Issue #6

A

ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

the

Informiing the Atoms siince 1954 4

Partly Cloudy

52 36 TUESDAY, FEB. 14, 2017

Admin. enforces student parking

has begun to ticket cars that park on the track. According to Tippins, with the lowering enrollment of students the need for spots along the track was no longer needed, thus it was turned into visitor/ faculty parking.

BY BRANDON HO Before renovation at Ossian Videographer the school only had 10 spaces that Students are constantly were available for students, which complaining about the amount is why students were allowed to of parking tickets that have been parallel park on the track. Now given out by the administrators the school has substantially more the past few weeks. The hike from spots to sell to students therefore the Ossian hall parking lot to the the need for spots on the track is school can seem very long in the no longer needed.

"We have winter, especially so many events with the traffic with so many induced from people from the moving the start county coming time back an in and out of this hour. building that we T h o s e needed to have students who overflow for are running late staff," Tippins or are too lazy said. "We don't to park in their want people assigned spot parking on both often choose to sides [of the park in the staff/ track], it makes visitor parking it difficult for alongside the traffic." track to save In the past time. few weeks, "I park on the Ticket that was left on a students car. the amount track because I of tickets am normally late to school, but also because literally given to students has increased no teachers park there so I do not significantly compared to last year.

Parking tickets are twenty see the problem with students parking on the track," senior five dollars each and are marked as an obligation to seniors that Madison Walsh said.

The issue with students must be payed before graduation parking in staff spots has and underclassmen who wish to increased this year and Safety and get their schedules for the new

Students get ticketed for parking beside the track

FCPS.ORG

Outstanding Teachers Recognized Biology teacher Francesca Mast nominated for 2017 FCPS Outstanding Teacher Award

BY TEAGAN FOTI Co-Editor in Chief Biology and Anatomy teacher Francesca Mast usually starts her classes off with friendly conversations between her students. These conversations can range from chatting about hair dye to how her father and one of her students fathers share many of the same interests, or the varying hair styles she had growing up.

Mast's passion and exuberance make class interesting and her forgiving nature helps to alleviate some of the stress high school can impose. All of her positive contributions to Annandale's learning experience have been recognized as she is Annandale's nomination for the FCPS Outstanding Teacher Award.

"I have Ms. Mast for R1 meaning that I'm still half asleep. Whenever

I walk in or see Ms. Mast in class her high abundance of energy and excitement preps me for the rest of the day," senior Nora Hasrat said.

"Qualities I look for in a teacher are passion, understanding, affability, and motivational. I see all of those characteristics in Ms. Mast! I couldn't be more happy for her [nomination]."

The county guidelines for the award states that the teacher should "instill in students a desire to learn and achieve, understand the individual needs of students, encourage their talents and foster their self-esteem, demonstrate a thorough knowledge of subject matter and the ability to share it effectively with students, foster cooperative relationships and engage with their colleagues and the community, and demonstrate outstanding leadership."

After almost nine years of teaching at Annandale, Mast has been nominated by the community and her peers as a teacher who is exceptional and deserves recognition.

"Twenty-six teachers were nominated [for AHS Outstanding Teacher}," Annandale award liaison and Dean of Students see TEACHER AWRDS pg. 5

Screen Time Is spending too much time on your phone or laptop bad for you?

Health 7

Transgender student prepares to compete in Mr. Annandale

BY SADIE MODICA Co-Editor in Chief

In recent years, the LGBT community has been especially vocal as they advocate for equal rights regarding issues such as bathroom and locker room use, team participation for students and marriage equality.

National steps forwards have included the Virginia High School League (VHSL) changing their restrictive transgender athlete policy last year after backlash from activist groups, Obama's executive orders protecting transgender Americans, and the legalization of same-sex marriage.

Despite progress, issues of discrimination still stand, and threats to LGBT American's new rights are recurrent with the new regime.

These issues are never more poignant than with transgender AHS junior Katana Negley's participation in Mr. Annandale, a school pageant created in an attempt to get male students more involved.

"I thought [Mr. Annandale] would be really fun and a lot of my friends encouraged me to do it as a way to make a point that even though I wasn't born a guy I am no different from any other man," Negley said.

After a small period of deliberation, Leadership with the support of the administration gave permission for Negley to participate.

"I was excited to take this on, because it was going to be the first one at Annandale, and

see PARKING pg. 5

Biology and Anatomy teacher Francesca Mast helps out a student in her Anatomy class complete an online lab.

(703) 642-4229

FIGHTING FOR RIGHTS

KATANA NEGLEY

Security Specialist William Tippins

Today’s Weather

also nervous that he'll be taken not seriously or something like that," Leadership teacher Jessica Arias said. "We think that he should have the same opportunity as any other person to participate."

Negley has been openly transgender for almost a year, and though he is now comfortable with who he is, his journey to self-acceptance was long. Negley attended a Catholic elementary school, and around that he began to feel different from his peers.

"I started getting in trouble for wearing the boys uniform and not presenting as a "young lady,"" Negley said. "Going to a Catholic school kept me sheltered from the LGBTQ+ community and left me uneducated on the subject."

In seventh grade, Negley had his first crush on a girl, and he continued to feel pressured to suppress his true self.

"People were really mean to me, they treated me like I had six eyes," Negley said. "Back then people didn't really talk about gender or sexuality. I had only heard of one transgender person at that age and the way they were described was like they were something to keep hidden in the dark."

Negley's lack of education led to a great deal of discomfort in the beginning of high school.

He struggled with anxiety and depression as he searched for his identity.

"The moment I knew I was a boy was when I realized that my life belongs to no one else and I am whoever I say I am," Negley said. "The first person I came out to was my best friend, and instantly I felt a weight lift off my shoulders."

When Negley heard he could participate in Mr. Annandale, he said he felt gratified. This decision on AHS's part shows further progress towards inclusion and acceptance of all groups, regardless of race, gender identity or sexuality. see TRANSGENDER pg. 5

Annual Arabian Night Held Students celebrate culture

BY FARES AYOUB Staff Writer The smell of Arabian food welcomed people into the third annual AHS event Arabian Night was held on Friday, Feb. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m.

"Everyone who takes Arabic and their families are invited, plus a few other teachers and students.

All of those who were invited were assigned a dish to bring, and it was all Arabian food. Many brought types of rice with chicken and there was also Arabian desserts," junior Rebecca Kindling said.

This year, Arabian Night was structured differently than in previous years and had around 60 people in attendance.

"For the last two years I told the students what to do, but this year the officers of the Arabic club are the ones who planned it and I coordinated it"

Arabic teacher Ola Layaly said.

Layaly said there was food from many different Arabic countries, like Kushri from Egypt, couscous from Morocco, Fatire and Kiba from Lebanon, Kofta from Saudi Arabia, kabsa and tabula from Lebanon, all in addition to the desserts, salads, and appetizers.

In addition to a variety of Arabian dishes, students wore traditional and cultural clothes that had beads and fine fabric. The students put on makeup, high heels and jewelry.

After eating, the students danced and did activities.

"We danced the Lebanese Dabke, we had different activities to share about like T.V. shows and Jeopardy, and we gave prizes to the winners" Layaly said.

All of the talking, eating, dancing and drinking culminated to a very fun night for the students who participated. There was even some fun competition in the games that were being played.

REBECCA KINDLING

VOLUME #62 ISSUE 6

4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003 470

Juniors Aseal Saed and Rebecca Kindling pose for a photo at Arabian night.

Students prepare for black history bowl Trivia show raises awareness of African American contributions to society

BY JESSIE SALISBURY News Editor To raise awareness about black history, Annandale hosts a Black History Bowl every year.

This year the Black History Bowl will be on Feb. 27 and will take place during an extended W4.

Black history month is a great way to introduce the input of blacks in history and society, especially in the classroom. In many American classrooms, black history is often underrepresented or

condensed into slavery lessons. Black history should not begin and end with slavery.

The Black History Bowl offers a chance to encourage learning that incorporates and celebrates a deeper understanding of black history.

When talking about African Americans only in the context of their struggle from a young age, children will not understand all that Africans and African Americans have contributed into society.

It ignores the humanity of our past and our significant influence on the future.

Trivia of the Black History Bowl falls into one of five categories: Painters, Athletes, The Supreme Court, Music and Space Science. The event was started in 2000 by former ESOL teacher Kerry Richardson and is currently coordinated by history teacher Kathlyn Berry.

Students need to recognize time before modern civilization, the works of African empires and political systems in Africa, the Caribbean, and other parts of the world. In doing so, students, black children in particular, will connect to the information being taught in the classroom, rather than being excluded from typical history.

There is a hunger for minority students to learn about their culture and their past, especially when history is often Eurocentric.

The questions range from black artists to musicians to athletes and more. The teams, one for each grade, have several preparation sessions to memorize and study black history prior to the bowl. These sessions are each with their respective team coach. see BLACK HISTORY pg. 5

Growing up in Ghana a

Movie Mania!!

Senior, Jesse Agyapong, reminises on childhood abroad

Read a review of the most talked about film, Split

International 12

Entertainment 18

2 EDITORIALS Phil the groundhog is not a weatherman

Feb. 14, 2017

Update the gradebook

BY BINQI CHEN Editorials Editor

BY BINQI CHEN Editorials Editor

Every year on Feb. 2, thousands of people gather in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to witness the emerging of Phil the famous groundhog.

The old and accepted saying is that if the furry rodent crawls out of its den and see its shadow, then six more weeks of winter will ensue. If Phil doesn't see his shadow however, then spring is coming.

When Punxsutawney Phil appeared in the public eye this year, he indeed saw his shadow and has determined that Americans will experience six more weeks of winter.

However, throughout the decades, people have questioned Phil's accuracy in predicting the seasons. Turns out, the groundhog isn't the best at doing his given job.

When Phil's annual sightings are matched with actual weather statistics since 1887, Phil's seasonal forecasting has only been correct 39 percent of of the time. Even if you decide to flip a coin to determine when spring will arrive, you would still get a higher chance of a correct prediction than Phil.

Although Phil cannot be passed as a climatologist, he has been deeply engraved in American culture.

This folklore has been in existence since the 18th and 19th century, originating as a tradition in southeastern and central Pennsylvania. When German settlers first arrived in the New World in

Are you tired of seeing zeros when logging onto SIS? You're not alone. Many students face the same problem of being greeted by a line of zeros or N/As in the place where their grades are supposed to because some teachers are far behind in posting grades.

One of the main reasons for the creation of the online gradebook was for it to act as a source of motivation for students to be on top of their classes, but some teachers are making that increasingly difficult by not entering grades in a timely fashion.

One class at where un-updated grades have become frustrating is AP English.

"AP English [grades] are updated probably biweekly," senior Jessica Smith said.

There are teachers who don't input grades for weeks on end. There is really no valid reason as to why an assignment turned in at the beginning of the quarter only gets returned during the final class before the end of the grading period.

Instead, there are teachers that wait until the week that grades are due to update the gradebook. Since FCPS closes access to the gradebook to parents and students during this time period, this has become a concern that needs to be addressed.

Inserting grades at the very end of the quarter can drastically change a student's grade either positively or negatively. Often, students are not prepared for the grade shift and do not have enough time to bring their grades up with retakes or alternative assignments.

Another problem is the anxiety buildup that comes with an updated gradebook. Students are constantly drowning in an ocean of uncertainty of what their positions are in their classes due to the blank assignments.

"Un-updated grade books do stress me out, and I'm

BINQI CHEN

Delayed grades on SIS causes tension between teachers and students

Juniors Shirley Chu and Nicole Solis ask IB Physics teacher Angel Fitzgerald about a lab. Fitzgerald regularly updates her students' gradebooks, but many teachers don't do the same.

your teacher is a better way to approach the problem.

However, if it becomes a recurring issue, perhaps administration can find a better solution for both parties.

Teachers are constantly reminding students to be diligent in completing their assignments on time, but why aren't they on top of grading work? Exceptions can be made to essays or projects that need to be looked over in-depth.

Even though there are teachers that do not routinely update SIS, there are just as many teachers who are very fast and punctual about grading items. Some teachers are able to grade tests the day they are taken and scores are on SIS just a few hours after school that same day.

However, since this is the second year of the accessible online gradebook, students are seeing an improvement from last school year. Teachers are becoming more comfortable with the new system.

Hopefully, students will soon no longer have to face empty gradebooks as teachers adjust to SIS and will begin to insert grades frequently. This will make everybody's lives easier.

sure it stresses out other people, too," Smith said. "You don't know where you stand in the class, and that can be frustrating."

This can also lead to conflicts between teachers and their pupils. Students bombard teachers with questions and reminders to update their grades, and these requests can come off as inconsiderate or downright rude.

This only leads to the teachers not wanting to input graded items and tension can arise in the classroom.

Problems also go beyond just the teacher and their students. Parents and administration often get involved as well. Parents even contact teachers themselves in emails or phone calls and these forms of communication may also come off as confrontational which puts teachers in a tight spot.

Students, when talking to your teachers about grades, be sure that you remain respectful. Keep in mind that just as you have events going on outside of school, teachers are busy too and sometimes they need to catch a break.

Instead of sending a harsh sounding email that can come off the wrong way, a friendly and quick chat with

No Valentine? No problem.

Groundhog's Day was made popular in the 1993 film with the same title.

the 1700s, they also carried a long standing pagan tradition of Candlemas day with them.

Candlemas Day, takes place in between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Superstition held that if on the day midpoint of spring and winter, the weather was sunny and the second half of Winter would remain cold.

As for the special groundhog that receives the honor of predicting the season, he practically comes from royalty. Punxsutawney Phil Sowerby is the name of a succession of groundhogs. He even has a wife named Phyllis and a daughter named Phelicia.

Although with no consistent weather correlation, Phil's sighting of his shadow is not random.

The Inner Circle, which is the group of people that takes care of Phil throughout the year, actually decides whether or not he will see his shadow several days before Groundhog Day. This is obvious due to Phil's visible shadow on days of severe weather.

In conclusion, you shouldn't store away your winter clothes or expect a longer winter solely based on the fact that a groundhog has seen his shadow. It is important to pay attention to the local news or weather predictions by science professionals for an accurate estimate.

BY KHANH NGUYEN Special to The A-Blast Valentine's Day, the day you are either in love with your significant other and enjoying all the amazing wonders of the world or you are depressed with the rest of your lonely single friends rebelling against the worst day of the entire year.

It seems as though there has never been any in-between feelings regarding the day of bouquets of roses, chocolates, cheesy films, endless Man Crush Monday and Woman Crush Wednesday photos on your timeline, and most importantly, romantic love.

Society has done its job to set our minds in the mode where we feel obligated to have a valentine on, be it a fling of the moment or a long-term partner.

We have become so very accustomed to the belief that without a significant other, we are doomed, forever alone, unworthy, difficult to love, or maybe even impossible to want.

"Valentine's Day is all about spreading love and joy and it is most certainly not limited to romantic love!"

Khanh Nguyen junior As the commercials and store advertisements roll out as the day slowly but surely creeps up on us, the wave of depression hits and we ask ourselves, "Why can I not have someone this year?"

BINQI CHEN

NYFA.EDU

You don't need a significant other on Valentine's Day

As Februay 14th approaches, many teens feel obligated to be romantically involved with someone.

It happens each and every year as we grow older and recognize the societal pressures to be with someone.

Looking back on all the previous years when I felt lonely on this either treasured or dreaded day, I begin to realize that it is just like any other day, just with a lot more pink and flowers.

I, for one, have never had a valentine and as the years continued to pass by, I stopped feeling obligated to.

It is because I have learned the rare yet empowering concept of self-love.

As someone who grew up with a determined and independent personality, I always liked going out into the world every day with a sense of productivity and strength within myself.

Staff CO-EDITORS IN CHIEF Teagan Foti Sadie Modica MANAGING EDITOR Sabrina Hawa VIDEO EDITOR IN CHIEF Crew McCarthy NEWS EDITORS Nancy Evora Jessica Salisbury EDITORIALS EDITORS Binqi Chen Aseal Saed COPY EDITORS Yvonne White IN-DEPTH EDITORS Ruth Mekonnen Kim Laura SPORTS EDITORS

Cameron Foti Jude Nanaw SPORTS XTRA EDITORS Ryan Gammon Grace Hogye PEOPLE EDITORS SoulisaPathammavong Marilyn Rivas WEEKEND EDITORS Mohamed Elhag Conrad Shartel INTERNATIONAL EDITORS Lina Al-Taii Tooba Siddique ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS Julius Miller Hussein Salem LIFESTYLES EDITORS Sheila Aguirre Lucie Lefbom

HEALTH EDITORS Judy Nanaw Julie Nguyen PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORS Alaina Garay Kailyn Garay ART EDITORS Serene Ghul Kavi Shamdin ACADEMICS EDITORS Rachel Shogren Halley Thadeus WEB EDITOR/MASTER Alex Tran AD MANAGER Mauricio Reyes CIRCULATION MANAGER Mauricio Reyes SOCIAL MEDIA

Heard in the Twitter-verse...

MANAGER Lennon Wuhrer STAFF WRITERS Jordan Adams Kidus Ayele Fares Ayoub Yabi Bereket Laura Clemons Luke Elkins Diego Feliciano Brandon Ho Kayla Holcomb Mahdi Larhmari Arzoo Marzi Suad Mohamed Casey Nguyen Ivanna Perez Katie Pope Sharon Sanchez Ashleigh Storm Kimberly Vaides Andrew White Ethan Zimmerman ADVISER Alan Weintraut

No hand trying to hold mine and keep me from achieving my goals, no voice inside my head telling me I had to be with someone in order to be confident and happy, none of that.

I have learned through watching myself grow with more and more contentment for who I am, that I am my own person and I am capable of providing myself with all the love I need, with or without another person by my side.

Valentine's Day is a beautiful day to represent love and compassion, but there are many ways to express that. It does not have to be for and with a significant other; it could be for your best friend with a quick run to Starbucks for a treat.

It could be for your parents and their devoted relationship with a family dinner. It could even be for your teachers with thank you cards for all their hard work.

Above all else, it could be for yourself.

Spend Valentine's Day by yourself with a shopping spree as a reward for that A you scored on that science test, with Netflix and take-out for all the long hours you put in at your job or with a new hobby you always wanted to take on. Who knows?

You might fall in love with it. If the thought of being by yourself on such a day does not suit you entirely, go out and spread love to those around you, be it a simple compliment on a stranger's hair, paying for the person behind you in the drive-thru or helping out at a soup kitchen for the less fortunate.

Valentine's Day is all about spreading love and joy and it is most certainly not limited to romantic love! Use it as a day to grow as a kinder, more positive person with selfconfidence.

Anything and everything is truly what you make of it, including this very day.

There is more to life than pitying yourself for being on your own. Use it as an advantage to improve your life!

Valentine's Day is all in your power and control. Make the best use out of the passing 24 hours. It will be over before you know it.

Look out for the next tweet @theablast on Twitter for a chance to be featured on the next issue!

Annandale High School Vol. 62 No.6 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003 703.642.4229 Feb 14th, 2017 The A-Blast is an award-winning newspaper that strives to inform, educate and entertain the student body and community.

Published every three weeks, The A-Blast will not print any material that is obscene or libelous; or that which substantially disrupts the school day, or invades an individual's right to privacy.

The A-Blast is an independent, open forum for discussion that is printed at the Springfield Plant of The Washington Post.

Signed letters to the editor of 250 words or less may be emailed to theablast2016@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, 2017.

Feb. 14, 2017

Hold companies accountable Disavow businesses that support Trump

BY ASEAL SAED Editorials Editor

Black history goes beyond slavery ASEAL SAED Editorials Editor February ushers in the one month from the year that encourages us to recognize the accomplishments in black culture and history.

Black history month is a great way to introduce the input of blacks in history and society, especially in the classroom. In many American classrooms, black history is often underrepresented or condensed into slavery lessons. Black history should not begin and end with slavery.

A title for a month is not enough to capture the essence of black history to teach students about the efforts of black people in this country.

When talking about African Americans only in the context of their struggle, children will not understand all that Africans and African Americans have contributed into society. It ignores the humanity of our past and our significant influence on the future.

Students need to recognize that slavery goes beyond civil rights and slavery.

In doing so, students, black

children in particular, will connect to the information being taught in the classroom, rather than being excluded from typical history.

There is a hunger for minority students to learn about their culture and their past especially when history is often Eurocentric.

FCPS introduces the successes and talents of black Americans from a young age. As seen in the first grade curriculum, Martin Luther King and Arthur Ashe Jr. are among names like George Washington and Pocahontas as important figures in history they must learn.

