smokesignal
the smoke signal the
Stafford High School
Stafford High School
1
Issue 12, March 23, 2011
33 Stafford Indian Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Volume 67. Issue 3 Oct. 12, 2011
www.staffordsmokesignal.com
www.staffordsmokesignal.com
calendar October
13 Think Pink Day 22 Haunted Hike
28 Homecoming game 29 Homecoming dance
November 23 Thanksgiving break
December 22 Winter break
weather Oct. 12- Oct. 16 High: 69 F Low: 59 F Oct. -8 High: 73 F Low: 49 F Oct. 9-15 High: 70 F Low: 47 F
countdown
13
days until Spirit Week
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BLUE & YELLOW: Link Crew along with several students in sociology help Ryan Middleton become a rap star. Changing the lyrics to Black and Yellow to fit Stafford High’s colors, blue and yellow, a rap video was made. Alisa Posey’s camera catches chorus and Joe Eveler’s part of the rap. Photo by Kerstin Felton.
Link Crew puts twist on Khalifa rap song BY KIRSTIN WHITESIDE Page Editor
Indians readily showed their pride in their colors as they all pitched in to help create “Blue and Yellow,” a music video, didays until Homecoming rected by Alisa Posey, on Oct. 6 in various parts of the school. The video starts off with Frederick Lovell, Tiffany Kornegey and Christine Krueger walkdays until Halloween ing up the halls with a
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large group of cheerleaders while Lovell boasters about the school’s colors and accomplishments. Once the beat drops from the intro, everyone flashes their blue and yellow colors. “I have to say, when the beat drops and I say “top of the totem pole,” I really feel the school spirit start to rise,” said Lovell. ” That line defines us and it is my favorite part.” The “Blue and Yel-
low” music video is about the pride in the school’s tribe and all of the positive achievements that all of the students have put in and out for the school. Students Lovell, Krueger, Kornegey and Page Bugg all pitched in with social studies teacher, Ryan Middleton to create a rap about Stafford High School. The idea to create the “Blue and Yellow” music video came up during
Link Crew’s set up and training for freshmen orientation by Lovell and Middleton. “We were just sitting there and wondering, what could we do to bring out the positives in Stafford,” said Middleton. “We wanted something casual and cool with a beat that the kids could relate and dance to. Then it hit us that we could do a remake over “Black and Yellow” but with our
school’s colors and pride.” After plans were mapped out on how they were going to compose the song, they eventually found themselves asking Krueger, Kornegey and Bugg to join in. Kornegey was asked to do a singing melody and a solo during their production while Krueger independently wrote out her part for the rap. See RAP SONG, page 2
50 Student fees pinch pockets
days until Thanksgiving
what’s hot Cheer season cold weather hoodies homecoming football games
BY ELEXXUS BROWN such as school dances, Editor-in-Chief spirit week and graduation materials. As stuThe costs of attenddents move from grade to ing and participating in grade, dues get progresschool and activities are sively larger. extensive and can quickly “The freshmen class add up. Students are finddues are $10, the sophoing that the price of school mores pay $25, the judues, sports, organizaniors pay $50 and the tions, activities and even seniors pay $75,” SCA classes are overwhelming, adviser Margaret Bridges especially at the start of a said. “The money that new year. each class pays stays with Student class dues are the class. For example, necessary for expenses
college applications
Halloween
Spirit days Salad Dressing Feudalism day Class colors day Spirit day Decades day
See EXPENSES, page 2
dues, parking, gym clothes, senior portraits, dual enrollment fees, AP classes. It adds up to lots of money over the years. Photo by Elexxus Brown
Cheer team earns first
PSAT
day
2015 freshmen class dues do not help pay for 2012 senior class graduation.” For students who drive to school, a $75 parking pass fee is enacted. “Sixty-seven percent of the money raised from parking passes goes to the county,” said Shirley Bunch, accounting executive assistant. “The rest is used by the school to pay COSTLY: Money flies out of everyone’s pockets to pay for class
BY LELAND BROOKS Editor
tricts, Regionals, and continuing on to States. “Conditioning is really tough, but a good tough,” senior Sammy Krejdovsky said. “Aaron, our conditioning coach, works us really hard by having us do a lot of legs and sprints
