Issue 9

Tues. May 28, 2019 Vol. 64 Issue #9

Annandale High School’s

THE A BLAST

“SHOOT THE BALL!” Boys soccer playoff run comes to an end

Informing the Atoms since 1954

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

SPORTS 15

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIMOTHY THOMAS TWITTER

Band & orchestra end on a high note

BY MANNY PRECHT Co-Editor in Chief As the school year winds down, the AHS band, orchestral and choral program are hosting their final concerts of the year.

This concerts act as one last show for the year but also as a send off for all senior members. The first concert was hosted by the band on May 21, followed by the orchestra May 23 and lastly, the chorus concert will be held on May 30.

The wind ensemble of the band performed “Folk Dances” by Dmitri Shostakovich, “Into the Silent Land”

by Steve Danyew, “Prospect” by Pierre LaPlante and “Xerxes” by John Mackey.

“We performed well and a lot of people told us that they were moved by ‘Into the Silent Land’ due to the fact that it was created in reaction to the shooting at Sandy Hook,” said junior

“I think the concert was pretty successful because we improved a piece that we played for the pyramid concert.”

--NANCY CHEN

junior Zak Belkhayat.

“The song was also created recently so we were one of the first high school bands to perform it in concert,” said Belkhayat. “The piece was also interesting because we were accompanied by a narrator from a local elementary school.”

Next was the orchestra concert and the musicians were equally happy about their performance. The artiste orchestra performed “How Far I’ll Go” from the film Moana, “The Highlander” by Deborah Baker Monday, and “Bagatelle” by Antonin Dvorak.

Junior Carter McGraw was satisfied with the orchestras performance, “I think we performed well and the concert was a great way to send off the seniors.”

The final concert will be hosted by the choral department and singers have high hopes for the performance, “I’m excited for our last concert and we’ve improved and bonded with each other throughout the year,” said junior Harneet Bhullar.

BCAA to become the BSU

BON VOYAGE

Principal Tim Thomas and key staff retire, leave AHS

BY SUAD MOHAMED Co-Editor in Chief As the school year wraps up, students and teachers prepare to say good-bye and leave for the summer.

However, with every last day of school comes a few teachers and faculty who are saying their final goodbyes.

Featured are five staff members who willl be leaving AHS once this school year ends. They shared their memories and a few parting words as they finalize their adventure as an Atom.

TIMOTHY THOMAS Behind the scenes, Principal Timothy Thomas works to make sure everything at AHS runs smoothly.

However, most see him as the guy who spends the school day walking the halls to talk to and greet as many students and staff members as possible.

Well known for giving announcements on the loudspeaker in both English and Spanish, Thomas announced his retirement in late April after four years of being principal at AHS. Born and raised in the Northern Virginia area, Thomas worked in lanscapting before he studied Spanish at George Mason University.

“I worked in landscaping for a number of years, working daily with Spanish speaking co-workers,” Thomas said. “I took advantage of that opportunity to practice the language.”

Prior to his tenure here, Thomas was a Spanish and Peer Mediation teacher for eight years at Westfield HS in Chantilly.

After that, he was an assistant principal at Centreville HS for two

years before he returned to Westfield to serve as the principal for an additional four years.

After bouncing around a bit, it looks like Thomas found a home here at AHS. “Mostly I am going to miss the people. The students, the faculty, and staff, and all the families and their support,” Thomas said.

Thomas cares deeply about the connections he has built up during his time here.

“I feel like I created a lot of meaningful relationships and it’s always hard when you have met so many people that you care about, and that’s the case here,” Thomas said.

When speaking of the impact that he made here, Thomas remains humble and proud.

“I think my greatest impach was that I was able to develop and maintain positive relationships with all types of people in the community,” Thomas said. “At the same time, I was a problem solver.”

While he gave to the community, Thomas recognizes that the community gave back to him in a reciprocal manner.

“I look at what I have done here as an opportunity. I have been given the opportunity to work with students from all around the world who speak many different languages and come from even more different kinds of culture,” Thomas said. “I think that the greatest opportunity and best part of the job has been getting to know a whole new school and community.”

After his time here, Thomas plans to downshift while still working in education.

“I am looking to maybe get an assistant principal job in Prince William

County, since that is where I live and I want to be closer to home,” Thomas said. “I am looking forward to being able to support a school and a community in a different way and capacity.”

NIKI HOLMES After 21 years at AHS, Instructional Coach Niki Holmes is prepared to switch in her red and white for the purple and gold of Lake Braddock SS, where she will also work as an Instructional Coach.

Before her current role, Holmes worked as an IB Literature and Literacy Lab teacher. Along with current teacher Leslie Chekin, Holmes worked to create the IB Language and Literature course.

In addition, Holmes formerly served as the adviser for the Antenna Yearbook and was a coach for the Girls Volleyball team.

She was also the coordinator for the IB Diploma Program’s Extended Essay.

Holmes is originally from Pennsylvania and did not always want to be an educator.

“Originally, I enrolled in the University of Pittsburg with the intention to study dentistry. Then, I changed my mind, and I am really glad that I did,” Holmes said. “I transferred to Pennnsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s degree in English and education.”

Afterwards, she obtained a Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction for multi-language students.

“Education has been a really important part of my life. It is full of wonderful challenges. If you are not struggling, you are not learning,” Holmes said.

When she thinks of her time here, Holmes will miss the relationship that she built with members of the

FCPS Chairman race heats up

BY SUAD MOHAMED Co-Editor in Chief

community.

“After 21 years, it has been a little less than half of a lifetime for me,” Holme said. “I am going to miss the students. I am going to miss lots of colleagues, who are now friends. Annandale was really fun, and shows a snapshot of the world. I will miss learning about different cultures.”

HASSAN MIMS Also amongst those leaving is Resource teacher and Girls Tennis coach Hassan Mims. Before his current role, Mims began working as the AHS Dean of Students in 2009.

Mims previously taught Social Studies and History for nine years, as well as serving as the Students Achieving More Program (SAM) coordinator & teacher, PTSA-to-AHS liaison, OnTime Graduation Coordinator, and Apex Credit Recovery Program coordinator.

“This is the third school I’ve worked in. Annandale High School has the best school community I have worked in,” Mims said. “This is the best school community that I will always miss.”

When reflecting on his time here, Mims remains positive, even about the rough times.

“About 6 years ago we were about 500 students over capacity, so that was tough. Also families in this community have more needs than they used to.

Some of those needs are basic needs aren’t being provided,” Mims said.

“However, we got through it.”

Along with the tennis team and interacting with students daily, one of Mims’ favorite things about AHS was the togetherness of the community.

CONT. Page 5

Class of 2019 graduates

BY SUAD MOHAMED Co-Editor in Chief

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY MANNY PRECHT

As the Black Cultural Awareness Association ushers in a new group of officers, the club has also decided to revamp itself as a Black Student Union.

The plan was formulated by future President Kadijah Janneh, Vice President Laila Elbahy, and Secretary Abby Kitila “Everyone agreed that there needed to be some sort of change. Before elections two weeks ago, we were trying to come up with ideas for the future of the club, and changing into a BSU was at the forefront of all of our plans,” Janneh said.

One benefit of changing into a BSU includes the fact that there would be more organization.

“While there is a bigger, national BSU organization, there is no such thing for BCAA,” Kitila said.

Additionally, members of the future BSU would be able to obtain a cord for graduation, while the same could not be done for BCAA. “It’s going to be nice to have some sort of recognition at the end of the year to show all the hard effort we put into the club besides a t-shirt and a group picture,” Elbahy said.

Along with these changes come others. In order to better align the ideals of the faction at AHS with those of the national organization, there will be more changes on who can join the club.

“Since there are cords involved, we are in the talks of making changes such as raising the GPA requirement so as to ensure that we have the best of the best serving as members,” BCAA’s sponsor Phil Harris said. “In addition to that, we need to add more community service opportunities to help people in the community and to have a purpose.”

Principal Timothy Thomas poses with Safety and Secuirty specialist William Tippins and alumnus and musician Dave Grohl. Thomas announced his retirement in late April.

Chairman Board of Supervisors candidates Ryan McElveen, Tim Chapman, Alicia Plerhoples and Jeff McKay.

Democratic candidates campaign for Chairman

BY MANNY PRECHT Co-Editor in Chief On June 11th, four candidates will be completing for the FCPS Chairman, Board of Supervisors position in the Democratic primary.

Candidates Tim Chapman, Alicia Plerhoples, Jeff McKay and Ryan McElveen have been well on their way in the campaigning process. Slogans such as #NoHairForChair have been a major part in McElveen’s widespread campaign.

Additionally, candidate Tim Chapman has been running under the ticket of more affordable housing in the county while candidate Alicia Plerhoples has been pushing for economic growth at the local level and increased access to a preschool education.

Back in late January, it appeared

that Fairfax County Supervisor Jeff McKay might coast to an easy victory for the chairman position. McKay had been groomed by longtime board chair member Sharon Bulova, following the trend of chairman races being more like successions rather than elections. Due to the fact that Fairfax County is an overwhelmingly blue county and that McKay was “chosen” as Bulova’s successor, it seemed as if the race for chairman was no contest.

However, since then, other candidates have tightened the race. A surge of progressive candidates have combated against McKay’s moderate democratic ticket. Promising improved economic and educational opportunities, liberal voters are attracted to progressive change.

Candidate Ryan McElveen is arguably the most popular candidate among the younger generation and his platform incorporates positive change for the county.

According to his campaign website, McElveen aims to create “The best education system in the country,” “An innovative and sustainable infrastructure,” “Opportunity for all,” and “Fiscal

discipline.”

Additionally, opposing candidates have attempted to label McKay as part of a county leadership that has lagged in dealing with some of the region’s most pressing issues, such as affordable housing and overcrowded schools.

McKay responded by disregarding comments and saying he hopes to “hit the accelerator” on fixing problems within the county.

McKay’s platform has also been criticized by fellow candidate, Tim Chapman. Chapman announced on 5/21 that he is pursuing an ethics complaint against McKay which accused the McKay of benefiting from a quid pro quo relationship with developers.

Chapman claims that McKay helped engineer the 2016 rezoning of a portion of the Kingstowne Towne Center as part of a deal on his home purchase nearly a year later.

Despite the close race junior Mitchell Eggert would like to see McElveen elected. “I want him to win because his progressive platform will ensure a bright future for our county and he’s shown well he can work well with the community.”

After four years of participating in classes, sports, and extracurriculars as Atoms, the 2019 seniors are prepared for graduation and starting a new chapter in their lives.

On Thursday, June 6 promptly at 7:00 p.m., seniors will walk across the stage at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington D.C. They will finally be able to collect the diploma that rewards them for over 12 years of schooling.

This moment will simultaneously marking the start of their lives as high school graduates.

“I am super excited to graduate because I am ready to go to college and move on from high school and with the next part of my life,” senior Maisha Maliha said.

While most will be attending universities and colleges around the world, others will be working, completing technical training, enlisting in the armed forces, or completing some other adventure beyond high school.

“I will be attending New York University in Abu Dhabi to study something in science, and I plan on minoring in Arab crossroad studies,” Maliha said.

However, along with being happy, seniors share some sad sentiments as well.

“Even though I am ready to graduate, I am going to miss my friends and family a lot,” Maliha said. “But at least in the next coming week, I have a lot of moments to share with them.”

2 EDITORIALS

Tues. May 28, 2019

Teens: Get a job

New system for college applications

BY ADAM SHAWISH Editorials Editor

BY HENRY HOANG Staff Writer By 2020, the College Board will expand the use of a student’s socioeconomic disadvantages or advantages against them regarding their SAT scores. Many colleges say they want to admit more applicants who are socioeconomically disadvantaged. However, many colleges question how a student would be considered disadvantaged and also making sure that some students that have grown up with major deficits get the extra edge in admissions decisions.

“This is a tool designed for admission officers to view a student’s academic accomplishment in the context of where they live and learn,” a spokeswoman for the College Board said. “It doesn’t provide information about the student, but rather provides information about the student’s environment. It puts a student’s SAT score and other academic accomplishments included in their college application in the context of where they live and learn.”

The College Board has just finished the first two steps of the system, the Environmental Context Dashboard. This system is designed to help colleges be more precise when deciding who should get this extra edge. The system works in one of two ways.

When students take the PSAT or the SAT, they will enter their information of where they live and about the high school that they attend. The College Board then uses that information to create an index on adversity based on three simple calculations: the environments of the high school, neighborhood, and family.

Students have not liked this feature because of how some students could get the cunning edge when they apply to a certain college. “I think that this would help some students, but it would also put others at a disadvantage,” junior Mahmoud Osman said.

“Personally, I like this idea but it depends on how much of a cunning edge I get on it.”

The College Board expanding the use of a student’s environment may work for some, but dramatically enhance or diminish their chances of getting into their dream college.

Many of these students think that some of their chances of getting into college will be lowered because they come from a good family. This whole system should be removed due to the fact that it puts others ahead of one another.

COURTESY OF EMILY SHAWISH

When most teens think of summer, the beach or their bed comes to mind. Though for some, students working is the ideal pastime for summer.

A majority of students have summer jobs including senior Amber Untch who works at the St. James sports, wellness, and entertainment center.

Untch has been working at St. James for nine months. She was recommended for the job by a friend.

“This is my first job and I love it,” Untch said, “The interview was pretty easy for the most part. They asked me about my availability and hours.

They also asked how I could help their company.”

Untch gets paid $10 an hour and receives a free membership to Saint James.

There are many businesses in the Annandale area that are hiring including, Dairy Queen, Swiss Bakery and Lake Accotink.

Though the most common job during the summer is working at pools. Jobs at public pools are very easy to get for teens and the pay is modest.

Most pools will pay minimum wage to teen employees which is $7.25. The public pools around AHS are the North Springfield Swim Club, the Springfield Swimming Club, the Annandale Swim and Tennis Club, and the Canterbury Woods Swim and Tennis Club.

Summer jobs and year-long jobs are important for teens because it teaches them hard work and the value of a dollar. However, the number of teens who work has been decreasing in recent years.

According to the United States Department of Labor, the percentage of teens in the workforce in 2009 was 37.5 percent, but in 2015 the percentage of teens was only 34.3 percent.

There is an explanation for this.

The United States Department of Education reports an increase in summer school attendance around high school aged children.

It is important for teenagers to get an education, but college tuition is increasing. Many teens get jobs to help pay for their college education.

