Issue 9

A

ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

the VOLUME #60 ISSUE 9

Winery to host AHS Day

BY BERTA TARQUI Co-Editor in Chief When has alcohol ever been good for students? A local winery will be holding an AHS themed day which will help raise money for student athletes who need help paying for uniforms.

The event will be held at the Philip Carter Winery on April 25 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Hume, Virginia.

"Annandale High School Day" will draw alumni to enjoy wine and participate in a competition.

Alumni are encouraged to dress in their best red and white outfits to show pride in the high school they attended.

Those who show the most school spirit will win "most spirited" among the attendees. The winners of the contest will receive a bottle of wine.

Anyone who attends and wears red and white will get a 10 percent discount on a bottle of wine. see WINE pg. 5

4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003 470

Informinng the Atoms siince 1954 4

TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015

(703) 642-4229

Incoming freshmen to receive laptops Tech initiative to be implemented next school year

BY BERTA TARQUI & JAROD GOLUB Co-Editors in Chief The incoming freshmen of the Class of 2019 will now receive their own personal laptops for the school year. The school is deciding whether they want to give students iPads or actual laptops. They are also considering an option of a combination of both.

"I'm pretty excited for the program, I think it's going to be very beneficial for all of our work community to get these computers,

and I'm very very thankful," Principal Vincent Randazzo said.

Randazzo hopes to bridge the technology gap between students since every single freshmen will be equal in having technology.

This will help out low income students and their families who may not have enough money to afford a portable device take work and assignments home and access reliable wireless internet.

"Kids will be able to do more work when they're better able to access [the technology]," Randazzo said. "Right now there is an extensive number of kids that don't have technology capabilities."

Some people believe that giving more access to technology to students will better their educational experience.

"We can do that effectively as educators, to use the technology and

"Right now there is an extensive number of kids that don't have technology capabilities."

Vincent Randazzo Principal our teaching abilities to expand the horizons and challenge you a little bit more, increase their success rate a little bit better," Randazzo said.

Online textbooks can also be used more often which will save the cost of teachers having to provide

hard copies to students. This makes for less money lost if a student loses one and the Class of 2019 will have 24/7 access time. This saves space in classrooms and backpacks all around.

The main reason why students will be getting personal devices is because the program is state sponsored. Students will not have to pay a fee for the devices and they will be responsible for the care of the device.

"It's about a year in the making, last year we had some state representatives talking about what kind of fundraising we can do for capital approval around school," Randazzo said.

The state representative had to get in touch with people who would have to see if AHS was qualified for the grant, and they were.

The planning involved in

FCPS budget impacts salaries

BY JAROD GOLUB & NEBEYU SOLOMON

BY RAPHAEL YU Staff Writer Leadership has decided to include faculty members and teachers in this year's Peach Fuzz game which usually allows only juniors and seniors. The game is widely anticipated because girls get to lead a volleyball team instead of participating in one.

The senior coaches are Erin Johnson, Moesha Fares and Kaitlyn Cook.

The junior coaches are Brooke Thadeus, Ruth Tiguh and Symone Jenkins. see PEACH pg. 5

FBLA Winners

BY BERTA TARQUI Co-Editor in Chief A select amount of students in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) attended a states conference in which they would compete against different schools in Virginia in different types of business categories.

Senior Rasel Abutaa won one of the top awards in the competition, the category of Business Law. "I was amazed. I didn't expect to win, and I didn't even realize I made the top five after I had gone up," Abutaa said. "I simply sat around and explored the area. I didn't attend see PEACH pg. 5

TOP STORIES On your smar tphone, scan this code using the application "QR Code" to read the story of the day.

Co-Editor in Chief and Staff Writer In the wake of this year's budget announcement from the FCPS School Board, many teachers have shown frustration at the decision by the board to raise their own salary from $20,000 to $32,000 beginning in 2016.

Five members voted in favor, four voted no and three abstained. The board has not, however, granted a pay raise to teachers.

"I have been working here for about nine years, and I've only seen a pay raise twice," English teacher Christopher Bagot said. "It's frustrating that the school board raised their own salaries, it's kind of a low blow."

English teacher Julia Hanneman agrees.

"It's incredibly frustrating. It's not like it was voted by a committee of community members," Hanneman said. "It was their personal interest, and it shows you something that three abstained and four voted no. It shows that only five wanted it and were willing to admit it."

In FCPS schools, the salary that a teacher makes is determined by the "step" that they are on, which is determined by the number of years of experience they have teaching. For example, a teacher on step one with a Master's Degree in teaching would make $51,500, whereas a teacher on step 20 with a Master's Degree would make $80,125. The average salary for all teachers in FCPS is around $59,108, which is standard for most Virginia public schools.

For teachers in Fairfax County, the lack of pay raises can have a much more profound impact than in other counties in the region.

Fairfax County is the also one of richest counties in the United States, being the first to reach a six figure median household income, however, our teachers are some of the lowest paid in the region.

The average high school teacher salary for District of Columbia Public Schools was $77,512 in 2013, making it the highest in the region. In Montgomery County, Maryland, it is

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS BAGOT, PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JAROD GOLUB

Peach Fuzz game

"I direct the summer camp because at least early in your career teaching does not pay a ton, and I always find when I have more time [like over the summer], I spend more money. And that just does not add up when you have a job that doesn't pay a ton."

Bagot also has another job outside of school. He works at Safeway when he is not teaching or coaching football or baseball.

"I have been working at Safeway since I was a junior at Annandale High School. I left a couple times for college, but I went back. I like working there because of the flexibility. At this point, since I have worked so long, I have gotten a pretty good pay raise and the benefits are pretty good," Bagot said.

While the other jobs are not always necessary to financially support the teachers, some use it to let them live the life that they want.

"I would be fine [without the second job], but a full summer off you spend more money than you make, so it is difficult especially when you live alone," Hanneman said.

"I can live fine off my teacher's salary, but to live the life that I want to live and keep up with my friends who have different professions that are able to go do a little bit more than I can would not be possible with just my teaching salary," Bagot said. see SALARY pg. 5

BAGOT FACTS · He graduated AHS in 2002. · He is an assistant varsity baseball coach and the head JV coach for football

English teacher Chris Bagot is one of many teachers who works a second job to compensate for low pay. He has been working at Safeway since his junior year of high school.

· This is his ninth year coaching baseball

$70,000. Fairfax County, as stated previously, has an average salary of $59,108.

"I have seen a lot of people go to DC and go look at other schools because the pay is going to be better, and if you can go get a $20,00 raise, that's awesome," Bagot said.

The lack of pay raises for teachers can have impacts on the life that they are able to

· He graduated from Bridgewater College

maintain for themselves.

To ensure that they feel comfortable with the life that they are living, many teachers will work other jobs on top of their teaching job, whether that is coaching, working on the weekends or over the summer.

Hanneman runs a summer camp each year for four to seven year olds.

· Has been working at Safeway since high school

Student opportunities given

BY FAISAL HASSEN

HEALTH FIELD INTERESTS

Staff Writer If you are a senior and still have not filled out your FAFSA, you still have one last chance to do it with a career specialist that could help you. AHS will host it is final FAFSA workshop on Thursday, April 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the computer lab in Rm 18 near the main office.

In order to successfully complete the FAFSA application, you will need the following: social security (both yours and your parent) cards or numbers memorized, drivers license, W2 forms, Federal Income Tax Return, bank statements, investment records, alien registration card and parents birth date.

You must bring all of the above (if applicable) to complete your application. Remember this is your last chance to do so for this year, so save the date. Seniors need to complete this application before they will be able to receive any money from the government. Most colleges require students to

· Students interested in a the Health field in their future should attend this career fair · NVAHEC is sponsoring a HEALTH CAREER FAIR for HIGH SCHOOL MULTICULTURAL YOUTH · When? Saturday, April 25, 2015 · Time? 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. · Where? First Baptist Church of Alexandria 2932 King Street, Entrance 4 Alexandria, VA 22302 · This is your opportunity to meet and talk with professionals representing a variety of health careers.

have this filled out by a certain time, therefore seniors need to remember to attend this workshop or do it themselves at home.

VOLUNTEER SERVICE OPPORTUNITY If you need any last minute community service hours for either government, honor societies or any other course that requires service hours, you have a chance to get some.

On Saturday. May 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., AHS is hosting a Family Support Group that needs help with childcare/daycare. Parents or families with younger children will be able to drop younger members off so they are able to fully concentrate.

Students will help with some activities such as sports, music and nail painting.

Students will work with other students that are physically disabled as well as younger students. All service forms will be signed at the conclusion of the event. In order to volunteer for this childcare, you must contact Joyann Binsley near the main office or by email. see OPPORTUNITIES pg. 5

Spring break

Student spotlight

Students create memories and enjoy their spring break

Ahmed Mohamed balances IB and personal life

Photo 8

arranging the grant has been going on for around a year. However, the effort was worth it since this is something that will further the students' educational learning because they can be connected with teachers and learn.

"It took from this time last year, to this time this year to get it all done," Randazzo said. "And he made the announcement during back to school night in the auditorium, that we would get the computers this year."

The administration hopes that the introduction of technology into the daily class schedule will be a beneficial way of allowing students to become more connected with one another and the world.

"Just the fact that all of our kids will have technology and can use it to get an education is going to be great to experience," Randazzo said.

People 13

Daredevil review Analysis and review of new Netfix series Enterntainment 18

Battle of the Classes

BY HUSSEIN SALEM & OMAR HADDOU Staff Writers The senior class hopes to continue their tradition of being the strongest class out there by participating in Battle of the Classes. This year's theme is Hunger Games. They will compete in a variety of events including tug of war, relay races and more on Friday, May 1.

All W4 classes will receive Mockingjay pins on their doors and flames are now on sale for 25 cents for classes to buy at all lunches. Whichever class collects the most flames see BOTC pg. 5

2 EDITORIALS

April 21, 2015

Walter L. Scott's death matters Another African-American male is wrongly killed Americans can add another name to the list. Walter L. Scott is the most recent unarmed African American male to be killed by a white police officer, a growing list that consists of Michael Brown, Eric Garner and Tamir Rice.

Scott was killed in Charleston, South Carolina by police officer Michael T. Slager. He reportedly pulled Scott and his passenger over for a broken taillight. Scott quickly reacted by running away from his car before being struck by a taser and shot in the back by the police officer before falling to the ground.

No one can say why Scott ran from the car when he did. However, his brother Anthony speculates that he fled as a result of owing money for child support. The coroner reported that five of the eight fired bullets hit Scott in the back as well as one in the ear which illustrates the brutality of Slager's actions.

Furthermore, Scott's hands were later handcuffed behind his back. Why, after being hit by five out of eight bullets was it

be necessary for Slager to put handcuffs on Scott? The very fact that he did put the cuffs on him shows the presence of an irrational fear of the man.

The feeling was so strong that even when Scott was on the ground dying, possibly already dead, Slager still felt the need to restrain him by putting him in a position of weakness and submission. The fear that Slager expressed towards Scott proves the fact that Americans have not outgrown their past in regards to race.

Scott was killed. No one deserves to die because of their skin color. In fact, none of the aforementioned men deserved to die, and no more deserve to die in the future because of police brutality.

Don't get me wrong, these men are far more than just names on a list, they are human beings who have families and people who love them.

These tragic deaths have proved something racial violence and discrimination are still very prevalent issues in American society.

Racism and discrimination in general is institutionalized in the businesses that we shop at,

SCREENSHOT FROM YOUTUBE.COM

BY JAROD GOLUB Co Editor in Chief

An officer handcuffs Scott after the latter was hit by multiple bullets after fleeing his car. the corporations that we own stock in, even because of the color of their skin.

The fact that Scott's death comes so close the restaurants where we eat our food.

After the deaths of Brown and Garner, it to the increasing protests over racial violence, seemed as if American society was beginning but far enough away that enough time has to take notice. The Black Lives Matter move- gone by for it to be a separate event, makes ment spread across the country and it seemed it all the more important. Because of this, the like something was going to be done about it. country's reaction to Scott's death and the However, since then, the protests have subsequent events will say more about the quieted down and things have gone back to progression of American society in overcom"normal," whatever that means in a world ing racial violence and discrimination than where people are persecuted and murdered any of the former events in the recent past do.

America's reaction to Scott's death will prove whether or not we really have learned from our mistakes, and whether or not we are capable of growth as a nation. The way that the country handles Scott's death will prove not only to ourselves, but to others as well that we have seen the error of our ways and are willing to make an attempt to, and largely succeed at, creating a fair and just society to live in.

I say "our mistake" because it really is a collective mistake. The actions of an individual greatly affect the situation of the whole, in this case, country.

So yes, this is "our" mistake, but it is also our mistake to fix. The way that we as a collective react to this most recent tragedy will dictate the course that the fight to end racial violence and discrimination will take.

When going about your daily lives, think about the things that you do or say; are you perpetuating stereotypes of black males with your words or actions? Are you using those stereotypes to categorize your friends and peers? This is the only way that we as a collective can overcome our history of racism.

In a diverse and multicultural environment such as AHS, such deaths are unthinkable. Tolerance and refraining from biased assumptions prevents such murders from ever occurring.

The victims of infamous police killings in recent memory Trayvon Martin (Feb. 26)

Eric Garner (July 19)

Michael Brown (Aug. 9)

Walter L. Scott (April 4)

Martin was shot and killed by neighborhood patrol officer George Zimmerman while on his way home from 7-11. The case highlighted the potential flaws of Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law and culminated with a controversial verdict that acquitted Zimmerman.

The legal implications of using the "choke hold" were brought to question after former officer Daniel Pantaleo applied the banned tactic to restrain Garner.

The New Yorker's death triggered massive protests in cities across the U.S.

Ferguson, Missouri erupted in protest after 18 year old Brown was shot multiple times and killed by local cop Darren Wilson. A grand jury decided not to bring Wilson to trial, prompting demonstrations against police brutality to intensify.

Scott's death gained notoriety after a video surfaced on YouTube of the former Coast Guard officer getting shot while fleeing his car. His killer, former officer Michael Slanger has been charged with murder.

2014

2012

2015

Next school year should not start early Kings' Dominion Law challenged by officials

BY PHUONG NGUYEN Editorials Editor FCPS is considering to start school before Labor Day under current provisions that allow VA school districts to apply for waivers to bypass the "King's Dominion Law." One more cancellation will allow FCPS to apply for a waiver as an average of eight missed school days over five years is needed for eligibility.

The school district has already drafted a calendar which indicates Aug. 31 and June 16 as the start and end dates for the 2015-2016 school year.

In the meantime, a bill known as HB 1585 in the VA General Assembly proposes that school districts should be allowed to have scheduling flexibility when it comes to choosing a start date before Labor Day. The bill states that if "a school division is entirely surrounded by a school division that has an opening date prior to Labor Day" they also may have open on the same date.

HB 1585 has been passed by the VA House and Senate to the Committee of Education and Health for

revision is an attempt to amend the "Kings' Dominion Law." The aforementioned law requires schools to start before Labor Day in order for high school students to staff theme parks such as Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens.

The bill should not be passed as it will not deliver any significant changes for the benefit of students.

Starting school early and finishing early will complete the 180 days of required learning in the same amount of time as the current procedure. The time frame in which students will have to stay in school for If FCPS successfully applies for a waiver, AHS students will head back to their classrooms on Aug. 31. the year will merely be shifted ahead one week. all-nighters. be an unexpected change." $104 million in income for workers.

This is very similar to another the Likewise, vacation plans will be It will also be hard to adjust to Many students have summer jobs now approved FCPS start time pro- impacted with an early start date coming back to school in August, such as lifeguarding, babysitting, posal requiring high schools to begin and families will be forced to re- given the fact that the first dreaded waitressing and tutoring. school at 8:10 a.m. for the 2015-2016 schedule or cancel their trips since week of September has been part of Starting schools earlier will put school year. With that said, there's the start day is shifted forward a full students' lives for years now. many high students out of a job early no reason to change what is already week.

In addition, the economic impacts and cause the state to lose millions considered a tradition for the past 29 Some families rent beach houses that will arise from an early start of dollars in revenue. years. or send students to attend camps date will also be disastrous for the AHS has a student body with Summer vacation is meant for until the Labor weekend. The bill will state. diverse socioeconomic situations. enjoyment. The last week of vacation ruin their plans.

According to the Williamsburg Many students who have summer is meant for relaxation before the "Students would be disappointed Yorktown Daily, starting school after jobs benefit from the extra cash. school starts and bringing with it an- that they won't have that time any- Labor Day provides the state with A week of income goes a long other round of crippling homework more," junior Julia Quizon said. "It'll $369 million in economic revenue and way especially for high students who

Dos and Don'ts of "All-Nighters"

Staff EDITORS IN CHIEF Jarod Golub Berta Tarqui MANAGING EDITOR Chelsea Alfonso EDITORIALS EDITORS Phuong Nguyen Sarah Metzel COPY EDITOR Linus Bumbaca IN-DEPTH EDITORS Alexandra Zernik Cayley Byrne SPORTS EDITORS: Marife Baragano Sabrina Hawa SPORTS XTRA EDITOR: Daniel Yenetega PEOPLE EDITOR: Biruk Negash WEEKEND EDITOR: Erin Johnson

Thia Carayiannis

Jared Lefbom

INTERNATIONAL EDITOR: Summar Ayoub

HEAD OF SOCIAL MEDIA: Andrew Gonzalez

ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS: Nuhami Mandefro Conrad Shartel

HEAD VIDEOGRAPHER: Rahel Tecle

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

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

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

have to deal with financial issues such as senior dues, SAT/ACT fees, parking fees, college application payments, admissions deposits and prom.

