Smoke Signal Issue 10, Feb. 23, 2012

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Stafford High School

Stafford High School

Calendar Feb. 17 Early Release Feb. 20 No School Feb. 24 Senior Karaoke Mar. 2 Talent Show weather Feb. 14-20 Hi Lo

46°F 33°F

Feb. 21-28 AVERAGES Hi 50°F Lo 29°F

countdown

122 days until GRADUATION

53 days until Spring Break

30

days until Alice in Wonderland opens

60 days until AP Tests start

what’s hot Spring weather Senior Karaoke Spring sport tryouts Disney chorus trip Spring Break plans College acceptance

index Feature..........4-5, 8-9 News......................1-2 Opinion.....................3 Sports.....................6-7 Spotlight.................12 Student Life.....10-11

Volume 67. Issue 10 Feb. 14 , 2012

1

Issue 8, Dec. 20, 2011

33 Stafford Indian Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22405

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Cookies make comeback

BY MEGAN CORSANO PAGE EDITOR

The Otis Spunkmeyer cookies sold in Room W206 have been switched from the reduced fat, back to the original recipe, much to the satisfaction of many students.

The cookies had originally been changed to reduced fat in an attempt to have healthier food options for sales. The cookies met the guidelines for fat and calories, but the healthiness of them were still questioned.

“The reduced fat were put in by Mr. Lewis, in efforts to follow along with Michelle Obama’s effort to fight obesity,” said Sue Gill, advisor in charge of the cookie sales. “He made that choice in the students’ best interest.”

The change in cookies weren’t the school’s only attempt to have healthier options.

“Ethnically, I feel it is better to have the low or non-fat cookies,” principal Joe Lewis said. “Our lunch menu was changed because one student stood up to ask for a vegetarian option. We have that now, with the salad bar.

However, the new cookies were widely un-

Bringing in the dough: Thanks to the switching of the reduced fat cookies back to the original, cookies sales have picked up drastically. Before the reduced fat were put in, the cookies brought in$250-$300 a day. In comparison, the reduced fat only made about $100 a day. Photo by Eric Stapleton

popular, causing a drastic drop in sales.

“The fat free cookies were disgusting,” sophomore Morgan French said. “They didn’t even taste like real cookies.”

The reason that the sales dropped so drastically, the reduced fat made about half of what the original cookies

made, were the noticeable change in taste between the two.

“I’ve tried both of them,” sophomore John Shin said. “The reduced fat didn’t taste as good. It didn’t have as much flavor and were kind of dry.”

On Jan. 19, Lewis agreed to allow the original cookies to be sold

again.

“I found out that we might have been the only school going to low or non-fat,” Lewis said.

Since the reinstatement of the original cookies, sales have picked up again. The income that the cookies bring is very important to the functioning of a couple of the

school’s major clubs.

“The cookies are the primary source of funding for the school paper budget,” Gill said. “They also are the primary source for junior class prom, and the PTSA, which plans the afterprom.

Gymnastics place second

BY SARAH SHEARER, JILLIAN WEISBECK Staff Writers Nearly every Wednesday and Saturday the gymnastics team competes and nearly every meet they win.

Saturday, Jan. 21 the team took second place at Aloha Classic Invitational and sophomore Ashley Hinton placed third individually with a score of 37.2.

That Saturday was one of the two meets they placed second in. All other meets they competed in they took home first place.

Working well as a team has a positive impact final results.

“Our team is extremely close, we are all good friends,” said Hinton. “We

are also really close in our skill level and that’s what separates us from the other teams.”

Freshmen Brynne Reeves and Alexis Bush are strong additions to the already successful team.

Reeves competes in all four events- bars, floor, vault and beam.

“There is definitely a lot of pressure,” Reeves said. “But if it helps out team I am willing to do it,” Bush has been doing gymnastics for years “I’ve been doing it for 9 years,” Bush said. “I decided to do it at theschool and now I ‘m on the team.”

Whether the gymnasts have been doing it since three years old or sincethey were in high school, all have the skills to compete to the top.

“We work well as a

Girls gymnastics placed first recently in District competition. The team has enough depth to have several members place in the top six and earn points. At the recent meet, Ashley Hinton placed first overall with other teammates earning additonal points. Photo by Reid Murphy

team and we have depth,” assistant coach Janet Barham said. “They all contribute their own,” Saturday, Jan. 4 the girls took home first place

as district champions, and regional champs,” Bush are moving to the region- said. al competition on Saturday, Feb. 11.

“I think if we step up our game we could be

Bathke new to Tribe

BY KIRSTIN WHITESIDE PAGE EDITOR

Indians gave a warm welcoming to Andrew Bathke as he steps into the shoes of being an assistant principal. He arrived and started his first day on the job on Jan. 30.

Other staff members automatically respectfully greeted Bathke on his first day.

“Within the short

period I’ve been here, I have already experienced many positive vibes in this school,” Bathke said. “The students and other staff members have a close family feel to them all and I’m already enjoying myself.”

By taking on the position of assistant principal, he is expected to do the normal every day tasks that the job requires.

The tasks usually include supervision over

events, students, and the need of teachers. Bathke pushes to turn these average tasks into social opportunities that can be proven useful.

“I don’t want to see it as just supervision. I see it as interaction, a way to get to know everyone and learn

Spanish skits, Super Bowl commercials

Carpentry, Electricity help Habitat for Humanity

page 11

See BATHKE on page 2 New to the tribe: Photo of assistant principal Andrew Bathke.

Photo by Eric Stapleton

page 4

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Stafford High School

Bathke: New assistant principal Continued from page 1 found himself fancying Stafford County. more about them,” he “Not only was it the said. “If some one has collegiality and pride in a problem, and I know this school that brought something about them, me here, but also the deep I can easily help them by rich history of the counlooking at all possibili- ty,” Bathke said. “I admire ties of solving it because the rich history Stafford I have an idea on what is County has gone through. going on in their life.”

These symbols and seals Bathke was raised in that represent Stafford all Missouri and has since have deep meanings that then moved to differ- some just pass off made ent location interacting up images.” with differentage groups Bathke has already through different parts in vowed to follow Dr. education.

George’s footsteps and He tried out different wise teachings. He will positions in education put forth the positive acts like coaching a soccer and Dr. George had set up and teaching. Eventually, he keep them in continuous motion.

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New administrative assistant joins Stafford at half year for Bathke

Andrea Holmes shows off her clear desk. Having only been on the job for three days, Holmes hasn’t yet filled up the desk with referrals and work for her boss, assistant principal Andrew Bathke.

Photo by Reid Murphy

ministrative assistant in

BY RAY BROCK any school system, AnContributor drea Holmes has come By not being an ad- into the SHS Adminis-

tration full throttled and ready to work.

Taking the place of Julie Elmore, who retired along with Dr. Mary Frances George, Holmes has came in along with Andrew Bathke and already set an impression with students and staff.

Holmes, a native of Germany, lived there for the first 24 years of her life. There she met her late husband who was an army soldier.

They moved to the United States in1988 where she would later give birth to three boys, all of whom were graduates of North Stafford High School.

One of her sons is currently an Army Medic stationed in Afghanistan.

She stayed here for 22 months before they left for another tour in Germany. She stayed there until 1993 where she moved back to the United States, where she has been ever since.

Along with riding her horse named Midnight three or four times a week, Holmes loves to read.

Her favorite book is “The House on the Strand” by Daphne du Maurier.

Holmes looks forward to interacting with all the students and enjoying her time as an office secretary here at SHS along side the administration to guide her along the way.

Drama’s “A Fable” Big Success

BY DANI RAYMOND Page Editor The Drama Department’s one-act paly, A Fable, is riding towards further success. The competition play recently won VHSL’s district competition held at Stafford High School on Jan 28. They competed against other schools’ one-act plays that were judged on energy, acting skills, blocking, as well as other components.

“I feel like it’s easier to perform in a competition because the theater people understand more,” senior Ragon Dickard said. “They can appreciate the technicality that some other people can’t.”

The play has been a yearlong project, with rehearsals starting in early August.

The eight-member cast has spent numerous hours rehearsing and perfecting their own skills and styles to perform in the competition.

“The play is consistent in its presentation and

style - and that is what acting is all about - using your unique process to get to the same place as the rest of the cast,” drama teacher Michael D’addario said. “The journey for each is unique, but they have all arrived at the same destination together.”

The skills and strengths of the individual actors and actresses plus the closeness and chemistry of the cast makes up an award winning play. They also won runner-up in Virginia Theater Association’s high school competition earlier in the year.

“I get nervous for competitions because the people watching know what to look for,” said sophomore Erin Lottes, who won an award for Most Outstanding Actor.

“I like to spending time with the cast and seeing other schools perform.”

The cast will be travelling to Dansville for their next competition Feb 28. Next year, they will also be competing in the

Chasing the Golden Days: The cast performs “A Fable” for Stafford students in preparation for the Virginia Theater Association One-ActFestival. They went on to claim second place over 38 other schools. Winning 11 team achievement and individual awards, the cast will travel to Tennessee in March to represent the state of Virginia.

Southeaster Theater Conference in Chattanooga, Tenn.

“You never know how each performance will go,” drama teacher Chad

Johnson said. “Each stage is different, and we have to adapt and compensate for those differences.”