Junior Emily Shawish works at the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Shawish works on Sundays every other week. “I really like working at the aquarium,” Shawish said, “It is a lot of fun working with the animals and talking with people.”

Another common job around teens is yard work or babysitting. The amount of money you get depends on the employer. Junior Izzy Steiner babysits and does yard work for her immediate neighbors.

“I have been babysitting for about eight months, and I have been doing yard work for a couple of years now,” Steiner said.

Do you think it is important for teens to have jobs?

Steiner earns $25 for two hours of babysitting and $25 for yard work.

When babysitting, Steiner’s responsibilities include playing with the toddler, changing her diaper, and feeding the child dinner.

“When I do yard work for my neighbors, I normally mow the lawn, water their flowers, and pull out weeds. But sometimes they ask me to do other

things like cleaning out the shed, laying mulch and planting flowers,” Steiner said.

Jobs are very important because they bring skills that many will need in the real world. Teens need to learn how to be responsible with the money they earn and jobs are a easy way to do that.

Businesses that are hiring in Annandale

Teens on the workforce through the years MADELINE DOSEN freshman “Yes, I think it is important for teens to have jobs because it teaches them responsibility and it helps them save for college.”

TARA CORCORAN freshaman “I think it is important for teens to have jobs so they can learn hard work and the value of a dollar.”

LILIANA INKPEN freshman “I think it depends on the family because some teens do not need a job.”

1979 1980

57.9% 56.7%

1985

54.5%

2000

52%

2003

44.5%

2007

41.3%

Swiss Bakery Phone: 703-321-3670 Address: 5224 Port Royal Rd, Springfield

Dairy Queen Phone: 703-321-1820 Address: 5230 Port Royal Rd, Springfield

JANINE IMPAT junior “Yes, because it allows for them to gain experience of what it is like to work in the real world.”

DIANA VILLARROEL senior “Yes, because it helps teens become independent and ready for college.”

ALEX LOPEZ senior “Yes, because teens should learn to earn their money and to get ready for life after high school.”

37.5%

2010

34.9%

2013

34.5%

2015

34.3%

MANAGING EDITOR Khadija Ahmed NEWS EDITOR Suad Mohamed Manny Precht EDITORIALS EDITORS Jane Elkins Adam Shawish IN-DEPTH EDITORS Frances Montevilla Marian Osman SPORTS EDITORS Tyler Plank Alex Burita

Dilan Yousif Alex Burita

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Frances Montevilla

ADVISER Alan Weintraut

LIFESTYLES EDITOR Thonny Anwar

CIRCULATION MANAGER Ethan Zimmerman

PEOPLE EDITOR Jamie Hamadeh Karla Mercado-Dorado

STAFF WRITERS Ladan Abdi Robin Han Jasmin Harris Fatima Mohamed Ivanna Perez Abel Samson Jacqueline Claros Lopez Cameron Foti Christian Reyes Matthew Dinh Ayman Elhag Jude Mamaw Kim Laura Henry Hoang

Annandale High School Vol 64. Issue No. 9 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003

ARTS EDITOR Mia Antezana Garcia INTERNATIONAL EDITOR Brooke Fekru HEALTH EDITOR Jamie Hamadeh ACADEMICS EDITOR Khadija Ahmed

SPORTS X-TRA EDITOR Eyob Dagnachew

SPANISH EDITOR Frances Montevilla Brenda Huamani

WEEKEND EDITOR Katie Pope

SPANISH ADVISER Mauren Hunt

PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Jessica Salisbury

WEB EDITOR/MASTER Victor Nguyen

ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS Eric Rivas-Martinez

AD MANAGER Ethan Zimmerman

Follow The A-Blast

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

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

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

All submissions become property of The A-Blast, Copyright, 2019.

Phone: 855-955-2534 Address: 7006 Columbia Pike, Annandale

Annandale Swim and Tennis Club

Scan here to view the US Department of Labor statistics for teens on the workforce

THE A BLAST STAFF CO-EDITORS IN CHIEF Suad Mohamed Manny Precht

Aldi

Source: U.S Department of Labor

BREANNA SANCHEZ sophmore “Yes, because it is important for teens to experience how to work early so they are prepared for the future.”

EVA GOMEZ sophomore “Yes, I think they should have jobs because it provides money and introduces the skill of making and saving money.”

2009

Phone: 703-354-4272 Address: 7530 Little River Turnpike, Annandale

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

17 people voted 35% said summer jobs.

6% said summer classes.

24% said vacation.

35% said staying home.

CONNOR YI junior “This summer I am getting my driver’s license.

I am really excited because I want to drive on my own.”

DANIELLA DOSEN freshman “This summer, I am going to be swimming on my swim team.

Swim team takes up most of the summer but when I have time, I’m going to try and hang out with my friends.”

EDITORIALS 3

.PUBMED.GOV

Tues. May 28, 2019

Abortion rights activists rally in front of the Supreme Court in Washington on May 21, 2019. New increasingly strict laws throughout the country have been prompting more and more protests.

Abortion laws intensify New Alabama ruling causes uproar on social media

BY JANE ELKINS Editorial Editor Abortion has been a hot topic on everyone’s social media feeds after a bill was signed by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on Wed. May 15. The law prohibited abortions in almost every circumstance and is now considered the most restrictive abortion law in the country. The legislation only makes exceptions only for the health of the mother and for fetuses with “fatal anomalies” that make them unlikely to survive outside the womb. Rape and incest are not exceptions to Alabama’s ban.

Along with Alabama, lawmakers

in Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, and many other Republican-controlled states have passed new anti-abortion bills that all have a similar undertone of no tolerance even for extreme circumstances. The laws have prompted questions about whether women and doctors who have abortions should be punished on accounts of murder. It’s not really surprising that people all over the country have had heated debates on social media.

“My feed has been flooded with abortion-related posts.” Freshman Elizabeth Chichester said, “It’s a lot to bear, but I’m glad that people are having the conversation.”

Since the Roe v. Wade ruling in 1973, abortion has been a safe and legal option for women who have had an unwanted pregnancy. Before however, women would frequently try to induce abortions by using coat hangers, knitting needles, or radiator flush, or by going to unsafe “back-alley” abortionists.

Should the last month of school matter to students? consider this to be a good reason but I disagree.

Yes, we have finals and SOLs, but we are given a month to prepare, which Every student, parent, and teacher is more than enough time. I believe our knows that the last month of school is time would be better spent if we had a joke. our finals earlier so we could get a head Students watch movies, play games, start on summer. and sit around on their phones and get Especially since the start date of nothing done. This is why I believe that school has been made earlithe last month of school is er to August 26th, students excessive and pointless. should have more time in The last month of June to enjoy their summer. school leaves students Although school officials pretty much twiddling have tried to accomadate their thumbs and countstudents by ending school on ing down the days until the 13th, the change barely the end of the year. To impacts the overall length of make matter even worst, ANNA DELANEY summer vacation. they are trapped inside freshman Additionally, the school a hot building instead of year has already been in “Most of my classenjoying the nice summer es are very unproduc- the process of winding down weather. since early May. Students However, it’s still tive and all the real are beginning to become important to note that learning is done.” restless and wasting time there are some reasons in class doing nothing only why school goes so deep worsens students attitude. into summer. AdminWe’re overworked, over tested, and istrators and school officials want to done with school.The most academensure that all students have an ade- ic thing we do at the end of the school quate time to finish all up their curricu- year is the occasional classroom activity lum and prep for SOLs and exams. or kahoot. There’s absolutely no point in “The main thing that I have been coming to school to just sit around doing doing all May is reviewing and study- nothing. ing for my SOLs and exams,” freshman County officials should consider movAnna Delaney said. ing final exams to earlier dates to allow Although many people would students more time to enjoy summer.

BY JANE ELKINS Editorial Editor

Even today, statistics from other countries that have not yet legalized abortion have shown that abortion restrictions won’t reduce the number of abortions that take place. In fact, in those same countries, according to the Center of Disease Control, botched abortions account for about 8 to 11 percent of all maternal deaths, or about

“My feed has been flooded with abortionrelated posts.

It’s a lot to bear, but I’m glad that people are having the conversation.”

--ELIZABETH CHICHESTER

freshman

since Roe v. Wade but states have the ability to restrict it to whatever degree they would like. The majority of states require clinics to not give abortions after 13-24 weeks, only provide public funding for abortions in cases of endangerment, rape or incest, and requires that a woman must receive mandatory counseling before undergoing an abortion.

Abortion clinics are also few and far between in many southern states.

In states like Alabama, there are only three abortion clinics in the entire state.

Whether you are pro-choice or prolife, a lawmaker’s main concern should be keeping the public safe, not focusing on political or religious beliefs. Access to legal, professionally-performed abortions reduces maternal injury and death caused by unsafe, illegal abortions. It shouldn’t matter whether or not you believe it’s morally right, you should put your ignorance aside and focus on what really matters.

Gambling through video games?

BY LUKE ELKINS Staff Writer In recent years, many video games have turned to new approaches to make more money. One thing many game developers have done to increase their profits is to introduce micro transactions. However, this is a problem in its own right.

Many video games like CounterStrike:Global Offensive, Overwatch and FIFA Ultimate Team feature their own loot box system, or something similar to it. Loot boxes, rates, cases, chests, bundles and card packs are, in essence, virtual games of chance which can be purchased in video games. Players use real money to buy these virtual items, which contain a chance selection of rewards.

The likelihood of winning rare items is slim, so players are encouraged to spend more to increase their chances of success.

I know the effects of this from my experiences from years of playing FIFA Ultimate Team. In this popular game mode in FIFA, players try to assemble the best squad possible by buying players or buying packs with the in game currency, FIFA coins.

However, it is also possible to open packs using FIFA points, which can be purchased using real money. The

MAKIN’ THE GRADE Good economy, low unemployment

A B C F

30,000 each year.

Another aspect to consider is the women who attempt to perform their own abortion and they are taken to the hospital with complications, they might be reported to the authorities and face jail time. This creates even more fear and in turn more deaths.

All this just comes to show that people will have abortions regardless of what the law says. Preventing women and girls from accessing an abortion does not mean they stop needing one.

That’s why attempts to ban or restrict abortions do nothing to reduce the number of abortions, it only forces people to seek out unsafe abortions.

The only thing that restricting and criminalizing abortions does is make them less safe.

Additionally, what many people are oblivious too is the fact most states already have very restricted rules on abortions.

First off, abortion has been legal

The video game FIFA 19 features in-game purchases where players can use real money for a chance at getting rare items within the game. problem with this however, is the chances of getting a good player is slim to none, and EA Sports, the developer of the game, do not disclose the pack odds.

One Reddit user conducted a study where he spent about $4,200 on about 450,000 FIFA points, with which he was able to open 651 packs.

He obtained a 90+ rated player once through all the packs he opened, about 0.02% of the time. If that’s not gambling I don’t know what is.

EA Sports designs their packs to be

flashy and shiny as they run multiple promotions throughout the course of the game with cards that are very rare. Players spend their money in a futile attempt to attain one of these players, because of the rarity and shininess associated with them.

The Belgian Gambling Commission banned FIFA packs from their country citing them as an illegal form of online gambling. More countries should follow their example and ban these loot boxes that are designed to exploit children who don’t know any better.

Cartoonist Corner

The United States economy continued to thrive in May, with the unemployment rate dropping to 3.6 percent—the lowest unemployment rate since 1969. May also marks the 15th month in a row of the unemployment rate being below 4 percent. On top of the good news about job growth, reports indicate that wages are rising, too. Teenagers looking for summer jobs might get paid more becauseof the competitive market.

Summer is just around the corner After a long and stressful school year, its great to hear that we only have a few weeks left. Although we still have finals coming up so students and teachers still have to buckle down and start to work even harder in order to prepare.

Students should take advantage of their last chance to bring up their grade.

Game of Thrones series finale fell short “Game of Thrones” was a very popular show on HBO that came to an end on Sun. May 19. Fans were upset because the finale was too rushed and each episode was too short. Over a million fans have signed a petition to redo the final season with “competent writers.” Other fans however have taken to more unconventional methods of disaproval. One flying a plane over seatlle with a banner reading “Someone rewrite game of thrones season 8 plz.”

Critics were unimpressed at the new Aladdin remake. Audiences said that the magic and fantasy aspects of the movie were ruined by the human genie and it showed in the reviews. In fact, it got a 60% on rotten tomatoes compared to the original which got a 94%.

KORA COKER

Aladdin live action remake

4 NOTICIAS DESTACADAS

BRENDA HUAMANI

Martes, Mayo 28, 2019

Con todos fácilmente teniendo acceso a las redes sociales, cualquier persona puede expresar su opinión y encontrar maneras de tener todos a su lado.

El rol de las redes sociales están cambiando los resultados electorales a nivel global POR BRENDA HUAMANI Editora de Noticias Brasíl, al igual que los Estados Unidos tiene límites de mandato para la posición del presidente. Pueden servir dos veces con cada periodo que dure cuatro años. Dicho esto, en 2018 Brasíl estaba conduciendo elecciones después de que el último presidente, Michel Temer intervino para Dilma Rousseff, quien fue destituida en su segundo mandato por manipulación del presupuesto del gobierno.

Según The Guardian, los dos principales candidatos que se postularon para convertirse en el próximo presidente de Brasil fueron la extrema derecha, el ex paracaidista, Jair Bolsonaro y el ex alcalde de São Paulo, Fernando Haddad. Los dos tenían ideas muy

diferentes con respecto a su próximo movimiento si fueran elegidos.

Haddad creía en incluir a las personas en lugar de excluirlas, mientras que Bolsonaro se comprometió a excluir y bloquear el regreso del partido de los Trabajadores.

Mientras todo esto ocurría, las tensiones en las redes sociales también aumentaban, específicamente hablando de la compañía adquirida de Facebook, Whatsapp. Esta aplicación es conocida por ser una forma de comunicarse con personas de todo el mundo. Permite a sus usuarios enviar mensajes de texto y mensajes de voz junto con fotos y videos. Según The New York Times, hay más de 120 millones de brasileños que son usuarios diarios de esta aplicación.

Algunas compañías de teléfonos móviles llegan incluso a permitir que

sus clientes utilicen esta aplicación por un tiempo ilimitado sin costo adicional. Esto fomenta un mayor uso de la aplicación incluso para aquellos que no pueden pagar un plan de Internet.

