Senior Issue

the

seniors

Thomas A. Edison High School • Volume 51• Issue 5 • 5801 Franconia Road • Alexandria, VA 22310 • June 2015

current

“High school is like childbirth, it’s a relatively short process but it hurts the entire time” Paris Malone

the

what’s inside NEWS:

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

The Current Editorial Board

Letters from staff (3) Future Forecast (4)

How to stay safe in college (6)

FEATURES:

Oh the places we’ll go!(8-9)

How to thank teachers (10) Teacher Moments (11)

SPORTS:

I can transform ya (12)

Staff Writers & Photographers Austin Chavez Jennifer Miller

Senior Nights (13)

OPINIONS:

Caitlin Murnane Mackenzie Nolan

Alumni Advice (14) 2015 in Review (16) ___________________________________ **Look for tabs on each page for 10 word stories**

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES:

“High school was tight, bro’s were tighter, now it’s done and life moves on” Ryan Zaytoun

Sports Editor Will Dobson Online Editor Justin Askenazy Arts Editors Josephine Neulen Keishla Morales Creative Director Meg Mowery Principal Pamela Brumfield Advisor Kate McEnerney

Editor-in-Chief Megan Grondine News Editors Kristen Samuelson Marjan Popal Opinions Editors Allie Harris Ryan Pinkney Features Editors Kelly MicKey Gaby Ruff Managing Editor Judy Beauvais

The Current is online! Visit www.thecurrentonline.org to read exclusive stories and photos not in print!

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 kemcenerney@ fcps.edu. 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 kemcenerney@fcps.edu or anonymously outside of Room C-215.

Letters may be edited for clarity and length.

With any general questions regarding The Current, please email kemcenerney@fcps.edu or megangrondine@gmail.com

1. United States

Candid about her transition phase, Vanity Fair formely debuts Caitlin Jenner on the front cover of their June magazine. (www.vanityfair.com)

2.France

The Current 14 World 3 2

CNN reports Former senior FIFA official Jack Warner, indicted in a wideranging bribery scandal, has promised to unleash a tide of evidence relating to the dealings of world soccer’s governing body and its president, Sepp Blatter. (www.cnn.com)

3.United States

The New York Times reports that at least three people are facing charges and the prospect of $500 fines and six-month jail terms after they were accused of cheering during the graduation ceremony, held at Northwest Mississippi Community College. (www.nytimes.com)

4.United States

Josh Duggar, Christian conservative reality-TV star, confessed he groped underage girls years ago, including his own little sisters. (www.USAtoday..com) June 2015 | The Current | 2

“Remember me for who I am, not who I was” Angela Frias

PRESS

seniors PRESS

Dear Journalism Seniors,

Justin Askenazy, Will Dobson, Mackenzie Nolan, and Ryan Pinkney online editor, sports editor, staff writer, and opinions editor

D

Whether you have been working here for all four of your high school years or just joined the staff in the past couple, your work will have a lasting effect on not only us, but the future staff writers and editors as well.

We enjoyed the class periods when we watched Jumanji on Netflix the day Mrs. Mac wasn’t here and when we made a huge

mess in the pub lab. Of course, it was always fun to laugh at Ryan when he made an inane comment or played a Rixton song. We’ll also remember the weekly Feel Good Friday questions about which we constantly debated.

When you look back, we’re sure you’ll recall the frantic rush to finish each issue on deadline as the final quotes are inserted and the

would have happened without the dedication of my team, and more importantly, the support of our audience: you. There is no better feeling than when a peer, parent, community or staff member compliments, or even constructively criticizes, the work that we spent hours making concrete.

It’s now two weeks until I graduate high school, and I’ve learned a lot since my days as a staff writer. I’ve learned more than I ever anticipated about leadership, dedication, compassion, and that you can’t take yourself too seriously.

I never would have become friends with some of the people I now consider myself closest to if it weren’t for this hectic publication.

Although I will not pursue conventional journalism in the future, I do know that the lessons, stories, and friendships, I have acquired inside the walls of the pub-lab are ones I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and have contributed enormously to the person I have become.

Reflecting upon the last four years I find myself smiling, laughing, and even prickling with nostalgia (for the first time this year). Without a doubt the best memories I made within the walls of Edison High School were with the team of people I have (almost daily) laughed so hard I’ve cried with, and simultaneously wanted to rip out every last strand of their (and my own) hair. I can only hope that our readers were not disappointed by our quarterly publications this year, and it is with great pride that I pass off my pride and joy--this newspaper-- to Ryan and Justin as the two young men take over as EIC next year.