Moreover, FCPS cites the benefits of starting school early for students to have extra instructional time needed for AP and IB test preparation which some schools administer in October and November.

Although this is understandable, one or two weeks will not make a big difference considering the huge amount of work it takes to prepare for even one of these comprehensive tests.

Students should take initiative over summer vacation to study for their standardized tests. FCPS does not have to ruin summer for everyone over testing which does not apply to everyone, especially since AHS students take their IB exams In May. With little to gain and more unnecessary burdens to deal with, the school start dates should remain the same.

As for now, students should expect to return to the next school year on Sept. 8.

Annandale High School Vol. 60 No. 9 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003 703.642.4229 April 21, 2015 Adviser: Alan Weintraut ajweintraut@fcps.edu

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

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

Signed letters to the editor of 250 words or less may be emailed to theablast14@gmail.com or submitted to room 262 or mailed to the school. The A-Blast reserves the right to refuse advertisements.

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

Do stock up on lots of coffee, preferably Starbucks to help you wake up.

Do not eat junk food such as chips and sugary snacks for energy as they will make you feel sluggish.

Do put away your phone to prevent distractions while finishing your mountainous pile of homework.

Don't procrastinate in the first place to prevent staying up all night and contemplate on how much your life stinks.

EDITORIALS 3

April 21, 2014

Discovery of a lifetime

BY SARAH METZEL 500 years ago, humans believed that Earth was the center of the universe. Without the necessary technology to discover the truth, we lived in ignorance about our place among the stars.

Thankfully, science has come a long way since then. The heliocentric model, in which Earth is one of the planets revolving around the Sun, was proposed by in 1543.

Fast forward to the present day, where the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced on April 7 that finding alien life in the near future is highly likely.

"I believe we are going to have strong indications of life beyond Earth in the next decade and definitive evidence in the next 10 to 20 years," chief NASA scientist Elizabeth Stofan said.

Extraterrestrial life has been featured in countless science fiction films such as E.T. and Star Wars, making the whole possibility of finding aliens seem a little farfetched.

However, Stofan made it clear that when NASA finds alien-life, it will not be in the form of the stereotypical "little green men." It will most likely be little microbes.

This is a disappointment, since I spent a good part of my childhood watching the best sci-fi bollywood film of all time, Koi Mil Gaya, and waiting for the main character, a blue alien creature named "Jadoo" to show up on my doorstep.

One of the reasons NASA scientists feel that they are on the brink of discovery is because they are convinced of the prevalence of water in other places around the Solar System. These "ocean worlds" tend to be moons of the four giant planets in the outer regions of our

HTTP://WWW.JPL.NASA.GOV/

Editorials Editor

ENCELADUS FACTS · Moon of Saturn · First discovered in 1789 by William Hershel · The Voyager (1980s) and Cassini (2005) spacecrafts recorded all the data we know about Enceladus · Only 500 kilometers (310 miles) in diameter · Surface is made of fresh, clean ice. Features include craters, fissures, plates, corrugated terrain and geysers. · Water from the subterranean reservoir jets out from fissures at the South Pole. · Water from these fissures erupts at jet speed, approximately 800 mph. · The fissures appear clearly on the topographical image above, and have earned the nickname "tiger stripes"

Solar System: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

Most of the liquid water on these ocean worlds is predicted to exist as subterranean oceans.

For example, scientists suspect that on Enceladus, a moon of Jupiter, there is a reservoir of water six miles deep at its south pole. Water

from this reservoir sprays out from fissures in the moon's surface, creating impressive jets.

Alien life is more likely to exist in these types of dynamic oceans.

These ocean worlds tend to be very far away from the Sun, so what is generating the heat to maintain liquid oceans?

The answer is not as obvious as you might think. The strong gravitational force from large planets like Saturn and Jupiter is keeping some of their moons just warm enough maintain liquid oceans beneath the surface.

Though water is a key indicator for life, most people don't realize that sunlight is not essential for it.

According to the National Science Foundation, some of Earth's most basic life-forms exist in deep-sea communities that use chemical energy instead of sunlight to survive.

Hydrogen-sulfide molecules can be converted to chemical energy at deep-sea hydrothermal vents, where bacteria tend to gather.

Similar scenarios could be occurring on other worlds in our Solar System at this very moment, since hydrothermal vents are a common phenomenon.

Though life in the form of deepsea microbes does not sound like much, it holds a promise of grander things. Long before the human species evolved, bacteria was the only form of life on Earth.

Still around today, these organisms provide nutrients to other organisms at the bottom of the food chain. Since humans are the world's top predator, your stomach is its own little world of microbial life that you have consumed through your food.

Life comes from life. That's something we learn in our freshman biology classes. So even though the life that NASA expects to discover might not look anything like us, there is still hope that it could evolve into sentient life forms.

If that time comes, I sincerely hope that human beings will have survived to greet our new neighbors and communicate that they are not alone. After all, we know how it feels to stare up at the stars with questions about our place among them.

How would you feel if NASA found life?

"I would be interested, and I'd want to learn more about them."

"I would have more hope for the colonization and terraformation of other planets."

JOHN MEISINGER KHANH NGYUEN freshman

sophomore

"I would start to think that there is more out there that we still haven't discovered."

"If that turns out to be true, then a lot of things could change. I would be excited and more open-minded."

ANGELA VALLEJOS ADRIANA HAILU junior

junior

"I wouldn't feel any different since it wouldn't really affect me. Let them evolve."

DRE WRIGHT senior

WWW.STATE.GOV

NASA expects to find alien life within the next 20 years

As Secretary of State, Clinton (right) learned to negotiate with foreign leaders.

The U.S. needs a female president Will Clinton be the one?

Sarah Gets Sassy

BY SARAH METZEL

So while it looks to be inevitable that Clinton will be the Democratic candidate in 2016, can she actually win the election and go down in history as the first female president?

According to a Gallup poll from March, 89 percent of Americans know enough about Clinton to have an opinion of her and 50 percent of the people polled had a positive opinion of her. Comparing that to the 39 percent who did not favor Clinton, I'd say that prospects are looking good for Clinton.

Editorials Edtior As the 2016 presidential race approaches, politicians are starting to place their bids in the hopes of being elected the 46th president of the United States.

Just in the last few weeks, we have seen several contenders enter the race. For the Republican party, there are currently three men competing to be on the ticket: Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul and Florida Senator Marco Rubio.

As for the Democrats, there appears to be one candidate who has caught everyone's eye. She's been the first lady of Arkansas, the first lady of the U.S., a Senator from New York and most recently we knew her as the Secretary of State. You guessed it -- the Democratic party favorite is Hillary Clinton.

Looking at the polls, the percentage of Democrats who support Clinton is overwhelming.

The Huffington Post reports that 60 percent of Democrats favor Clinton over any other candidate.

Vice President Joe Biden and Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren are tied for second place with a measly 12 percent each.

This means that there is not going to be much competition between Democratic contenders.

The Democratic party will choose nominees to officially support for President and Vice President at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in July of next year.

That means that Clinton has over a year to campaign for a nomination she's already almost certain to win.

"Although the time for America to have a female president is long overdue, I do not intend to vote blindly for any candidate."

However, we are still a year and a half away from Election Day. That means Clinton and other hopeful candidates will be spending virtually every day for the next 18 months strategizing, flying around the country and making speeches all to ensure that they have your vote on that one fateful November day.

I will be voting for the first time in a presidential election on that day.

Although I believe that the time for America to have a female president is long overdue, I do not intend to vote blindly for any candidate.

Hillary Clinton must take some important steps before I can feel certain that she deserves my vote.

First of all, she needs to choose an acceptable running mate -- a Vice President who easily connects with voters and someone who balances Clinton's political seniority with fresh ideas and an optimistic attitude.

As excited as I am to cast my vote, there are still months to go on the election campaign timeline. Hillary might be my top choice for the moment, but that could all change at the drop of a press release. Either way, I hope one day to see the U.S. led by a female commander-in-chief.

Who needs financial aid the most?

Cost of higher education is unreasonably high, forcing students to take out loans

BY ANIQA RASHID With the rapidly rising costs of college, students are scrambling to obtain scholarships and financial aid money that will help them subset the costs of their student loan debts.

Even with institutional grants, scholarships and federal grants (including work-study), several students in the United States are struggling to find the means of making up the difference in college tuition (and of far away room and board costs).

Especially at AHS, where more than half of the students are on free and reduced lunch, many students have the tough decision of choosing a college based on the total aid package offered from each individual school.

But how do students manage to receive aid in the first place? Several universities and institutions utilize the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), using the Federal Methodology to determine student financial aid based on income.

In addition to the FAFSA, another commonly used form by more selective private colleges is called the College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) created by the College Board (who also administer the commonly dreaded SATs).

The CSS uses Institutional Methodology and is much more detailed in terms of acknowledging more about financial status, including but not limited to student and parent debt, retirement account finances and home equity.

In regards to the Institutional Methodology aspect to the Profile, there is a general CSS application in addition to more questions that different universities may have regarding your finances, thus catering to the term institutional.

The final goal for these financial aid forms is to determine the Expected Family Contribution that universities use to determine how much need-based scholarships, grants and perhaps work-study that you are qualified for.

But is the Expected Family Contribution true to the financial need of students? During the college application season, I had also applied to both FAFSA and CSS, inputting my parent's income and financial situation.

Coming from a household comprised of two engineers, whose combined income is considered to cover the total costs of all universities that I applied to,

WWW.ED.GOV

Staff Writer

I was not given any federal grants, but instead offered a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan of $5,500 (also called a Stafford Loan).

Compared to the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, if I accepted this loan, I would be responsible for paying the interest (the U.S. Department of Education pays for the interest on the Unsubsidized Loan) that can accumulate if I choose to defer my payments until after I graduate from university.

Being the oldest in the family of two children, and also being the first going to college, I was not considered "needy" as deemed by the different methodologies that take into consideration family household size, and if other children in the family currently attend college.

However, I'm not expecting nor do I want that my parents cover any costs for my college education. With my Expected Family Contribution being approximately $12,000 greater than the highest total cost for one of the colleges I applied to, I'm considered to have all finances in check.

Despite this misleading view of having total financial security, there is actually more financial dependence. So my household income is considered to be a little greater than what is considered to be average in the United States? It is still considered to be average, or even lower compared to the totality of the working-class residents in the Northern Virginia region.

That doesn't mean that other students whose parents make a little more than the average income will be living so well off. Compared to the different areas within Virginia that students come from, the cost of living can vary drastically, especially from south to north. There are many different factors that financial aid forms do not take into consideration, factors that can't be filled in on an application online.

Not having the resources for financial security is one thing and being deemed as "needy" by the FAFSA and CSS forms is another. On the topic of not having resources, many students have parents whose jobs allow them to offset balances in terms of finances.

Take into account taxi drivers, who typically have physical cash being given to them. Paper money is harder to track, and thus the students can input a lower value for that parent's income eventually leading to a lower Expected Family Contribution and greater federal financial aid!

Alternatively, let's take for example ethnicity-based scholarships and grants. At a particular university, applicants can be awarded scholarships simply if their ethnicity is considered to be part of the minority within the university.

This is great, but these can be rewarded without a glance at the financial circumstance of the applicant, which makes it easier for those who actually have the money to invest into their college education to obtain those awards.

Now let's look at the academic part of the equation.

Academics are a great way for students to receive free money for college. However, some colleges may not reward this to everyone, even if they are all straight-Areceiving IB students.

According to www.collegedata.com, George Mason University offered merit-based gifts to 3.3 percent of their incoming freshmen that had no financial need for the 2012-13 school year.

Some colleges that AHS students eventually attend include George Mason University, James Madison University, Virginia Tech and Virginia Commonwealth University.

The current in-state cost of attendance for these universities are: $25,240, $23,530, $23,941 and $24,905 respectively. The percentage of need being met are: 62 percent, 41 percent, 60 percent and 59 percent respectively.

Looking at the total cost of attendance for each university, with the highest percentage of need being fully met at 62 percent, many of the students still struggle with affording and paying for the costs that attending college brings.

What needs to happen? A change in the U.S. education system. There needs to be an extreme emphasis on changing the financial aid system to account for the rapidly increasing costs of college.

Financial aid needs to be distributed appropriately so that the next generation can focus on making the world a better place instead of becoming slaves to crippling college debt.

4 NEWS

April 21, 2015

Their voices are heard Day of Silence promotes LGBTQ awareness

BY ALAN VARGAS News Editor The club known as the Gay-Straight Alliance, GSA for short, is a prime example of students being able to express their unique identities amongst other students. The Day of Silence was observed on April 16. It is used to promote awareness and to commemorate many people who were and still are persecuted for their sexual orientation.

The National Day of Silence brings to attention name-calling, bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students in schools.

It is held every year and anyone can participate.

The green carnation, popularized by Oscar Wilde in late 1900s, is symbolic of the persecution faced by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning members of the community, LGBTQ+ for short. Students wear them to respect and support those still discriminated against today.

This shows one prominent aspect of the AHS community which involves their ability to express their unique cultures, academic interest, artistic interest and even sexual orientation.

"It's important to let students at our schools, and school across the nation, that their environment not only recognizes them but is also a safe place for them," senior GSA president Todd Le said.

In the AHS community there is a rather positive atmosphere available to students. Specifically considering the LGBTQ+ youth, a good number of students believe they are free to express their sexual orientation without judgment.

IB on time crunch

BY ALAN VARGAS

LIST OF FAMOUS LGBTQ+ MEMBERS POSTED AROUND SCHOOL · Zachary Quinto - Actor/Film Producer

· Kye Alums - Former Athlete

· Laverne Cox - Actor

· Sam Smith - Singer

· Oscar Wilde - Writer

· Troye Sivan - Actor/Singer

· Kingsley - Youtube Star

· Neil Patrick Harris - Actor

· Ezra Miller - Actor

· Ellen Degeneres - Comedian/Actor

· Wanda Sykes - Comedian/Actor

· Elton John - Singer

· Adam Lambert - Singer

· Matt Bomer - Actor

· George Takei - Actor · Michael Sam - Athlete "People here don't care what your sexuality is, they care about personality," freshman Cristina Rivas said.

This comfortability that students express promotes a better and safer learning environment.

ESOL teacher Bethany Slingerlan, sponsor of the GSA, also sees to this safe environment by simply being active with the GSA and its members.

"According to the 2011 National School Climate Survey conducted by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, just the mere presence of a GSA in a school creates more positive educational experiences for LGBTQ students," Slingerlan said. "While there is still a lot of work to be done, I can say from my experience here that as the GSA has become increasingly visible on campus, our school has become much more inclusive for LGBTQ students."

Similarly, when students participate in events that raise awareness, like participating in the Day of Silence, it can make a major difference in someone else's life.

"Well I feel that the benefits of the club and something like the Day of Silence are that they expose kids at AHS to the fact that LGBTQ+ community still faces major issues that haven't been resolved yet," senior Aya Eltahir said. "Just because AHS is a generally accepting and supportive school doesn't mean that there aren't issues that this community faces."

The Day of Silence also served the purpose of helping students understand the issues faced in the LGBTQ+ community.

"Getting the attention of a teacher was very hard," Rivas said. "Overall, it was an interesting experience."

This is one tradition that has continued indefinitely, and it serves overall purpose in helping solve discriminatory actions in the global community, one step at a time.

KIM MAI

"If I hear classmates speaking about the stereotypes in the LGBTQ+ community.

I'll try my best to steer them in a less ignorant direction."

EFFIE KALULU

"Just participating in something like the Day of Silence really says a lot about what people can face in the LGBT community."

senior

senior

junior

EMILY RIVAS

"If I see a friend getting bullied for their choices or opinions, I'd quickly stand up for them because it's what's right."

MEGAN PENDERGAST

"I just try to make a comfortable environment and make sure everyone feels okay."

JONATHAN NORANBROOK senior

senior

BY TIPYAN ALBDERAHMAN Staff Writer Students are given a chance to take down their opponents in the upcoming student faculty game.

This year's game will be held in the main gym tomorrow. It is expected to be another fun and enthusiastic competition.

The tickets will be sold for $3 in the cafeteria and for $5 at the door.

The students have begun working hard to keep up their record of beating the teachers for the past two years. The students have had two practices so far and are being coached by senior Andre Wright. He strives to push them towards success.

"We're going to get buckets, that's the game plan. No ifs, ands or buts about it. When they walk into the gym they warm up and do a couple of drills," Wright said. "They do 10 push ups for every layup that they miss.

We're going to beat the teachers,"

"No ifs, ands or buts about it. When they walk into the gym they warm up and do a couple of drills."

Andre Wright senior The teachers only had one practice, on April 16, due to inclement weather.

"We were going to practice but we got moved out of the gym for sports because of weather, so we're going to practice Thursday and then we're just going to kind of wing it and rely on our superior talent," English teacher Sean Hardy said.

Both the students and faculty are very excited for the game and like the idea that the teachers are involved. They also can't wait to see the outcome of the game and who will take the victory.

"I like that I can play against the teachers," junior Davian Gonzalez said, "and I think the outcome of the game will be the students coming out on top."

"I think that the students are going to win since they're younger and faster," administrator Matt Behne said. "The faculty will try their best, hopefully we give them a good game."

"I think it's a great event. I also think people like to see the teachers doing something outside of the classroom and competing against the students. It's one of the most fun things I do every year," Behne said.

Make sure to come out and support your fellow classmates and staff at the student faculty game, and see one side going home in tears.