FCPS also follows through on continuing to include black leaders in its higher level curriculum. However, teachers cannot use one or two black leaders and make them a token of their culture or identity. Instead of decontextualizing heroes or holidays, we should be connecting them to a larger social movement, and their effects on the future.

This goes to show that black history is American history, and it should be relevant to the entire classroom while connecting it to the present issues relevant today.

February should be a way to go deeper into black history rather than the only time to acknowledge it.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM

In the few weeks that President Donald Trump has taken office, he has enacted numerous policies that have aggravated the public writing a ban that targets Muslim countries, choosing controversial cabinet members and taking steps to get rid of Planned Parenthood.

A simple way for people, especially students, to actively dissent from Trump's actions is to not support companies that work with, or have leaders who back Trump. It is an easy task that goes a long way.

The easiest and most immediate ways to enact change are often done through social media or protests.

However, it is easy for those steps to not be engaging enough or hard to implement all the time.

A number of boycotts and bans including #GrabYourWallet campaign and The Donald Trump Resistance (DTJR) have recently spiked in impressions online as a result of the immigration order to limit refugees.

Both campaigns shed light on which companies to boycott that support or have supported Trump.

Uber has gotten some backlash for its supposed support of Trump's presidency last month.

Its CEO, Travis Kalanick, addressed his concerns about its relationship with Trump by saying that the company had to work with him to "fulfill Uber's mission of improving global transportation," vowing Iber will work with the Trump administration.

That same weekend, #deleteuber trended in the U.S. on Twitter,

and many vowed to switch to Lyft, which donated money to the ACLU, as a result of the travel ban.

Because of the backlash, Kalanick stepped down from Trump's business advisory council which was made up from the country's biggest business leaders to provide the president guidance from different private sectors.

Other companies that have outwardly supported Trump include The Home Depot, with its cofounder supporting the presidency, L.L. Bean which donated thousands of dollars to Trump's Super PA. New Balance's CEO actively raised funds for Trump's presidency.

However, not all companies are untrustworthy. A number of companies have gone out of their way to actively distance themselves from Trump, rather many companies have gone of their way to go against Trump's policies.

Because of the travel ban, Starbucks wrote a message on its website condemning the actions of the ban, and announced its initiative to hire 10,000 refugees around the world in 75 countries by 2018.

Over 127 companies from startups to tech giants, including Apple, Netflix and Spotify, have come together to legally fight against Trump in court against the travel ban.

There are many alternatives to the major companies that have supported Trump. Taking those actions to take away their support, forces companies to reevaluate their support.

As seen with companies like Uber and Shoes.com, it is possible to condemn and take away Trump's support.

EDITORIALS 3 We need more black history in the classroom

Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. is a well known figure in the civil rights movements that is celebrated all over the country. However, many are unfamiliar with the work of Malcolm X, or El-hajj Malik el-Shabbaz who was also a civil rights leader at the same time.

How do you get informed on the news/ world around you?

COMPANIES TO BAN CEO David Green endorsed Donald Trump during the election

"Social media because TV and radio are pretty boring. " TESABIH OMER freshman

"Usually Twitter because the Moments is always up to date, and has funny categories."

IDIL HILLWLE freshman

"My teachers because I am usually not interested in the news."

DANNY BARRERA sophomore

"Radio on my way to school because my parents always have it on."

AYA ABDELMUTALAB sophomore

"Usually Snapchat because of easy access."

KARLA CASTILLO junior

"I watch the news or "I don't really trust a lot use news websites or I of places for news, so I learn from my friends do not care for it." because we care about JUSTIN VO world issues." senior FATIMA JARADAT

"CNN because it is the most trustworthy and everything else is suspicious."

AREEBA ATIQUE senior

Trump's pick for the secretary of Treasury, former Goldman Sachs executive Steve Mnuchin, was also on the board of directors at the retail outlet.

Sells Ivanka Trump's brand shoes and items. Gave 15,000 dollars to Trump's inaugural committee and sponsored a ball celebrating the inauguration.

"I watch the news like "Snapchat because Fox 5 because I like to the stories get the keep up locally. " best news."

MERWN LAZARD MICHELLE AKL senior junior

Cartoonist Corner

How to watch the news Be more viligant of sources

BY CASEY NGUYEN Staff Writer

ILLUSTRATION BY MOHAMED ELHAG

"Obama signs Executive Order Banning the Pledge of Allegiance in Schools Nationwide," made over 2 million impressions on Facebook in 2016.

Despite it being widespread, it is fake, and it was not the only popular fake articles that have been shared.

Reports of these types of false claims and news outlets have left us with a sense of untrustworthiness of the mainstream media. One of which, President Donald Trump has repeatedly called "dishonest scum," as well as many other names.

This is most notably attributed to the absence of fact checking when we read the news. Because we have learned that the news is always trustworthy.

However, that is not the case anymore, and fake news is now an issue we hear about daily. This leaves readers unsure of who and what to trust.

A helpful and revealing organization, Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR), is a "media watch group" which reveals media bias and inaccuracy reporting in the media.

Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR) organization ranks most credible news organizations. NPR is always at the top, while Fox is always at the bottom.

FAIR warns that the media is no longer independent, but meddled with corporate interests, which is true.

If we cannot trust the news, it is up to us to be more viligant of its sources. The first step is reading from honest media organizations.

FAIR named that the most trustworthy news organizations are NPR, ABC, and The Wall Street Journal.

While the most untrustworthy include FOX News, the Huffington Post, and Yahoo News.

However, even the seemingly trustworthy sites hold false information.

This is where fact-checking

a and sources come in. Sites like FactCheck.org and Snopes.com are websites that spot fake information.

False reports target emotions rather than the facts of reason. Although tedious, in double checking It is also important to look if other news organizations have published the same thing.

However problem we face with this is often when Trump utters lies and there is a scandal,they eagerly follow and ignore major policies detrimental to our nation.

In knowing so, being more aware of what we read is more important that ever.

4 NOTICIAS DESTACADAS

Feb, 14. 2017

Sección Internacional

POR LINA AL-TAII Editora Internacional Al igual que muchos estudiantes con padres de otros paÍses, Jesse Agyapong del grado 12 tuvo la experiencia de haber vivido fuera de los Estados Unidos por un tiempo.

Agyapong se mudó a Ghana cuando solo tenÍa dos años de edad donde compartiá nueve años de su niñez en Ghana, y Luego volvió a Los Estados Unidos cuando tenÍa 11 años de edad.

"Vivimos en tres diferentes casas en tres diferentes ciudades durante ese tiempo," Agyapong dijo.

Aunque vivieron en diferentes ciudades, la ciudad de Kumasi fue la que más que le sorprendió a Jesse.

Kumasi es una ciudad grande en Ghana, similar a la capital de EE.UU, Washington D.C. A lo largo de su tiempo en Ghana, Agyapong se recuerda más que todo de Kumasi por ser una ciudad llena de vida.

"VivÍ en una ciudad cerca de Kumasi. Era la mas ciudad mas grande en toda Ghana." Agyapong. "Era un lugar muy abierto y siempre solÍa haber gente afuera. Las personas eran muy amistosas entre sÍ. También habÍa bastantes puestos de comida."

Agyapong comparte de sus aventuras mientras vivio en Ghana.

"Hay mucha libertad en Ghana inclusive para los niños pequeños.

Algunas veces yo iba a jugar con amistades desde la mañana hasta el anochecer. A lo largo del dia solo me devolvÍa para la casa para ir a comer," Agyapong dijo.

"Las ciudades en donde vivio

estaban cercas de Kumasi. Primero que los buildenes de la escuela esvivimos en la casa de mi abuela la taban separados dependiendo en el cual no tengo mucha memoria de nivel de grado en que los estudiantes ella. Era un lugar muy social y yo estaban aunque por otra parte, las siempre pasaba en la casa del veci- areas de recreacion estaban abiertas no donde jugaba juegos con otros para todos. niños, veÍamos pelculas, etc."

"Los estudiantes se quedaban en Haber pasado una niñez entera una aula durante todo el dia mienen otro paÍs le trae muchas influen- tras que los profesores se rotaban de cias positivas a como Agyapong ve la aula a aula. Nosotros solo dejamos cultura y su vida aquÍ en Los Estados el aula cuando tenamos Educación Unidos puesto que el tuvo una expe- fÍsica, almuerzo y el tiempo de recriencia única ya que creció entre una reo. También, los profesores eran más estrictos y solÍan castigar a los cultura muy diferente.

"Hay muchas supersticiones en estudiantes con castigo corporal por Ghana comparado con Los EE.UU," hacer algo que ellos creÍan ser irrespetuoso," AgAgyapong dijo. yapong dijo.

"Las personas Ella me mandó a vivir son más re"A pesar ligiosas y las con mi papá cuando supersticiones tenÍa dos años de edad de las diferencias entre los influyen las dos paÍses, a tradiciones re- porque ella estaba su edad le fue ligiosas.

Hay pasando por momentos fácil adaptarse mucha emphasis al nuevo amen respetar a los difÍciles y con niño iba biente. Uno de mayores. Tamlos aspectos de bién uno tiene a ser aún más difÍcil," su infancia que que agradar a Agyapong dijo. no ha cambialas personas do a pesar de mas ancianas.

A parte de eso, lo demás fue casi lo haber vivido en diferentes paÍses es la habilidad de ajustarse y aprender mismo como estar aquÍ."

Las diferencias entres ambas cul- nuevas cosas rápidamente." turas le permiten a Agyapong tener Aparte de haber tenido diferenuna mente más abierta y le ayudan a tes problemas, la transición de su tener un entendimiento más profun- pais natal a Los EE.UU. fue fácil grado sobre las normas culturales y las cias a sus amistades nuevas. creencias en diferentes sociedades "Me adapte al sistema aquÍ en Los EE.UU. finalmente, la única del mundo.

La educación y la vida escolar parte que fue difÍcil era el no tener por otra parte también son una de amigos. A pesar que estaba acoslas grandes diferencias entre Los tumbrado a las normas estadounidenses, no sabia como actuar con EE.UU y Ghana.

En Ghana, Agyapong se recuerda desconocidos," Agyapong dijo.

Apesar de que su experiencia de haber vivido en Ghana que fue importante para él, su familia y cultura, eventualmente el se mudo a vivir con su mamá para poder tener las oportunidades que hay en Los EE.UU. "Mi mamá no vivÍa con nosotros en Ghana. Ella me tuvo aquÍ en Los EE.UU. mientras que el resto de mi familia estaba en Ghana. Ella me mandó a vivir con mi papá cuando tenÍa dos años de edad porque ella estaba pasando por momentos difÍciles y con un niño iba a ser anún más difÍcil," Agyapong dijo. "Me vine devuelta a vivir con mi mamá porque soy de aqui y porque la situación en Ghana se estaba poniendo difÍcil.

También la educación y la forma de vivir aquÍ es más mejor. Mi segundo hermano se reunió con nosotros en el 2011, mi papá en el 2014 y mi hermano mayor en el 2016."

Aunque vivir en Los EE.UU tiene sus ventajas, la cultura, identidad, y familia de Ghana es algo importante para el de mantener presente.

"No soy muy cercano a mi familia del todo pero en verdad si extraño a mis primos y mis familiares cercanos que considero mi familia. No los e visto desde el 2010 y posiblemente los vaya a visitar this verano que viene o el próximo," Agyapong dijo.

Su visita para él fue una experiencia que le cambió la vida y espera volver a Ghana en un futuro.

"La experiencia fue increÍble. La comida, su gente y el lugar es una de las cosas que jamas olvidare. El haber vivido en Ghana me a ayudado a ser generoso y servicial al igual que me motiva a aceptar a cualquiera."

YEARBOOK

De Ghana a los Estados Unidos

lazo de familia Jesse Agyapong de ultimo grado posa junto a sus familiares para una foto en Ghana.

Sección de entretenimiento

La La Land impreciona a la audiencia POR MATEO GALBEZ Especial al El A-Blast El director de la pelÍcula Whiplash, Damien Chazelle ha regresado al mundo de la música con la exitosa y aclamada pelÍcula de La La Land. La pelÍcula ha sido llamada "carta de amor a Hollywood," la belleza en ambos colores y la cinematografÍa brilla en la pantalla grande.

La pelÍcula muestra el sentido del realismo de los personajes principales MÍa y Sebastian. Los dos jóvenes buscan en alcanzar sus metas y de seguir sus sueños.

La historia de esta pelÍcula es muy similar a otros trabajos de Chazelle tal como la pelÍcula Whiplash, donde un joven chico trata de ser el mejor baterista. Mientras que las historias son similares, las dos pelÍculas son diferentes en su tono. La La land es divertida, llena de brillantes oportunidades mientras que Whiplash es simple y intrigante. Aunque tiene sus cosas similares, La La Land se destaca por su complejidad en el uso de la cámara y luz. En sus peliculas tambien se puede la admiración de Chazelle por la música Jazz y quiere que la audiencia aprecie la música también.

La La Land muestra la belleza y la importancia de hacer una efectiva introducción en una pelÍcula, similar al escribir un ensayo para una clase.

La cámara se centra en los actores y su movimiento que hace a la audiencia siga a los personajes a lo largo de la historia.

Ambas su coreografÍa y la iluminación natural de la secuencia hace que se destaca junto las imágenes brillantes y vivas que

Estudiantes compiten en un juego de Lacrosse contra otro equipo.

La pelicula La La Land recibio 14 nominaciones a los premios Oscars enpatando a Titanic y Eva al Desnudo.

parecen representar las cuatro estaciones del año. El color amarillo la cual representa el verano, el color azul representando el invierno, el rojo que representa el otoño y verde la primavera.

El poder del paisaje al principio de la pelÍcula refleja lo que se verá luego en la historia. Las escenas muestran grandes emociones mientras que la música es su narrador.

La canción "Another Day In The Sun" prefigura lo que está por llegar a los personajes principales.

Durante el curso de la pelÍcula hay movimientos repentinos. Cuando la pelÍcula se cambia a una obra, esto se puede ver

Durante el transcurso de la pelÍcula hay momentos repentinos en los que la pelÍcula se convierte en una obra de teatro al tener un enfoque escénico de los actores que cantan o tocan un instrumento para llamar la atención. Estos momentos permiten a los protagonistas contar una historia o seguir sus emociones, momentos como la escena de la audición donde el personaje de Emma Stone cuenta una poderosa historia que una vez escuchó hace mucho tiempo. Momentos tales como cuando el actor Ryan Gosling canta la canción "City of Stars" mientras camina por el paseo marÍtimo hace que las escenas sean memorables.

La pelÍcula toca más que todo a los jóvenes y les enseña la importancia de perseguir los sueños.

La pelÍcula enseña que los sueños no solo deberÍan ser sueños si no que las personas deberÍan de perseguir lo que siempre desean al final.

Damien muestra lo que es ser joven con metas por cumplir. La La Land es una pelÍcula que tiene poder a través del contexto cuidadosamente elaborando escena tras escena.

Damien Chazelle ha dado la oportunidad de explorar algo que se ha visto antes, pero esta vez en un enfoque hermoso. Con la nueva pelÍcula de Damien titulada First Man ahora en pre-producción, ¿quién sabe lo que hará?

Sección Editorial.

Companias grandes apoyan a Trump POR SAEL SAED Editora Editorial En las pocas semanas que presidente Donald trump tiene de haber tomado posesión a la presidencia, él a hecho muchos planes que han causado furia ante el público tales como la prohibición que ataca a los paÍses musulmanes, sus polémicas elecciones del gabinete y las medidas que ha tomado para deshacerse de Planned Parenthood o planificación familiar.

Una manera en que las personas incluyendo estudiantes están tomando acción para disentir activamente las acciones de Trump es no apoyar a las empresas que trabajan o que tienen lÍderes que apoyan a Trump. activamente de las acciones de Trump es no apoyar a las empresas que trabajan con, o tienen lÍderes que apoyan a Trump. Es la tarea más fácil que va un largo camino.

Muchos tienen dificultades para escoger las formas correctas de protestar, porque al final depende de la gente usar sus voces y hablar sobre temas importantes y defenderlos.

Una de las maneras más fáciles

Presidente electo Donald trump saluda a sus segidores en una campaña.

de protestar en contra de Trump que las personas han escogido es por medio de las redes sociales.

Numerosas series de boicots y prohibiciones incluyendo la campaña #GrabYourWallet y La resistencia de Donald Trump ha a ha aumentado recientemente en las redes como resultado de su orden

de inmigración con el propósito de limitar a los refugiados.

Ambas campañas atacan a las compañas que tienen que ver o tuvieron que ver con el presidente Trump.

Una de las compañas que ha sido atacada ha sido la empresa de transporte express Uber. Su CEO, Travis Kalanick se refirió a sus relación con Trump diciendo que la empresa tenÍa que trabajar con él "para cumplir la misión de Uber de mejorar el transporte global," jurando que Uber trabajarÍa con la administración de Trump.

Ese mismo fin de semana en las redes sociales se vio el #deleuber y muchos amenazaron con cambiarse a la compaña Lyft, la cual donó dinero a la organización Unión Americana de Libertades Civiles mejor conocida en Inglés como ACLU, como resultado de la ley en contra los musulmanes.

Debido a la reacción por parte de la gente en las redes sociales, Kalanick renunció a su puesto en los negocios de Trump.

Otras compañas que han apoyado a Trump incluyen empresas

tales como Home Depot, L.L. Bean, la cual don miles de dólares para su campaña. La empresa de zapatos New Balances recaudó dinero a favor de Tump durante su campaña presidencial.

De cualquier manera no todas las campanas están a favor de Trump. Muchas compañas han tratado de distanciarse de Trump.

Empresas tales como Starbucks escribieron un mensaje en su página web condenando las acciones de la prohibición y anunció su iniciativa de contratar 10,000 refugiados del mundo en 75 paÍses para el año 2018.

Alrededor de 127 compañas tales como las compañas de tecnologÍa incluyendo Apple, Netflix, y Spotify se han unido en una batalla en contra Trump con el propósito de boicot en contra la ley migratoria en contra de los paÍses musulmanes.

Hay muchas alternativas para las empresas grandes que han apoyado a Trump. Tomando estas acciones para quitarle su apoyo, las empresas grandes reevaluaran a quien apoyar.

Deportes de primavera empiensan con Green Days POR GRACE HOGYE Editor de Deportes Ya que la temporada de invierno se está acabando para los atletas, los jugadores para la temporada de la primavera se están preparando para jugar.

Deportes de inviernos ya están practicando en los "Green Days" y se les recomienda a los que quieren jugar para esta temporada de empezar a practicar.

En las prácticas, los estudiantes también corren el riesgo de lastimarse antes de que la temporada empiece. Por esa razón, la mayorÍa de los deportes han decidido de no permitir a los estudiantes practicar muy pesado para asÍ evitar que se lastimen antes de que la temporada empiece.

Muchos de los jugadores creen que al practicar en una manera menos brusca es mejor para sus cuerpos.

"Green Days" son buenos para los jugadores puesto que les da mas practica. La mayorÍa de los entrenadores, por ejemplo el entrenador de Lacrosse para hombres, Bill Maglisceau, ofrece los "Green Days" para que los estudiantes se conozcan entre sÍ y se sientan cómodos con los otros jugadores y aprendan del uno a otro antes de que la temporada empiece.

Estudiante de segundo año y jugador de fútbol Anissa Cheikh está ansioso por jugar este año.

"Green days son divertidos porque nos da la oportunidad de practicar y de conocer a los otros jugadores antes que la temporada comience," Cheikh dijo.

Otro atleta no puede esperar para poder practicar durante los Green Days. Estudiante de tercer año Brent Escueta ha jugado varsity Lacrosse estos dos año atrás y está ansioso por jugar este año.

"Green days son importante porque nos ayudan a crecer como equipo y nos da la ventaja de comenzar la temporada antes del tiempo," Escueta dijo.

Estudiante de tercer año Grace Hatch a jugado varsity Lacrosse por dos años y está feliz de empezar otra temporada nueva.

"Me gustan los Green Days porque es una oportunidad de jugar el deporte que a uno le gusta y a la vez te permite disfrutarlo con los demás mientras aprendes nuevas técnicas," Hatch dijo.

Why is this page translated to Spanish?

This section was created with the aim of broadening our reach as a publication towards the large population of Spanish-speaking students. AHS is the most diverse school in Virginia, with an extensive ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program, and Spanish is the second most spoken language at our school.