I have faith that the new dynamic of editors, staff writers, Ms. Mac, and you as our readers, will do this paper justice, and I look forward to bragging about it to anyone who will listen at Virginia Tech next year. I would also like to extend the biggest thank you to the people who did not sign up to be a part of this newspaper but were absolutely

A WORD FROM YOUR EIC

earest and most beloved readers, When I began my journey as a skimpy staff writer my freshman year, the totem pole of newspaper hierarchy loomed before me. By June 2012, I had decided that I would one day obtain the prestigious title of “editor-in-chief.”

Little did my innocently naive, fourteen-year-old self know that in pursuit of this title I would sacrifice thousands of hours devoted to a publication that most people would use as a napkin at lunch. The same newspaper that most people still use as a napkin at lunch.

But I did, and I wouldn’t change a single second of it. I owe an enormous thank you to my team of editors and staff writers for sticking out my two-year authoritarian reign as EIC with me, and even more importantly, to Mac who managed to not throw me out the window despite the numerous times she has threatened to. This paper has undoubtedly evolved for the better in a variety of ways, and that never

“Senioritis mixed with sports and school is a huge commitment” Katie Hahler

paramount in its success--the custodians who let us stay past 10PM three (or more) nights in a row for press nights, Mr. Mac and Parker for being our biggest fans, and the rest of the English department who had to put up with our half-crazed, shrieking, sleepdeprived delirium afterschool while they were trying to get work done.

You guys are all pretty rad, and I hope that I offered forth a fraction of the patience and dedication that each of the above mentioned people exhibited. Alas, IB exams have concluded, finals are finally over, and senioritis is at an all time high, and yet I’m sitting here in the pub-lab on a Tuesday morning typing out my last words as Editor in Chief. It’s been bittersweet (and hopefully not too phony). Keep it real guys.

Sincerely, Megan Grondine Editor in Chief of The Current 2013-15 3 | The Current| June 2015

“Walking into every class, exuding the exact amount of effort where teachers think you care.. but you don’t #Finesse” Ahmed Mohammed

O

ver the past year, the staff of The Current have worked on a lot of memorable stories. We have tried new things and tested our limits.

The driving force behind each of the pieces is largely attributed to large amount of senior staff we have been blessed to have this year.

Though some days it is hard to get any work done at all (though that might be our fault), we haven’t let that stop us from producing what we think is a beneficial paper to our school. A lot of work goes in every production cycle to make the paper the best it can be. The seniors took a huge part in this process.

From designing pages to writing two-page spreads to being editorin-chief, you all have made a lasting impact on The Current’s legacy.

final design touches are made. We also will not forget all of the good food that we shared in class, from cookies to pizza.

Your leadership will most certainly not be forgotten. Almost all of you are editors, which only exacerbates the void that will be created when you leave. We appreciate the guidance you have given us the past two years that we have been in journalism. We are excited for you to see how all of your advice gets put to use in the issues to come.

As you move on to bigger and better things, the underclassmen would like to wish you all good luck in your new adventures at college and hope that you don’t lose that drive to find a good story.

Sincerely, The Sophomores

the

current EHS

Edison High School Seniors

What’s your future forecast?

Josephine Neulen arts editor I really want to be Valedictorian at my college and I wanr to go study abroad and do research or volunteer. I really hope to become a humanitariab abd develop my sense of advocacy through my years at college. In 10 years I see myself straight out of medical school, taking one year to do doctors without borders and then probably start my residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

I really hope to discover some type of medical method to cure a disease for small children.

- Senior Susana Zelaya

In 10 years, I see myself having received my bachelors and masters degrees in engineering. I also see myself traveling the world and getting a first hand understanding of the many issues facing our world today so that I may implement many educational concepts to the real world. I hope to use my engineering education to help solve the issues facing many developing nations today. I’d like to contribute to the growth and development of the many developing nations which face poverty and famine through solutions in engineering. I would like to be a problem-solving, hardworking and ambitious individual, but also compassionate, caring, honest and humble.

- Senior Bruke Kifle June 2015 | The Current | 4

TODAY

High school senior

AUG 2015

College freshman/ Military/ Workforce

2025

Successful adult

In ten years I hope to have received my Masters degree in Education and to be a teacher. I hope to achieve being the kind of teacher that makes students feel like they can make a difference and that learning is fun. I’ve had great teachers that have inspired me and as a teacher I hope to also inspire the next generation.

