it wasn’t always the best environment, it taught me a lot.

Also, growing up here made me want to push myself and be something because a lot of people around me had great potential but they never had the opportunity to put it to use. That is why I learn from the people around me and try not to make the same mistakes that they have made. I’m very excited about graduating and seeing how the rest of my future unfolds!

Favorite movie is: Hollywood Shuffle.

My greatest fear is: Not fulfilling my purpose.

I teach at Annandale because: I love my kids, my fellow teachers and administrators.

My favorite quote is: “Until the lion tells his story, history will always glorify the hunter.” – Chinua Achebe, When Things Fall Apart.

What I do in my free time is: Spend time with my family, yoga, dance and Netflix.

My favorite subject: Zoology.

My favorite book is: “When Things Fall Apart” -Chinua Achebe This is the answer key to Who Am I? Use the QR Code app on your phone or camera.

SPORTS X-TRA 15

Wed. April 10, 2019

A look at the student athlete recovery process

BY EMAN JARADAT Staff Writer In high school, athletic trainers play an important role in athletics, as they are professionally trained health care personnel who work to diagnose, treat and prevent injuries. At AHS, there are two athletic trainers: Kathleen Ayers and Ryan Hughes.

Hughes is the head athletic trainer and he covers the afternoon and evening shift, including all of the home games throughout the year.

Hughes’ daily duties include completing paperwork and getting the athletic training room set up. He makes sure it is ready for the end of the day so that students with injuries can come in and receive medical attention.

Freshman Ishaat Hannan was injured in a game and sought assistance from the trainers.

“Athletic trainers are important because they’ll provide you with the care you need when a doctor isn’t available,” Hannan said.

Hughes helps students by diagnosing and treating their injuries and also by demonstrating how students should complete rehabilitation.

In addition to Hughes, Ayers also works diligently to ensure the wellbeing of all the students, especially those who get injured.

The process for evaluating student injuries is unique for each particular instance.

“When a student gets injured, they come and see us in the athletic training room, where they are evaluated in order to determine what exactly is wrong with them,” Hughes said. “Then we sort out what types of treatments will best suit his injury.”

“It’s better to have someone be

able to check your injury rather than having no one check it at the moment,” Hannan said.

Both Ayers and Hughes also find physicians and specialists who will work to help the athletes with their specific injuries. Equally important, athletic trainers work with the entire athletic department. Including coaches, to adhere by safety protocols, educate both students and teachers on certain health issues, such as weight loss and weight gain, which can significantly affect the performance of athletes.

Athletic trainers provide studentathletes with holistic medical care, meaning that the trainers apply an approach that takes into account both the internal and external factors in order to diagnose a student.

As the number of students who participate in sports increases, the importance of athletic trainers in high school in general, has drastically increased. Furthermore, the fact that athletic trainers provide immediate medical attention is crucial, especially in cases where long-term implications, if not properly followed, may have severe repercussions for the athlete.

“Athletic trainers are important because they help us and they give us good rehabilitation to recover,” senior Diana Silva said. “They’re always here when we need them, and they also give us physical therapy equipment to use so that we can increase faster.”

The process for evaluating student injuries is unique for each particular instance.

According to the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, 1.6 - 3.8 million concussions occur in both high school and colleges across America.

“The most common injury that students get, in the entire campus is probably the lateral ankle sprain, which we immediately treat with ice in order to reduce and control both the swelling and inflammation,” Hughes said. “The next day, we will start up by introducing some range-of-motion and light exercises to increase blood flow to

ADAM SHAWISH

Athletic trainers heal injured

Athletic trainer Ryan Hughes helps freshman Romeo Velez with a wrist injury. “I hurt my wrist playing baseball,” Velez said, “Mr. Hughes really helped me. He used a heating pad and a special technique to heal it.” help them recover from their injuries so they can get back to playing in practices and games sooner.”

Throughout his experience, Hughes has seen some severe injuries occur.

“I have seen many severe neck and spinal injuries that happened during football games. I have also seen a couple of broken lower legs from rugby,” Hughes said. “These injuries require a 911 call, as they have to cared for immediately.”

Practicing proper technique,

ensuring to warm up, cool down, and stretch, and staying hydrated are all known to reduce the risk of getting injured for athletes everywhere.

Stretching, warming up, and cooling down are exceedingly important due to the fact that they help to loosen up the muscles and prepare them for play.

Both static and dynamic stretching are encouraged and implemented.

Static stretches work to improve the end-range movement of a muscle and dynamic stretches help improve

mobility through a range-of-motion manner.

In addition, sleep is also crucial to preventing injury, as a lack of sleep and muscle fatigue increase an athlete’s susceptibility to injury. Furthermore, trainers encourage athletes to hydrate before and after practice, as well as promote a healthy, well-balanced diet.

Coaches also recommend the use of proper equipment, such as helmets, pads, and shoes, as well as the implementation of proper technique

BY ABEL SAMSON Staff Writer As the spring season arrives, student athletes begin to make their decisions on where they are going to commit for college. Seniors such as Alex Bellem, Kenzie Gardner and Devin Gill will be off to play their designated sport next year.

Starting quarterback, Gill, capped off his high school football career in early November. He has played football for four years and is ready to take the sport the next level. He has decided to play football at Fork Union Military Academy near Charlottesville, Virginia.

“I chose Fork Union because it was the best option for me in terms of a junior college or prep school,” Gill said.

“I am going for a semester to develop as an athlete and to get ready for high level college football.”

Gill will be attending a prep school to train his body for the next level.

Other professional football players have also gone to small schools to prepare for the next level, such as Lions running back LeGarrette Blount, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and Panthers quarterback Cam Newton.

Gill explained how he thinks he will do well once he gets adjusted to the faster pace of the game.

“I know I will continue to prove people wrong, you’ve got to bet on yourself, always,” Gill said.

Senior captain Bellem for the varsity lacrosse team is also continuing his lacrosse career through college. He has played lacrosse here for four years, but has also been playing ever since he was a child. Bellem has decided to sign at Palm Beach Atlantic University in

“I decided on PBA because of the coaching staff and the location of the school. I also really like the Christian based education.”

