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Thomas Edison High School • Volume 52• Issue 4• 5801 Franconia Road • Alexandria, VA 22310 • April 29, 2016

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what’s inside NEWS:

Golden footballs (3) Zika virus (4) Film club (4) Bus passes (5) Mississippi non-discrimination act (5) The Current policy statement (7)

OPINIONS: Women’s History Month (8) Male body image (9) Apple and FBI (9) Respect is the new r-word (10) Staff editorial (11)

FEATURES: Secrets of Edison (12-13) Vegetarian for a week (14-15)

SPORTS: MLB preview (16-17) Edison to 6A (19) Column as I see ‘em (19)

ARTS: American Idol (20-21) The outside life of choir kids (22) Batman V Superman review (23) Kanye (24) April 2016| The Current | 2

The Current is a student-edited publication serving the Thomas A. Edison High School community.

The Current Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Justin Askenazy Managing Editor Ryan Pinkney News Editor Emily Jarmin Opinions Editor Jessica Cruz Features Editor Judy Beauvais Sports Editor Will Dobson

Online Editor Ryan Pinkney Arts Editor Talia Carter Arts Director Joel DeSante Business Manager Judy Beauvais Copy Chief Will Dobson Adviser Carl Irvin

Staff Writers & Photographers Camryn Anderson

Ben Davenport

Joel DeSante

Jillian Brooks

Lexy Thomas

Bailey Thompson

Katie Burkett

Salman Ashraf Zemi Jacob

Eles Jones

The Current is the official newspaper of Thomas A. Edison High School published quarterly by the journalism staff. It serves as a vehicle for student expression and is an open forum of issues of interest and concern to the school community.

Year-long subscriptions are available for $20. Subscription forms may be ordered via email at edisoncurrent@gmail.com. Subscription forms may also be picked up in room C-215.

The staff is deeply committed to a code of journalistic ethics that demands the exercise of accuracy, good judgment, and impartiality. The content of The Current is determined by the editorial board.

Unsigned editorials reflect the majority opinion of the staff of The Current, but not necessarily the opinions of individual editors or staff members. Signed editorials and letters to the editor reflect the views of the authors.

The Current solicits advertising, but reserves the right to reject any material deemed libelous, disruptive, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

Letters to the Editor may be submitted to edisoncurrent@gmail.com or anonymously outside of Room C-215. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

With any general questions regarding The Current, please email edisoncurrent@gmail.com

Letter from the Editor: Fourth quarter is finally here, and along with the warmer weather comes the annual testing stress-out, with IB exams, SOLs and finals just around the corner. But in the midst of all the studying and stress ball squeezing, take some time to explore some of the more hidden spots of Edison, including those described in our cover story this issue.

What you find may amaze you.

In addition, look for a preview of every MLB team’s up-

coming season in our Sports feature, as well as a recap of hit show American Idol’s 15 seasons on the air.

Lastly, turn to the Opinions section for a surprise announcement from The Current’s editorial board regarding the paper’s status for next year and beyond.

We appreciate your continued support!

Justin Askenazy Editor-in-Chief, The Current

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Edison strikes gold

NFL players and Edison alums Pat Toomay and Eric Barton earn golden footballs

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n February, Edison received two golden footballs from the National Football League (NFL) for having two former athletes play in a Super Bowl game, Pat Toomay and Eric Barton. Toomay graduated from Edison in 1966 and played for the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowls V and VI. Barton graduated in 1995 and played for the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII. 2016 marked the fiftieth year the Super Bowl has been played and was continuously marketed with golden products to recognize the anniversary. One way the NFL recognized last season’s importance was to give every high school in America that had an athlete play in a Super Bowl game a gold football in their honor. According to the NFL, over 2,000 schools and nearly 3,000 individuals are being recognized through this program.

“It is incredible when you think about it. They want us to recognize perhaps that greatness or great athletes existed in your building. A lot of kids don’t understand or see that there’s that potential sitting right now in a ninth, tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade class; we could have the next great athlete,” said Principal Pamela Brumfield.

Students have started to notice and recognize the golden footballs’ importance to the school. Sophomore football player Shabir Kohistany said, “when athletes see that players from Edison have played in a Super Bowl, they see there is a possibility that they can

too.”

Dianne Lewis said when she Kohistany added that if two first met Toomay what really athletes who went to Edison stuck out was how “unascan achieve this amount of suming and humble” he was. success, there is no excuse for “You wouldn’t have known he him not to do the same. accomplished so much,” said While Barton and Toomay Lewis. may be long gone from Wild explained how Barton Edison, the impact they left did not win a lot of games in behind is not forgotten. his high school career, but “I remember the first time I was able to get a scholarship ever met Eric Barton. I shook to the University of Maryland. his hand and the first thing “At a time when kids think that struck me was how big they need to transfer to go his hands were,” said Personal play at the best schools, that’s Fitness teacher Jimmy Wild. not true. Just do the best with Personal Fitness teacher what you’ve got,” said Wild.

Michael Lewis said Wells the presence attendof the golded high en footballs school is vital to with a school Toomay like Edison and wants because a lot students of the time to take people think the “these things way he only happen The golden footballs are located in the trophy handled case across from the main gym. The school at the big athletics hopes that students will get to see them before schools.” Lewand apply they are given out to the players. is said that it to today. is what truly “You never know how makes the footballs incredible. things are going to turn out.

While students and teachers He was a quarterback in high recognize the importance Barschool, not a down lineman, ton and Toomay bring to the but that’s what he ended up athletic program, Brumfield playing professionally,” said believes it should not stop at Wells. athletics.

Both Wild and Wells said “Maybe football isn’t somethe demeanor of Barton and thing that you’re interested Toomay is what led the athin. It could be another sport, letes to success. the performing arts or it could “Barton had goals that he be academics. The message wanted to play at a higher levis if you work hard and you el. When it was his time to go put forth the effort, you can to the weight room, he went achieve at high levels,” said to the weight room. He had Brumfield. friends waiting for him to do Moreover, Brumfield beother things, but he didn’t get lieves strongly in the idea that distracted by those things,” students who are engaged in said Wild. activities such as sports or the Girls basketball coach performing arts excel at high Ben Davenport

Ben Davenport staff writer

levels.

“Sometimes people think being involved in athletics or a performing art takes away from their time studying or that is it not good for them.

Actually, it does the opposite.

These are the students who have learned to manage their time, become self-disciplined, set goals for themselves, believe in themselves, and they then do the best in their academics,” said Brumfield.

She wants kids to realize that being involved in activities is a great way to not only learn about themselves, but also become “a better human being.”

Whether it is athletics, academics, or the performing arts, teachers and administrators want students to understand the potential for greatness is there. Director of Student Activities Greg Dombrowski said, “if you have a dream and put everything behind that dream and never say quit, then one day you could have a football in our showcase too, or whatever other activity it would be.”

To further recognize the great accomplishments by these athletes, Brumfield said a ceremony will eventually be held. “It has not been planned yet, but it is definitely something we want to do,” said Brumfield.

Ultimately, Brumfield wants kids to recognize the importance of recognizing that greatness was once in the same halls they walk today.

“My hope is it’s a talking piece for kids to see the footballs, because you could just put somebody’s name on a piece of paper, but the footballs bring attention to it.”

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Zika virus poses worldwide threat Recent epidemic spreads fear around the globe to the Prospective Members of the 2016 US Olympic and Paralympic Delegations, Blackmun said, “No matter how much we prepare, however, there will always be risks associated with international competition.”

Because there is no certain way to prevent transmission of the disease, it is easier to acquire and spread to others.

The Zika virus could potentially spread across the globe if matters do not improve.

Not only does the Zika virus pose a threat to the 2016 Summer Olympics, but, according to USA Today, it is also a problem for people who are planning their vacations or have already planned them.