En los meses previos a las elecciones, es dicho que Whatsapp estaba lleno de mensajes políticos, la mayoría de los cuales eran engañosos con información falsa sobre los propios candidatos. Según la BBC, Whatsapp está siendo usado como mensajero de noticias falsas específicamente debido a su capacidad para enviar 300,000 mensajes a la vez. Esto proviene de un dispositivo de raspado de datos que se vende a través de Internet. La razón por la que estos dispositivos son populares se debe a su capacidad para ser difíciles de rastrear. Estos dispositivos se utilizan para promover

varias otras compañías como las de belleza, de alimentos, entre otros, sin limitar la política.

En la aplicación hay grupos a los que uno puede unirse en función de intereses similares o personas conocidas. Estos grupos son hechos por los mismos usuarios y se ha notado que algunos usuarios han sido agregados a grupos de Whatsapp vinculados políticamente sin su consentimiento. Facebook dice que ha estado eliminando tantas páginas y cuentas como puede, pero hay muchas que no han sido descubiertas y eso hace el trabajo más difícil.

Similarmente, en las elecciones generales de la India, la gente ha estado viendo la influencia masiva que juegan las redes sociales.

También ha habido información falsa en itinerancia incluyendo declaraciones falsas y fotos

controvertidas de Photoshop. A medida que se difunden los rumores, los medios de comunicación participan en hacer que estas acusaciones más grandes de lo que ya son. Brasíl era conocido por usar sistemas tipo bot para transmitir sus mensajes, pero India está eligiendo un método diferente. En cambio, la India está utilizando “voluntarios” humanos para difundir la información errónea, lo que hace que sea un proceso más lento pero aún muy impactante.

Los efectos de esto que ocurra en países grandes le dan a los países más pequeños y menos desarrollados ideas para hacer lo mismo ya sea para elecciones o cosas más pequeñas que tengan el poder de cambiar las opiniones de las personas sobre un tema determinado.

POR BROOKE FEKRU Editora de Internacional En las noticias recientes, el aborto ha sido el tema más disputado en todo el país. Las personas de todo el espectro político están discutiendo sobre el derecho de si una mujer tiene un derecho o no, si sea necesario, optar por un aborto. El argumento está relacionado a menudo a la religión y la posición ética desde el lado derecho, y el concepto de la libertad de elección e individualidad de una persona determinada desde el lado izquierdo.

Por sorprendente que parezca, sin embargo, el tema del aborto en el comienzo de la historia de los Estados Unidos nunca fue un tema que causó tanto choque. A los principios del siglo XIX, de hecho, había pocas o ninguna ley que restringiera el acceso al aborto en los Estados Unidos.

Sin embargo, a fines de la década de 1880, el concepto de una vida se transformó por el amplio reconocimiento en el momento en que una mujer puede sentir el movimiento del feto. Esto provocó la condena generalizada del aborto por parte de estadounidenses conservadores en todo el país.

A finales de los 1960 y 70, el aborto, aunque ilegal, fue practicado por muchos médicos que ayudaban a las mujeres en situaciones extremas.

Finalmente, en 1973, el caso que determinaría los derechos de constitución de una mujer a elegir abortar fue aprobado por Roe V. Wade.

Aunque la Corte Suprema legalizó el aborto en todo el país en 1973, muchos estados conservadores han intentado en numerosas ocasiones cuestionar la decisión. A lo largo de los años estos estados han sido

conservador pro vida para ocupar el infructuosos. Sin embargo, todo esto cargo más alto de la nación. puede estar cambiando pronto.

En octubre de 2018, Brett En julio de 2018, el Juez Anthony Kavanaugh fue confirmado a la Corte Kennedy anunció su retiro de la Suprema para reemplazar al Juez Corte Suprema. Este anuncio causó Kennedy. La opinión de Kavanaugh un alboroto entre los liberales y sobre el tema del aborto fue asociada los defensores de los derechos de aborto en todo el país.

Esto se debe a la razón que el Juez Kennedy tuvo un precedente único de votar en temas como los abortos. El juez Kennedy se caracteriza a menudo como un voto decisivo, ya que no tenía opiniones definitivas sobre cierto tema de cierta postura en el espectro político. Sin embargo, con su jubilación en marcha, Con la nueva ley de Alabama, mujeres no tendrán el público conocía el plan legal acceso a conseguir un aborto y esto no para del Presidente Trump el aborto clandestino que las pone en riesgo. para nominar a un juez

BRENDA HUAMANI

Limitando los derechos de las mujeres a lo largo de la historia con el movimiento pro-vida. Con la confirmación de Kavanaugh, el Tribunal Supremo tiene ahora una mayoría de conservadores. Ésta es la razón por la que estados como Alabama están aprobando leyes que van estrictamente en contra de la decisión de Roe V. Wade.

Recientemente, Alabama aprobó una ley que restringiría el aborto en cualquier caso, incluso en situaciones terribles como el incesto o la violación.

Esta ley recientemente aprobada por un gabinete de hombres, hace el aborto que se conforme en un delito. Para muchos, esta ley fue un movimiento ridículo por parte del estado de Alabama, ya que el precedente muestra que no tendría éxito. Con la mayoría conservadora y la falta de un voto decisivo, no hay dudas de que el derecho de la mujer a elegir se erradicará de nuestro país.

Unas estudiantes Las niñas de Annandale son aceptadas a la salvadoreñas recurren Humanos Señora al suicidio para Hedrick programa HCI POR FRANCES MONTEVILLA Editora de In-Depth

Abril Sanchez Quiero, Brenda Huamani (Editora de Noticias) y yo.

Para los estudiantes participantes, sus días de asistencia a este programa estarán llenos de varias actividades que están orientadas a desarrollar su confianza y darles una mejor comprensión del proceso de solicitud de la universidad, manteniéndolos en el camino

La Virginia Latino Higher Education Network (VALHEN) es una organización que trabaja para lograr el éxito de los estudiantes latinos, para aumentar el número de latinos en las facultades y el personal de las universidades y para crear climas en los campuses que “Ir a Virginia son culturalmente Tech en el cómodos.

Según su sitio web, verano será la misión de VALHEN una experies “capacitar a encia diverlos estudiantes de latinx en el estado tida y no de Virginia con las puedo esperar para herramientas para conocer gente nueva.” tener éxito en la escuela secundaria, -- ABRIL SANCHEZ QUIERO la universidad y más junior allá”. Para los que son aceptados, este correcto. Algunas de las programa es gratuito. actividades que se llevarán Uno de los programas a cabo incluyen talleres que ejecuta VALHEN es el universitarios y de carreras Hispanic College Institute profesionales, reuniones (HCI), que es un programa de con oficiales de admisiones capacitación preuniversitaria universitarias, interacciones de cuatro días y tres noches en con mentores de compañías, la Universidad Virginia Tech discursos de oradores en Blacksburg, Virginia, donde inspiradores, talleres de los estudiantes aprenden aprender cómo competir para a superar barreras reales obtener becas y mucho más. y percibidas al acceso a la “¡Estoy muy emocionado universidad. Este año, 150 de haber sido aceptado en estudiantes fueron elegidos HCI!” dijo Sanchez Quiero. “Ir en todo el estado de Virginia. a Virginia Tech en el verano De esos 150 participantes, 4 será una experiencia divertida son estudiantes de AHS, que y no puedo esperar conocer a son: Juniors Gabriela Alarcón, gente nueva.”

evitar la violencia POR FRANCES MONTEVILLA Editora de In-Depth En el país de El Salvador, la violencia ha llegado al extremo.

Según Univisión, El Salvador es el país con más casos de femicidio en toda América Latina.

En una entrevista con Univisión, una mujer llamada María, contó un momento en que se enfrentó con el femicidio a la edad de 15 años, en la que su novio en ese momento, quien era miembro de una pandilla de MS-13, amenazó con matarla.

Afortunadamente, ella fue capaz de escapar y evitar su muerte.

En los casos en que ocurre el femicidio, la mayoría de las veces la causa de la violencia contra las mujeres es ridícula.

La razón por la cual María estaba a punto de ser asesinada fue porque no abrió la puerta inmediatamente cuando él había tocado el timbre.

Ponerse en este tipo de situación es lo que lleva a las niñas de El Salvador a recurrir al suicidio para escapar de la violencia que se ha vuelto intolerable. Este problema ha afectado específicamente a las mujeres más jóvenes, en las que más de la mitad de las personas que se suicidan tienen entre 10 y 24 años. Por esta razón, Univisión y el Centro Pulitzer se han unido para investigar el problema.

Según la Encuesta Nacional de Violencia contra la Mujer

2017, el 67% de las mujeres mayores de 15 años ha sufrido algún tipo de violencia, pero solo el 6% lo denuncia porque el resto está asustado, avergonzado o cree que las autoridades no las creeran, ya que la mayoría de ellos son demasiado pobres o demasiado jóvenes.

En la mayoría de los casos, estas niñas son incapaces de evitar grupos violentos de personas, por lo que en lugar de contarle a alguien su situación, la muerte es la “mejor ruta”.

Sin embargo, el gobierno de El Salvador ha tomado medidas para prevenir estas muertes.

En 2012, el gobierno aprobó la Ley Especial Integral para una Vida Libre de Violencia para las Mujeres. Esta ley hace que sea un delito forzar a una mujer a suicidarse debido a la violencia. Hasta ahora, de los 60 casos de suicidio por femicidio investigados por las autoridades, solo 1 llegó a la corte.

Aunque las tasas de mortalidad de las niñas en El Salvador son altas, en realidad han pasado desapercibidas por otros países vecinos. En un momento como éste, donde el presidente de los Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, está considerando que las visas de inmigración cambien para estar basadas en los méritos, es difícil para estas niñas viajar a la frontera y ser aceptadas con las manos abiertas. Si no quedaran opciones, ¿qué harías si estuvieras en una situación como esta?

Profesora de ESOL ¿Cuál es su país de herencia?

Nací en Detroit, Michigan. ¿De qué manera contribuyes a la comunidad hispana?

Mi objetivo es ayudar a la comunidad hispana apoyando las necesidades educativas de los estudiantes y brindando formas para que los estudiantes se extiendan en actividades extracurriculares. Por ejemplo, llevamos a 10 estudiantes en su último año de la secundaria a la sede de DC United para un día de observación laboral durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana.

Apoyo y animo a los estudiantes a participar en Edu Futuro que ayuda a los estudiantes a prepararse para la universidad.

También trato de encontrar trabajos, pasantías y campamentos para estudiantes también. Los padres son miembros importantes de nuestra comunidad escolar y proporcionamos una clase para padres llamada Programa de Asociación Educativa de Padres (PEP) que ayuda a los padres a aprender inglés y sobre FCPS en general. ¿Estás orgullosa de la diversidad en AHS? Orgulloso de la diversidad — ¡SÍ ! Estoy muy orgullosa de la diversa población de Annandale. Mis eventos favoritos son Just World Festival y Heritage Night porque puedo ver la diversidad en acción, ¡literalmente en una noche! ¡Puedo ver el activismo social en Just World y las actuaciones culturales en Heritage Night en un solo evento!

Why is this page translated in Spanish?

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

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

NEWS 5

Tues. May 28, 2019

Teachers favor final projects over exams

BY MANNY PRECHT Co-Editor in Chief

News Briefs Spring Sports Banquet

Finals Week Senior finals begin today and end on Friday, May 31.

Underclassmen finals begin Friday, June 7 and end on Wednesday, June 12.

Senior Laptop Collection

MANNY PRECHT

At the end of school year, the time rolls around for students to take final exams. It’s the time every student dreads, mostly because everyone has been burdened with SOL or IB testing.

Regardless of this, many teachers still require a final exam which encompasses the entire year curriculum.

More often than not, final exams just add more unnecessary stress to students who are reading for the end of the year.

This stress is often unnecessary however because many final exams are short and easy and don’t really challenge each student like it is intended to do.

Teachers give final exams merely to meet the requirement of an end of course final exam. Although it is a requirement for teachers to give students a final exam, teachers are not limited to what they decide to assign to students.

Some teachers at AHS have taken advantage of this and have decided to give students final projects instead of final exams. Although there is still plenty of work involved, students feel that projects relieve the stress that exams place them.

“I think it’s a much more creative way to apply what we’ve learned throughout the year as opposed to simply being tested on the material, especially for more open ended courses such as the languages and history,” senior Maria Cisneros said.

Final projects definity allow more freedom of expression and creativity, a much needed change from the conformities of the classroom. Some classes already incorporate a presentation style curriculum, such as the AHS English department.

However, other classes such as IB Topics has been limited in creativity throughout the school year.

“I wanted them to do something

The Spring Sports Banquet will be held at the Cafeteria on May 28 at 6:30 a.m.

Juniors Branden Kim, Anoosh Taquir, Tommy Chang, Tony Marnell and Alieu Kamara stress over studying for final exams. creative,” IB Topics teacher Jonathan York said. “Unfortunately, in my class we don’t do enough creativity projects and I wanted to give the students an opportunity to show their creativity.”

The final project for IB Topics truly was creative. Students were given a wide range of options to choose from, all of which involved some kind of creative aspect.

“They [students] could do political cartoons, they could do skits, they could do poems, they could do any type of creative project that they wanted to,” York said.

The IB Topics class has much more freedom than the other class performing final projects, IB Literature 1.

Students in IB Lit choose a poet from an extensive list of poets and are expected to create a presentation about

their selected poet. The structure of this assignment follows suit of previous presentation assignments in IB Lit. Students are not burdened with studying for a final exam, their is still a lot of work to be done in preparation for the project.

“We still have a lot of work to be done,” junior Joseph Edwin Davis said.

“It’s kind of annoying honestly, we have a lot of free time in class but still have this work looming over us.”

Despite the unpopular opinion about the IB Literature final project, the alternative of a final exam would not fit with the curriculum.

“For us a final project is way more reflective of the things we’ve done all year,” IB Literature teacher Julia Hanneman said. “With the IOPs and IOs students have developed a

significant skill in presenting and a final presentation project would complete that skill for the year.”

Whether or not a final project replacing a final exam does not eliminate any time actually working and preparing, there are still numerous benefits.

Especially with the way most final exams are set up, students don’t benefit from an easy recap of the school year. Additionally, a final project prevents students from cheating on a final exam; which is a common occurrence in today’s world.