Students attend conference

BY ANDREW NUNEZ A small selection of students from AHS joined together at George Mason University Arlington Campus on March 20 to share with one another how to be a good, ethical leader at an event called the West Point Leadership and Ethics Conference, where one of the representatives won a competition.

"Essentially, [it] is a conference that brings students from Fairfax County, other Virginia Counties, D.C., and Maryland together to discuss ethical leadership skills," history teacher Caylen Beight said.

Juniors Angel Adu, Mahlate Bereket, Kevin Malando and Zack Hackfield were the four students who were recommended by their history and leadership teachers to go and have a great experience.

The students who went to the conference were able to listen to leaders in the military and what they have learned throughout the years.

They also had to work in groups and brainstorm solutions to given scenarios that would be ethical enough to carry out in a real situation.

"The students were broken up into 12 different groups and they were

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAYLEN BEIGHT

Staff Writer

From left to right: Kevin Malando,Mahlate Bereket, Angel Adu, and Zack Hackfeild

given scenarios with a dilemma," Beight said. "As a group they came up with the most ethical solution for the dilemma."

The winning group of the scenario competition featured only Zach Hackfield from AHS. This conference is one of the many opportunities available to high school juniors, as they begin to shift their focus more onto college and universities and general plans after high school.

"It showed us ways we can take good actions in our life," Malando said.

There were also other simpler benefits to this conference.

"I thought it was also just a great

way to meet other people in Virginia," Bereket said.

Not only did they have the opportunity to hear from other students who are from Maryland, D.C. and Virginia schools, but they also got to hear from speakers from the military and business owners. This made for a wide variety of possible opportunities available to the students to learn more and enhance their leadership skills overall.

The students were given a great opportunity to learn more of ethics and leadership.

"Leadership skills are important for everyone," Beight said.

senior Saraih Munoz said.

Of course, teachers are also having issues with running the same curriculum, but in less time.

"I'm having after school review sessions since once we're done with the content we're jumping straight into the exams," biology teacher Francesca Mast said. "It's unfortunate because the students have to do a lot of independent study that we can't have in the classroom."

This is only one way teachers are trying to accommodate the new schedule. History & Social Studies teacher Jonathan York is one of the teachers using another method for review: a Saturday review session.

"I will most likely be about four hours in the morning, and students in groups will basically prepare a study sheet for the entire class on Saturday," York said.

However, some teachers still believe students are capable of handling this extra challenge of time management.

"The reason I'm even doing the Saturday session is because my students, and all IB students really, put in a lot of work into their classes, amongst other things," York said.

Free dresses given Circulation & Ad Manager

Annual basketball game back Players prepare for the competition

IB Class schedules are still feeling the after affects of the many snow days this year.

Several students and teachers have had to change their schedules to accommodate the less amount of time available to them Unlike other regular exams within the school year, IB exam dates are set in stone. Regardless of the amount of days missed, students are expected to fully comprehend the material that will be on the exams.

This poses many difficulties for several students in IB courses.

"Because of the snow days, we don't have as much time before IB tests, so it seems like all of my teachers are rushing to get everything done," senior Shira Steinberg said. "That, means we have a lot of work to do this month."

This time crunch also takes away from time to review, and/or would cause the individual classes to move at a more rapid pace when it comes to teaching content.

"I feel nervous for the exams and unprepared because there isn't much exam preparation going on,"

BY ZEKE YONAS

What are you going to do to end the silence?

"If I hear any friends of mine saying slang words that discriminate against LGBT, then I'll do my best to stop it."

News Editor

Students that plan on going to Prom this year can benefit from a new program at AHS called Princess for a Night.

The idea is to have teachers donate their old Prom dresses, shoes, jewelry and other items to room 326 throughout this week to help girls look their very best on Prom night.

The last quarter of the school year has begun and the countdown until the annual Senior Prom continues, putting more pressure on students as they begin to try and find the perfect outfit to wear to the dance, with some students finding their outfit with relative success, and others struggling.

Though finding a dress may be a difficult task, the use of this program can greatly benefit those with difficulties both financially and simply searching.

"This is the first year we are trying it," school psychologist Anne Brosnan said. "We thought it would be a nice idea to start with our

school and collect these items."

The clothes that are donated but end up not being used by the students will go to the Princess for a Night Program.

"We thought it would be a nice idea to start with our school and collect these items."

Anne Brosnan Psychologist The items will be available to be collected by students in My Friend's Closet in the Neighborhood Center from April 27 through May 1.

"I've had a lot of teachers already e-mail me saying that they will bring dresses," Brosnan said.

With teachers giving away fancy clothing items in good condition, girls attending Prom have a new, less expensive way to dress up for prom night. This program offers a great alternative to fancy dress shopping.

NEWS 5

April 21, 2015

AHS Day at winery

Teachers deal with low pay CONT. "SALARY"

There will also be food available, more specifically, a D.C. food truck which attendees will be able to buy from, and live music performances by Bad Hair Day, a varied band with a central rock focus. The musicians in the band are also AHS graduates.

The winery was founded by Philip Carter Strother and remains open for every day of the week.

Strother, along with his wife, are AHS alumni. Among the group of smaller investors, Steve Mills and Arthur Resier also graduated from AHS. Strother was in the class of 1987. He played on the Atoms football team when he attended.

"I have very fond memories of being part of the football program at AHS, during which many life lessons were taught and nurtured by the coaching staff, such as teamwork, perseverance and leadership," Strother said.

This year will be the seventh annual AHS Day, and they also hold a silent auction as well. The auction will be giving away clothing from AHS. There will also be a raffle for a one night at Inn at Vineyards Crossing.

In the beginning, Strother saw more people from the class of 198789. However, over the years, a variety of alumni have attended the event. He now expects a few hundred attendants to come this year.

Strother enjoys this event because it is another way to reconnect with people in person since it is an anticipated gathering.

"It is always good see classmates," Strother said. "As with most these days, we all stay connected through Facebook and other social media platforms, but to have a venue and a specific event to come together with friends and family is an wonderful opportunity to nurture and sustain our relationships."

Strother remembers why he still wants to continue to help AHS through fundraising.

In the 80s, when I attended AHS, the school was a leader in the nation in advancing a diverse, multicultural learning environment that has now become the standard in America," Strother said. "The school successfully integrated a comprehensive cross section of students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.The school maintained a high level of school spirit, and the teachers were engaged and passionate about the success and development of all their students.

Strother hopes to continue this tradition and wants to take the next step in contributing more by fundraising in the future because Philip Carter Winery wants to help students who need it the most.

"If there are presentations or papers [to grade], or yearbook nights, it's countless hours," Julia Hanneman English teacher coaching a sport. I'm working about three days a week during the season, and I probably work about 12 hours a

Battle of the classes CONT. "BOTC" gets entry into battle of the classes."

We're really focusing on making the games better than last year and going all out with decorations," senior Ravyn Hankinson said.

English teacher Carmen Bartley, sponsor of the Leadership team, an input on what to expect from this year's BOTC. "Right now, we're working on mostly promotion." There are requirements for a W4 class to have access to go to BOTC.

week [at Safeway] plus my teaching hours. When I'm not in season, I'm working 20 hours [at Safeway]."

Many teachers feel frustrated with the amount that they get paid for the hours that they get put in as well as with the lack of opportunity for advancement. "[We make] absolutely too little, I wish I felt like I could live more comfortably in this area that I work in without feeling the need to take the second job and being able to spend my summer more freely," Hanneman said.

"I didn't come into the profession to make a lot of money so I don't have a lot of complaints, I make a decent living. However every job gets a raise yearly but I have been working here nine years and I have only gotten two or three raises," Bagot said.

"I think that the starting wages of a teacher is about even with any job, it just doesn't have the max out potential that any other job has."

Even when the teacher does have another job, it is not always sufficient enough to sustain them.

"With coaching baseball, you don't really get paid that much. You get a stipend but it's probably less than minimum wage because they only budget enough for two or three assistant coaches, so if you want more than that to run a better program you take less money," Bagot said.

Along with the budget decision to raise board member salaries, the "We're getting ready to start selling flames for W4. The more flames your W4 has, the bigger the chance is to go to BOTC." Students shouldn't expect anything new this year. "We're reviewing new events, but nothing new will be added. We want to build off of last year," Bartley said. This way, the students competing will be familiar with the courses.

Senior Lorenzo Aluning has attended each year and he has enjoyed the past BOTCs and can't wait for this year's since it will be the last one he will attend.

"I will try to remember this one the most since it is my last."

"I've always wanted to compete in it but never really got to inquiring for a spot," Aluning said. "But it's still fun to watch."

The event is a few weeks away.

May the odds be ever in your favor.

The average salary for teachers in AHS is $65,746.10. This is before any taxes. There are variety of salaries depending on the amount of years a teacher has worked and their education.

According to U.S. News, one out of 10 teachers in the U.S. work a second job with teaching.

Common part time jobs can include tutoring, teaching summer school or retail jobs.

The average amount a teacher spends on classroom supplies is around $415. This money is from their own pocket.

Fairfax County $4 billion budget only includes $2 billion for schools, which is $14 million less than was proposed.

The money for the budget comes from property taxes, which tend to hover around $1 for every $100 that a property is worth.

When Superintendent Karen Garza came to FCPS from Texas, she planned to get pay raises for teachers. While Garza has not yet fully made true to that promise, she has shown initiative in attempting to fulfil it.

91 percent of teachers spend their own money to have their own classroom supplies.

Extras are not supplied from the school.

However, despite Garza's best attempts thus far, the amount of money given to FCPS from the County does not account for the influx of new students that is seen each year.

On average, Fairfax County, the most populated jurisdiction in the Commonwealth of Virginia with a population of a,118,883 people, sees an influx of around 3,000 students, but the county has not been able to keep up with the rise in numbers.

Despite the gap in salaries between the counties, some AHS teachers love teaching here and they would not want to switch to another

school district.

"Teaching is a great profession.

I don't think anybody gets into it for the money or the salary," Bagot said.

"If they could compensate us a little more it would really be appreciated on our end."

Updates for all students CONT. "OPPORTUNITIES"

NEW SCHOLARSHIP If you're looking for a great opportunity to receive a scholarship, the Annandale Rotary club has a great opportunity for you.

The Annandale Rotary will award any Annandale graduating senior with $2,500 and four $5,000 scholarships to Annandale and Falls Church graduating seniors.

The club will choose one of the recipients to receive an additional $5,000 if they complete their second year. In order to apply, you need to be a graduating senior, be in financially need and be academically strong.

Seniors can nominate their peers who believe that they have committed themselves to helping others.

Also nominees should be people who work hard in and outside of school.

The scholarship application can be found in the Career Center. For more info, you may also ask our career specialist Robin Roth.

SENIOR SURVEY @AYEARBOOK

CONT. "WINERY"

Teachers also work many overtime hours grading papers or staying after with students, which they do not get compensated for.

"During the school year I don't think I could add up how many hours I work, because it depends. If there are presentations or papers [to grade], or yearbook late nights, it's countless hours," Hanneman said.

"We are salaried, so we get paid the equivalent of 35 hours a week but we work more and don't get paid."

"With teaching, you have your contract hours, but as a coach I'm here everyday after school until 6 p.m. and on game days I'm here until 9 p.m. or 10 p.m." Bagot said.

"Safeway has always been really accommodating for me when I'm

The senior survey is mandated by FCPS in which all high schools will be conducting. The senior survey will be held on April 29 and 30.

It will be administered through student's social studies classes. i.e.

THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR FOURTH QUARTER · Make sure to notify the leaders of programs if you choose to do any of these community service projects. · Visit the Career Center in Student Services for any questions or updates. · All seniors should visit Family Connections through Blackboard to get more information about scholarships. · Request transcripts for scholarships three weeks prior to the deadline to ensure that it gets there on time. · Furfill community service requirements before club inductions. history, government, topics etc. The students need to know all their college application results and all scholarships they have been awarded, the name and amount the scholarship awards.

This information helps the counselors advise the students for the Class of 2016 and the scholarships help recognize the students achievements the students during the senior award ceremony.

Every senior is required to do it even if the student is not going to college.

If the student is not going to college the counselor wants to know where they are headed after high school, example military. This can help a student in the future so its important everyone does it.

In the previous years, the seniors won Battle of the Classes.

FBLA winners

Peach Fuzz preparations

CONT. "FBLA" any seminars or anything of the sort. Between the ceremonies I went home."

The conference was a two day long event from April 10-11. The students who placed in the top three of the conference are now qualified to attend a conference in Chicago, IL from June 29 to July 2.

Senior Diva Chowdhary and junior Amiansu Khanal also placed first place in the Business Presentation category.

"I was actually pretty pleasantly surprised. I knew we had a solid presentation but I didn't think we would top at states. My partner Amiansu was more confident," Chowdhary said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DIVAKARUNI CHOWDHARY

Peach Fuzz is another version of Powder Puff in which juniors and seniors go against each other. However, unlike Power Puff, there are no freshmen or sophomore teams.

There is a 12 player maximum.

The juniors will have 12 players, and seniors have nine players overall. Every team has three coaches each, pushing their teams to victory.

The big game will be held on April 29 at 2:30 p.m. and will be welcome to all. Practices are on Tuesday, April 21, Thursday, April 23 and Monday, April 27.

Not only will winning the game build up the pride in each player, but also build up pride in the class.

"I feel excited on playing and I think it will be fun. The outcome will be that 2016 will

come out with the 'W'" junior Davian Gonzalez said.

"I am playing because I want to represent my class," junior Temesgan Awoke said.

The coaches are looking forward to leading their teams to victory. They are motivated to practice as much as they can so they can win.

"We're pretty excited and pumped for the event because it's a junior filled committee so we can show A-Town what we are capable of," junior Eden Mesfin said.

Some people are excited to see how the teacher team will fare in this tournament.

"We've added a teacher team and made it like a tournament so whoever wins the first round advances and takes a shot at beating the team of teachers," junior Molly GormLast year's junior team. Cook and Johnson will continue coaching this year as well. ley said.

@ATOMS LEADERSHIP

CONT. "PEACH"

The FBLA conference gave several AHS students awards for their work.

NEWS BRIEFS THIRD QUARTER REPORT CARDS

FAMILIES TO WORK PROGRAM

W2 teachers will distribute report cards to students on Tuesday, April 21.

On Tuesday, April 28 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., there will be a Families to Work Program in Rm 203.

CLASS ELECTIONS

ART STUDIO UPPER LEVEL EXHIBIT & RECEPTION

EXTENDED W4 Students will stay in their W4 classes on Friday, May 1. Students will not have to report to their requested teachers.

MYP FAIR

On Thursday, May 7, sophomores will AHS will hold an extended W4 period On Thursday, April 30 from 5 p.m. to 9 display their completed MYP projects in the for underclassmen to hold class elections p.m., art students will display their artwork in cafeteria from 12:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. for the next year on Thursday, April 23. the Clausen Hall.

SOL TESTING BEGINS

FOURTH QUARTER INTERIMS DISTRIBUTED

On Monday, May 11, students will begin SOL testing in the upstairs gym and computer rooms. Testing tickets will be distributed in W4 classes.

On Thursday, Monday 21, W4 teachers will distribute fourth quarter report cards to students.

BAND CAR WASH On Saturday, May 9, band will hold a car wash on Little River Turnpike near Exxon from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY On Monday, May 25, there will be no school due to the Memorial Day Holiday.

6 ACADEMICS

April 21, 2015

New IB coordinator Q & A with Linda Bradshaw Shirley Campbell is the current International Baccalaureate Diploma Program coordinator.

After a long time on the job, she's decided to retire and pass it on to the current International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program coordinator, Linda Bradshaw. It was announced on April 15 that Bradshaw will become the new International Baccalaureate Diploma coordinator. We have asked Bradshaw a few questions about her future job as the IB DP coordinator.

Q: What other experiences have you had with the IB program?

A: I've spent the last four years in the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) coordinator. In that time, I've had the wonderful privilege of watching Mrs. Campbell, who is our diploma coordinator, and learning everything that she has done from working with students, teachers, parents and promoting the program. Before that I was up in the English department here and taught English for three years alongside Mrs. Campbell, so we have a very long history together.

Q: What changes do you plan to make in the IB program?

A: I want to definitely keep everything that we

already have in place because it is very successful especially all that we do to support the students for CAS, extended essay, getting through TOK and all of the requirements. One thing I was thinking of possibly starting next year is an IB council to handle issues about honor code problems, also as a means to communicate with the principal and administrators about what's going on with the students in the program to better support them.

Q: How will you encourage more students to take the IB road?

A: I want to do a very big push to go into our middle schools and bring juniors and seniors as ambassadors to the middle schools to get them more aware of what the benefits are of the IB program so that they can start preparing their course load even before they leave middle school because most importantly they need to start their world language requirement and at least get one year of a world language under their belt. I think getting information out to them sooner than later could increase our number of diploma candidates here in our building.

Q: How will you improve and sustain the excellence of the IB program?

A: I think part of the reason why we have such an excellent program is that we have outstanding

ALAINA GARAY

Academics Editor

The new IB coordinator Linda Bradshaw in her office ready for a busy day.

teachers that are so dedicated, they go above and beyond and do everything that they can do.

The best way to keep our program as solid as it is for me to be an advocate for my teachers in the building and support them and whatever they need, whether it's special development training, time off for them to grade internal assessments or funding for chaperones for field trips. I think keeping our teachers happy will definitely help keep our program growing.

Q: Why did you want this job?

A: I think the big thing about being the diploma coordinator is that it is a busy job and you have to be good at balancing things and it's never the same thing every single day and I really like

variety, I like the challenge. I like interacting with all different kinds of groups like students, parents, community and administrators. It always keeps you on the go. I also really like a job that's fast paced and energetic.