The virus isn’t only an issue in the United States, but also in the Caribbean and in South America. Many people will be

Camryn Anderson staff writer n February 1, 2016, the World Health Organization declared that the Zika virus outbreak meets the conditions for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The recent epidemic began in Brazil in 2015 and has been an issue for North and South America. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is the host of the 2016 Summer Olympics, which take place from August 5 to August 21, and the Paralympic Games, which are scheduled for September 7-18. Because of the Zika outbreak in Brazil, there have been many concerns about the health of athletes and anyone traveling to watch the games.

The Zika virus is a disease that is primarily transmit-

ted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.

The most common symptoms of the Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes which usually last for 2-7 days.

There is no vaccine or specific treatment for the Zika virus but the best way to alleviate symptoms is to rest and stay hydrated.

Pregnant women, or women who are planning to become pregnant, are more at risk when being exposed to the Zika virus because it can spread to the fetus and cause serious birth defects. Many news sources, such as the New York Times, are urging pregnant woman not to attend the 2016 Summer Olympics because of the risks.

In a letter from the CEO of the United States Olympic Committee, Scott Blackmun,

Salman Ashraf staff writer new club has been added to Edison’s roster of extracurricular activities. Created by freshman Joel DeSante and supervised by English teacher Benjamin Eckman, Film Club focuses on helping students explore film and the filmmaking process in a group environment.

Film Club is the only club at Edison that primarily focuses on making creative films and developing students’ skills in filmmaking.

“Because of this club, I can improve my editing and help others with their work,” said freshman Kayden Bachman.

In Film Club, students make short films from scratch.

Since the club is volunteerfunded, it is a great opportuApril 2016| The Current | 4

nity for students to show their into groups that each focus creativity. “When you think of on different components of a props, especially for student film such as props, scripts and filmmakers, it’s what we call costumes. DeSante said, “The gorilla filmmaking, which is groups all do their individual cheap and whatever you can work, then collaborate to put get your hands on... just find together a film project, upload it,” said it to Eckman. their StuYoudents Tube get to chanexpenel, and rience submit workthe ing in videos groups to film and concollabtests.” orating Film with Club others focusto pro- Film Club members work on the script for their short es on duce the film Man Vs. Microwave. The club meets after school a more best film in sponsor Benjamin Eckman’s classroom. creative they can make. Students break form of video whereas Edi-

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forced to cancel their vacation plans in order to maintain their health and safety.

Sophomore Paige Barwick was planning on going to the Dominican Republic next summer to volunteer with Global Leadership Adventures, but she can no longer go because the Zika virus is a rapidly growing problem and her parents don’t think it would be safe for her to go.

“I’m really disappointed but I understand that it wouldn’t be a good decision to go under these conditions,” said Barwick.

Despite complications with the 2016 Summer Olympic Games and vacation plans, it is important for everybody to be aware of the Zika virus epidemic and its effects on the world today.

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Bailey Thompson

Edison students produce new film club

son’s other video production club, Broadcast, focuses on covering school news. Broadcast teacher Dale Miller said that Broadcast aims to “build a community” by informing people of what’s happening.

Broadcast also aims to teach students the technical and production skills of broadcast.

“One of the things that separates film and to an extent theater from say painting, sculpting, drawing, is that film and theater are collaborative art forms. One person doesn’t make a film really by themselves; you have people...

They all understand film as a collaborative art form, and for them that collaborating process produces something that they are proud of. That’s what I want them to do,” said Eckman.

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Students continue to use public bus passes

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dison High School is part of a program that allows students to receive a free bus pass for the Fairfax County Connector.

This program was implemented in August 2015.

Tom Italiano, Coordinator of Transportation Routing and Planning for Fairfax County Public Schools said, “The free pass program was started as a result of a joint committee consisting of School Board and Board of Supervisor members. It was established to promote ridership opportunities for Fairfax County Public School high school and middle school students,” Italiano continued by saying, “The primary goal of the program was to increase the ability of students to expand their hours at school, whether

before or after school, and Monday through Friday from to develop other ridership 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. The pass alopportunities for jobs and lows students to catch the bus other recreational reasons. In to get to school, and it offers addition, another goal of the many students a ride home program was to help to expose after school. This is especially students helpful to the with process after and school develop activtransit ities. riders “Befor the fore, I fuwasn’t ture.” able to It particihas pate in been afterapprox- Fairfax County issued a free bus pass for the Fairfax school imately County Connector in a program implemented in August. events seven Students use their bus pass as a way home after school. bemonths cause I since the program was had no way to get home. Now, launched, and, according to going home is easy, simple freshman Dhiambi Otete, it and worry-free,” said Otete. has been “extremely helpful.”

While all middle and high The bus pass works from schools can partake in this Joel DeSante

Jillian Brooks staff writer

program, statistics were taken from Edison and four other high schools. These high schools were chosen based on the nearby availability of Connector buses and geographic location. The other targeted high schools were Chantilly High School, James Madison HS, Mount Vernon HS and South Lakes HS. According to data released

by Fairfax County, 42% of Edison students have bus passes compared to 7% at Chantilly High School and an even lower 4% at James Madison High School. With a population of 1,936 students, this means that about 813 students have received a bus pass at Edison.

Otete said she would recommend the public bus to other students at Edison and that it “teaches you how to be more independent from your parents and patient with waiting for the bus to come.”

Mississippi governor passes non-discrimination act

granted under the equal is not politics, this is human protection clause in the 14th rights…I’m disappointed for Amendment (which states that several reasons. First of all, no state shall deny to any perMississippi is the only state son within its jurisdiction the I know how to spell. Second equal protection of the laws) of all, that is the definition has been violated. of discrimination. It is also something that the Supreme The online-payment company PayPal announced it was Court already ruled on when canceling a $3.6 million invest- they made marriage a right for everyone. Everyone.” ment in Charlotte, North Carolina, due to the recent passage of a law banning anti-discrimination protections.

Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres spoke out on April 7 regarding the religious freedom law. The talk-show host said in a video posted on ellentube, “I’m not a political person, I’m Activists demonstrate at the United States Supreme Court for Same-Sex Marriage on April 28, 2015. really not, but this courtesy of flickr

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n April 5, Mississippi governor Phil Bryant signed into law HB153, the “Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act.” This bill states that it protects “sincerely held religious beliefs or moral conviction,” such as the belief that “marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman” and that gender is “determined by anatomy and genetics at time of birth.” North Carolina governor Pat McCory signed into law a similar bill fighting anti-LGBT sentiment.

This bill allows businesses to refuse services to gay couples based on the business-owners’ religious

beliefs. The bill states that businesses can make the “decision whether or not to hire, terminate or discipline an individual whose conduct or religious beliefs are inconsistent with those of the religious organization.”

In a statement on Twitter, Bryant said he signed the bill into law “to protect sincerely held religious beliefs and moral convictions…from discriminatory action by the state government…This bill does not limit any constitutionally protected rights or actions of any citizen of this state under federal or state laws.”

Since this bill was announced, there has been a great deal of opposition from the public. Its passage has some people questioning whether the basic rights

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Emily Jarmin news editor

The flag is the offical LGBTQ flag.

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The Current Policy Statement

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he Current and thecurrentonline. org are, respectively, the print and World Wide Web editions of the the student news magazine of Thomas A. Edison High School in Alexandria, Virginia. The two editions are referred to collectively as The Current in this policy statement.

The print edition of The Current publishes an abridged policy statement in each issue and at least once per year publishes this complete statement. The full policy statement is always available on thecurrentonline.org.

As preservers of democracy, schools should protect, encourage and enhance free-speech and positive exchange of ideas as a means of protecting our American way of life. The Current has been established as a forum for student expression and as a voice in an uninhibited, free and open discussion of issues.

Content of The Current, therefore, represents only the views of the student staff and not school officials.

The Current and its staff are protected by and bound to the principles of the First Amendment and other protections and limitations afforded by the Constitution and the various court decisions implementing those principles.

Online media may be used by students to educate, to inform and to entertain both the school and the wider community and are entitled

to the same protections and subject to the same freedoms and responsibilities as all other student media as outlined in this policy.