A project is totally in the control of those making it so 12%-20% of a students grade is completely in their own hands.

Collection stations for school provided laptops will be set up in front of the Senior Courtyard on Thursday, May 30 and Friday, May 31 beginning 30 minutes before the end of each exam block. If seniors would like to turn their laptop in before then, they can go to Room 20.

Senior Reflections Senior Reflections is on Tuesday, June 4 at 7:00 p.m.

Seniors can still sign up to share their story, give an inspirational reading, instrumental performance, poetry, choral performance, or dance selection. More information is on the PTSA website.

Graduation The class of 2019 will be graduating at DAR Constitution Hall at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 6.

All Night Grad Students can participate in a safe, school-sponsored event for the Class of 2019 to celebrate on the night of graduationfrom 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Last Day of School The last day of school is on Thursday, June 13.

Beloved staff say their final farewells to AHS CONT. Page 1 “Throughout the years I have noticed that we are very passionate about students learning, and everyone chips in to help.”

However, Mims also realizes that this school has changed him for the better.

“At the same time, there are students in the community that have also impacted me to make me a better person, that there is more to life than it seems.”

Next school year,, Mims will be part of the administration team at South County HS as a Systems of Support Advisor.

TRACY SHAKESPEARE After working in the clinic for several years, school nurse Tracy Shakespeare is saying good-bye.

Shakespeare will miss the students the most as she flips the page on this chapter of her career.

“AHS has a wonderful group of students. I will also miss many of the staff,” Shakespeare said. “This school is a hidden gem of talent - both with the students and the staff.”

When asked of her impact during her time here, Shakespeare cites how far she has gotten in making medical help more accessible to less fortunate students.

“It has been great to be able to help students with medical needs, some more than others and some with little to no support network at home,” Shakespeare said. “Being able to provide care or help locate care for students, with the team at AHS, has been very rewarding.”

The biggest challenge for Shakespeare was to find specialty care, such as eye appointments or glasses, dentistry, or medical for uninsured students.

“AHS is lucky to have the support system of the health department, school social worker, clinicians, counselors, and parents liaisons who care,” Shakespeare said.

Shakespeare and her husband plan to move to Hampstead, North Carolina

just north of Wilmington, North Carolina.

“We will have a view of the Intracoastal Waterway everyday,” Shakespeare said.

KIMI SISSKIND ESOL teacher Kimi Sisskind grew up in New York and has been a devoted teacher for 10 years at AHS. Sisskind began working at AHS in August 2009.

Besides being an ESOL teachers, she has also been the ESOL coordinator for incoming students, along with serving as the CAS coordinator for the IB program. When reflecting on her time here, Sisskind marks her relationships as

being what she will miss the most.

“I am going to miss my colleagues the most and the students,” Sisskind said. As she thought about her impact, Sisskind hopes that her work will the ESOL department will help a lot in the future.

“I hope that creating the newcomers program will give future students the additional support that they need for learning English.”Sisskind has devoted her time to inform students about the resources available for assistance inside and outside of school.

After she wraps up her time here, Sisskind will serve as the ESOL department chair at Stone Middle School in Centreville.

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Seniors and Editors in Chief Jennifer Chavez, Sesen Beyene, and Ruth Seyoum pose with this year’s edition of the yearbook, called “Stepping Up.”

Yearbook steps it up hard work that we put into the yearbook put into print,” Staff Member Kalkidan Tucker and junior said.

“There is no better feeling or payThe long awaited annual Antenoff than seeing people enjoy and talk na Yearbook is ready to be distributabout a project you put a lot of effort ed today during W4 and W6 in Clausen into,” Staff Member and junior Safia Hall to people of all grades.

Ahmed said.

The theme of the yearbook this year Other students are also ready to see is “Stepping Up.” the yearbook.

“The theme is a “I’m looking message about all forward to see“There is no better parts of the lives of ing all the phofeeling or payoff than students,” Editor tos of the things in Chief and senior seeing people enjoy and that me and my Sesen Beyene said. did this talk about a project you friends “Whether it’s in school year,” classes, social lives, put a lot of effort into.” junior Dani Vilor politics, it’s our larroel said.

--SAFIA AHMED time to step up and While it was junior make a space for ourcompleted in selves,” Copy Editor April, the staff and junior Nia Lewis spent the past said. few weeks adverAlong with the theme, the yeartising the yearbook in multiple ways. book’s leadership and staff came up People who had already bought the with several innovative aesthetic differyearbook were given wristbands. ences at an annual yearbook camp last Meanwhile lollipops and flyers were summer. handed out to students who had not “During the camp, we looked at sevbought it, but were featured in multieral new ideas on Pinterest, and we ple pages. saw one that really inspired us,” BeyAdditionally, posters were posted ene said. all around the school in the hopes of The new yearbook design features procuring last minute buyers. colorful triangles on the cover.

People who still want to buy the This theme will also carry on and be yearbook may do so. featured throughout the pages that are Order forms are available in yearinside of the book. book advisor Julia Hanneman’s room Members of the yearbook staff are 268 and are to be picked up there as very excited to see all the product off all well. their efforts throughout the school year.

“It is going to be nice to see all the

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Another story goes here here here yadda

BY ASEAL CHEN Ruler of the world Imus eosa volut od modis dis velibus ciatempore et, ut vitiassi qui consequasit undaeped qui solorio. Itaecab oribusa aut pere, nos secture volliti usciasperum volo omnissi nonsecerio que odio.

Odia nonsenimusam escil minimiliae acimolu ptatibus eatem que volorep eliquiamus earumetus solor e verum rem quis plitaqui quatemporum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sapit, sequis eost, accupta corions erspelit faccus et qui as vid exces non re pe nonsequi dundit laborias es is aut venis venihilitate pa minimiliae acimolu ptatibus eatem que volorep eliquiamus earumetus solor e verum rem quis plitaqui quatemporum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sapit, sequis eost, accupta corions erspelit faccus et qui as vid exces non re pe nonsequi dundit laborias es is aut venis venihilitate pa vendit exeria solendio tem aut exeris molo et eatetur aut facepel essequi dolore seque volupta sam doluptat moluptati cum fuga. Nam re excea quis nis quiaepera ipsam rerchil il ium quam harcias minus aut deb it eos andellant aut aperepr epudita eressit aborum voluptat incid et il idest, nobis ipsunt velentium auta minimiliae acimolu ptatibus eatem que volorep eliquiamus earumetus solor e verum rem quis plitaqui quatemporum etur alibus

Another story goes here here here yadda

BY ASEAL CHEN Ruler of the world Imus eosa volut od modis dis velibus ciatempore et, ut vitiassi qui consequasit undaeped qui solorio. Itaecab oribusa aut pere, nos secture volliti usciasperum volo omnissi nonsecerio que odio.

Odia nonsenimusam escil minimiliae acimolu ptatibus eatem que volorep eliquiamus earumetus solor e verum rem quis plitaqui quatemporum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sap it, sequis eost, accupta corions erspelit faccus et qui as vid exces non re pe nonsequi dundit laborias es is aut venis venihilitate pa minimiliae acimolu ptatibus eatem que volorep eliquiamus earumetus solor e verum rem quis plitaqui quatemporum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sapit, sequis eost, accupta corions erspelit faccus

“Journalism is telling the stories of students’ lives, accurately and from the heart. That’s the essence of The A-Blast.”

--JOHN JONES

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And a subhead with more detail would go here to further the story

BY ASEAL CHEN Ruler of the world Imus eosa volut od modis dis velibus ciatempore et, ut vitiassi qui consequasit undaeped qui solorio. Itaecab oribusa aut pere, nos secture volliti usciasperum volo omnissi nonsecerio que odio.

Odia nonsenimusam escil minimiliae acimolu ptatibus eatem que volorep eliquiamus earumetus solor e verum rem quis plitaqui quatemporum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sapit, sequis eost, accupta corions erspelit faccus et qui as vid exces non re pe nonsequi dundit laborias es is aut venis venihilitate pa minimiliae acimolu ptatibus eatem que volorep eliquiamus earumetus solor e verum rem quis plitaqui quatemporum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sapit, sequis eost, accupta corions erspelit faccus et qui as vid exces non re pe nonsequi dundit laborias es is aut venis venihilitate pa vendit exeria solendio tem aut exeris molo et eatetur aut facepel essequi dolore seque volupta sam doluptat moluptati cum fuga. Nam re excea quis nis quiaepera ipsam rerchil il ium quam harcias minus aut deb

You’re dragon me into war it eos andellant aut aperepr epudita eressit aborum voluptat incid et il idest, nobis ipsunt velentium auta voloritiorem ea dit, opta derchitis doluptatquam que porem et aborep it eos andellant aut aperepr epudita eressit aborum voluptat incid et il idest, nobis ipsunt it eos andellant aut aperepr epudita eressit aborum voluptat incid et il idest, nobis ipsunt velentium auta minimtemporum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sapit, sequis eos t, accupta corions erspelit faccus et qui as vid exces non re pe nonsequi dundit laborias es is aut venis venihilitate pa vendit exeria solendio tem aut exeris molo et eatetur aut facepel essequi dolore seque volupta sam doluptat moluptati cum fuga. Nam re excea quis nis quiaepera ipsam rerchil il ium quam harcias minus aut deb it eos andellant aut ailiae acimolu ptatibus eatem que

volmnissi nonsecerio que odio.

Odia nonsenimusam escil minimiliae acimolu ptatibus eatem que volorep eliquiamus earumetus solor e verum rem quis plitaqui quatemporum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sapit, sequis eost, accupta corions erspelit faccus et qui as vid exces non re pe nonsequi dundit laborias es is aut venis venihilitate pa minimiliae acimolu ptatibus eatem que volorep eliquiamus earumetus solor e verum rem quis plitaqui quatemporum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum

restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sapit, sequis eost, accupta corions erspelit faccus et qui as vid exces non re pe nonsequi dundit laborias es is aut venis venihilitate pa vendit exeria solendio tem aut exeris molo et eatetur aut facepel essequi dolore seque volupta sam doluptat moluptati cum fuga. Nam re excea quis nis quiaepera ipsam rerchil il ium quam harcias minus aut deb it eos andellant aut aperepr epudita eressit aborum voluptat incid et il idest, nobis ipsunt velentium auta minimtemporum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sapit, sequis eos

Another story goes hereyeaw

BY ASEAL CHEN Ruler of the world Imus eosa volut od modis dis velibus ciatempore et, ut vitiassi qui consequasit undaeped qui solorio. Itaecab oribusa aut pere, nos secture volliti usciasperum volo omnissi nonsecerio que odio.

Odia nonsenimusam escil minimiliae acimolu ptatibus eatem que volorep eliquiamus earumetus solor e verum rem quis plitaqui quatemporum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sapit, sequis eost, accupta corions erspelit faccus et qui as vid exces non re pe nonsequi dundit laborias es is aut venis venihilitate pa minimiliae acimolu ptatibus eatem que volorep eliquiamus earumetus solor e verum rem qurum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sapit, sequis eost, accupta corions erspelit faccus et qui as vid exces non re pe nonsequi dundit laborias es is aut venis venihilitate pa minimiliae acimolu ptatibus eatem que volorep eliquiamus earumetus solor e verum rem quis plitaqui quatemporum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum restemque eat quas ad es id

You soccer, you brought her it eos andellant aut aperepr epudita eressit aborum voluptat incid et il idest, nobis ipsunt velentium auta voloritiorem ea dit, opta derchitis doluptatquam que porem et aborep it que voluptur sapit, sequis eost, accupta corions erspelit faccus et qui as vid exces non re pe nonsequi dundit laborias es is aut venis venihilitate pa vendit exeria solendio tem aut exeris molo et eatetur aut facepel essequi dolore seque volupta sam doluptat moluptati cum fuga. Nam re excea quis nis quiaepera ipsam rerchil il ium quam harcias minus aut deb

it eos andellant aut aperepr epudita eressit aborum voluptat incid et il idest, nobis ipsunt velentium auta minimtemporum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sapit, sequis eos t, accupta corions erspelit faccus et qui as vid exces non re pe nonsequi dundit laborias es is

aut venis venihilitate pa vendit exeria solendio tem aut exeris molo et eatetur aut facepel essequi dolore seque volupta sam doluptat moluptati cum fuga. Nam re excea quis nis quiaepera ipsam rerchil il ium quamis plitaqui quatemporum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sapit, sequis eost, accupta corions erspelit faccus et qui as vid exces non re pe nonsequi dundit laborias es is aut venis venihilitate pa vendit exeria solendio tem aut exeris molo et eatetur aut facepel essequi dolore seque volupta sam doluptat moluptati cum fuga. Nam re excea quis nis quiaepera ipsam rerchil il ium quam harcias minus aut deb it eos andellant aut aperepr epudita eressit aborum voluptat incid et il idest, nobis ipsunt velentium auta minimtemporum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sapit, sequis eos t, accupta corions erspelit faccus et qui as vid exces non re pe nonsequi dundit laborias es is aut venis venihilitate pa vendit exeria solendio tem aut exeris molo et eatetur aut facepel essequi dolore seque volupta sam doluptat moluptati cum fuga. Nam re excea quis nis quiaepera ipsam rerchil il ium quam harcias minus aut deb

t, accupta corions erspelit faccus et qui as vid exces non re pe nonsequi dundit laborias es is aut venis venihilitate pa vendit exeria solendio tem aut exeris molo et eatetur aut facepel essequi dolore seque volupta sam doluptat moluptati cum fuga. Nam re excea quis nis quiaepera ipsam rerchil il ium quam harcias minus aut deb it eos andellant aut ailiae aorep eliquiamus earumetus solor e verum rem quis plitaqui quatemporum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sapit, sequis eost, accupta m restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sapit, sequis eost, accupta corions erspelit faccus et qui as vid exces non re pe nonsequi dundit laborias es is aut venis venihilitate pa vendit exeria solendio tem aut exeris molo et eatetur aut facepel essequi dolore seque volupta sam doluptat moluptati cum fuga. Nam re excea quis nis quiaepera ipsam rerchil il ium quam harcias minus aut deb it eos andellant aut aperepr epudita eressit aborum voluptat incid et il idest, nobis ipsunt velentium auta minimtemporum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sapit, sequis eos t, accupta corions erspelit faccus et qui as vid exces non re pe nonsequi dundit laborias es is aut venis venihilitate pa vendit exeria solendio tem aut exeris molo et eatetur aut facepel essequi dolore seque volupta sam doluptat moluptati cum fuga. Nam re excea quis nis

Another story goes here here

BY ASEAL CHEN Ruler of the world Imus eosa volut od modis dis velibus ciatempore et, ut vitiassi qui consequasit undaeped qui solorio. Itaecab oribusa aut pere, nos secture volliti usciasperum volo omnissi nonsecerio que odio. Odia nonsenimusam escil minimiliae acimolu ptatibus eatem que volorep eliquiamus earumetus solor e verum rem quis plitaqui quatemporum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sapit, sequis eost, accupta corions erspelit faccus et qui as vid exces non re pe nonsequi dundit laborias es is aut venis venihilitate pa minimiliae acimolu ptatibus eatem que volorep eliquiamus earumetus solor e verum rem quis plitaqui quatemporum etur alibus aciendandit est harit et, sim re, alita entibuscia dellicidus molorum restemque eat quas ad es id que voluptur sapit, sequis eost, accupta corions erspelit faccus et qui as vid exces non re pe

HEALTH 7

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION OF RUTH SEYOUM BY JAMIE HAMADEH

Tues. May 28, 2019

Senior Ruth Seyoum works on an English paper during W4 while juggling other assignments. Many students feel overwhelmed with assignments and other scholastic activities at the end of the year.