--ALEX BELLEM

senior

Florida, which is D2 and will be receiving a full ride scholarship from the University.

“I decided on PBA because of the coaching staff and the location of the school,” Bellem said. “I also really like the Christian based education.”

Bellem believes that he can be really good at PBA, but is a little nervous to

play with such experienced athletes.

“My freshman year will be more of a learning experience as I will probably be getting a little bit of playing time,” Bellem said. “I hope to score a goal my freshman year to prove that I am a good enough player.”

Gardner is the only senior on the girls varsity lacrosse team this year.

She has played here for the last four years and will be attending Eastern Mennonite University to play lacrosse next year “I decided to sign at EMU because this is their first ever women’s Lacrosse Program,” Gardner said. “I get the opportunity to start for all four years and not having to wait until my junior or senior year to play.”

Gardner also explains how she is slightly nervous to play at EMU. “Athletes have much more experience at the college level,” Gardner said.

“The majority of our new program will be incoming freshman, so we’re going to have a lot of learning to do.”

She believes she will be better than ever as she takes her next step.

“Fighting off from a concussion, I think I will be playing at my highest level. I get to play every position on the field and first and foremost to relax and have fun,” Gardner said. “It will be experience throughout my academic and athletic career.”

COURTESY OF RICH FINK PHOTOGRAPHY

Students commit to college athletics

Senior Alex Bellem takes the ball up the field against TC Williams. Bellem plans to go to Palm Beach Atlantic on a full ride scholarship to continue to play lacrosse.

Have you ever been injured Renovation nears endgame while playing a sport?

Bleachers completed soon MADELINE DOSEN freshman “I got a concussion from soccer because I got hit in the head with a ball.”

KEVIN VO sophomore “When I played freshman football, I tore my ACL while playing as quarterback.”

ANNA DELANEY freshman “I sprained my ankle after someone stepped on the outside of it while playing soccer.”

OMAR AVENDANO junior “When I was running the 400 meter dash, I pulled my groin and hurt a lot.”

LILLI DALRYMPLE freshman “I got a concussion when I was playing lacrosse and someone shot a ball through my head when they were trying to score.”

AMBER UNTCH senior “I sprained my ankle during a basketball game when I got fouled and a kid stomped on my ankle.”

ANNIE NGUYEN sophomore “I got a concussion when someone threw a ball straight at my head during a softball game.”

ALEX LOPEZ senior “During a soccer game against West Potomac, I was kicked on the ankle, but it was not severe.”

Earlier in the year, it was believed that the bleachers located on the home side of Bolding Stadium would not be completed until after the spring sports season. However, the bleachers are on track to be finished earlier than once thought.

Over the past few days, the construction team has made a lot of progress.

“It might be done a little bit sooner than we thought,” Director of Student Services John Ellenberger said. “But I have not gotten the official word from the county.”

It is possible that the bleachers will be done before the spring season is over. The seating for the new bleachers will be reduced, but not by much.

Ellenberger also asked the county to increase the amount of space between the bleachers and the fence surrounding the football field.

“I asked [the county] to give us another foot of space for the walkway. With that extra room, we might lose one more row of seating, but I don’t think that will really have an impact,”

FARES AYOUB

BY ADAM SHAWISH Sports X-tra Editor

The bleachers are currently being built within Bolding Stadium.

Ellenberger said.

The press box will also be upgraded with a possibility of heat and AC. In addition to the renovated bleachers, upgraded restrooms will also be installed. Ellenberger received an e-mail from the county stating that AHS would be getting outdoor restrooms for the stadium.

According to Fairfax County

government code, there has to be a certain amount of outdoor bathrooms to the seating capacity.

As of now, Ellenberger has not received any word of what the bathrooms will look like or where exactly they will be.

As the renovations progress, it will become more apparent when the construction team will be done. The bleachers will be complete for the fall

16 SPORTS

Senior Alex Bellem looks for an opportunity to find a shot on goal in a game against T.C. Williams on March 20. The Atoms lost to the Titans 4-12. They then went on to beat Mount Vernon 19-12.

MATTHEW DINH

COURTESY OF RICH FINK

Wed. April 10, 2018

Senior Attack Matthew Dinh looks to make a move on T.C. Williams defense in a game on March 20.

Lax prepares for spring tournament

BY EYOB DAGNACHEW Staff Writer The rising excitement for the spring season of boys lacrosse has not been a disappointment thus far, as many fans of AHS lacrosse team has seen a nearly perfect performance in the preseason along with some good wins in the early regular season.

In comparison to last year, where the team lost their first six games, AHS is already off to a better start.

“Currently, we have more than 20 seniors on the team. We benefit from their experience, their maturity, and strong work ethic,” coach Michael Mathis said.

For example, they had strong performances so far in games against Washington-Lee and Mount Vernon, where they pulled off a victory in both games.

With this positive early

performance, the sport has caught the eye of many more fans who wish to see the team succeed.

However, AHS has faced both struggle and setback in a variety of ways during the early season.

This was met during their last few games against West Potomac, T.C Williams, and Hayfield, where they lost each game 6-16, 4-12, and 6-11 respectively.

There could have been many reasons as to why the lacrosse team have experienced an early-season slump, but for many of the lacrosse fans it has not been enough to stop showing their support.

However, this is not entirely bad news on the lacrosse team, as after their string of defeats, the team managed to pull a victory against Mount Vernon on March 25 by a score of 19-12.

A very important job as a coach is to see where your team went wrong and

see how those weak points impacted the team’s performance during a game.

“We face each day and game once at a time and do nothing unique. [This season], we have the motto “Perfect

“We have many seniors who are experienced in the game. They are the glue that holds the team together and ensure that practices run smoothly.”

--MICHAEL MATHIS

Varsity Lacrosse Coach Simple,” which signifies our hard work to stay focused on the fundamentals,” Mathis said.

But as with any team, the coach also has to find ways to overcome mistakes and improve before the beginning of

postseason.