Competing against 13 other teams at their invitational at Stone Bridge High School Sept. 24, the varsity cheer team has gained excitement for the upcoming season with 16 RAH, RAH, RAH! Varsity cheerleaders celebrate their first place win at Stone Bridge High School returning varsity cheerSept. 24 and Park View High School Oct. 1. The JV squad won second place at the same tourna- leaders and now has high ments.. The Disstrict Competiton is scheduled for Oct. 26 at Brooke Point High School. hopes for winning Dis- See CHEER, page 2
Lyndah Lovell
Via Colori Creative Arts
See page 10
See page 7
Lovell connects with japanese students
Local artists draw on streets
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Stafford High School
2 Issue 3, Oct. 12, 2011
CHEER: cheerleaders prepare for season, win invitational wins to keep our endurance up making it easier for us to get through the routine.” Starting conditioning back in April, with tryouts in the beginning of May, the girls conditioned twice a week all summer. Their first real practice starts the first Monday of August which the girls have for three hours every day. The girls also are able to attend a camp called Speed Camp run by the Louville cheerleaders and their coach James Speed. “This year is different than last year in that I feel we are more of a family and we have harder skills this year,” junior Emily Quintana said. “Personally, I have improved in my motions and voice since last year.” With Districts approaching on Oct. 26 at Brooke Point High School, the team is doing everything they can to prepare for another win with their biggest competitors being North Stafford and Mountain View. In order to prepare for competition season, a choreographer is hired in order to create a routine that the girls can then add to and make it their own. The team then runs through their routine five
HAUNTED: Get scared on haunted trail hike Till last year, Halloween meant nothing more than an event to get and give out candies to the children in their neighborhoods. However, start-
times at practice and what they do not hit perfectly must be done five more times after each routine. Because of the determination of the team and having practice every day after school the team has been able to bring their difficulty level up as well as improve on their weak spot which was stunting. “I hope to improve on everything before the competition because you can never be too good,” sophomore Ashley Dingus said. “We have so much talent and potential, we just have to stay focused.” As for goals and expectations, the team hopes to be the very best and will not settle for anything less. “My expectations are to win districts for the fourth year in a row, and then go on to Regionals with the same determination and energy we have for Districts,” Krejdovsky said. “Then we hope to take that drive and place at least top five in states, or better yet, win, and get that state ring.” Hoping to keep winning the titles, the team gets inspiration from their coaches as well as each other.
Students pay dues for signs, security, materials like vests, cameras, radios and the actual permits.” New to this school year, students must pay their class dues before the can buy a parking permit. “Collecting dues has always been an issue with the school,” assistant principal Felix Addo said. “There are students that, by their senior year, have not paid any dues. The dues are required by the school board.” For the 2010-11 school year, the administration required that students pay their dues in order to attend the homecoming dance. “Parking and homecoming are privileges,” Addo said. “Other high schools use these methods to collect dues. We’re trying whatever we can find to have students pay their dues. We may try something else next year.” For other students, class dues and parking permits are not the only expenses. Classes that offer students college credit come with college price. “With $75 for senior class dues, $75 for a parking permit, $238 for my
ing this year, Halloween is going to mean something different for everyone. According to senior Kirstin Whiteside, the Link Crew commissioner, the organization is holding an event called The
Haunted Hike this coming October 22, an event that will involve both the students and adults from this community. “The purpose is to have a fun, inexpensively, and enjoy scary Halloween event at the school
Link Crew Haunted Hike When: October 22nd, 2011 from 7-10 PM Where: The Aimee Trail and Cafeteria Patio Come and be prepared to haunt and be haunted! Link Crew and other clubs around the school will be providing activities for fun (Face painting, pumpkin carving, costume contests), great fall treats (candy apples, spider cider, and hot cocoa), and a spooky trail haunted by restless Teenage Spirits! Beware! To miss this event would be a fright!