Online media are forums for expressive activity and are similar to traditional media in their freedoms, responsibilities and professional obligations. As such they will not be subject to prior review or constraint.

Student journalists may use online media to report news and information, to communicate with other students and individuals, ask questions of and consult with experts and to locate media to meet their news gathering and research needs.

As a forum for student expression, The Current will not be reviewed or restrained prior to publication.

The Current staff will strive to not publish any material determined by student editors or the student editorial board to be unprotected, that is material that is libelous, obscene, or materially disruptive of the school process, an unwarranted invasion of privacy, a violation of copyright or electronic manipulations which change the essential truth depicted in photographs.

With this in mind, student journalists have sole right to determine content of official student publications. By not interfering with The Current or other publications content, school officials are therefore not liable for or responsible for content.

The Current’s adviser will

not act as a censor.

In case questions arise over specific copy as defined within this policy, the advice of a practicing communications attorney would be sought. The services of the attorney for the Student Press Law Center are recommended.

The definitions of protections, unprotected speech and other obligations can be found in the Fairfax County Public Schools Student Rights and Responsibilities booklet available to each student at Thomas A. Edison High School.

The The Current editorial board as a whole will be responsible for determining editorial opinions, which represent the opinions of the majority the editorial board.

No single staff member of The Current will be held responsible for editorial content decisions.

The Current is a tool in the learning process of journalism and operates as a learning laboratory. Because full participation as a staff member of The Current is co-curricular, only students currently enrolled in a journalism class at Thomas A. Edison High School are considered for staff positions.

As a forum for student expression The Current will accept for consideration all letters to the editors, guest articles and suggestions from any reader.

The Current publishes all letters to the editor provided they are 300 words or fewer and contain the author’s full name and address. Articles

and other submissions may be rejected by the staff if they are deemed inappropriate for The Current’s needs.

The staff reserves the right with to withhold a letter, article or column for more information if it determines the writing contains items of unprotected speech as defined by this policy. All submissions will be edited for spelling and grammar and checked for verification.

Should a submission contain errors in fact, excessive grammatical errors or be too long, it will be returned to the author for resubmission.

Deadlines for letters for the print edition of The Current will be no later than two weeks before the next publication date.

The The Current editorial board reserves the right to accept or reject any advertisement, but generally accepts advertisements deemed appropriate for a public forum for young adults.

In cases involving political or issues advertising, efforts will be made to solicit all points of view. The ultimate decision for all advertising rests with the The Current editorial board.

The Current may cover student, staff, faculty and alumnus deaths as the editorial board is made aware of them. The board reserves the right to decide not to cover a death based on relevance, timelines, and circumstances decided on by the editorial board.

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hanks to the efforts of The National Women’s History Project, March was declared Women’s History Month in 1987. The month is supposed to be dedicated to showcasing all the hard work and effort that women have put into developing themselves over the years, but it does not receive as much attention as it deserves.

Unlike other notable events, Women’s History Month did not get any recognition on the morning news at Edison.

The only recognition that was visible in the building was a bulletin board that is located across the hall from the leadership room. Women’s History Month should be honored just like any other special event.

By including Women’s History Month in the morning news. the school would be exhibiting positive behavior.

This behavior would allow for women to be given credit for their hard work.

This could be considered another feminist rant, but it is hard to ignore the obvious.

Women are not honored in the same way that men are and we, as a gender, have fought through so many injustices.

We deserve the appreciation.

“I feel as if it’s skipped over when it comes to history in general,” said junior Emily Yankovich “Talking about it more often would maybe get rid of some of those gender norms.”

In public school, students get taught about Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. They hear about Pocahontas and Sacagawea.

Let’s not forget Rosa Parks and Amelia Earhart. In a more ideal world, students would get taught about Jeannette Rankin, the first woman to hold a position in Congress.

Rosalind Franklin would have

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Jessica Cruz opinions editor

Google Images

Women’s History Month eludes Edison’s spotlight

the silent sentinels, a group of women who silently protested for women’s suffrage, stand in front of the white house. five months in silence until the

They protested for 19th Amendment was passed.

received more credit for her contribution to the understanding of DNA structure.

Women should get more than a few paragraphs in a textbook.

“Educating people about women’s history would help more people understand why it’s important to have feminism in today’s society and going forwards tomorrow’s society as well,” said junior Bryce Roper.

“Women have always been around, and there are many great contributions made by women to history, it’s important to remember this and make more people aware of it.”

Women could be receiving so much recognition through so many things. For example, Harriet Tubman is going to be replacing Andrew Jackson on the twenty dollar bill.

This is only one step towards honoring women the way they

deserve.

“While things have gotten considerably better for women, there’s absolutely no reason to give up,” said junior Tim Etter.

For those who wonder why there is no men’s history month, realize that men are celebrated every single day.

Men get celebrated every time they earn a dollar compared to women’s 77 cents for doing the same job.

It is true that we as a society are changing for the -Tim Etter better.

So many improvements have been made for women in the last few decades. It is also true that society still has a long way to go. I do not want women’s efforts in this world to be forgotten. March should have been a full-on celebration for everything women have achieved despite always being perceived as weaker and dumber.

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“While things have gotten considerably better for women, there’s absolutely no reason to give up.”

Women in Lesotho protest violence against women on National Women’s day. The protests took place at the National University of Lesotho in 1956, and petitions gained over 100,000 signatures.

April 2016| The Current | 8

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Big boys should cry: Societal norms negatively affect men

Talia Carter arts editor

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ho is your ideal man? Is he that tall, dark and handsome Prince Charming we dream about when we are kids? Or is he more of the strong, working type?

No matter what society wants us to think, girls are not the only ones with body image and self-confidence issues.

There has been so much media attention surrounding female body image and how the women feel, but what about the guys?

Girls are always so quick to say that boys judge them for the way they look, but there are girls who will also turn around and judge the boys right back. The whole concept that every man has to have huge boulder arms and

washboard abs is not what we should be expecting from them.

“I feel like society makes men feel like they have to be fit because they grow up thinking that girls only like muscular guys. You usually see really fit guys showing off their bodies in music videos and whatnot, but never the other way around,” said junior Tianna Ayala.

If girls are so keen on not being judged for the way they look, then how come the same courtesy cannot be extended to the guys? Society is completely neglecting the fact that women are not the only ones with self-confidence issues.

Though most guys would not admit it, the issue still exists.

The standard is completely flipped. Now, girls are taught to love their bodies and accept who they are, but men still

have to live up to this expecta- through. You’re not supposed tion of the “perfect body”. to care about how you look.

Men may not feel like they If you have issues, you aren’t can talk about their feelings supposed to talk about it. It’s and this wall is put between considered weak or un-masthem and their emotions, but culine. Which is stupid. It’s plus-sized male model Zach about having feelings that Miko is breaking that wall make you human.” down.

The solution is for people With a 40 inch waist and a to be aware of the cultural height norms “With men, there is still a lot of that are of six feet six bravado and false masculinity imposed inches, to get through. You’re not sup- on society.

Miko is The not your posed to care about how you biggest average problem look...which is stupid.” male -Zach Miko with male model. body imHe says his goal is to promote age is the lack of attention body positivity for everyone so towards it. Men should be they can accept themselves for able to express their emowho they are. tions and insecurities without According to theguardian. being belittled. Girls and guys com, Miko said, “With men, should not feel like they have there is still a lot of bravado to change in order it “fit in” and false masculinity to get with everybody else.

An Apple a day keeps the FBI away

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ver the past few months since the San Bernardino shooting, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Apple Inc. have been in dispute over the FBI’s right to crack Apple’s software security system to retrieve possible information to help them prosecute the suspects. On February 16, a California judge ordered Apple to give assistance to the FBI in breaking into the suspect’s iPhone to find any possible information related to the shooting.

Apple has repeatedly refused to help the FBI. CEO of Apple Inc., Tim Cook said, “The United States government has demanded that Apple take an unprecedented step which threatens the security of our customers,” This issue is more than an

issue of Apple versus FBI; it is an issue of public safety and security. I stand by what Apple has consistently said, and believe their argument against the government is extremely valid. Creating a new software backdoor into the phone would undermine all the years of hard work Apple has put into creating a security system that is truly protecting its consumers’ data through state of the art encryption.