Q: What else would you like students to know about you?

I'm an avid reader. I am a part of the faculty book club and I am a supporter of the Redskins, even though they've had very few successes lately I am still a strong supporter of the Redskins. I used to have season tickets. I have three young boys at home that keep me very active and I'm just totally thrilled to be in this new position and I can't wait to see what's in store for us here at AHS.

IB Diploma candidate spotlight: Paula Alderete

SAT Word Search

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

A: It's hard keeping up with academics and my social life simultaneously. Most of the time, which is almost every week, I'm between school and work.

Finding time to spend with my friends and family without the next project in the back of my mind is a struggle.

However, I often find that while I'm doing something school related with my friends, we seem to mix work and fun.

Sometimes this does distract us, but it's a good excuse for a break.

Q: What is your favorite subject?

A: My favorite subject is English. For some reason I love analyzing passages and looking for their meaning. Especially when it comes to time for poetry analysis, something just clicks, and I over analyze assignments and their Senior IB Diploma candidate Paula Alderete. meanings. Also I really love the teachers in the English department. I'm in the English hallways literally every day. Shoutout to Hanneman and Gibson!

COURTESY OF PAULA ALDERETE

BY KAILYN GARAY

Q: What are your studying habits?

A: My studying habits are nonexistent. It's bad. I always try to tell myself I'll study before the next test or quiz. I do not recommend this lifestyle, because it will lead you to cram literally 20 minutes before a quiz or whatever. Surprisingly, most times I'm able to get away with it (studying right before a quiz) however I still don't recommend it. It's unnecessarily stressful.

Q: What school do you want to go to?

A: A few days ago I committed to George Mason University. While that wasn't my first choice due to it being very close to my house, I have to admit that it is a pretty great school. I'm going in with so many options, like clubs and programs to be a part of, as well as the chance of getting that college experience of living on campus. So overall I'm really excited!

Tyro Lukewarm Ossify Preclude Tumult Amelioration Carping Desist Exorcism Impromptu Lummox Sanguinary

Desecrate Exhaustive Impious Ludicrous Orthodox Salutary Truncate Arid Capitulate Desecration Exonerates Ameliorate

Cantankerous Derogatory Exemplify Impecunious Lucid Ornate Precipice Salubrious Truant Ambulatory Capacious Sanctimonious

Ostentatious Precocious Sanction Turpitude Amiable Cartographer Despondent Expatriate Inadvertent Luscious Oust Predecessor

Q: What was your essay topic about?

A: My extended essay topic was about fairy tales. I picked it literally minutes before handing over my proposal to my adviser. I was having problems picking my topic so I went online. I found a question that related to fairy tales and then out of the blue I came up with a topic. From there it simply developed into an analysis on the "changes in fairy tale morals over time." I'm really glad this was my topic because it was something I didn't get tired of.

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

Q: Who is your favorite IB teacher?

A: I love Ms. Hanneman. While I never had her for English 11, I do have her for yearbook. She was my extended essay supervisor and through that I just developed a close connection with her. She's really cool and always around to listen whether she likes it or not. She's tolerant of all my teenage related problems, no matter if they're academic or personal. Also she lets me hang around in her room when I have no place to go during R7, which is again, basically every other day.

Q: Is your only focus academics?

A: Besides academics, my other big focus is on my job. I work at Kids Choice and it's very time consuming, especially on weekends. However, I also am a part of service clubs in and out of school, yearbook and two honor societies (French and English).

TITUS’S DRIVING SCHOOL “Taking pride in road safety”

Why choose Titus's Driving School Over Others?

"Titus is a great teacher and helps you become a safe driver. In just a week, I learned so much about driving and gained a lot of valuable experience."

— Michael Ambrosio, senior

1. The school is bonded and insured 2. Students do not need 45 hours driving time prior to the program 3. Parents and students can check yellowpages. com for school reviews 4. Students don’t have to pay until they get their drivers license 5. If you bring your friend along, you get $25 off your payment Contact us by phone or email (571) 217-1441 (703) 751-2391

Fax: (703) 879-5943 info@titus-driving-school.

“Titus’s Driving School is the best driving school for any new drivers.

I learned how to drive through him and from day one, all he dealt with was driving safely. He would always remind us that when driving, you must be safe because being behind the wheel is the only course in which you are handling your life and potentially that of others.”

— Emmanuel Kwayke, senior

HEALTH 7

April 21, 2015

Body image affects teens develop negative images of themselves is what they see in television or beauty magazines. Different magazines and TV programs show how a female or male should look like and what they think is "perfect."

Negative body images in teens can lead to eating disorders. Eating disorders are physiological problems that affect a person's eating behavior and can be found in both males and females.

Social media affects teens negatively, according to BBC

BY NANCY EVORA Health Editor

HOW BODY IMAGE AFFECTS FEMALES PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY NANCY EVORA

Sophomore Iris Arrazola was one of the many students who were bullied during elementary school because of how she looked.

"When I was in elementary school, I did not feel comfortable because I was fat and bullied because of it," Arrazola said.

Being judged because of how you look by peers from school not only affects someone emotionally, but also physically.

Arrazola decided to make a change in her physical appearance so the negative comments could stop.

"It hurts at first but then I decided to change [my physical appearance] and dropped 25 pounds in a healthy way," Arrazola said.

According to a study done by Brown University on females and males in college, 74.4 percent of females and 46 percent of men said that they think about how they look and how much they weight.

Body image is thought to be defined as how you see yourself every day in the mirror and how you picture yourself in your mind.

However, body image also involves how a person feels about their body which includes their weight and shape.

In today's society, our world has different perspective on how a person's body should look. For example, the definition of a "perfect body" in women is frequently portrayed as skinny.

A "perfect body" for men is usually defined by having big muscles and a six pack.

"I read in magazines about how today being skinny and thin is considered healthy and beautiful," sophomore Marilin Guzman said.

Today, teenagers tend to worry more about their weight from a very early age,

According to recent WebMD report, girls are the most affected by a negative body image.

according to WebMD, and they become more insecure about their body and themselves.

"I have always complained about my weight because most of my friends are skinny and when I see myself in the mirror I get depressed," Guzman said.

Having an obsession with one's own body can lead a person to develop a negative body image, where the person starts disliking his/ her body and does not feel comfortable and maybe even ashamed of how they look.

Also, it can affect someone's self esteem and make them question their own self worth.

"I know some people end up deleting their posts because they do not reach people's standards," senior Andrea Pereira said.

A negative body image can be caused by different factors, one of them is social media.

According to BBC News Health page, "social media such as Instagram, Facebook and

Twitter can affect the way a person thinks about their image."

Teenagers are constantly influenced by what they see or read and seeing negative or different comments can affect their body image.

"I think it is important to exude confidence regardless of my body. That being said, I think it is always better to aim to be healthier," senior Diva Chowdhary said.

A study by JAMA Pediatrics revealed that about two thirds of girls in fifth and 12th grade said that they are influenced by magazines.

For example, a girl posts a photo of herself on Instagram, then random people start judging how she looks.

Once that person has the doubt, they start comparing themselves to the rest of their peers and celebrities.

Another factor that causes teens to

According to The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, about 86 percent of girls between ages 16 and 23 have eating disorders caused by body image.

Having a negative body image about oneself can cause depression.

Depression rates increase among teenagers as they hit adolescence. Depression caused by body image is harder for women to overcome.

Girls are the most affected by negative body image because they are easy targets and they are easier to persuade about how they look, according to WebMD. Low self esteem is a problem that most girls find themselves in when it comes to how they look.

A recent survey by the Dove Self-Esteem Project showed that 47 percent of girls between ages 11 and 14 lack confidence with their bodies in the U.S. and many other countries worldwide.

HOW BODY IMAGE AFFECTS MALES According to The Atlantic Newspaper, a study by JAMA Pediatrics revealed that about 18 percent of boys are concerned about their weight and how they look.

Anorexia nervosa is disorder in which a person refuses to maintain a normal body weight.

There are many characteristics that contribute to anorexia nervosa such as being obsessed with body building and excessive

exercise.

Boys with body image issues are most likely to turn to drugs or pills that help them lose weight.

According to a Harvard School of Public Health Study, boys obsessed with their weight turn to risky behaviors such as drinking alcohol and drug use.

Males also turn to steroids that alter the body by enhancing muscles.

Wanting to look like someone you are not or trying to please your peers' standards of beauty can have a long-lasting effect not only physically, but emotionally.

Learning how to accept what you have and loving your body for how it looks can make someone feel beautiful.

TIPS ON HOW TO LOVE YOUR BODY Surround yourself with family and friends that have only positive thoughts and are willing to encourage you to stay healthy.

Never compare your body with someone else's. Always tell yourself that your body is beautiful not just from the outside but also from the inside.

BODY IMAGE FACTS 路 Body image can affect both boys and girls, according to Safe Kids Website. 路 18 percent of males have body image problems. 路 86 percent of girls with body image problems have anorexia nervosa, according to ANAD. 路 Girls between 11 and 14 lack confidence according to the Dove Self-Esteem Project.

Heard in the Hall: Do you like your physical appearance?

"Yes, because I work very hard to look good."

"I think I have a decent physical appearance but my JOHN LOPEZ strength is all in my freshman legs."

"No, there is no perfect image.

Everyone should like something about themselves."

" I believe that everyone should learn to love themselves and accept who they are."

SHADI HAMADEH

MARCELO MARQUEZ

NATALIA AMADOR

sophomore

sophomore

junior

"At the beginning I did not. But now, I realized God made me who I am and I accept who I am, I am perfectly imperfect."

"Yes, because I am comfortable in my own skin."

DANIELA MARQUEZ

"Yes, because I'm the perfect size for me at the moment."

ALEXIS GONZALES

junior

junior

"Yes, I like the way I look because I look good."

EMMANUEL KWUKYEDOMPHRE senior

ANGEL ADU junior

Taking the quiz: Do you love your body image?

1. The definition of a beautiful body for you is: A. A body you can feel beautiful, positive, comfortable and healthy in.

B. A body with some imperfections as long as no one points your flaws.

C. A body that does not have stretch marks, fat belly and wrinkles.

2. When someone tells you that you should lose or gain more weight you are most likely to: A. Smile to that person and tell her/ him that you are perfect the way your body looks.

B. Pretend not to be hurt by the negative comment but from the inside you are broken that someone pointed out your flaw.

C. Immediately walk away from that

person and run away to cry because the comment from that person hurt you deeply.

3. When you walk down the hallway and someone stares at you for a long time you are most likely to: A. Feel beautiful, comfortable and confident with your body that you wish more people would stare at you.

B. Walk by and show that you are a confident person but deep inside you feel insecure and you take it as a negative message.

C. Feel really depressed that someone is staring at you because you do not feel positive about your body image.

4. When you see yourself in the mirror to check how your clothes

look on you, you are most likely to: A. Love seeing yourself in the mirror because you know you are beautiful in any size you wear and remind yourself how much you love yourself.

B. Still like how you look but wish you could look different or like one of your friends.

C. Immediately have negative thoughts about your body and point out all your flaws.

5. How often are you depressed about your physical appearance?

A. You are never depressed, always positive.

B. You feel depressed sometimes but not always.

C. You are always depressed and have negative thoughts.

is good but you are only doing it because you feel uncomfortable with your body.

C. Your one priority is to lose more weight, you do not care that working out can benefit your body and health.

6. When your mother advises you to go to the gym or for a run, you are most likely to: A. Be happy and thank her that she worries about you being in shape.

B. Smile to her and thank her for worrying but in your mind you wonder if your mother thinks you are fat.

C. You feel hurt and depressed by her suggestion.

7. You work out most of the time because: A. It is good for your body and health and you want to be more active.

B. One of your friends told you it

On your smartphone, scan this code using the application "QR Code" to read the answers of the quiz

Recipe of the day: Green peppers with rice What you need for this recipe are the following: -Four large green peppers ( can be small or big)

1. To begin this recipe you will need to cook the rice according to the packaging, or with a rice cooker.

8. After you finished the pepper and onion mixture, put it aside for later and begin cooking the Italian sausage until it is golden brown.

2. Before you start preparing the stuffing for the pepper, you will need to preheat the oven to 375F/190C.

9. As the sausage turns golden brown you will need to add the pepper and onion mixture and spice up the stuffing by adding dried peppers.

The more you blend the mixture , the better it will taste!

-One large onion -Two tablespoons of olive oil

3. You will need to prepare the bell peppers by removing the seeds and cutting the bottom of the pepper so it will be able to stand properly.

-One bowl of mushrooms

4. Grab a baking dish and spray the dish with non-stick spray or olive oil.

Place the peppers on the dish to prepare them to bake.

-One tablespoon of ground fennel -One cup of grated parmesan cheese

5. The stem from the pepper caps need to be removed. Next you will need to prepare the stuffing by dicing the onions and pepper caps.

-One cup of grated mozzarella cheese

6. In addition you will need to prepare a large skillet with two teaspoons of olive oil to saute the diced peppers and onions.

-Italian sausage There are many recipes ranging from healthy desserts to healthy family cooked meals.

7. The sauteing process will take about three to four minutes until they are squashy. The mixture will have to be moved in a separate bowl and you will need to add one teaspoon of olive oil.

8 PHOTO

April 21, 2015

Spring breakers

Junior Dini Mohammed went to Kenya for his brother's wedding.

"I went to a safari in Nariobi national park which was probably my favorite thing. I saw lions, giraffes, zebras and many other animals," Mohammed said.

COURTESY OF GRACE HATCH

Juniors Molly Gormely and Amanda Adenan went to the College of Charleston over the break. "I like how the college was incorporated into the city, unlike the other colleges I visited," Gormely said.

COURTSEY OF DINI MOHAMMED

COURTESY OF MOLLY GORMELY

Students travel abroad and all over the country during the break

COURTESY OF RENATTA SOLORANZO

Freshman Grace Hatch went to Duck Beach in the Outer Banks with her family. (Left) Is a picture of Hatch and her cousin on the Beach. (Above) is a picture of her and her cousins playing mini-golf.

COURTESY OF JANE CAREY

Senior Renatta Soloranzo flew to San Diego to visit her best friend alumni Jasmine Haitalani. She is pictured on La Jolla Shores beach. "I loved being able to relax at the beach and to catch up with my best friend," Soloranzo said, "It was also my first time traveling alone, so it was interesting to see how I would handle the responsibility."

Seniors Nina Fairman and Rahel Tecle drove to New York City to go shopping and sight-seeing.

"We walked around the city and shopped in Times Square," Tecle said, "I like the atmosphere and the night life."

COURTESY OF JARED LEFBOM

COURTESY OF JENNY MCCANN

Senior Jane Carey went to Saint Augustine, Florida with her family. "The beach there is beautiful and there is a lot to do in the town," Carey said.

Senior Jenny McCann went to Hilton Head, South Carolina with her family. "There was so much to do and the weather was lovely," McCann said. "I loved being able to bike around the island and see lots of alligators."

The boys varsity baseball team traveled down to Charleston to play in a tournament where they had a record of 1-2.

COURTESY OF BROOKE THADEUS

COURTESY OF DAVID PARK

Juniors Cory Pringle, David Park and Seth Tweneboa went to Great Falls where they hiked on the Billy Goat trail.

Junior Brooke Thadeus and Senior Rayvn Hankson went to the National Zoo in Washington D.C.

ARTS 9

April 21, 2015

Pursuing the dream of music Sophomore wins partial scholarship to the Eastman School of Music Summer Camp in the entire country for a musician," Ammerman said. "Even to be accepted into this camp is an enormous honor."

Although not entirely confident,

BY BAILEY OLIVER There are few awards more satisfying for a student than a scholarship. Sophomore Olivia Shawish was able to experience this satisfaction firs hand, winning a partial scholarship to the Eastman School of Music for one of their residential summer programs.

Shawish is a cellist for AHS's highest string ensemble, the Philharmonic Orchestra.

Located in Rochester, New York, the Eastman School of Music offers numerous programs during the summer to provide high quality music education and was ranked in 2014 as the number one music school in America by U.S. college ranking.

Because some programs are quite expensive, such as the longer residential camps, partial scholarships are offered to skilled players.

Shawish will be saving roughly $500 for a usually $3,435 program. "The scholarships are all merit based," Shawish said. "The application process is pretty simple; I had to submit a resume, a letter of recommendation and a 10-minute long audition

PHOTO COURTESY OF OLIVIA SHAWISH

Arts Editor

Olivia Shawish practiced weeks in advance for a few hours a day in order to submit the best audition tape possible.

tape."

While at the camp, students learn about various aspects of music in order to hone their skills.

"It's [the program] three weeks long and I'll be doing things like taking music theory, composition classes, going to chamber rehearsals,

quartets and ear training," Shawish said.

Orchestra teacher Angela Ammerman knows how much of an honor it is to have the opportunity to go to such a program.

"The Eastman School of Music is one of the most prestigious schools

Featured art of the issue

"When I found out I got in I literally screamed for 20 minutes, so I guess you could say I was excited."

Olivia Shawish sophomore Shawish was nevertheless excited when she heard that she had won the scholarship.

"I honestly didn't think I had a chance when I applied, but I did it anyways because Eastman is my dream school," Shawish said.

"When I found out I got in I literally screamed for 20 minutes, so I guess you could say I was excited. " Looking to study music in college, Shawish hopes to get a lot out of the program and enjoy her time with other dedicated musicians.

"I'm really hoping that I'll be able to come back with an idea of what it's like to be a music major," Shawish said. "I'm looking forward to working with other dedicated musicians, as well as having a roommate from France which is pretty cool."