As a newspaper, our goal is to inform and entertain the largest possible group of viewers. Las Noticias Destacadas is a selected translation of a variety of the most pertinent articles in The A-Blast. We hope that through this new section, we can be a more inclusive and diverse publication.

NEWS 5

Feb. 14, 2017

PTSA online auction New fundraiser for All Night Grad hopes for success

Parking tickets CONT. PARKING

Items available on the auction include...

school year. Parking tickets do not increase in fine throughout the year.

The money collected from tickets goes into a private Annandale account.

"I definitely have seen an increase in the amount of tickets this year.

I remember last year I only got tickets around the springtime but I have gotten four in the past week," senior Waleed Awad said.

A parking pass for the entirety of the year costs $200 but as the year progresses the cost drops. One full year parking pass is equivalent to getting eight tickets, money some students decide is worth the shorter walk.

Elite Island Resorts6 discount resort accommodation certificates

Walt Disney World - 4 One-Day Park Hopper passes

BY TEAGAN FOTI

Washington Capitals signed Reebok jersey

Co-Editor in Chief

After tossing their caps on June 15, the class of 2017 will meet at Audrey Moore RECenter to celebrate the closing of their high school career as a class. The All Night Grad Celebration (ANGC) lasts from 10:30 p.m. June 15 to 6 a.m. on June 16. The entire senior class is invited and can participate in activities such as face painting, swimming, massage therapy, hypnotism and much more.

All the events at the ANGC are free with the purchase of an entrance ticket so the Annandale Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) has to raise substantial amounts of money to make this event happen. The PTSA is trying a new fundraiser this year, an online auction, in an effort to lower ticket costs for the seniors who attend the ANGC. "Every dollar we receive helps keep the ticket cost down, so whether we raise $500 or $2000, I will consider the auction a success," auction organizer Kimberly Bellem said. "The total amount donated through the online auction, minus some fees and supplies, will be applied to the overall cost of the "All-Night Grad Celebration", which will help keep the ticket price at a reasonable level."

The auction will be completely online and will be open for bidding March 4 at 12 p.m. and will close at 12 p.m. on March 18. Anyone can bid on an item online, the only restriction is any alcohol related item cannot be purchased by anyone who is under the age of 21.

"In order to place a bid, you will need to register on the Bidding Owl website, which can be done from the online auction homepage," Bellem said. "To register, you need to have an e-mail address and it is recommended you register from a PC (non-mobile device). Once you are registered, you will be able to view items and place bids on your mobile device."

The bidding price will be automatically set on the website and will increase by increments of $5. There will not be a maximum bidding price, however there is a preset "buy now" option. This will be set at specific price and can be pressed at any time.

"Payment for all items may be made online through a credit card or PayPal or by cash or

Washington Nationals voucher for two LF/RF Corner Tickets to a 2017 Washington Redskins Football tickets - 2 tickets at the 400 level for one game (TBA) during 2017-2018 season

Dave & Busters - 3 PowerCards with 98.8 tokens each

Coastal Flats - $30 Gift Certificate

Outstanding teachers nominated

The above companies have already donated items to be sold as a part of the online auction. To see exactly what was donated visit: https://annandalehsptsa.membershiptoolkit.com/Online_Auction

check at the time you pick-up your item. Auction items will be available for pick-up on Saturday, March 18th from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the Annandale High School Cafeteria. Anyone can bid, but items need to be picked up in person.

"Every dollar we receive helps keep the ticket cost down, so whether we raise $500 or $2000, I will consider the auction a success."

teammates are encouraged to put together a themed basket like "Night at the Movies," "Summer BBQ," "College Road Trip," etc." Bellem said.

The ides for the fundraiser came from a PTSA meeting back in October. Bellem expressed that the mindset behind having an online auction is that it offers a variety of goods so everyone is bound to have interest in something that is being auctioned off. The items that are available for purchase also are likely to be bought within six months of the action anyway and this way the money goes towards a good cause.

The auction is relying heavily on support and advertising within the community and hope that this first year fundraiser will be a success.

Kimberly Bellem Auction Organizer

On your smartphone, scan this code using the application "QR Code" to see the auction website.

Out of town family and friends can bid and designate you as the pick-up person," Bellem said.

Over 40 businesses have already donated items to be auctioned off, some of them being Elite Island Resort, Disney Theme Parks and Flight. Donations will be accepted until March 1.

"The earlier the item is donated, the better, because we have more time to advertise their contribution. Families, friends, groups and

CONT. TEACHER AWARDS Monica Bentley said. "The AHS staff had to vote for only one of the nominees for AHS Outstanding Teacher. Ms. Mast won the most votes and is the AHS Outstanding Teacher."

Four other teachers were also selected to represent Annandale as an outstanding teacher.

"Katie Brunberg, Theater teacher, was the only new teacher (1-3 years of teaching) so she automatically won the AHS Outstanding New Teacher award," Bentley said. "There were eight nominations for AHS Outstanding School Based Leader and Donna Higgins, Assistant Principal, won for that category. There were nine nominations for AHS Outstanding Support Employee and Carlos Villatoro in Students Services won for that category."

The only regulations the county places around the outstanding teacher award are that the teacher must have taught in FCPS for at least three years and be aware and in agreement with their nomination.

"I was shocked [when I found out I was AHS's nomination]," Mast said. "When nominations came up I voted for someone else. There are so many deserving teachers that inspire me; [so many teachers] that I go see and try to model."

Following Mast and Brunberg's nomination they will be put into a pool with other school's outstanding teachers and the county will select the winner through an elongated process.

The next step in the process is for the local pyramid to decide which single teacher will move on. The teacher chosen from the pyramid will move on to the regional selection. During this time the region will conduct a similar decision making process and select one teacher to move on. The five regional finalists will then interview with the FCPS leadership team, who will make the final decision on which teacher the county names it's most outstanding teacher.

"Ms. Higgins and Mr. Villatoro will go on to the pyramid level where a Pyramid Outstanding School-Based Leader and Outstanding Support Employee will be selected and put forward to the Region level. From there, finalists will be chosen for the overall Fairfax County Public Schools Outstanding School-Based Leader and Outstanding Support Employee Awards," Bentley said.

For the outstanding teacher award the educator that wins will be recognized at the annual FCPS awards gala and will receive a prize of $5,000. If Mast wins she will also get to host a celebration with her workplace colleagues to recognize the collaborative teamwork and contribution to her excellence.

NEWS BRIEFS SPIRIT WEAR

BUY BRICKS

The online spirit wear store is now open. Order your spirit wear online and pick it up at the concession stand in the jock lobby open from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Bricks that will be place in Jock Lobby are now for sale. For spring installation bricks must be ordered by Feb. 20, 2017. for more information contact the athletic boosters.

CLUB PHOTOS On Wednesday February 15 clubs will be taking photos in the cafeteria.

Check the A-Blast twitter for more information on times.

SPRING BREAK

HERITAGE NIGHT Heritage Night will take place on April 28 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the auditorium.

Spring break will be from April 10 through April 17. Students and staff will have no school.

AHS PLAY The Annandale Theatre Company will be preforming the play Cinderella on April 20, 21, and 22.

Mr. Annandale makes changes CONT. TRANSGENDER As AHS takes steps forward, however, the U.S. takes step backward. The lack of acceptance and education regarding LGBT issues extends throughout the country.

Though President Trump himself has no history of open hostility towards the LGBT community (he said earlier this year that transgender people can use the bathroom they feel is appropriate, and he has recently not shown inclination towards banning same-sex marriage) he represents the Republican Party, which currently has a strongly anti-LGBT platform.

Some of the provisions of the GOP platform include an end to same-sex marriage, support for a parent being allowed to subject gay and transgender children to "conversion therapy" to change their sexual orientation or gender identity, and support for state laws including public bathroom discrimination.

And despite Trump's self-declaration as being "gay-friendly," he told Fox News before that he would strongly consider appointing a Supreme Court justice who would overturn same-sex marriage. Additionally, Trump said he would remove all of Obama's executive orders, including the one that protects the rights of transgender students, and the one that bans LGBT discrimination by federal contractors Additionally, Trump's Whitehouse.gov website took down the LGBT and Civil Rights pages. The Civil Rights page was replaced with "Standing Up For Our Law

Enforcement Community."

Despite this, many believe that there is no danger to LGBT Americans.

"I don't feel that anybody has got a target on their back," said Assistant Principal Jamie Carayiannis. "I don't think that [the LGBT community] or any group in our country is being isolated and being punished for some reason."

Like many other Americans, Carayiannis views the LGBTQ+ community's as well as other groups' efforts to gain and maintain rights in the U.S. (BLM, feminism) as unecessary.

"I work at a school that is very diverse, I love everybody here," Carayiannis said, "but I don't believe there should be one group that should get something just because they're in this group, or they should be special."

Carayiannis views Trump's message as one that is more inclusive than divisive.

"I think what he's trying to do, is rather than have all of these individual things going on, and everybody wanting their own little individual piece of America, were all Americans," Carayiannis said. "You all get an opportunity, and nobody is more important than anybody else."

While a heartening message, there are still major divides, prejudices and inequalities that need to be addressed, and not in the present manner, before we can all call ourselves Americans first.

CHORUS CONCERT

MR. ANNANDALE On Friday, February 24 at 7:00 p.m. the Mr. Annandale competition will be held in the auditorium.

STUDENTS RELEASED 2 HOURS EARLY On Friday, April 7 students will be released 2 hours early. This will mark the begining of Spring break.

The Mid-Winter Chorus Concert will be held on Tuesday, March 14, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the auditorium.

PRESIDENTS DAY Monday, February 20 will be Presidents Day. Students and staff have the day off.

TITUS' DRIVING SCHOOL 1. The school is bonded and insured 2. Students do not need 45 hours driving time prior to the program 3. Parents and students can Google the Titus driving school for school reviews 4. Students don't have to pay until they get their driver's license 5. If you bring your friend along, you get $25 off your payment.

6. If you're 18 years old, you don't have to hold your learner's permit for 9 months.

Black history bowl held CONT. BLACK HISTORY "I'm studying the packet I was given," senior team member Saad Farooq said. "The packet has tons of biographies on different people, some who we didn't learn about in history class."

Every year the bowl is hosted by Technology Education teacher Philip Harris, who asks the teams a series of questions before announcing the winner at the end.

"I expect that the senior team will win," Farooq said. "We've got the most experienced team."

FCPS introduces the successes and talents of black

Americans from a young age. As seen in the first grade curriculum, Martin Luther King and Arthur Ashe Jr. are among names like George Washington and Pocahontas as important figures in history.

Seeing as AHS is so diverse, we are one of the few schools who tap into that and offer a black history bowl to spread awareness of the many contributions from the African American community.

Black history is American history, and it should be relevant to the entire classroom while connected to the present issues relevant today. February should be a way to go deeper into black history rather than the only time to acknowledge it.

Phone: (571)-217-1441

Email: titusdrivingschool@gmail.com

VA State LIC # 1503-00634

6 ACADEMICS

Feb. 14, 2017

Students qualify for regional science fair

BY IVANNA PEREZ AND ASHLEIGH STORM Staff Writers After science fair was held on Jan 25., the top three projects in each category will continue on to regionals on March 17 at Robinson High School.

Students in Honors Biology, Chemistry, and Physics participate in the science fair and present their science skills to judges in hopes of advancing in the fair. Kids from all over the county participate in science fair, each presenting projects involved with their class course.

After each school wide science fair, several people will move on to the regional science fair to present their projects.

"Regionals is a competition amongst the region which is Fairfax County. Some homeschooled kids, kids in private schools, and anyone who won a prize at their school fair can compete at regionals which is a huge group of students," said Biology teacher Caroline Gergel.

Students prepare by researching, asking teachers about their topic and brainstorming questions they will have to answer to judges about their projects, called murder boards.

"My project is the effect of different liquids on the time it takes for Tylenol to dissolve. I plan on doing the same project. I am going to prepare a little more, do some more background research, research on questions, and that kind of stuff," said junior Selam Negash, third place winner in Chemistry.

"My project is the effect of the shape of a boomerang on the range and direction flown. To prepare for science fair I make sure that my research is related to my project, what I'm doing, and what I measure. It needs to be relevant," said junior Stephen Hy, second place winner in Physics.

Other things students do to prepare is test out their experiments and create their poster boards or scientific

models.

"My project was the effect of distance of a fluorescent light from a plasma ball on the amount of light produced by the fluorescent light." said junior Mikalah Parsons, third place winner in Physics. "To prepare for science fair I usually do a murder board and create the layout of my presentation."

Students who qualified for regionals must attend and register their projects, find a spot, and have their projects judged.

This means the judges and officials will check for safety hazards in each project. On Saturday, March 18, the judging will take place all day. Students work so hard on these projects they often feel nervous, scared or have no feelings at all.

"I feel pretty normal going into Regionals this year," says junior Ian McClelland, second place winner in Chemistry.

"I'm not that confident [going into regionals], but you know. Whatever happens, happens. I'm okay with whatever happens," Negash said.

"I feel pretty excited about going to regionals because this is my first time and I get to see other scientists in Fairfax County and how they do. I also feel like my project may not be the best, but I will still try my hardest and show what I got," Hy said.

"My project is the effect of pH on seed germination.

Winning was a real surprise for me. My teacher said I worked really hard, and she was happy I won. Now I'm going to regionals and it's just a great experience." says freshman Alexander Chounramany, first place winner in Biology.

The fair will be open to the public on Sunday, March 19 for everyone to see all the projects presented and the winners.

Scholarship Watch

SCIENCE FAIR RESULTS

Biology- First Place "My project is the effect of pH on seed germination.

I chose it because I am interested in acids and its affects."

Alexander Chounramany

· First place Biology: Alexander Chounramany · Second place Biology: Group: Elizabeth Dula, Britney Tran, and Mya-Ave Clayburn · Group: Jasmine Tang and Cerys Jones · Third place Biology: Group: Kaitlyn Muth, Fatima Khalid, and Jennifer Rojas

Chemistry- First Place

· Group: Jonathan Rapp, Gabriel Mills, and Raffi Krikorian

"My project was the effect of type of teeth whitening on teeth brightness. We chose this project because a good smile is something everyone wants to have and we wanted to know which home remedies would have the effect in having a white simle."

Aklesiya Abebe

· First place Chemistry: Aklesiya Abebe, Elleni Abraha, and Vanessa Rios-Ramos · Second place Chemistry: Group: Maria Cisneros-Gomez, Johanna Rodriguez-Huarachi, and Michelle Dang · Third place Chemistry: Selam Negash · Third place Chemistry: Christian Reyes · First place Physics: Binqi Chen

Physics- First Place

· Second place Physics: Ian McClelland

"My project was on the effect of evaporation rate on the movement of the drinking bird. I chose it because it was a common toy in our lives and I thought we could all learn from it."

Binqi Chen

· Second place Physics: Steven Hy · Third place Physics: Mikalah Parsons · Third place Physics: Janice Vaz

PTSA offers new SAT class

BY DREW WHITE

College is expensive these days, and many people need help paying for it. There are many of scholarships out there and some are not too hard to get. Check here for scholarships each issue or log into your Blackboard and click family connection for more ideas. Scan the QR codes for more information on each scholarship. There will be sport, minority, merit, and service based scholarships, look here to find these types of scholarships.

Beat the Odds Scholarship (Sophomores Only) Essay: Yes, 750 words.

Personal statement addressing an obstacle that you have overcome or are in the process of over coming. You must also have several teacher/counselor recomendations and a GPA of at least 3.0.

Reward: $10,000 Deadline: March 10, 2017

Staff Writer The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship Essay: No, but you must fill out a lengthy application about your past grades, clubs and leadership activities.

Reward: $20,000 *Application will open in August 2017

BMW/SAE Engineering Scholarship Essay: No, but must have a GPA of 3.75 and score in the 90th percentile on the SAT/ACT. *Must be pursing an engineering or science related scholarship.

Reward: $1,500 each year or $6,000 total.

Deadline: March 15, 2017

The Annandale PTSA is striving to bridge the gap between students from different financial backgrounds by offering more affordable, convenient SAT classes for students.

This year, they have formed a partnership with Specifix Prep, a test preparation service based out of Washington D.C. The class will be offered at Annandale High School, and taught by Patrick Bock, the founder of the prep organization.

When founding the organization, Bock's goal was to help students with specific issues in targeted areas.

Senior Liam Conroy took these classes before the SAT and said, "It was extremely helpful because the class helped me understand the strategy of the test."

Starting March 25th, there will be SAT prep classes held for the May SAT. There will be 6 classes teaching reading, writing, and math as seen on the SAT. On top of the 6 classes, there will be 3 practice tests.

Patrick Bock will be teaching these sessions in rooms 75 and 77 at Annandale High School teaching how to take the test. For a total of 9 sessions, the cost of the class will be $225 per student.

"Honestly, I would recommend anyone planning on taking the SAT to do this class because it helped me a ton," Conroy said.

Perhaps Bock is an especially great teacher because of his experience with taking the SAT. He practices taking the SAT so that he can better understand the test, and teach it to his students.

IB Spotlight: Maddie Schinstock

Patrick Bock, Teacher and founder of Specifix Prep.

"The practice tests we took helped me understand the shortness of time we have during the actual test."

Conroy said.

Even if you have already taken the test, it is recommended you take the SAT a total of 2-3 times. If your last test scores disappointed you, give this class a chance to be better prepared and have a greater chance of success. Patrick Bock has the strategy, advice, and practice plan you need take SAT and succeed!

Sudoku

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

A: It's definitely easy to fall into the trap with IB to just do homework. I think in high school, though, a social life is just as important and necessary as academics are. I purposely try to get together with people often enough outside of school. This ranges from actually going out to just hanging out after school. Still, a lot of my social life consists of doing work with friends. You take what you can get.

Q: What are your studying habits?

A: It varies based on the subject. Each is different for me in terms of difficulty and approach. Some I find just sitting down and reading over the notes work, others I have to make study guides and notecards even when they're Q: What advice would you give future IB diploma cannot required. Writing information down seems to work didates? best for me.

A: Take some time for yourself sometimes. This is a stressful program and its going to wear you down every Q: What is your favorite IB subject? once and awhile. In the end, the one assignment you're A: It's hard to pick a favorite, since they're all engaging probably stressing on isn't as important as your mental in a different way. It also depends on homework loads, well-being. On the other hand, don't procrastinate (it's some days my favorite classes turn into my least favorite usually not worth it and helps in avoiding stressful situand vice versus. I'd have to say that IB Biology is favorite, ations). partly because I just love science.

Q: What skills do you think the IB program has taught Q: What are your plans after high school? you that can help you later in life?

A: I plan to attend college and major in biology, but I still A: I can now time manage better than most people. When don't know where that will be yet! you have a hundred and one assignments to squeeze into a certain amount of hours, you learn how to plan ahead Q: How are you going to prepare for the IB exams? fast. I can definitely see this helping me in college and in A: IB exams are still pretty far away in my mind. As se- my future career. niors, we're still a bit in the thick of lessons and college applications right now. As far as studying for them, I've Q: Who has helped you on your IB journey? saved all my notes and powerpoints from teachers and A: All the other IB diploma students have helped me the plan to put together a study guide for each class as I've most. The bond that grows between everyone is really found that organizing and writing all the information strong, likely because we're all going through the same down helps me prepare the best. situation. I know I can rely on them for help with homework or even just a laugh if I need one.

Q: What is your extended essay topic?

A: I wrote about morals in the Grimm fairytales. Specifi- Q: Who is your favorite IB teacher? cally, I analyzed the surface and subliminal morals of Red A: I definitely couldn't pick just one teacher! They're all Riding Hood, The Goose Girl, and The Frog Prince. fabulous and, even though it's often challenging, it's their teaching and passion that makes the program so engagQ: Is your only focus academics? ing. The real benefit of the IB program here at Annandale A: No, I have several hobbies I enjoy outside of school is being able to work and learn from them. work. I love painting and embroidering, all of which I get to do in IB Art. I'm also an avid reader and go through two Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? or three books a week.

A: Who knows! Maybe doing research in Antarctica or investigating genetic mutations in a lab. Probably still obsessively highlighting everything.

Directions:

1. Place numbers where they do not already exist.

2. The game only contains numbers 1-9.

3. The goal of sudoku is to place 1-9 in the empty spaces so that each row, column, and each 3x3 box contains the same number only once.

Get the Answers!

On your smartphone, scan this code using the application QR Code get the answer to the Sudoku.