The FBI’s request to change software would eliminate the 10 password attempt deletion of data and exponential Ryan Pinkney

Ben Davenport staff writer

waiting period after wrong guesses. Today, people carry information on their phones, such as credit card numbers, bank logins, and their stock account information.

Allowing the government a way into accessing this information could eventually leak into the public.

As Cook said, “You can’t have a backdoor that’s only for the good guys.”

Another reason that Apple’s decision is valid is that if Apple opens their gates to allow the FBI past their security system, others nations around the world could pose the same threat. If other nations see the

U.S. government has access to encrypted data, then why shouldn’t they have access to their own citizens’ information?

Although Apple has battled strongly against creating a way for the FBI to access the device, on March 28, the FBI was able, with the assistance of a third party, to crack the security system of the suspect’s iPhone.

In response to the FBI, Cook said, “Apple believes deeply that people in the United States and around the world deserve data protection, security and privacy. Sacrificing one for the other only puts people and countries at greater risk.”

Although the FBI is trying to fight terrorism within the U.S., their solution is too imposing to user encrypted data and the safety of technology users all over the world.

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ocietal norms play a significant role in everyone’s way of living.

When people observe widely-accepted behaviors, they are likely to mimic them in order to feel more accepted.

Problems can arise when people try to fit in without careful consideration of whether adopting such behaviors might hurt someone. Some of these problems are less evident than others. That is the case for abandoning the use of the r-word.

Originally the r-word was used to describe mental disabilities but as time went on people started to use it in a derogatory manner. The r-word became the equivalent of calling someone stupid.

Using a term that is meant to describe a mental disability as an insult is wrong. Not only are people misusing the word, they are hurting people with mental disabilities. This is unfair to these people. It reinforces the idea that having a mental disability is a thing to be mocked.

While people with disabilities have many more obstacles than people who don’t have mental disabilities, it does not mean that they are stupid.

People with disabilities have to adapt to things differently than most people, and this shows how incredibly intelligent they can be.

It is appalling to hear someone make an insult of another person’s disability. Whether or not the r-word is appropriate to use in an insulting manner

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Jessica Cruz opinions editor

Johana Melendez

Respect is the new r-word

Members of Best Buddies pose for a picture during one of their monthly meetings. The Best Buddies organization works with the campaign Spread the Word to End the Word. is not debatable.

“It’s a derogatory word that I know hurts people with disabilities when they hear it being used,” said president of Best Buddies Johana Melendez.

It is important for people to realize the true meaning of the r-word and to recognize the hardships people with disabilities endure every day.

Attention Edison 2016 Graduates Want to be with your Edison friends one last time before summer?

Don’t miss the 2016 Edison All Night Graduation Party

June 15, 2016

www.EdisonANGP.com Registration is now open $45 Early-bird Price good until May 1 Each attendee will receive a graduation memento, gift cards valued at $40 and opportunity to win prizes valued $5 - $300 Hypnotist Show, Casino, Bingo, Guessing Games, Caricatures, Tattoos, Inflatables, Swimming, Diving for dollars, Money Machine, All-You-Can-Eat Cafe April 2016| The Current | 10

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STAFF EDITORIAL

Is Edison journalism in peril?

Joel DeSante

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ecently, the staff of The Current learned that Edison’s journalism program may soon be ending. The administration informed teacher and adviser Carl Irvin on April 20 that low enrollment in journalism classes for next year may cause them to be cut from the slate of electives. Such a decision would have a dramatic effect on The Current, budding journalists, and even Edison students in general.

Most significantly, the elimination of journalism would impact the production of The Current. While other options to facilitate the printing of the newspaper are being considered, the number of papers produced during the year would greatly diminish, as would the staff ’s ability to produce in-depth reporting.

As a result, Edison students would lose the opportunity to have a voice in issues that matter to them. The Current has been and always will be a forum for student expression, a place where everyone can make their viewpoint heard.

Depriving the students of this right is akin to limiting the freedoms of speech and the press that define this coun-

Show your support for The Current by using the hashtag #savethecurrent. The editoral staff said they hope to be able to continue publishing in the future. can properly make decisions try and which Edison has about its leaders. It is the historically done a good job of job of journalists to provide protecting.

In addition, should the jour- the link between politicians nalism program cease to exist, and the public so that voters know their leaders’ stances students would lose a chance on important subjects. If to learn one of the most valuwe suspend the education of able crafts of our time. Jourfuture journalists, even as one nalism is ubiquitous; besides newspapers, it can be found in school, where will we be as a society in a decade or two? magazines, books and on the However, journalism classes radio or online. Without jourare not just useful to journalnalists, no one would receive ists; they can benefit anyone. news or gain insight into the Even those whose paths have inner workings of society. led them in directions oppoJournalism is integral to site from journalism attest that the success of democracy. such classes greatly improved Anyone who has taken a their writing, editing and phogovernment class knows that tography skills. In college and only an informed populace

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the professional world, there are few skills more sought after, yet harder to find, than being able to write, and journalism helps hone that ability.

Many argue that journalism as a whole is dead or dying, but this could not be further from the truth. While the newspaper industry is indeed in decline, journalism is simply evolving; it is more alive than ever. It is entering a digital world, a world with endless possibilities for innovation and advancement. In a free society, journalism does not die. It adapts to the needs and wants of society in order to best serve the reading and viewing public.

That is what we here at The Current strive to do. As the future of journalism at Edison hangs in limbo, we would appreciate any words of advice or constructive criticism you could provide to make the newspaper even better. Talk to your administrator about what the journalism program means to you. Or better yet, consult with your counselor and sign up to take a journalism class next year. You might learn something, and a few years down the road, the world will be grateful you did.

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11 | The Current| April 2016

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Inside the secrets of Edison:The

Current investigates

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very day, on their way to class, students walk by a set of doors in the hallway, but rarely do they ever go through it or even notice that it is there.

Those doors are the doors to the courtyard. It usually stands out when looking at a map of the school, but does not get regularly visited like many other places at the school. Given that many students rarely visit it, here are the secrets of the courtyard.

Previously, students were allowed to use the courtyard as a cut-through to get to class, but school adminis-

tration discontinued this due to misbehavior and noisy disruptions to classes with windows bordering the courtyard. However, according to assistant principal Peter Lake, the administration might be willing to revisit this as a privilege for students if there seems to be a common desire for it.

The main courtyard is beautiful during the springtime thanks to the constant maintenance from different school clubs over the years, including the National Honor Society, Key Club and the landscaping class from the Academy. The clubs, besides doing general clean-up, often plant bulbs that, during the spring, pop up and make

The planetarium:

Justin Askenazy editor-in-chief idden in a cranny of the Social Studies hallway is a gateway to the stars, a place where the planets can be seen up close and the constellations are within one’s reach. No, it’s not a rocket ship; it is the planetarium, a place about which few people know and even fewer have seen.

In the planetarium, closeup images of planets, stars and other celestial bodies are projected onto a wraparound screen, allowing students and other visitors to see and learn about objects they could April 2016| The Current | 12

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otherwise only view through a telescope.

“It is the best way for us to simulate the nighttime sky at any time of day,” said astronomy teacher Michael Sponable.

Built in 1963 through funding from the National Defense Education Act, the planetarium is primarily used for astronomy classes, but Sponable occasionally takes other groups inside, such as teachers or elementary school groups.

However, while the planetarium is infrequently used now, it used to be a hub of activity, with almost daily visits from school groups on field

Students spend time out in the courtyard during class. The trees

during ths spring are many different colors as they begin to bloom.

the courtyard very colorful.

The reflective wall, the benches and the pond are the main attraction of the courtyard. They were a part of the interior construction of the courtyard that took place as a result of a donation.