But for some of the optimistic fans of the lacrosse team, their victory against Mt. Vernon is more than enough to say that the team is able to show resilience and come back to win the next game after a tough string of losses.

In order to do so, Mathis has his team review past games in order to identify past mistakes and correct them for future games.

There were specific games in which performance was not as strong which can serve as a learning experience for the team’s upcoming games, such as when they are set to face Falls Church in their first game in the Spring Tournament on April 13.

In the beginning of any sports season, every team understands that some teams will be much harder to beat than others, and for lacrosse those teams are predicted to be T.C. Williams and West Potomac. So far the

two teams have both had the most success in the district.

Even after that early season slump many lacrosse fans are confident that the team will come back from this and become a team that can hopefully succeed in the postseason. “[Each practice], we encourage the team to have a growth mindset and pick one thing to improve upon each and every day,” Mathis said.

Upcoming Games: Spring Break Tournament @ Falls Church: games against Falls Church, Lake Braddock, and Marshall April 13, 15, 16 @ 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 1 p.m.

April 26 @ Mount Vernon- 7:15 p.m.

May 3 vs. Hayfield- 7:15 p.m.

Track successful at first invitational

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

Their first invitational meet took place at Woodson High School and was the Carolyn Legard Relays.

The meet specialized in relay events such as the 4x200, 4x400, 4x800, and 4x1600 relays.

However, some events are exceptions to this such as the freshmen/ sophomore 1600 meter race.

Overall, despite being only the first varsity meet of the season, AHS

proved to be successful.

On the girls side, AHS placed 24th out of 32 teams with a total of 5 points scored.

Top ten finishes for AHS girls include a first place finish by Julia Ghiselli in the 1600 meter run, a 4th place finish by the girls distance medley relay (DMR), and a 7th place finish

by Kayla Campbell in the High Jump.

On the boys side, the team placed 21st out of 31 total competing teams with 10 points scored.

Top ten finishes for the boys include a 3rd place finish by the 800 meter sprint medley relay with a time of 2:02.21.

In comparison to the performance of other teams in AHS’ district, the team did well even though there is still room for improvement.

On the boys side, AHS beat West Potomac and on the girls side, AHS beat Hayfield.

At this point, the results of the first invitational could indicate improvement since last season where the teams placed third and fourth in the

Sophomore Mousa Ayoub races the 1600 meter run where he placed first in his heat and 11th overall with a time of 4:56.

district for the boys and girls respectively.

“Overall, the relays performed very will and exceeded expectations in their first invitational, coach Phil Harris said.”

The team’s next varsity invitational meet was the 2019 PR Northern Virginia Invitational at James Robinson High School.

The meet occurred just a week after the Carolyn Legard Relays and took place at James Robinson High School on April 5-6.

The results of this meet are unavailable by the time this article was published as it had not yet taken place.

The meet features a competition between 30 overall teams from all around Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Delaware, and New Jersey.

Additionally, the meet served as a benchmark for how much improvement AHS has made in comparison to other teams in their district. This is because every other team in the

Boys JV LAX Season Summary

Baseball looks for more wins

COURTESY OF BRIAN ZIMMERMAN

BY ALEX BURITA Sports Editor After proving to have a successful season last year and winning by a whopping 22-3 in the regional quarterfinal, AHS baseball headed to prepare for a new season.

So far, injuries have caused a rough start to the season as the team lost all of their first six games against Herndon, Langley, Justice, Washington-Lee, Thomas Jefferson, and a game in the Atomic Icebreaker tournament.

However, since these tough losses, AHS has started to gain back some confidence and momentum.

They won both of their next two games against Robert E. Lee High School and Park View High School 11-10 and 8-1.

Their record thus far is 2-7.

“So far this year, we have proven to be able to improve and progress by continuing to improve our game and limit the amount of mistake we make on the field,” senior Alex Brennan said.

Then, before their spring break tournament in North Carolina, which will take place on April 15-17, the team will take on each of the other four teams in the Gunston District.

The only game that had been played by the publication date of this article from these four matchups was against West Potomac.

Unfortunately, the team lost to

Sophomore Danny Salisbury pitches against West Potomac during their April 2 game. AHS lost 0-4 against the Wolverines (4-2) but kept a 4 inning clean sheet. the Wolverines 0-4.

AHS held up against the Wolverines fairly well until the fourth and fifth innings where two runs in each inning were conceded.

However, the results of the games against T.C. Williams, Mount Vernon, and Hayfeld were unavailable by the publication date of this article.

After the spring break tournament, the team will play a series of five games against West Potomac, T.C. Williams, Woodson, Mount Vernon, and Hayfield before heading into postseason.

“Our toughest opponent this season will be West Potomac, but if we do what we need to I think we will stand a good chance,” Brennan.

The games against Mount Vernon, Hayfield, T.C. Williams, and West Potomac will serve as good indicators of how well the Atoms are likely to perform in the district tournament which starts on May 10.

“The team’s overall goal this season is to finish top in the district and hopefully make a good run at regionals,” Brennan said.

district competed in the meet.

“So far, the team has been working very hard in practice in terms of endurance and speed workouts which was reflected in their performance,” Harris said.

In addition to the plentiful amount of invtationals that the team has and will be competing in, there are weekday, in-district meets that the team competes in as well.

These meets can help determine the improvements that AHS needs to make leading up to the district finals on May 16.

“Up until postseason, we plan keep doing hard workouts, except we will make them more difficult with less rest,” Harris said.

Although the season is still early, with postseason set to take place in more than a month, the Atoms will undoubtedly have a lot to be excited for in this action packed season.

COURTESY OF RICH FINK

Relays exceed expectations at first invitational

Sophomore Kenny Quiroga moves past a T.C. Williams defender to find an opportunity to shoot on goal.

Current Record: 2-4 March 14 vs. Washington-Lee: 4-7 L March 18 @ West Potomac: 0-14 L March 20 vs T.C. Williams: 5-9 L March 25 vs. Mount Vernon: 7-5 W March 27 @ Hayfield: 1-6 L April 1 vs. Falls Church: 5-4 W April 5 vs. West Potomac: 0-19 L April 9 @ T.C. Williams: 5:45 p.m.

