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ISSUE 1: SEPT. 6, 2011
Photos by Kerstin Felton
Stafford High School 33 Stafford Indians Lane, Falmouth, Va. 22405
Two portable classrooms, also called trailers, sprouted beside the gym and weight room over the summer. The trailers will be used for Health and Driver’s Education for the next few years until the new Stafford High School is built. The classrooms are slightly larger than the average classroom at Stafford and contain bathrooms.
Portable classrooms needed at Stafford High By Moriah Briscoe Staff Writer
The trailers, which were leased from other schools for $1,096 per month, were designated for Health and Driver’s Ed students. Assistant principal Harry Johnston explained that they were installed because there was no more room in the main building for programs that require they expand for their freshman and sophomore classes, like ROTC and Stat Academy. “We could not take care of the students,” Johnston said. “We needed to grow and expand.” Having trailers outside opens the possibility of a change in the image of the school
and its students. “I think that although it is beneficial to the school, it might affect student’s learning environment,” senior Brianna Sayasithsena said. “As for the reputation, I think that it is actually a great example of how Stafford can withstand minor adversities like overcrowding and such.” Senior Codie Hammond does not agree with the decision because it’s really a no win situation. “I see the need but I still feel the quality of class time will be very different for those involved,” Hammond said. “Also, as a teacher it is a hassle and a hazard to have your class apart from the school. I wonder
how secure these are in the event of a lockdown or another emergency.” Despite what others might say, principal Joe Lewis said that there will be no impact on the school’s reputation of any kind, because the reputation will be built on the teachers and students’ performance. After two to three weeks of laying down the foundation, wiring the video and internet cables that extended from the building, one of the two trailers was finally completed. “The trailers are bigger than the standard class capacity of 30 students, but the occupancy permit still needs to be verified,” said Johnston.
A perk that freshman and sophomore students can look to this year is that the time spent in the trailers is only for nine weeks. Lewis made the decision to install trailers for the sake of flexibility and for the convenience of teachers and students. “It is better because Mr. Middleton will not need a cart since he’ll be teaching in the old health room,” Lewis said. “The DECA teacher, Mrs. Hawthorne, will now be put in her own department.” Lewis also explained that the trailers will stay put next year and the following years, until the new school is built. After all is said and done, Lewis thinks that it will work out for everybody.
Link Crew orients freshmen By Ana Nosal, Section Editor
Photo by Toni Sorrentino Link Crew leaders and the new class of 2015 ready for fun and games in the gym before orientation starts on Aug. 26. Link Crew prepared for several hundred freshmen to arrive.
To get the freshmen accustomed to a new school filled with many new faces, Link Crew helped organize the summer freshmen orientation on Aug. 26 to orient the students. Their goals were to help the freshmen find their way around as well as meeting new people through team building activities. The Link Crew leaders were well prepared for this orientation, with many prior meetings and training sessions. There were around 90 leaders, ranging from juniors to seniors. “They are a great group of students and they are really doing an awesome job,”
adviser Julie Kelsey said. “You can tell that they really care and they want to help the upcoming freshmen.” The freshmen first met in the gym and were greeted at the door by Link Crew members cheering, which set a positive vibe in the atmosphere. They were then led through several activities that helped them bond as a class. Afterwards, pairs of leaders took their groups of about 10 to 11 students into classrooms where they got to know each other through various activities. “We also played games to ‘break Continued on page 10
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Stafford High School 33 Stafford Indians Lane, Falmouth, Va. 22405
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opinion
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Stafford High School 33 Stafford Indians Lane, Falmouth, Va. 22405
WELCOME BACK STUDENTS! Each new year gives you an opportunity to begin again, to start over if necessary or to continue onward. The choice is yours. It really is a choice, an opportunity. You decide the direction of your academic life and your future. You are in control of that decision, and I sincerely hope you choose wisely. I’m focusing this year on two ideas: Working Together and Effort. This is the theme for the faculty and staff and I’m inviting each of you to join in because education is a partnership. We can’t do it without you and you cannot do it without us. There will be more on that in the future. As we begin this new year, I wish you the best. My door is always open to you so feel free to stop in and share your concerns and ideas. You’re always welcome. Sincerely, Mr. L, Principal