According to Lake, Patrick McGettigan, the founder of Landmark Systems software company in Reston, Va., trips, often totalling over 200 a year. Sponable explained that recent budget cuts largely eliminated such visits.

“The Fairfax County School Board decided that it wasn’t fiscally doable to still maintain the planetarium program … it was a paid field trip by the county, so schools had no reason not to come,” he said.

Now, schools must provide their own bus money to visit the planetarium, a deterrence to many.

While elementary students no longer arrive by the busload, Sponable is still open to hosting shows for anyone who is interested.

“It could be English, bio or chemistry...If a teacher Other

donated the funds used to develop the interior of the courtyard. The pond is a highlight of the courtyard along with the metallic and smooth reflection wall. The fish that live in the pond are also one of the many attention grabbing and serenic parts of the courtyard.

Judy Beauvais

Ryan Pinkney managing editor

Ryan Pinkney

The courtyard:

The planetarium at Edison uses a digital projector to display images on the cieling.

The planetarium

is used in the astonomy class and other scheduled visits.

will come up with a reason to come on in, we really could work it out,” he said. “I try to be as accommodating as I can.” artwork courtesy of

Google Images

features Jessica Cruz

Parking: Judy Beauvais features editor

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here are multiple ways to get to school: the FCPS bus, walking, kiss and ride, the Fairfax Connector, and those who are able to provide their own transportation. With driving to school, there are a few housekeeping tips that are told to students so the parking lot can be a positive and organized environment. “Keep your parking pass visible to avoid problems,” said senior Rachel Manu.

There are technical guidelines as well that are applicable everywhere. “Stay inside the lines,” said senior Jordan Larkins.

Then there are things that do not work well in the parking lot. “Don’t park [selfishly]” said Larkins.

A message to those students who do not like to share parking spaces. “Don’t get too attached to one parking space

because they belong to everyone,” said Manu. The parking spaces are for everyone, and trying to claim a parking spot as yours or parking selfishly to prevent other cars from parking near you doesn’t help

keep the parking atmosphere smooth. But in the parking lot there is a lackluster social atmosphere.

“Everyone wants to get where they are going, so there is little socializing once everyone gets to their cars,” said junior Bella Malave. Socialization is minimal amongst students, but there is still a different atmosphere in the parking lot .

Parking is a great privilege for students who choose to drive to school. “[Driving to school] is a good privilege because it allows you to leave early or stay late if necessary,” said Larkins.

The maintenance building: Katie Burkett Bailey Thompson staff writers

Katie Curkett

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he red building in the back of the school is where so many people from all over Fairfax County come to work and fix things in the schools, but this goes totally unnoticed by most students. The building is home to Fairfax County’s electricians and maintenance crew.

Edison High School has one of four satellite buildings located throughout the county.

A satellite building is a structure that is not directly attached to the main building.

Facilities Management Liaison Craig Carney explained that the satellite buildings are all over FCPS. In addition to the Edison location, there are satellites in Merrifield, Falls Church and at Robinson High School.

Although many people

Fairfax Maintenance workers Charles Driver and Ian Trumbore prepare the truck lift for operation. The county owns several trucks that are used for a variety of building and grounds repairs. work at the EHS satellite, it is unlikely there is more than a few people in the building during the day.

“They report here every morning, get their work orders they’re going to have for that day, and then go out to different schools to perform their work. So this is kind of like their base station,” said Carney.

The satellite building holds many different workshops for

all the important tasks the electricians and maintenance crew have to do everyday. The Edison Satellite Support Center is comprised of four shops: Electrical shop, Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning (HVAC) shop, Plumbing and Kitchen equipment shop.

In this building there are different workshops for each of the departments. This is where the supervisors from each department stay and

work during the day. Ian Trumbore is the industrial electrician supervisor and has crews out working on a variety of tasks involving electricity for the school district, including fixing the lights in the parking lot.

“We cover mechanical construction. Mechanical is HVAC [heating, ventilation, air conditioning], plumbing and electrical. We have a working furniture shop for furniture repair and we also have a stock room,” said Manager Ralph W. Blevins.

They have 67 employees and a building engineer working on just this side of the county.. “The Edison Support Center employees and all employees of the Office of Facilities Management are here to provide a safe, clean, and secure learning environment for all the students of Fairfax County Public Schools,” said Blevins.

13 | The Current| April 2016

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Students test being vegetarian for a week The Current staff takes on the vegetarian diet with the guidance of vegan Jessica Cruz

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oing vegetarian for the week was not too much of a struggle for me. When I first started,I had no energy and whenever I would go jogging I would get tired more quickly. I started to eat more carbs to get more energy and had more snacks, such as fruits and dried garbanzo beans. Then, I started juicing some veg-

etables and fruits. I started to have that so I could have vegetarian food throughout the day. I wouldn’t stay vegetarian because during the week, I was constantly trying to go through my pantry to put something together. I also wouldn’t have as much energy throughout the week.

Although I do not think that eating meat is a negative thing, I would not consider doing it.

Foods that are vegetarian: •

•

Altoids

•

Pie Crusts

•

Candy corn

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Fruits •

Rice

•

Eggs

•

Nuts

•

Beans

•

Pasta

ett

Jello

Sal

•

f ra

Yogurt with gelatin

Ash

•

n ma

Gummy Bears

Salman Ashraf

•

Judy Beauvais

Marshmallows

Bailey Thompson

Foods that you thought were vegetarian: •

Vegetables

rk

•

Bu

W

me not miss meat at all. One thing I was worried about was craving chicken. However, I found so many plant-based chicken-like products that were so similar in flavor and texture that I did not even miss it. I also discovered a lot of other different types of healthy foods, such as tofu burgers, cauliflower fried rice, and dried fruit. Even though our week as vegetarians has passed I will continue to include tofu and veggie based “meat” in my diet.

Salman Ashraf staff writer

ie Kat

Katie Burkett staff writer ho knew that cutting meat and all other animal products from your diet could be so easy? Sure, there were some side effects like feeling hungry more often or having a little less energy, but it is worth it. When I had the opportunity to try out the vegetarian lifestyle for a week, I was very excited.

What made me interested to volunteer for it was knowing that by not eating meat or any other animal based products, I would not be supporting the injustice in the meat making process. This mindset was what also kept me motivated to stick to the diet. I learned a lot, including what to use to substitute for meat, found out about foods that aren’t actually vegetarian, such as Jello, and I found foods that made

features Bailey Thompson staff writer

I

Judy Beauvais

T

The Subway sub, is usually eaten with chicken breasts but, Judy Beauvais makes the sub without meat and adds more veggies such as spinach.

pretty good. I had Subway for lunch one time during the week and I had it without meat which was unusual but it was still pretty good. I don’t think I will change to the vegetarian diet, but it was fun to try it for a week.

he vegetarian week went pretty well. I did not feel a loss of energy as some people have reported while not eating meat.

In the beginning, I did find that avoiding foods with gelatin in them was difficult, but it got easier as the week went on. I found that eating fresh foods compared to packaged foods made it easier because you did not have to worry about whether it was vegetarian. During the week, I found that I absolutely love tofurkey and do not enjoy tofu. I had to change my breakfast a bit, because there was gelatin in the yogurt I usually have, but other than that breakfast and lunch was pretty easy. Dinner was a little harder, as my

Bailey Thompson altered her

Bailey Thompson

Judy Beauvais features editor have known about the vegetarian diet and the health benefits that are associated with it but I never really saw myself eating vegetarian foods. The first day of the week, I was very nervous and kind of scared that I would not be able to fight the temptation of meat.

My family loves to eat meat with any meal we eat. To my surprise, they were willing to avoid meat during the whole week, which showed a strong base of support and encouragement from my family. After the third day of being a vegetarian, I was accustomed to not eating meat and my mom helped me cook our traditional Caribbean dishes without meat and still made them taste

breakfast to follow the vegetarian diet guidlines.

Thompson has fruit,

an omelet, and wheat bread for her breakfast.

parents still cook dinner for me and we have meat often.