Eastman School of Music has been the school of numerous successful and famous musicians.

"She will be at the same school as internationally known composer Howard Hanson, opera legend Renee Fleming and international conductor Frederick Fennell," Ammerman said.

Shawish has been playing the cello for roughly six years and involves herself in numerous musical activities such as tutoring.

"Olivia is a tireless and dedicated musician. She volunteers at two different elementary schools every week, tutoring string players," Ammerman said. "She studies cello privately, and is involved in a Youth Symphony as well as the AHS School Symphonic Orchestra. Almost everything she does revolves around music, and this scholarship is well deserved."

LISTEN TO THE AUDITION

On your smartphone, scan this code using the application "QR Code" to listen to Olivia's audition

Featured artist of the month

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY MURRAY

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

A: I am dancer at Chris Collins dance studio. I do it because dance is my passion, it is what makes me happy.

Artist Mary Murray likes draw ink pen sketches in her free time and made this drawing for The A-Blast Want to have your art featured in the next issue of The A-Blast? Each issue, the Arts page will pick a student's art of submitted content and feature a their work of art on the Arts page. All media are welcome, whether it be a painting, doodle, poem or song. Videos can be submitted too! Send all submissions to ablastartsmailbox@gmail.com

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

A: We don't really use any materials or equipment.

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

A: I love being able to get lost in the movement and being able to express myself. What sets dance apart from other forms of art is we make are artwork using our bodies.

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

A: Dance is a very competitive form of art. My advice to other dancers is do not compare yourself to other dancers, just be the best you can be and have fun.

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

A: I would really like to dance in college and hopefully when I am older dance in a professional company.

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

A: My favorite type of dance is contemporary because it doesn't really have a certain

BAILEY OLIVER

Tehya Moss, sophomore structure to it. It [dance] is more free and open. My favorite dance I have danced would be my lyrical dance about love, it would be my favorite because it has so much emotion.

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

A: Do a lot of research and YouTube dancers before you start choreographing. I suggest taking dance classes

12 INTERNATIONAL

April 21, 2015

GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY TAKEOVER Students discuss their foreign internet experiences

60%

1.7%

of Saudi Arabian Citizens have Internet access

of Sierra Leone citizens have Internet

BY SUMMAR AYOUB AND JEANINE BARAKAT International Editor and Staff Writer During the time period when students are going and coming from class, they are constantly texting their classmates and checking the latest trends on applications such as Twitter and Instagram. Some students even go as far as to use their phones during class, despite rules prohibiting the use of cellphones in classrooms.

Unlike the United States, if you were to walk down a crowded school hallway in Saudi Arabia, you would come across students having a real conversation with each other rather than through a cell phone.

"People overseas definitely do not use their phones as much as Americans do," junior Ahmed Mohamed said.

Many students find it hard to hold a face-to-face conversation, and prefer texting and/or calling an individual.

"I think face-to-face conversations are becoming more challenging," junior Shank Rai said. "Nowadays the use of phones is becoming more addictive. Because of that, people are losing the ability to hold conversations face to face. It's not as easy for some people and having a talent or ability such as that is pretty vital and practical nowadays. For example, like job interviews, it's important that you are able to hold a conversation with your future boss so they can know what kind of worker you are."

In a case study by Pew Research Center, it was discovered that 54 percent of teens contact their friends daily by text messaging and 33 percent talk face-to-face. Unlike the U.S., other countries such as Saudi Arabia don't rely on and use technology as often as Americans do.

"Most of them still have the original Nokias and Samsungs because they only use them for the original purpose they were invented for: to call people," junior Ahmed Mohamed said.

In the U.S. individuals use their phones for multiple

1.6%

47.3%

of Somalian people have Internet access

of Kenya's poulation has access to the Internet

SOURCE: PEWINTERNET.ORG

things, ranging from work related tasks to entertainment. In Saudi Arabia, their form of entertainment mostly involves going out and seeing the world rather than being glued to a TV screen.

Whenever individuals do decide to use technology as a form of entertainment, their wifi is limited.

"I barely used my phone while I was in Saudi Arabia because there wasn't much access to wifi and when there was, it was way too slow to even use. Also, I couldn't connect to iMessage so life was pretty tough," Mohamed said. "I just mainly used my phone to take pictures and hit up Instagram, when I had the chance. All types of social media apps would take forever to load when I did have access to wifi."

When students travel to foreign countries, they tend to refrain from using their cellphones because cellular connection doesn't work in other countries. But the main reason many people use their phones overseas is to take pictures of their experiences and adventures in a foreign

country.

"I didn't use it as much overseas because most of the time I was sightseeing or busy and also I didn't have service and couldn't talk to anyone," junior Amanda Adenan said. "Overseas I use it to take pictures and use wifi to go on Twitter, Instagram, iMessage, etc."

While some foreign countries have limited internet access, others are similar to America and use technology fairly often. When junior Dini Mohamed traveled to Kenya and Somalia, he had two very different experiences with internet access and technology.

"While I was in Kenya I could only use my phone when I had wifi which was often, the restaurants and the place I stayed at had wifi. While in Somalia I had no wifi at home and only had wifi at a few restaurants I went to," Mohamed said. "I used my phone to contact my friends at home and keep up with social media. I could not use my Cox TV account in Kenya because it said my IP address was out of America and was not available. My

· About 52 percent of th Chinese population uses the Internet to buy products. · 93 percent of adults in the Philippines say they use social networks, such as Twitter and Facebook. This is the highest percentage across countries and is larger than 74 percent of the Internet users in the United States. · Three-quarters of cell phone owners in Venezuela use their phones to take pictures and videos. · 25 percent of Americans only use mobile devices to access the Internet.

Read all about it On your smartphone, scan this code using the application QR Code to read about the Gboal technology takeover online.

Devices that Americans own

TECH-SAVVY FUN FACTS · Most people in Nigeria, Ghana, and Bangladesh and Uganda do notown a landline phone. Only about one percent of the people of those countries do not have a fixed landline phone.

family in Kenya do not use their phones nearly as much as people in America. Social media is still very popular but people on the roads don't use their phones as often as Americans."

Similar to Mohamed, the last time junior Kadijah Sesay visited Sierra Leone she had to break contact with all her friends until the end of the summer due to bad internet connection.

"The last time I went to Sierra Leone was my freshman year and at the place I stayed, the internet takes so long that I never used it," Sesay said. "Even if it worked well I probably wouldn't use it because whenever I travel there we were always going out on adventures, which leaves no time to browse the web and get updated on the latest news. So I make a decision to break contact with everyone and enjoy myself until I return."

In the U.S., many citizens lives revolve around technology and social media. Although there are many negative aspects to this, there are also positive aspects. With this age of technology, many social injustices are being brought today through technology, such as Walter Scott's case.

The power of technology and social media allows important information to circulate the web and become known to the public. It also allows people to communicate and complete certain tasks more efficiently.

"Although I recognize the many negative components of technology in society, I also believe it has helped our country grow and evolve," Sesay said. "We have accomplished a lot with the use of technology, not just in social media, but in medical fields as well. I think we just use it in negative ways sometimes and it is up to us to use it to the best of our abilities."

Creations such as the 3-D printer was created which benefits various fields in each country such as the arigultural and medical fields.

Even though many people use technology in a negative way, others are constantly finding ways to use it in a beneficial and helpful ways. With people using this age of technology to do positive things , all countries around the world are able to evolve and grow.

· In the US children ages 8-18 spend more time in front of a computer, television or game screens than any other activity in their lives except sleeping · 92 percent of children aged 2-17 play video and computer games

Tablet 42%

· Children ages 12 to 18 spend nearly two hours a day texting alone.

Cellphone: 90%

· 25 percent of americans ony use their phones to access internet · 90 percent of text messages are read within three minutes

E-Reader: 32%

Smartphone: 64%

· There are about 350 milion snapchats sent everyday.

SOURCE: REAWRIGHT.ORG SOURCE: PEWINTERNET.ORG

Two decades of popular social networks Facebook: Created on Feb. 4, 2004

Yahoo Mail: Created on Oct. 8, 1997

Pinterest: Created on March, 2010

Twitter: Created on March 21, 2006

1996

2015 Hotmail: Created on July 4, 1996

Do you think usage of social media differs worldwide?

"Yes, because in some countries they don't have much access to it and some don't use it as much as us."

LINA AL-TAII

"Yes, because a lot of other countries don't have advanced technology like we do."

EHAB ALI sophomore

freshman

"It all depends on how each country is up to date with electronics and technology."

AMANDA ADENAN

"The perspective is based on the people and the different types of technology."

VINH TRANG

Instagram: Created on Oct. 6, 2010

Legends of the World Wide Web Logo

C.E.O

Description Microsoft is a multinational corporation that sells computer software and the CEO is Sayta Nadella.

Bing is a web search engine created by Microsoft and the CEO is Steve Ballmer.

junior

Sleepio is an app that allows people to complete the six-session sleep program with a virtual sleep expert and the CEO is Peter Hames.

"Yes, because Americans may use it in a different way than other countries."

Tumblr is a blog and social network website owned by Yahoo, used to post short-form blogs and the CEO is David Karp.

junior

"No, because just like we saw with #closeFCPS, some kids in Bangladesh tweeted it because it was trending on twitter."

Gmail: Created on Feb. 7, 2007

Youtube: Created on Feb. 14, 2005

Skype: Created on Aug. 29, 2003

PATRICK MAHLER Instructional Assistant

MOESHA FARES senior Compiled by Summar Ayoub and Jeanine Barakat

Poshmark is a mobile market for women to sell and buy clothes and the CEO is Manish Chandra.

PEOPLE 13

April 21, 2015

PHOTO COURTESY OF AHMED MOHAMED

Well Rounded Student Stands Out Junior Ahmed Mohamed is involved and participates in numerous school functions Mohamed in front of the sacred Kabba in Saudi Arabia.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AHMED MOHAMED

PHOTO COURTESY OF AHMED MOHAMED

Staff Writer & People Editor "I'm proud of where I am. I feel like I'm headed on the right track for success and I'm always trying my best in everything that I do," junior Ahmed Mohamed said.

Mohamed has dedicated his high school experience to being a well-rounded student. Mohamed, originally from Egypt, moved to the United States when he was a second grader, at seven years old.

He grew up in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Virginia at the age of 11 years old. Not only does he excel academically, he is also a member of the National Honor Society, Vice President of the class of 2016 and a member of the varsity lacrosse team.

"I carefully choose the clubs that I participate in and make sure that I'm interested in them," Mohamed said. "Right now I'm enjoying all the clubs, honor societies and sports because I have friends in all of them."

Mohamed plans to apply to the University of Virginia, the college of William and Mary and Virginia Tech during his senior year. He aspires to become a surgeon with the hopes of helping people.

"I come from a line of doctors and I like jobs that are hands-on.

Being a doctor will allow me to change people's lives," Mohamed said.

During the summer Mohamed will attend the Boys State program, which is a week-long experience that takes place at Radford University. They will participate in activities that will help them establish governments and work with students from all over the state who are interested in experiencing a different environment and community.

"I'm excited about meeting new people and participating in sports there," Mohamed said.

Although Mohamed is still experiencing his high school career, Junior Ahmed Mohamed poses for a picture in front of a dome next to the Kabba during his pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia over spring break. he is determined to accomplish his goals and continues to strive.

Mohamed with his family in cultural clothing before their pilgrimage to Mecca.

Q&A with Ahmed Mohamed geon of any kind, whether it be a heart surgeon or a general surgeon.

My hobbies are: playing pick-up games in any sport with my friends and watching movies.

My biggest fear is: putting myself in situations in which I won't succeed because I always tell myself that I have to try my best in everything that I do.

heights and getting curved by girls.

my parents and siblings, being thankful for everything and the IB Diploma.

What makes me different from everybody else is: I'm the only Egyptian VP to ever set foot in Annandale.

My favorite sports team are: Washington Redskins and the Washington

My favorite thing to do in my free time is: spend time with my friends or

Wizards because #dcRising.

throw around a lacrosse ball.

I describe myself as: someone who

I can contribute to society by: be-

doesn't take everything seriously but is also very understanding at the same time.

coming involved in the medical field and using my knowledge to help patients in need both in the U.S. and Egypt.

10 years from now I see myself:

I am doing the IB Diploma because: I want to get into my number

My biggest inspiration is: my parents because they have always put in a lot of effort into helping me succeed as well as my little cousin, Jana, who is handicapped but always remains happy despite her struggles.

My biggest accomplishment is:

The most important things in my life are:

When I listen to music I feel: relaxed and in a different state of mind because it takes my mind off all of the stress.

engaged and on the verge of a full-time career.

sacrifice things and learn to prioritize.

My fears are:

getting into Boys State because it was very competitive and is something that I am proud of.

My proudest moment is: getting

Life growing up in Egypt and Brooklyn, NY was: so difficult because I had to learn a whole new language and adjust to a whole new culture.

My greatest strength is: being able

My favorite thing about high school is: getting the opportunity to meet so many people either through sports or clubs.

By favorite memory is: When I got to see my little brother for the first time. Even though I have a younger sister, I was old enough to see my newborn brother.

A motto that I live by is: "Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard."

one school, UVA , and then be able to look back at high school and tell myself "I made it."

My greatest weakness is: procrastination just because it's a natural struggle for all students. I find myself always pushing things to the last minute.

Something that I can't live without is: my religion because it constantly guides how I should act in all situations.

I balance all of my extracurricular activities and the IB Diploma by: basically, not sleeping. You have to

WHO AM I?

elected as the class of 2016 VP because I knew that it was something that I was going to love.

Mohamed poses for a picture with junior Natnael Weldegiorgis with holiday cards for the troops at an NHS meeting.

to learn from my mistakes.

My favorite celebrity is: Will Smith because his roles in the Men in Black movies and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air were hilarious.

My biggest pet peeve is: when people have to read a problem out loud instead of keeping it to themselves.

My advice to those who are interested in being involved academically and in extracurriculars is: do what you're passionate about but make sure you set priorities and manage your schedule so you can make time for everything.

Fun fact about me is: I'm always smiling because I find everything funny, which can be both good and bad at Mohamed is on the varsity lacrosse team and plays midfield. times.

WHO AM I?

•

This is my 10th year teaching at AHS

•

•

I attended Berkeley High School in California

This is my fifth year teaching at AHS

•

I attended Tazewell High School in Virginia

•

I went to Brandeis University in Massachusetts

•

I went to the College of William and Mary

•

I grew up in Tazewell, Virginia

•

My favorite TV shows are How to Get Away With Murder, The Blacklist and Top Chef

•

I was born in Berkeley, California

•

My favorite TV show is The Walking Dead

•

My favorite movie is The Shawshank Redemption

•

•

In high school I participated in theatre and chorus

My favorite book is Songs of Solomon by Toni Morrison

•

•

A fun fact about me is that I am a huge fan of the Oakland Athletics

I played basketball in high school and did a lot of theatre in college

•

My favorite book to teach is Beloved by Toni Morrison

•

My biggest fear is forgetting someone’s name

•

My biggest fear is flying

•

One interesting fact about me is that I originally worked professionally in theatre

•

The craziest thing I’ve ever done is survive a train crash as a kid

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

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF AHMED MOHAMED

When I grow up I want to be: a sur-

PHOTO COURTESY OF AHMED MOHAMED

BY MARIA SUAREZ & BIRUK NEGASH

14 LIFESTYLES

April 21, 2015

Get the look with Marilyn and Soulisa Recreate actress and singer Vanessa Hudgens' stylish looks for the spring season Sunglasses American Eagle $18

Sunglasses Urban Outfitters $16

Off the shoulder top Topshop $35

Olive jacket Old Navy $30

Ripped boyfriend jeans Bebe $70

Black dress TopShop $45 Black heels Forever 21 $20

Slip ons Zara $49

Floppy hat Forever 21 $12

Utility jacket Loft $45 White crop top Target $15 White shorts Garage $25

White shirt Garage $20

High waisted pants Urban Outfitters $40

Flats Charlotte Russe $35

Heels H&M $25

Spring cleaning: Tips on how to transform your closet

BY MARILYN RIVAS AND SOULISA PATHAMMAVONG

Lifestyles Editors Spring is the perfect season to give your closet a total makeover.

With winter leaving and the warm weather coming, you should look through your closet for things you will not be needing or you have not worn in a while.

"The purpose of cleaning is to get rid of your winter clothes like thick sweaters and coats," junior Anna Perez said. "It also makes room for clothes you will get for the spring."

It is essential to get organized and start fresh this season. Cleaning your room is never fun, but it is totally necessary. The feeling of

being accomplished is worth all the hard work. Here are tips to make it less painful.

Before starting the overwhelming effort of cleaning, set the mood to motivate yourself.

Dress in comfy clothing and blast your favorite tunes. Do not allow yourself to procrastinate.

The earlier you start, the faster you will get it done. By setting the mood, it will be easier to get things done.

A method that never goes wrong with helping you make more room in your closet is the "pile and separate" method.

After dumping out all your clothing and settling down into an area, immediately you will be able

to see how much stuff you have.

Start by dividing certain clothes into "keep, toss or donate. " If items have stains, rips, or holes, add them to the toss pile.

When you find clothes that you do not see yourself wearing, add them to the donate pile.

You can put them aside for thrift stores such as Salvation Army, Goodwill, or community centers.

"After winter ends, I end up with a lot of clothing that I will not be wearing anymore," sophomore Saud Shah said. "I usually set them aside to donate for those who need them more than I do."