Expenses: Continued from page 1
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news
dual enrollment classes, club dues, and senior pictures, my parents are paying upwards of $400 in the first two weeks,” senior Codie Hammond said. “Not to mention the two senior class T-shirts that add up to another $40.” For students who take AP exams at the end of the year, each test can run around $80. “Either you do it now or later,” Addo said. “You have to pay for higher, meaning post-secondary, education. There is a process in place for seeking financial assistance to take AP exams.” Aside from dues and classes, those students that participate in sports pay additional fees. From mandatory fundraising, uniforms, and equipment, athletes and their families invest a lot of time and money into their sport of choice. While the costs of being proactive and involved seem never-ending, all students are given the opportunity to participate in these costly activities or not. Addo said, “It’s a choice that students and parents have to make.”
RAP SONG: Blue and yellow make for happy school “It was really surprising for me. I had just come from drama auditions and they were working on the finishing touches on the song and I decided to listen in on them,” said Kornegey.” I made a comment to them that it would be cool if they had a singing melody in it. Then, Frederick just blurts out asking me to sing.” The “Black and Yellow” by famous rapper, Wiz Khalifa is the base for the song “Blue and Yellow.” The song uses Wiz Khalifa’s original beat but the lyrics and style are original, created by Lovell, Kruger and Middleton.
The “Blue and Yellow” music video that is currently in production and is scheduled to be released during the week of Homecoming. In addition, there is a rumored treat at the end of the video, involving principal Joe Lewis. Check it out on www. staffordsmokesignal.com
Haunted Trail creeps in to scare, benefit community BY Rebecca Kim Online Editor
Till last year, Halloween meant nothing more than an event to get and give out candies to the children in their neighborhoods. However, starting this year, Halloween is
going to mean something different for everyone. According to senior Kirstin Whiteside, the Link Crew commissioner, the organization is holding an event called The Haunted Hike this coming October 22, an event that will involve both the
students and adults from this community. “The purpose is to have a fun, inexpensively, and enjoy scary Halloween event at the school where the whole community is involved,” said senior Alisha Bhagat, Link Crew Commissioner. “We
will take a few dollars off the admission price for whoever brings 2 canned goods so it's for a good cause, too.” Designed and put together by Aaron Daniel and Alisha Bhagat, this event will be helpful to those who wish to make
friends with others and have fun, creating a community atmosphere. “The commissioners are planning to make students walk down the Aimee Trail, talking to each other and becoming friends,” said junior
smokesignal the
Stafford High School
opinion
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www.staffordsmokesignal.com
Issue 3, Oct. 12, 2011
Class of 2012 leads the Tribe in unbeatable pride Upon entering their final year of high school, the senior class geared up for battle by supporting the “South Side Boys” as they compete for the district title. Many have noticed the level of togetherness that the school has held through the ups and
downs in the short month that school has been in session. This school pride is seemingly derived from the enthusiasm of the class of 2012. The first football game of the school year happened to fall on a day that was before the first day of school. While most would
think that not many students would spend their final Friday of the summer at school, the stands were packed with screaming fans, covered in blue and gold paint. While watching the game against Potomac, the amount of excitement was obvious foreshadow-
ing for the rest of the year. Leading these fans were multiple members of the senior class. Even though the team did not start the season off well by losing the first three games of the season, the spirit seemingly never died. The talent of the team combined with the
optimism and support of the school, the Indians turned the season around with a significant victory over Orange County High School, winning 46-7. The Indian’s luck only got better as the season carried on. A long-awaited win over four-year district champion Colonial
Forge dramatically increased the “Pride in the Tribe.” The Indians continued this spirit by successfully taking on Riverbend High School. The senior class has exemplified great support and spirit that has seemingly inspired underclassmen pride.
smoke signal staff 2011-2012 Editor-in-Chief Elexxus Brown Assistant Editor-in-Chief Emily Griffin Photography Editor Shannon Cooke Online Editors Editors Rebekah Kim, Leland Brooks Dani Raymond Molly Podlesny Toni Sorrentino Design Editor Bridget Phillips Copy Editors Emily Byers Kathryn Lenox
A A A F F
Beating Forge
Football fans rejoiced when the South Side Boys defeated football heavyweights Colonial Forge. The Stafford Football team is steadily climbing the district standings and is making fans proud.