My dad and I were perfectly happy eating tofurkey, but my mom didn’t like it that much.

I would definitely consider the vegetarian diet long term and just add gelatin to my diet and not eat meat.

15 | The Current| April 2016

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Ben Davenport staff writer

AL East

2015 Record: 78-84, 2016 Projected Record: 90-72 Acquiring David Price, SP, for $217 million during the offseason was crucial for a team lacking pitching depth. Backed by loads of young talent and a revamped pitching staff, the Red Sox appear on the right track to be back in the postseason.

2015 Record: 93-69, 2016 Projected Record: 88-74 Coming off of a spectacular 2015 season, the Blue Jays return AL MVP third baseman Josh Donaldson. With a high-octane offense, and the addition of J.A. Happ to the pitching staff, the Blue Jays should compete for a wild-card finish.

2015 Record: 87-75, 2016 Projected Record: 81-81 Recent news of Aroldis Chapman’s 30 game suspension due to a domestic violence incident may not hamper a hot start from the Yankees, whose bullpen is loaded. However, starting pitching could limit the Yankee’s success.

2015 Record: 81-81, 2016 Projected Record: 79-83 The Orioles come into 2016 lacking a solid starting pitcher who can bear down on hitters. On offense, Adam Jones and Chris Davis will be their go-to players in a lineup that should produce above-average numbers.

2015 Record: 80-82, 2016 Projected Record: 75-87 The Rays are backed by their solid pitching staff, especially Chris Archer, who had a 3.27 ERA last year. However, their lack of offseason moves leaves the lineup without a 0.300 hitter.

AL Central

2015 Record: 95-67, 2016 Projected Record: 90-72 Fresh off a World Series victory, the Royals return to 2016 as almost an exact replica of last season. The Royals lineup appears to have little to no holes, and is led by center fielder Lorenzo Cain. Although the Royals did not make any major offseason transactions, their stable lineup and deep pitching staff should lead the way for another division title.

2015 Record: 81-80, 2016 Projected Record: 86-76 The Indians pose a real threat to the Royals in what should be a tight division race. Starting pitcher Corey Kluber is on the verge of his prime, and will look to improve upon his already impressive 3.49 ERA from last season. If the Indians offense can find its rhythm, their playoff hopes will be extremely high.

2015 Record: 83-79, 2016 Projected Record: 82-80 After being below-average the past few seasons, the Twins finished 83-79 last season, shining new light on the franchise. Backed by rising star outfielder Miguel Sano, the Twins possess the talent to compete in a close division race.

2015 Record: 74-87, 2016 Projected Record: 82-80 Hit with the injury bug last season, the Tigers fell out of the division race midway through the season. Picking up starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann, and closer Francisco Rodriguez, the Tigers took care of addressing their pitching issues. The Tigers are moving in the right direction and could give the Royals some real issues.

2015 Record: 76-86, Projected 2016 Record: 73-89 Starting pitcher Chris Sale is among the best in the league, but the supporting cast around him may not be. If the White Sox want a taste of the postseason they need to perform on offense, where they are led by young star Jose Abreu.

AL West

2015 Record: 86-76, 2016 Projected Record: 88-74 Fresh off a wild card finish last year, the Astros enter the 2016 as favorites to take home the very competitive West division. Brimming with talent from the likes of shortstop Carlos Correa, second baseman Jose Altuve and outfielder Carlos Gomez, the Astros are set to do damage.

2015 Record: 85-77, 2016 Projected Record: 87-75 2015 Record: 76-86, 2016 Projected Record: 81-81 By most accounts, last season was a failure for a Mariners For years to come, the face of the Angels will be center team full of talent. Since being traded in 2013, second basefielder Mike Trout. However, he needs a good supporting man Robinson Cano has been performing well below (his) cast to help bring a World Series title to Los Angeles. Acaverage. If Cano can hit 30 HRs and bat 0.300 for the first quiring shortstop Andrelton Simmons is a good first step, time since 2012, the Mariners’ playoff chances can greatly but they still need more pieces to the puzzle. increase.

2015 Record: 88-74, 2016 Projected Record: 83-79 2015 Record: 68-94, 2016 Projected Record: 75-87 The Rangers have a slew of young and old players, and Oakland is probably in for another “Oakland seatheir season will come down to if this mix of players can son,”where they show tons of potential but the pieces gel together. Designated hitter Prince Fielder had an outare just not there for a postseason run. Backed by AL Cy standing comeback season last year, and starting pitcher Yu Young contender starting pitcher Sonny Gray, the AthletDarvish is working his way back from Tommy John surgery. ics will see some success, but they do not have any other His playing time will be impactful on the Rangers’ playoff big-time stars. The Athletics are not bad, but they are not chances. ready to win a division title just yet.

April 2016| The Current | 16

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NL East

sports

2015 Record: 90-72 2016 Projected Record: 89-73 The Mets pose one of the deepest starting rotations in baseball. With the likes of Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard, opponents could find themselves lost at the plate. Last season was a surprise, but this season the Mets will be in the spotlight all season long.

2015 Record: 83-79, 2016 Projected Record: 85-77 2015 Record: 67-95, 2016 Projected Record: 68-94 Coming off what everyone considered a letdown season, The Braves tanked last season and found themselves in the the Nationals enter the 2016 season with far lower expecsame shape as the Phillies. They do return first baseman tations. With reigning NL MVP outfielder Bryce Harper Freddie Freeman, who hit 0.276 and had 66 RBIs, but the and starting pitcher Max Scherzer, they are going to get offseason stalled there. Acquiring shortstop Dansby Swanthe job done, but the Nationals’ key to success will be the son from the Diamondbacks was a key move for the future, productivity of its role players. but will not be truly impactful right away.

2015 Record: 71-91, 2016 Projected Record: 74-88 2015 Record: 63-99 2016 Projected Record: 66-96 One loss away from losing 100 games last season, the Outfielder Giancarlo Stanton is among the best hitters Phillies are still heavily in rebuild mode. However, startin the league, as he hit 27 home runs last year in only 74 ing pitcher Aaron Nola is back, second baseman Andres games. Along with Stanton, starting pitcher Jose FerBlanco is coming off a solid 2015 and outfielder Odubel nandez is fully recovered and ready from the get-go this Herrera shined in his rookie season. season. The Marlins hold loads of young talent, but are not division contenders just yet.

NL Central

2015 Record: 97-65, 2016 Projected Record: 95-67 This could finally be their year. With a lineup that consists of Kris Bryant, Dexter Fowler, Anthony Rizzo, Jason Heyward and Ben Zobrist, the Cubs are stacked offensively. Their rotation is not bad either, where they have Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester.

2015 Record: 68-94, 2016 Projected Record: 72-90 2015 Record: 98-64, 2016 Projected Record: 92-70 Winning over the past few seasons has become a habit for With a pitching staff full of holes and a lineup without the Pirates. However, their lack of offseason production more than two solid go-to hitters, the Brewers can expect has lingered over the team. With outfielder Andrew Mcanother season in the cellar. The Brewers will look to Cutchen leading the way offensively, another successful their star catcher Jonathan Lucroy for leadership in what season will come down their rotation of Francisco Liriashould be a down year. no, Gerrit Cole, Juan Nicasio and Jonathon Niese.

2015 Record: 64-98, 2016 Projected Record: 68-94 2015 Record: 100-62, 2016 Projected Record: 87-75 One loss away from being the worst team in baseball, the The Cardinals always find themselves atop the division, Reds traded away star third baseman Todd Frazier, and as they have won the last three NL Central Division titles. are in the midst of rebuilding. Shortstop Zack Cozart will With over 1,400 games under his belt, catcher Yadier look to do damage this season and live up to his potenMolina is the Cardinals’ experienced leader, while second tial that has yet to be reached. The Reds are young and baseman Kolten Wong and outfielder Stephen Piscotty rebuilding, and thus, should expect another down season. pave the way for the future.