- Senior Amelia Carr

I want to get into a good medical school. My dream is to become a doctor. I enjoy helping others and getting biology involved would make it much more fun.

- Senior Jason Guinto

I want to have a healthy lifestyle and live comfortably in a stress free place. I hope to make a name for myself in the software development industry. Hopefully 10 years down the road I’ll have enough fincancial capabilities to make sure my entire family lives comfortably.

-Senior Joseph Peebles

I hope to get my MBA and study abroad for maybe a year as I start my major in International Business. I hope to contribute to places that helped me out when I was young such as my high school and my community center. I would like to be someone who people look up tp and want to be.

I want kids to say “If he can do it so can I”.

- Senior Shahamat Chowdry

seniors

Senior Choice Awards

Couple that never was

Ethan Carpenter & Alexis Crook

Boy/Girl you want to bring home to your mom

Steven Ratliff & Katie Hahler

Best shoe game

Jordan Wright & Shyanne Carr

Broadway Bound (best singer) Phillipos Kaypaghian & Emily Flack

Most likely to star in their own Miroslav Jocz & Megan Mowery reality show Most likely to be on the bach- Ethan Carpenter & Stephanie elor/bachelorette Engle Best wheels/nicest car

Alvaro Cestti & Lucero Avelar

Best Hair

Charles Sharp & Amelia Carr

Most likely to brighten your day

Yazan Barmil & Katie Hahler

Cutest couple

Steven Ratliff & Catherine Hahler

Best celebrity look alike

Life of the party

Mo Negash, & Caitlin Murnane

Ethan Carpenter & Sarah Velasco-Kent

Most likely to change the world

Bruke Kifle & Allison Harris

Best shoulder to cry on

Chase Thomson & Susana Zelaya-Rivera

Most talkative

Ahmed Mohamed & Allae Driouche

Best techie

Parmvir Chalal & Emily Johnson

Most likely to win a Nobel Peace Prize

Bruke Kifle & Katheryne Chun

Most likely to be a billionaire Bruke Kifle & Allison Harris Best eyebrows

Stefan Moorhouse & Balsam Itani

Most likely to find the cure to Hayalneh Gessessew & Katheryne Chun cancer

Most likely to shock everyone James West and Emily Johnson at the reunion

5 | The Current| June 2015

“Sometimes I don’t eat breakfast and I regret it by non” Gizman Wabar

“After middle school, right before life” Alison Casteneda

“Way too much work to start over in college” Stuart Reese

the

current

Ways to stay SAFE in college:

for the naive freshmen

What safety features colleges have to offer on and off campus, and how students should utilize them Jennifer Miller staff writer

C

ollege can be a scary place because young adults are living alone for the first time, and do not know their way around the campus or the community in which they are living.

Most people that are going away to college are going by themselves, and do not know anyone, so there is added pressure to succeed and be safe on your own. However there are many ways to keep yourself safe, a lot of which are provided by the school.

Car Services: If you aren’t allowed to have a car on campus as a freshman, or don’t own a car, then there are options for your transportation that don’t include taking a ride with a really friendly stranger, or walking alone.

Most colleges will have a car service or shuttle bus that is specific to them, which will assist the students in getting to different areas of the campus, as well as picking them up and bringing them to locations off and on the campus.

A car service will pick you up at any time of the night, and are willing to drive off campus as long as it isn’t too far. That way, students can safely travel at any time of the day or night. “I have taken the car service here at VCU to go pick up my groceries because it was late and I didn’t want to go by myself,” said a junior tour guide at VCU. Texting service: There are email and text alerts that a student or a parent can sign up for with their college in order to stay up to date on any emergency, or updates in the campus or the surrounding area.

These text alerts are good for parents to receive because they will be aware of security issues going on at the school even if there child is not able to respond or isn’t June 2015 | The Current | 6

aware of what’s going on.

If a student is off campus at a time of an emergency, then the text alert will come in handy to warn them of potential threats.

Safety devices: Campuses have safety devices planted on and around campus that can be used by students to contact the on campus police for multiple purposes. These are usually in the form of buttons, that the student can push in order to contact the on campus police.

For example, if a student locks their keys in their car, they can use the safety device and the on campus police will come and assist them in getting the locked keys out of the car.

Even if the student is alone at night, and they don’t want to walk to their dorm alone, then they can use the safety device to get escorted home.

The escort service can be used for students who don’t own a car and need to travel off campus, or for students who don’t like to travel alone and would like an escort to their building.