The Drama Department will be holding a

Smoke Signal Patrons 2011-2012 Super Sponsor Gyst & Mrs. Jeremiah M. Johnson T. Mark Johnson, MD Tracey Chestnut Teresa Sedlacek Millie Stadelmyer Betty & Rusty Dodd Theresa Puckerin Ann Holland Kellie Ebeling Mark McGraw Manheim Fredericksburg Gold Patron Katherine Drumm Paula Chestnut Meg & Dave Bohmke Shirley Louisor Tony G. Owens Felton Family Lori Yelverton Shila Patel Mr. & Mrs. Dwight Roberson Joseph &Chifang Pelham Barbara Humphrey Silver Patron Mark & Tracey Woodyard Jennette Lock Kimberly Vaughn Mike & Kathy Baker Thomas & Lisa Skeer Coker Orthodontics Dana Stonesifer Cathy Pearce Austin Enfinger Linda Hazelgren Marie Cunningham Heidi Kamei Ashleigh Powell Doreen Brindise Nancy Sorrentino The UPS Store Mariah Erickson Stephen Lisco

Steven Mitchell Cindy Knutson Angela Donald Soon Kim Ellie Pare Nick Hudson Kirstin Whiteside Scott Larson Dr. Gregory Kauffman Beverly Byram Barbara Lampert Don & Linda Thomas Alyssa Sims Adam & Jeri Brown Morgan Silver Elisabeta Ferruku Jillian Weisbeck Patty Fenwick Shannon Coche Todd Nosal John Romarello Nancy & Skip Brandon Nancy Hames Kay Braun Tyler West Margo & Scott Jones Melanie Sutherland Dan & Judy Dugan Madi Teaster Nicole Reeves Civil Air Patrol Michael & Kelly Walker Moriah Briscoe Mike West Brittni Wright Robert Moore Linda Mixon Emily Griffin Carl Baker Kaylene Ahlm Debbie Cooke Mildred Reeves Kristina Varela Jessica Turner Rachel Perrine Sue Sherman Ryan Smith Jason Stine Annette Seal Sonja & Blair Scott

Jim Green Derek Hayes Judy Mears Maura & Sean McGraw Bruce Phillips Josephine Billingslea Emily Byers Austin Pearson Karen Lenox Jackson Carmichael Earl’s True Value Hardware, Inc. Greta Sweatman Cheryl Potts Rebekah Kim Louisa Amenitson Monica Santiago Yvonne Rivera-Morales Tom Sherman Carman Waters Fenwick Family Linda Thomas Norma Zitz Susan Wachter Keana Young Nathan Perrine Kenneth Kaus Janet Stapleton Caitlin Green Robin Enfinger James Kim Dawn M. Phillips Jim Falis Taylor & Tyler West Marcia Hrdlicka Luci Braun Maggie & Billy Howell Kirsten Burton Tyler Sullivan Muhamad Khalid Mr. Mack Margaret Bridges Pam Halstead Steven & Lisa Mitchell Taro White Amber Donald Josey Billingslea Jai-leah Kamenicky Scott Corsano Ergys Ferruku

The Weisbeck Family Fred Rolando Byron Bailey Eric Kauffman Blayne Stine Mariah Erickson Nathalie & Robert Rowlette Maddi Mixon Catherine Alfaro Michael & Melanie Sutherland Cody Beacorn Michelle White Grace Physical Therapy Hannah Rowlette Marion Kaus Bronze Patron Chuck Pedigo Sheila Giscard Jeff McClure Blue Patron Amanda & Joseph Hugger Bruce & Mary Brown Amy Clower Paty & Jason Stine Norris Dickard Katy Baker Leah Blake Serena Portillo Sara Esslinger Elisabeth A. Nowack Mai Barber SHS Patron Denise Epperson Dick & Diane Williams Paula McClure Brian Wigginton Bryan Matthews Brennan Everett Maggie Mercer Jennifer & Mike Lambardi

benefit dinner to help raise money for their trip to Tennessee. The trip will cost 16,000 dollars.

The benefit will be held at Riverside Dinner Theater

on Feb. 26, where attendees will be provided by entertainment from the school’s top performers and alumni.

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Stafford High School

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EDITORIAL: 2, 4, 6, 8! Who do we appreciate? Stafford, that’s who!

It’s become obvious in recent years that the student body has grown to consider Stafford High School a joke.

Students recognize the school as a disgrace, mostly because of its condition and its lack of windows.

Also, students complain about the teachers, the administration and the rules.

Obviously, seniors have spent the most time in this building and be-

cause of that seniors are often found guilty of dissing the school more frequently than others.

Yes, Stafford is a very old building, and yes, other schools in the surrounding area are much newer and much nicer.

Many students don’t realize though, that this building is still providing each and every student an opportunity to learn and build his/her future.

Does it matter where students sit, as long as

they’re getting the same education as any other student?

Sure, it’s not fair that Stafford students aren’t provided with real walls or even windows, but Stafford can be just as good, if not better, than any other school in this area.

It’s not the walls that make a school great; it’s the students, parents, and administration.

These elements combined can create an excellent learning atmosphere, one that

could surpass any other in the district.

What doesn’t contribute to a first-rate educational environment is a negative attitude. If a student thinks the school is crappy, it’s not going to be anything better than that.

School spirit is a huge factor in making a student-body happy. Although Stafford has the ‘blue wave’ when it comes to school events, the general consensus is that Stafford High is the worst

thing to ever exist on this planet.

In reality, the happiness of the students is completely reliant on his/ her own individual attitude.

Next time before deciding to use the school as a scapegoat, students should consider the fact that this building is providing an education that more than 18 percent of the ENTIRE planet will never receive. This statistic, gathered from UNI-

CEF, is just one of the many reasons that Stafford High should be considered a blessing.

Thousands of adolescents around the world wish they could partake in an educational system as qualified as the one Stafford County has provided.

An education is a privilege. Be thankful that the United States is as liberated as it is, and that a free education is provided and stop complaining.

EDITORIAL: It’s a question of balance When the cheer team went to Brooke Point High School for districts, a large crowd of Stafford students was in the audience rooting the girls on.

When they defeated all other teams, the Stafford crowd went wild, erupting in applause.

However, when the drama department hosted the VHSL theater competition, only a handful of Stafford students sat in the auditorium to support the actors. When the drama department placed first in the district for their performance of Fable, there wasn’t half the excitement as when cheer, cross-country, or field hockey placed first in the district.

Sadly, high school students don’t appreciate or support the arts as much

as athletics.

So far this year, there have only been two students that have signed a contract to play sports in college; Merritt Hempe with The University of Georgia, and Erin Gallivan with James Madison University. However, it goes unnoticed when over ten seniors intend to go to college and participate in theater, music, or dance, including junior Analisa Wall, who was recruited

by The Juliard School for signing and acting her freshman year.

Although it is clear that Stafford athletics have had an incredibly successful year, winning district titles in several fall sports, so have the performing arts. The SHS drama department had not placed in finals at the Virginia

Theater Association Conference for 18 years, and the actors achieved something remarkable when they performed A Fable, ending the long streak.

The actors’ depth and talent impressed the prestigious judges, including a Theater department chairman from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a successful Broadway performer.

The forensics team, which, shockingly enough, does not examine dead bodies, but performs speeches and theatrical pieces for judging, has also been under appreciated. The team placed first overall at the Forensics district competition. In addition, senior Ragon Dickard and junior Analisa Wall were both awarded first place

in their respective categories.

Unfortunately, these stellar achievements have gone relatively unnoticed by the students outside of the performing arts. The short attention spans of most high school students don’t exactly have the depth to truly appreciate everything that goes into a theater performance.

The countless hours of preparation, rehearsal, and set construction are all crucial to a complete performance. Also, lets face it; the sad truth is that most students would rather sit through a twohour basketball game than a two-hour play. Its truly upsetting that the arts aren’t given the appreciation and respect that they deserve, especially after such a successful year.

How to be cool! Hazelgren tells you how

BY RYAN HAZELGREN Columnist Think about the last time you were in English, or sociology, or any other class that tends to have an open discussion. What happens when you think of something insightful and you’re going to share it with the class? How do you answer the question? Slam poet Taylor Mali knows exactly what all of us do: “In case you hadn’t realized, it has somehow become uncool to sound like you know what you’re talking about, or believe strongly in what you’re saying. Invisible question marks, and parenthetical ‘ya knows’ and ‘ya know what I’m sayings’ have been attaching themselves to the ends of our sentences, even when those sentences aren’t questions.”

This is just an excerpt of a Youtube video of that I heard in English class during the eighth grade. There’s

more, and I encourage you to look it up, because it’s totally insightful throughout.

For now, I want to talk about my classmates’ and my own reaction. Needless to say, the class erupted with words like “whoa” and phrases like “that’s so true!”.

Remember, we’re all in middle school, which happens to be a breeding ground of awkward, forced imaginary coolness and insecurity. You mean to tell me that it’s actually okay to be sincere? You mean that I don’t have to be mean and sarcastic to sound intelligent?

While this trend was worse in middle school, it has by no means disappeared. We are all so afraid to show real, heartfelt emotion. So much of teenage life is defined by posturing, chest puffing, and obsessive proclamations (verbal or non-verbal) to everyone we meet that we really don’t care what anyone thinks about us.

You don’t believe me? Go ahead and log into twitter and count the people with “#teamidgaf ” in their description. Count the tweets that read “live fast and die young”, or something to that effect. We all want to think of ourselves as some unemotional, hard-partying

protagonist of a movie or novel starring ourselves.

With rap music playing the background. That’s the summit of youth and coolness.

Still not convinced? Try this out: think of the friend of yours whom you consider to be the funniest or the most witty. Now, ask yourself the following question: is this person a bit of a jackass?

Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean “jackass” in the sense that nobody likes them, I mean it in the sense that they make fun of everyone in a good-natured way, that they’re sassy, and that they make jokes that are just mean enough to make everyone laugh without feeling bad for the person taking the heat. That’s how I would describe my funniest friend, and I’ve already been speaking for everyone up to this point, so why stop now.

We really are a nasty bunch when you think about it. This is a generation that purchases clothing with put downs on it and watches news satire instead of actual news. If I asked you to make a list of no-miss topics to start a conversation with a stranger at this school and simultaneously sound cool, the top items would probably be gossiping about someone nobody likes, or

better yet, a teacher or administrator.