2015 Record: 84-78, 2016 Projected Record: 91-71 Even numbered years bode well for the Giants who have won the last three even numbered year World Series. Starting pitchers Madison Bumgarner and Johnny Cueto will lead the front-end of the rotation. Led on offense by a bunch of young stars, such as Buster Posey, Joe Panik and Brandon Crawford, the Giants have the tools to win it all.

2015 Record: 92-70, 2016 Projected Record: 91-71 2015 Record: 74-88, 2016 Projected Record: 75-87 The loss of starting pitcher Zack Greinke definitely hurts, After a huge let down in 2015, the Padres were a lot quieter but when the Dodgers still have Clayton Kershaw, the in their 2016 transactions. Outfielder Matt Kemp will impact may not be so heavy. Also gleaming with young be the offense’s go-to player, and pitching-wise, James stars like Yasiel Puig, Joc Pederson, and Corey Seager, the Shields will be expecting a big workload, but after that, it Dodgers are as loaded as ever. drops off.

2015 Record: 68-94, 2016 Projected Record: 74-88 2015 Record: 79-83, 2016 Projected Record: 83-79 The addition of starting pitcher Zack Greinke was a Every year the Rockies tend to not lack an offensive presphenomenal offseason move, but the loss of star outfielder ence at the plate, but their pitching staff lets them down.

A.J. Pollock for the first three months is a huge blow. First Third baseman Nolan Arenado will ensure the Rockies’ baseman Paul Goldschmidt had a breakout year in 2015, offense is known as he tries to build upon a 42 HR, 130 where he batted 0.321, with 33 HR, and 110 RBIs, and will RBI from a season ago. As long as the Rockies have Jorge be the center of the franchise for years to come.

De La Rosa as their “ace,” postseason hopes are low.

NL West

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April 2016| The Current | 18

Come visit our website for more Edison news and feature stories!

Go to www.thecurrentonline.org.

sports Redistricting in Edison’s future?

Will Dobson sports editor

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umors have been flying that Edison could be moved up into Region 6A next year. A similar situation happened with Mt. Vernon High School last year. This move could affect sports teams, and their ability to compete, as it did at Mount Vernon. Many of Edison’s sports teams would struggle to succeed at that level.

6A teams are competitive, said former interim Director of Student Activities Bob McKeag, and because of this, Edison sports may struggle initially. McKeag stated, “Edison could compete, but we would need to strive for a

culture of excellence in everything that we do.”

A good example of teams struggling initially after being redistricted is the Mount Ver-

than 10 points their whole first season in 6A. This is a testament to the higher levels of competition at the 6A level.

Edison’s incoming fresh-

“Edison’s incoming freshman class will put the school’s population over 2000 students, which puts us in the numbers for a move to [Region 6A]”

-Former DSA Bob McKeag

non’s boys varsity basketball team. They had a record of 14-11 while they were still in 5A, and in their first season in 6A had a record of 10-12. They only won one game by more

man class will put the school’s population over 2000 students, which “puts us in the numbers for a move to [Region 6A]”, said McKeag. However, McKeag said, “there are a

couple of other factors that play into the move, so just because we are at or above 2,000 isn’t a guarantee that we will move.”

However, this move is not out of the blue. Redistricting usually “occurs every 2-4 years,” said McKeag. According to McKeag, “[redistricting] sometimes has a major impact, but could also have minimal impact” on Edison’s athletic success.

There is a good chance that Edison will not be forced up into 6A, as McKeag said, “we have good reason to believe that we will be able to stay where we are.” However, moving up to 6A would be “a ‘major impact’ alignment for Edison,” said McKeag.

Column as I see ‘em: Opening day should be a holiday

of wikipedia

Courtesy

O

pening day is the single greatest day known to man.

It is the day when baseball returns, as does the joy of watching. Whether it’s a day at the ballpark, or watching your team on the television in your sweats, there is nothing like America’s pastime, which is why it should be declared a national holiday. It’s high time we exercise our unalienable right to catch (pun intended) a few games.

Now, I know baseball gets a bad rap for being slow and boring. Which it can be at times, like in 2012, when the Royals’ Bruce Chen made 10 pickoff attempts in one at bat (none of which were successful). However, several pace of

game rules have been institutaccept that change takes time, ed in the MLB in an attempt and just embrace the amazto combat this issue. Pitchers ing, sort of slow sport that is are allowed only 20 seconds baseball. between pitches, and the Opening day also repbatters cannot step out of the resents the true beginning of batter’s box unless the foul off spring when we can finally a ball, or are granted time. So, begin to break out the shorts with these again. new rules, We have game time endured has dropped months of an average cold and of nine wet weather minutes. where This is not a school gets huge change, called for but this a couple downwards snowflakes. trend should If school continue as gets called we see playfor flurries, ers become Houston Astros’ pitcher Dallas Keuchel we can jusmore used won the AL Cy Young award in 2015. tify calling to the clocks Keuchel also has one of the greatest school for and pitch- beards in baseball. opening ers becoming less deliberate day. If you aren’t a fan of in their motions. So, all you baseball, and it’s just another Debbie Downers should spring day to you, you should photo

Will Dobson sports editor

support opening day being a holiday because you won’t have to do anything, so hey, why the heck not.

Also, assuming you’re not Don Mattingly, you probably think facial hair is pretty cool.

Playoff beards have been a tradition in baseball that is starting to bleed into the regular season, to fans’ delight.

No other sport can claim to have a facial hair hall of fame (while unofficial, Men’s Fitness does have an article about this). So, whether you are a scraggly beard person, or an aficionado of well groomed masterpieces, there is a beard for you. If for no other reason, take the day off and bask in the brilliance of the best follicles in sports.

Deliberation, spring weather, and beards. This is the essence of baseball. What more could you possibly want? The day off, that’s what.

19 | The Current| April 2016

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American Idol leaves behind la s

Justin Askenazy editor-in-chief

After 15 seasons, TV franchise American Idol has come to a close. While its popularity waned in its later years, in the beginning, American Idol was a fan favorite. Introducing to the world pop stars such as Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, Idol proved to be one of the best ways for unknown singers to become rich and famous. It is time now to take a stroll down memory lane and reminisce about what made Idol such a hit.

Most memorable moments:

1. Kelly Clarkson’s singing of her first single, “A Moment Like This,” at the season 1 finale sparked the show’s rise in popularity.

2. Candice Glover’s season 12 performance of The Cure’s “Lovesong” was hailed by judge Randy Jackson as “one of the best performances” ever on Idol.

3. On the flip side, drama played a role in season 12, when numerous spats between judges Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey forced both to leave the show after only one year.

Kelly Clarkson

Ruben Studdard

Fantasia Barrino Carrie Underwood Taylor Hicks

Jordin Sparks

David Cook

Kris Allen

Winner:

Season:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

April 2016| The Current | 20

Le

arts

a sting memories for music fans Remember these people from Idol history? Probably not.

1. Lee DeWyze He has released four albums since winning season 9, only two of which have even charted in the United States.

2. Brian Dunkleman

Few recall that Ryan Seacrest had a co-host in season 1, and even fewer know what happened to him after.

3. Kara DioGuardi

A recording artist and music producer, she was brought on as a judge for only one season, to mixed reviews.

Lee DeWyze

Scotty McCreery

Phillip Phillips

Best

contestants who didn’t win:

1. Jennifer Hudson

The season 3 contestant was voted out of the top seven, yet went on to resounding success in the music and film industries.

2. Chris Daughtry

Featured in season 4, Daughtry has now sold the third-most records of all Idol contestants.

3. Adam Lambert

Lambert turned his season 8 performances into a full-time gig as the lead singer for rock band Queen.

Candice Glover

Caleb Johnson

Nick Fradiani

Trent Harmon

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Trent Harmon photo courtesy of American Idol Wikia All other photos courtesy of Google Images

21 | The Current| April 2016

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The outside life of choir kids

Mark Henderson of

Courtesy Wylie

conducts the choir at one of the concerts.

Each

of the student

conductors had a chance to conduct during this concert.