April 26 vs. Mount Vernon: 5:45 p.m.

May 1 vs. Justice: 5:45 p.m.

May 3 vs. Hayfield: 5:45 p.m.

SPORTS 17 Softball looks to upgrade

Wed. April 10, 2019

Boys looks to find stability Soccer strives to balance their record with a current 3-4

BY JANE ELKINS Staff writer

It had seemed that boys varsity soccer team was going to turn around its season as the boys won two games in a row against Robert E. Lee and West Springfield.

This seemed to be the case, but on March 26 the boys played Justice. This game didn’t go to well for the Atoms as they lost 5-0.

Head coach Tejas Patel believes that the main factor that the games that didn’t go as planned was that the team hadn’t played enough time together.

“The losses have been due to preseason jitters and not having the chance to really play with each other,” Patel said. “With more experience together, the team will continue to get stronger.”

Despite the boys losing by a large margin, they did not let this game get into their head and were heading to their next game open-minded.

The boys played West Potomac and give it their all as they knew this was their first conference game. The Atoms won the game 3-2.

“Against West Potomac, which was our first conference game, we went out

PHOTO COURTESY: RICH FINK

BY ERIK RIVAS Sports editor

Junior Andy Herndez looks for someone to pass too and score as they are down 2-0 against wakefield on March 8. knowing we had to play our best and we did,” midfielder Andy Hernandez said. “We started off strong but got lucky a couple times. We had a couple mistakes but we made up for them. It was a great team effort.”

The boys played T.C. Williams and did not perform too well as they lost 6-1. The team doesn’t believe they should’ve lost that bad.

“They don’t deserve to beat us by such a big margin,” sophomore Justin

Scott said. “They weren’t better than us the team just didn’t perform like we were suppose.”

The team is improving, but is looking to find consistency.

The girls varsity softball team has had a very rough season so far. With only 2-5, it was uncertain that they would beat West Potomac this past week. Their only wins have been against Falls Church and Thomas Jefferson, two relatively easy competitors And their other games, for that matter, have not been as successful.

On March 14, they lost 14-3 against Stonewall Jackson, than lost 13-14 against Fairfax, 18-5 against Woodson, 18-0 against Edison, and their most recent game on April 2, they were defeated by West Potomac 12-1.

“West Potomac was a very good competitor,” freshman Holly Walridge said. “Their outfield was very good and that made it difficult to score.”

Although their results have been disappointing, it is very important to consider that the team has versed some tough components who have very strong players and have still been able to remain competitive.

“A lot of the teams we play have a lot of really good players,” Waldridge said.

“Hopefully with more practice we can turn the season around.”

It was been a bumpy start to their season and all we can do is hope that they worker harder in practice so they can get those results, improve their record, and be prepared for the district tournament at the end of the season.

Girls and boys tennis produce different results Girls soccer improves from last year

Junior Gaberial Mills serves the ball against T.C. Williams on March 27.

BY MIA ANTEZANA GARCIA Staff writer It’s been a month since the girls varsity soccer season began, and players are already seeing improvement from last year.

“I feel like our season is definitely going better than last year, and we feel like more of an improved team,” sophomore Jayden Joya said. “I’m excited for what is to come. We have been working really hard and I would like to make it further into regionals than last year.

So far the girls have a record of 2-4.

They’ve faced Edison, Wakefield, Lee, Springfield, Justice and West Potomac.

Out of all six games they’ve had two solid wins and four losses. Most of which where of 1-goal differences.

On games that haven’t gone so well our biggest issues include not stepping to the ball while defending as well as not sticking with our marks,” sophomore Madison Cruz said.

The players expressed what they can work on.

“I think we need to work on having a positive attitude,” Joya said, “I feel like the team can work on our mindset game days. I also believe that we could

ERIK RIVAS

The girls tennis team recently won its game 5-4 against Mt. Vernon on March 28. They have also been victorious against Forest Park and Falls Church as well.

“I think that through all the games we have won, our hard work has been in display,” senior Araceli CabreraOrtuno said. “We have been practicing every day, not only getting better individually but as a team.”

The girls have managed to have a satisfying record of 3-3.

Head coach Hassan Mims of the girls team believes that one of their weakness is that the lineup doesn’t have much experience. He also believes that their strength is that the girls have heart.

“Our only weakness is half of our starting lineup is new – they did not start during previous seasons,” said Mims. “But they compensate for their lack of experience and being extremely competitive. Our biggest strengths are mental toughness and team chemistry.”

The boys tennis team won their game with a score of 5-4 against Mt.

Vernon on March 28. Unfortunately for the boys this was their first game they won.

“Last game our team had a very good coordination while playing doubles and we made use of the drills we had in practice,” senior Kidus Asmare Ayele said.

This game they won could be a turn of events for the team. The team’s record so far is 1-5.

Lucky enough the boys still have time to improve for the district tournament.

ERIK RIVAS

BY ERIK RIVAS Sports Editor

Senior Anissa Cheikh passes the ball lossing 3-0 against West Potomac on March 29. as time goes by we’ll be able to bond really use work on being able to bond even more,” said Joya. as a team both on and off field.”

The girls will continues to give The girls have definitely improved it their all at practices and games. from last year’s first six games, in Their next game will be home which the girls had five losses and tied against Hayfield High School on one game.

“I think last year we bonded ever as Monday April 8, at 7:15 p.m. a team, however, we’re only one month into the season, so I have no doubt that

18 ENTERTAINMENT

Wed. April 10, 2019

Alumni appears in Netflix film biography Q&A with

Tony Cavalero

1

What was your favorite part about filming the movie?

First off, thanks so much for having me! I love The A-Blast and my hometown a bunch. I actually have too many favorite parts and to single anyone out would be too tough. Working on the audition with my wife was really special. She helped me pick out the wardrobe, apply my eye makeup, and shape the character. It was also really cool to have this be my first job following four years on a “kids TV show” on Nickelodeon. It’s such a departure from my days on School Of Rock. And lastly, everyone working on the film was kind, welcoming, and supportive. Overall it was a super special experience.