We approach everything with contempt and skepticism, because there’s nothing more embarrassing or uncool than looking weird or stupid or being proved wrong.

If you haven’t noticed already, I’ve been using the word “we” because I, in no way, consider myself an exception to this stereotype. If you asked any of my friends (or enemies) to describe me briefly, I really doubt they would answer you with “not a jackass”. My last column dealt with a pretty sensitive topic, so what did I do? I sprinkled in a bunch of sass, cynicism, and self-deprecation so I didn’t sound overly emotional.

I don’t know if there’s a real solution to this problem, but we can at least start small. Do me a favor, and next time you speak up in a discussion, leave out those invisible question marks and “ya know’s”. If you really don’t care what people think, then your opinion of yourself will outweigh everyone else’s. As Taylor Mali says: It is not enough these days to simply question authority, You have to speak with it, too.

Making the Grade

D A+ A+ C

No Snow

Black history Month

It is nice that we got an early spring this year, many students have been enjoying the nice weather. But a winter without any snow days is no winter at all.

We get to hear new quotes every morning on the announcements, and teachers are even making an effort to add some black history into their lessons. It’s a time of understanding.

Gymnastics Winning Districts

Last weekend gymnastics placed first in the district championship, winning many new titles.

Senior Sammy Krejdovsky placed first on floor and third on vault, while sophomore Ashley Hinton placed first overall.

Valentine’s Day

One of the most hated days of the year, Valentine’s Day. It was like ever other year, happy couples pronounced their adoration with flowers and chocolate, and single people complained about how stupid it is. Nothing new.

smoke signal staff 2011-2012 Editors-in-Chief Shannon Cooke Emily Griffin Photography Editor Emily Pearce Online Editors Rebekah Kim Dani Raymond

Editors Leland Brooks Molly Podlesny Toni Sorrentino

Page Editors Katie Brandon Megan Corsano Dani Raymond Reid Murpphy Ana Nosal Kirstin Whiteside Jessica Larson

Design Editor Bridget Phillips

Copy Editors Emily Byers Kathryn Lenox

Business Managers Karri Chestnut Ashleigh Powell

Staff Writers Claire Adams, Allie Ahlm, Catherine Alfaro, Louisa Amenitsch, Dillon Baden, Jacob Barber, Cody Beacorn, Emily Billingslea, Natalie Bohmke, Luci Braun, Doreen Brindise, Moriah Briscoe, Kiana Burgos, Kirsten Burton, Travis Byram, Jackson Carmichael, Shawnail Cavender, Shannon Cocho, Megan Corsano, Erin Cunningham, Ridge Dodd, Amber Donald, Elizabeth Drash, Katherine Drumm, Megan Ebeling, Bradley Elmore, Austin Enfinger, Mariah Erickson, Shannon Fenwick, Ergys Ferruku, Starla Foosness, Tamara George, Michael Gordon, Caitlin Green, Tyler Haley, Kimberley Hall, Katelynn Halstead, Ryan Hazelgren, Hannah Haugen, Alexandria Hinkle, Patrick Holland, Billy Howell, Maggie Howell, Megan Humphrey, Taylor Jones, Bonnie Kamei, Eric Kauffman, Russ Kaus, B.H. Kim, India Kithcart, Valerie Lampert, Jessica Larson, Taylor Lisco, Courtney Mears, Erin McGraw, Kyle McGuire, Chris McMillen, Melissa Mercer, Caelynn Miller-Keyes, Kirsten Mitchell, Maddi Mixon, Brittany Nealy, Patrick Oliver, Ellie Pare, Chadni Patel, David Pearson, Kelly Pedigo, Palmers Pelham, Abbie Pennington, Audrey Perrine, Marta Perrine, Taia Pollock, Charlotte Potts, Elizabeth Puckerin, Brynne Reeves, Isabella Rivas, Julianne Rogers, Rachel Rolando, Anthony Romanello, Hannah Rowlette, Tori Santiago-Troutman, Sydney Scott, Kayla Seal, Sheldon Sheinall, Brendan Sherman, Alyssa Sims, Cara Skeer, Morgan Silver, Bridget Stadelmyer, Blayne Stine, Marissa Stone, Tyler Sullivan, Madison Teaster, Justin Thomas, Austin Thompson, Ryan Thompson, Chiann Todd, Jessica Turner, Chris Vaughn, Kristina Varela, Elizabeth Walker, Jillian Weisbeck, Taylor West, Tyler West, Taro White,Taylor White, Brittni Wright, Matt Yelverton Photographers Kerstin Felton, Amber Griffith, Muhamad Khalid, Austing Pearson, Kaitlin Shacklette, Eric Stapleton, Keana Young Videographers Alisa Posey Jordan Reed Taylor Sutherland Advisor Sue Gill, CJE The Smoke Signal is an open forum for student expression of the student body of Stafford High School.

Unsigened editorials reflect the collective opinion of the Smoke Signal staff. Signed editorials represent the opinion of the auther and do not necessarily represent the opinons of Stafford HighSchool, its administration, or staff. Signed letters to the editor not exceeding 250 words may be submitted to room W206. Anonymous letters will not be printed. The Smoke Signal reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and content and to refuse advertisements.

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Issue 10, Feb. 14, 2012

How many students does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

Junior Jason Adkins wires a light fixture. His class was only there for one day.

Hold it steady: Senior Tyler Kerns (right) adjusts a board with senior Michael Bowling (left), while senior Corey Randall (middle) watches. The boards must be steady in order for them to be cut safely.

rks ty wo f the h g a r Ge nt o ergei e baseme idn’t sell, S r o i Sen me in th ouses d ble to h you: a I see indow fr the Boots gh to be a w u h a o ug cky en on e. Tho lu hous nts were use. e d h stu on this o work

The back half of the carpentry workshop is filled with the frames of two rooms. Carpentry students use these to practice putting up baseboards and framing houses.

However, this type of exercise is not the same as real life experience.

Each year, trade students (carpentry, electricity and masonry classes) work together to build a house called the Boots House.

Last year, the Boots House they built did not sell. Since it is still on the market, the students were unable to begin another one.

Carpentry teacher Dan Harding was afraid that the students would have to settle for practicing on the frames in the workshop.

Luckily, there was already a contact established with Habitat for Humanity from last year, when drafting had done some work for them.

“Peter Mormon did a set of plans for them for a three-bedroom house,” drafting teacher Bobby

Jett said. “That house is about to be built in Spotsylvania.”

At the time that they were working together last year, Habitat was interested to find out that Stafford also had trade classes.

“I started talking with them, and I knew they were also in contact with [Sid] Trimmer too,” Jett said. “I thought maybe they could work something out.”

Phillip Scott, the area representative for Habitat for Humanity, got in touch with Trimmer, the electricity teacher.

“At first he contacted me to ask about us possibly donating some materials,” Trimmer said. “But then we started talking about our trade classes and I told him we would be available to work on the house.”

The house, in Pleasant Valley, needed some finishing touches on the basement before the family could move into it.

“We put down hardwood floors, doors, trim and baseboard,” said ju-

nior Davion Bass, carpentry student.

Since the basement was small, carpentry and electricity classes were unable to work at the same time.

“Only my Electricity II and III went,” Trimmer said.

There were also some volunteers from Habitat there to help out and supervise.

“We finished trimming the electricity in the basement,” junior Luke Masters said. Masters takes both electricity and carpentry.

“Trimming,” means making all of the wiring usable.

“We replaced a lot of light fixtures and receptacles, and put in some telephone wiring,” senior Kyle Henderson said.

Henderson, like Masters, is a student in both classes.

Carpentry students worked for two days and electricity worked for one. They took a bus to the house.

“We went during our class, because it’s two blocks in a row,” said ju-

nior Tanner Greathouse, carpentry student.

Electricity did not run into any problems.

“I think they were just happy to have us there to get that done,” Trimmer said.

The carpentry students felt the same.

“They were very appreciative,” Bass said.

“They bought us pizza for lunch.”

All of the materials the students worked with had been provided by Habitat, which takes donations. Therefore, there were some potential problems with carpentry that the electricians did not face.

“When we got there, I saw that there was this kind of baseboard that we hadn’t used before,” Harding said. The baseboard was more ornate, and generally more difficult to cut than the standard kind used.

“I was a little concerned at first, because it’s not really something you see in basements,” he said. “To be honest, I was surprised when I saw how well the boys did

with it. They did a real good job, and I’m proud of them.”

Tony Kehnle, the vice president of the Greater Fredericksburg Habitat for Humanity was also proud of the work.

“These young men are not only up and coming craftsmen, but they are ambassadors of goodwill who represented SHS most favorably,” he said.

“We were all impressed with them.”

Working with Habitat for Humanity is in the best interest of both the organization and the school.

“It’s really beneficial to both parties,” Harding said. “Especially since the Boots house didn’t sell, I was afraid we weren’t going to be able to go offsite this year, and you can only do so much on-site.”

There is another house that needs to be framed that the carpentry classes may assist with.

“It would be nice to get out there for a couple days, maybe in February, if the weather isn’t too bad,” Harding said.

Another house needs complete electricity.

“We’re supposed to start one up in March and hopefully see it all the way through,” Trimmer said. “With this house, I could involve all of my students.”

Jett’s students are working with Habitat again as well. He agrees that it is an advantage to be able to work with them, because the students gain real experience.

“Habitat is all about efficient housing,” Jett said. “The guys try to keep the room sizes to a certain minimum, using the square footage to the best advantage. It’s also very rewarding.”

This year, seniors Jason Steele and Chris Bondeson had a competition to see who could come up with the best plans for a four-bedroom home. Right now, Habitat is in the process of choosing.

“I’m hoping they will be able to build both houses,” Jett said. “The boys both did a really good job.”