There are safety features outside

of each dorm building, where each student has to go through to enter each building. Every student is given a specific key card that is unique to them, along with an ID card. Students have to use the key card in order to enter each building.

It is impotant for students to have their ID and key card on them at all times in order to be able to identify themselves.

On campus police: Colleges will have on campus police that are dedicated to the specific college and helping the college students. These police officers will stay on and around campus, on duty 24/7 which helps to make students feel safe.

If you ever see suspicious activity or just feel uneasy about a certain area, you can report to the campus police and it won’t take them long to respond.

The on campus police can be contacted through a phone number, or through the safety devices that are seen throughout the campus.

“It’s reassuring to know that there are police specific to the school that will be available to you 24/7. It makes me feel safe

“You shouldn’t be constantly worried about the threat of a dangerous situation, but you need to be prepared for one.”

Let technology control your life: Technology can cause you to be unaware of your surroundings. If you have your headphones in, then you are shut out from what’s going on around you.

If you stare down at your phone, you’re not paying attention to what’s happening right in front of you.

When you’re walking around campus alone, try taking one earbud out so you aren’t fully immersed in your zone.

What NOT to do: Put everything on social media: Social media makes it easy for people to find out almost anything they want to know about you. No one’s going to give up social media all together, so it’s important for students to be smart when posting things online.

Don’t post too personal information, like your housing information or your dorm number. Be careful about posting where you are or where you’re going.

knowing that I can contact them whenever I need something,” said senior Prashami Gupta.

The college experience is fun, which leads students to start to feel too safe and comfortable because they are surrounded by their peers.

It is important to recognize that you can be comfortable with your school and your peers, but you should still be aware of what situations you’re in and who you can trust.

“You shouldn’t be constantly worried about the threat of a dangerous situation, but you need to be prepared for one incase you are ever put into one,”said senior Ricki Wood.

The number one way to stay safe when you go off to college is to trust your instincts. If you don’t feel right about a situation, or a person, then trust yourself. Don’t feel pressured to do something if you don’t feel right about it.

College is about bettering yourself, and experiencing new things, which you can only do if you take care of yourself.

Take advantage of the features that are provided by your school and trust yourself.

Even though college is intimadating, and comes with a lot of responsibilities and things to look out for, there are many ways to stay safe while getting the most out of your experiences.

Don’t go to a party where you don’t know anyone: You won’t always go to a party where you know the people who are throwing it, which is why it is important to always go to a party with a friend, someone you can trust.

Even if you know some people that are going, it’s not the same as having someone you trust that is going to be there. You need the security of knowing someone that truly has your back is there.

“Edison has taught me about compassion and standing up for others” Susanna Zelaya

seniors

“Breathe Easy Baby”

Edison helps celebrate the life of Kiersten Lee Kandul,1998-2015

Courtesy

of

Courtesy

of

Kierstens Facebook

Monica Freitag

strong and optimistic girl who will truly be missed but never forgotten.

Kiersten

shares a candid moment with

her younger sister

Kiersten

rocks her

Eagle Pride Spirit Game.

wear for the homecoming

Natasha Kandul.

Judy Beauvais

Monica Freitag

can’t even breathe... shes trying to pay attention... she was bound and determined to get her high school diploma...,” said English teacher Michelle Alspaugh. Alspaugh was Kiersten’s home bound teacher who would drive to the hospital to teach Kiersten.

Kiersten’s personality made her a unique girl .

“She had the most effusive radiant of smiles. Like She just had this smile that was so ebullient,” said Alspaugh.

Her smile was one of her best features because it gave a sense of warmth and pure happiness each time the pearly whites showed.

Kiersten’s life was celebrated with many friends and family,posts on her Facebook wall and many other social media sites, about how good she was in life and how she treated life with the upmost respect. “ She appreciated every aspect of life,” said Freitag. She was surely a smart,

of

O

n Monday May 25, 2015, Edison lost an Eagle: junior Kiersten Lee Kandul.

She had fought Cystic Fibrosis(CF) for seventeen years. Her memories flood our minds everyday.

“Shes’ strong, focused, spirited, outgoing, loving, passionate, spontaneous, unique, determined and artistic, She never used her disease as an excuse,” said junior Helena Labriny. She was a good person to everyone that she knew and that knew her. Kiersten wanted to plahy softball for Edison, but because of CF, she was restricted of doing that but that didn’t stop her.