2 Tony Cavalero stars as Ozzy Osbourne

BY PATRICK BROWN Staff Writer On March 22, Netflix released a biographical film about the 80s band Motley Crue. It shows their raging career from beginning to end. The band from California went from a bunch of rejects to the most infamous band of all time.

The movie takes you through the rollercoaster of Motley Crue’s journey through stardom. Their humble beginning started in Los Angeles where the band forms through dinner meetings, friends of friends and even a newspaper ad. As they begin to gain notoriety their lifestyles begin to get more extravagant and more riotous. The rest of the film shows the unruly valleys that this lifestyle brings, but also shows how it can make a person stronger that is truly fascinating.

“It [The Dirt] is compelling because we see these celebrities on top of the world and also hit rock bottom where a lot of people can relate. It shows that they’re just like us,” senior Samir Hossain said.

We see the effects of child abuse and rough childhoods come back to hurt you in the future. However, sometimes it can be used for good.

“Nikki Sixx hated his parents and he was motivated to be better then them,” senior Chadwick James Gore III said.

What truly sets this film apart from other true life stories is its acting.

In this movie the events that occur during their career are shown through actor portrayal. This is to give the viewer a better understanding of real life for this famous crew. There was no real footage of the band used in the movie, although it was produced by the band and the actors break the fourth wall a couple of times to further tell the truth of the story.

“I enjoyed the acted out version of the story, because the movie was made by the band and it gives an authentic perspective on what it is like to be a rockstar,” Hossain said.

This is different from most documentaries and requires a lot more production from the company who made the film, Netflix.

The Dirt is another hit from Netflix. It is now safe to say that they are no longer just an upcoming movie production company. With their ability to make movies so accessible to people and promote their own movies on their app they are increasingly becoming more and more popular. They even are now using upper echelon actors in their films such as Will Smith, Sandra Bullock, Jennifer Aniston, and others. I think Netflix originals are a hit or miss.

“There are ones [Netflix films] that are really good with really good story lines, and others with bad acting and not too great of a plot,” junior Kaleab Mengistu said. “But since there are so many of them they cater to a wide variety of people so there’s someone out there who will like it.”

Regardless of who made the movie it has to be said that it was a good film. The story line about this band makes people not only want to get people to want work better on themselves, but it also makes people want to get up and shout. However this could not have been done without great acting from people like AHS’s very own Tony Cavalero.

How did you get the role as Ozzy Osbourne?

Last year I got an email from my agents to put myself on tape for the Ozzy role. I had read the book (The Dirt) many years ago and the scene was totally outrageous! I personally didn’t think I would have any chance of getting the part so I kind of went all out with the character. You can look on my Instagram to see the audition tape. I did full hair, make up, wardrobe, and you’ll just have to see the rest for yourselves. Make sure to get permission from your parents before watching the film! It was really cool to put to use all my character development skills that I learned while working at The Groundlings (Theatre and School). Like I said before my wife was also super helpful in crafting the character and helping me nail the mannerisms.

How did you get from Annandale High School to the big screen in Hollywood, more specifically how did you get into acting at Annandale?

3

Cavalero graduated in 2001 and played football and lacrosse. He was also a theatre and film student. because both of my parents went to Annandale and were actors there (‘74 & ‘68). Really though, while at Annandale, I was super into athletics playing football, wrestling, and lacrosse.

With all the sports I could never do an after school play, so I was only able to do the in-school theatre classes. I still remember how much joy it brought me to make people laugh or gasp, even if it was during the little plays we put on during the school day. I also had the chance to do my first real “on camera” work in a film for Mr. Weintraut’s film studies class called “Feminine Problems.” Maybe you can find that and see where it all started!

4

Out of all the projects you’ve done, what has been your favorite?

Well my favorite project is my life!

Being able to balance career and life can be really tough as an actor and I think we do a darn good job, but now that that cheesiness is out of the way...

I would have to say my recent experiences down here in Charleston working for Danny McBride and HBO have been incredible. So excited for everyone to see this show. It’s called The Righteous Gemstones and it’s coming soon!

I would have to say I was born with some good Annandale acting skills,

Playlist of the Issue ALL MY GUYS ARE BALLERS YungManny Single (2019) As a wise man once said, “Tsamina mina zangalewa, my shooters from Africa.”

RICHARD MILLIE PLAIN Gunna Drip or Drown 2 (2019) This smooth song is perfect for riding in the car when its raining outside.

Jordan Peele’s newest nightmare

BY ABEL SAMSON Staff Writer Jordan Peele released his highly anticipated horror film, Us, on March 22. With twisting theories surrounding the complex storyline, Peele has once again provided us with one of the more imaginative movies that we will see this year.

Adelaide Wilson, played by Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, returns to her beachfront home in Santa Cruz where she grew up as a child. Accompanied by her husband, son, and daughter, they are traumatized by an event that happened in the past. Adelaide grows increasingly more concerned that the same thing will happen again. She was not wrong, as the families doppelgangers appear in their home. They have the same exact appearance as the actual family, but instead communicating with nothing but moans and growls.

The movie can classify as many different types of genres, such as horror, thriller, comedy, and mystery. The new movie has produced unbelievable numbers as it made $70 million in its first week and reached #1 at the weekend box office. Us had an $88 million global box office haul — the second-biggest opening for an original live-action film

behind the 2009 film Avatar.

“This was probably one of the best movies I have personally ever watched,” senior Michael Behailu said.

“The ending had so many twists I did not know what to think. If you haven’t watched it, I suggest you make that trip to AMC.” The movie can be considered a puzzle, as it includes many missing pieces in the beginning of the movie that are then filled out towards the end. “I did not pay attention in the beginning of the movie so I did not understand what was going on in the end,” senior Ruth Seyoum said. “It was not enjoyable for me so I might have to watch the movie again and actually pay attention in the beginning.”