HEALTH 7

Feb. 14, 2017

Livin' like a vegetarian Follow Dani Villaroel's life without meat

Why going vegan is the newest trend of 2017 Young adults ready to switch their diets for benefits

Eggs vs. Tofu Vegans substitute tofu for eggs into their meals as half a cup of tofu contains 10 grams of protein.

Dairy vs. Soy Milk

BY JULIE NGUYEN Health Editor

8:00 a.m.

For breakfast I usually have toast with a spread, my favorite is avocado and I usually drink a to-go smoothie if I don't have time to make one.

As awareness surrounding animal cruelty becomes more mainstream, it is clear that the vegan trend is steadily rising. Just a few years back, the word "vegan," was not a common term heard within society; however, with social media engulfing our lives, the frequent disturbing videos of animals being tortured have spread like wildfire.

With videos of injured bunnies being shared and viewed over a million times, campaigns advocating veganism have erupted and going vegan has become popular among young adults.

A vegan can be defined as an individual who does not eat or use any animal products. They differ from vegetarians in that they do not only cut meat out of their diets, but they cut all animal products from their daily lives.

The transition from a typical diet consisting of meat usually occurs over a long period of time in which individuals begin with a strict vegetarian diet. Abruptly cutting animal products out of your diet and life is nearly impossible and it is common for there to be a gradual transition in order for the body to adjust to the change.

As a result, most vegans are first vegetarians before taking the full commitment of eliminating animal products from not only their meals, but also their ways of living.

"I would say that I have a pretty healthy and active lifestyle. I decided to become a vegetarian in eighth grade, so it has been over three years since I made the switch," junior Anna Vogus said.

"I decided to go vegetarian because there is a lot of animal cruelty in the meat industry, but also because it is a healthier lifestyle in general."

For vegan diets, meat is not the only ingredient that is eliminated. Food with dairy, honey and gelatin are also avoided. In terms

12:00 p.m.

For lunch I have mixed salads with a light dressing and on the side I usually have fruit cups.

4:00 p.m.

Before practice or after school, I usually drink carrot juice and today I had bell peppers dipped in guacamole.

7:00 p.m.

My dinner usually has a side of veggies with a main dish.

Today being tomato pasta after a long lacrosse practice.

Soy milk is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin D, potassium and it is significantly lower in calories compared to whole and skim milk.

Dairy vs. Coconut Yogurt Unsweetened coconut yogurt doesn't contain added sugar that you would usually find in regular yogurt. of their daily lives, many products like makeup as well as shampoo and conditioner tend to contain animal products and are not acceptable in adopting a vegan lifestyle. However, there are some companies that have committed to being vegan and cruelty free and serve as good alternatives for vegans.

"My plan is that either in college or once I finish college I will make the transfer [to become a vegan]," Vogus said. "I want to wait until I buy and make my own food. It's a healthier lifestyle and there are a lot of different types of food you can substitute for meat."

Although the task of eliminating animal products may seem to be difficult for many, it is a lifestyle that more people are beginning to turn towards. Vegans are encouraged to eliminate animal products from their lives for three reasons: the animals, their health and the environment.

This first factor is the most apparent in terms of having a societal impact as vegans avoid animal-derived ingredients because of the cruelty involved.

For most companies that make household items like liquid cleaners or even makeup, their products are typically tested on small animals like mice and bunnies.

Additionally, much of the food industry is

known to mistreat their animals in which they are cruelly slaughtered in the process of production.

These inhumane acts towards animals in both factories and food industries have influenced much of the public outrage and support for vegan campaigns.

The second reason for eliminating animal products is for personal health. Plant-based diets that both vegetarians and vegans follow are known to be rich in many necessary nutrients like iron, calcium and other vitamins.

Unlike meaty beef or other animal ingredients, vegan choices are low in saturated fats. Other health benefits of following a vegan diet include increased energy and good skin.

The third influence of going vegan is for the betterment of the environment. Although this quality is not mentioned as frequently, the production of meat and other animal products heavily affects the environment as the process increases the world's carbon footprint.

The millions of acres of land and massive amounts of water required to care for livestock and crops will only continue to contribute to global warming and pollution.

In order to sustain the growing food demands of the world, deforestation is spreading and land is being cleared without consideration of the Earth's well-being.

Guide to beating the February flu season Preventative steps to avoid the common viral infection 1. Get your flu shot If you have not already, make sure that you make an appointment with your doctor to receive your yearly flu shot. This is important in helping to strengthen the immune system in order to avoid the easily transmitted flu.

2. Don't touch your face One thing that many people do unintentionally is touch their face with unclean hands. Exposing your face, specifically your eyes and mouth, to the bacteria on your fingers is a quick way to transfer germs and make you sick.

3. Take vitamins To ensure you are getting all the vitamins you need, it is a good idea to focus on foods that have plenty, such as oranges. Take over-the-counter vitamin supplements. Vitamin C is known to protect against colds and the flu.

3. Buy new toothbrushes It is easy to forget that your toothbrush needs replacing about every three months. Toothbrushes are filled with many germs (including fecal germs from a nearby tiolet), so make sure to keep some stocked to replace when needed.

Staring at a screen may How much time do you not be so bad for teens spend in front of a screen?

BY JUDY NANAW Health Editor Laying in the dark with a bright screen illuminating your face for hours is bound to damage your eyesight and affect your brain. At least, this is what we have been taught to believe. However, according to recent studies, it turns out that screen time may not be so dangerous after all.

Research published in Jan. 2017 including more than 120,000 teenagers at the University of Oxford showed that excessive amounts of time spent on a screen is not harmful and appears unlikely to have serious negative effects. In fact, instead of the assumed decline in well-being we think results from too much screen time, the study concluded that after hours of exposure to a screen, the well-being of the teenagers actually improved.

This is because spending moderate time in front of a screen may be relieving stress through online games, expressing oneself through social media, and conducting research or finishing school work while typing on a computer.

The Internet and many forms of social media have allowed teenagers everywhere to make new friends online, benefiting their self-esteem and allowing young people to be more communicative rather than closed off. As long as spending time with a screen is not the only thing one does, one can still have an active social life.

"The Internet can benefit one's social life in that one can make new friends online," senior Kitty Le said. "Additionally, an individual can connect with friends without having to go out to see them, as well as friends who live far away."

Some people are not as quick to believe that screen time is harmless. There is still the possibility of spending too much time online, preventing teenagers from learning how to deal with real-world interactions. Young adults have become too used to speaking to people

through screens via text, email, or social media. This will inevitably harm their abilities to interact with others face-to-face or in person if excessive.

Although teens are becoming more open and sociable through technology, they are becoming less communicative in real life.

"The Internet can also be detrimental because [teens] may only spend [their] time on the internet instead of interacting with friends and family," Le said.

After AHS passed out school laptops for every student in need of one, in every classroom teenagers have computers out and open on their desks and are choosing to type notes instead of hand-write them. Even though this is more convenient as it makes note-taking faster, they may not be grasping the information they are writing as well as they would if they were to use pencil and paper.

"I prefer handwriting my notes because it helps me retain the information better," Le said.

According to the Association for Psychological Science, using pen and paper, not laptops, to take notes boosts memory and the ability to retain and understand concepts. However, there is no stopping the rise in technology use-- whether it is outside or inside of school.

In addition to encouraging tech use by providing laptops to AHS students, there has been a drop in physical textbook usage as most are now accessible online through Pearson. These practices are only increasing the levels of screen time teens are exposed to.

Still, being in front of a screen cannot be all bad or all good. There are benefits as well as drawbacks that come with the increasingly technology-reliant world.

The best thing to do is to watch out for how much time is spent staring at screens and lessen that time if it is excessive. Sometimes, being in front of a screen is unavoidable, but attempting to balance that amount by finding hobbies unrelated to technology can have positive effects.

"Four hours. I use my phone while I'm watching shows on TV like Pretty Little Liars."

RILEY MELENDEZ freshman

"I spend at least 2.5-3 hours. I log onto my computer and study or play on my play station if I don't have a lot of homework."

DAVIEL CRUZ

"Five hours with homework, YouTube, and Netflix because I need good grades, but I also need to relax."

"Three hours. I go on Twitter and Netflix."

DANNY LAM sophomore

EPHRATA YOHANNES sophomore

freshman

"Six hours either doing my homework or just trying to catch up on social media."

KATHERYN HOUT junior

"This is terrible, but for hours studying."

LONG NGUYEN junior

"I am doing this new thing where I'm not on social media anymore so I'm getting around one to two hours a day of screen time."

"I get six hours on my phone when I'm using social media or working on homework or anything for school."

NORA HASRAT

BENNY LE

senior

senior

8 PHOTO

Feb. 14, 2017

Candid moments

Freshman Abril Sanchez Quiero tosses the ball on the field during a lacrosse green day. "I like lacrosse because it's a difficult sport but once you get the hang of it it's fun," Sanchez Quiero said.

KATIE POPE

KATIE POPE

Students participate in everyday activities around the school

Junior Steven Hy (front left) and other orchestra students eat in the orchestra room during D lunch. "I like to eat in the orchestra room rather than the cafeteria, because it is peaceful and it's great being able to talk to my orchestra buds," Hy said.

Freshman Daniel Lopez-Batres, Mohamed Ahmed and Abraham Kebrom color a map for the book The Odyssey in the hallway for English class.

KATIE POPE

Sophomore Jessica Ambrocio talks with friends after school before they go on the bus. "The bus is very loud, but I have no other way home so I take the bus," Ambrocio said.

KATIE POPE

Junior Elliot Alwes makes an announcement to everyone in the cafeteria during C lunch. "I made C lunch aware of Singing Valentines so that we could spread the love," Alwes said. "I love our choir program and want to support however I can."

KATIE POPE

KATIE POPE

Senior Danyom Beyene explains the details of Singing Valentines to customers during lunch in the cafeteria. "I am helping out with Singing Valentines because I asked to be in charge along side juniors Selam Negash and Michelle Akl," Beyene said. "We organized this because we loved participating in Singing Valentines the last couple of years and now we are in charge of it and it has been lots of fun."

KATIE POPE

Sophomore Alex Bellem and a few of his friends sit on the stairs in the morning. They listen to music and play on their phones. "My friends and I sit here and wait for the bell to ring," Bellem said. "I go on my phone and watch Revertz, my favorite You Tuber."

KATIE POPE

KATIE POPE

Sophomores Carson Chen and Emily Trachsel complete their class work in Government. "I think Government is an important class because it is important that everyone understands how the government works since we are the ones who have to live with it," Chen said.

Juniors Razan Abdelaziz and Katherine Angel talk to Chemistry teacher Isaac Boakye between class. "I was telling my two best students that one of them looks similar to a guy in one of my classes and that they could be siblings," Boakye said.

ARTS 9

Feb. 14, 2017

Students display their talent at exhibit

BY SERENE GHUL Arts Editor The Arts Department held its annual arts show in Clausen Hall on February 9 and 10.

Students from all levels of art were asked to complete a self reflection project.

In the studio arts, students were given three choices as to how they could depict themselves.

Students must choose either extreme lighting, extreme angles, or an extreme pose of themself.

Senior William Cardoza chose to do an extreme pose, giving himself a double chin.

"I created a charcoal drawing of myself. I tried to go for the double chin pose because I thought it would be very funny," Cardoza said.

Cardoza was also the first student of Jacqueline Pappas class to advance past the first two stages of an art competition .

He will now be advancing to a much more competitive round.

This round is extremely selective and essentially the districts for art.

Cardoza is a first-year art student and is enrolled in Studio Art 1.

"I was originally supposed to do tech theater but due to conflicts in my schedule, I could not. After finding out I had a free space in my schedule, I jumped at the opportunity to take art," Cardoza said.

After submitting his piece to Scholastic, he was excited to find out he had won a Silver Key for his self-portrait.

Sophmore Vy Ngyuen also submitted her piece to Scholastic where she received honorable mention.

"I chose to do a charcoal drawing of myself and chose to use extreme lighting for my piece," Ngyuen said.

Another special twist about the project is students started the portraits from a single square.

Rather than sketch a full self-portrait, the students were required to fill each square with detail from the center and work their way out of the middle.

Computer Graphics also participated took part in this

self-reflection project. Students from level one were asked to complete a self-portrait that reflected themself as well as their interests the best.

This was the students first time displaying their artwork in Clausen Hall.

"It is the students first time having a place for their own artwork and getting a chance to display their final big project," computer graphics teacher Suellen Merlo said.

The students are learning Adobe Illustrator in order to create their final self-piece project. To start, the students took a photo of themselves in front of a green screen where they then uploaded the photo onto the computer and created their own background.

Unlike studio art, students were allowed to go as abstract as they desired and could choose to create themselves however they imagined.

"This was more of an identity project. Students were allowed to choose what spoke to them. Our pieces were more of the graphic take on the self-portrait" Merlo said.

Students could choose whatever facial expressions and background they wanted.

"Some students chose more abstract takes and others chose to be true to themselves, it was whatever they felt Senior William Cardoza's charcoal drawing of himself. Cardoza chose the extreme pose and won truly reflected their personality," Merlo said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILLIAM CARDOZA

Art show hits Clausen Hall

a Silver Key.

Get to know featured members of Cinderella

Name: Emily Trachsel Grade: 10 Role: Joy Emily Trachsel has been performing since middle school. She has been in multiple productions at AHS including her lead role in Blood Wedding.

Name: Holly Ramia Grade: 11 Role: Stepmother Holly Ramia has been performing in musicals and plays in high school for three years now. She perfomed "Cell Block Tango" in Broadway desserts and has been a part of Annandale Singers for two years.

Name: Hidaya Hussein Grade: 11 Role: Fairy Godmother Hidaya Hussein will be performing on stage in a musical for the first time ever. This is also her first major role. She has been a part of the choir for three years now.

Name: Beckman Hollis Grade: 12 Role: King Beckman Hollis has been a part of every musical production at AHS over the past four years.

He has had multiple lead roles such as his role in "Les Miserables."

Name: Danyom Beyene Grade: 12 Role: Christopher This is Danyom's fourth year performing in musicals and plays in high school.

He has been a part of every play at AHS. He joined choir his sophmore year and has continued with choir ever since.

Name: Daniel Interiano Grade: 12 Role: Lionel This is Daniels's fourth year being apart of theater. He is also an active member of the choir and starred in his own solo in Broadway desserts.

Featured artist: Skylar Franzelas

Featured artist: Eva Bajjeni

Q: What's your favorite part about art?

A: I like the flexibility I have when it comes to being creative on my own terms.

Q: What's your favorite part about art?

A: My favorite part about art is how there are no guidelines and you can let your creativity run wild and have complete control over what you make.

Q: What gave you the idea to create this piece?

A: All the pieces shown below I found inspiration for through my art class, Photo 3, and my teacher when she allowed me to take some porcelain home.

Q: What gave you the idea to create this piece?

A: I got the idea to create the church painting because it was my teta's (grandma's) birthday and that church is a strong symbol of her home in Lebanon.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EVA BAJJENI

Q: What inspired you to start doing art?

A: What inspired me to do art was that I grew up around a lot of artistic people in my family and I always enjoyed looking at the works of great artists like Claude Monet and Van Gogh.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

A: My advice to aspiring artists is to not let criticism deter you from doing what you enjoy because anyone can be an artist.

PHOTO COURTESY OF EVA BAJJENI

Junior Eva Bajjeni has been interested in art for many years now.

Q: What style of painting do you enjoy best?

A: I enjoy more realistic painting, but I'm trying to expand into doing more abstract works.

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

A: Art is one of those things that requires hardwork and dedication which is why you can never give up.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SKYLAR FRANZELAS

Name: Savannah Gravitt Grade: 9 Role: Cinderella This is Savannah's first major role in a musical and her first musical at AHS. Savannah has been in multiple performances including a lead role in her middle school play "Beauty and the Beast".

Q: What style of painting do you enjoy best?

A: I enjoy taking pictures of things that are not typically shown in today's media. For example, I take a lot of pictures of people with porcelain baby dolls.

Q: How long have you been practicing this style of art?

A: I've been taking pictures since I was in 6th grade. I never took photography classes until I entered high school.

Senior Skylar Franzelas is a Scholastic award winner.

tography allows me to do that and express myself freely.

Q: What do you enjoy taking images of?

A: I usually enjoy and prefer to take photos of people considering they can give off and show so much emotion.

Q: What inspired you to start photography?

A: I have always enjoyed the fascinating things in the world that I believe should be captured. Pho-

Q: How long have you been practicing art?

A: I've been painting since i was in elementary school but I started getting more serious with painting in middle school.

Q: What do you enjoy painting?

A: I usually enjoy painting scenery and landscapes.

A painting by Bajjeni of the comedic superhero Deadpool.

A painting of a church inspired by Bajjeni's grandmother 's church in Lebanon.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SKYLAR FRANZELAS

PHOTO COURTESY OF SKYLAR FRANZELAS

PHOTO COURTESY OF EVA BAJJENI

PHOTO COURTESY OF EVA BAJJENI

A recreation of Van Gogh's "Starry Night" painted by Eva Bajjeni.

This piece is titled "Breaking Through" and Franzelas won a gold key and American vision's nomination.

This piece is titled "Ebony". Franzelas won a Silver Key for this photograph.

10 IN-DEPTH

Feb. 14, 2017

IN-DEPTH 11

Feb. 14, 2017

REAL-ATIONSHIPS? YES

BY CASEY NYGUEN Staff Writer Love and attraction can be strange and mysterious concepts, particularly while you are in high school. We are still in the prime years of our lives, barely understanding the true meanings of intimacy and responsibility.

Our whole future awaits us. As we wait, we attempt to find ways to pass the time. Whether it's by taking challenging academic courses, extracurricular activities, and sports.

Some have the opportunity to fill their time by spending it with the person they love.

When you find someone who loves and cherishes you in return, the adrenaline of feelings creates an unforgettable happiness and euphoria.

Love strikes people constantly, churning on their feelings of bliss, optimism, and patience. One is infused with energy, excited to discover and do new things and the smallest of things causes so much joy.

Even if it may be temporary and not the everlasting love every person dreams of. For each boy and girl, they may have a few admires and crushes throughout all four years.

Every love should be given a chance to see if they could be their one and only. Although, feelings may be confusing and change, our adolescent state makes us vulnerable

to mistakes. But what is life without taking a few chances? What's living without taking a little risk?

A teenager's love life kickstarts in high school with different experiences and a new perspective on what love could be.

Their heads clouded by hormones and giddy romance, they oftentimes make the mistake of rushing into situations to become mature. All are characterized as reckless and impulsive, making choices without thinking of the consequences. Despite what they may believe, this is not always the case.

Maturity varies between people, not everybody is exactly alike. One teenager's mindset and goals could be different in contrast to another.

The same thing goes for high school dating. It has no routine, no pattern, and no habit. It is a different experience for everyone that has the chance to go through it.

Everybody's first love is one many dreams will last a lifetime.

Although, candidly speaking: many high school sweethearts end up breaking up at some point in time., there are a few strong relationships.

It isn't impossible to have a long, serious relationship as long as you and the one you love are equally committed. Though, the general perception is that high school romances likely end when they go to college. The long-distance could ruin it all for some.

However, high school is the time that a person will remember and cherish forever. That special someone could greatly enhance the enjoyment of the high school experience.

Besides, relationships do not

always have to be serious, especially at this young age. We are still learning the ups and downs of love, something we still may not completely understand when we age.

We are still learning to navigate relationships that are not serious for fun. Relationships will come and go, but your high school experience is never going to change.

Every experience that happens during high school prepares us for our future. Whether it was being too afraid to ask your crush to homecoming or that test you bombed because you binge-watched "Grey's Anatomy" all night.

We can never go back and press 'rewind' to our high school years. No regrets. That's the goal you want to achieve by the time you walk across that stage to receive your diploma, that you did everything you could and would do.

By making mistakes and learning from them now, we could better prepare ourselves for future obstacles later in our lives.

During this stressful period in your life, you need to sometimes let go. Be open to trying new experiences and actually living your life instead of being holed up in your bed doing homework every night.

There will be heartbreaks along the way with ups and downs. No relationship is ever perfect but we should focus on the present and whomever you may love now.

You only live once and will never be this age again. Might as well enjoy it while it lasts.

Should teens date in high school?

LOVE SURVEY NO 88%

have not been in a mentally or physicaly abusive relationship

BY YABI BEREKET AND KIMBERLY VAIDES

82% of students are currently single

Staff Writer and In-Depth Editor A relationship is between two individuals who devote time, commitment, share their difficulties and happiness with one another.

Can you imagine sharing a part of your life while trying to get your life together? A relationship collides with the overload of schoolwork, search for college, stress, and the fact that it may be too early to declare that everlasting love.