College visits
Admissions Representatives help inform those indecisive seniors of what each College and University has to offer, making the application process just a little bit easier. Visitors range from as far away as University of South Carolina, and as close as University of Mary Washington.
Reduced-fat cookies New gym requirements
Business Managers Karri Chestnut Georgia Felopulos Ashleigh Powell
Staff Writers Cody Beacorn, Natalie Bohmke, Luci Braun, Moriah Briscoe, Marcus Brown, Megan Corsano, Erin Cunningham, Amber Donald, Bradley Elmore, Ryan Hazelgren, Hannah Haugen, Megan Humphrey, Russ Kaus, India Kithcart, Taylor Lisco, Erin McGraw, Chris McMillen, Caelynn Miller-Keyes, Patrick Oliver, David Pearson, Abbie Pennington, Jack Raymond, Hannah Rowlette, Tori Santiago-Troutman, Cara Skeer, Ryan Thompson, Kristina Varela
Making the Grade
Cheer
Page Editors Katie Brandon Megan Corsano Ana Nosal Kirstin Whiteside
Photographers Kerstin Felton, Amber Griffith, Muhamad Khalid, Emily Pearce, Austing Pearson, Kaitlin Shacklette, Eric Stapleton, Keana Young Alisa Posey
Advisor Sue Gill, CJE
The Stafford cheerleaders make us proud once again, winning first place in the first district competition of the year. The close-knit cheer team unties as a family for hopefully another successful year. Students and teachers alike are disappointed with the replacement of the usually indulgent cookies with arguably less appetizing, reduced fat substitutes. Members of SHS are missing some of their favorites that are not offered in reduced fat. Along with grading based on skill last year, the school also changed the grading system for the gym classes for this year. Students are now weighed and must set goals for themselves to reach for the physical fitness tests that are now taking place every quarter.
Videographers Jordan Reed Taylor Sutherland
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.
PATRONS Gyst & Mrs. Jeremiah Johnson Chuck Pedigo Denise Epperson Leah Blake Katy Baker Norris Dickard Patsy & Jason Stine Amy Clower Bruce & Mary Brown Amanda &Joseph Hugger
Jeanette Lock Mark & Tracey Woodyard Katherine Drumm T Mark Johnson, MD Paula Chestnut Dave & Meg Bohmke Teresa Sedlacek Sheila Giscard Barbara Lampert Kimberly Vaughn
The Stafford High School Drama Department presents
a
Fable The Stafford Players 2011-2012 Festival One-Act Play
Wednesday, October 26 at 7pm ❃
Stafford High School Auditorium
❃
Admission is FREE
❃
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the
smokesignal
Issue 3 : Oct. 12, 2011
Stafford High School
the
smokesignal
33 Stafford Indian Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22405
www.staffordsmokesignal.com
Fantasy Football Fever Top 10 ranking players 1. Aaron Rodgers - Quarterback for the Green Bay Packers.: 329.1 fantasy points
2. Michael Vick - Quarter-
back for the Philidelphia Eagles: 326.5 fantasy points
3. Philip Rivers - Quarterback for the San Diego Chargers: 283.6 fantasy points
4. Tom Brady - Quarterback for the New England Patriots: 282.5 fantasy points
5. Drew Brees - Quarterback for the New Orleans Saints: 280.3 fantasy points
Fantasy Football holds history, tradition Kathryn Lenox Staff Writer
As the weather is cooling down, fantasy football heat is heating up. The competition between fantasy football teams is becoming more intense as football season continues. All of the players who are now engrossed in the game have Wilfred Winkenbach to thank for their obsession. According to Interactive Media Lab, a website run by the University of Florida, the game fantasy football first got its roots when Winkenbach created fantasy golf in the 1950’s. After fan-
tasy golf became a success, Winkenback created fantasy baseball and then fantasy football in 1962. However, the game did not become popular until the 1990’s when access to player statistics became easier with the development of the internet. Fantasy football has become more complex since it first started in the 60’s. According to Interactive Media Lab, when the game was first developed there were few leagues. Now, however, there are four different kinds of leagues. The different leagues are rotisserie,
Draft parties standard for fantasy football gamers Emily Byers Staff Writer
Students find that drafting players for a fantasy football team is a fun way to hang out with friends and talk about the sport. Once a league is created, football fans need to draft NFL players online for their team. The players can be from any of the 32 NFL teams. When a player does well in the actual game, they accumulate points for the fantasy league. This is why fantasy football fans feel it is so important for a fantasy fan to chose their players wisely.