Peele is known for his unique and weird thinking when it comes to his films, but fans seem to love the thrill that it provides. In 2017, Peele released the movie Get Out, which won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Although Us might not be as great as the 2017 hit movie, it creates a psychological insight and is something we have never seen before. “I do not think this movie was as good as Get Out,” junior Hakim Idris said. “ It was still good in my opinion but Get Out just had such a great story.”

Get Out had several themes and motifs about segregation, discrimination, and the oppression of black people, similar to the themes and motifs in the new movie Us. In Us, Jordan Peele presents the message that people of privilege turn a blind eye to those in poverty, unwilling to see the true nature of our nation’s shameful history of subjugation until the fatal consequences of their actions are literally staring them in the face.

With high praise and positive comments from Get Out, Peele found it necessary to create another movie with similar twists and messages about equality.

Peele has also been recognized for using African-American actors and actresses to play the main characters in both of his films. In an interview on CBS, Peele mentioned what influences him picking his characters. “I don’t see myself casting a white dude as the lead in my movie. Not that I don’t like white dudes, but I’ve seen that movie,” Peele said.

Us is available to watch in all local theaters and will be available on streaming sites in the upcoming months. It is a must watch if you love thrillers and mysteries because this movie is nothing less than a roller coaster ride.

BAD GUY Billie Eilish WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? (2019) Off of Eilish’s most recent album, it has already topped the charts at #1.

DEDICATION (FEAT. KENDRICK LAMAR) Nipsey Hussle Victory Lap (2018) Rest in peace to a true rap legend, Nipsey Hussle.

ACT UP City Girls Girl Code (2018) It’s your girlfriend’s favorite song, and it can be yours too. PERIOD.

GOIN BABY DaBaby Baby on Baby (2019) This upbeat rap song is just like any other. If you’re looking for a casual song, this is the one.

OUTTA MY HEAD Khalid & John Mayer Free Spirit (2019) Khalid and John Mayer on a song together is more satisfying than any ASMR video you’ll watch today.

ENTERTAINMENT 19

Wed. April 10, 2019

Front Row

ALL PHOTOS BY ABU ELSADEG

Photos from the

Yung Manny , BandChasingMooda and MoneyMarr perform “Runtz Remix,” by MoneyMarr and Yung Manny at The Fillmore in Philadelphia on March 29. The three are good friends and are constantly performing on stage and making music together.

G Herbo poses for a photo by senior Abu Elsadeg at his self-hosted event “The Diamond District” after his sold out performance.

Coi Leray, began earning buzz in 2017 with the release of the viral singles “G.A.N” and “Pac Girl.”

Leray is also the girlfiend of rapper Trippie Redd.

Dj Diamond Kuts is the first woman to have a mixshow slot on Philly radio and developed her skill in her basement and in the parks of West Philly.

Trina first appeared on Trick Daddy’s second studio album. XXL Magazine calls her “the most consistent female rapper of all time.”

Student photographs famous rappers

BY AYMAN ELHAG Entertainment Editor Senior Abu Elsadeg has had a passion for many years but has recently taken his talents to a semi-professional level.

FK Entertainment had booked out The Fillmore in Philadelphia on Friday, March 29. Most shows at the venue are headlined by one artist, the entertainment group attempted to take their upcoming show to the next level by having it headlined by four major artists.

Performers included the likes of Trina, Coi Leray, Melii and worldwide phenomenon, G-Herbo. When tickets sold out within only a week of going on sale, senior Abu Elsadeg knew the show was going to be a hit.

Immediately, he contacted the individuals in charge of the event and requested a media pass for the show. Within a day, a response was in his inbox. “You have been approved”, read the email.

On Friday morning, Elsadeg left for Philly. Upon arrival, his friend Nathan parked the car at the rear entrance of The Fillmore.

“It was really exciting when we got there because of the buzz around the event,” Elsadeg said “I knew that this would be another big chance

to get my work noticed by new artists.”

While fans enter at the front, photographers and artists are provided a secret-access entrance at the rear of the building. After a quick, yet thorough security check, Elsadeg was handed his media pass and entered the venue.

“Once I got my media pass it was almost hard to stop smiling,” Elsadeg said. “It gets me so emotional because it is something that I am really passionate about and put my heart into.”

Backstage, there was a large room with multiple doors with the names of artists attached to them. Inside the rooms was an abundance of snacks and refreshments, prepared for the artists when they arrived., the fans were watching the pre-performances on stage.

At about 10 p.m. security announced to the people backstage that G-Herbo’s vehicle had arrived outside the rear entrance. Immediately, the security began forcing individuals including photographers and pre-performers to exit the backstage area to make way for Herbo.

“The feeling seeing Herbo come out of that car was surreal,” Elsadeg said.

While the majority of photographers were forced to exit, Elsadeg spoke to a security guard and persuaded him to allow him to remain.

“I thought that his [G-Herbo’s] entrance was

an important moment to document and photograph,” Elsadeg said.

Finally, the show began, fans screamed the lyrics to songs as the blaring sound of the bass shook the building to its core.

On the side of the stage, Elsadeg was rapidly snapping away. Hundreds of photos were taken and a couple of behind-the-scenes clips as well.

When the show came to an end and G-Herbo exited the stage, Elsadeg followed closely and quietly entered G-Herbo’s room backstage.

He sat on the couch as G-Herbo sat across from him and laughed amongst his friends. After snapping a few selfies with Herbo and a couple of other artists, he made his way back home.

However, this was not Elsadeg’s first chance to photograph artists. He has worked with MoneyMarr, Yungmanny, Suckafreejuice, and even D.C. superstar, Shy Glizzy.

“I think my growing media presence and increase in followers has caught the attention of some artists and it helps me get these media passes and the opportunity to photograph them,” Elsadeg said.

At concerts, Elsadeg was in the company of dozens of photographers with the best and most expensive cameras.

“As a young photographer, I do not have all the

brand-new expensive gear that older, professional photographers may have,” Elsadeg said. “I think the work ethic and effort is way more important than the gear.”

The photo process doesn’t stop at the concert, when Elsadeg gets home he goes through each photo and edits them. Dedication to his craft is a quality of a great photographer, as it takes hours on the computer to put final touches on a photo.