Mr. Joseph Lewis, principal at Stafford High School
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF 2011-2012
Mr. Wes Bergazzi Assistant Principal Dr. Mary Frances George Assistant Principal Mr. Joseph Lewis Principal Mr. Felix Addo Assistant Principal Mr. Harry Johnston Assitant Principal Mrs. Donna Garcia Adminstrative Intern (not pictured)
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feature
Stafford High School 33 Stafford Indians Lane, Falmouth, Va. 22405
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks . . By Russ Kaus, Section Editor
Keeping in time: Drum Major Destiny Dobbins directs the marching band during a long practice in the footbal stadium parking lot. Dobbins, along with senior Antoinette Tortorici, make sure the band is kept in time during the performance. Photo by Shannon Cooke Stay in good forrm: During practice, Junior Caitlyn Larrabee focuses on keeping her trumpet up high while playing. Good form is one of the criteria that the band is judged on in competitions, along with overall sound and look. Photo by Shannon Cooke
This year, the Tribe of Pride marching band is working very hard under the direction of drum majors Antoinette Tortorici and Destiny Dobbins. The duo is directing the band to having another successful season. In her second year of being a drum major, senior Antoinette Tortorici, has the role of head drum major and leader. “As the head of the band, I try to set and example and keep everyone in line,” Tortorici said. Tortorici is now assisted by junior Destiny Dobbins who is beginning her first year as a drum major. “I have always admired the drum major position,” Dobbins said. “I really like it because I get to see the band from a different perspective.” For the past few months the two have stayed late after practices to work on their directing skills. “As the two leaders of the band, we want to match each other and be uniform,” Tortorici said. “We really want to be like a few previous drum majors who have done very well.” Tortorici and Dobbins work with band director Kenneth Hite to lead the band. “He helps out a lot when we are not doing well and guides us in the right direction,” Tortorici said. “I go to them with instructions on what we are trying to accomplish during the rehearsal or performance,” Hite said. “Most of our conversations relate to tempo, instrumental cues, dynamics and basic control over the ensemble.” With the majority of band camp over and the season approaching, the drum majors are in a good position to be very successful. “I am very pleased with the progress of the drum majors so far,” Hite said. “They have embraced their roles as leaders.” Both drum majors are looking forward to a enjoyable season. “My goals are for the band to play to the best of its ability and at all times have fun,” Dobbins said.
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Stafford High School 33 Stafford Indians Lane, Falmouth, Va. 22405
Take me out to the game By Emily Griffin, Assistant Editor in Chief
Stay on the line: Junior Mary Wellman leads the trumpets and keeps them in straight lines during practice. Photo by Shannon Cooke
Color guard rounds third By Megan Humphrey, Staff Writer Color guard, also known as flags, is an important component of marching band. Color guard consists of 16 girls, including two alternates, and is led by Todd Stone. Senior Rachel Streib helps the others with their marching and senior Tiffany O’Quinn helps the girls with their twirling. Color guard has to come up with routines to match the songs the band is playing. This year the theme is baseball and the band is playing “Take Me Out Suite” from “The Natural,” and “A League of Their Own.” “In past years we have come up with our own, but this year our new coach, Mr. Stone, came up with our routines,” sophomore Sarah Rochte said. This year, the routines are very baseballinspired. “We incorporate classic baseball moves into our routines and actually play a baseball game during one of our routines,”
sophomore Tori Santiago-Troutman said. The outfits are inspired by the Peaches World War II uniforms, a blue uniform with an insignia on the chest. The Peaches were the first women’s baseball team and are in the movie “A League of Their Own.” After working together for so long and hard, the color guard become like a family. “My favorite thing about color guard is definitely the people,” senior Samantha Guagliardo said. “And the friendships you get to make even before school starts.” It may be hard to learn the routines and put everything together, but the color guard always has someone to help them. “We all work together well most of the time, even though there are a few times we don’t see eye to eye, but that’s normal in any family,” said Santiago-Troutman. “In the end, there is strength in numbers and we love each other like sisters. I’m incredibly honored to have the privilege to work with such amazing people.”