Donating benefits both you and people in need. By giving your unneeded clothing, you are creating

MY FRIEND'S CLOSET My Friend's Closet is an organization that provides a place for families that are less fortunate to find donated clothing in the Annandale Community. 路 Hours of operation: 6 p.m - 8 p.m of the first and third Wednesday of each month.

more space in your closet and you are giving back to the community.

The next step is debating how you should organize everything. All strudent arranges their clothes in different forms.

"I organize by grouping certain tops and bottoms together, such as tank tops, blouses, or jeans and shorts," junior Kadijah Sesay said.

路 Location: The Neighborhood Resource Center (behind Annandale High School) 路 Donations: From children's to adult clothing, they are accepting anything you are willing to provide.

Families are asked to pay an annual My Friend's Closet is set up like a boutique and arranged by different $5 to be able to obtain these categories. clothes.

On your smartphone, scan this code using the application QR Code to read more about tips on spring cleaning.

SPORTS X-TRA 15 Concussions raise concerns

April 21, 2015

Recent retirement sparks debate over the future of America's most popular sport

BY NEBEYU SOLOMON Contact sports, being as brutal as they are, can cause injuries. One of the biggest types of injuries are concussions. A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow to the head. This happens often in football, particularly professional football. Football is one of the most dangerous contact sports there are, and as a result NFL players regularly experience concussions.

Recently, Chris Borland of the San Francisco 49ers announced his retirement. His retirement came as a complete shock to the league and to the sports world because it was only after his rookie season, and he seemed to have a promising career ahead of him.

Playing the linebacker position, he had 108 tackles last season, which led the team, along with two interceptions. In November, he was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month. He stated his retirement was due to research and concern over the safety of playing NFL football.

Borland has a history of concussions that goes back to when he was a kid.

He suffered the first one while playing soccer in the eighth grade, and another in 10th grade while playing football.

Borland met with concussion researchers as well as family and friends before making his decision to retire from professional football.

His retirement sparks debate over whether professional football is safe.

Before Borland, there was Randall Gay, who was a former cornerback for the

THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Staff Writer

Chris Borland retired from the NFL out of concern for his long-term health.

New Orleans Saints and the New England Patriots. He retired in 2011 from the NFL due to his battle with post concussion syndrome. It has been the same case with numerous other athletes.

Even after a player retires, the hard hits to the head that the player experienced can lead to brain damage, depression and even suicide. In December of 2012, Jovan Belcher, former linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, killed his girlfriend and then killed himself. An autopsy from September of

last year showed that he suffered from a brain disease called CTE, or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy. This disease is brought on by brain trauma which is common in NFL players who have sustained multiple concussions.

Another high profile case was the suicide of former Patriots linebacker Junior Seau in 2012. His autopsy showed that he, too, suffered from CTE. The NFL takes numerous precautions to ensure player safety, such as the protection they wear and all the rules enforced by the NFL. Many football players have retired from the NFL due to concussions and their consequences.

The NFL confirmed that around one third of retired players could develop brain trauma.

There have been so many concussion related injuries in the NFL that concern has risen, especially for parents of children who play youth, high school and college football, as well as other contact sports. Although maybe not as grueling as the NFL, concussions occur frequently at all levels. It brings a huge concern to parents because they wouldn't want anything to happen to their child. Parents should not be worried because players of all ages are trained in practice to do their best to avoid these injuries and to be prepared for them mentally and physically.

"We teach proper tackling skills, nutrition and technique," AHS varsity football coach Michael Scott said. "We also educate our coaches, kids and parents on how we strive to stay safe."

The AHS football program also has top of the line equipment, such as Riddell Speed Helmets, to prevent dangerous injuries from occurring.

"We get them reconditioned every year to make sure they're safe to be used," Scott said. "If they fail the test, we don't use them."

Despite the numerous ways to protect players, concussions can still occur.

Some have proposed rule changes and fines to limit the amount of hard hits.

Others have been pushing for technological innovation and better equipment.

Until then, concussions will remain a major issue.

Q&A with Coach Scott The AHS football head coach gives his take on concussions and safety in football

BY KAYEE LYNCH Circulation Manager

Q: Have concussions ever been a major issue in the AHS football program?

A: Last season, we had less concussions than the previous season. We only had one, maybe two concussions on the team this year. We're fortunate that concussions haven't been a major issue. I think it has to do with the way we train and teach the guys.

AHS has one of the number one rated helmets (Riddell Speed Helmets). We get them reconditioned every year to make sure they're safe to be used. If they fail the recondition testing, we don't use them.

Q: Were concussions as big of an issue when you were on the high school football team?

A: No, I just don't think we were educated enough on them. It wasn't like today. They weren't

Even though younger players are more prone to concussions, coaches know how to prevent these injuries

Is youth football safe?

KAYEE LYNCH

Q: How does the Annandale football program ensure player safety?

A: By the way we train. We teach proper tackling skills, nutrition and technique. We also educate our coaches, kids and parents on how we strive to stay safe.

KAYEE LYNCH

Q: What is your take on the heightened concerns surrounding concussions in football?

A: It's legitimately a big deal, a concern everyone has. In reality, football is dangerous. It's a contact sport. All football coaches are Heads Up certified and have to get re-certified every year. We're trying to make the game, a safer game.

FCPS partners with USA Football.

This upcoming season will be the third year we have been partners with them.

really emphasized at all. The helmets weren't nearly as good, but I don't remember anyone ever having a diagnosed concussion.

Q: How would you calm a parent with concerns about letting their child play football?

A: We have the best equipment available, and with that, football is not the number one sport with concussions.

Q: How do you see football technology improving to prevent concussions?

A: Annually, companies are trying to create the perfect helmet.

If anyone makes a helmet that prevents concussions, I bet they'll make a lot of money. If technology and the rules change, it will be to make the game safer and to prevent concussions.

1 in 3

CONCUSSION TIPS · Always be aware of what you're doing · Wear required protective gear at all times · If you suspect you have a concussion, talk to your coach and trainers immediately · Be aware of the risks you are taking by playing a contact sport · Take your time with recovery · Take the concussion education slideshow seriously · Always follow your coach's advice, especially concerning proper technique that will lower your risk of getting a concussion

BY KAYEE LYNCH Staff Writer I recall waking up early in the morning to make it on time to the field. My brother running back and forth through the house to find all his pads, and my mom filling his water bottle.

About seven years ago or so, this was a typical Saturday morning.

My brother played youth football for Braddock Road Youth Club and Annandale Boys and Girls Club.

My life consisted of nothing but football in the summer and fall. Even though I was on the sidelines as a cheerleader, I could hear the hard hits of 'anklebiters' (players ranging from 50-80 pounds).

Jalen, my brother, started out on the BRYC Rams Anklebiters team in the third grade. As a running back, the opposing team would always be gunning for him.

I remember my mom being extremely frantic and worrisome that he would get injured during a game. She would see him get sacked and cringe at the possibility of him being hurt. No sport is risk-free, but youth football was, and still is, not a high-risk sport.

900-1500

Research currently indicates that the younger someone who plays football is, the more prone they are to concussions. Even though that may be true, more youth coaches are being taught the proper precautions to prevent such injuries. Coaches of youth football teams are well educated through extensive training courses.

"Getting a concussion is an issue for every sport that our children play," executive director of USA football Scott Hallenback said.

"At USA Football, the official youth football partner for the National Football League, we believe training coaches is key," Hallenback said.

"More coaches than ever in youth football's 80-plus-year history take our coaching education courses in order to teach football in safer ways."

Coaches pass down their knowledge of injuries to their players to prevent them from occurring on the field.

"Kids are safer when they know how to tackle using their shoulders instead of their heads," Hallenback said. "There are countless times where I've heard 'Use your shoulders, not your head! You'll get a concussion', yelled from the coaches to the line."

According to statistics provided by Hallenback, the rate of concussions in girls ice hockey is nearly double that of football.

When injuries such as a concussion do occur, coaches are supposed to know how to handle the situation.

Coaches are well-trained to recognize the signs of a head injury and remove the injured player from the game. Coaches also are aware of the amount of time necessary to keep player off the field to prevent making the injury worse and allowing the healing process.

People assume that due to the amount of hard hits players take, football itself has the highest rate of severe concussion. To correct the stereotype, boys soccer has the highest rate of severe concussion, at almost 12 percent. The rate for boys football is just under six percent.

Football is not excessively dangerous for our youth. If you are diagnosed with a concussion, people tend to see it as you being done for the rest of the year, as well as possibly for good, when in reality that's not always the case. I feel that as long as coaches continue the training courses and take the proper precautions with injuries, there's no excuse as to why kids shouldn't continue to ball out.

25 mph

retired NFL players develop brain trauma

number of blows to the head a professional football player sustains during a season

impact speed of a football player tackling a stationary player

Fewer than 10%

Headaches and dizziness

of sports concussions involve a loss of consciousness

most commonly reported symptoms immediately following a concussion

5-10%

of athletes will experience a concussion in any given season

Sources: concussiontreatment.com, nytimes.com

16 SPORTS Softball team tries to improve

April 21, 2015

Coaches and players weigh in about their expectations for the rest of the year

BY SABRINA HAWA & SHEILA AGUIRRE Sports Editor & Staff Writer

"Their determination helps us in games because they fight until the end and always push until the end of the game," Winkler said.

Not only does Winkler think the team has a strong determination, but so do the team members.

"The team tries its hardest to win. Our goal for every game is to win, therefore we try our hardest every game," Ruano said.

One of the team's main goals for the season is to get as many runs as the opposing team. "We want to win as many games as possible," Ruano said.

Ruano has scored a total of five points this season, she is striving to beat her personal record every game.

Every member of the team has a different goal for the team as a whole.

"For everyone to get one hit in the season is probably my biggest goal for this season," freshman Elizabeth Corcoran said about her goal for the team.

Corcoran being one of the top scorers on the team, she as well as the other people on the team are looking to score more.

"Playing softball is something that I have done for a long time so it is a really great feeling when we have a game," Corcoran said.

With all the girls having dedication and perseverance, they are sure that their next game against South County will be a win.

"We all have really good chemistry together and we are all really good friends, so that makes practices and games so much easier to play," Ruano said. "The rest of the season should be a good one."

Come support the varsity softball team at their next home game against South County today at 6:30 p.m, if the weather permits.

MARIFE BARAGANO

The varsity girls softball team has had a rough start with a record of 0-4, however there are some bright spots ahead.

"We have been improving our limit to errors in the field and producing runs on offense," head coach Cragin Winkler said.

The season has had a rough start, yet nothing but working harder is the on the team's mind.

The team has just come fresh off their second home game against Lee HS. The final score was 13-3, making it a loss for the girls.

The three points were scored by senior Thia Carayiannis.

"We have some kinks but we are working them out. We have moved people around and found every player's spot to put the best team out on the field," Winkler said.

The team plans to incorporate these new strategies in every game.

"I think (the new strategies) are a great way for my teammates to learn more of the game and its other positions," sophomore Nicole Ruano said.

"The whole team is welcoming to the new strategies and hope to improve their skills," Ruano said.

Some of these strategies include working on the girl's hits to ensure that they do not miss any hits when they are up to bat.

Another strategy is working on the girl's catching. This will also help the girl's performance during the games.

Winkler said the team's greatest strength is working together and having strong determination.

"The girls always have each other's backs and work with each other to push the team to get better every practice and every game," Winkler said.

The dedication that each player has to the team has a great impact on how the players feel during practices and games.

Sophomore Maddy McCrossin up to bat at the game against Lee. COURTESY OF ANNANDALE ATHLETICS

SOFTBALL SCHEDULE 3/17 Thomas Jefferson(H) @ 6:30 p.m.

3/24 West Springfield (A) @ 6:30 p.m.

3/25 Robinson (A) @ 6:30 p.m.

3/27 West Potomac (H) @ 6:30 p.m.

4/7 WT Woodson (A) @ 6:30 p.m.

4/10 Lee (H) @ 6:30 p.m 4/14 TC Williams (A) @ 6:30 p.m.

4/17 Lake Braddock (A) @ 6:30 p.m.

4/21 South County (H) @ 6:30 p.m.

4/23 Lake Braddock (A) @ 6:30 p.m.

Top: Maddy McCrossin, Carly Potts, Coach Kish, Coach Butler, Coach Winkler, Thia Carayiannis. Middle: Jane Heberle, Elizabeth Corcoran, Moesha Fares, Kasana Nguyen. Bottom: Eylin Aparico, Nicole Ruano, Fabby Ramirez, Deysi Palma, Brittany Beery, Ashley Giddlings.

Heard in the Hall: What is your favorite spring sport and why?

"Soccer, because its fun to play and it is popular around the world."

"Baseball, because it is an American sport and because a lot of people show up."

WESSAM ALKADI

ALI ALI

freshman

freshman

"I really like playing lacrosse in the nice weather."

"Soccer, because it keeps me in shape."

JENNY VENTURA

MARIAM MOHAMED

sophomore

"Tennis, because I have played since I was a child."

KEVIN HUYNH

JENNY BOLANS

sophomore

junior

freshman

"Archery, when I did not make a spring sport, I made an archery club."

"Tennis, because it is an independent sport and they have spirit."

DIVA CHOWDHARY

ISMAIL AHMAD

senior

junior

Track runners trample state records at last meet

COURTESY OF NICOLE MCCOY

This past weekend's track meet was an all-time high for AHS Track & Field athletes.

Several athletes qualified for not only regionals, but states as well.

Senior Bernard Andoh dominated, running a 21.92 second 200 meter dash and an 11.16 second 100 meter dash.

"It was very hard. It was my first week back after an eight month injury, a stress fracture in my back."

Andoh said when asked about his accomplishments.

"So I was really not expecting to qualify, but I was definitely happy with it," Andoh said.

Still having to cope with occasional pains of a current injury, Andoh is taking the necessary cautious steps to prepare for the upcoming meet.

"I'm extremely nervous, but all it takes is practice, practice and some more practice," Andoh said.

Running a 4x100 relay, Andoh and fellow seniors Abu Kamara, Nathan Hogye and EJ Banzuelo qualified for states with a time of 44.52 seconds.

In the shot put event, senior Khalil Haj-Assaad qualified for regionals, throwing a distance of 47 feet and 5.5 inches.

Another athlete to strike the boards was senior Aviad Gebrehiwot.

Placing first in an event, Gebrehiwot qualified for states with his two-mile

NEBEYU SOLOMON

Staff Writer

Interview with the girls tennis head coach Hassan Mims

time of 9:37 and his one-mile time of 4:25.03.

"With strenuous workouts, I'm in the best shape I've ever been in," Gebrehiwot said.

"I've had a lot of very hard workouts and practices. I'm confident, and so is my team. We are refusing to back off," Gebrehiwot said.

At the Lake Braddock invite, Gebrehiwot beat his record of running the mile with a time of 4:18.

This made him qualify for states.

The Atoms Track team is filled with outstanding athletes. It shows, and they have the records to prove it.

BY SABRINA HAWA & NEBEYU SOLOMON Sports Editor and Staff Writer What do you think about the season so far?

"So far the season is going well, we defeated Lee HS. The division this year is very competitive. The girls are playing as best as possible and we are in it in every match but we just got to find a way to get more wins. I am really pleased with the way the girls are playing against some of the tougher teams in the district."

What can you do to improve on the team?

"We want to do things differently in seasons down the road. We are going to begin to do middle school recruiting, we need to get more time on the court so we could implement a summer program and things of that nature. A lot of the other schools are doing a lot of tennis things before school, after and during the summer. If we expose our middle school students more towards tennis, they might become interested in it. In following seasons, we certainly will get more court time."

COURTESY OF ANNANDALE ATHLETICS

BY KAYEE LYNCH

Sophomore Kevin Huynh running at the NOVA Meet.

"I really like tennis because it is fun and easy to play."

Senior Aviad Gebrehiwot at the Lake Braddock invite.

How are you going to prepare to win more district games?

"One of the strategies to win more district games is helping our players to learn tactics.

In other schools, not only do they have the same forehand and backhand but they have some tactical advantages over us. So one of the goals I have for the next school year and the following season is putting more emphasis on tactics. We are rallying well and we are getting the ball back and we are getting some points but there are some tactical things we think we can improve on that the coaching staff will have to step up and help more with and helping students understand strategy."

What do you hope for the outcome of the season?

"Three things, first that we have fun. Having fun has always been our number one priority whether its been coaching district champions or this team which is more of a transition team. So this year we just want to have fun. Second thing is that we make it into a successful season. We can do that by getting another win. We are competing well and we can win a lot more matches. The third thing is that we hope that the players on this season will come back next year. "

SPORTS 17

April 21, 2015

Boys soccer wins first of season Improved style of play allows them to win first game Sports Editor and Staff Writer On April 17, the varisty boys soccer team had their first win of the season against West Springfield high school with a final score of 2-1.

Both of the Atoms' goals were scored by junior Foday Mansaray.

The crowd was cheering, pumped up and trying to lift the Atoms with confidence.

For the Atoms, this was their chance to redeem themselves. It was make it or break it time.

The boys wanted to show off all the new skills they had acquired throughout the season. It was important to prove they were more than just the losses.

To validate the pride they had in themselves and the sport of soccer in general they did exactly what they thought was expected of them.

"It was hard for us to get into the game in the beginning," junior Brandon Hughes said. "We realized what we needed to do. Everyone contributing to scoring those goals really helped bring the confidence back."

When the Spartans scored the atmosphere became

COURTESY OF MONGNHI NGUYEN

BY MARIFE BARAGANO & FASISAL HASSEN

nerve-wracking, but the Atoms never intended on giving up. The Atoms quickly regrouped and ran back down on the field to play defense.