“I always go to draft the top picks for the quarterback first because they gain the most points,” said sophomore Jacob McAllister. The groups will get mad at one another if another team picks someone they intended to draft. They usually look up who is expected to be on top for the upcoming season. “We have a big party, a group of people and we usually have snacks with a sports game on,” said sophomore Corey Lewis. “We’ll sit there and go person by person and draft.” Before football season
begins, players need to be drafted in their fantasy team. Each player will go to the computer, usually in a random order, and choose each player one at a time. “When it’s not your pick, you do something else,” said sophomore Luke Lysher. When everyone is not gathered around the computer, they will usually watch TV or a sports game together. “I like fantasy football because it’s a competitive place to mingle with my friends and family,” said sophomore Christian Wiskur.
salary cap, keeper and head to head, which is the most common. In each league there are teams competing against one another. In head to head leagues, the teams battle it out every week to see whose team earned the most points. The Cheat Sheet War Room website gives information on traditional scoring methods, although different leagues can have different point systems. Traditional scoring for offense has players receiving six points for every touchdown, one point for every 10 yards of rushing and
receiving, one point per 25 yards of passing and three points for field goals. Players lose two points when a member of their team throws an interception or loses a fumble. Traditional defensive scoring has players earning two points when their player makes a safety or interception or blocks a kick. Players receive one point for forced fumbles, fumble recoveries or when they make a sack. In addition to these points, teams can earn points allowed. If the defense does not allow the other team to score
any points in the game, then it is a shutout and the defense earns 10 points allowed. If one to six points are made then the defense earns eight points. If seven to 13 points are scored the defense receives six points. If 21 to 27 points are scored the defense gets one point. If 28 to 34 points are scored the defense receives zero points. If 35 to 41 points are scored the defense gets negative two points and if 42 or more points are scored the defense loses four points. Also, according to the Cheat Sheet War Room, a fantasy foot-
ball team is made up of 15 positions. These positions include one quarter back, two running backs, three wide receivers, one tight end, one kicker, one defense special team and six bench players. The Interactive Media Lab also offers names of league provides that those desiring to create a fantasy football team can still join. League providers include The Sporting News, NFL Fantasy Football, ESPN, Fanball and Yahoo.
Students are the only ones participating in fantasy football this fall. Teachers, too, participate in leagues of their own, with varying levels of commitment. “I only spend five to ten minutes on my team during the week,” said Clay Shesman, a calculus and algebra teacher on the weekdays. He competes in a league that includes oral communications teacher Seth Bixler.
“I’m a casual fantasy football player,” Shesman said. I want to win, but it’s not the end of the world if I lose. I just like to finish better than Mr. Bixler.” Shesman missed his league’s live draft, instead opting to have the computer do it for him. The results were mixed. “I’m happy with who I got, although I was a little disappointed that the computer drafted me eight running backs,” Shesman said. History teacher
Top 10 ranking players continued
6. Tony Romo - Quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys: 260.9 fantasy points
7. Matt Schaub - Quarter-
back for the Houstan Texans: 260.4 fantasy points
8.
Matt Ryan - Quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. Currently holding 259.4 fantasy points.
9.
Josh Freeman - Quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Currently holding 243.3 fantasy points.
10.
Ben Roethlisberger - Quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Currently holding 239.6 fantasy points.
Even teachers have fantasy football leagues to play in BY RYAN HAZELGREN Staff Writer
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Pete Augrom airs more on the intense side in his fantasy league. “We are a pretty competitive league with a decent amount of trash talking,” Augrom said, “especially of you’re watching the games on Sunday with your opponent for the week.” The two-time defending league champ, Augrom isn’t shy about touting his achievement; his team name is “The Champ is Here”.