Every year the marching band centers itself around a central theme, this year being baseball. Despite the contradicting fact that the band will be performing during football games, the baseball theme has a personal connection with the marching band. “This year we were looking for something different, and the baseball theme sounded like a neat idea,” band director Chuck Hite said. “I thought about it when we went to Boston as a group last year to us it is a fun story and very memorable.” Once a theme is chosen for the new year, members can start building around it. Many hours are put into constructing the props that are used during the Friday night football game’s half-time shows. This year’s theme has resulted in props such as a scoreboard, a dug out, and also costumes for the flag girls that represent a baseball uniform. “At first we all thought the baseball theme was a lame idea, but Mr. Hite
was determined for it to be our show for the year,” junior trumpet player Caitlyn Larrabee said. “I’m glad he picked it though, because it turned out a lot better than I expected.” While the band members are performing on the field, they plan to be marching in shapes such as a single baseball as well as an actual baseball diamond, while simultaneously playing the pieces that they practiced during the summer. “The music is pretty entertaining, it varies from ‘Take Me Out to the Ball Game,’ to a type of swing music, as well as a jazz song,” Larrabee said. “All in all, I think it is going to be a really good year for the marching band.” With such an upbeat choice of music, the decoration that went into creating props, and the commitment that was put into memorizing footwork, the marching band has devoted enough time to this program to entertain a stadium full of people. Due to the unique and well-constructed theme that the marching band has chosen for this year, the band’s hard work and dedication will be recognized during every half-time show.
sports
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Stafford High School 33 Stafford Indians Lane, Falmouth, Va. 22405
Golf tees up for promising season with new coach By Natalie Bohmke, Staff Writer
Photo by Toni Sorrentino Lindsey Lycher and Natalie Bohme practice with new protective eyegear which was mandated for the state. Both girls are returning players for a winning squad. Head coach Dani Woodie has help with the team from assistant coaches Robin Woodie and Cara Fenwick.
Field hockey hopes for winning season again By Megan Corsano, Staff Writer This season the JV and varsity field hockey teams have high expectations to have a great season. The team has already started intense practices and team building. “Everyone is adjusting to everyone to become what we want as a team,” sophomore Felicia Tortorici said. They have high hopes for a great season and to continue where they left off last year. “I’m excited to play all the teams in the district and see where everyone ends up,” junior Mckenzie Bowler said. “The competition is really tough.” The girls know it takes teamwork for the team to win. “If we just work together, keep our eyes on the prize, and take it one day at a time we can do it,” senior Brooke Scruggs said. “Anything is possible.” The field hockey team requires a lot of hard work. “Stafford Hockey is very serious
and a great team,” freshman Shannon Fenwick said. “In middle school you are just playing for fun, and playing with people that have never played hockey before, but at Stafford it’s girls who are serious and want to win.” The team has been spending a lot of time getting themselves ready for the season. “Being on the team is a really big commitment,” Scruggs said. “You have to have the heart, will, and desire to be playing on the team. You also have to be really good at managing your time.” The girls are very team oriented and focused on communicating as a one. “I personally want to improve my leadership skills,” Scruggs said. “So that I believe in myself and that my teammates believe in me to know that I have their backs.” Because of changing players, the girls have had to adjust to the new player’s positions. “We have a lot of returning players this year,” Bowler said. “But we also have important positions to fill that were lost last year.”
Some members of the team have not been playing for as The golf team long and are still in graduated four seniors the learning process, this past spring and taking advice from they acquired a new the others on top six, coach. In a rebuilding such as senior senior year the team hopes Shane Haley, juniors to improve their skills Corey Miller, Devin and compete in the Mckoy, and freshman district. Colby D’Lugos . Ashley Harding was “I want to get last season’s graduto know the game ated number one, better,” senior Matt whose position will be Yelverton said, “I am filled by junior Phillip just starting out so I Yelverton . am learning from the “In the one match I more experienced have played this year, guys on the team like the other few guys in my brother.” the group were really After one match intense,” Yelverton the team is in ninth said. “They had proplace in the district . fessional and college “We hope to golf hopes so it was move up a couple of pretty serious.” spots by the end of Playing at number the regular season two is senior Connor Golf team members Phillip and Matt and gain valuable Harmon. Yelverton Yelverton have enjoyed the season so far. experience for our and Harmon shoot in It’s been a learning process for the team district playoff tourthe lower 90’s for 18 with a new coach and several new team nament,” Dye said. holes. members. In addition junior “My goals for this Amber Griffith and season are to improve sophomores Bradley my golf skills for the future as well as help some of the younger teammates get better Harrison and Jackson Carmichael are helping the team to drop their overall score for for later years,” Harmon said. Wayne Dye, the new golf coach, brings a matches. “We really have a lot of potential wealth of knowledge onto the course. and it is cool to see how fast everyone is “He is a nice surprise,” Yelverton said. improving, so a goal is to win a match,” “I did not meet him before the first day of Phillip Yelverton said. “It doesnt sound like practice, but he turned out to be real helpmuch but it would be quite an accomplishful.” ment.”