"We were all so proud of Foday," Hughes said.

"When scores we all do like a mini dance. It's important to celebrate the little wins then move on to the next play."

They did not have the luxury to stop and think about the other team scoring. It was their time to come back and defend the goal.

In many of the previous games this season, the outcome has not been in favor of the Atoms.

"You never want to lose a game, it's hard, we really wanted to win all of them," Hughes said."Now it's about us working together to make the team better, which we were able to do to get this win."

The boys varsity record is currently one win, four losses and one tie, with the Atoms finally acquiring that first win.

Unfortunately, their four losses were to Marshall, Mt. Vernon, Edison and West Potomac high schools.

Their one and only tie was a score of 3-3 against South County high school.

Games against Falls Church, W.T. Woodson and Lake Braddock are still to come and the Atoms need to keep trying their hardest to do the best they can to correct mistakes.

Whether it was correcting defensive errors or fixing bad chemistry and lack of confidence, the Atoms

finally figured out what was wrong and fixed it.

Now, the challenge will be continuing with this winning mentality.

In all the games, the scores have been relatively high.

"This win actually lifted everyone's spirits on the team," Hughes said. "The win helped us remind ourselves that we can do anything we set out mind to .

It' s just about the amount of effort we put into it."

This tells us that the team overall does not have a problem scoring. It is just that they need to improve defensively, which they have clearly done this game.

They are hoping to get another win out of their next game against Centerville high school on April 21.

BOYS SOCCER SCHEDULE 4/21 Centerville HS (A) @ 7:00 p.m.

4/23 Falls Church HS (H) @ 7:00 p.m.

4/27 W.T. Woodson HS (A) @ 7:00 p.m.

4/29 Lake Braddock Secondary School (A) @ 7:00 p.m.

5/04 Robert E. Lee HS (Senior Night) (H) @7:00 p.m.

Sophomore Luis Aguirre defends the AHS goal by jumping up and trying to deflect the ball.

Baseball team improves the season," Conroy said. "We are able to play better together and communicate better on Sports Editor and Staff Writer the field."

This game was their fifth Winning 10-1 against Lee HS on win of the season. The AHS April. 10 and T. C. Williams HS 9-3 on baseball team has six wins and April. 16, the Atoms boys baseball four losses. team came back from their visit to This season is receiving a South Carolina ready to win districts. lot of support from the AHS Over spring break, the boys took community. AHS students are a trip to the College of Charleston in making it their weekend plans Charleston, South Carolina. to go and watch their friends at Upon visitation, the team won baseball games. one out of their three matches.

AHS parents and students Though they did not win many are making the games come games during the tournament, the alive and changing the spirits experience brought the boys closer of the games. together.

"It's actually really fun "We did pretty well, not as well going to the games with as we wanted to but we won one," a bunch of your friends," sophomore Liam Conroy said. "We Gebrehiwot said. "You have got to play at a really nice stadium the opportunity to cheer on in a beautiful city. I hoped that we your friends on the team and would have won more games but we Sophomore Liam Conroy prepares to socialize with the friends you were able to do some team bonding." throw the baseball to his teammate. brought to the game."

Aside from the losses, the boys Having all the spectators at the game makes the definitely brought their "A" game back to Virginia, boys want to work even harder for their fans. The beating the Lee Lancers. boys have 10 games left in the season, giving plenty of The team has improved a lot since last season. chances to win more games.

"It seems like they have improved a lot," senior "We come up with different strategies for each Aviad Gebrehiwot said. "The whole school is cheering opponent we play," Conroy said. "We are just going to for the to do the best they can." keep playing our hearts out."

Last year, the record around this time of the season Their next games will be against South County on was 5-6 and now it is 7-4. The coaches are making the April 21 and Episcopal HS on April 22. boys work hard and it is paying off.

"The team has gotten way better from the start of

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COURTESY OF MOLLY GORMLEY

COURTESY OF CREW MCCARTHY

BY MARIFE BARAGANO & JULIUS MILLER

Junior Ashley Britton shows off her muscles for the camera while running down the field with her ball and stick.

Girls lacrosse defeats Lake Braddock 16-15

BY MARIFE BARAGANO Sports Editor The girls varsity lacrosse team defeated the Lake Braddock Bruins 16-15 on April. 16. The game's atmosphere was fascinating. Throughout the entire game the girls never gave up or even had the thought of giving up.

"Giving up is always a thought, but never a possibility," junior Ashley Britton said. "It is entirely mental and once we as a team decide that this is something that we never want to even imagine, than we aren't even worried about it."

The intensity was felt through the duration of the game. Each girl was ready to kill. The girls wanted to perform the best they could. On both the visitor and home side of the field, the cheering of parents and students could be heard.

Being able to hear the girls on the field encouraging each other and telling each other never to give up is something special.

"If something goes wrong we tell each other 1.5," junior Janan Gokturk said. "It means you have 1.5 seconds to think about it and get over it. This helps us move on to the next play."

So far the girls, record consists of four wins, two losses and one tie. The girls have beaten the Bruins, Osbourn Park, Western Albemarle and West Potomac HS. Their only losses were to Robinson and a school from Pennsylvania called Mt. Lebanon.

It is evident that the girls have been able to come together and become a family. The way they were encouraging each other even if someone did something wrong proved this. Every team has conflicts, but the girls seem to handle working together well. This harmony is not only due to the girls, wonderful relationship but also the amazing coaching staff that has helped them through the season.

"I've been with coach Hook since my freshman year and it's been wonderful," Gokturk said. "She's an excellent coach and our team meshes together as a whole."

The only tie the girls have so far this season was against the private high school Bishop O'Connell.

"Tying with O'Connell was a hard one to let go. Since we were not allowed to go into overtime it was a little upsetting," Gokturk said. "The team as a whole played amazing and a lot of people came out ready to play."

The outcome of the game was hard for all the girls to accept.

"It was extremely hard having to walk away from the O'Connell game with a tie," Britton said. "But, I think it was a really good experience. From that game we learned that if we truly craved that win, we would have to play the game with everything we had until the last buzzer."

It is not the end of the season yet, and the girls have plans to do much more. Like every team, they hope to make it all the way to states. As for right now, their plans are to make it to regionals.

With an overall record of 2-6, the boys lacrosse team fell to Lake Braddock on April 16. with the final score 6-13. Their next game will be on April 21 against West Springfield.

Q&A with senior Tyler Sapp When did you start playing lacrosse and why?

COURTESY OF TYLER SAPP

I started playing lacrosse the summer before my freshman year in high school. I stopped playing basketball that winter and I needed something active to do because obviously basketball was not my thing anymore.

What is your favorite memory playing lacrosse?

The process is fast, easy and helps the best automotive program in Fairfax County Public Schools. To schedule your donation, please call: Joe Desio, instructor, 703-642-4212 or email at jfdesio@ fcps.edu

Knowing that many of the seniors left last year, what was your overall feeling going into this years season?

We lost a lot of the seniors last year but that didn't discourage the team.

To us it meant that we needed to work harder. We didn't want to let the graduates down or ourselves.

COURTESY OF TYLER SAPP

The Annandale High School Auto Program needs your vehicle. By donating, you may be able to deduct up to the full value of your vehicle.

My favorite memory while playing was my freshman year in practice I tried to do a behind dodge because of a bet I had with my brother Kendall. In the end I failed miserably and lost my starting position for the rest of the season.

Sapp prepares to dash across the field with his stick and the ball.

When you step on the field what is the first thing you think of? Is there anything you do before games to prepare?

When I step on the field the first thing I think about is how I am going to help my team or be better in order to win whatever we do whether, it be in practice or in a game. Before games I usually blast some music in my Dr. Dre Beats. It seems basic but it works for me so I plan on continuing to do it.

Since you play other sports for the school, do you find it difficult to balance your athletic life with your academic life?

Yes, it may be a little challenging to balance my grades and athletics but I have gotten a lot better over the years. I've been able to balance everything now. It does not seem like an issue anymore.

18 ENTERTAINMENT The Avengers return to the big screen April 21, 2015

Marvel's renowned superhero team returns

BY AHMAD AYUB The return of the Avengers in their new crusade against the evil robot Ultron (voiced by James Spader) in The Avengers: Age of Ultron hits theaters on Friday, May 1. The entire team is back at it again, as well as a few new members. In addition, Joss Whedon returns as director of the sequel to his 2012 hit The Avengers. AHS students are ready for the movie.

"I really like superheroes and I feel like it will be my favorite movie of all time since it is the most anticipated film," junior Jashon Reams said.

This new storyline, partly adapted from the comics, follows Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), as he accidentally creates an artificial intelligence known as Ultron, who eventually turns on the Avengers.

This differs from the comics, where scientific genius Hank Pym creates what becomes one of the Avengers' greatest foes.

The entire roster of The Avengers returns, including Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) and Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders). Junior Hibo Ali is most excited to see the Hulk in action, or rather his alter ego.

"I can't wait to see Bruce Banner because I love Mark Ruffalo," Ali said.

Ultron uses brother and sister Pietro (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olson) to his advantage in order to slowly break down the team. While Pietro, also called Quicksilver, has super speed, Wanda, who also goes by Scarlet Witch, has "hex" powers, which she can not only use for sending blasts and bolts at people or objects, but also for manipulating others'

ENTERTAINMENTWEEKLY.COM

Staff Writer

The cover for an issue of Entertainment Weekly, starring Captain America, Iron Man and Ultron.

minds. These siblings were first shown in a mid-credits scene in Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Sophomore Saud Shah is looking forward to watch the movie the opening weekend.

"I'm going to watch it with my friends and dress up as Tony Stark," Shah said.

Unfortunately, Marvel Entertainment's film studio, Marvel Studios, do not own the film rights to every superhero. This is due to them selling movie rights in the 1990s to other movie studios. The character rights conflict stops Marvel from creating universe-wide team up movies.

In the past decade, Marvel has been buying back character rights in order to set up a world for their characters - a franchise called the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or MCU. One of the greatest examples of the conflicts with character rights is Spider-Man. Columbia Pictures distributed the original three films, which were loved by all. When planning the fourth movie, complications occurred, causing the film studio to sell their rights to Sony Pictures.

They rebooted the series and created another two Spider-Man films, with a third movie set up by the mid-credits scene, a common tactic used in Marvel films.

After the third Captain America movie was revealed to be called Civil War, fans of the comics went crazy. The comic storyline for Civil War has SpiderMan as a major character, alongside Iron Man and Captain America.

Luckily for fans, Marvel Studios struck a licensing deal with Sony Pictures - Spider-Man would be able to appear in the MCU, including Civil War. The series would be rebooted again with a new actor, but omitting the origin story.

The MCU splits the movies into three phases with an Avengers movie in each phase, the third phase splitting the Avengers movie into two parts.

Marvel Entertainment has been setting up several different superhero movies since 2008 with the release of Iron Man. This universe connects many Marvel heroes, like the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy and Ant-Man to name a few. The second phase will conclude with the Ant-Man movie, which follows Avengers: Age of Ultron.

Heard in the hall: Who is your favorite Avenger?

"I like Thor the most because if anything bad happens to him he can just go back to his home world."

"My favorite Avenger is Captain America because he is a good leader."

"My favorite is Iron Man because he is smart and funny."

MADDY MCCROSSIN

KATIE GARRISH

"I like the Hulk because he is team big body and so am I."

"I like the Hulk because he is big body like me."

sophomore

ANANDA POUDEL junior

SHAHEER AKTAR

"I like Iron Man because he has a lot of money and money controls the world."

junior

SHANK RAI

sophomore

EYOUB MENGISTU

"I like Thor because he is overpowered and he can't die because he is a god."

AVIAD GEBREHIWOT

senior

freshman

senior COMPILED BY CONRAD SHARTEL AND AHMAD AYUB

Daredevil blindly tries to save his city Matt Murdock sees to it that Hell's Kitchen stays safe

BY CONRAD SHARTEL

NETFLIX.COM

Entertainment Editor

A poster showing Daredevil in his superhero costume.

Marvel unleashed its new TV show Daredevil, taking place in a city destroyed by The Avengers. It follows the anti-hero and his brutal quest to save his city by any means possible. With violence, intimidation and somewhat extreme measures, Daredevil will save Hell's Kitchen.

Netflix released its brand new original TV show called Marvel's Daredevil on Friday, April 10. The show focuses on the character Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), who is a lawyer by day and a crime fighting vigilante by night.

Matt has a trait that separates him from the basic crime-fighting formula that has been seen many times.

Matt Murdock is blind. This skill does not slow him down in the slightest, and it in fact enables him to fight even better. He is able to hear, feel, smell and use all of his other senses much better than the average person. He is able to move around as if he can see, and he can even sense things about to happen because he can hear or feel them in the air, making beating up bad guys as simple as ever.

Daredevil's blindness does bring up some questions.

Would he actually be able to move around the city this well and fight crime like he does? At one point in the show he is shown running through the streets and even climbing up a building. How realistic is that? Is the show trying to say something about being blind , or is that just part of the whole superhero part of him? The show makes it seem possible, but really thinking about does make one think "how possible is that?"

Matt is a lawyer at Nelson and Murdock, with his best friend, coworker and lawyer, Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) and their secretary Karen Page (Deborah Ann Woll). The two lawyers are defense attorneys and wish to help this city by proving people innocent.

The show follows Matt, or as he is called in the show, Daredevil, and his mission to rid Hell's Kitchen, New York of organized crime. He discovers that the Russians, Japanese and the mafia are all involved in a crime ring.

He learns of the notorious crime-lord Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio) and his plan to rebuild Hell's Kitchen as a better city, in his own evil and twisted way. Fisk turns out to be extremely cruel and secretive, and it takes Daredevil about half the season to even learn his name.

Daredevil had much higher hopes as a TV show, especially a superhero one, because it is a Netflix original.

Netflix originals, like House of Cards for example, are all praised by viewers and critics. Daredevil has proven to branch away from the typical superhero formula where the hero never tires from fighting, has relatively no physical competition, and has unrealistic technology allowing him to find and beat literally anyone. The hero Daredevil actually gets beaten up pretty badly multiple times in the show, and seems to become very fatigued

in a lot of his fights; this may sound kind of lame for a superhero show, but it brings an essence of realism, which is lacking in other superhero shows.

It also explores how sadistic criminals and mobsters can be by going away from the mindless bank robbers that would never hurt anyone unless forced to, and moving towards the ruthless criminals. Some of them will do anything to hold power, making some villains in the show truly evil and terrifying, which really justifies its TV-MA rating.

The acting in the show is also very good. Many superhero shows nowadays seem to pick actors for characters based more off of looks than acting ability.

This may be because all heroes seem to be beautiful in the comics and the show wanted to follow that formula.

However, Daredevil has chosen very good actors to play all the characters, making the show feel as real as ever.

Daredevil is also very good at keeping small, realistic yet still gripping plots. There are no insanely powerful characters and no situations that would never happen in the real world.

Daredevil has been able to capture an adult audience, which is a new front for Marvel. Their other TV shows have mostly been cartoons and have only captured the attention of children or teens, and this show, being much more violent and realistic, has been able to veer towards the adult viewing audience.

The show does a great job of showing what it really would be like to be a vigilante trying to take down the mafia, and being blind at the same time. The first season is all up on Netflix, and there is no news yet about the release of any other ones in the future. Rating: 9/10

The characters in Westeros

BY OMAR HADDOU Staff Writer "I am not a politician, I'm a queen."

That quote was the highlight of the first episode of Game of Thrones, "The Wars to Come."

The hit series Game of Thrones returned to its usual airtime, Sundays at 9 p.m. EST, on April 12 for its fifth season.

The show is based on the book series A Song of Ice and Fire written by The New York Times bestselling author George R. R. Martin.

In this episode, almost all point of view characters were showcased except Arya Stark (Maisie Williams). It was a good episode with a lot of foreshadowing.

I personally think this episode showed what Jon Snow (Kit Harington) is capable

of. He showed his leadership in this episode.

This could lead to him being the 998th Lord Commander of the Nights Watch, a position he was destined to have.

Another scene that caught my attention was all the way in Meereen, where Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) rules. Daenerys army is called the Unsullied, and they are fearless. The scene showed a soldier lurking in a brothel before the person he felt most comfortable with assassinated him. These assassins are called the Sons of the Harpy and they will be the antagonists to Daenerys' cause.

Last but not least, Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage) appeared, popping out of the crate he was put in at the end of season 4. He was thirsty for Dornish wine and allegiance.

Ex-Master of Whisperers or Lord Varys (Conleth Hill) muttered the words "Who said anything about 'him'?" He is referring to the next possible ruler, and he wants Tyrion to join Daenerys' cause. Tyrion has the wits and strategic mind to woo her. With Tyrion

by Daenerys' side, anything is possible.

The series hit its fifth season last

HBO.COM

Game of Thrones soars back to TV

A poster for Game of Thrones, showing Tyrion Lannister leaving on a boat.

weekend, a season every viewer was looking forward to. The show's emotional scenes and immense amount of deaths is what kept its fans and gained some. The show is most famous for its gory and inappropriate segments.

Creators and writers D. B. Weiss and David Benioff have told viewers that the show will pass the books and may spoil the ending for avid book readers.

The day before the premiere of the first episode, a group within HBO leaked the first four episodes of the fifth season.

This could have been an advertising stunt, or it could have cost them some money.

Some complained about the leaks, but the others thought it was a blessing. On the first day that the episodes got leaked, more than 100,000 people downloaded them illegally. Some people wanted to wait to watch them, and others simply could not wait.