“Despite battling Cystic Fibrosis, she still always made that point to ask about green days,” said junior Monica Freitag. Kiersten’s love for softball still thrived even though she knew she couldn’t play it. Kiersten’s determination and ability to learn was never altered because of CF. “... she has 40% lung capacity, she

Courtesy

Judy Beauvais Managing Editor

Kiersten Kandul celebrated her 16th birthday in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania.

Kierstens interview with The Current in December 2014.

Pressing play on high school memories

Gabriella Ruff Features Editor ongs are a major source of nostalgia. In order to help you remember some of the greatest memories of high school, The Current comprised a list of hand-selected songs from Billboard’s Hot 100 Songs to sum up your high school experience.

2011: 1. “Rolling In The Deep”- Adele 2. “Party Rock Anthem”- LMFAO featuring Lauren Bennett and GoonRock 3.”Firework”- Katy Perry 4. “E.T.”- Katy Perry featuring Kanye West 5. “Give Me Everything”- Pitbull ft. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer 2012: 1. “Somebody That I Used Know”-Gotye ft.Kimbra 2. “Call Me Maybe”- Carly Rae Jepsen 3. “We Are Young- fun. ft.Janelle Monae 4. “Payphone”- Maroon 5 ft.Wiz Khalifa 5. “Lights”- Ellie Goulding

S

2013: 1. “Thrift Shop”- Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz 2. “Blurred Lines”- Robin Thicke Featuring T.I. and Pharell 3. “Radioactive”- Imagine Dragons 4. “Harlem Shake”- Baauer 5. “Can’t Hold Us”- Mackelmore and Ryan Lewis featuring Ray Dalton 2014: 1. “Happy”- Pharrell Williams 2. “Dark Horse”- Katy Perry ft. Juicy J 3. “All Of Me”- John Legend 4. “Fancy”- Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX 5. “Counting Stars”- OneRepublic 2015: (The Hot 100 Week of June 8, 2015) 1. “See You Again”- Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth 2. “Bad Blood”- Taylor Swift featuring Kendrick Lamar 3. “Trap Queen”- Fetty Wap 4. “Shut Up And Dance”- Walk The Moon 5. “Uptown Funk!”- Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

7 | The Current| June 2015

News Editor

the

current

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Parmvir Chahal

9 | The Current| June 2015

the

current

Don’t say goodbye without saying thank you

A teacher is someone who invests all of their time to see their students succeed in their future endeavors. Since it’s the end of the year, why not take some time to show appreciation for all of the teacher who have made an impact on your life?

Here are some ideas as to how to thank them:

Write a sweet letter that will show your teachers how much they mean to you. Words are powerful, so use them!

3:

Come back and visit them.

Nothing makes them feel more content than having students come back to catch up with them.

FOUR:

Edison faculty smile as they pose in honor of wacky Wednesday

EdisonHS_Sports

Austin Chavez, Marjan Popal, and Jennifer Miller staff writer, news editor, staff writer

Six:

Recognize holidays.

Send them a sweet Do something with ONE: note on New Years, seriously.

If you do not want to make anything, Thanksgiving, Christ- your life. No, keep it simple and go up to one of Be a success story that mas, etc... your teachers and explain the impacts Create a poster, and they can brag about. they have made on your life. This is a simpler approach, and is effective have everyone sign it to When you are successful, because you will have a 99% chance they are successful. Be of making his/her day. Simple things show appreciation. can lead to big things. the best person you can be.

TWO:

5:

Senior Schedule: June 16-June 22 TUESDAY JUNE 16- Senior obligations due WEDNESDAY JUNE 17- Graduation rehearsal @11:30 THURSDAY JUNE 18- Graduation rehearsal @11:30 -- Pick up cap and gown after rehearsal -- Senior picnic @ 12:30-3PM at the stadium FRIDAY JUNE 19- absolutely nothing! Happy Friday :) MONDAY JUNE 22- GRADUATION @ Patriot Center 9:3011:30 AM (seniors be there at 8:30) MONDAY JULY 6- IB exam scores posted EST 11:30 AM

CONGRATS CLASS OF 2015!