Indianettes practice for half time shows.
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Stafford High School 33 Stafford Indians Lane, Falmouth, Va. 22405
Football plays to strengths
Cross Country team practices during the summer. The guys enjoyed running on the track .
XC keeps steady pace throughout season By Ana Nosal, Section Editor The cross country team kicked off their season strong with many tough practices that will prepare them for their upcoming meets. The team wants to come back with even more talent and skill than last year to place competitively. The team did not hold an official tryout, but they had a solid turnout of boys and girls. “Our time trial went well with lots of kids running faster than they did last year,” coach Pete Augrom said. In the summer the team practices Monday through Saturday with two practices on Mondays and Thursdays. The effort displayed in practice is what contributes to the team’s consistent successes in previous seasons. “Practice is going well because we push eachother as hard as we can,” sophomore Ashley Hinton said.
The boys’ team wishes to end the season by defending their regional title and having a top three finish at States. A regional meet qualification will guarantee the girls’ team a title as one of the top four teams in the district. “We have high expectations this year including being on the podium at the state meet as a team,” senior Greg Bohmke said. “With this bunch of guys anything is possible, though we still have to focus on districts and regions.” To follow through on these expectations and goals for the season, the team must stay close and supportive of one another. “We are a close knit bunch and have to be, as our weekends are spent on busses and at long meets, so we get a lot of quality time together and really enjoy each other,” Bohmke said. The team has a lot of hard work cut out for them but their teamwork and persistent effort will push them through the season ahead.
By Ana Nosal, Section Editor After grueling summer days of conditioning and weight training, this year’s varsity football team has come a long way since making the team after tryouts. The boys have unified to create a solid team that is prepared to have a strong season with many consistent wins. One difference from last year is that the new seniors are setting the expectations for the team, and they are setting them high. Some of these expectations and goals include becoming district champions, giving 100 percent whenever they are out on the field, exemplifying the traits of sportsmanship and leadership, avenging two losses, beating Mountain View and Colonial Forge high schools, and keeping the team close like a family. “I think that they have set our goals a lot higher than we ever have before so it is making us work a lot harder,” junior Trey Spindle said. The team also wishes to return to the playoffs like they did last year. “We just have to put in a lot of hard work and trust in each other,” junior Billy Bolinsky said. The coaches share the same belief within the team. “We are going to take it one game at a time and improve more each week,” head coach Chad Lewis said. Varsity also has a lot of strengths that will be helpful in the process of accomplishing all of these goals. “The team has excellent leadership skills, great attitudes on the field, and a strong work ethic,” Lewis said. “There is definitely a lot of competition for starting positions.” Team unity is a big aspect that will contribute to their success as a team. “This is the closest team I have ever been a part of and we all get along really well,” Bolinsky said. As practices continue to grow more challenging and the season draws closer, varsity football is ready and well-prepared to tackle all of their goals for the season.
Volleyball sets up team wins By Ellie Pare, Staff Writer The volleyball team got a head start for the year by holding conditioning over the summer. With a new coach and a new season, the team is ready to start off strong and improve from last year. The team has been hard at work since July, working on techniques and conditioning. The upcoming freshmen on the team are really excited for the season to come. “The team is very welcoming, we all cheered each other on and helped one another,” freshman Nathalia Lima said. But it’s not only the upcoming freshman who cannot wait for the upcoming season. The three rising seniors on the team Katelyn Gudyka, Julie Allard, and Lindsey LaFratta are all eager to start their final season playing for Stafford. “I think we’re going to have a great volleyball season this year,” Julie Allard said. “We have a lot of talented returners and we’ve all been working really hard with our new coach.” New head coach, Richard Maley is making huge changes for the team. The JV and varsity teams are now together, so each girl has to work equally for her spot in the varsity games. “He’s doing an awesome job and I’m so glad he’s our new head coach,” junior Jessie Gatanis said. Their first game was Aug. 25 “The high talent level is going to make for some fierce competition, which will make all of them that much better,” Maley said. “Of course, we still have a lot of work to do before we open our season.” Maley also said, “If the girls listen to the coach’s instructions, continue working hard, and believe in the team’s overall ability, we will have a very successful season.”