High school takes a toll on mental health Teens struggle to handle the pressure of school

BY JAMIE HAMADEH Health Editor Fairfax County Public Schools have partnered up with Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board Wellness and Health Department to provide the students with Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA).

At AHS we offer two social workers and two psychiatrists. Their names are Christina Ferrari, Alissa Green, Laurie Ottehenning, and Andrea Chambers.

They are qualified to support students with mental health disorders and can also be a support system. They provide an environment where students open up and release their stresses.

Since 1949, the month of May

How do you take care of your mental health?

“Mental health plays a vital role in our overall well-being. It’s just as important to take care of our mental and emotional health as our physical health.”

--Laurie Ottehenning

School Psychologist

has been Mental Health Awareness Month. Many organizations all throughout the United States have used Mental Health Awareness Month to promote awareness and recognize psychological conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, and

KATHERINE GOMEZ freshman “I would take my mind off of everything by listening to music and spending time with my favorite people.”

CRISTIAN FLORES freshman “I usually just sleep when I am having a bad day. It improves my mental health because I give myself a break.”

many more.

Mental health is the level of psychological welfare in someone’s mind.

Most psychological illnesses begin around age 14 and can continue through a person’s whole life span which is why high school students typically endure the most amount of stress because of things like pressure to get good grade and exams.

Many students spend several hours doing things like homework and studying. Unfortunately, this can leave them very little time to take a mental break and relax.

Aside from school work, students have to put their mind to other extracurricular activities as well as work.

“Sometimes it can be really stressful balancing my out of school

SALMA NAGLIA sophomore “I like to spend time with my friends because they constantly make me smile. It is really good to take away my stress.”

ISAAC NEBYU sophomore “Some ways to improve my mental health are by doing things that make me happy, eat healthier, do fun things, spend time with people that make me smile and laugh.”

activities and school,” sophomore Lara Dib said. There are many studies that show that if a student undergoes a setback in their academic achievement, their normal stress level rises causing a change in their day to day behavior.

Although there is usually more negative stress rather than positive stress in a teenagers life there are many times when a high school student can be affected positively.

This type of stress is called eustress. Upcoming sports games, school events, and parties can be some examples of when a high school student feels eustress.

Many people today do not obtain enough treatment for their mental health disorder. Some will not even recognize that it is there.

In some cases, people do not get

KELSEY LAZARD junior “I turn off my phone and unwind from technology because it can be stressful staying on technology.”

JASON REYES junior “I listen to music and hit the field to release some stress.”

treatment because they are unable to do so, but in other cases, they may be afraid of judgment or could be scared to open up.

According to the CDC, suicide is the 10th cause of death in the United States for adults. For the youth, it is the third. It is extremely important that people, not only high school students, know when it’s time to take a break to de-stress and know how to reach out for help.

There are several steps you can take to receive help for psychological illnesses.

Many high schools around Fairfax County have a school psychologist that you can visit at any time if you are unable to do so outside of school.

The suicide hotline is available 24 hours and can be reached at 1-800273-8255.

CHRISTINA LE senior “I like to text my friends to vent about my day, or re-watch some of my favorite movies on Netflix.”

GEORGE SANDY senior “I would take my dog out for a walk, in doing so I will be able to have some peaceful time just enjoying nature.”

What you should carry in your beach bag this summer Keep these items near you to have a safe summer Sunscreen Sunscreen is the most crucial

Hat The best way to protect your eyes,

thing you need for being out in the sun. It is very important because it protects you from harmful UVA and UVB rays. UVA and UVB rays can cause cancer and sun poisoning.

face, and scalp from the harmful sun rays when sunblock can’t is to use a hat. It’s important to shield your eyes from the sun because too much sunlight can damage your eyes.

Healthy Snack It is important to

Aloe Vera Gel When you get a sunburn, aloe

carry a healthy snack around with you on a hot day. Summer days can be draining so having a treat like trail mix or fruits can replenish your energy.

vera gel can help your skin heal faster than when you leave it out by itself. Since aloe is rich in antioxidants, it can help with the itching sensation while calming the burning feeling.

The gel cools your skin while reparing dead skin cells where applicated.

Advil When hiking or taking part in an outdoor activity it is important to have Advil or Tylenol near you just in case you get hurt.

Advil can also help with headaches or cramps that you can get from swimming or running.

Water Flip Flops Flip flops are one of the most important things to have in your beach bag this and every summer.

Wearing them after swimming can prevent foot fungus and other bacteria from coming onto your feet.

Water is one of the most essential things to have in the hot summer sun. Not only does water rehydrate you but it also helps you maintain a healthy eating schedule by getting rid of that mid-day hungry feeling.

8 IN-DEPTH

Tues. May 28, 2019

CONGRATS GRADS! Williams College Dhamala, Bashudha Rodriguez Huarachi, Johanna Stephanie

Northern Virginia Community College Abdelaziz, Ayman Mohammed Abed, Jameel Awadh Aburish, Amir Ibrahim Adawi, Abag Afridi, Waleed Saleh Ahmed, Hawa Ibrahim Ahmed, Mahad Osman Ahn, Soo Young Ali, Abdulrahman salig Allen, Traimne Alvarado, Johanna Lisbeth Albarado Castro, Katherine Vanessa Alvarez Velasquez, Julia Rosmery Ambrocio, Jessica Joana Angel, Marlene Arely Aquice, Diego

Ferrum College Harrison, Dazon Armani New York University Abu Dhabi Maliha, Maisha University of California, Davis Yoon, Hansol

Rutgers University Abraha, Elleni Fessuh

Marymout University Ali, Asha Hassan Nur Henriquez Sandoval, Jonathan

Ohio State University Montano Villarroel, Diana Stephany

IN-DEPTH 9

Tues. May 28, 2019 Armando Yohannes Hernandez Hernandez, Aquino, Tammy Li Clavijo, Andy Ariel Daniel Andres Araya, Hermela Tesfa- Crespo, Angel Moises Hernandez Melara, bruk De La O Martinez, Rosbin Yoel Awad, Omar Khaled Nathaly merari Hernandez Rivera, Ayala, Daniel Armando Efrem Redeit Rosa Cristabel Ayala, Emely Ximara Escobar, Billy Rupert Hijazi, Tyseer Sean Bah, Mohamed Lamin Macapagal Ho, Anh Tai Balderrama Zambra- Esquivel, Kelly Johana Hurtado, Marcello Julio na, Abril Danae Etienne, Jasper Judith Iglesias, Magdalena Bangura, Fatmata Etienne, Joshua Elisha Maria Bintu Flores Vidaurre, YeshIriarte, Leonardo Barrera, Oscar Daniel enia Querubin Behailu, Michael Aber- Flores-Gomez, Duvan Johnson, Amaire ra Alexander Yaniece Bekele, Kduss Melaku Gallegos, Melanie Ale- Johnson, Megan Alexis Berry, Jeremy David jandra Kargbo, isatu Sally Besufekad, Hemen Garcia, Fabrizio SebasKaur, Harpreet Alazar tian Khalif, Ismacil Jaberti Betanco, David AntoGarcia, Jonathan A Koroma, Abdul Elvi nio Garcia Villatoro, Jason Laghzaoui, Anass Bethlmy, Ariel Celeste Omar Lazo-Carranza, Bobadilla Ruiz, Alejan- Genovez Garcia, Karen Michelle Elisa dro Ivette Le, Alan Tam Boynton, Joshua Edwin Habte, Melat Le, Daniel Tan Cabrera Sequeiros, Haj-Assaad, Reem Lodhi, Rabia Carlos Alejandro Haj-Assaad, Somaya Lopez, Nancy GuadaCarcamo, Emily DanHamilton, Tatian lupe iela Angelita Lopez-Cardona, AlexCarrillo Gonzalez, Juan Hamoud Mih, Bemba andra Monica Galileah Hernandez Canales, Lotongo, Mathis AnanCheffena, Mikal Ives Del Carmen gfack

ARLINGTON

Eastern Mennonite University Gardner, Kenzie Lee Palm Beach Atlantic University Bellem, Alexander Terrence

Bridgewater College Benitez Diaz, Sandra Aracely

Hobart College Ayele, Kidus Asmare

FAIRFAX ANNANDALE

University of Virginia Droujinsky, Nadya James Madison University Fuentes-Aguilar, Vitalina Brennan, Alexander John Ghul, Zain Raida Chang, Han Gyul Khay, Darnell Khemra Garcia, Jason Anthony New England College Khay, Darwin Khemrin Perez, Justin Andrew Benitez Rios, Alicia Marybel Le, Christina Nguyen Salisbury, Jessica Lynn West Virginia University Li, Jiafu Schinstock, Hunter Michael Brown, Patrick Alexander Nanaw, Jude Tran, Danica Casquino, Alejandro Andres On, Vinh Gia Tran, Hoang Thanh Washington and Jefferson College Tecle, Efrata Solomon, David Tesfay Villatoro, Neyda Lizeth Woldeab, Mariamawit Mengistu Yahia, Izzudeen Yap, Kaa-Lok Yared, Abbey Woube Yohannes, Ephrata

Geroge Washington University Abebe, Aklesiya Zewdnen Bahr, Reem Omar Pham, Jasmine Huyentran

Students were responsible for submitting their post high school plans to Princess Brown in the Career Center. This list was obtained on 5/20 and updated on 5/23.

University of Mary Washington Hollis, Cort Bennett James, Bobby John Marzi, Sadaf

HARRISONBURG FREDERICKSBURG BRIDGEWATER ASHLAND CHARLOTTESVILLE

LEXINGTON CITY SALEM

Roanoke College Humerez, Alessio I

Lu, Kelvin Samson, Abel Luja, Kevin Sanchez Avendano, Medeiros Rosalino Japhanie Alejandra Gomes, Joao Victor Sanchez Rondon, Mendoza Flores, Kevin Ender Alejandro Israel Sayed, Samir Osman Mohamed, Khalid Shakil, Qurat UI Ain Azhar Shiflett, Hunter Reily Morales Languidey, Shkoukani, Bushra Maria Gissel Siddique, Shafq Moura, Elia Joseph Silva Abasto, Diana Muhammad, Yusuf Singh, Arvinder Khan Singh, Bhupinder Nasher Patwary, Muaz Smith, Charles Ibna Dumbar Nuru, Ayub Abdella Sougui, Siham HamaOrellana Guillen, Chrisda tian Gerardo Terefe, Fikir Wondimu Osman, Abdirahman Tran, Jason Phi Rashid Tran, Viann Osorio Jaimes, Heidi Valdivia, Ammy Selene Palpallatoc, Jasmin Vargas, Sebastian Mae Mauricio Phan, May T Vargas Serrano, Alvaro Reyes, Kevin Ivan Adrian Reyes Pinto, Edward Velasquez Giron, Jose Rivas, John Anthony Adolfo Rivera Garcia, Yebelin Vides, Jessica Michelle Jisela Wu,Rui Chao Rodriguez, Duarte, bel- Yim, Jonathan Yehun kin Yolibeh Youssouf, Dina Hamid Said, Waleed Jamal Zafar, Omid

RADFORD

SWEET BRIAR

RICHMOND

FARMVILLE WILLIAMSBURG

BLACKSBURG

George Mason University Al-Swaiti, Ahmed Mohamed Alajmi, Leila Marie Anwar, Onik Kaish Atique, Maryam Ayoub, Fares Isa Barua, Dibya Berhe, Samuel Worku Beyene, Sesen Birhanu, Matiwos Wondwossen Sweet Briar College Boghosian, Alene Naltchayan Bhurtel, Ankita Bouzana, Monsif Castellon Almanza, Joselyn Daphne Dahir, Idris Abdirahman Durr-Cannon, Javonte Edward Damone Elsadeg, Abubakr Mohamed Hannan, Tawhid Hisham Alvi Hashi, Amal Farah Hashmat, Mariam Tahmas Hoque, Sanzidah Sultana College of William & Mary Hossain, Samir Cisneros-Gomez, Maria Isabel Hua, Trinh Ngoc Hawkings, Sarah Marie Huynh, Alexander Hy, Johnathan Khang Isse, Hanan Abdirazak Jaradat, Eman Maher Laura, Kimberly Patricia Le, Richard Minh Mamun, Tahid Evna Mercado, Jason Douglas Naranja, Caitlin Rose Nguyen, Casey My Phan, Sam Hoang Ramadan, Omar Imad Robson, Chase Mitchell Sahal, Sarah Abdirahman Sandy, George Albert Sejas-Machado, Galilea Matilde Sherif, Reade Mohamed Suarez Ortiz, Jasmyn Berlila Old Dominion University Tran, Fiona Minh Babikir, Khalid Elghali Tran, Tony Thai Barlow, Philip John Vadakoot, Faris Hydros Bernal, Maximo Elias Hughes, Sierra Katelynn Marigliano, Emma Julia Said, Karam

NORFOLK

Chesepeake college Irvin, Jayla Monique

Virginia Tech University Ayele, Tiya Bereket, Yeabtsega Abraham Cabrera-Ortuno, Araceli The Catholic University of Nancy America Courtney, Joseph Walter Cortes Pedraza, Luisa Fernanda Daniel, Joseph Elhag, Ayman Elkins, Luke Talbert University of Notre Dame Gonzalez, Alondra Aliyi, Arafat Feisel Haimanot, Kidus Holcomb, Kayla Ann Ibrahim, Sara Radwan University of Alabama Kitila, Franco Esayas Chen, Carson Mun-Yen Lebamu, Feven Lopez, Makayla Isabel Miah, Rohan Fuad Rahman, Zuhair Akhtab Scott, Alison Lee Seyoum, Ruth Yonas Vuong, Karen Vanderbilt University Vuong, Mansheng Florida State University Wondwossen, Hlina Pope, Katherine Anne Rider University Dalsimer, Kyle Rhys

Radford University Trachsel, Emily Morgan Longwood University Abourakty, Sam Khaled

John Hopkins University Coker, Kora Chibuzor Vera

Virginia Military Institute Cheikh, Anissa Aminetou

Brigham Young University Untch, Amber Belle

Virginia Commonwealth University Chavez, Jennifer Juana Kerr, Nilee Teshaei Lee, Ashleen Ha-Young Lemens, Carolyn Strandlie Moss, Haley Nicole Nguyen, Victor Quoc Patterson, Garrett Ribera Sites, Maria Fernanda Tecle. Rebecca Sarah Tran, Viann Vaz, Janice Ezvi

Randolph-Macon College Foti, Cameron Theodore

Washington Adventist University Shamdeen, Sarah Ayad

Rice University Dagnachew, Nahom Woldeab, Michael Mengistu

10 ARTS

Tues. May 28, 2019

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Senior Jiafu Li Senior Jiafu Li is a Philharmonic Orchestra player. He has been in the orchestra program for his entire high school career and is excited to see how far the program will go.