Leading the way: Carpentry teacher Dan Harding gives directions to his carpentry students, from left to right, senior Sergei Geraghty and juniors Dylan Rawlings and Davion Bass. Harding and his students worked alongside volunteers from Habitat for Humanity.

Measure twice, cut once: Senior Derek Bass (front left) lines up a piece of wood before he cuts it. Other students junior Dylan Rawlings (back left) and senior Austin Sullivan (back right) look on.

Focus: Junior Daniel Huertas installs a light fixture. He is a student in Electricity II.

Story by Molly Podlesny Photos submitted by Tony Kehnle.

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Stafford High School

5 Issue 10, Feb. 14, 2012

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St. Valentine spreads love through world

BY CHRIS MCMILLEN grew fond of Valentine daughter of blindness. from mid-January to Writer and wanted to inter- Before his execution, mid- February to cel-

Valentine’s Day originated between two different theories, the first one is the legend of Saint Valentine.

Valenine was arrested for making secret marriages for young men during the time of emperor Claudius II in Rome.

At the time it was illegal for young men to marry.

Because Claudius wanted to grow his army, and also he believed that married men made bad soldiers. After Valentine was arrested, Claudius

view him for himself.

Claudius tried to convert Valentine to Roman paganism to save his life, but Valentine refused and tried to convert Claudius to Christianity.

When Valentine tried to convert Claudius, Valentine was ordered to be executed.

While waiting for his execution he was sent to jail. While in jail Valentine’s jailer brought his blind daughter to the jail to visit him.

Valentine then performed a miracle by curing the jailer’s

Valentine wrote a letter to the jailer’s daughter claiming that she was his beloved, it was signed “from your Valentine,” and it was considered to be the first Valentine.

The second theory is that there is no link between the saint named Valentine and love.

The earlier links had been sacrifice rather than love.

These links were found in Greek and Roman cultures.

In Greece they celebrated the month of Gamelion which was

ebrate the marriage of Zeus and Hera by making sacrifices to them.

The Roman festival of Juno Februa, or “Juno the purifier,” was celebrated on February 13-14 to honor the Roman goddess Februata Juno.

Sources: http://www. theholidayspot.com/ valentine/history_of_ valentine.htm http : / / w w w. i n fo please.com/spot/valentinesdayhistory.html

Fast Facts 1. 189 million stems of roses

are sold in the U.S. on Valentine’s Day.

2. 73% of people who buy flow-

ers for Valentine’s Day are men, while only 27 percent are women.

3. The most fantastic gift of

love is the Taj Mahal in India.

It was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife.

4. About 3% of pet owners will give Valentine’s Day gifts to their pets.

5. Teachers will receive the most Valentine’s Day cards, followed by children, mothers, wives,and pets.

Truth behind fairy tales

BY LELAND BROOKS Editor When the month changes from January to February, many people’s minds start wandering to one of the most exciting or maybe dreaded days of the month other than exams: Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day puts the image of flowers, chocolates, stuffed animals and love from one’s significant other into mind. For many there are high expectations that are never truly met in reality.

“I think movies exaggerate Valentine’s Day way too much,” senior Alisha Bhagat said. “It should be a day to show your loved ones you care about them, but instead the media puts a lot of pressure on men to do something over the top.”

Nonetheless, the media plays a big part in how society views Valentine’s Day. Movies and television shows have put this ideal into many teenagers’ heads of romance and

perfection on that specific day.

“I think every girl generally wants the same thing for Valentine’s Day: red roses, chocolates, and their own Edward Cullen,” senior Qarima Anbiya said. “I don’t think that’s too much to ask for.”

Depending on what kind of people they are, Valentine’s Day could be really upsetting to them as well as an unfriendly reminder that they are single.

“Since I’m a guy I don’t really have any expectations for Valentine’s Day but I wish I had a hot biddy as my Valentine,” senior Ryan Sompayrac said.

However, some students who may not have a significant other walk through the hallways on this day as if it were no different from the next.

“Valentine’s Day is a waste of time,” senior Jazmyn Dove said. “It’s a day to show one’s love for another person when it should be shown every day.”

Stereotypes influence teens

BY SHANNON COCHO ate people’s excitement and how happy some couWriter ples are,” freshmen Karla For years Disney has Conner said. “When shown little girls around Reed Bennett purposes the world that it is to Morley Clarkson it possible to be a princess, shows how couples aren’t happy and that many can find their always how there can be conPrince Charming and flicts between them.” live happily ever after.

Some of these unrealIn the movie, “Valenistic expectations include tine’s Day” it is based on a fl orist proposing to the intertwining relationhis girlfriend, a babyships between several sitter planning to lose couples as they make up her virginity while her and break up due to the grandparents struggle expectations and pressures of Valentine’s Day. with their marriage, “In some parts of the an elementary school movie they over-exagger- teacher falling in love

with a man who is married, and a female army captain falling in love with a fellow passenger.

“I think that couples should treat each other more than just that day that the world tells them to,” freshmen Haley Parish said.

Despite being a box office success, “Valentine’s Day” received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics and average reviews from the public who viewed it.

“It shows a bunch of different scenarios which on a certain level seem

somewhat correct,” freshmen Nathalia Lima. “The movie is still too much of a fairytale based movie rather than reality.”

While some may have good opinions on this movie, others may feel that it is too much of a fairy tale to ever be realistic.

“This movie is like a merry-go-round, producing a dizzy audience that some might adore but yet it can make others nauseous,” freshmen Addy Colebaugh said.

In the end, it all depends on the person.

single v. in a relationship

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Stafford High School

6 Issue 10, Feb. 14, 2012

sports www.staffordsmokesignal.com

Jackson wins district Wins 195 pound class again

BY MATT YELVERTON Staff Writer One of Stafford’s premier athletes on the football field this year was Logan Jackson, a senior linebacker playing his third year on the varsity squad.

But tackling opponents on the gridiron isn’t where Jackson is best.

There are fourteen student-athletes in the state of Virginia that are ranked at the very top of their weight class for VHSL AAA wrestling, and Jackson is one of them. This is his forte.

Jackson is ranked number one in the 195-weight class, above all other high school wrestlers competing at this level. But this accomplishment is only a benchmark towards even greater accomplishments.

To Jackson, being the top wrestler in the state isn’t so much about having already won; it’s about winning more.

“It gives me a chance at the state title,” said Jackson. “It’s motivation to keep working hard.”

This isn’t the f i r s t time Jackson has been recognized at the state level, taking third in the state last year. Jackson has won twenty-four straight matches, making him undefeated this year.

Jackson didn’t get to number one by himself either.

Stafford coaches Brandon and Dan Gilbert push the whole team to achieve, but especially Jackson.

“He’s unlike anyone I’ve ever seen,” said D. Gilbert.

“His physical ability along with his cerebral nature makes a formidable wrestler.”

Freshmen adjust, succeed in bball

BY PATRICK HOLLAND Staff Writer

Jackson’s success translates to more than just personal opportunity. Jackson’s practice partner, freshman Cameron Houston, says that Jackson serves as a mentor to the whole team.

“He’s an example of work ethic, and is a leader by example to the team,” Houston said.

As for the future, Jackson is unsure. The only thing for sure, says Jackson, is the possibility of a state championship.

“Being number one means more at the end of the year than it does at the beginning,” said Jackson.

With the hard work of their athletes, the freshmen basketball team put together an astonishing season of 13 wins and only 3 loses. Members of the team did not only to look to win during their season, but they also looked to prepare for future levels of competition.

With the lack of youth on the varsity level, the student athletes on freshmen basketball aimed to fill the spots of the graduating seniors.

“The season has being going well,” freshman Jacob Reed said. “We have been working hard since the day we made the team. We have come a long way from where we had started.”

Many athletes used freshmen athletics as an opportunity to refine their skills and reflect on what they need to do to succeed.

“I’ve done my best,” Reed said. “I have never given anything less than one hundred

percent.”

Freshmen athletes came from the less competitive middle school athletics, where one athlete can shine. When the athletes make the jump to a higher pace, and more competitive game, they learn that they cannot succeed with only one star.

“Coming from the slower pace of middle school games, to high school ones is a wake up call,” freshman Brandon Cook said. “I have learned how to get everybody involved in every way I can.”

With the leap to high school athletics, many athletes had to learn how to work hard and how to translate that hard work during game time.

“I learned that I needed to work harder to succeed,” freshman Triston Peot said. “And so that’s what I did. I learned and applied what I needed to make this a successful year.”

The athletes made this year so successful because of their ability to learn, and apply what they learned on the court.

“I have improved a lot since last year, in many aspects,” freshmen Abraham Shaikh said. “My passing has improved

Girls track blows past competition

BY BRIDGET STADELMYER Staff Writer

Christin Wiskur sizes up his opponent as he looks over the court for his next move. This was one of the final games of the season for the JV basketball team Phonto by Emily Pearce

JV boys team’s hard work not paying off with wins

BY RIDGE DODD, MORGAN SILVER Staff Writers Stafford is known as an active school with many athletes.

One team is boys JV basketball which currently has a 2-10 record.

“I am responsible for all of the losses,” coach Holland said.

“The team is responsible for the wins.”

Although they may not be winning all of their games, their expectations and confidence level will remain high for their final game.

“We have had and will continue to have opportunities,” Holland said. “When we play together, we are a tough team to beat.”

Of their two wins, the game against Osborne in particular seemed to stick out as a real accomplishment.

“During the Osborne game, we played with control, and played well against a good JV team,” Holland said.

Both the team management and players agree that next season will be a break-through season, with much more productivity.

“We will improve by working harder during the preseason

and practices,” sophomore forward Jay Daniels said. “Also, we can work on our speed and agility over the summer.”

With the upcoming season steadily approaching, decisions are constantly being made about uprising talent and replacing talent for overall improvement.