The question comes to light: are high school relationships worth the struggle?

Now, this is not us just ranting on the bitterness of being single, but rather genuine thoughts we've considered to make a valid argument.

The thought of having a high school sweetheart sounds wonderful; having someone love and cherish you. It is something we all eventually long for.

Yet, when looking at the chances, it seems like the balance tilts to one side; towards the jumpstart of your future rather than fulfilling a present relationship. If one of the two is lacking in success, the reasonable thing to do would be to drop one, to help the other grow; and in the case of high school dating, school typically comes first.

On top of that, a large majority of students do not seem mature enough to maintain a relationship that lasts more than a month. These

62% have not been "friendzoned" 53% strongly agree that they can function without a 52% of students have been in a relationship

romantic partner

50%

44% have not gone on a first date 37% have seen PDA (public display of affection) every other day

23% agree that seeing PDA (public display of affection) in public makes them uncomfortable

of students have had their first kiss

35%

agree that when a couple breaks up, the news spreads around quickly and everyone talks about it

23%

disagree that dating someone distracts them from their schoolwork

107 surveys were sent out during pride time on Feb. 3, 2017.

What's the craziest or dumbest thing you've done for your crush?

"I spent a lot of money on them."

TESABIH OMER freshman

"I went to his house and got his parents to take us out to dinner and found out he liked me too."

"I jumped off a two "I haven't done anything crazy story house." because I think it MAXIMUS LEHANEY wastes time and freshman I'd rather focus on important things."

Our Sweethearts Sophomores: Viann Tran & Kyle Dalismer "Last year, we had the same theater class and I soon found out that he could sing. His singing voice made my heart melt.

I like tall guys and he was just perfect. He's really weird and gets on my nerves sometimes. But I put that aside and play with his hair.

I remember when he asked me out like it was yesterday. We had been texting for awhile and had neutral feelings towards him. Then this year he told me how he felt and I couldn't help but feel the same!

We've been together for a few months and I'm happy I can call him both my love and best friend." - Viann

Juniors: Ian Marburger and Rebecca Kindling "I had recently switched math classes, and my free period also switched. Ian walked into my class and asked me if I wanted to go to Chipotle. We were following each other on social media but had never actualy talked. I was surprised that he asked me without us even knowing each other."

- Rebecca

"She was Jewish so then I started celebrating Hannukah."

EDDY MENDIETA

"I called my significant other's name was a charcter we junior created."

TAIKA AKRIB junior

"I spent so much "The craziest thing time that I forgot I I've done is stalk had feelings too." her social media KEYLA PORTILLO all day." senior LUCAS MICHEAL senior

"We basically never talked until this year. Then she switched into my free period, and my math class. I thought she was cute and I liked the way she talked about things and her sense of humor so I asked her out! " - Ian

6 signs you could be in an abusive realationship

1. Gaslighting

2. Physical harm

This form of abuse is used to question your sanity, feelings, memory and doubt yourself. The abusive partner could change the subject, deny claims, refuse to listen and make you question yourself.

Your partner may physicaly hurt you during an argument. They may also throw objects or grab them to frighten their partner.

3. Threats when you try to break up They could threaten to hurt you and those you care about. Emotionaly, they could threaten to harm themselves. Also, threats to expose you.

4. Stalking

5. Isolating you

Stalking includes showing up or waiting for you at home, work or school uninvited. It could also be feeling like you need to inform your partner where you are at all times.

Your partner may slowly begin to seperate you from your friends, family and love compeitors. They could prevent you from having any connections with them.

6. Force and control Signs of intense possession can lead to controlling your decisions and actions. They may ask to see your phone and control online communications. They may also yell commands to you.

The fault in our stars Sophomore shares her experience in a mentally abusive relationship

sophomore

freshman

a broken heart?

"It's not impossible that high school relationships can not last, some [couples] end up actually getting married and having a future, but most of the time, high schoolers do not know the difference between love and lust," said sophomore Hemen Besufekad.

Overall, our argument is not that it is impossible to find love or have a real relationship in high school, everyone's situation is different for each of them.

However, is it not sensible to devote time and effort to finding yourself rather than looking for it into another?

And in the rare occasion that a relationship passes through high school and into college, long distance really doesn't seem like the way to go.

Having to buy plane tickets to meet one another, and having poor connection over facetime, makes it seem as though the end to that chapter has come.

We should be exploring life beyond our boundaries; find ourselves, achieving personal goals, spending time with friends, experience life's possibilities and enjoy ourselves.

If you really look at it, you will be married to one individual for more than half your life. So why not take advantage of having only yourself to worry about and treat?

We are young and reckless. Nevertheless, dating in high school are the mistakes and experience we have during our lives.

For a majority of students, they put their future ahead of everything else, relationships are just out of the picture.

Sophomores: Sadaf Marzi & Khayleb Santos "Khayleb and I were complete opposites when we met on the first day of Freshman year. But oddly enough, we somehow became best friends.

He was someone to depend on and have fun with and I never really thought about having romantic feelings for him.

Khayleb, on the other hand was "pulling a Jim" where the character Jim, from the show "The Office" became super close with the office receptionist and then finally asked her out. And that's exactly what happened!

He asked me out. Fast forward to today and we are nowcelebrating our one year anniversary.

- Sadaf

HANSOL YOON

HARNEET KAUR

relationships just come just as easily as they go for the most part.

"If I want a relationship, I want it to last," sophomore Araceli Cabrera said, "I think that's what everyone should strive for."

It's often said that this is the age to try new things to gain experience, but what could one possibly gain from just a month long fling?

I personally think it depends on the people in the relationship. Some people start dating someone solely because that person is their 'type' or their accomplishments and if that's the case then I doubt it will last.

However some could last a while."It really depends on the reason the people are dating and the type of people they are," sophomore Feven Lebamu said.

The idea of a relationship actually lasting longer than a month, and consisting of mature feelings for one another regardless of their facade, is an absolute miracle.

Realistically, teenagers are unsuccessful in reaching stability and building up to maturity. Both in which are important in any relationship.

Another issue within high school relationships is communication. Expressing ourselves to others is a key component in our lives. The foundation of a strong healthy relationship is comforting communication and trust.

If you can barely retain a fluent one-on-one conversation with your partner, how will the relationship progress?

Additionally, being single can save yourself useless drama and a broken heart! If you and your partner break up, it won't go away because everyone keeps reminding you about it. So why bother risking

Seniors: Ahmed Mohamed and Sabrina Huynh "I think it took me over a month to actually get a verbal reply from Ahmed when we first met.

He was a shy and quiet 7th grader riding the bus home, until one day I decided to sit next to him. I remembered asking him "why don't you ever talk back to me?"

Somehow, my annoyance and persistent paid off when he finally opened up to me.

Ever since, we've always been close.

We began fading my junior year but out of nowhere he asked me to prom. Tragically, we are now 89 miles apart."

-Sabrina

ANONYMOUS Special to The A-Blast His words etched within my mind; "you make it seem like you did nothing even though you basically did everything to ruin what I had with the old you." It is engraved with his forgotten promise of "I'll never hurt or leave you."

For months, I tried to convince myself I was over thinking. I didn't understand why, but I was happy.

Nor did I know what was wrong and why I was always apologizing for. I thought it was my fault my boyfriend was depressed. I felt joyless and knew I was in a better state before I met him. Back then, I was unaware of mentally abusive relationships.

We met in eighth grade and our friendship soon turned into a relationship. I felt dearly loved because we were new to a relationship and experienced our first kiss with each other.

However, there was another girl

he talked and cared about. When I saw them together, I told myself I was being a jealous first time girlfriend. I asked about it and he said they previously liked one another but told me "we're like siblings."

I gave him my trust but I knew he wasn't telling me the truth.

I tried to leave the relationship a few times and let him know that I could not handle this daily, aching distress within my chest.

In my attempts, he said he'd hurt himself. For a long time, he had be dealing with depression and was fragile. There were nights where I would stay up late texting him as he went through difficult moments, letting him know that I loved him and that he wasn't alone.

I tried to give him happiness and cared about him too much to lose him. I couldn't leave.

I remember late one night I was trying to tell him how sad I felt. He became overwhelmed with grief and sent a picture of a knife in his kitchen. Unaware of what to do, I

repeated that I loved and needed him. I helplessly begged him not to do anything as he advised me not to call him, saying he wouldn't do anything.

I thought, if I'm with him, he's happy and alive. If I wasn't, he would spiral down and who knew what he could do. In my head, him needing me meant he loved me.

Not too long after, a night came where he told me he liked the girl.

Immediately, I ended our relationship. We didn't contact each other but I made sure he was okay by asking someone. Meanwhile, I tried to

focus more on my transition to high school.

Inevitably, we encountered each other freshman year. During our time apart, I thought I was impetuous and didn't give him a chance. We still liked each other and got back together. I was relieved to be apart of his life again, yet I discovered that during our time apart, he was with the girl. I now knew my doubts were right, but I ignorantly continued our relationship.

Each time I tried asking about it, he always pivoted his answers. He asked why I didn't trust him and said

nothing ever happened. I stopped asking and never got answers. I remained quiet, losing myself and real smile. I denied the fact that I was being controlled and lied to daily by his deceptions. My time was now his. I did not notice how distant I was from my friends and family.

He said I was being manipulated by my parents, that they were making decisions for me, that I was being 'mind controlled.' My parents accepted but detested our relationship.

My parents warnings were tucked away alongside my raging doubts. It wasn't my parents fault, I was breaking due to the fact that he did everything I wasn't allowed to do.

Then one day he disappeared without an explanation. I forced myself to be audacious enough to not call him. I tried to find the answers and pitifully waited. But nobody came.

In the end, every doubt was true.

He lied about everything in our relationship and was in a new one with the girl the next day. Words can't describe how I felt afterwards. Lost and bewildered are just a few understatements.

Time passed. I unexpectedly fell for another boy. We dated and with a

kiss, I was scared all my relationships would be like my last. He told me not to be pessimistic and enjoy the present. Eventually we did break up but he gave me a sincere feeling of being loved without lies. I was able to move on and love another.

A year later, my first love and I are strangers. In the very few times I have spoken to him since, he speaks as though we're still together, though he's taken. My past has influenced me to focus on my life and not waste my time with his delusions.

I don't hate him or anyone; if I did, that would mean that I care. I refuse to let what happen to me shut me away from love. I won't let someone control my actions. I will do whatever makes me happy. I'll date when I'm ready, not when I'm lonely.

I felt like a prisoner chained to pain I called love. I manipulative lovers will stop lying and hurting others.

If you're ever harmed, feel trapped, sad or threatened, get out of there.

Listen to your gut feeling. No matter what they say, that is not love. Nobody has the privilege to treat you in such an atrocious manner. Never put a lover before yourself. I know it's easier said than done, I thought it was impossible. It's never easy to let

12 INTERNATIONAL

Feb. 14, 2017

Student spends nine years in Ghana Senior Jesse Agyapong reminisces about childhood

BY LINA AL TAII International Editor Like most other students, senior Jesse Agyapong has an experience of living outside of the U.S.. Agyapong spent nine of his childhood years in Ghana, moving there when he was two years old and returning to the U.S. at 11 years old.

"We lived in three different houses in three different towns during that time," Agyapong said.

Though he lived in three different towns during this time, one city which stuck out was the large city of Kumasi.

Kumasi is a big city in Ghana, similar to how Washington, D.C. is the capitol of the U.S. Throughout his time in Ghana, he remembers Kumasi the most because of how lively it was.

"I lived in a town really close to the city of Kumasi. It was one of the largest cities in Ghana," Agyapong said, "It was a very open place and there were always people outside. People were really friendly with each other. There were a lot of street vendors as well."

The area that Agyapong lived in had a lot of open space and really big houses.

Agyapong tells us that the closer you got to the city the smaller the houses got and less space there was.

"There's also a lot of freedom there, even for little kids. Sometimes I would go out to play with friends from morning until before dark. Throughout the day I would only go home to eat." Agyapong said.

"The towns I lived in were all close to Kumasi. We first lived in my grandma's house but I don't remember anything from there. It was a very social place and I was always at my neighbors's house with other kids to play games, watch movies, etc." Agyapong said.

A whole childhood spent growing up in a separate country brings many positive influences towards his outlook on culture and everyday life in the U.S., because he has the unique experience of growing up with the culture and everyday life in Ghana.

"There's a lot of superstition in Ghana compared to here," Agyapong said, "People are also very religious and the superstition influences religious beliefs. There's also emphasis on respect for older people and using your left hand is seen as bad. You also have to please a lot to older folks. Other than that it was pretty much the same as here."

Agyapong, two years old, in the U.S. before he moved to Ghana.

Agyapong, six years old, with his mom during one of the three visits she made to Ghana while he lived there.

Agyapong at church on his 10th birthday with other kids.

Facts about Ghana: 1.

Ghana was the first Sub-Saharan country in West Africa to gain independence, in 1957.

2. Ghana's name means Warrior King 3. Although there are many languages spoken in Ghana, English is the main language 4. Ghana is slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Oregon.

5. Soccer is the national sport of Ghana.

This difference in culture gives Agyapong a more open-minded outlook on other cultures, and helps him have a more well rounded understanding of cultural norms and beliefs in different societies.

Another drastic difference between living in Ghana and living in America is the education and school-life.

In Ghana, Agyapong recalls that the buildings for levels of education were separate, but the open playing area was open to all.

"The students stayed in one classroom during the whole school day with the teachers of different subjects rotating. We only left the classroom for PE and lunch and the break times that we got.

Also, the teachers were stricter and used corporal punishment on students who did something they considered disrespectful or wrong," Agyapong said, "Even

though there were drastic differences, as a young boy it was easier to adjust to the new environment and feel at home in the U.S.. One aspect of childhood which does not change no matter where one grows up is the ability to adjust easily and learn new things quickly."

Apart from experiencing difficulting in socializing with people, Agyapong's transition from his home country of Ghana to America was quite easy because of his interactions with friends.

"I got used to the system pretty quickly here, and the only hard part was that I had no friends. Even though I was used to most American norms because of the time I spent with my cousins, I did not know how to act around strangers," Agyapong said.

Although the experience of living in Ghana was important for him to grow up with his family and culture, eventually

6. Similar to the U.S. government system, Ghana's government holds presidential elections every four years.

7. Ghana holds a tribal government as well as a national government.

8. Nanu Akufo-Addu is the new president of Ghana, elected in Jan. 2017

he moved back to live with his mom and to gain the opportunities that come with having an American education.

"My mom didn't really live with us in Ghana. She gave birth to me in the U.S. while the rest of my family lived in Ghana. She sent me to live with my dad as a two year old because life was hard for her and raising me at the same time would've been tough," Agyapong said, "She only visited three times within the nine years and it was a month at a time. I came back to live with my mom because I eventually had to because I was a citizen and life in Ghana was getting tough as well. Also, education and ways of living is much better here. My second brother joined us in 2011, my dad in 2014, and my oldest brother in 2016."

Though living in the U.S. has its perks, the aspect of cultural identity and family which comes from his time spent in

Ghana is important to hold on to.

"I'm not really as close to my extended family as a whole but I do miss my cousins and close family friends who I considered my family. I haven't seen them since 2010 and I might possibly visit this upcoming summer or the next," Agyapong said.

This international experience was lifechanging, and Agyapong does hope to return to visit in the future.

"The whole experience was a blast.

The food, the people, and the scenery were all perfect and i will never forget it," Agyapong said, "The experience in Ghana is something I think about when I am getting ahead of myself or being unappreciative. The experience was amazing. It has made me try to be as helpful and generous as I can be each day. It also makes me try my best to accept anyone and everyone."

Why is understanding your culture important to you?

"It's important for medical history, identity, culture and heritage."

"It's important to know your heritage to know what your family has done before you were JOCELYN RAMIEREZ born." freshman ANDRES PACHECO freshman

"In my opinion, I think it is important to know your culture so you could represent you race."

"I think its important because you need to know your roots since they represent your culture."

LINDA MENJIVAR

IDRIS DAHIR

sophomore

sophomore

"I think it's important because to know where you're from is basically part of who you are and it represents a lot of your identity."

ANGELA KIM NATNAL ENjunior DALKACHEW

"Knowing my Korean culture helps me become aware of my social tendencies, which is why I think it is important."

junior

Sophomore Laiba Salehin's experience of moving to the U.S. from Pakistan

BY LAIBA SALEHIN Special to The A-Blast I had always seen glimpses of different places in the United States on TV; however, I never really knew what the United States was actually like until I arrived here in 2015.

Me and my family lived in the suburban part of Pakistan, in the region better known as Khyber Partukhwa or KPK. I went to school in Pakistan with all my friends and my brother who is just two years younger than me.

Life in Pakistan was really fun and my childhood has been the best part of my life so far. I went on so many adventures with my friends and family explore

new places in my home country every day.

We've traveled to Islamabad, the nation's capital and so many other interesting places.

In 2015, when I first got to the United States during the month of November, I also experienced my first snowfall. I had never really seen snow before so I couldn't compare the blizzard we got that year to anything else. Back where I lived, the weather was always warm and it was hard to adjust to the weather here in the U.S..

I started school soon after arriving to the United States because that was mainly why my family and I moved here. As many people know, the educational opportunities in the U.S. are endless.

I was excited to start school here because I wanted to make a future for myself and be successful.

On the first day school, I loved the new enviroment even though it was difficult to interact to poeple at first. I loved the environment here and the people were so generous as well. When I needed help finding my

JOSEPHINE OHENE

"It's important because you have to know your history and understand how you grew up and where your family is from."

YOUSSEF EL-BOUKRI senior

senior

First person accounts of coming to America classes the first few weeks, everyone helped me out.

Since I went to an English based school in Pakistan, I was kind of prepared.

I knew enough English to ask for help and stuff. I made friends pretty quickly as well.

The only problem I had was picking out clothes for a school day because in Pakistan we had uniforms and we didn't have to go on about what to wear every single day.

Also, the school lunch isn't my favorite either. It was the one thing I was actually looking forward to. However, in Pakistan I packed my own lunch, and I guess that will continue here in the United States as well.

As of now, I am a sophomore and I am quite excited about junior and senior year. Also, I am looking forward to college.

I have maintained good grades, but I am planning on taking some IB classes as well that will help my GPA and help me get the credits I need to meet the requirements most colleges require.

Photo Courtesy of Laiba Salehin

American stories

"It's important because when you get a disease or something you can know where the disease is coming from."

Sophomore Laiba Salehin enjoys her new life in America.

LIFESTYLES 13

Feb. 14, 2017

How to stay trendy in 2017

IN

These tips can help guide you this year in creating a perfect look

BY SHEILA AGUIRRE

CHOKER This accessory is currently the trend that has become popular due the variety they come in.

Where to buy: Topshop, Forever 21, and Urban Outfitters.

Cost:: $10 and up

BOMBER JACKET Bomber Jackets can dress up or dress down your outfit.

Where to buy: H&M, Urban Outfitters and Forever 21.

Cost: $25 and up

Lifestyle Editor As the New Year commences, it's time to start the year with a style update. Purging your closet of it's outdated clothing and bringing in new or different clothing style in will be refreshing for your wardrobe. It will help to de clutter your closet and make room for your new clothing.

When dealing with 2016 trends, it's best to take account of what was in your closet before. It may be a bit difficult but these tips will help serve as a guideline in helping you stay up to date with trends. The departure of one allows for the arrival of another new trend.

High end street wear is currently in right now. "High end brand like Gucci, Off-White, Vetements, and even Yeezy, put out new designs and styles which are made mainstream," said senior Shadi Hamedeh.

The clothing designs from these high brands are then copied from companies like Forever 21 and H&M who sell them for a reduced price.

Its best to leave your Roshe Runs in 2016. These shoes quickly became popular due to their variety of colors, light weightiness and comfortable. Throughout the years people have moved on from the Roshe Run to the Adidas Ultra Boosts and NMD's. With these shoes you can have the most trendy footwear. The Adidas Ultra Boost and NMD shoes are stylish, comfortable and versatile.

Having the right apparel for 2017 is a must. The right bottoms can always break or make an outfit. Boot cut jeans are out. "Most people prefer jeans that are fitted top to bottom, no one really wants a large opening at the bottom," said senior Jesse Agyapong.

Not only are boot cut jeans out but also cargo shorts. Cargo shorts are baggy and really unfitting to your legs. These shorts come past yours legs looking bulky and will weigh you down.