What instrument do you play?

I play the violin. I started in the fourth grade and now I’m still playing.

What orchestra are you in?

I’m in Philharmonic orchestra.

Senior Jiafu Li practicing for the Orchestra’s Almost Summer Concert.

What was your experience in orchestra?

Elementary school was pretty tough because I didn’t know how to play. In middle school, it started as some fun. High school was like the peak. I did many more concerts, I played a higher level then what I used to and I also had a larger orchestra class, but it was a really fun and nice experience.

Will you pursue music after high school?

I’m not studying anything music related, but I will continue to look for any opportunity to play.

How would you say being in orchestra has shaped you as a person?

Being in orchestra has taught me to communicate with other people and work better in a team. I think it has turned me into a better person. I was able to learn to express myself and listen to others. I’ve also learned to cooperate with others, and that’s the most important thing.

Do you plan to continue with music?

It’s kind of hard but I definitely do plan on continuing. I would like to do it outside the community, like a local church or something.

I do definitely plan on continuing.

What are your plans after high school?

I will be going to the University of Virginia next year and I will be studying Computer Science.

Senior Jiafu Li receiving the senior rose from Larissa Maraim

Sophomore Jackson Fornaris Sophomore Jackson Fornaris is a member of several Arts Department programs. He plays the drums for his band Ego, and he plays guitar and sings for his church. He developed a passion for music and performing at a very young age and has been inspired by it ever since.

How long have you been a musician?

I’ve been singing and dancing since I was very young. I got my first drum set at the age of three and my first guitar at four. I really started to progress musically in middle school because that’s when I started taking it seriously. I’m part of the band’s Wind Ensamble as well as the Annandale Singers.

What instruments do you play?

I’ve been singing and dancing since I was very young. I play the guitar, the bass, the drums, all of the saxophones and most of the percussion instruments.

Do you think music helps you cope with life?

Music is very therapeutic for me and it’s almost like my crutch when I’m stressed. The reason I love music is so I can share my passion with people in many different ways. I’ve also been told my music helps other people and that’s really touching to me.

How do you feel about being a musician in general?

Being a musician makes me proud. Music is so diverse and it’s a universal language. I’ve been able to communicate feelings and emotions with other people through it. There’s also so many different forms and styles of music out there, and that makes it so everyone has some aspect of it that they like. My favorite part about playing is when I’m able to get people to reciprocate. I love it when they laugh, cry or even sing along. Music has brought so much purpose and meaning into my life and I feel like I want to help give that to everyone that I can.

Sophomore Jackson Fornaris playing with the marching band.

PHOTO 11

PHOTO BY JESSICA SALISBURY

Tues. May. 28, 2019

ABOVE: During the summer before his freshman year, senior Hangyul Chang participates in band camp.

“Going in freshman year, I was really nervous because I was the newbie. I was afraid that I would ruin the show,” Chang said.

LEFT: To complete his final year of marching band, Chang walks around the gym with his fellow senior bandmates to be recognized during the fall pep rally.

After partcipating in band for four years, Chang now plans on joining the Marching Royal Dukes at James Madison University in the fall.

Then & Now

PHOTO BY RICH FINK

LEFT: Bellem poses for a photo before his Annandale Boys and Girls club lacrosse game in 7th grade. “I was 12 at the time and could not wait to start playing for my high school team,” Bellem said.

LEFT: During his sophomore year of high school, senior Steven Subu works on a car engine in his Auto Tech 1 class. “I realized that I truly loved working with cars freshman year, and ever since then my passion for it has continued to grow,” Subu said.

PHOTO BY RICH FINK

PHOTO BY JESSICA SALISBURY

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH SHAMDEEN

RIGHT: During her freshman season of varsity basketball, senior Sarah Shamdeen (right) poses for a photo with her former, now alumni, teammates Grace Hatch and Kiara Patino.

BELOW: In a game during her senior season against Thomas Jefferson high school, Shamdeen dribbles down the court as she battles a defender. After playing for varsity for four years, she now has plans to play next year at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park Maryland.

ABOVE: During his senior season of lacrosse, senior Alex bellem carries the ball up the field in a game against Mount Vernon. After playing throughout high school for four years, he now plans on playing Division 2 lacrosse in college next year at Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida.

BELOW: Now taking Auto Tech 3 in his senior year, Subu spends time in the shop pumping air into a car tire during class. Next year, he plans on continuing to work for Jerry Ford through their training program. His apprenticeship there will eventually get him the certification that he needs to be able to work on cars in the future.

PHOTO BY JESSICA SALISBURY

RIGHT: During the summer while attending a theatre program at Hayfield High School before his sophomore year, Dalsimer poses with his Alice and Wonderland castmates.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEX BELLEM

ABOVE: For his final performance in high school, senior Kyle Dalsimer (right) performs along side Junior Jack Dalrymple in Gutenberg The Musical where he took on the role of Doug. In the fall, Dalsimer plans on attending Rider University in Lawrenceville New Jersey with a Musical Theatre major, and is very excited to be apart of their theatre program.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KYLE DALSIMER

PHOTO COURTESY OF KYLE DALSIMER

Seniors reflect on their last four years participating in extracirriculars that they may continue in the future

12 ACADEMICS

Tues. May 28, 2019

Freshman wins contest with wheelchair design Fifteen-year-old Ferhan Jemal is a normal kid in many ways. He plays soccer and basketball. He likes to tutor other students, volunteer and travel.

But Jemal is extraordinary in many ways too. Recently, he was one of only six students in the nation to win an MIT competition that awarded him a $1,000 stipend to further research his cause.

“The experience is very humbling,” Jemal said, “but it also helped me realize some of the challenges associated with being an engineer and entrepreneur.”

Jemal used to live in Ethiopia, but moved to America eight years ago. He says that he has more opportunity to succeed here because it’s a more developed country that places more emphasis on entrepreneurship.

He’s had to balance school and his passion for innovation, and the former often takes up time that he’d rather spend working on his invention.

The invention in question is an inexpensive, manual wheelchair that can link to anyone’s device to become automated. Jemal was inspired to start this project when his uncle couldn’t afford an electric wheelchair after his amputation surgery.

Because a majority of handicapped Americans are unemployed, it’s important that Jemal has created an automated wheelchair that almost everyone can afford.

While typical electric wheelchairs can cost $1,200 to $15,000, Jemal’s automation device for a manual wheelchair is approximately $200.

He started a consumers electronics

FERHAN JEMAL

BY KHADIJA AHMED Managing Editor

Freshman Ferhan Jemal works on the wiring of his electronic wheelchair in his living room. company where he created the Autobox, a product that carries essential utensils for all fields of work in a convenient box.

He taught himself the ins and outs of electronics using YouTube and trial and error. But make no mistake, he’s made it up to this point with the support of his family. His dad taught him several electrical engineering concepts. His brother helped him network with advisors and

inspired him to explore electronics A friend heard about his wheelchair design idea and told him about the MIT competition, saying that he should apply for it.

He took the advice and the rest is history. With the $1000 stipend that he won, he has already spent $450 on a successful prototype on his automation device.

The rest of the money will be invested in research on how to make the electric wheelchair run as smoothly as possible.

His next step is to launch the website and begin selling the product on the open marketplace. Right now, Jemal communicates with an MIT representative every week to discuss progress. As a result, he is able to bounce ideas off

of other engineering-minded people. “I have a highly educated network of individuals to help me further develop my ideas,” he said.

Jemal’s long term goal is to attend college at MIT and major in electrical engineering. His biggest goal is to run a company that affects people’s lives positively.

BY KIMBERLY LAURA Staff Writer The non-profit organization known as the STEM Impressionists Program (SIP) won the Society of Women Engineerings’ SWENext DesignLab Community Engagement Challenge.

The DesignLab Community Engagement Challenge called for competitors to create a hands-on activity that would address a specific community’s need using engineering. The leadership team proposed an engineering event, called “STEM Into Spring,” that would provide fifth grade students with a positive STEM experience that will encourage them to continue exploring STEM throughout their academic careers.

The leadership team of the program consists of five sophomore students: Emanda Seifu from Woodson High School, Aya Ahmed from Justice High School, Lydia Demilew from Lake Braddock Secondary School, Abia Zahir and Kelly Tieu from AHS. “Even though we are colleagues, we are also friends in our personal lives,” Tieu said.

Zahir first found out about the STEM Impressionists Program in middle school where she met her mentor. Tieu also heard of the program in middle school from a friend. Tieu then joined the after school program.

Although other people have come and went, Zahir and Tieu have always been there. Last year, they became an official 501c3 to continue their work outside of school.

“The STEM Into Spring event is our self-created community service project.

Our objective is to give an entire class of 5th-graders a positive STEM experience that will fuel their thirst for knowledge about STEM later in their educational careers,” Zahir said. “We did the best we could in the three months we had. I think the event went beyond expectations for the overall event.”

Both Zahir and Tieu won the SWENext DesignLab Community Engagement Challenge.

“It was incredible. I just remember everyone on the team was in utter excitement and stood up from our chairs at the moment our group was called,” Tieu said. “There was so much time that was put in curating the speeches we created, as well as planning the types of activities we wanted to expose to the fifth-grade students in our local elementary school.”

“I think it’s important to catch students at a young age and isn’t limited to being in fifth grade,” Zahir said. “STEM allows kids to foster academic success as it instills curiosity and knowledge that could further connections in how to create real-life solutions to problems we face whether it’s now or in the future.”

The STEM Into Spring program collaborates with members from other high schools for a self-created community service project. The event helps 5th graders develop a passion for STEM with academic activities.

“Minority students make up a low amount of STEM careers due to the lack of confidence and exposure in exploring STEM, thus as the STEM Impressionists, we intend to help to share STEM in communities who need it the most, as its what we can do to give back the community,” Zahir said.

Each STEM Impressionists member worked on a different aspect of managing the event. Zahir was given the task to plan and produce the Parent Panel.

“The Parent Panel is intended to educate the student’s parents and teachers about STEM and what they could do to further support the kids to a successful pathway in academics,” Zahir said.

Zahir developed the curriculum and invited three-panel speakers to come to talk to the parents and teachers.

The future plans for the program is to continue helping the local community. The group hopes to help the large population of underrepresented students who aren’t heavily exposed to STEM resources.

Right now, as the leadership team is transitioning through high school, we have shifted our gears into researching internship opportunities.

Jason Mercado scores an IB Diploma Managing Editor

Q: What clubs are you in?

A: I am currently in Math Honor Society, Social Studies Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.

IB Spotlight: Profiles of Diploma

Q: What is your favorite IB subject?

A: My favorite IB subject is Topics because Mr. York is an amazing teacher who makes history exciting and it allows me to have a round view of the past.

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

A: I was inspired by a few of my closest friends who planned on getting it, and I realized that we could all help each other out while completing the diploma. .

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

A: The IB program has definitely taught me how to write extensive essays that are on par with college assignments. I also learned time management skills from being assigned multiple projects while balancing sports and clubs.

Q: How did you prepare for IB exams?

A: I prepared for my IB exams by rewriting any important notes from all of my IB classes in addition to using past IB exams to help me study. I have also used the two study days given by the school which have been very helpful.

Summer Word Search

Q: What is your extended essay topic?

A: My extended essay topic was Evo Morales’ challenge to the democracy of the Bolivian government through his recent changes to the Bolivian Constitution. I chose this because I’m from Bolivian descent and because my parents have emigrated from Bolivia prior to the election of Evo Morales so they have always been curious of how Bolivia has been impacted by him.

Q: What colleges had you applied to?

A: I had applied to George Mason, Marymount, Mary Washington, James Madison, Virginia Tech, VCU, and UVA. Q: What college are you going to?

A: I was accepted into every college I applied to except UVA, but I ended up choosing George Mason over the rest.

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

A: I see myself finishing up with medical school and starting a family of my own.

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

A: No matter how hard and stressful classes may get, never give up and only continue to work hard and study. Avoid procrastinating till the last moment to finish any assignment because they will all eventually stack up.

Everyone is capable of doing the IB diploma but it requires dedication and hard work and even if it may not turn out how you expected, you’ll end up learning valuable skills that will help you succeed in college and in the workforce.

Senior Jason Mercado plays on the school’s varsity soccer team as a midfielder.

RICH FINK

BY KHADIJA AHMED

Sophomore Kelly Tieu talks to a STEM expert at the Invent the Future Challenge Summit. She was the only teenage judge there.

Beach Camp Gelato Ocean Outdoors Pool

Popsicle Sandals Sandcastle Shade Swim Water

KELLY TIEU

Sophomores lead STEM youth event

SPORTS X-TRA 13

Tues. May 28, 2019

Athletes celebrate success A recap of spring sports highlights As the school year comes to an end many things end with it, and one of those things are spring sports.