“I feel that players moving up to varsity should earn it by practicing with the varsity team at least once during the year,” sophomore forward Austin Kerns said. “That way, they can see if they do well and are ready to move up.”

All team members agree that working as a whole team and not just relying on certain players needs to be worked on during the offseason.

“Our best players are Mike Gordon and Austin Kerns,” sophomore guard Christian Wiskur said. “We need to focus on limiting individualism.”

The players and managers of the JV basketball team all agree that the game needs to be played equally, evenly distributing the team’s talents.

“Basketball is very much a team sport,” Holland said. “Especially JV when you have to rely on each other’s strengths.”

There is much that goes into girls winter track that has helped with the wins they’ve had this season. As it comes to a close, the athletes can look back on the numbers scored, the friendships made, and the struggles they’ve faced.

There’s more than just running that scores points for the team. There are the sprinters, dashers, and athletes who participate in the discus, shot, pole vault, low jump and high jump.

The limited number of players participating in the field activities can limit the chances of scoring points.

“I love the team. We have a great perspective, are outgoing, and helpful,” said freshman Maddie, the team’s only high jumper.

At the track meets, the team plays against multiple teams.

Placing high can be a challenge when some of the athletes are absent, because the team

“Our team is small but still capable of doing good things,” freshman Nina Poppe said.

There are rewards from being on the track team, too. Getting into shape and making friendships are easier to form when being part of a team.

“A lot of girls persevered through, which led them to being able to set personal records and compete well at districts,” track coach Pete Augrom said.

The team faces many challenges as well as success. The winter weather can be cold and the pressure of doing well can be stressful.

“The main struggle I face is motivating myself to run a faster time,” said sophomore Miranda Shelton, who sprints the 300.

Running towards their goals: Districts were held on Feb. Freshman Kirsten Mitchell trains 7, where the girls placed fifth hard to help improve her skills.

Photo Credit Emily Pearce with 39 points. Junior Kara Fairfax, senior Brooke Scruggs is already small. Junior Han- and sophomore Ashley Hinton nah Lowery was unable to par- qualified for regionals. States ticipate due to health reasons, will be on Feb 24 and 25. causing the team to score lower.

TRACK STARS FIRST Brooke Scruggs shot put Ricky Martin shot put Ashley Hinton pole vault SHS, District record holder at 11-0 Photo by Muhamad Khalid

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Issue 10, Feb. 14, 2012

Swimmers place third at district competition

BY CHRIS VAUGHN Staff Writer Girls placed third in the district meet last weekend. In the process of placing third seven girls made regional cuts including freshman Kara Sizemore she paced eighth in the 100 fly and sixth in the 200 IM. “I am hoping to do well and take the things I did wrong in districts and improve them in regional’s” said Sizemore.

Junior Ally Loyd placed fourth in the 50 free and third in the 100 fly.

“As an upper classman I feel as if I should play a bigger role considering their will be no seniors attending regional’s, and I want to take my leadership to make the team into the best team they can be” said Loyd.

Senior Hannah Lewis, a girl’s team captain, said “Swim

swimming away and I am happy I did it” The girls made 76 points in district ranking them third in the meet they practice everyday at the massad YMCA. Some girls’ even swim twice a day through a year round team such as Rays or Tsunami.

Freshman Maggie Howell said, “Practicing twice a day some days makes me feel that I will get faster and want to do better in meets than I except, even though its tiring I am willing to but in the work” Regionals will be held at the freedom center in Manassas this weekend to have made or made a specific time in any other meet. If a girl wants to advance to states a girl must The girls swim team readies for the start of another race at districts at Spotsylvania YMCA on Saturday, Feb. 5. The team took third place with several swimmer going on to regionals. Photo by Chris Vaughn have a specific time or Place in the top four in regionals. will last a lifetime here and no team was one of my favorite forward to it every year I was one can take those great days of parts of high school I looked here. I will have memories that

Boys basketball works on turning things around

BY BRENDAN SHERMAN Staff Writer

to the race: Freshman Taylor Bonney, Junior Ian Macleod, and Dedicated Senior Greg Bohmke at track practice. Many track runners have made track their life. Photo by Emily Pearce

Runners Bohmke, Macleod passionate about running

BY ELIZABETH PUCKERIN, are 4:22, 2:34, and a 1:57 split,” KRISTINA VALERA Bohmke said.

Staff Writers Bohmke also enjoys many Two of the boys’ winter track things about track. star runners are Greg Bohmke “The other guys on the team and Ian Macleod. are the biggest part of why I enGreg Bohmke started run- joy track,” Bohmke said. “They ning year-round his junior year. make even the hardest work“I ran in middle school for outs bearable. Also the reward fun,” senior Greg Bohmke said. after putting in hundreds of “Junior year I started running miles is awesome and to see all year round which helped me of the hard work pay off in one improve.” race is a special feeling.”

Bohmke also did other Another track runner is Ian sports before he ran track.

Macleod. Macleod has been “I ran indoor track sopho- doing track for three years and more year but played baseball started running track in middle in the spring,” Bohmke said. “I school. He wants to continue loved baseball but junior year track in the future.

I couldn’t step away from run“I started running in middle ning which I have enjoyed so school for the fun of it,” Mamuch over my four years.” cleod said. “My favorite thing Bohmke does the 1600, 1K, about track is being with my and the 4X800 for his events. friends.”

“My best times this season

The boys’ varsity basketball team is trying to deal with the loss of momentum caused by their losses this season. Kameron Mangin expects that the team will fare better in the remaining games.

“We’re trying to take it one game at a time,” senior player Mangin said. “We realize that every game could start a winning streak.”

The team is trying to improve its defense in hopes of improving their winning percentage this way as well. The team is training defensive positioning in order to improve its offensive playing in the process.

Junior Ryan Jones thinks that the effort in these areas is helping.

“Everyone is working really hard and improving,” Jones said. “We’re really coming together as a team.”

The team took into account the importance of team cooperation over one single player’s ability. However, there are also expectations for a player to make the plays that most benefit the team in each game.

Playing the court: Senior AJ West passing the ball around a defender var sity game. The team has been working on improving their game to make a comeback after their losses in the season so far. Photo by Moriah Briscoe

Senior Aaron Mays expresses what he thinks should happen for one such player in a game.

“If you have an open shot, and have the confidence, you take it,” Mays said.

The team has been working on improving its weaker areas during practices, but it currently accepts the amount of effort each player contributes.

The team feels that its practices have been dependent on each player’s acknowledgement

of flaws and their willingness to improve. Sophomore Julian Cummings thinks that the players play well together.

“We work together as a team really well, but we can get frustrated from losses,” Cummings said.

The team has positive expectations for the rest of its games this season. The team’s efforts to improve at practices will affect the games approaching at the end of this season.

JV team adjusts to coach

BY ALEX HINKLE AND SHANNON FENWICK Staff Writers As the girls JV basketball season comes to an end, the team members evolved into a family.

They worked hard all season together to mature as a team and are practicing to get multiple wins before the season is over.

“The season started off a little slow, but everything came together and I am impressed with the progress of each player,” said Lashaun Cook, Girls JV basketball coach.

The girls practice every day afterschool to work on plays and drills to improve as a team and individually. There are ten members on the JV team with their one manager.

“The team goals for the season were to continue to learn new plays and keep practicing them so we would remember them,” sophomore Felicia Tortorici said.

The team was lead by Tortorici and Jasmine McCord as the team captains. The girls continued to strive for the endof-the-season wins.

At the end of the season the

girls have grown fond of the new assistant coach Cook.

“Coach Cook brought a different way of thinking to the game of basketball then what we are use to,” freshman Jasmine McCord said. “She came out at the beginning of the season very funny but serious when needed.”

The team continued to improve their skills and to communicate on and off the court as the season came to an end.

“The season was good, it was very fun,” sophomore Heather King said. “We got the wins the team wanted.”

Lowery copes with iron deficiency

BY DOREEN BRINDISE Staff Writer In the face of adversity, rather than dwelling on the past, junior Hannah Lowery looks forward towards the bright future ahead of her.

After discovering an iron deficiency in her muscles, the track and cross country star was forced to take time off to recover, missing the opportunity to run in States.

“It’s really sad, working so hard all season, qualifying, and then finding out you can’t run,” Lowery said.

Unfortunately, injury ensued, when during her first practice back she fractured her ankle, restraining her in a boot for

eight weeks unable to exercise.

Through biking and swimming, Lowery was able to slowly build her body back to its athletic potential. With her slow but steady recovery, Lowery found that her iron levels returned to normal.

“Now I realize how much my injury was really a blessing in disguise,” Lowery said.

Although she had to take the rest of the outdoor season off, Lowery prepared for her return running two miles a day.

In the meantime, the junior took advantage of the opportunity to evaluate goals and focus on academics.

Although the state champion managed to

“There were tears the first couple of weeks,” Lowery said. “Running is who I am. For me it’s like breathing. So to lose that was very painful.”

Through her time of recuperation, Lowery found support through her team members, coaches and the entire running community.

Now that she is fully recovered and back in running condition, Lowery is ready to start the next running season off strong.

“It will be interesting to see how those first practices will go,” Lowery said. “But I think I’ll be recover with a smile on much stronger with this her face, the experience great learning experience has nonetheless been a and taking everything in difficult one. stride.”

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Stafford High School

What is your biggest fear?

“I can’t stand snakes” Cory Miller, Junior

“I really hate when things are dirty or messy” Alexus White, Freshman

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Issue 10, Feb. 14, 2012

Got phobia? There’s plenty to go around

By Doreen Brindise with aid from Bonnie Kamei, Tamara George, and Nick Hudson Staff Writers Rapid heartbeat, anxiety, sweaty palms, over…chickens? Phobias affect everyone and while many, like arachnophobia (the fear of spiders) are fairly common, the phobias at Stafford are as unique as the students themselves.