Your outfit not only depends on the bottom wear to make it. Not finding the right shirt can help ruin an outfit. T-shirts with random sayings and logo should be donated and cleared from your closet. These shirts are usually very loose fitting. Loosing fitting clothing is out of style "not a lot of people wear it and it's not practical," said freshman Duc Ngo. Men Chinos are great substitute to jeans. Chinos can be slim fitting or loose, also they can be casual enough for day out but can also be dressed up. You can pair your Chinos with a wool quarter zip sweater, which will keep you looking stylish. "Quarter zips sweaters are in style because that's what most people are wearing," said junior Jon Figley.

Girls have the disadvantage since women's fashion is always changing. Adidas Superstars are way to hype now and everyone seems to own a pair. " I think they are over hyped and basic since everyone has them," said senior Tehya Moss. These shoes are too chunky and obviously the three stripes on the shoes are out. A great alternative for Adidas Superstar are New Balances. These shoes are comfortable and you can wear them casually.

Aside from sneakers, thigh high boots are what's in. These boots make any outfit look more chic and can turn any casual look into one that's more formal looking. Thigh highs come variety of styles ranging from suede to leather.

Bomber jackets now in and are an alternative to wearing a Jean jacket or a trench coat to make your outfit. Bomber jackets are lighter than an average jacket and can make a street outfit bold. Bomber jackets range from satin, to athletic, to varsity style. These jackets are easy to throw on being if you're wearing jeans, leggings or even a skirt.

Adding a choker to an outfit along with the bomber, will make any a bland outfit pop.

It might be difficult to keep up with trends since they seem to leave as fast as they come. Stay updated with these given tips and do not be stuck in last year's trends.

OUT

LACE UP TOPS Lace up tops were a major trend in 2016 but it's best to be left there.

These shirts quickly fell out of style due to their basic appearance and an overrated trend.

DISTRESSED SHIRTS Yeezy season is over. These T-shirts with holes are over priced and are a waste of closet space. Look for a more casual and cleaner look.

THIGH HIGH BOOTS Thigh High Boots can be a statement piece to your outfit. These books make any outfit look fashion forward.

Where to buy: Aldo, Nordstorm, Call It Springs and DSW. Cost: $50 and up

NEW BALANCES New Balances are perfect for a casual outfit. .

Where to buy: Footlocker, Lady Footlocker, Finishline and Urban Outfitters.

ROSHE RUNS The design of the shoe are simple but they're better alternatives. They were big trend in 2016 but the need for them has declined. These shoes may be comfortable but should be left in 2016.

ADIDAS SUPERSTARS These shoes are seen everywhere, mostly worn by girls. However, they are unisex so either guys or girls can wear them. These shoes are long over and should be replaced.

Cost: $65 and up

Materials Needed

DIY with Katie Pope

Valentine’s Day Bark

-Wax paper -Whisk -Baking sheets -Toothpicks -Two bowls -Red/Pink food dye -Sprinkles

-Semisweet or dark chocolate chips -White chocolate

Chocolate bark to share with loved ones this Valentine's Day

1.

5.

Lay a piece of wax paper on a baking sheet to prevent the mix from sticking.

Pour the pink chocolate on top of the milk chocolate, and use a toothpick to swirl the two chocolates together.

2.

6.

Melt 2 cups of chocolate and 1.5 cups of white chocolate in the microwave separately, stirring them every 20 seconds.

Decorate the bark with sprinkles and any edible decorations of your choice.

3.

Whisk about 3-4 drops of red food coloring into the white chocolate.

4.

7.

Place the baking sheet in the fridge for about 30-45 minutes or until solid.

8.

Pour the milk chocolate onto the baking sheet and spread it around into a thin layer.

Break the bark into pieces and share with family, friends, and loved ones... or keep it for yourself!

FASHION SPOTLIGHT Danny Lam, 10

Q: How did you learn how to dress?

A: I taught myself how to dress, I just decide what looks good on me and what doesn't.

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

A: It usually takes me about 20 minutes.

Q: Where do you like to shop?

A: My favorite store to shop at is definitely Urban Outfitters.

Q: How much do you usually invest in clothing?

A: It depends on the season, usually in the winter I will spend about $200 per month.

Q: What are your favorite clothing pieces?

A: My favorite clothing pieces together is my jean jacket with a grey jacket underneath, with a white T-shirt to go under that.

Q: What is your favorite pair of shoes?

A: I don't have a favorite pair of shoes, I just wear whatever goes with my outfit each day.

Q: What is your outfit for school or a date?

A: My outfit for school is black ripped jeans with a Helly shirt, and my outfit for a date is blue jeans with a bomber and long gray tee.

Q: On your lazy days what do you prefer to wear?

A: On lazy days I will wear polo pants and a grey sweater.

Q: What is your favorite season to dress for?

A: My favorite season to dress for is fall because I can layer my clothing, and it's not freezing out.

Q: Do you dress to impress or dress for yourself?

A: I dress for myself I do not care what other people think that I look like.

Q: Who is your fashion inspiration?

A:.Kanye West is my fashion inspiration.

Q: What's your favorite accessory to add to your outfit?

A: My favorite accessory is a gold watch.

Lam poses for an Instagram picture in his Nationals jersey.

14 PEOPLE

Feb. 14, 2017

Alumni performs at Second City Class of 2011 alumni Tori Clodfelter transitions from performing theatre on the AHS stage to executing shows at Second City, the world's premier comedy club, comedy theatre and school of improvisation.

Clodfelter took pleasure in her time at AHS and was apart of the Theatre Department, cross country team, the Annandale Singers, and the Young Democrats. "I liked Annandale a lot, mostly because of the very crowded hallways, there's nothing like the smell of Axe body spray, hot fries, and natural body odor on your way to English class," Clodfelter said.

The thing Clodfelter appreciated the most from AHS is the teachers, specifically Sara Zagurski, Niki Holmes, Phillip Harris, Jonathan York, and Jason Gould, whom she attributes a lot of her successes to as a young adult.

"There are so many teachers at Annandale who took a true interest and had an earnest stake in our educations, which is a rare and very cool thing," Clodfelter said.

From her experience, the diversity and inclusivity was something she felt that carried with her throughout her life. "Annandale appreciated the worth and dignity of every student, which is a very special thing," Clodfelter said.

After high school, Clodfelter went to Second City, a training center for improv and sketch comedy, known for being the place where Steve Carrell, Amy Poehler, Tina Fey and many other actors and comedians got their start. Clodfelter got into improv during her years in the Theatre Department and began to sketch in college. "I guess around my sophomore year in college I sought out Second City as my next step," Clodfelter said. Clodfelter majored in Acting and did a semester there for college credit in 2014.

After graduating college, she moved to Chicago to

PHOTO COURTESY OF TORI CLODFELTER

BY SOULISA PATHAMMAVONG People Editor

This is from the graduation show Clodfelter put up after completing The Conservatory. The show was called "This is Why We're Christian" and Clodfelter wrote a rap for the show called "CatCallin."

attend Second City's professional school, called "The Conservatory" (sort of like comedy grad school). She graduated in September 2016, and is now a contracted comedic writer and performer. "I get paid to improvise and write satire (pay attention in English, kids)," Clodfelter said.

As of right now, Clodfelter currently has two shows running at Second City, which she is a writer, actor, and

producer on. Clodfelter has a show running at the Second City Training Center called "Violets Aren't Blue," which satirizes dating and relationships. She also has an upcoming two woman show going up at Second City in March and is part of a two woman improv troupe in Chicago called "Girlbrainz" that performs all over the city.

According to Clodfelter, her experience at Second

Clodfelter gets into character during the "Violets Aren't Blue" sketch show.

City was incredible. "I've been given a platform to voice my point of view in a comedic and satirical way, while also living in an incredible city, and that is really rad," Clodfelter said. It has also strengthened her confidence and own sense of self.

"Through the comedy and theater I have done, I know that I have a voice of change and progress in this world, and I can make art that supports that," Clodfelter said.

Students discuss their long-term friendships Jessica Roop and McKenzie Yi

Haley Moss and Mia Muntu

Juniors Jessica Roop and McKenzie Yi have been friends for 13 years and counting. "Our parents were friends so we were always around each other ever since preschool and that is pretty much was the start of our friendship," Roop said.

Ever since then, the two have been inseparable doing the same sports and activities inside and outside of school. At the age of six, Roop and Yi did ballet and soccer and both have continued on being part of the Leadership program together.

"We have the same interests and love to try new things like sports, so it was always fun to experience it with each other," Yi said.

Roop and Yi spend a lot of their time together, which brings them closer. "Our friendship works because we always make each other laugh all the time," Roop said. The two believe that as long as they're together they always have fun. "One of my favorite memory together was when we had our very first sleepover after the 8th grade dance," Yi said, "and of course Jessica was the first to knock out."

Over the course of their friendship, they've made many memories and enjoyed the time they still have together before college. Roop and Yi are very optimistic about their friendship in the future. "Of course we'll be friends forever! We will stay friends by going to the same college," Roop said, "We'll be roomies and we would call each other everyday."

Sophomore Haley Moss and freshman Mia Muntu met when they were three and have been neighbors for about 13 years. "My mom babysat Haley and her sister Tehya and we've been best friends every since," Muntu said.

"I love that we can make each other laugh no matter what and love to have fun and be silly together," Moss said.

Muntu's favorite thing about Haley is that she can make anything funny or make any situation into a good one.

One of the things that has brought them close together since they were younger is their love for dance. Both Moss and Muntu are part of Chris Collins Dance Studio and have been for 12 years.

Moss has many memories with Muntu, but her favorite one is their summer lake trips that they go on every year.

"We go to my lake house for a week together and swim, go to islands, boat rides and tubing," Moss said.

Although the two have a long way to go until they are off to college, they both want to go to college together in New York and live down the street from each other. Moss and Muntu plan on having endless Facetime calls to check up on one another.

"We have been friends for this long, so I don't think we will stop anytime soon," Moss said, "We are practically sisters and we'll keep in touch no matter how busy we get."

Trio Christopher Henao, Adrien Henao and Jack McCrossin Juniors Adrien Henao and Jack McCrossin have been best friends since they met in sixth grade. "I met Jack when I transferred to Holmes and my teacher made me sit next to him," Henao said, "I asked him for a pencil and as soon as he gave me a pencil with no lead, I knew it was meant to be."

Overtime they grew fond of each other and have been friends for seven years now. McCrossin lives a couple streets down from Henao, so they are together all day and all night. As Henao's older brother, senior Christopher Henao was always around the two and eventually bonded with them, leading all three of them to become closer throughout the years.

"Jack's like a second brother to me. He's basically part of our family since he's always around," Christopher said, "Sometimes he just walks into our house and when I wake up he's just there sitting on my bed."

Although they usually do everything together, most of their time together is spent at the Henao household. "We never really plan to do anything, we just get together at my house and then we end up doing something random pretty much every weekend," Adrien said.

The Henao brothers favorite thing to do is corner McCrossin and tickle him nonstop in 10 minute intervals. "They chase me down like dogs, retrain me as a team and tickle me nonstop for what seems like forever. It's great stuff,"

McCrossin said.

Another one of their favorite memories is when Chris attacked Adrien with a freshly sharpened stick of bamboo and scarred him in his leg.

The trio's friendship works well because they are all comfortable around each other and have the same personalities and interests.

"My favorite thing about Adrien and Chris is that they both have a humorous personality. We all have the same humor so we understand each other's jokes and sarcasm," McCrossin said. Henao believes that he has the same mindset and thoughts as McCrossin and can guess anything he's thinking of correctly about 8/10 times.

As Christopher gets ready to leave to college this year, he has confidence that their friendship will last. "I think all three of us will be friends forever.

While I'm in college I'm gonna write them letters with a picture of me attached and send them to each one of them every month to let them know how I'm doing," Christopher said.

For the other two, they believe that in the future they all will hopefully be in each others lives. "I'll always have Chris since he's my brother, but me and Jack are going to be neighbors. I'm following him and buying the house next to his and our kids are gonna play sports together," Adrien said.

WHO AM I? I attended: JMU and earned a BA in Communications. I earned a MA in English from LSU and my certificate in teaching from George Washington University. My favorite classes at JMU were my film classes.

I was born in: Ft. Belvoir, Virginia and I grew up in Vienna. I attended Oakton High School.

I have lived in Louisiana, various places in Virginia, and in Tokyo, Japan. At Oakton I participated in Drama all four years and made my stage debut In Applause my senior year. I love all sports, and I have played soccer on a rec team.

Before teaching at AHS: I was a housemother at Foxcroft in Middleburg, VA. I have also been an instructor at an outdoor adventure school, an instructor at LSU, and I have worked in television production.

I teach at AHS because: I love the diversity of the school, and I love my students and colleagues. I feel like I am in a huge family. This is my 13th year at AHS, and I teach English, Literacy Lab 2, and Peer Tutoring.

In my free time: I like to read, go to the movies, run and do crossword puzzles. My favorite movie of all time is The Godfather and my favorite TV shows are Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead.

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

Lucas Michael, senior As the season came to an end, my teammates and I wanted to go out with a bang since this was our last year doing indoor track.

After Conference Finals last year, Annandale finished seventh out of eight schools as a team and eighth during indoor. We were not okay with how we did last year and wanted to make this final season one to remember.

Right after the season ended we stayed working out trying to get better everyday. We all worked throughout the summer, even if it was around 100 degrees, we just stayed giving our all because we knew it would pay off. As the indoor season arrived, we were all ready to bounce back.

It was January 4 and we were leaving during the school day to go run an intense meet in PG county.

I was set to run the 55m dash and I was nervous, but ready. We got to the complex and we soon start to warm up. Right before my 55m Dash, I watch teammate Jacob Weber take

first in the 55m Hurdles with ease, Joseph McCoy take second and Reece Carter get sixth. We end up in the lead for team scoring after a strong hurdle performance. Soon the dash came and I failed to reach the finals. I was disappointed, but I kept my head up thinking We still can win this.

During the meet, we really showed up as a team with strong performances from my teammates: Jacob Weber, Joseph McCoy, Reece Carter, Mathew McKiver, Tyree Anderson, Mahiteme and Dagim

Tigabu, Youssef El Boukri, Natnal Endalkachew, Zaid Al Kahfah, Naod Getachew, Gabe Milian, Ayman Elhag, Merwyn Lazard, Franco Kitila, Brandon Hunt and Jay Pendarvis.

Soon everything started to look really good for us.

During the meet, the second place school Westlake was quietly showing up and closing the gap between us and them. Soon after a good performance in the 4x400m relay from Westlake, Annandale gets disqualified and we end up with a dead even tie at 70 points. It comes down to the final event, the triple jump finals, where we had teammates Bilal Kamara and Ryan Peich going up against a Westlake Jumper, who jumped insanely good and placed third. Keeping composure, Bilal went up and jumped his personal best, placing fifth. It all came down to this last jump that Ryan had to do. He stayed focused and jumped deep into the best for a personal best and placing fourth.

SPORTS X-TRA 15

Feb. 14, 2017

Spring tryouts: the inside scoop

Track and Field

Lacrosse

"I look for people who want to be at tryouts," head coach Phil Harris said, "I believe that there are enough events for anyone to be successful. All I want is for the kids to want to be there. I could care less about your time, I want determination. It is also important to have good grades. If your grades are not good, then don't come. Dedication is important. If you know you're going to miss three or four practices in a row, then don't come out. But if you want to put something on your transcripts and you want something to try to work hard at, then I am on your side."

Junior Rebecca Kindling pictured above during conference.

Soccer

"Tryouts are a time to look holistically at each student athlete. Drills will challenge the girls, mentally and physically," varsity girls coach Amy Stevens said, "I look for a player with a growth mindset- the player who takes risks, is persistent, and learns from their mistakes. Lacrosse is a very fast paced game where mistakes happen frequently, we are looking to see how players react when they drop a pass, turn the ball over or get the ball checked out of their stick."

"It is important to be hard working," varsity mid-fielder Michael Nguyen said, "You just have to show the coach you want to improve."

Junior Lina Osman pictured above left.

"At tryouts we do conditioning, fitness, and also practice ball control," previous junior varsity team captain Silmarie Carbonel said, "The coaches basically just want to see where the returners and new players are at skill wise.

The coaches look for people with uplifting encouragement and good work ethic, they also look for team players, and leaders."

"For the boys, the coaches try and look for the experienced and also look for team players that know how to pass and try not to be a one man team; teamwork is what the coaches are looking more for if you want that varsity spot," returning varsity player Rudy Flores pictured above said.

Baseball

Tennis "Everyone makes the team; I go by the U.S. Tennis Association 'no cut policy' so I take everyone," said boys tennis coach Steven Zaret. "I can generally tell within a minute or two if they know how to play tennis. So I work on a lot of conditioning and improving their game. I also focus on attitude to see if they fit in with all the other guys."

"Tryouts are pretty chill," junior Everett Stenberg said, "We practice our tennis skills and try to show the coaches the skills that we have. We also do drills that work on conditioning to test our fitness.

Junior Carsyn Binkley pictured above during a tennis match.

Softball

"We do a lot of drills and make sure everyone has stayed in shape during the off season by testing the strength of their arms, hitting, and their base running skills," senior and returning varsity player Ryan Peich pictured above said. "As we get closer to tryouts, the green days we hold will show within a few minutes if the returners and other players have stayed in shape."

"With a new coach this year tryouts may be a little different, but the participants in tryouts do not know for sure what will happen, we do know one thing and that is to show the coaches the skills we have snd to try to make varsity," sophomore Joseph Courtney said, "I was on junior varsity last year and hope this year to show the varsity coaches what my potential is to the team and hopefully make a spot up on varsity."

"At tryouts we do a number of skill drills such as: fielding, hitting, and agility drills such as running and conditioning," junior Elizabeth Corcoran pictured above said. Corcoran has played softball at AHS since her freshman year and has experienced many tryouts. "It's good if you have some knowledge of the game, whether you know the majority or just a handful of the information.

Having the right equipment is always good too. You don't necessarily have to be the best to make the team, as long as you're coachable and able to take instruction well, you should be fine! The coaches aren't there to point out your flaws, they're there to help you improve from where you first started."

How do you prepare for tryouts?

"I go to any open opportunities whenever there are people practicing lacrosse and I sometimes practice on the weekends. "

"For lacrosse I play wall ball in my backyard, I cradle with my stick in front of the mirror, and I practice with my friends."

CYNTHIA NGUYEN

sophomore

"To prepare for tryouts I begin doing drills the week before they begin."

FRANCO KITILA

"I play lacrosse year round and I also play other sports which help me stay in shape for the high school season."

sophomore

GRACE HATCH junior

KASSANDRA PERALTA

freshman

"I start going on runs after school and get my cardio in because at tryouts we have to run under a specific amount of time. I have to start building up my endurance."

"I prepare for tryouts by working out a lot in the off season before tryouts begin."

SAM CURTIN junior

"My main sport is track so I run at least five miles two times a week. I just try to get some distance in so that when tryouts come I can run a mile easily"

AMY HAN

DYANNA RODRIGUEZ

junior

senior

"I think about how I am going to ace my race and I hydrate before tryouts."

MAHITEME TIGABU senior

Team Traditions

Swim This is one of the most noticeable sports traditions. Before districts, the boys swim team bleaches their hair and the girls dye the ends of their hair red. The whole team doesn't do it, it is anyone who is willing to do so. There is no reason to the bleaching, it is just purely tradition.

Lacrosse Every year boys and girls varsity lacrosse have a team dinner. At the dinner the girls pick a boy and take his home jersey. The next day the girls wear the boys' home jerseys to school and the boys wear their away jerseys.

Seniors Sasha Silva and Brent Smith

Field Hockey

Girls Basketball

Before every game, the field hockey team writes down an inspirational quote. They then huddle up and discuss the importance of the quote. After their huddle, they rip up the paper with the quote written down and each player puts a piece of the quote in their sports bra.

The girls basketball team has started a fairly new tradition. Last year they began to write the names of senior team members on a wall in their team room. Each year they add the names of seniors to the wall and will continue to do it each year.

16 SPORTS

Feb. 14, 2017

Boys Basketball robbed at Senior Night Spectator costs Atoms game against Majors

BY ETHAN ZIMMERMAN As a bottle dropped onto the court from the bleachers for the second time, the Atoms' bench erupted with anger as the team would be charged with a technical foul.

The Majors would be awarded four free throw attempts which they converted into points. The Atoms were defeared by a score of 59-56 as a result.

Unfortunately for the Atoms, with the team clinging to a one point lead late in the fourth quarter, the actions of a spectator from the bleachers robbed them of a senior night victory.