June 2015 | The Current | 10

ONE LAST CLASS

seniors

TEACHERS REVEAL THEIR FAVORITE MOMENTS WITH THE CLASS OF 2015

Keishla Morales and Judy Beauvais arts editor, managing editor

A

Keishla Morales

Keishla Morales Keishla Morales

Keishla Morales

Keishla Morales

“The whole year with them has been absolutely phenomenal, They’ve been thoughtful, they’ve been driven, they’ve been improved in their writing, I loved watching the plays that they have done this year,I went to go see a couple of the homecoming games, Its. just been a wonderful year for the seniors.” -Stacey Kiggins, English Teacher

“A lot of times senior classes get senioritis early, and for the most part [this class]delayed senioritis, more than a lot of classes. I’m grateful to the senior class for that, And then very specifically, I’m thankful for the seniors on some of my athletic teams, (golf, wrestling, and soccer,) for the tremendous efforts that they put in on behalf of the team. [What I’ll miss the most about class of 2015 is]you guys had a great sense of humor, you guys knew not to take yourselves too seriously, knew when to buckle down and get working, and I appreciate that.”-Scott Racek, History and Social Studies Teacher 11| The Current| June 2015

“Lift big, eat big, look big,. Body by Coach Wild” Alec Gamboa

My most memorable moment with the class of 2015 is when I realized that my TOKers were running around more scared than anything else totally made me see them in a different way.

It was this moment where as a teacher I saw the humanity in them, because a lot of time people say that the IB kids are conceded, full of themselves, they cheat, they this and that, and that they’re so different than the other kids.

And I realized that they’re just like all the other kids. They’re trying really hard to get through this program, and that they’re running around more scared than arrogant… It still brings me to tears when I think about it.

-Victoria Vegara, History and Social Studies Teacher

Keishla Morales

“Probably all of the different assemblies that Ms. Mac and I went to and just to see you guys grow, so it’s not just one event it’s seeing you guys progress over the years. [What I will miss the most about the class of 2015 is] how motivated and energetic you guys are about what you want to do, and where you want to be in life.”-Pamela Todd, Math Teacher and Class of 2015 Sponsor

“Run. Run some more. JK time for Air Force. Bye.” Brandon Rockers

s they move on to a new chapter of their lives, the senior class reflect on their four years of highschool and all their achivements and accomplishments. June is also a time of reflection for the teachers and administrators who interacted with the graduating class. The Current asked teachers and administrators who spent a lot of time with the class of 2015 and asked them to reflect on their adventures together as well as what they will miss the most about their students.

“The college admissions [process], “There are nine seniors that I have when everyone starts yelling and you taught since they were freshman realize why you have been doing this, and they’ve been in the writing for two years and the stress of that center with me the whole time, so I kind of falls away and everyone gets have a very big love for the class of really excited to go to the next step.

2015...They have become really speThis class is my first class that I have cial people to me because I know had since 9th grade so I have been with them really well, and I feel like them since the beginning. I’m gonna we’ve been able to develop somemiss them they’re my first class that I thing together through the writing had all the way through all four years. center and through all the time that They are genuine in just the way they we’ve spent in-class and out of view life, they have a good sense of huclass together. I think I’ll just miss mor, they know how to look at life and when they come after school and look at the bright side of most things, just sit around in front of my desk which is awesome.”-Melanie Morris, IB and we just banter and talk.”-AmCoordinator ber Jensen, English Teacher

current

the

I can transform ya These grads glo-ed up big-time over the past four years

Allie Harris, Caitlin Murnane, and Kristen Samuelson Opinions editor, staff writer, and news editor

Senior Angie Frias dropped thirty pounds!

She will spend next year working in Spain.

Congratulations and way to glo, Angie!

Josh Sunga’s transformation was so noticable he was voted most changed!

He will be attending James Madison University in the fall.

Ethan Carpenter may have kept his babyface, but he definitely grew into a campus hearthrob! He’s attending James Madison Univeristy in the fall.

June 2015 | The Current | 12

Caitlin Murnane lost 80 pounds between sophomore and junior year. She will be attending Virginia Commonwealth University!

Francisco Nieves has cartainly mastered the high school transformation since his freshman year! He is excited to be attending Gettysburg College in the fall.

seniors

The Current commemorates senior athletes’ achievements

Betigist Mussie

Alana Boyd, Sara Meyer, Kelly MicKey, Samantha Krause, and Ameilia Carr pose for a senior field hockey picture before their big game.

Catherine

Sarah Weinstein

Kristyna Meyer

Sarah Weinstein

Keishla Morales Arts editor

hahler focuses as she plays her position as a

shortstop.

gets ready to receive the ball and

Sarah Weinstein

boys soccer team poses with their friends and family

druing their senior night.

is escorted by fellow color guard

members during the

Marching Band

senior night.

Stephanie Engle shows her festive their Halloween senior night.

Sarah Weinstein

The

lindsay

swim team seniors pose for a group photo during a

team dinner.