“Most nights, I finish my homework and stay up for an additional two or three hours trying to edit and perfect my photos on Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop,” Elsadeg said. “ Sometimes I miss out on hanging out with friends. but when I see the outcomes of my work and the final products of my photos, I am reassured that my hard work is worth it.”

Elsadeg also explained how he had developed his own style consisting of dull, darkly colored backgrounds, in combination with vibrant, dynamically colored subjects.

“It’s unique, but I really like how they turn out after I am done editing them,” Elsadeg said.

“I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to take photos of these famous rappers at their concerts,” Elsadeg said. “Every concert and chance I get to use the camera is an amazing experience.”

Apple Announces New “Apple TV+” Set to Rival Netflix and Hulu

BY DILAN YOUSIF Staff Writer Apple’s new streaming service, Apple TV+, is a video subscription service that features original shows and movies. This new streaming service, exclusively on the Apple TV app, is set to come out this fall.

Apple has spent a lot of money in order to produce programming that can stand equal to Netflix’s best shows. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Tim Cook, Hailee Steinfeld, Rashida Jones, Steve Carell, Reese Witherspoon and more are all on board.

Since viewers will have to pay, the service will be ad-free and Apple is planning on launching it in over 100 countries. Apple has yet to announce its pricing, but if the tech giant wants to beat its rivals with its streaming service, pricing will be key.

“I’m unsure about how I feel about Apple’s new streaming service,” senior Faris Vadakoot said. “I’ve used Amazon and Hulu before for watching my shows so I’m willing to check out Apple TV+.”

Oprah Winfrey has announced that she is working on two documentaries

for the service, and Steven Spielberg said he is working on an “Amazing Stories” series. Kumail Nanjiani is working on a series called Little America, and Jason Momoa and Alfre Woodard announced they’re working on See. More movies and documentaries from acclaimed filmmakers like JJ Abrams, Steven Spielberg, and M. Night Shyamalan will be featured on the service as well.

Rivals, such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, streams originals and licensed programming, whereas Apple TV+ will not be building a full streaming service like these providers.

In contrast to its rivals, Apple TV+ focuses exclusively on Apple’s own original programming. Apple has given no indication that you can be able to stream this service on Android, Windows, or web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, or Microsoft Edge.

“I hope that Apple chooses to make the service accessible on different browsers,” Vadakoot said. “I think it would just make the process a lot more simple as far as streaming goes.”

The Apple TV app is available on Apple TV set-top boxes and other devices iPhone, Mac, iPad, and iPod touch. It is also confirmed that Apple will bring

TV app Samsung smart TV’s and TV’s from Vizio, Sony, LG, and more.

With the Apple TV Channels, viewers will be able to watch content directly inside the Apple TV app, which is very different from before where if you chose something to watch it directs you to third-party apps to actually stream it.

For example, if viewers chose an HBO show in the TV app, it would direct you to HBO Go or HBO Now. The Apple TV app does not cost money to use unless you’re using Apple TV+ or an Apple TV Channel subscription, however, neither are available yet.

“I’m pretty excited to try out Apple TV+ because it sounds like it will be convenient to use,” senior Ruth Seyoum said. “Also I’m looking forward to using it because it will be different from other streaming services.”

Apple announced it would also have original shows and movies similar to today’s common streaming services.

“I am really interested to see how Netflix and Hulu respond to this,” Vadakoot said. “This should hopefully start the race for best streaming service and lead them to get new shows people have been wanting for viewer satisfaction.”

20 WEEKEND

Wed. April 10, 2019

SPRING BREAK EVENT CALENDAR COLOR CODE:

■ comedy ■ music

April 13 • Mason Broadway Showcase @ 8 p.m. ($5) @ GMU Fairfax

■ food ■ shows and art

■ festivals ■ active/sports

April 14

■

other

April 15

• Washington Auto Show @ 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ($12- • Anual Peep Show @ 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (FREE) at $42) at Convention Center Westminster, MD

• Comedy Festival w/ Tony Woods @ 7:30 to 9 p.m. ($30) in Wash. DC • Chelsea Handler’s Comedy Tour @ 8 p.m. ($65-$85) in Wash. DC

• South Asian Exhibition @ 6 to 10 p.m. (FREE) at • Tour of Udvar Hazy Musethe Waterford um @ 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (FREE) at Air and • Sip and Sew Pop Up: Pencil Skirts @ 1 to 3 p.m.

Space Museum in Wash. DC • Boys Lacrosse Tourna• Cupcakes and Candles @ 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. ($50) ment @ 8 a.m. ($10) at in Arlington Falls Church

• Faquier Springs Country Club Community Market @ 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (FREE) in Warrenton • Active for Autism 5k @ 8 • Annual Festival of the Arts @ 5 p.m. (FREE) in a.m. to 12 p.m. ($35) Arlington at George Wash. MS • National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade @ 10 a.m. (FREE) in Wash. DC

• Distance Over Time Tour @ 8 p.m. ($62+) at Warner Theatre

• Baseball Game; Pirates vs. Nats @ 1:35 p.m. ($11-$415) at National Park

April 16 • Anual Peep Show @ 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (FREE) at Westminster, MD

• Bad Suns Concert @ 9:30 p.m. ($43) in Wash. DC

• NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert @ 8 p.m.

(FREE) at the JFK Center

April 17

April 18

• Cars and Ice Cream Meet @7 to 9 p.m. (FREE) in Gaithersburg, MD

• Kenny Chesney: Song for the Saints Tour @ 7 p.m. ($125-$499) at The Anthem in DC

• Boys Lacrosse Tournament @ 8 a.m. ($10) at Falls • Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad @ 7:30 p.m.