The spring sports season can be considered by some to have the best sports, with the exception of other seasonal favorites like football and indoor track.

One thing that is special about the ending of spring sports is that there is no season to replace it anytime soon, so most athletes who participated in sports are enjoying a very long offseason.

It’s not to say that Annandale did not have a successful spring season.

Many teams racked up a fair amount of wins this season. girls soccer had a very solid season with 6 wins and boys soccer collected 7 wins this season.

Henry Villarroel playing against Falls Church and Justice High School But throughout this season, there have been challenges that teams had year and every practice we had a blast for nearly every sport on a semi-reguto face, like opposing teams that have except for when our coach would tell us lar basis. consistently beaten them. to “get down in a push-up position” or But it is not all bad news though A good example is TC Williams, “get on the line” those were the times many teams this season have shown who have been able to beat our teams when I hated to practice,”Villarroel that they have learned from their losssaid. es and manage to pull some wins and Along with a good team experience, come back at the end of the season.

“It was pretty fun this every athlete has their own personOne relatively popular team this al favorite moment of the season, for season was boys lacrosse. year espically since we some, it could be a last minute point to They had a fairly good season with won more games than win the game or it could just be hang5 wins beating Mount Vernon or Falls ing out with your fellow teammates. last year and we always Church.

“My favorite moment was when Besides the stats of how many wins had a blast at pratitwo kids were messing around and our teams got an equally important part of ce except for when our joining a team is the experience of play- coach made them take a lap holding hands,” said Villarroel on one coach would tell up to get ingFor A vital part of being a part of a team sophomore Henry Villarroelis playing in games. into push up postition,” his team experience was a positive one Every player wants to be the player which is something a team should do.

--HENRY VILLARROEL that secured the win for their team.

“It was pretty fun this year especialsophomore For Villarroel, it was when he scored ly since we won more games than last

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RICH FINK

BY EYOB DAGNACHEW Sports X-tra Editor

Tracy Cortez playing against Justice High School a last-minute shot in a game. “My best moment was probably during our game against Justice High School,” Villaroel said.“It was predicted that we would lose because they had a 7-1 record before facing us.”

Even though the team had the odds stacked against them, the Atoms squeazed out a victory due to Villaroels efforts. He broke down the game winning play describing his heroics.

“During the fourth quarter of the game the score was 5-5 with 45 seconds left to score we first started to pass the ball around but eventually the ball got to me with 5 seconds left,” Villaroel said, “I did a quick dodge to get into shooting position and then shot not knowing if it would go in or not but luckily it went in with no time left and we ended up winning 6-5.”

An important aspect of the end of a season is seeing how your team can improve for the next season.

Some players will continue to practice so that they can continue to keep their skill sharp so they will not lose skill over the wait for next season.

For Villarroel, he will practice over the summer to hopefully make it into varsity.

“We are all going to try to practice during the summer to get better and try out for varsity but this season where we will all be together,” Villarroel said.

It is clear to see that this spring season was very eventful for many players, with many wins and losses.

With the school year ending it will be a great time to reflect on the past and improve for the future.

Athletes don’t rest over summer Due to the fact school ends soon that also means that all of the school sponsored sports such as lacrosse, track or soccer will also be coming to an end as well.

This does not mean that all Annandale sports will be closed.

There will be an Annandale summer camp for 3rd to 9th graders.

That is not to say that some students will find their own way to continue playing sports over the summer.

Summer can be one of the best times to play sports even if there are no teams to play on.

For starters, some people might just forgo the entire process of trying to Planet Fitness is offering free workout for the summer for teens 15-18 years old play sports over the summer and just not do anything over the summer. playing a sport. have too much time this summer and While for some this may sound like “I feel like going to the gym would be could take up a summer camp just to something they would never do, there a better use of my time than playing a keep themselves busy. are many reasons to why this sounds sport,” Makonnen said Other than that summer camps can like the only thing to do.

What others might do is join a offer much more than just not playing Over summer break many students summer camp. Although Annandale a sport because sports camps are much might take up summer jobs, go on is offering a summer camp over the bigger organizations, they can afford to vacation, go to summer school or do all summer, this excludes a lot of people in go on trips which could be a good way to of them.

Annandale. spend your summer.

To any average student this type of While that is the case, there are If you have enough time to play schedule would just not have any time plenty of other sports summer camps sports and you don’t want to be a part for sports and reluctantly have to drop around this area that are open during of a summer camp, just playing sports playing altogether. the summer. with your friends could be just as a good For Makonnen Mekonnen going to While some people might too busy option as any. the gym takes a bigger precident than this summer to play a sport other might Playing sports with friends can

much less competitive than summer camps and you’re still playing a sport, so it really is not a waste of time.

Other than that listed, there are more reasons playing with friends can have many more positive effects than playing alone.

Playing with friends means that you can play on your own schedule giving you more flexibility than if you had a summer camp.

Playing sports with your own friends means that you don’t have any responsibilities keeping you away from playing altogether.

BY EYOB DAGNACHEW Sports X-tra Editor

AHS ATHLETICS

BY EYOB DAGNACHEW Sports X-tra Editor

Coach Hassan Mims celebrates with Girls Tennis wins Gunston district doubles opponents and as a result grow better as a team.

Along with forcing teams to adapt quickly to their opponents there is another important benefit to the district tournaments and is that it gives the team a more defined goal.

The goal of winning a tournament can increase a teams drive to win more than the goal to win more games this season.We can already see these in effect with some of out teams winning their district tournaments such as boys lacrosse and girls ennis.

If sports don’t sound like something you want to do over the summer, but you still want to be active, there are still many options around this area to help you achieve that goal.

For example, planer fitness has a deal that offers free workouts for kids 15-18 for the entire summer. this is extremely helpful on many levels.

For one since it is free, it is available to many more people which could make it the best option for many people this summer.

Wall of Fame seniors named

Teams win distrct tournaments While playing in a sport team competition with other schools is natural and all players understand that it is part of the team experience.Playing against other schools can give teams very important information on how to improve as a team.

A teams main goal when playing other team is to win as much as possible.The most direct way to achieve this is the district tournaments.

These District tournaments are much more organized which allows teams to play more games much more efficiently.with this game after game mentality teams are forced to adapt to their opponents much more quickly.

Along with this rapid adaptation causes a team to grow much faster than if the entire season was taken up by on off games that happen once or twice a week.

Other than the quicker pace of game the District Tournament gives teams a much clearer goal than to just win more games.

The idea of winning the District tournament can make a teams drive to win more intense. you can see all of these effects take place as a good amount of our teams like Girls Tennis and Boys Lacrosse have already their district tournaments.

Another benefit of the increased frequency of the games is that it forces the teams to adapt quickly to their

PLANTFITNESS.COM

BY EYOB DAGNACHEW Sports X-tra Editor

As an Athlete you understand that competition and being the best is always your top priority. And when you have been playing a sport for four years you don’t want all that time to be for nothing.

The ultimate way to prove it is to be on the Wall of Honor for your class. The Wall of Honor is the main that senior are able to be recognized for all of their athletic achievement through their time here at Annandale. being nominated much less being chosen is no easy task as everyone nominated this year has been in more than one sport.

Being considered for the Wall of Honor means that you have spend a considerable amount of time and dedication for whatever team you have been a part of and consistently kept that kind of attitude thought all four of your years here at annandale.

Something that is special about the Wall of Honor is that is doesn’t not require you to be very good at one sport but to be very good in at least two to three because as per usual with any competition people will do as much as they can to to better position themselves to be chosen.

Athlete nominees • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Johnathan Hy – Tennis/Wrestling Dazon Harrison-Football/Track Devin Gill-Football/Basketball Kevin Reyes-Football/Wrestling Ethan Zimmerman-Cross Country/ Baseball Sarah Hawkins-- Field Hockey, Basketball and Softball Kenzie Gardner -Field Hockey and Lacrosse Ayman Elhag-Football/Track Baron Davis-Football/Lacrosse Abel Samson-Football/Lacrosse Sam Phan-Football/Lax Annandale Alumni Jessica Roop Alex Bellem-Football/Lax made it to the board through Kaitlyn Le-Softball/Basketball her perforance in vollyball and track Kayla Holcomb-Swim/Softball Megan Johnson-Volleyball/Softball/Basketball Alejandro Casquino-Cross Country/Basketball/Lax Abbey Yared-Cross Country/Basketball Orselia(Vitalina) Fuentes-Aguilar-Cross Country/Soccer Gabe Milian-Cross Country/Indoor Track/ Outdoor Track Phillip Barlow-Wrestling/Lax Mikias Yoseph-Football/Track Alison Scott-Volleyball/Soccer Cameron Foti-Swim/Lax Luisa Cortez Pedraza -Cheer/Gymanastics Vincent DiPerna-Cross Country/Indoor and Outdoor Track

14 ENTERTAINMENT

Tues. May 28, 2019

Game of Thrones disappoints One of the most popular HBO shows ends with controversy among fans

BY ARACELI CABRERA Special to The A-Blast The last season of Game of Thrones had fans very excited but left them feeling both disappointed.

Many fans were mostly upset at the sudden changes in the characters’ arcs.

For instance, Daenerys randomly going mad and showing no mercy to anyone on Kings landing.

Many fans saw this as disrespectful to George RR Martin’s character, since she was known for being the Queen that is different, the one who brings freedom to all slaves and the breaker of chains.

This similar situation was seen with Jamie Lanister, and how he went from being a static antagonist character to growing into a dynamic character, who gains respect for others. However, in the end goes back to the person he loved, Cersei.

Personally, I felt like the season overall felt a bit too rushed, knowing there were only a mere six episodes that ran slightly above an hour on average.

Furthermore, producers of the series had no book to base the events of each episode on.

Disregarding the negatives, I felt like we, as viewers, still were given many iconic moments, especially in the first episodes of the season. For example, the Stark’s reunion and the fight against the White Walkers, where Arya kills the Night King.

We were also given very complicated relationships between Jon and Daenerys, Arya and Gendry and Jamie and Brienne.

Finally, this season captured our

How do you feel about the Game of Thrones finale?

emotions by bringing us sadness with Ser Jorah, Theon Greyjoy, Missandei and Daenerys’ deaths.

We saw Ser Jorah, Theon Greyjoy and Missandei’s passion for the fight at hand and their loyalty towards their Queen Daenerys.

For Daenerys’s death we saw the effect of all the power she gained, which ultimately lead to her madness and lack of compassion towards the end.

ADIL LODHI freshman “I think the last season is not as good as the other seven because the writing took a plunge, but I still love it.”

JHONNY RODRIGUEZ sophomore “I’m not mad at what happened, I’m just disappointed with how it happened.”

Although this necessarily was not a happy ending for her character, it was necessary for the story, and what the writers wanted in the end.

One of the most unexpected outcomes came with Bran Stark being named the King of the six kingdoms, with the North becoming independent.

It has sparked controversy, since no one saw Bran Stark as worthy of that position.

SHIELA SINDI sophomore “The season 8 was overall pretty good especially because of my Arya.”

ZARIYAH BROWN sophomore “I only watched one episode of Game of Thrones and it was really bad.”

I personally found it fitting well with the storyline because of the ironic value it has. Bran from the first season getting pushed off from the window by the rulers at the time to him in the last season being given that position.

It shows how Jaime and Cersei’s deeds foreshadowed Bran’s upbringing in the series’ end.

Also we need to understand that he is not taking over as a Stark but as the

EMMANUEL RIVERSON junior “The season 8 was the best I’ve ever seen.

I would differently recommend this to others, especially my friends and family.”

KANI KHALED junior “I think that season 8 Game of Thrones was a massive disappointment. I expected more from the long wait.”

Three-Eyed Raven. This was seen when Brienne of Tarth’s Armor had a raven sigil on it.

Overall, I felt as if viewers were satisfied with the finale of the series as it gave us most of the things we wanted and needed to see with an unexpected twist.

However, it wasn’t the best season that viewers have seen due to its condensed plot toward the end.

JACKSON RAMOS junior “I think that season 8 had its moments, but overall it just was not as enticing as the other seasons.”

JIAFU LI senior “In season 8 there wasn’t the same vibe as the other seasons. The ending did not fulfill the expectations of fans.”

Avatar 2 delayed again Release date for the sequal of the highest worldwide grossing movie, created in 2009 is once again postponed

BY ERIK RIVAS Entertainment Editor The sequel to Avatar, which is directed by James Cameron, is consistently being delayed. Earlier this month, the movie was once again delayed to a later date than the expected release date in 2020.

The first Avatar movie was released back in 2009 and holds the title of the worldwide highest-grossing film. It made a whopping 2.8 billion dollars at the worldwide box office.

In 2010, a year after the first movie was released, the producer, James

Cameron, had already made plans for two additional upcoming sequels. None of which have been released yet.

Initially, he said that the first two sequels would be released in 2014 and 2015, seven years earlier than the current projected date that the movie is set to come out.

In 2012, the first indicator that the movie was going to be delayed from the original schedule was when Cameron suggested the date should be pushed back due to time constraints.

Cameron envisioned a sequel that would fulfill the public’s standards of a top quality movie. Because of these high expectations, he believed that more time was necessary in order to perfect the production.

Again, in 2013, Cameron bought 2,500 acres of land in New Zealand in order to shoot the movie. Unfortunately for excited fans, though, it was clear that the movie would not make the second deadline in 2014. This is because the land was bought only a year before the movie was set to be released.

Later on, it was announced that the movie was set to be released in 2016, but again the date was pushed back because Cameron wanted each sequel to have more of an independent storyline.

By April 2016, there was supposed to be a sequel that would come out in 2018, but Cameron claimed that it would not make that deadline either, angering many anxious fans.

The overall reason for the movie being delayed all these years is the simple fact that Cameron wants to perfect his work and meet the high expectations that would be set by a top-grossing film.

Currently, the first sequel, titled “Avatar 2” is set to be released on Dec. 17 of 2021, followed by the sequels, which will be released chronologically in the years after.

Right now, it is undetermined whether the movie will truly be released in 2021, however the extra time spent on it by the producers will likely make it a memorable one.