student life
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Stafford High School 33 Stafford Indians Lane, Falmouth, Va. 22405
SCA
KEY CLUB
OFFICERS
OFFICERS
President B.H. Kim Vice President Amy Quantrille Jr. Vice President Chloe Karlovich Secretary Will Janney Jr. Secretary Emily Quintana Treasurer Matt Yelverton Jr. Treasurer Hannah Lowery Historian Georgia Felopulos Parliamentarian Morgan Brooks Reporter Katie Brandon
CLASS OF 2012
President Elexxus Brown Vice President Amy Quantrille Jr. Vice President Molly Podlesney Secretary Morgan Winkler Treasurer Chloe Karovich Editor Taylor Sumner Distribution Shane Haley Editor
CLASS OF 2013
OFFICERS President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Reporter Parliamentarian Officer at Large Officer at Large Officer at Large
Danny Storch Greg Bohmke Erin Smith Christina Pisciotta Brooke Scruggs Liz Willard Hannah Lewis Colin Duvall Steven West
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY OFFICERS
President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Parliamentarian
Danny Strock Muhamad Khalid Will Janney B.H. Kim Haley Russ
OFFICERS President Vice president Secretary Treasurer Historian Reporter
Molly Podlesny Tyrus Mason Kara Fairfax Tyrell Mason Tori Light Deja Pressley
LINK CREW COMMISSIONERS Alisha Bhagat Aaron Daniel Mersadees Henry Morgan Iannazzo Christine Krueger Alaina Leinenbach Alexis Tinsley Kirsten Whiteside
INTERACT President Vice president Secretary Treasurer Officer at large President Vice President Secretary Treasurer
OFFICERS Kristina Varela Kerstin Felton Elexxus Brown Chloe Karlovich Molly Podlesny
SADD
Chloe Karlovich
CLASS OF 2014 OFFICERS President Elizabeth Brownell Vice president Kyle Coyne Secretary Stephanie Quantrille Treasurer Historian Amiaya Carey
CLASS OF 2015 President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Reporter To be decided soon!
new staff
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Stafford High School 33 Stafford Indians Lane, Falmouth, Va. 22405
Rebecca Albert English
Nicholas Jacobs Social Studies
Stephanie Martin Earth Science
Kristin Mason Biology
Helga Purnell Focus
Rachel Sherman Social Studies
Mosetta Stone TV video/drama
Glenn Stordeur Social Studies
NOT PICTURED KARA KNITTLE, JUDITH ROSSI
Evelyn Sussman Culinary Arts
Lashaun Cook P.E.
Melissa Boney Math
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Stafford High School 33 Stafford Indians Lane, Falmouth, Va. 22405
Stafford High School 33 Stafford Indians Lane, Falmouth, Va. 22405
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spotlight
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Stafford High School 33 Stafford Indians Lane, Falmouth, Va. 22405
the ice’ and for everyone to get comfortable with each other,” junior Casey Natale said. The leaders interacted with the students and answered their questions about high school. “The individual groups are aimed to create some tighter groups that way everybody will at least know somebody on the first day,” Kelsey said. To end the orientation, the students and parents were given school tours so they could learn their way around the school. “I was never really that worried but now I feel a lot more comfortable knowing where everything is,” freshman Austin Thompson said. Although the day was filled with many games and fun events, they also made a deeper impact on the freshmen.
“All the activities just seem like fun little games but they are made so we can relate them all to real high school situations, that way they can learn from them,” Natale said. The orientation not only allowed the freshmen to feel relieved, but the parents were put at ease as well. “I am just excited because this is a new step in their lives,” parent Liza OrtegaRodriguez said. The class of 2015 was welcomed into Stafford with open arms and they were able to feel comfortable with their home for the next four years. “Hopefully they got to know the building a little better and are able to recognize more familiar faces on the first day of school,” Natale said. “We hope that they got more excited for school to start and that they feel a lot more comfortable.”