Ranging from spiders and tractor trailers, to pigs and the dark, phobias are both common and rare, but they all have to start somewhere, whether from a traumatic experience from the past or for no reason at all.

For freshman Michael Walters, tractor trailers are the worst part of his road trips.

“When I was little, I got in a car accident with a tractor trailer and ever since then I’ve had a fear of them,” Walters said.

As unusual as a fear of tractor trailers may be, Walters is not the only one who avoids the metal menaces. World his-

tory teacher Margaret Bridges understands how a traumatic accident can create a phobia out of something as simple as a semi-trailer on the highway.

“I myself am not afraid of them,” Bridges said. “But my mother used to be scared of them ever since a semi-trailer jackknifed on the road and killed my father.”

Although past car crashes can explain the causes behind a phobia, for others the reason is not so clear.

Sophomore Kathryn Whitney has no explanation for her phobia of making phone calls.

“I don’t mind answering the phone, but I get nervous if I have to pick up the phone and call a person,” Whitney said. “I don’t know why, maybe it’s just because you can’t see the person on the other end.”

Because a fear of talking on the cell phone is a social phobia, the possible causes of the fear can include a fear of rejection or saying the wrong thing.

Whitney’s phobia is not as unusual as it may seem; accord-

ing to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 5.3 million Americans suffer from various types of social phobias.

One benefit of modern technology is that innovations like texting and email eliminate the need to make phone calls.

“It’s not so bad now, like if I want a pizza, I can just order it online.”

Phone calls may be easily avoided but other fears are inescapable, lurking around every corner.

Freshman Nick Clark’s claustrophobia follows him wherever he goes.

“The problem with claustrophobia is that there are small spaces everywhere,” Clark said. “Things like elevators, big crowds, closets, are all unavoidable and if I have to go in them I feel like I can’t breathe.”

The type of phobia most people have is called a specific phobia because the person with the phobia usually has an excessive or irrational fear of a specific object or occurrence,

such as a phobia of snakes or thunderstorms.

A common thread connecting many students at Stafford High School is a prevalent reluctance to speak about their phobias.

“There is a stigma around the word phobia,” said Stafford school counselor Susan Biggs. “No one wants to admit to something that has any connotation to the word crazy.”

Studies by the National Institute of Mental Health have estimated that there are about 19.2 million people in the United States that have a phobia. Many of these people seek counseling, self-help NLP techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, medicine, relaxation techniques, and exposure therapy.

Phobias can be as simple as just not eating peanut butter or as difficult to avoid as things being on your left side. But talking to school counselors can help you deal with your fears.

“I’m scared of diseases and catching diseases” Dylan Dickinson, Senior

“I’m terrified to death of spiders” Carmen Shelton, Junior

How to Overcome Your Fears

“I’m so claustrophobic” Sarah Wetmore, Freshman

1. Face your fears in baby steps: A good way to start is to

slowly expose yourself to the thing you fear, one little step at a time. Don’t go jumping in a mud “I have a huge fear of bumblebees” Hope Kilenger, Freshman

puddle when you’re a germaphobe on the first day

2. Try relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, yoga, scented candles “ I have a deathly fear of choking and not being able to breathe” Jai-Leah Rhea, Sophomore

3. Leave your phobia sass at the door: Push out those negative thoughts and replace then with positive ones, like unicorns and glitter

“I’m so scared of heights, so I try to avoid tall buildings and rollercoasters” Nick Kelly, Senior

4. And if all else fails: embrace your phobia, everyone is scared of smothing

Cartoon by Toni Sorrentino

5

most searched fears on the internet:

1. Fear of Flying 2. Fear of Public Speaking 3. Fear of Heights 4. Fear of the Dark 5. Fear of Committment Are you a phobia-maniac?

Test your knowledge!

WORD BANK: A. Melophobia B. Ornithophobia C.Xanthophobia D. Catoptrophobia HINTS:

E. Dipsophobia F. Ephebiphobia G. Heliophobia H. Lachanophobia

____ 1. I avoid cups, vending machines and coffee makers (all have drinks) ____ 2. I avoid school buses, popcorn, and the journalism room (all the color yellow) ____ 3. I avoid parking lots, duck ponds, and trees (all have birds) ____ 4. I avoid grocery stores, farms, and fridges (all have veggies) ____ 5. I avoid dressing rooms and bathrooms (both have mirrors) ____ 6. I avoid elevators, movies, and dance parties (all have music) ____ 7. I avoid beaches, pools, and outdoor events (all have sun) ____ 8. I avoid malls, proms, and high school (all have teenagers) (See back page for answers)

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9 Issue 10, Feb. 14, 2012

Stafford High School

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Smoke Signal: What is the organization of your backpack like?

56 “My backpack is very unorganized but I try to lay it all out the night before instead of last minute.”

-Emily Quintero, 9

Students pick bags to fit neccessities

BY TRAVIS BYRAM

Staff Writer

Schools and backpacks always go hand- in-hand. In some ways, backpacks reflect who you are.

If a student has a name-brand backpack, people can assume that they’re cool. If they have a generic backpack, it shows they don’t really care and just need

something to their books in.

“I have an ‘Eddie Bauer’ backpack,” sophomore Andrew Dean said. “I like it because it holds my books well.”

Some teachers also have a parallel view on backpacks.

“I carry a large purse,” English teacher Autumn Dalton said. “A hobo-style purse. It has a bigger bottom, a smaller

top.”

Name brands don’t always have to mean everything to students. Though name brands like Jansport and Transport pervade the halls of this high school, students also like backpacks just for the fun of it.

“My backpack brand is a ’Yakpak’,” sophomore Rachel Marheine said. “I just got it really cheap at

Staples. I like its rainbow color and it’s also very comfortable. You could probably fit a baby in it.”

A recent trend in the last few years shows that students like wearing kidoriented backpacks, such as backpacks with Pokémon, Batman, or Spider-Man on them. Recent film adaptations of these characters and shows may have something

to with their soaring popularity.

It even seems backpacks are starting to outnumber purses when it comes to quick glances in the hallways.

“I never use my purse anymore,” sophomore Lauren Duncan said. “Backpacks are just way too convenient.”

Others would argue that purses aren’t even relevant any-

more.

“I haven’t used my purse in years,” junior Marissa Haverin said.

“I can’t remember the last time I used it in school.”

It seems in high school as if teachers and peers are always prepping students for the grown-up world.

Depending on the person, backpacks can define personality and influence what they neem them for.

Messy vs. organized: what works best

BY ELLIE PARE Staff Writer

Some students love being messy, others can’t stand it. When it comes to backpacks, students have varying opinions on what works best for them.

“Its just way more efficient to throw things in your backpack,” freshman Corinne Corley said.

The majority of students have messy backpacks, but some of those who do don’t think it works for them.

“I have so much stuff that looks alike and it gets so hard to find everything,” freshman Lane Dickard said.

So is it better to

By Jack Raymond be clean and orga-

nized, or messy and efficient? Some argue that their backpacks are messy and organized in their own special way.

“Even though it’s messy, I can still find everything,” junior Mary Wellman said.

Some students do have messy backpacks that work for them, and they purposely keep it messy, but most only deal with the messy state of their backpacks just because of apathy.

“I’m just too lazy to clean all of it,” freshman Nate Hayes said. “It just takes too much time and effort to organize and there’s just so much other stuff I’d rather be doing.”

Many students only have messy back-

packs because they’re too lazy to make it organized. Those with messy backpacks say it’s more convenient for them, but when days of disorganization go by it may lead to future stress.

It is common among students to forget where they put their homework, crumple their hard work, and even lose their personal items.

When it comes to what’s best for students, they might be going the other direction.

“I don’t have the neatest backpack in the world,” sophomore Spencer Payne said. “But I think I’d be so much less stressed if I actually tried to keep it organized.”

Mysterious depths of the teenage bag

BY ANA NOSAL Page Editor Most Common Objects in Backpacks

by Ana Nosal Backpacks are designed to fit every type of student’s everyday needs. Since all students are different, what is kept in their bags is often unique to the individual.

The typical things to be found in backpacks often relate to school work.

“I keep my binders and books in my backpack,” junior Temple Hammen said.

Many students tend to keep items like homework, binders, textbooks, and folders in the main compartments of their backpacks.

“Colored pencils and crayons are in one of the zippered parts of my bag,” sophomore Katie Reed said.

Since the cell

phone policy was changed this year, many students now carry their cell phones around with them in their backpacks.

“My cell phone is always with me in my school bag,” sophomore Morgan French said.

However, some girls still prefer to have their cell phone more protected.

“I choose to keep my phone, iPod, and wallet in my purse instead,” Hammen said.

Some of the most common things to be found in girls’ backpacks were hairbrushes and makeup.

“In addition to my camera, I always have my makeup bag with me in my backpack,” junior Kayla Amundson said.

Boys, on the other hand, were often found with cologne in their backpacks.

“The top two things in my backpack would have to be Axe and my phone,”

freshman Colin Jansson said.

Hydration also seemed to be a necessity to students.

“I almost always have tea with me at school,” senior Heather Bromley said.

Other students, however, had almost all of the above.

“I have tea, cologne, my hairbrush, house keys, agenda, and Chapstick,” sophomore Tohlig Bugg said.

Overall, students have to use their backpacks to hold almost everything they need for the day since lockers are not always easy to get to.

Personality and necessity are often the factors that influence what students keep in their backpacks. Whether it is more school-related or more of a luxury item, students keep All packed up!: Callie Claiborn unloads her backpack in order to display what a wide range of ma- she keeps in it on an everyday basis.

By Kerstin Felton terials handy in their bags.

“I can’t keep my backpack clean at all because there’s always food in it.”

-Ashley Hinton 10

“I probably have M&M’s at the bottom of my backpack.”

-Luke Lysher, 10

“I stay really organized and have sections for everything.”