Church • Yoga in Luce @ 6 to 7 p.m. ($74-$387) at the Hamilton, DC ($10) at the Smithsonian • Baseball Game: Giants vs. Nats @7:05 ($9-$151) Art Mueseum • Carrie the Musical @ 8 p.m. ($10) at the Katzen at Nationals Park Arts Center • Midweek Movies: Fences • UMCP VSA Lunar Lanterns @ 7 to 10 p.m. at Col@ 6 to 8:30 p.m. (FREE) at Fairfax County Public • Shen Yun Performing Arts @ 7:30 p.m. ($137+) lege Park, MD Library at JFK Center • Sugar Mountain: Celebrating Neil Young @ 7:30 p.m. at Jammin Java

• DMV Springfest @ 8 p.m. ($54+) at the Fillmore • Coding Skills @ 5:30 to 6 Silver Spring, MD p.m. (FREE) in McLean • Georgetown University Farmers Makeet @ 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (FREE) @Georgetown University

• Queens of Egypt @ 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ($12) at National Geographic • Anual Peep Show @ 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (FREE) at Headquarters, DC Westminster, MD

• Cohesity Unstoppable Tour @10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

(FREE) in Herndon

April 19 • Murder Mystery Dinner @ 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. ($60$75) at Maggiano’s Little Italy, DC

April 20

April 21

• Into the Woods @ 2:00 p.m. ($71+) at Ford’s Theatre

• Easter 5k & 10k @ 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. ($30 & $45) in Fredericksburg • Dabke Class @ 6 to 9 p.m. (FREE) at Bey Restaurant and Lounge

• Interstate BBQ Festival @ 5 p.m. ($5-$45) at Wash. • Cherry Blossom Harbour County Agricultural Education Center Cruise @ 1 and 4:30 p.m. ($17.50) • Flower Power Art @ 6:30 to 11 p.m. ($10) in Wash. in Wash. DC DC • Cherry Blossom Harbour Cruise @ 1 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. ($17.50) in Wash. DC

• Washington DC International Music Festival @ 8 p.m. ($66+) at JFK Center for the Performing Arts

• Tailgating Spring Horse Races @ 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ($20) in Middleburg, VA

• Easter Brunch with Lincoln @ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ($55) at Lincoln Restaurant, DC

• Feed the Homeless @ 12 to 1 p.m. (FREE) at Franklin Square, DC

• ICNA MAS Annual Convention @ 4 p.m. ($55 for 3 days)

• Easter Sunday Brunch & Egg Hunt @ 9 a.m. to 4 • Rob Schneider @ 7:30 p.m. ($68+) at Birchmere p.m. ($98) in Middleton, Music Hall, Alexandria VA

• General Shaw’s Chicken Comedy Showcase @ 7:30 p.m. ($15) at Shaw’s Tavern, DC

• Yoga with APO @ 6 p.m. (@25) Dupont Underground, DC

• Easter on Parade @ 1 to 5 p.m. (FREE) in Richmond

Taiwanese boba drink shop, Gong Cha serves unique flavors

BY KATIE POPE Weekend Editor As the days become hotter and the sun comes out, grab a quick and tasty refresher at the newly opened drink shop, Gong Cha meaning “tribute tea for the emperor.”

It is a global establishment with over 1500 locations around the world; including one near AMF Annandale Lanes. The cute, warming, interactive shop specializes in serving boba tea, also known as bubble tea.

Boba tea is a Taiwanese drink that has some flavor of tea, sometimes milk, and other flavors added. After the flavors are established, ‘toppings’ can be added, like their main distinguishing ingredient called boba, which are small, tapioca, jelly-like balls.

At Gong Cha, you can pick exactly what type of drink you want using their five-step process.

First, pick the type and flavor of drink. A few of their top ten flavors are pearl black milk tea, a taro drink, and purple sweet potato smoothie. Secondly, choose a size, and how much sugar you want- between none and 100%. Next, request an amount of ice; again it can be anywhere between none and 100%. Lastly, you get to finalize the drink with however many

toppings you’d like from a variety of toppings from rainbow jellies to oreo crumbs to strawberry milk foam.

Gong Cha’s cheapest drinks are $3.00 for medium sized brewed teas like winter melon tea, oolong tea, and a honey drink.

The priciest options on the menu are the large sized ice smoothies like chocolate smoothies, peach yogurt smoothies, and milk foam peach green tea smoothie for only $4.95 which is not a bad price at all.

Three friends, Duy Duong, Kevin Tran, and Khang Tran are the founders of the Annandale Gong Cha. They were interested in starting a business for a while, so when they “found out Gong Cha opened up their first DMV location in Rockville, [they] contacted them to become a part of the franchise and luckily [Rockville] got back to [them]. The rest is history,” Duong said.

Although there are many boba tea shops in the area, the three friends from college created Gong Cha to be unique and different from the others.

They have flavors that other shops don’t offer, their drinks can be customized, and best of all, the environment is very welcoming.

“Our goal is to make it a fun environment for everyone, so they stay and have a good time,” Kevin Tran said.

“It’s a great place for not just kids, but teens and adults too.”

From the decorations to the comfortable seats to the games, Gong Cha is the perfect little hang out spot. They have leather couches customers can sit in while playing a game of Connect Four, Uno or Jenga.

Not only is the atmosphere refreshing, the drinks are too. The mango green tea from the creative mix series was light and sweet. Even without any toppings, the tang of the mango came through in every sip.

Also from the creative mix series, the passion fruit green tea surprised me with its non-traditional, but pleasant flavors. The added rainbow jellies at the bottom boosted the strength of the passion fruit essence and added a nice texture.

Unfortunately, the winter melon oolong tea from the brewed tea series was not well reciprocated by a fair number of people. It tasted bitter and bland, but some sugar might have brightened it up a little bit. Some of the drinks and pairings are definitely an acquired taste, but others are perfect refreshers on a hot day.

“Drinking tea is safe and it’s not like alcohol, so everyone should definitely come in and try it,” Tran said.

Stop by at 4230 Annandale Road Suite 160, Annandale, VA 22003.

From left to right: the sweet mango green tea, the bitter winter melon oolong tea, and the flavorful passion fruit green tea with rainbow jellies. Each drink was unique in it’s own way, not only in flavor, but also in appearance with the lids.

From the decorations to the employees. the unique shop is very friendly and welcoming.

Gong Cha is a great place to hang out with friends and family. There are games, comfortable chairs, and a heartwarming environment.