Daniel Hirschhorn

sprints towards first base.

Krisak and junior Megan hendrick embrace Krisak’s first game since tearing her ACL.

Alisa Holloway shakes activities The seniors Berk Stoy’s hand during her seniior night night.

captain

director

Sarah Weinstein

Courtesy

Team

of

Tori Hester

Tirzah Shepard

druing

spirit while cheering on

Kristyna Meyer

Amelia Zeswitz

Tori Hester

The

Sarah Weinstein

assist her team in scoring a point.

Austin Brooks

is accompanied by his

parents during the

of the track team jump in excitement during their senior

senior night.

Marching Band

13| The Current| June 2015

“Way too much work to start over in college” Stuart Reese

“I was running through IB with my woes” Bruke Kifle

the

current

EHS alumni advice to graduates

They’ve been there and done that, now they offer words of wisdom to graduates “You are not put on this Earth to Meg Mowery “Just bepay taxes and die. Live your life to creative director cause high the fullschool est, take is over, chances, doesn’t make mean your mistakes, education and learn is. Make from sure to them. maintain Your life is about to change forthe drive ever, and there is nothing you that got can do you that about it, first diploso make ma to go the best on for the of every second, opporthird, or tunity fourth.” and place yourself in the best -Taylor position to succeed” Murnane, -Andrew Samelueson, UniverODU 2015 sity of Tennessee 2018

“Hey do you have the homework from two days ago?” Angelica Vannarath

PATRONS Super Sponsors THE MOORE FAMILY THE DOBSON FAMILY THE ASKENAZY FAMILY

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The Current staff would like to give a special thanks to our patrons for their endless support! If you would like to become a patron and receive every issue via mail, email kemcenerney@fcps.edu or megangrondine@gmail.com, or pick up a subscription form in room C215.

June 2015 | The Current | 14

“It was not like High School Musical at all” Emily Murphy

Edison Athletic Boosters Commemorative Brick Program

seniors

Name____________________________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________________ Phone________________________________Email_______________________________

“I just hope I did not peak in high school ..” Gaby Ruff

Be a part of a very special opportunity! Now is your chance to support our school with a donation that will last a lifetime. Buy a brick (or more) for yourself or a loved one. Each brick will be a visible part of the main entrance to Fennell Field as a wall alongside the stadium. All proceeds raised from the commemorative brick program will be donated to the Edison High School Athletic Boosters’ Club.

($100) One personalized brick with up to 4 lines of text (no logo) ($125) One personalized bricked with your choice of logo and 4 lines of text Circle one logo (examples below):

Engraving Line 1: __________________________________________________________ Engraving Line 2: __________________________________________________________ Engraving Line 3: __________________________________________________________ Engraving Line 4: __________________________________________________________

“Balancing soccer and academics is hard, but I made it!” Alisa Holloway

15| The Current| June 2015

“Way too much work to start over in college” Stuart Reese

If ordering more than one brick, please complete another form. Two ways to order: Online: https://fs4.formsite.com/ThomasEdisonHS/form15/index.html Or mail this form with check made payable to Edison Athletic Boosters to: Edison High School Attn: Athletic Booster Treasurer – Brick Program 5801 Franconia Road Alexandria, VA 22310 Bricks will be ordered in lots of 100 and laid accordingly. The Edison Athletic Boosters Club reserves the right to deny applications due to obscenities or inappropriate phrases. If you are ordering more than one brick, submit more than one form.

“You still don’t know who yuou are by the end of high school” Fransisco Nieves

Basketball Baseball Bats Diver Field Hockey Football Golfing Gymnast Lacrosse Cheerleading Megaphone Soccer Softball Swimmer-Female Swimmer- Male Tennis Racquet Track Runner- Female Track Runner- Male Volleyball Wrestler U.S. Army JROTC Music Symbols Actors Masks Edison Eagle Engraving: If the Edison Eagle or other logo is NOT on the brick, allow for 21 characters per line including spaces and punctuation. If the Edison Eagle or other logo IS on the brick, allow for 18 characters per line including spaces and punctuation.

the

current Justin Askenazy’s 2014-15 Year in Review

A

September The school year kicks off with everyone discussing the day’s hottest topic: Ebola. As the deadly disease streaks across West Africa, with some rare cases appearing in the United States, Edison decides to exercise an abundance of caution by instituting a mandatory quarantine of the school. As part of this decision, no one is allowed to leave or enter campus during the school day and the security staff requires each student to have permission to step foot in the hallway.