-Alisha Bhagat, 12

“I keep my backpack really organized an have different piles in my room for X and Y day things.”

-Megan Eik, 11

“It’s really bad because I can never find anything.”

-Mary Wellman, 11

“I have tons of papers everywhere so it’s a mess.”

-Hannah Lewis, 12

“My backpack is pretty organized actually, but I’m not really sure how I keep it that way.”

-Hunter Kaucher, 10

“I keep all my binders and folders in my backpack to try to stay organized.”

-Breon Brown, 11

“I keep all the major things I need in certain pockets so I know where they are.”

-Tohlig Bugg, 10

student life smokesignal SADD fights reckless driving the

10

www.staffordsmokesignal.com

Issue 10, Feb. 14, 2012

Stafford High School

BY ERIN CUNNINGHAM and anything that could prom season.

Staff Writer “I can’t wait for Grim potentially be harmful.

SADD, which stands for Students Against Destructive Decisions, has started off this year with new advisors in hopes for a new start to this club.

Madeline Booth and Rachel Sherman are the two new advisors for the school year.

The past advisor for SADD was Margaret Bridges. Booth and Sherman are prepared to take over and add on to what Bridges was trying to do with this club.

Students join SADD to help raise awareness and stop others from doing dangerous activities such as distracted driving, texting while driving, drinking or other drugs

SADD president Morgan Brooks is helping Booth and Sherman reel in new people this year.

This year, some of the new activities SADD is going to try this year are decorating doors.

“We’re trying to decorate doors to help raise awareness about not texting and driving,” senior Samantha Trice said.

Many new people have joined SADD this year.

“I’m really excited about the club and all of our activities this year,” junior Emily Pearce said.

“We’re all really enthusiastic about it all.”

Last year, SADD had Grim Reaper day. Grim Reaper day occurs around

Reaper day this year,” junior Danielle Morio said.

“Everyone is really excited about it because last year’s turnout was so great.”

This was a day for students who wanted to participate to wear a white T-shirt and have a day of silence and pull a number of students out of class to represent the percentage of students who die in drunk driving accidents.

Many new students are taking part in the club this year for numerous reasons. Some students in Drivers Education can get extra credit for joining the club.

SADD meets the second Wednesday of every month.

Gray bonds with Tito Chinchillas make interesting pets according to Taysia Gray who owns Tito.

Chinchillas can live up to 23 years, so plan to take care of it for many years.

Chinchllas are considered unusual pets by ma ny but Gray enjoys having her chinchilla.

Drawing by Toni Sorrentino.

BY ABBY PENNINGTON have brought him to Pets

Staff Writer

Senior Taysia Gray has owned her pet chinchilla for the past eight years.

Most animals of this species are known to live anywhere from 15 to 21 years.

“Tito is the name of my chinchilla,” Gray said.

“He’s really soft and cuddly so I like to cuddle up with him while doing my homework and watching TV.” Instead of walking or running like a dog or cat, chinchillas bounce or scurry. They can bounce up to 5 feet into the air.

“Tito is really fast and not trained so if I bring him out of the house he will probably escape,” Gray said. “Although, I

Mart before, and I like to bring him outside onto our porch sometimes to drink lemonade together.”

Chinchillas do not need eat much food per day due to their sensitive digestive system. The most common chinchilla foods are hay and pallets.

“My chinchilla eats one tablespoon of pallets in the morning and another tablespoon at night,” Gray said. “He drinks water and eats hay and occasionally I like to feed him some type of fruit as a snack which he seems to really enjoy.”

Chinchillas are a Crepuscular pet which literally means “twilight”.

They are most active during the early morning and night.

“A lot of people think of chinchillas as nocturnal but they really are not,” Gray said. “It can get annoying having his cage in my room because he does not fall asleep as early as I do, so he moves around in his cage at night and has woken me up before.”

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, there are 78.2 million dog owners in the United States.

“Most people seem to prefer dogs as household pets, but my preference would definitely have to be a chinchilla,” Gray said.

The average chinchilla costs anywhere from $75 to $245. They can be bought in most pet stores such as Pets Mart and Pet Co.

Mafi, farm animal to friend

Forensics wins some first places

BY KARRI CHESTNUT Business Manager The VHSL Forensics team led by Chad Johnson had many people place in the different events at districts. The different entries included extemporaneous speaking, impromptu, original oratory, storytelling, humorous dramatic interpretation, serious dramatic interpretation, prose interpretation, poetry interpretation, humorous duo interpretation, and serious duo interpretation.

Three people took first place in the competition including Ragon Dickard in storytelling, Makenna Shaver in poetry interpretation and Analisa Wall in serious dramatic interpretation. Other people that placed include Muhamad Khalid with second place in original oratory, Courtney Mears with third place in humorous dramatic interpretation, Michael Musatow with third place in prose interpretation, Theron Duitsman with

Analisa Wall, Makenna Shaver, Ragon Dickard, first place winners

third place in poetry interpretation and Grace Mick and Aiden Isaak-Harrington with third place in the serious duo interpretation. There were also three alternates that received fourth place including Ryan Hazelgren, Alex Newton, and Zoe Page.

Regionals are at Stonewall Jackson on Feb. 25 and all the students that placed in the top third at districts will compete.

V.S.

Students voting NATHALIE BOHMKE Staff Writer

BY ALEXIS BUSH Staff Writer Freshman Erica George and her family have owned a cow farm in the boonies of the White Oak area for about eight years. Janet Harris, a relative of George, takes the most care of the cows.

“We got our cows in an auction about eight years ago,” George said.

The George estate consists of more than 100 acres. Most of it belongs to the cows to roam around. The land contains the barn and the open fields in which the cows spend their day.

“There is a small fenced area that is our actual back yard,” George said. “The rest of it basi-

Shocking stats: During the latest meeting, junior Danielle Morio creates a poster that details automobile crash statistics. SADD is established to sway students from destructive decisions such as dangerous driving, drugs and alcohol. SADD hopes to become a more prominent club within Stafford by holding Grim Reaper Day and Lifesaver day. Photo by Toni Sorrentino

cally belongs to the cows for grazing and sleeping.”

None of the cows gain more attention than another. They are all equally taken care off and none of them are named. The only bull on the farm is the only one with a name.

“My friend Gretchen and I named my bull Mafi while we were hanging out one day,” George said.

“His name has stuck with him since them.”

It might seem hard to take care of a herd of cows but it is just the basics and a little more. They must be given food and water.

They must be groomed and they must be picked up after.

“It is hard to get used to cleaning up after them at first but after a while it gets easier,” George said.

“It also becomes easier to deal with their smell.”

Some students may never see a cow farm at all in this area of Virginia and they might find it strange or surprising to hear of a fellow classmate owning a farm. While these cow farms may never be seen by a few people it does not mean that they are not there.

“Not many students own cows in this area of Virginia so it is kind of cool,” George said. “I think that they are mootastic.”

WWW.STAFFORDSMOKESIGNAL.COM

It is another election year and for seniors it is time to register to vote.

The Virginia primary is March 6 and Election Day is November 6.

The election of 2012 determines the president, congressional members and state representatives.

“This election is important,” senior Amy Quantrille said. “It is making history and I am involved.”

A registration drive was held in government classes and in Virginia registration must be completed before 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote.

“A student who is 17 years old can vote in the party primary election as long as they will be 18 by the general election,” government teacher Michael Miller said. “This would allow many of our

seniors the opportunity to vote in the upcoming election in March.”

Being able to vote especially at a young age is uncommon in other countries.

“So many people do not have a say in their government so I am going to take advantage of this opportunity,” senior Shane Haley said.

Politics is a section that is covered in both global issues and government classes.

“We cover whatever is in the news, whether it is debates, caucus results and other relevant topics,” said global issues teacher Sarah Jackson. “I think my course has helped students to become globally aware and passionate about various topics.”

An individual’s views and ethics have a lot to do with the way they vote.

“It is interesting to figure out who you are

politically,” senior Codie Hammond said. “It can be complicated but it is good to be educated in a debate.”

Classes in school have influenced students to become involved in topics discussed in class.

“I am really involved in the election,” Quantrille said. “Global Issues has helped me with that.”

The youngest range of voters is 18-25 years old and depending on the election voting turnout could be anywhere from 20-30 percent in off-year elections to 40-50 percent in presidential election years.

“We discussed reasons why and if there is anything we can do to remedy that,” said Miller.

“I personally try to persuade my students to vote because it is a great opportunity to voice their opinion to our government.”

smokesignal the

Stafford High School

11 Issue 10, Feb. 14, 2012

student life www.staffordsmokesignal.com

Spanish students take on television KARRI CHESTNUT Buisness manager In honor of the traditional good commercials during the Superbowl, Spanish V students in Lynne Lansford’s class created their own commercials to perform in front of the class. The students were able to choose any product to advertise and create a skit in Spanish.

The students were able to act them out in front of the class or videotape the commercial to show to the class. They also had to memorize their lines and bring in props from home in order to make the commercial.

“I started having students make their own commercials after the Superbowl last year,” Lansford said. “The Superbowl is always after exams and it was a nice break for the students and they are able to have fun with it.”

There were a variety of products that were advertised and many different ways that the commercials were presented.

JC Baron, ,x,x,x,x,x,x,,x and Jameson Howell perform their skit in spanish V. the skits were commercials for the Super Bowl but in Spanish of course. The students made their commercial about animals especially dogs for Mrs. Lansford’s class. Photo by Muhamad Khalid

Some of the commercials were based on food and drink products like Twix, Sun Drop, Klondike Bars, and Coke.

“My commercial was a parody of Twix,” senior Dylan Ward said. “We changed the Twix bar into

a burrito. I thought it was a fun project while using Spanish to create funny commercials.”

Other commercials were based on stores or different companies, such as Target, State Farm, and different salons. Some

commercials were even based on certain issues and represented people such as Sarah Palin and border control.