"I was shocked that someone would do that to their own team," senior Robert Figley said.

The game started out as any traditional senior night game would with Atoms hosting the Mount Vernon Majors.

The Atoms' seniors Youni Eskinder, Jordan Adams, Chase Murphy, Edris Raid, Dontae Johnson, Robert Figley, Junior Ebirim and Andrew Ours were honored before the game tipped off.

"Being called out for senior night was probably the best feeling in the whole world," senior Edris Raid said.

The final game of the regular season started strong for the Atoms as the team took the lead and remained in front for the remainder of the first quarter with the score at 12-9.

The Majors tied the game at 15 midway through the .second quarter. Eventually, the Majors extended their lead late in the second quarter. However, the Atoms

KATIE POPE

Staff Writer

The boys basketball team looks on during the game against the Mount Vernon Majors on Feb.10.

With the Atoms holding onto a 56-55 lead with less than a minute remaining, a spectator in the bleachers on the Annandale side threw a bottle that landed onto the court.

The referees stopped play and removed the bottle from the playing surface and warned the crowd that if another bottle is thrown, the Atoms would be charged with a technical foul.

Despite the warning, the unidentified spectator at the time persisted and another bottle would fall from the

fought back and regained the lead going into the half up 23-18.

The Atoms maintained their lead up until the beginning of the fourth quarter. The Atoms and the Majors would trade the lead for multiple possessions, until Mount Vernon built up a six point lead 43-37.

With time winding down in the game, senior Dontae Johnson scored on a driving lay up, a clutch basket to give the lead back Atoms 48-47 with only two minutes remaining.

bleachers onto the court again.

"I was angry because I felt like we were being robbed of a win," Raid said.

The officials followed through on their warning and charged the Atoms with a technical foul, granting the Majors four free throw attempts.

The Majors capitalized on the opportunity and drained all four free throw attempts giving Mount Vernon a 59-56 lead. The crowd looked on as each free throw made brought the possibility of a blown game closer and closer.

With many looking to find who the culprit that launched the bottle onto the court twice was, the Atoms looked to the scoreboard to find that with 8.7 seconds remaining in the game.

Sending the game into overtime was still in the realm of possibility, but only with a three point shot.

The Atoms would move down the court with speed in an attempt to get a final shot off. Sophomore Junior Lotongo would take the final shot from beyond the arch in hopes to tie the game only to have his shot bounce off the rim and out.

The Majors held off the Atoms' final attack to the basket to win the game 59-56.

"It hurt to lose that way, but we're moving on from that game as team and preparing for the conference tournament," Figley said.

The Atoms will go on to face the top-ranked West Potomac Wolverines on the road in the conference tournament on Feb. 14.

Which spring sport are you most excited for?

"Spring track, because it will help prepare me for my next sport which is football."

"Lacrosse, because my brother plays it and I want to also because it's a very interesting sport."

ANDRES AGUILERA

BISMAA KHAN

freshman

"Lacrosse, because I feel like I can easily commit to playing it and improve."

"Lacrosse, because it is my third year playing so I feel like I have a lot of SAM PHAN experience now." sophomore KASSIE PELERTA

freshman

"Spring track, "Track, because I because running helps enjoy running and relieve stress and I getting better." enjoy being ouside PALWASHA SHAK and running." junior FELLO GOMEZ

sophomore

junior

"The lacrosse team, because a bunch of my friends are on the team and I want to see how they do."

"I'm most excited for baseball because I like to watch the games and see the team play."

DANYOM BEYENE

NICOLE MCCOY senior

senior

Baseball pitches for a successful season Sports Editor The Atoms Baseball season is just around the corner with the team holding three-day tryouts beginning on Feb. 20 to Feb. 22.

"I'm excited for tryouts to start because it means the start of the new baseball season and I'm excited to meet the new players," senior Ryan Peich said.

The team this year will lack experienced players that have played on the varsity team in past seasons due to the graduation of 12 seniors from the team last year.

"The varsity team only has three returning players this year, so filling spots is going to be a challenge," Peich said.

Last season's team had a very successful run, finishing with a record of

"We're going to need to put in hard work during practices so that we all get better as a team," Gammon said.

The team looks to work hard throughput the regular season to finish with a winning record and also make it back to the regionals tournament again as they did last season only to be eliminated.

"One goal we have this year is to make the regionals tournament," Peich said. "We also want to win as many games as we can, which should be every team's goal."

The Atoms will have two scrimmages against Park View and Osbourne on Mar. 6 and Mar. 9 before their first regular season game on Mar. 13 against the Hayfield Hawks at home.

Following their first regualr season game, the team will take on multiple Patriot conference opponenets like the Lake Braddock Bruins and the W.T. Woodson Cavaliers.

3/13/17: vs Hayfield 3/14/17: vs Lee 3/17/17: vs South County 3/21/17: vs West Springfield 3/22/17: vs Centreville 3/24/17: vs TC Williams 3/28/17: vs W.T. Woodson 3/31/17: vs Lake Braddock 4/4/17: vs West Potomac 4/7/17: Mount Vernon 4/19/17: South County

Senior Liam Conroy practices throwing before a game.

Girls basketball defeats Majors 63-44

Boys track prepares for regionals

BY JUDE NANAW

BY ETHAN ZIMMERMAN

Sports Editor

COURTESY OF MAHITEME TIGABU

Staff Writer The boys track team competed at the Patriot Conference Championship meet on Feb. 1 and Feb. 4. The team ran against conference rivals such as Lake Braddock, Woodson and T.C. Williams.

With many running at the conference finals some excelled in their respective events. A number of runners have qualified to move on to the Region 6A Championship meet on Feb. 18.

"Qualifying for regionals was one of my goals, but last year I ran the relay so I had teammates, this year I only have myself to count on," senior Mahiteme Tigabu said.

Tigabu, one of the runners to move on to compete at the regionals meet ran an impressive time of 4:34 in the one mile run at the conference meet.

A total of 10 runners will be moving on in seven different events. This indoor track season has been a major improvement from prior seasons as many more Atoms have qualified to compete at regionals.

Senior Mahiteme Tigabu (Right) and junior Zaid AlThe Atoms moving on to the regionals meet will Kahfah (Left) sprint down the stretch at a conference be freshman Jay Pendarvis who ran a 36.68 in the regionals," Head Coach Phil Harris said.

300-meter dash at conference.

Three of the Atoms, Weber, McKiver and Bethea exSenior Dagim Tigabu and freshman Mikyas Sahlu in the two-mile run each running a 10:02 and a 10:06 celled in their respective events well enough to already respectively, senior Mahiteme Tigabu in the one-mile qualify for the state meet later in the month.

"It feels great to know that I have already qualirun, and junior Joseph McCoy and senior Jacob Weber in the 55-meter hurdles running an 8.11 and 7.76 sec- fied for states and even nationals, I'm just working on strengthening my calves so I can try to beat the school onds.

In the field events at the regionals meet, juniors record", junior Matthew Mckiver said.

The Atoms competing at regionals will be looking Matthew McKiver and Ty-ree Anderson will compete in the high jump, senior Jeremiah Bethea will compete in to improve their times and move on to the state meet the pole vault and senior Brandon Hunt in the shot put. later this month on Feb. 24 and Feb. 25. If they move "I am very happy with the number of runners on, the Atoms will face tough competition from around going to regionals, however our relay team had a good the state at the state finals. chance of making regionals this year but we had a mishap, we're going to work hard to improve before

SCHEDUELE

COURTESY OF LIAM CONROY

BY JUDE NANAW

ss BASEBALL 2017 SEASON 14-9 and reaching the regionals tournament before being eliminated by the Centreville Wildcats by a score of 3-2.

"We are hoping to be as successful as the team was last season," junior Ryan Gammon said. "It's going to be a lot more difficult this season because we don't have a lot of players that have played varsity before."

Along with a mostly brand-new and younger roster and the departure of former head coach Dan Porter, the team also has a new head coach in Christopher Bagot who was the assistant varsity baseball coach in past seasons.

Despite having a new team, the Atoms will look to overcome challenges and roadblocks they face.

"I feel that if we do everything we are supposed to do and work as a team we should be well off this season," Peich said.

Working hard during practices will be key for the new roster to improve and win games.

The Girls Basketball team bounced back on Friday against the Mount Vernon Majors picking up a key victory by a score of 63-44. The win came following a loss against the West Potomac Wolverines 59-32.

"As a team we played really good defense and had a lot of positive energy within the team throughout the game which allowed us play at our best," junior Grace Hatch said.

Against the Majors, the Lady Atoms came out of the starting gates strong with 18 first quarter points giving them a nine point lead. The team would not let up in the second quarter with 21 more points to expand their lead to 39-23 going into the half.

The top two scorers for the Atoms going into the half were sophomore Sarah Shamdeen with 22 first half points and senior Katie Garrish with 10 points.

Sophomore Bordley led the Majors with 11 first half points as they trailed by 16 at the end of the second quarter.

Coming out of the half into the third quarter, the Majors were able to make adjustments defensively holding the Atoms to 11 third quarter points.

Despite improvements on defense, the Majors would struggle to cut into the Atoms lead and put more points on the board as the Atoms maintained a 16 point 50-34 lead heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, the Atoms would continue to play lock-down defense and force turnovers to prevent the Majors from shrinking the Annandale lead.

The Atoms outscored the Majors 12-10 in the fourth quarter to win the game 63-44.

Shamdeen and Garrish would finish the game with 33 and 21 points respectively, a combined total of 54 points for the two players.

As for the Majors, Bordley would finish with 19 points along with senior Hannah Smith having nine points.

Closing out their regular season with a victory

SABRINA HAWA

Team tryouts to begin soon

Junior Grace Hatch warms up by taking a practice lay up before a game against Mount Vernon.

heading into the conference tournament was a major confidence booster for the Atoms.

The team will continue on to take on the top seeded Lake Braddock Bruins in the conference tournament on Feb. 14 on the road.

The team looks to make improvements in order to prepare to take on the Bruins.

"We can improve on having better communication as a team and ball movement in preparation for Lake Braddock," Hatch said. "We are also preparing by watching game films and getting better during practice."

The game proves to be a challenging one for the Atoms as they have been defeated twice this season by the Bruins, once on Jan. 10 by a score 53-44 and on Feb. 2 by a score of 50-38.

SPORTS 17 Wrestling fights to see another day

Atoms have a great showing at conference meet

BY YABBI BEREKET Staff Writer The regional meet took place on Feb. 10th. One of our own, Junior Allen Kokilananda took fourth place and is on his way to the state meet. Kokilananda is poised to take top sixth in his weight class at states.

It comes as no surprise to hear that the wrestling team came out with major success at the Patriot Conference Tournament. The excitement all took place on Feb. 3, in Annandale in the gymnasium. Wrestling Coach Derek Sweet and Mike Scott both worked with the young men to help them train extensively for this tournament.

The championship tournament had eight wrestling teams from the Patriot Conference such as Lake Braddock and Mount Vernon. With each loss, there is a win, and for our Annandale teams, wrestling has proved us proud.

Each weight class had the top four wrestlers who took home the trophy, and brought great pride to their schools.

Two of those champions were Annandale's own.

Junior Allen Kokilananda came into the Patriot Conference Tournament a two time winner and earned his third victory this year.

At 138 lbs, Kokilananda's hard work paid off through his defeat of Woodson's Logan Baird by a longshot of 11-3.

"I was nervous as always, but confident in my training," said Kokilananda.

Another Annandale champion who came in first in their weight class was freshman Yassir Sayed. Sayed made major Annandale history in being the third freshman to win Districts ever, making friends, family and coaches proud.

"The second guy I wrestled was said to be the best around, but I knew I could defeat him when he started to slow down, and barely made shots at me," said Yassir.

He practiced non-stop, and even when he had the desire to give up what he was doing, he had a whole support system right behind him that continuously rooted him on until the end. Yassir defeated his opponent 12-5, "I was so happy that I won, the crowd went crazy, this was so far the most memorable part of my high school career," said Yassir.

It could not have been easy for either of them to have made their way to where they are now, but with determination, patience, and extensive practice, these wrestlers took the spotlight.

OURTESY OF ALLEN KOKILANNANDA

Feb. 14, 2017

Junior Allen Kokilananda has his hand raised in victory after a pin at the Charger Invitational at Chantilly on Jan. 1.

Spring sports hold Green Days Girls track finishes strong

BY LUKE ELKINS

As the winter season for the Atoms is coming to a close, Spring sport athletes are preparing for their season.

Spring sport green days have started and are recommended for players to go to so you can prepare for the season.

With green days, there also comes a risk of injury before the season starts. Due to this, many sports do noncontact practices to prevent any injuries before the season. Many players believe that having non-contact green days is better for their bodies.

Green days can really help out or impact a team's season. Many coaches such as the head men's lacrosse coach, Bill Maglisceau, run green days so the players can Freshman Dany Villaroel is about to pass to her teamate get to know each other and build team chemistry and "Green days are really important, they help us deskill before the season starts. velop as a team and get us a head start on the season so Sophomore soccer player Anissa Cheikh is looking we can hit the ground running come Feb. 20," Escueta forward to playing her second year on varsity. said.

"Green days are fun because you get a chance Junior, Grace Hatch has played two years of varsity to practice and get to know people before the season Lacrosse and is looking forward to her third season comstarts," said Cheikh. ing next week.

Another spring athlete who is looking forward to I like green days because it's a chance to play a green days is Junior lacrosse player Brent Escueta. sport you enjoy playing with others who enjoy playing Escueta has played varsity Lacrosse for the past two and improving your skills at the same time, Hatch said. years and is looking forward to his third year.

Girls Indoor Track and Field closed out it's season with a solid showing at districts at Episcopal High School in Alexandria.

The Atoms competed on Feb. 1 through Feb. 4 against rivals from the Patriot Conference.

Facing strong opposition, many of the girls ran personal bests, but sadly, none were able to qualify for regionals.

Junior Ellie Hohenstein qualified for regionals in the pole vault but will be unable to compete due to a disappointing back injury.

"I'm sad, but there's always next season. My back will get better," said Hohenstein.

Phillip Harris, the girls distance coach, believed that they did well this season but had more to offer.

"This is probably one of the most improved seasons we had for the girls in a long time," Harris said.

COURTESY OF KATIE POPE

Staff Writer

"The relays really came along. They made a lot of improvements."

Harris believes that what the team needs, is more girls to fill the events.

The girls numbers need to go up. We need more girls. The leadership of some of our seniors, like Emily Pope was vital to our success," said Harris.

New leaders will be crucial to the success of the team next year.

Sophomore distance runner Vitalina Fuentes believed the season was great for herself and the team as a whole.

"I was able to improve [my time] by 15 seconds which is a lot in the mile. The team did great as a whole," said Fuentes, "The majority of us got personal bests compared to our old times. It was a big improvement since last year in winter track.

Fuentes is looking to make some serious gains in the offseason so she can come back better than ever next winter.

"To improve I have to put in more mileage and work more in the weight room to gain some muscles," said Fuentes.

It was a strong end to the season for the Atoms. Many of the athletes will be continuing with running with the upcoming season for outdoor track.

COURTESY OF REBECCA KINDLING

BY MAHDI LAHRMARI Staff Writer

Junior Beca Kindling catches her breath

Join The A-Blast Annandale High School's Newspaper

Like to write stories? Become a staff writer and have your voice heard.

Like to take pictures? Become a staff photographer and take photos for both online and the print edition.

Like to take videos? Become a staff videographer and have your content shared with everyone.

Questions? See adviser Mr. Weintraut during W4 in the Publications Lab (Room 262)

18 ENTERTAINMENT

Feb. 14, 2017

I Decided this album was horrible

BY JULIUS MILLER Entertainment Editor The best way to define I Decided is forgettable.

It has few highlight tracks and lives in the shadow of its singles. In fact, the best songs on the album are the singles. You may ask where this opinion comes from, and to that question there are answers.

The project starts very solid, the track Intro is very reminiscent of the style of Dark Sky Paradise.

Dark Sky Paradise is going to come up a lot, so keep in mind it is Sean's previous album released in 2015.

Onwards, Sean takes listeners into a decent track named Light, featuring the one and only Jeremih. He is a solid feature because his high pitched voice contrasts Sean's deep voice to make for a decent track.

So far so good. Then, the album continues in its positive direction with his single, Bounce Back.

This song was previously released in 2016 and gave various fans confidence in I Decided.

It features production by legend in the making producer Metro Boomin. He is known for his production on various tracks with big names such

Big Sean released his fourth studio album I Decided on Feb. 3, 2017.

as Future, Young Thug, Drake and Migos.

Following this track, the album takes a turn for the worst. It is fair to say that after Bounce Back, the album becomes sub par and the music is like watered down soda: horrible.

Each track becomes boring and slow, with the exception of Sacrifices featuring Migos and Halfway Off The Balcony.

One of the most anticipated tracks on the album, No Favors, starts out boring and only gets worse with a painfully lacking Eminem feature.

"I really expected more on No Favors," senior Mikael Mechal said. "The beat was annoying and Eminem was horrible."

If someone listened to I Decided as their first Big Sean album, it is likely they will enjoy the project. In the contrast, if they listened to Dark Sky Paradise and then I Decided, the album can become a dreadful 14-track long experience.

For Sean, this album is a severe downgrade from his last release. To think that he went from songs like Blessings, Deep, and Paradise to this is saddening.

The production on Dark Sky Paradise was solid and the features performed amazingly. On I Decided, Sean uses a storytelling style throughout

the album.

Unfortunately, the poor production throughout the tracks does not support this style.

It actually takes away from the listening experience by making some tracks feel endless and boring.

In this case, the numbers speak for themselves, with I Decided selling 120,000 copies first week in comparison to Dark Sky Paradise's 173,000.

"Dark Sky Paradise was actually fire," Mechal said. "I Decided was not nearly as good."

In comparison to Sean's other projects, Hall of Fame and Finally Famous, this project is superior in some ways. He showed progress through his releases but I Decided seems to be a step back.

This is truly unfortunate due to the fact that the anticipation for this album was huge.

The best thing that long time Big Sean fans can do is hope for redemption in his next release.

Overall, I Decided was solid as an album but disappointing as a Sean project.

Album Rating : 5.7/10

Big Sean's previous releases Dark Sky Paradise

Hall of Fame

This album captures the very traits that make Big Sean in competition to be one of the best in the game right now.

With features like Kanye West and Drake, it was almost inevitable that this project would live up to its hype.

Finally Famous After proving his talents on G.O.O.D Music's tracks Mercy and Clique, Sean released Hall of Fame.

In this project, he showed that he identified as his own rap personality through teling the story of his rise to fame.

Rating : 7.5/10

This project was Sean's first studio album and gave him a shaky start.

Boring raps followed by corny adlibs pushed him into the position of a weak rapper.

This album was undeniably his worst work.

Rating : 6/10

Split doesn't live up to its hype

Rating : 5/10

What was the best movie you've seen this year?

BY DANYOM BEYENE Special to the A-Blast The movie Split was absolutely terrible. When I saw the cover for the film I was expecting a car chase thriller but that was not the case.

The movie was actually about a guy who has multiple personality disorder and kidnaps three teenage girls from their dad's car.

The three girls are abducted and are forced to live in a location that is completely disclosed until the last five minutes of the movie. I was confused the whole time because the movie's expository structure only allowed the audience to figure everything out in the last 5 minutes.

There was no character development at all in the film, which really takes away the audience's ability to feel composure for anyone in that film which is vital in this type of movie.

The main antagonist, Kevin was treated terribly as a child by his mother (although this is very important it is only subtly mentioned and not really elaborated on).

Because of that type of treatment his mind created multiple personalities (23 of them).

After many years only three personalities preserved their dominance and they hatched a plot to unleash a superhuman personality.

This movie could have been better if the writer didn't add this supernatural element into the film.

Adding the superhuman personality completely shifted the movie from being about the three girls but being about Kevin (sound familiar?). This movie was a lot like Psycho, because

"La La Land because it had an alternative ending and it took me time to absorb it. It was definitely one of the best movies I've ever seen."

AMY HAN junior

"I really liked Split despite the bad reviews. I thought it was really scary how he had different personalities and switched up all the time."

JONNY SHIF freshman

Split features a man who kidnaps three teenagers, little do they know he has 23 different personalities.

it had the same structure.

There are parts in the movie when Kevin is carrying on a conversation with himself.

The movie starts out being about the girls and then shifts to being about a serial killer psychopath and shifts again to one of the three girls.