Fortunately, no student experiences anything out of the ordinary.

In athletics, the fall sports season gets underway, with football again being the main attraction.

However, the team gets off to a slow start, losing every game in the month. It appears they receive a lucky break when Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III, a year removed from his “All in for Week 1” campaign, decides to increase his likeability even more with the “All in for Grade 12” campaign and starts one game at QB. The effort is short-lived, as he is injured before halftime while inexplicably trying to catch his own pass. The Eagles go on to win the game.

October The highlight of October for anyone with an ounce of school spirit is homecoming, a way for the four school classes to compete for absolutely nothing. To cap off the week, the school holds a “pep rally,” which ends up being a screaming match between the juniors and seniors. In response, a jet plane taking off said, “Geez, guys, tone it down a little.”

At the county level, after the study of a study of a study, the FCPS School Board decides to June 2015 | The Current | 16

implement later start times for high schools next year. Many people are opposed to this change, saying that it would just shift the students’ activities later rather than give them more sleep. As a result, FCPS has commissioned a study to determine just how many hours there are in a day.

November School begins taking its toll on the students, causing the amount of kids fighting off sleep during the school day to rise to 99%. This causes the teachers to invoke that familiar old adage, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em,” and they begin to just fall asleep standing up, marker in hand. As a result, the amount of learning going on experiences a slight decrease, to 1%. (Some people teach themselves.)

December As the months get colder, indoor activities take over for their outdoor counterparts. Sports move from the field to the gym, t-shirts are traded in for sweatshirts, and the band starts playing concerts instead of marching shows. This year, the fine arts department holds the first annual “Holiday Spectacular”, allowing community members to enjoy festive music and activities.

The lack of experience shows when the stand-in Santa takes a tumble off the stage stairs, giving new meaning to “Holiday Spectacular”.

It’s December- celebration time! Winter break is here! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Or, Happy Holidays, or whatever the adults say nowadays. Everyone gets a well-deserved break and much-needed time with family and friends. However, sitting around the house for two weeks inevitably leads to the question, “Where’s the snow?” (Sponsor Break: Wendy’s would like you to know that the snow is in the same place as the beef.)

January The snow shows up in a big way in January as the second day back

Mackenzie Nolan

Justin Askenazy online editor s the school year winds down, it is important that we review the highs and lows of the year that just passed.

Without a doubt, in 5 years, we’ll look back on it and laugh. Or cry.

Or maybe both...

that our team try this. His rationale is, “Hey, the Redskins tried it, and see how many games we won.”

The coaches are not convinced.

from Winter Break is marred by incessant snowfall during the morning commute, eventually measuring up to an insane two inches. The brunt of the storm is felt by busses and commuting students, many of whom make it to school hours late or not at all. This frustration prompts the creation of the hashtag #closeFCPS, which trends worldwide. In response to intense critcism, FCPS commissions a study to find out how much snow it takes to close school. The results range from 0 inches to “Look, Ma, it’s up to my eyeballs!”

Later in the month, as the first semester winds down, SOLs are given, finals are taken, and the last bit of work is turned in. As classes are ending in winter instead of summer, this causes confusion among some freshmen, who can be found walking around school in shorts and flip-flops. Said hypothermia, “Don’t mind if I do.”

February Tensions rise as the New England Patriots win the Super Bowl but are immediately accused of deflating footballs during their previous game in a scandal called “Deflategate”. New Edison football consultant RGIII, who just can’t seem to stay away, suggests

This is a humor article and is intended to make light of real situations.

March As the school year wears on, with no end in sight, procrastination begins to tighten its grasp on the students. Many work to break out of the habit, but some refer to the famous quote, “The most successful people procrastinate.” I can’t remember who said that. I’ll look it up later.

April The band and orchestra take a leave of absence to go to Disney World for a few days, where they ride rides and have a large amount of fun. The band gets the chance to march through Magic Kingdom, but is drowned out by an impromptu and untimely preview of that night’s fireworks show. “Just our luck,” said the band.

May Drama takes center stage as they put on the musical “Annie Get Your Gun”. However, in another example of FCPS overreactions, the county bans the use of guns in its schools’ performances. As a result, the show is renamed “Annie Get Your Totally Non-lethal, Definitely Won’t Harm Anybody, Ever, Soft and Cuddly Teddy Bear”. For some reason, the shows do not sell out.

June The year is over and seniors can now breathe a sigh of relief and relax all summer. Or start preparing for what life has to offer in the years to come, be it college, military service, or a career. Or maybe both.