If you binge watched all four episodes, then waiting four weeks for a new episode sounds horrific. Rating: 8.7/10

ENTERTAINMENT 19 King Kendrick claims the throne

April 21, 2015

To Pimp A Butterfly sulitifies Lamar's status as today's best rapper

BY HEZEKIEL YONAS Circulation and Ad Manager In Kendrick Lamar's third album, To Pimp a Butterfly, he takes a different route as he did on his debut album, good kid, m.A.A.d city. His album doesn't provide a story line about a young kid in Compton, California, but it is a concept album consisting of themes such as the role money plays in his life, coming back to the hood and selflove among others.

Right off the bat, Lamar plays a character that squanders money once they get signed in the funkadelic rap track "Wesley's Theory" with help from features including George Clinton, Thundercat and Dr. Dre. He raps "When I get signed, homie imma act a fool," and brags about how he's gonna come back to the hood and hand M-16s out on the block. In the chorus, Lamar sings with a desperate, almost schizophrenic tone "...you was my first girlfriend!" referring to the fame as his "girlfriend". He also talks about how the government will "Wesley Snipe" him before he turns 35 due to tax evasion.

In the Terrance Martin produced track "King Kunta", Lamar tries his best impression of James Brown's "The Payback" while discussing his rise to fame "where was you when I was walking, now I run the game, got the whole world talking King Kunta". The track is one of the more upbeat instrumentals on the project, but that doesn't prevent Lamar from discussing serious topics, like how the power that comes with fame can corrupt people "the yams brought it out of Richard Pryor, manipulated Bill Clinton with desires".

In the fifth track, "Institutionalized," right off the bat Lamar tells the listener about how the ghetto streets of Compton still affect him. "I ain't proud to admit it, institutionalized I keep coming back for a visit". Over the soothing instrumentation, Lamar adjusts his voice and raps in the perspective of one of his friends who he brought to the BET Awards and is eyeing to hoodwink any celebrity possible, "Kendrick, I know these people your coworkers, but it's gon take long for this pistol go cold turkey".

The song "u" is the exact opposite of his Grammy winning single "i". It doesn't have a positive message built around a pop beat with a sample of The Isley Brothers. Instead, it features murky, dark and depressing production. This is probably one of Lamar's most emotional track since "Sing About Me" from his last album. The self-hate anthem starts off with him screaming all alone in a hotel room and constantly bashing himself while drunk, telling stories about how he left his friends and family in the ghetto.

The song "Momma" is the best example of his strong ties to Compton when he comes back home in a very humbling track, with one of the better beats of the album. During the second verse, Lamar constantly boasts how much he's learned since becoming famous, from morality to wisdom, but then realizes that he didn't really didn't learn anything, instead he was lost in the lavish life that fame brought him.

The second-half of the album displays more soothing,

Kendrick Lamar's album cover illustration brings the slums of Comptom to the White House to get listeners thinking.

luscious production, but also gives the message of self-love, a topic that usually hasn't been rapped by mainstream rappers since the early 2000s.

"Complexion (A Zulu Love)" has by far the best production on the whole album, and features great vocals from Pete Rock and Thundercat. The track claims that every complexion is beautiful and criticizes the idea that a lighter complexion is more appealing because it feeds into the Willie Lynch theory of having the slaves debate over which complexion is better instead of them joining forces to reap revenge on their masters. The song includes the only rap verses by another artist, Rhapsody, and she delivers some solid bars.

Even with the critically acclaimed "i", and the very controversial single "The Blacker the Berry" and "Mortal Man" are the most important track on the whole album because of how it beautifully wraps up the album.

Starting off with vocals from singer James Fauntleroy III, Lamar goes off on the serious instrumentation. In the song, Lamar wants to be immortalized for being a strong leader just like Nelson Mandela "The ghost of Mandela, hope my flows they propel it". He strives to be remembered forever and not be forgotten when he dies as he spits, "How many leaders you said you needed then left 'em for dead? Is it Moses, is it Huey Newton or Detroit Red? Is it Martin Luther, JFK, shoot or you assassin, is it Jackie, is it Jesse, oh I know, it's Michael Jackson". The way he showcases his weaknesses and criticizes his flaws, calling them "not Nelson-like", makes him more likeable because his vulnerabilities remind us that he's just as human as everybody else. But the song isn't highlight of the outro track.

Throughout the entirety of To Pimp a Butterfly, Lamar

recites a poem at the end of a majority of the tracks starting from "King Kunta"; every time he recites the poem he starts from the beginning and ends off closer than the last time and it serves as an indication of what the topic of the following song will be. He finishes the poem in the final track, creatively defining how his life has been since stardom and how he learned the power of respect. What happens next is very gutsy, daring, but Lamar made it work perfectly. Around the middle of the track, Lamar has a feature from 2Pac. Apparently Lamar was reciting the poem to 2Pac, and has a full on conversation with 2Pac by sampling an old Swedish interview of his. It's only fitting that the rapper who claims he had a dream, in which 2Pac told him to keep hip-hop, publishes posthumous comments from arguably the most influential rappers of all-time on a track.

"...He is truly not just a rapper, but a writer. "

At the very end of the track, Lamar recited another poem that his friend gave to him about that really describes the overall message of the album. The poem describes how he transformed a caterpillar from the

ghetto who envied the butterfly into a butterfly himself, but becoming a butterfly provides him new ideas and now he can enlighten the caterpillars to escape and become butterflies as well. A beautiful way to end off the album and really supports the notion that he is truly not just a rapper, but a writer.

To Pimp a Butterfly just strengthens the argument that Kendrick Lamar is a creative genius. It seemed almost impossible to top the success of his last album, but Lamar found a way to create a nearly impeccable album while focusing on social issues that predominantly affect blacks, such as police brutality, inadequate educational systems in impoverished communities and internalized racism.

One of the major improvements between this project and good kid, m.A.A.d city is the noticeable enhancement in production. Last album he had a different producer on every track, but this time around he was making songs with the same people throughout the process of creating the album and that made all the difference.

There is no question that Lamar is the greatest rapper in the game right now, but a project like this may really propel him into hip-hop royalty. It's too early to label the album as a "classic", but if he keeps up this pace he has a chance to be immortalized as one of the greatest rappers of all time. This is a great listen, but not playing the album on shuffle and not paying attention to lyrics does the album no justice.

Overall, I give the album a 10/10. With the quality production and the philosophical lyrics, Lamar puts together not only a meaningful album, but a sonically enjoyable on as well.

Music festival season comes back to the DMV AHS anticipate the annual upcoming concerts

BY NUHAMI MANDEFRO Entertainment Editor As warm weather returns and the stress from fourth quarter arrive, students attend the multiple concert festivals occurring this month and throughout the summer.

The D.C. Metropolitan area is infamous for their abundancy of concerts and vibe reciprocated from the crowd. AHS students do not shy away from these annual festivities and plan to create new memories.

"Attending music festivals are one of my favorite things to do around this time of year," senior Hiwot Dagnachew said.

Recently announced, Kerfuffle is coming back to the Merriweather stadium on Sunday, May 3rd. The fest consist of reggae, rock/alternative artists that feed off each other's genres and audience. Senior Kaytlin Hopkins is ecstatic to see all the performances with her friends yet again.

"I have only gone to Kerfluffle once and plan on going again because I absolutely love the feel of the festival and the line up is always good. The same performs don't come back but the experience is amazing," Hopkins said.

"It's a outdoor concert so you can always dance around in the grass to music with your friends. This year I'm looking forward to Dirty Head the most, I like their music because it's a play of rock and reggae. They craziest moment I've experienced at kerfluffle was that the lead singer of Cage the Elephants crowd surfed from the stage all the way to the lawn at Merriweather. Overall it was a great experience," Hopkins said.

Sweetlife always makes its way back to the DMV on May 30th and 31st after constantly grossing hundred of thousands of youth people each year.

The concert consist of all types of genres such as hip hop and alternative music and artist ranging in popularity.

This year, the 22-hour long concert managed to get upcoming superstars like Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, and Calvin Harris . Junior Danielle Robinson went last year and had the greatest time.

"I only went last year and I wish I could go again but the tickets got too pricey because I saw the same amount of people last year but for a lower price," Robinson said.

"I definitely recommend it to everyone! There are so many chill people and positive vibes plus great

Tyler the Creator brings something different Cherry Bomb incorporates multiple artists and sounds

BY AHMAD AYUB Staff Writer

Senior Kaytlin Hopkins(upper photos) attends Kerfuffle with fellow students. Senior Lee Hayes (below) takes photo with friends at WMZQ.

music! There's two stages so there's always someone playing/singing/ rapping so you're never bored," Robinson said.

"Last year it started raining in the middle of one of the performances but it was still hot because it was the summer and people started getting more pumped and taking off their shirts throwing it in a circle. It was an awesome day," Robinson said.

WMZQ fest takes over Jiffy Lube every June in order to be the south to the DMV. The two day concert is held by 98.7 WMZQ and only hosts the biggest country artist today. Senior Lee Hayes

plans on return with friends to cut loose and make more memories.

"I've gone to WMZQ three times and I plan on going back to because WMZQ fest is such a good time," Hayes said.

"The vibe at Jiffy Lube is very upbeat and positive everyone dresses like in America stuff, camo, and country clothes. Every summer with WMZQ mega ticket, a lot of the same people come back especially the big names like Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, and Rascal Flats. This year I'm really excited to see Dierks Bentley," Hayes said.

"My favorite memories were during my sophomore year at WMZQ fest when

we met this guy and at the end of the concert just wearing a towel because he told us someone guy really liked his clothes sold them to him and when Luke Bryan came on stage he took a girls phone and took a selfie on it and then all of these girls threw their phones on stage," Hayes said.

More concerts like hip hop based festival, Rock the Bells, and Firefly have AHS students saving up their last pennies to attend the events of the year.

With the stress of school taking its peak, AHS thanks these events in order to escape.

Monday, April 13, marked the release of Tyler, The Creator's new album Cherry Bomb.

The new album was released under Odd Future Records, an independent record label started

by Tyler. The album includes uncredited appearances by Schoolboy Q, Charlie Wilson, Kali Uchis, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Pharrell Williams.

The album contains 13 songs. All of the songs on the album are written by Tyler himself.

The new album consists of songs with very complex instrumentals, similar to those of rapper Pusha T in his album My Name Is My Name. The songs also heavily incorporates the use of guitars, an instrument not known for it's use in the rap genre.

The first song, "Deathcamp," is heavily influenced by rock, hip hop, and funk group N.E.R.D., a duo of musicians which consist

of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo. The album resembles N.E.R.D.'s first album, In Search Of...(.) The song "Buffalo" has a somewhat similar feel, sampling "Shake Ya Booty" by Bunny Sigler, a song also sampled on "Numbers on the Boards" by Pusha T. The use of rock instrumentals in rap is steadily increasing.

Originally used by rappers such as Eminem, it has had an influence on rappers such as the aforementioned Pusha T, Kanye West in his album Yeezus.

Sophomore Matthew Vogus is an avid fan of Tyler and his group, Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, or OFWGKTA, and gave his perspective on the album.

"I liked it but not as much as I like Earl Sweatshirt's new album or Tyler's past album, Wolf," Vogus said. "I also liked how with Wolf there was more of a story line and the lyrical content was better."

Personally, the album was not to my liking and not the kind of rap I personally prefer a different style. However, I am always open to new genres of music. The style of the song "Smuckers" as well as the cameo with Kanye West and Lil Wayne.

I would give this album a rating of 7/10.

20 WEEKEND The How-to guide: Scavenger Hunt

April 21, 2015

COURTESY OF SHERYL FOX

Spend your weekend with some friends and embark on a crazy adventure together

1. Restaurant napkin For the first phase of your scavenger hunt, you must go into a restaurant of your choice and grab a napkin.

The napkin must have the logo of the restaurant on it as proof that it is authentic. Once you have obtained the napkin, take it with you and this will begin your scavenger hunt stash. We think the best place to get a napkin would be Subway!

5. Catch the bus Now the hunt gets a little more difficult; you must complete is riding a bus from one place to another.

Plenty of buses run through the NOVA area every hour or so. You must catch a bus and pay the small fee for your ticket. Try not to get too far off course while completing this task. When you have completed this task, add the ticket to your collected stash.

9. Sing the National Anthem Get ready to sing your heart out with this task.

This activity is made for the teammate who has the most nerve out of everyone. The task is to walk into Wendy's or McDonald's and sing the National Anthem to everyone who is there. Make sure you get the words right or else that will be extra embarrassing. Have another teammate record a video of you singing as proof of your performance.

13. Conduct an aerobics class Work those glutes in your very own aerobics class.

The task is to conduct an aerobics class in any parking lot. Make sure all the movements are in sync. Have a teammate video tape the aerobics class. Your team will get extra points if you can get strangers to join your class.

17. Take a menu Your team's task is to commandeer a take out menu from any take out restaurant of your choice. Walk in and grab a menu and add it to your stash of collected items. You also have to take a picture with the menu inside the restaurant as proof that you and your team didn't bring a take out menu from home.

2. Disposable toilet seat cover

3. A picture with someone's grandma

For the next task, you must obtain is a disposable toilet seat cover. For this item, you may either take a picture with it just as senior Ravyn Hankinson is doing or you can add it to your stash. The best place to find one of these would be a public rest room or a store such as Walmart or Target.

This task requires you to take a photo with somebody's grandmother. It must be a selfie just like sophomore Sheryl Fox is doing. We suggest that you either find a friend who has a grandma in the area or simply find an old lady either in a store or on the streets and ask her for a picture.

6. Take a selfie with a bird

This task requires you and your team to take a selfie with a bird just as seniors Reem Lakkis, Ravyn Hankinson and Lee Hayes have. This may be a little challenging if you are scared of birds or animals in general. However, the birds over at Petland near Woodson are extremely nice and should be easy to handle. Only one person needs to take the selfie.

10. Ride a bike at Walmart Get ready for a smooth ride through Walmart just like sophomore Saad Farooq. One team member must grab the smallest bike possible and ride it around the store.

Another teammate must video tape the adventure as proof. Make sure to not hit any shoppers or goods and if management asks you to stop then do so.

14. Chinese fire drill You better run as fast as you can for this task. When your team reaches at stoplight while you all are out on your hunt, get out of the car, run around it and jump back into a different seat. Have a teammate video tape the adventure while you are all doing it. Make sure to do it as fast as you can!

18. Original Coke bottles This task will take you back to the old days. Your team must buy one of the original Coke bottles. Not like the first bottle ever made, but the classic style bottle.

This bottle seems harder to find, but if you look in the right places you will find it. We suggest trying a grocery store. Drink all the Coke out of the bottle and add the empty glass bottle to your stash.

4. Get a stranger's autograph For this task, you must obtain is an autograph from a stranger. We suggest that you grab an extra napkin from the beginning of your hunt or you bring a paper and pen with you. You could always double up and get a stranger's autograph while you are at the restaurant or trying to find the toilet seat cover. Make sure you don't cheat and make up an autograph.

7. Jump off a swing

8. Picture on a boat

Fly high with this task. You must take an epic photo of you or your team member launching themselves off of a playground swing. There is a swing set at Mason District Park or at any elementary school. Have the team member who is taking the picture stand a good distance away from your landing range and take an awesome picture as you fly off the swing.

This part of the hunt requires you to be super adventurous just like junior Brooke Thadeus. The best way to get a picture on a boat would be to have a boat, but that is not probable in most cases. There is a ferry that runs from Old Towne to National Harbor by riding along the Potomac River. We suggest you catch that ferry and have someone snap a picture of you and your team.

11. Bowl for a stranger 12. Serenade a stranger This task will take you over to the bowling alley just like senior Reem Lakkis. Your task is to walk up to any person bowling and politely ask them if you can bowl for them on one of their turns. Have a teammate record your bowl and then take a picture with the kind stranger after.

15. Buy something with only pennies Time to show everyone how much money you have.

You must buy something with only pennies. We suggest that you buy something at the dollar store because it is the cheapest and will require the least amount of counting on the cashier's part. Have a your teammate videotape or photograph your transaction.

19. Hula-hoop Get ready to move those hips with a stranger. You must ask a stranger to hula-hoop with you. This task can also be completed at Walmart where you have to ride a bike around the store. Find a shopper and ask them to take a few minutes out of their shopping trip to hula-hoop with you. Have a teammate film or photograph the activity just like sophomore Saad Farooq.

Get ready to serenade a complete stranger just like senior Rachael Allshouse is to junior Amanda Adenan.

This is another task you can double up on. You must get down on one knee, grab the stranger's hand, look deep into their eyes and sing them a song. Have your teammate either video tape the encounter or take a picture of you completing the task.

16. Leave a love note Everyone loves a super cute note, especially when it is a surprise. This task is to leave a super cute love note on a stranger's car. Make sure you have a piece of paper and a pen with you. If not, go get one. Write a note for this stranger as if you were trying to get the love of your life back. Take a picture of yourself or your teammate holding the note and a picture of the note on a car.

20. Get an empty Chipotle burrito bowl The final task is to obtain a perfectly clean burrito bowl from Chipotle. You must wait in line as if you are buying actual food and ask for an empty bowl. You may also order actual food from there if you so desire.

Take a picture with the empty bowl in the restaurant.

Once you have completed all tasks, rush to the finish line!

Finish line: have a place to meet up with the opposing team at the end of the hunt. Winner gets there first!

Class of 2015 Bulletin To-do list: April Edition 10 days until all college decisions are made!

IB/AP testing begins in 13 days Senior Shawn Courtney pitches the ball for the Atoms in his final high school season.

Wear your college shirt to school on May 1!

56 days until graduation 19 Red Days 19 White Days