This girl is the only girl to make it out alive and she is spared only because she had dealt with pain her life. This concept is completely untouched until the end.

This expository story telling really killed the potential that this movie had. There was nothing

special about the way it was shot either. There were no cinematic tricks or shots that made it stand out in anyway. There were a series of flashbacks but they didn't really help with anything. They just gave the audience more content to be confused about.

One thing to appreciate about this film has the be the fact that it didn't contain that much gore. For people who actually knew what type of movie they were seeing, they probably were expecting a lot of blood and gore but that wasn't what the movie had.

It contained subtle blood hints but overall it wasn't that bloody. In conclusion this film was a complete bust at least for me. I liked the potential it had but it didn't live up to that potential making it an utter failure.

For another review of Split written by Lina Al Taii, Lina Osman, and Amy Han, scan this QR code

Legion shows X-Men belong on television Marvel chases success with new superhero show

BY CONRAD SHARTEL Weekend Editor FX and Marvel's new show Legion premiered Feb. 8, and it may have been the best first episode of a Marvel TV show yet.

It focuses around the X-Men character Professor X's son, David. He is schizophrenic, at least that is what he is diagnosed with, and does not seem to know how to control his mutant powers.

The episode centers around his time in a mental hospital, where he honestly does not seem very crazy.

He is calm, but just seems a little nervous around others. After some time a girl named Sydney is admitted to the hospital, and is very big on not letting anyone touch her. He falls in love and they begin to start dating, but never touch.

When she is finally allowed to leave, David kisses her, causing a weird explosion to occur, injuring many patients, and causing the two to

The show had a lot of aspects of it to distant it from the somewhat corny other superhero shows on TV. Since David is schizophrenic, it seemed like the show wanted to make it even more obvious.

The camera would switch extremely fast from scene to scene, and it would pan extremely fast across the room or environment to show a quick thinking mind.

The natural sounds would also almost be amplified, alluding to how he can hear everything, but also how he cannot control it.

It had a very unique way of showing his dreams also, with montages of creepy memories or visions, making you feel like you were in the brain of someone crazy. The show made you wonder whether or not David actually was crazy, Dan Stevens plays David in the new FX show Legion. or just unable to control his abilities. Altogether, it seems like a great show. It also did not have a ton of heroes and villains running around. switch identities.

Superhero shows get carried away with This is where the show gets confusing. They making that aspect unrealistic sometimes, and it somehow become the same person, or she dies?

It really isn't clear what happens, but it seems would be a shame to see Legion do that too.

Given this start, Legion is on track to be the like she dies. Then the government somehow kidnaps David, not yet known as Legion, and best superhero show Marvel have released yet. questions him about what he did to Sydney, It's dynamic events and action keep the show from fading into a boring state. thinking that he killed her.

The next episode of Legion airs on Feb. 15 on He becomes angry, and unleashes his power, FX. killing all of the guards in the facility.

It once again become fuzzy, when Sydney is the one who rescues him. It ends with him escaping.

"A Dog's Purpose because it made me cry seeing the bond between the dog and the owner. That's a big deal because I don't cry a lot."

MADDY MCCROSSIN senior

"Split because it wasn't too bad and it was an 8/10. I would reccomend to people thinking of seeing a movie in theatres soon."

MUAID FIDAIL junior

ENTERTAINMENT 19 La La Land, a love letter to Hollywood Feb. 14, 2017

Damien Chazelle utilizes his cinematographic prowess to create a vibrant musical

BY MATEO GALVEZ Special to the A-Blast Damien Chazelle, the director of Whiplash, has went back into the world of music, right after contributing in the writing process of 10 Cloverfield Lane he made this year's critically acclaimed hit La La Land.

People have been calling this movie a "love letter to Hollywood," the beauty in both the colors and the cinematography shines on screen.

The movie shows a sense of realism of our main characters Mia and Sebastian. The two young people seek to reach a goal each of their own, wanting to pursue their dreams.

The plot of this movie is very reminiscent to that of Damien's previous work Whiplash, where a young kid tries to be the best drummer. While the plots are similar, the two films are drastic in tone. La La Land is fun, bright wonders of opportunity; while Whiplash is simple and intriguing. This does not hinder the film, however, the story steps aside for its complexity in camerawork and lighting. Damien's similar approach to jazz seem more and more obvious that he is into that style of music and seems to make the audience equally admire it as well.

La La Land Shows the beauty and importance of making an effective introduction to the film, similar to writing an essay. The sequence that goes all throughout in the beginning of the film to the end of the song is all in one take. The camera centers on the actors movements and makes us follow the characters on screen. Both the choreography and natural lighting of the sequence stands out along with the bright lively visuals that seem to represent four seasons; yellow meaning summer, blue

meaning winter, red meaning fall, and green meaning spring. The power of scenery in the beginning reflects to what the rest of the movie is like scene after scene of powerful emotions with the music telling the story.

Another Day In The Sun foreshadows what's about to come to our main characters as the real world awaits them.

During the course of the film there are sudden moments when the movie turns into a play by having a stage light focus of the actors who would sing or play an instrument to have their attention. These moments allows the protagonists to tell a story or follow their emotions, moments like the audition scene where Emma Stone's character tells a powerful story she once heard long ago. Moments like the song Ryan Gosling sings City of Stars while on a boardwalk passing by makes those scenes memorable.

This movie touches those who were and are young, showing how much it takes to pursue your dreams. That dreams should not be just dreams, to pursue what we always wanted to aspire. Damien shows what is like being young with dreams of our own, he is a young man that understands as to why we are the way we are because he once lived and dreamed the way how an average adolescent would think. La La Land is a movie that has power through context carefully crafting scene after scene.

The direction felt like that of Sir Ridley Scott where we focus on landscapes as well as our protagonists. Damien Chazelle has given us an opportunity to explore something we have seen prior but in a beautiful approach.

With Damien's new movie First Man now on pre-production who knows what he will pull off!

Ryan Gosling (Sebastian) and Emma Stone (Mia) walking home after one of their dates.

KPOP meets Washington D.C. Boy group GOT7 holds their first fanmeet in the nation's capital

BY RACHAEL CHAMPION Special to the A-Blast I went to the GOT7 Fanmeet at the Echostage in Washington D.C. GOT7 is a KPOP boyband made up of seven diverse members; Im Jaebum, Mark Tuan, Jackson Wang, Park Jinyoung, Choi Youngjae, BamBam, and Kim Yugyeom. This was GOT7's first time in Washington D.C., so it was a special event not only for Washingtonian fans but for GOT7 as well. A fanmeet is an event that Korean artists typically hold to entertain fans; it's a mix between entertainment and games and a concert. So the artists will usually hold a Q&A, play a game or two on stage, one with fans and one among members, perform a couple songs in between and end with speeches and an encore.

The first thing GOT7 did when they came on stage was greet the fans with their group greeting and express their excitement for the show. Jackson implored Yugyeom to show how he felt through dance which is a fan favorite because Yugyeom always chooses to dance sexily. As they each addressed the crowd my heart started to go ten thousand miles a minute and horrible, ugly screams left my mouth with reckless abandon. The MCs then had them start the Q&A with prepared questions on the cards.

This was a cute segment because they asked Youngjae, the group's strongest vocalist, to sing a snippet of his self-produced song "Trauma" and he was so giggly and adorable, you'd think he was made of pure sunshine. They also asked Jaebum what inspired him to write his self produced songs like "Holic" and "Sin." He replied that "Imagination, and experience inspired me," later adding that "other things also inspired me but if I told you guys, it would make you sad," which earned an empathetic

'aww' from the crowd.

Another fun aspect of the fanmeet is the interaction with the crowd. IGOT7s (the fandom name) or Agasaes (name for a GOT7 fan) know that BamBam excels when it comes to girl group dances. So before they played their games, Jackson asked the crowd which girl group dance BamBam should do and the crowd chose TWICE's "TT" which he executed like a pro. BamBam also asked the crowd if we wanted to see him dance to "Juju on that Beat" and he was met with blood curdling screams, since that song is wildly popular not only in America but also in the D.C. area. And if I'm honest, he killed it! He did it better than some American kids, I was so proud of Bambam.

They then formed teams to play a random dance game where they danced to their past discography. After that, they called off numbers from raffle tickets to find game partners in the crowd for each member.

Unfortunately, I did not get picked but it was funny to hear fans cheer as each number is called out and then shout expletives in unison when the next number deviated from their ticket's number! I was kind of salty that I didn't get picked so I tuned out this part of

"I got to see the raw emotions and hard work from each of the members," the performance.

They did perform a few songs in between the games and Q&A. They performed "Boom x3," "Just Right," "Fly" and "If You Do" before moving into ending speeches and the encore.

The performances happily surprised me!

Their live vocals are even better than their studio vocals which proves they do have actual talent. Being on the floor though, most of my experience with the performances was

Process Tour London native Sampha brings awe-inspiring performance to D.C.

BY TIMOTHY GRAY Got7 is a South Korean boy group formed in 2014.

auditory. I couldn't see the stage due to tall people around me and a bunch of phones in the air. But, when I did get a glimpse of a member or two I saw their unbelievable visuals. They are all so handsome it's like they are dolls, it's hard to believe their real.

When they're dancing it's surreal because not only are they perfectly in sync, they look like they're having fun performing.

While the songs were great, the ending speeches were the highlight of the event for me. I got to see the raw emotions and hard work from each of the members through their speeches. Jinyoung's and Jackson's really resonated with me.

Jinyoung, who is still learning English, talked about his experience with other fanmeets compared to this one in D.C. His speech made me more proud to be an IGOT7.

Jinyoung worked so hard on his ending speech with Mark, a native english speaker, to make sure it was perfect for us Englishspeaking Agasaes. Jackson then started his

speech.

They pulled it all together with an encore performance of "Homerun." "Homerun" was the peak of the performance portion of the event for me because I love the song, and the venue was breathtaking during the song. The backing screens were dynamic with a big red baseball with blue rings around it that pulsed every time they said the title of the song.

The members were having fun while singing and blowing kisses to the crowd.

Then, the icing on the cake: there was confetti which made everything so much more spectacular. The confetti was white, so it absorbed the stage lights making everything seem bright and whimsical, adding to the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of the encore. "Homerun" was a perfect song to end with, the lyrics "You and I, it feels like a dream, it feels perfect, I feel so fly" perfectly describing what an overall amazing experience it was to see my favorite KPOP group in my area.

The Search for Everything: Wave One review Grammy-winning artist John Mayer marks his return with a new album and a tour

BY SOULISA PATHAMMAVONG People Editor After a four-year break, singersongwriter and guitarist John Mayer returns releasing "Wave One" of his new upcoming studio album The Search For Everything.

Mayer announced in an Instagram post that he would be releasing four songs at a time every month because "there were too many songs to ever get out the door at once."

For the past year, Mayer has been touring with rock band Dead & Company as a feature guitarist and will continue touring with them this forthcoming summer. While on the road, Mayer has been trying to further his solo career by working on his new music. After the tour, in mid November, he unveiled "Love on the Weekend," the lead single of his album which gave a preview and a hint to fans on what he has coming for them. "John Mayer has always been one of my favorite artists and I was so excited when this song came out because it's been so long," senior Madison Walsh said. "It reminds me of some of his old songs, but I like it because I still listen to his classics."

Wave One includes four tracks: the

pre-released single and three other new tracks. The album was recorded by not only Mayer, but also the same musicians and producers from his hit 2006 album Continuum. The Continuum crew includes Steve Jordan, Pino Palladino, Chad Franscoviak, Martin Pradler, Manny Marroquin, and Greg Calbi, whom Mayer gave credit to on Twitter. He also tweeted that the songs on the album represent "literally hundreds of hours of living inside of these little worlds. And more to come."

The first new track "Moving on and Getting Better" is one of the album's more groovy and uplifting songs. It opens with classic guitar solos, which is what all fans love about Mayer. It has Continuum-style blues and features a hook where the percussion drops and each lyric is accentuated. Personally, this was the best track off Wave One. Following this is "Changing." It starts with vocals and a solo piano then transitions to a combination of acoustic guitar and the full band. Later in the song, it takes a turn building up to another more dramatic guitar solo with the Mayer's vocals in the back repeating "Hearts keep changing." According to listeners, this song is the weakest and

John Mayer posing for his 2013 album cover art, Paradise Valley

least favorite out of the other four.

The last track is "You're Gonna Live Forever in Me," which is slower than the others. The song opens with whistling and a piano joined by Mayer's soothing vocals and lyrics. It sounds similar to his song "Dreaming of a Broken Heart" and has a Toy Story "You've Got a Friend in Me" vibe. It is a cherry on top and brings a collective end to the first wave of his album.

So far, the album has received generally good reviews due to the fact that it is more

like his old popular albums. "I think the whole album is gonna be a hit and will incorporate some old and new stuff," senior Tehya Moss said.

Mayer has recently announced that he will be hitting the road and going on tour for the new album this spring. Wave One of The Search For Everything was released on January 20th and many await for Mayer to release the rest of the tracks and have high expectations.

Videographer On the night of Sampha's second ever show in DC, everything seemed to coincide with Sampha's artistry perfectly. The atmosphere of the area surrounding the infamous 9:30 Club was modern with a rustic twist, a refreshing 60 degree breeze maneuvering through the moderately busy streets.

As audience members slowly trickle in, the mood is set by oldies soul, R&B and funk.

Showgoers display a mutual understanding that the show was going to get intimate and emotional.

The London native did not hesitate to begin. The hypnotic keystrokes of "Plastic 100C," the album's first track, began playing as the crowd cheered. Sampha's voice is emotionally thick, yet mellow and captivating.

"Timmy's Prayer" begins with soft, faint bagpipes accented by synths and bass drums, quite possibly one of the most dynamic songs of the past year. The audience chimes in on the chorus, This was one of the highlights of the performance. "(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano" marks the end of the official performance, a touching and harmonic song driven by only a piano and Sampha's iconic voice.

By the end of the song, Sampha and his band step off of the stage and out the exit door, the crowd exploding into cheering, chanting continuously for an encore.

To our incredible delight, we witness Sampha step back onto the stage.

Three snare drums on the left of the stage went unused throughout the performance; until now. Sampha and his band occupy the drums, playing his EP track "Without" rapidly and incredibly close-quartered.

The crowd roars with excitement, and begin chanting Sampha's name as his band exits the stage. He tells the audience he will play one more song, and walks over to the keyboard; his signature instrument.

He plays another song from his "Dual" EP, "Indecision." The song is fast-paced, and employs only a piano. "Let it all work out" Sampha sings, the crowd eagerly cheering along. By the end of the performance, Sampha can be seen tearing up in appreciation for the audience's love for him, which induced a rush of emotions on my part as well.

The performance was emotionally invigorating, and Sampha himself, what with his mannerisms, discreet personality, beautiful voice and ear for music, is a gem.

His first LP "Process" is incredibly beautiful through and through, and made the performance what it was.

20 WEEKEND

Feb. 14, 2017

Fun dates you'll love for Valentine's Day These ideas will help you and your date have the perfect day, with any price range you're looking for!

$ Cook food at home Cooking food at home is by far the cheapest option. Going out to dinner can be such a hassle, and making dinner and setting the table at home can be very fun.

Getting some pasta for a simple dinner can be good, but also making something like seafood, burgers, or a more complex dish can be fun as well.

Another fun idea can be to make the food creative. You can make a pizza in the shape of a heart, bake cookies in that shape or find any creative way to make the cooking and eating even more fun. "I want to bake chocolate chip cookies this Valentine's Day for dessert," freshman Sydney Wuhrer said.

Making pizza and pasta is probably the easy way to go for dinner. Remember to get candles and sparkling cider to make it feel like a restaurant, and a nice table cloth to top off the experience. Dinner at home can be a easy, and can definitely feel like a restaurant.

$$ Go to National Harbor Being the more romantic option in some cases, National Harbor is a great place to take your date on a night around Valentine's Day. It has many restaurants, both on the cheap and expensive sides, and many fun activities that are free as well. Take a walk through the city, tour the spectacular Gaylord hotel, which includes many restaurants, stores, and other activities in itself, or walk along the docks and beach to look at the Potomac River, on the Maryland side which is lit up by the ferris wheel.

"Cooking at home is what I want to do because it saves money and we don't have to dress up."

"I like riding the ferris wheel cause you can see how big the Gaylord really is."

SYDNEY WUHRER

MATTHEW VOGUS senior

freshman

$$$ Silverado Silverado is on the more simple side of the typical Valentine's Day date. If you are looking for a more relaxed environment and night, a small, semi-expensive place like Silverado or any of the Great American restaurants, like Mike's American Grill or Sweetwater, are definitely the best options. The prices are similar to any other local restaurant, but the food tops most.

Silverado is known best for their fajitas, while Mike's is known best for their steak.

"Silverado is my favorite out of all the restaurants because of the fajitas, and it is also the closest one," senior Madie Walsh said. The fajitas at Silverado are especially good for Valentine's Day because one order is enough to share with your date.

While it is not the cheapest option on this list, it is definetly very worth the price; a small price to pay for a great day.

$$$$ Old Town and The Wharf Take your date to Old Town, Alexandria. The whole town is from revolutionary times, which makes it as pretty as ever, and is packed with delicious, yet very expensive restaurants. The seafood down there is extremely good as well, with places such as The Wharf (see picture) and Charthouse, which is actually eating on a boat.

Romantic right? Old Town is also famous for their small ice cream shops scattered throughout the area. "I love Old Town because of the preppy shops they have, and the Ben and Jerry's," senior Tommy Nguyen said. Once dinner is done, ice cream is definitely the way to go.

Then, weather permitting, take a walk to the docks for a night to remember.

"I like to go to Silverado whenever I go out to eat cause I see people I know."

"I like Old Town because of the preppy stores and Ben and Jerry's."

MADIE WALSH

TOMMY NGUYEN

senior

Staff Writer To my surprise, the burger joint Dice Burger had very juicy and flavorful burgers along with a handful of nice crispy fries. The once gas station, then failed Hispanic restaurant, and now burger joint is located on Columbia Pike in Annandale, right next to Annandale shopping center. It is very local so the drive was not long at all, which is always nice.

The restaurant has a very up beat vibe. When walking in, there are a lot of upbeat colors and nice decorations on the wall, also surrounded with TVs for entertainment. Despite this, the burger joint is still pretty simple, nothing too fancy, kind of like a fast food restaurant but nicer.

It's a good place to relax with friends while eating some good burgers. The restaurant was fairly clean compared to the surrounding environment. The service was pretty good. All the workers were polite and we got our food almost right away.

Unfortunately, Dice Burger does not get much attention compared to the nearby restaurants, such as Silverado. When walking in not many people were there, but they also offer carry out and many people were coming in and out to pick up their meals. Not only do they have carry out but you can also have your

Dice Burger offers great service and lets you roll a dice to win special prizes such as free food or discounts.

Rating for Dice Burger: 8/10 Find Dice Burger at 7023 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003 Menu: www.diceburger.com/menu

Dice Burger is known for their bacon cheesburger and fries.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KAYLA HOLCOMB

BY KAYLA HOLCOMB

food delivered through their website. This is a nice plus if you are short of time and want a quick but good bite to eat or if you don't feel like driving.

When looking at the menu, they offer a good variety of different types of burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, and even BBQ ribs, plus salads and appetizers to start off with.

I got the Mushroom Swiss burger, which was very tasty and cooked well. What made it different from the other burgers on the mushrooms is definitely the combination of swiss cheese with the caramelized onions. The fries also were very good and they provide a good amount to go along with the burger for an understandable price.

The Mushroom Swiss burger costs $9.99. It is the same price for most off their burgers, with their highest burger being $10.99.

The pricing is okay, a little high for some things but nothing outrageous. Pretty similar to how much Five Guys costs. Unlike burger places like Five Guys, however, Dice Burger's menu is much more varied in their options. Next time I might even get the Creole Burger with a side of chili cheese fries.

Overall my experience at the Dice Burger was pretty good. I would give it an 8/10 because of the good burgers and relaxing vibe. Definitely would recommend for anyone looking for a new and unique burger joint that's local and not too expensive.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KAYLA HOLCOMB

New local burger joint brings something new to the table

PHOTO COURTESY OF KAYLA HOLCOMB

Roll the die and head to Dice Burger for lunch

The front of Dicer Burger, waving flags to get attention

Class of 2017 Bulletin

121

Days until graduation

To-do list: February Edition Submit FAFSA forms!

Make sure to finish first semester strong!

Go try out for spring sports!

Senior Dontae Johnson jumping up to get a rebound.