Top movies to see this summer

Spider-Man Far From Home

‘Toy Story 4’ is taking place

Fast and Furious presents:

Men in Black: International

Annabelle Comes Home is the

takes places after Marvels latest

after the most recent Toy Story

Hobbs & Shaw. A cyber-

is about two agents, Agent H

sequel to the first Annabelle. Ed

Movie Avengers: Endgame.

movie which was released back

genetically enhanced anarchist

and Agent M, who use extreme

and Lorraine are the investiga-

People are looking for Spider-

in 2010. The toys are now under

has control and could change

weapons to battle aliens thst

tor that try to stop Annabelle

Man to step up. This movie is

Bonnie’s care. The movie is

humanity forever. The movie set

arrive on Earth. The movie will

from causing harm. It is set to

set to come out on July 2.

coming out on July 21.

to come out on August 2.

come out on June 14.

come out on June 26.

SPORTS 15

COURTESY OF R.HARRISON

COURTESY OF R. HARRISON

Tues. May 28, 2018

AHS varsity softball line up during pregame festivities before a game, acting as the vistors.

Co-Captain junior Allauna Harrison makes a play at second base, while freshman Sayde Pritt attempts to backup the play.

Softball finishes its season Girls get blown out

by C.D. Hylton in the regional first round

BY TYLER PLANK Sports Editor The softball season for the Atoms had ups and downs, never catching on to a big winning streak but they had a strong push at the end. They started off the season beating Falls Church, then would lose to Stonewall Jackson, but would later beat Jefferson.

They would then start a four-game losing streak. They would lose to Fairfax, Edison, Woodson, West Potomac.

They would have a small little spark

of two wins against Justice HS ad TC two parts due to weather and went Williams, followed by two more losses into districts. In the semi-finals, they against Mount Vernon and Washing- would lose 17-1 to the top team, West ton-Lee. Potomac.

They Then they advanced to play would win “I am excited to grow as a another tough against Osbourne player and connect with team in regional HS, and then playoffs, Hylton lose 5 straight new teammates... I am High School out of against TC, Hay- ready to see what else I Woodbridge. The field twice, West would lose can do with AHS softball Atoms Potomac, and to Hylton, 10-2.

Mount Vernon. in the up coming years.”

However they But they would did have some --TARA CORCORAN play anothbright spots Freshman Starting Shortstop through the lineer game for an attempt at Disup. Senior Megan trict Playoffs against TC, whom they Johnson was able to score along with had beaten once but had also lost once Freshman Sayde Pritt who scored on a as well. passed ball to score home.

They would beat TC Williams in This season brought some experience

Softball season recap Overall Record: 6-13

to newer players. This season also created a variety of freshman players to the roster this year, including Sayde Pritt, who started at First base who pitched.

Sayde seemed very positive about the season saying, “I think our season went well,” said Pritt, “We made it farther than any Atoms softball team had in 10 or 12 years,” Starting freshman, Tara Corcoran, played at shortstop and bat well. Senior Jessie Salisbury also had a great season on the mound, leading the team in strikeouts.

Even though the Atoms lost, they still had a positive look on the season. the team put a solid effort into each game. The team will put a forth effort next year with the added chemistry, and a more playoff-driven attitude.

Track goes distance to regionals

BY ALEX BURITA Sports Editor To conclude their regular season on May 12, AHS track and field headed to Millbrook High School in Winchester to compete in the Last Chance Invitational.

This meet was to be the last before the team headed into postseason with hopefully more confidence.

In this invitational, however, the Atoms took only their distance team who competed in the 800, 1600, and 3200 meter events.

Overall, the meet was a success for many as many final PRs were achieved before the district finals were set to begin.

Highlights of the meet at Millbrook

include both a first and second place finish by sophomore Julia Ghiselli in the 1600 and 3200 meter races respectively and a fourth place finish by Mohamed Bile in the boys 3200 meter race with a time of 9:57.03.

Following the conclusion of the successful meet at Millbrook, the team had only four days to focus and prepare for postseason.

At the district meet, which took place on Tues. May 14 and Thurs. May 16, the team also performed well, with some athletes advancing to the Regional meet.

Overall, the Atoms placed fourth in the district on both the boys and girls side, above Mount Vernon.

Highlights from the district meet include a new school record set by the girls 4x800 meter relay event. They

claimed victory in the five team district with a time of 10:01.34.

Those who won their individual events include: Julia Ghiselli in the 1600 and 3200 meter races and Andy Zepada in the shot put.

Then, after two more weeks of preparation, both physically and mentally, the team shifted focus toward the regional championship.

The regional meet took place on May 22-23 at the Robinson High School track and consisted of 18 total teams, including AHS. Along with the Atoms, competitors from every other school in the Gunston district competed in the meet.

Events in which the Atoms had athletes advance to the Occoquan Region Championship include: 100m, 400m, 800m, 1600m, 3200m, 100m hurdles,

girls 4x100 meter relay, girls 4x800 relay, high jump, shot put, discus, boys 4x100 relay, and the boys 4x400 relay.

Events that took place during the first day of the meet include: field events, hurdles, 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, and the 3200 meter run.

After the first day of events, the girls were in 7th place with 14.5 points and the boys in 15th with 2 total points from combined event scorings.

Unfortunately, results from the second day of the two day meet were unavailable by the publication date-yet been completed.

For those who advanced (which, by the publication date of this article, are still undetermined) the VHSL outdoor state meet is set to take place on May 31 in Newport News.

Player Profile: Finn Scott-Daniels

Soccer loses in round 2 of regionals

When did you start playing baseball?

When I was about 8.

COURTESY OF R. FINK

The varsity soccer boys won their first regional game on Monday 5/20 against Lake Braddock. The score was 4-0 and throughout the game, the whole team did exceptional playing well and the game of soccer as how it should be.

The first quarter was played very quickly, with two goals scored in less than 10 minutes, the boys were off to a great start.

“The game was great. We started off strong and they (Lake Braddock) didn’t expect a goal in the first minute and I played pretty well. I scored 2 goals in the first five minutes of the game, but after that I was pretty tired so I need to work on my stamina.” junior center attacking mid Andy Hernandez said.

“The next game we will be playing is TC Williams and this will be tough, but we will play our best,” Hernandez said.

Unfortunately, the boys lost in the next round in a tight game against TC, 2-0, to end their season.

It was a tough game. The Atoms couldn’t start an offensive run. The defense did as much as it could but without an offensive push, the defense was only able to do so much.

But even with the loss, the team felt pride in their season especially in their coach.

Coaching a group of teenagers can be tough and also challenging but varsity coach Tejas Patel does it well by understanding how the players play and working on their skills to better them as players.

“Looking back, I think that there are a number of things that I could have done differently when coaching our players,” Patel said.

“I hope that the players have taken away some of the positive aspects of coaching that I stress performing well in your studies and at school along with respecting your teachers, coaches, and fellow players. They are a talented group of players and I was just a guide to help them realize their true talents.”

The boys did very well with the fundamentals of soccer. Their chemistry is also very high because of the built friendship on the tem, an occurring problem for most high school teams, the team was able to get along on an off the team. It was also because of the extra time they practice on days they don’t even have practice that they were able to improve. This extra practice lets the team understand what they have to practice on before a big game.

Some students might just go home right after school, but these boys played their heart out for the sport that they love.

Atoms celebrate 4-0 win over Lake Braddock Bruins.

COURTESY OF R. FINK

BY HENERY HOANG Staff Writer

Senior Mohammed Bah makes an athletic jump to attempt to score a goal on Hayfield.

Atoms baseball rebounds 2nd half of season COURTESY OF B.ZIMMERMAN

BY TYLER PLANK Sports Editor

Co-Captain Ethan Zmmerman takes at bat during win over Mount Vernon.

The Atoms baseball team had a rough start to the season. They hadn’t really had big streaks of wins, just little drops of sunlight in the season.

They would start the season going 0-6 before getting their first win against Robert E. Lee High School in a tournament game. They would beat Park View the next game, then lose to first place West Potomac, but holding them to just 4 runs.

They then beat Mount Vernon, only lose by one against Hayfield. And then came the Ashley Tournament (See team picture on right).

They would be swept in the Tournament, giving up 40 runs in just 3 games, and only scoring 8. They would then lose 4 straight games to West Potomac, T.C. Williams in back to back games,

03/12/19 Falls ChurcH 15 - 2 W 03/14/19 Stonewall Jackson 3 -14 L 03/18/19 Thomas Jefferson 8 - 5 W 03/19/19 Fairfax 13 - 14 L 03/26/19 W.T. Woodson 5 - 18 L 03/28/19 Edison 0 - 18 L 04/02/19 West Potomac 1 - 12 L 04/04/19 Justice 12 - 0 W 04/08/19 Washington-Lee 2 - 4 L 04/09/19 Mt. Vernon 5 - 9 L 04/10/19 T.C. Williams 9 - 8 W 04/24/19 Osbourn 11 - 1 W 04/30/19 T.C. Williams 1 - 14 L 05/01/19 Hayfield 5 - 6 L 05/03/19 Mt. Vernon 0 - 9 L 05/06/19 West Potomac 5 - 15 L 05/07/19 Hayfield 2 - 12 L 05/13/19 District Quarterfinals T.C. Williams 12 - 4 W 05/14/19 District Semifinals West Potomac 1-17 L Region 1st Round C. D. Hylton 2 - 10 L

then losing to Woodson in the annual “Kyle’s Kamp” game, which supported the fight against Pediatric Cancer.

After that, they were able to spark a 3 game winning streak, beating Mount Vernon on senior night and Hayfield to give them a shot for third place in the District Tournament, but would lose a coin toss to Hayfield and be forced to a play-in game against Mount Vernon.

In just 4 innings of play, the Atoms would beat the Majors 11-0 and advance to the District Semi-Finals against the number one seed, West Potomac.

They would put up a fight early in the game, but the Wolverines fought back to win 9-4. But they were entitled a fourth-place seed in the Regional tournament to play Justice HS, a neighboring rival. The Atoms have already played them this year, but they lost that game 14-8.

Justice was able to win again in

a close game. In the top of the third inning, the Atoms were able to put 2 runs on the board but were immediately followed by 2 Justice runs, tying the game.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Justice would score 3 runs making the game 5-2, Justice wouldn’t score a run for the rest of the game. The Atoms tried to fight back, scoring 1 run in the top of the sixth and another in the top of the seventh but coming short.

Despite the loss, they showed some late-season hope after an iffy season.

With a lot of young experience on the team, it gives them some advantage for next season.

After a hard working season for the team and they hope to start it where they left off from this season.

When did baseball start becoming your main sport?

When I was 10.

How did it feel to be starting in only a few days from being called up to varsity?

It felt great because I was a freshman not only on varsity, but starting, too.

What was the most difficult thing about transitioning to Varsity?

The speed and quality of pitching.

How suprised were you when you had earned second team first basemen in the district?

I wasn’t shell shocked but definetly suprised.

What player do you see as a role model to play by?

Max Scherzer because of how he goes out there everyday and competes no matter if he’s having a good or bad day.

Who is your favorite team?

Washington Nationals How far do you plan to take baseball?

As far as my talent, skill, and play take me.

16 WEEKEND

Tues. May 28, 2019

SENDING OFF OUR SENIORS KIMBERLY LAURA Co-editor in chief # of years on staff: 4 College plans: George Mason University, majoring in biology Favorite memory: going to Anaheim, when The A-Blast was announced first place in the “Best Show” category in a nationwide publications contest

JUDE NANAW Co-editor in chief # of years on staff: 4 College plans: Univ. of Virginia, double majoring and writing for the Cavalier Daily Favorite memory: hearing The A-Blast announced as first place in the nation for high school news publications at the convention in Anaheim last April

CASEY NGUYEN Position: managing editor # of years on staff: 4 College: George Mason Univ.

Fav memory: being late every single time in Anaheim, California trip

ETHAN ZIMMERMAN Position: circulation manager # of years on staff: 3 College: Shenandoah Univ.

Fav memory: going to Anaheim and winning best of show

VICTOR NGUYEN Position: webmaster # of years on staff: 2 College: VCU Fav memory: winning fun Friday with my team and getting snacks

THOMAS RAY Position: copy editor # of years on staff: 1 College: Marymount Univ.

Fav memory: learning about the history of news at the Newseum

KATIE POPE Position: weekend editor # of years on staff: 3 College: Spain through FSU Fav memory: making Jude mad and stressed about finishing by deadline

LUKE ELKINS Position: editorials editor # of years on staff: 3 College: Virginia Tech Fav memory: winning 1st place on the trip to Anaheim

ELIAS MOURA Position: editorials editor # of years on staff: 2 College: NOVA then GMU Fav memory: Jude basing everyone during deadline

AYMAN ELHAG Position: entertainment editor # of years on staff: 1 College: Virginia Tech Fav memory: making fun of Mr. Weintraut’s salads

MATTHEW DINH Position: entertainment editor # of years on staff: 1 Colleg: George Mason Univ.

Fav memory: winning fun Friday in class

CAMERON FOTI Position: entertainment editor # of years on staff: 4 College: Randolph-Macon Fav memory: going 68 to 5 in fun Friday

CHRISTIAN REYES Position: entertainment editor # of years on staff: 2 College: Univ. of Virginia Fav memory: not winning awards at monthly staff meeting for two years

GALILEA SEJAS Position: arts editor # of years on staff: 2 College: George Mason Univ.

Fav memory: having to redo my entire layout the day of deadline

YABI BEREKET Position: international # of years on staff: 4 College: Virginia Tech Fav memory: Weinraut asking me “is Yabi Ethiopian for lazy?”

JESSICA SALISBURY Position: photo editor # of years on staff: 4 College: James Madison Univ.

Fav memory: PDFing first so I didn’t have to stress

KAYLA HOLCOMB Position: social media manager # of years on staff: 2 College: Virginia Tech Fav memory: playing fun Friday during class

ABEL SAMSON Position: staff writer # of years on staff: 1 College: NOVA Fav memory: winning staff MVP over Patrick Brown

PATRICK BROWN Position: staff writer # of years on staff: 1 College: West Virginia Univ.

Fav memory: beating Abel as staff writer of the issue

EMAN JARADAT Position: staff writer # of years on staff: 1 College: George Mason Univ.

Fav memory: staying after on late nights with Casey, Katie, and Yabi

DAVID SOLOMON Position: staff writer # of years on staff: 1 College: Wash. & Jefferson Fav memory: hanging out in the pub lab whenever I have free time

FATIMA MOHAMED Position: staff writer # of years on staff: 1 Fav memory: all of them; being able to get all my work done and still have down time