“My group advertised the videogame Grand Theft Auto,” senior Ricky Martin said. “For me, the

best part about making this commercial was being able to videotape it outside of school because I had a lot of fun with my friends.”

The groups were able to use creativity in making the videos and edit-

ing them. Many people added music to go along with their video to get the effect of a real commercial. The different ideas and the different ways the videos were edited makes each commercial unique and interesting to watch.

“My favorite part about making the commercial was editing the video,” senior Tyler Weisbeck said.

“I love editing videos and adding effects to them to make them funny. I also enjoyed hanging out with my friends while making the video.”

The commercials went along well with the Superbowl commercials and many students had a lot of fun and were very creative in making the commercials. The making of the commercials involved memorizing, acting, and creativity.

“I love seeing students use Spanish in a fun way,” Lansford said. “The students get caught up in acting and Spanish comes second. It’s all about using Spanish in a normal setting.”

Lowery plans 40’s dance CGS hosts

BY RUSS KAUSS Staff Writer The Spring Swing is a new school dance that will put on by the SCA this March.

It will be replacing the Dance for the Cure that did not prove successful last year.

The Spring Swing will be a 40’s themed dance for all students and faculty, as well as all Stafford High graduates. The idea for this dance was created by junior Hannah Lowery.

“The idea behind this new dance was to have a classy, formal dance,” Lowery said.

“I’m also hoping it will turn into a nice reunion

as well.”

The SCA is sponsoring the event and all proceeds made will go to the relay for life. In order to invite all past graduates, the dance will be at the Fredericksburg Country Club.

The dance will be 40’s themed including Frank Sinatra music and formal dancing.

“We are really hoping kids will embrace the experience and connect with the older people,” Lowery said.

In order to help the younger kids connect to the older students the SCA got Lowery’s grandmother’s dress was saved for years and now she gets to wear it to the dance she’s planning. Staff photo

permission from the librarians to take all past yearbooks to the dance so that the student and graduates can look through them.

The inspiration for this dance came from Hannah Lowery.

“I found my grandma’s prom dress and made a few alterations to make it fit,” Lowery said. “I’m hoping that other kids are able find older formal dresses that they can wear to the dance.”

The dance will take place on March 3 from 8 to 11 pm. Tickets will be on sale in Mrs. Bridges room in the mornings, and all graduates can find information on getting tickets on schoolfusion.

Relay for life donation CHANDI PATEL Staff Writer Key Club has been known for their participation in the national organization, Relay for Life. Their involvement continues this year as they try to raise enough money to alleviate the amount key club members have to pay to join the event.

“We were unable to participate last year because the board in charge of Relay for our area raised the fee from $20 to $100 per person,” said junior Molly Podlesny Key Club vice president.

This year since the club was notified earlier of the fees they are able to meet the costs needed to participate. The Relay for Life will be held on May 19 this spring.

“I think it’s a nice op-

portunity for students to get introduced to the national organization and become involved,” said Margaret Bridges, Key Club advisor.

Key Club is extending the Relay for Life opportunity to SCA members in order to gather a large team to walk and donate.

Relay for Life is a senior requirement and each member is asked to

raise $80. Various Key Club fundraisers will help cover the additional $20 per student.

“We’ve had fundraisers and other events in order to help raise money for the event such as Jersey Day and Pink Day where teachers and other clubs donated money,” said senior Amy Quantrille, Key Club president.

Usually the event is

held at Pratt Park behind the YMCA. This year the Relay Board for the area decided to host the fundraiser at James Monroe High School because of their traditional track.

“It’s definitely a big change but I hope the event brings in just as much for the cause,” said senior Matt Yelverton, key club vice president.

“I hope the new location also brings in more involvement from other parts of the region.”

Key Club is encouraging members and other students to participate in the Relay for Life event and would like to continue to host a team in the future.

“I think Relay for Life is a really important thing for anyone to go to,” said Quantrille. “It’s an eye opening experience that really made makes you appreciate things.”

Elizabeth M Attreed, DDS, PC 2832 Jefferson Davis Highway Stafford, VA 22554 (540)-659-5161

poetry meet CHANDI PATEL Staff Writer

Seniors from all of the Commonwealth Governor’s School sites gathered at Stafford on Feb. 2 for a poetry breakfast. Students had the privilege to read other students’ poems, have refreshments, and socialize.

“The event was highly productive and it was lovely to have all the sites unite and socialize with each other,” English teacher Winona Siegmund said. “Everyone was very welcoming to one another.”

The event was held in the cafeteria and took place before school.

“The poetry breakfast took place at Stafford because it is the most central location between all the sites,” Siegmund said.

“We have a lovely view of the pond and we are also very hospitable.”

The poetry breakfast is held for senior Governor’s School students only and

is held as an annual event every year. Seniors at all the sites have prepared for this event since early December and have created a variety of poems.

“It was a great experience for all of us and it was interesting to hear what others wrote poems about,” senior Rachel Streib said.

Some CGS seniors had the opportunity to read their poems aloud to all the sites that came.

“It was fun to hear other peoples’ poems and be able to share our poems with others,” Streib said.

The seniors had the opportunity to choose what type of poem they wanted to write, such as metaphorical poems. The poems were individually written by each student.

Senior Conner Allen said, “It was interesting and a lot of fun to hear about what everyone wrote and their experiences. The poems turned out well and I think everyone had a good time.”

smokesignal the

Stafford High School

12 Issue 10, Feb. 14, 2012

spotlight www.staffordsmokesignal.com

Surfing the Pavement

BY PATRICK HOLLAND Staff Writer Longboarding’s purpose hasn’t changed much from when it started in Oahu, Hawaii for those days when the waves were too flat to surf.

They wouldn’t treat Longboarding any different than the waves. Everything they did while surfing they did while Longboarding.

They would skim their hands along the ground, carve quickly, or change their positioning on the board known as dancing.

“Dancing on the board is my favorite thing to do on a longboard,” junior Lexington Bowler said. “The rush of the board moving while I am changing stance and position is exhilarating.”

Along with dancing, the Hawaiians carved the pavement. Carving down a hill requires a low center of gravity, the rider makes quick turns along the side of hill making it as close as they can to the edge without going off at a high rate of speed.

“Carving is beyond dangerous,” junior Colton Armer said. “I have taken my share of painful falls, but I will always get back

up and carve again.”

Carving has come a long way from what the Hawaiians have imagined it would be. The tricks have become more complex therefore many riders have attempted and failed those tricks.

“The pendulum slide is the hardest trick I have done and that’s what makes it my favorite,” junior James Bowles said.

“Even though I have bailed many times trying, it gives me a reason to get up and try again.”

Longboarding isn’t just about finesse and executing tricks. Bombing is a form of longboarding, in which the rider just flies down a hill as fast as they can as low to the board as possible.

“My favorite spot to bomb is at Celebrate Virginia Parkway,” junior Bradley Jones said. “I love the feeling of going 45 mph down a hill, bombing, there is nothing like it.”

Bombing may not be the most amusing thing to watch, but the difficulty and danger of it are beyond any other form.

“Even though I have fallen about 12 times bombing, I will always push myself to break a

personal speed record,” Jones said. “The sensation of speed is why I do it.”

People usually don’t just wake up and say they want to do something; things must inspire them.

Whether the inspiration comes from a video or from somewhere completely different.

“I got the desire to longboard from a YouTube video promoting their boards,” Bowler said. “I’m glad that I came across the video, and followed through with my desire to longboard.”

Peer pressure is usually categorized as negative, and rarely positive, but those that have been pressured into longboarding would not consider it bad.

“I was first introduced to the sport when my friend rode his board to my house,” Bowles said.

“I did not ever think that the sport was going to become such a major part of my life.”

Longboarding is considered a extreme sport, but those who skate would say it’s nothing like an extreme sport actually is.

Junior Phillip Yelverton said, “Even though this sport is considered extreme, it is so chill.”

Attempting a “Hippie Jump,” juniors Bradley Jones and Colton Hall work together to master the trick. While speeding down a hill, Hall had to make his aim and timing perfect. “It looks hard, but it was such an easy trick to do,” Hall said. photo by Eric Stapleton

Dancing Fever

BY ALEX HINKLE, PATRICK HOLLAND Staff Writers

While most longboarders in the area go out and purchase their boards, junior Logan Duckett takes the longboarding experience to a new level by building his own boards. Logan has made four of his own boards, and plans to make more. “I started making boards because at the time I couldn’t pay for one and then it became a hobby of mine.” He makes his boards out of birch plywood and fiberglass paint which makes for great stability. “I have only sold a few boards to my friends, but I intend to sell more.”

photo by Emily Pearce

Surfers are known for walking up and down their surf board while balancing on water. Longboarders know this trick as well except they walk up and down their board while riding on pavement also know as “dancing.”

A larger deck provides a more stable and comfortable platform for dancing. Lexington Bowler has mastered the skill of dancing.

“I use a Land yacht board,” Bowler said.

Dancing is a style that involves old-school tricks with a variety of walking and spinning moves.

“The most basic thing is cross-stepping,” Bowler said, “Continuous movement is key.”

Many riders listen to music while they ride but the music genre differs between riders.

“I sing and I dance to the rhythm,” Bowler said,

“I listen to reggae and chill music.”

Many start riding because their friends skate or they just want a new hobby. Dancing is an individual style just like many others but there are only so many riders who dance because it’s less common.

“I started dancing basically right when I started riding,” said Bowler,” It was my motivation for getting a board.”

The fluid movement takes time to get use to while dancing.

Bowler said,“It’s harder when trying to do tricks.”

photo by Eric Stapleton

What type of longboard do you ride?

Junior Danielle Morio: Sector 9 Rincon

Junior Bradley Jones: Land Yahtz

Junior James Bowles: Downhill Deck by Jati