April 2016| The Current | 22

of

“S

ing, sing, sing, I like to sing.”

This line from the children’s round helps illustrate a common passion among choir students and has instilled, for some, a dream of becoming choral directors themselves.

Seminar & Choir for Future Chorus Teachers is a local, extracurricular choir program run by former Edison choir director Melodie Henderson. It provides training and experience to high school students who are thinking about pursuing careers in choral conducting and specifically in becoming choir teachers.

Henderson, with ten years of classroom teaching experience, manages and runs the program. The program is fairly young, as it was started in September

of 2015, yet it has attracted almost a dozen students from various high schools including Edison High School, Hayfield Secondary School, South Lakes HS, JEB Stuart HS, and HB Woodlawn Secondary Program. Henderson said, “I hope that it provides a place for eager and talented singers to make new friends and create beautiful music.”

The program is organized between a choir track and a seminar track. The choir track is open to high school aged singers pending application.

This course provides an opportunity for developing vocal skills and performing diverse musical literature for the community.

The seminar track is additional to the choir track and focuses on giving the student directors the chance to lead the choir. Henderson said that she hopes the program

Courtesy

Ryan Pinkney managing editor

Jocelyn Dawson

Students from around the county particpate in extracurricular music education

All the participants and the condcutors pose on the ground for a photo.

Many of the participants are close friends and have been singing together for many years.

“allows students to gain a realistic perspective on what it is like to be a choir conductor, and that it helps them gain a useful skill whether or not they choose to go into choral conducting in their careers.”

Senior Emily Wylie has been a part of the program since it began in September and is one of six 2015-2016 conductors a part of the seminar track. Wylie said the program has helped her conducting skills immensely, specifically in being “more confident in front of a group of people.”

Wylie said the choir program’s main audience is the community and has fairly regular performances at Bush Hill Presbyterian Church located on Franconia Road, where they also rehearse weekly.

Henderson said that she hopes “the music recitals we put on add to the cultural en-

richment of our community, and help mark Alexandria as a place where beauty is both found and created.”

Henderson said that she loves running the program, and that “it is so fulfilling to see my student conductors start to experience what it feels like to be so connected to a choir that when they make even a subtle change in their gesture, the sound of the choir changes in response.

The students I get to interact with are top-notch singers and musicians who love creating music as much as I do.”

Henderson said that she hopes the program will continue to grow and draw more talented musicians. She invites any high school-aged singer to apply for the program.

The choir program’s next performance has been roughly scheduled for June 9th at 7:30 p.m. at Bush Hill Presbyterian Church.

arts

Save yourself from “Batman V Superman”

Google Images

T

he two DC comic book heros go from fighting each other on a page to fighting each other on the big screen.

“Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice” is a sequel to the 2013 film “Man of Steel.” Director Zack Snyder’s “Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice” suffered a massive box office drop in the first two weeks.

While some of the characters from “Man of Steel” are carried through into this movie, such as Clark Kent (Henry Cavil) and Lois Lane (Amy Adams), Snyder introduces us to a new Batman (Ben Affleck). After Christian Bale, who played Batman in the Dark Knight trilogy, said he would no longer play Batman, Affleck stepped up to the role. Bale delivered one of the greatest takes on Batman in his three films, “Batman Begins” (2005), “The Dark Knight” (2008), and “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012). In comparison, Affleck’s performance in “Dawn of Justice” was different by creating a new personality and backstory for Batman, while being witty and charming similar to Bale’s performance.

The movie begins with the final battle in “Man of Steel” between Superman and General Zod, but in the perspective of Bruce Wayne (Batman). During the battle, Wayne springs into action, saving people from the wreckage of the crumbling city of Metropolis. When Wayne looks into the sky, he does not see a bird or a plane, but he sees a monster who can destroy the Earth in a matter

ability of the rock compared to Luthor.

Batman’s growing hatred for Superman prompts him to steal the rock from Luthor’s warehouse before Luthor has the ability to utilize its powers.

This leads Luthor to create a Kryptonian monster from the fallen ship from “Man of Steel” to try to kill Superman.

of

news editor

of seconds. This leads to Batman’s thorough plan to destroy Superman in an attempt to keep the world safe.

Bitterness towards Superman strikes again when he goes to rescue Lois Lane from a terrorist interview that goes wrong. While saving the damsel in distress, he is blamed for the deaths of many

Courtesy

Emily Jarmin

The

film opened with

$166

million and after two weeks, it dropped to

$52 “Man of Steel” (2013) office, “Dawn of Justice”

million at the domestic box office. In comparison to which made

$668

million at the domestic box

fails to reach a great level of success.

African villagers. This leads to the scrutiny of Senator Finch (Holly Hunter), who creates a Congressional Committee that is frightened by Superman’s ability to destroy the human race.

Batman and Senator Finch are not the only characters who view Superman as a destructive monster. Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) has a plan to use a chunk of Kryptonite, that was found in the Indian ocean, as a weapon of national security against Superman. Lex Luthor hopes to get an import license from the Senator, however, she is much more cautious about the

Snyder does not rush to the battle between Batman and Superman. Much of the movie consists of character build up including flash-back scenes into Bruce Wayne’s childhood, the hatred the world has for Superman, and an insight on Lex Luthor’s maniacal plan to kill Superman. Character build up is essential in movies, however Snyder drags out many scenes that could have been shortened or taken out.

Snyder successfully builds up the anticipation by explaining, from both sides, the hatred the two superheros have for each other which will cause them to fight.

Once the battle between the two DC heros finally happens, it is not a disappointment.

The fight between mortal and god is an even match because Batman uses Kryptonite to his advantage. At the point of death, Superman subtly says the name “Martha” under his breath with Batman’s foot to his throat. Batman decides to not kill Superman because of a sudden coincidence that their mothers have the same name. This scene is unbelievable and aggravating because the bat vigilante will abruptly stop fighting because he gained sympathy for a monster he had been planning to kill for months.

After Batman and Superman decide to not kill each other they realize they have to become partners in crime to defeat Doomsday, the monster that Luthor created. The best part of the final battle against Doomsday was the introduction to Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot). Wonder Woman played a critical part in the battle by helping them defeat Doomsday by using her indestructible gauntlets and the lasso of truth. The addition of Wonder Woman in the fight, and the short teasers of Aquaman, The Flash, and Cyborg should excite any true comic book fan for the upcoming Justice League movie.

Overall, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” was a satisfying superhero movie, but it seemed more of a Batman movie than a Superman movie. Most of the movie was in the perspective of Batman and rarely from Superman. Many scenes in the film seemed unnecessary and prolonged. Snyder could have shortened the movie while still expressing the same conflict and resolution.

23 | The Current| April 2016

the

current

arts

Do you love Kanye the way Kanye loves Kanye?

Edison students express their love and dislike for Kanye West Talia Carter arts editor

“I think he’s a musical genius from the beginning. Even though he’s kind of crazy with social media now, I think he’s still a good musician.”

-sophomore Selam Berhane “He’s a cool guy. I’d vote for him for president in 2020.”

-junior Faith Odegbami

“He’s pretty trash. His music isn’t even that good and his clothing is overpriced. He makes ridiculous statements.

He’s kind of an idiot.”

-junior Angelo Cline

“He’s a lyrical genius. He’s a fashion god. He’s gorgeous, flawless, perfection. He could be my dad if he wanted to. Great rapper overall.

He’s pretty cute.”

-sophomore Brandon Dakessian April 2016| The Current | 24

“Kanye West sucks because he doesn’t actually make music. He talks somewhat decently fast about things that don’t really sit well in schools. They’re not really appropriate and he just says it to try and get some street cred.”

-senior Josh Barrett

“I just think that he’s just totally full of himself. He obviously thinks he’s been disenfranchised and he’s not. He takes it out on other people and he’s just really rude. He’s just an awful person in my opinion.”

-senior Danny Ehrlich

“I believe that Kanye West is just a publicity stunt. Everything that he does, everything that you see is just for publicity, just for likes.”

-senior Jamyra White