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SCA By Kim Knutson Staff Writer Student Council has a lot planned for the year and has already gotten off to a fast start. By the time school had started they had helped plan freshman orientation and had a fundraiser for the Navy Seal Foundation. “We collected $250 in the first two days,” said Ms. Bridges, SCA advisor. SCA is currently working on homecoming. Members have been working on decoration ideas and spirit week. “One of our new spirit days is ‘salad dressing’ day where each class gets a different dressing,” said SCA vice president, Amy Quantrille. Plans for more fundraisers are being thought of for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On “Think Pink” day, for every person that wears a pink shirt to school, a few cents are donated by SCA to a breast cancer foundation. Members are also trying to be a part of Relay For Life this year. “We are really hoping to be able to team up with Key Club again for Relay For Life in the spring.” said Quantrille. SCA is also always looking for new people. Even if one does not wish to run for office, any student can be part of the general assembly. Forms are kept in Ms. Bridges room, S205, for those who are interested.
Key Club By Derek Hayes Staff Writer When it comes to topics such as community service, Key Club is the club you want to join. “So far this year we have about fifty members who have paid dues to join,” Club Sponsor Margaret Bridges said. “We expect to have two to three times more members.” This year the Key Club is hosting a lot of their related activities around holidays. “We do Trick or Treat for UNICEF, help families at Thanksgiving and Christmas, have a March of Dimes ten-lap walk in the spring.” Bridges said. “ We are going to decorate a tree for the Trees of Hope to benefit Hope House and do teacher appreciation.” Key Club is planning to put more of their time and effort into their activities. “This year we are going to continue to improve communication with the membership and encourage members to become more involved with the club.” Bridges said. The first Key Club titles Dues and Donuts took place lon September 22nd. The future members were given donuts as a treat. “The Dues and Donuts meeting went very well,” Vice President Amy Quantrile said. “We had many more people than we ever suspected, so all the officers and myself are very excited that people want to get involved in Key Club.” Topics that were discussed during the meeting were the new and upcoming Facebook group and UNICEF. “Key Club is one of the best clubs to get involved in at Stafford,” Quantrile said. “We do a lot of work in our school and our community.”
Counseling Center News
6 Issue 3, Oct. 12, 2011
student life www.staffordsmokesignal.com
Seniors aid freshman siblings By Bridget Phillips and Moriah Briscoe Design Editor and Staff Writer
With seniors focusing on college applications and graduating and freshmen getting used to the craziness of getting to class on time and crowded hallways, high school can be a challenging time for both classes. Amidst the pressure, some seniors have freshmen siblings that need help getting through the first couple weeks of high school. “Like anyone else, I felt uncomfortable, and it was hard to get used to getting around school,” said freshmen Kheanan Delaney. “But thanks to my sister, I got the hang of it in a few weeks.” Some rising freshmen are fortunate enough to have a senior sibling to help them through their first year of high school by taking them to their classes, helping them figure out their schedule and getting them accustomed to waking up early like senior Brianna Sayasithsena did. “I think that she has definitely adjusted to high school because she can now get up by herself and is more responsible about her work,” said senior Brianna Sayasithsena about her freshmen sister Erin Sayasithsena. “She is always telling me about how much she enjoys her classes and all the new
Brotherly Love: Senior Patrick Davis and freshman Liam Davis enjoy attending Stafford. Photo by: Emily Pearce
friends she’s making.” Being a role model to their younger siblings, balancing grades, and deciding their future can be
a daunting task for a senior. But the impact they leave on their younger siblings is worth it in the end.
High schoolers juggle homework, jobs Cara Skeer Staff Writer When summer ends and school begins, it’s back to reality for students. In addition to sports, after school clubs, and loads of homework, some also add a job to the mix of their already hectic agendas. Senior Aaron Mays has worked at Hollister for three months, and will continue to work during the school year. “My brother hooked me up with the job in August,” Mays said. “I will continue working throughout the school year.”
Junior Sarah Olsen also started her job at Outback Steakhouse this summer, and will continue working over the course of the school year. “I got my job about a month ago,” Olsen said. “One of my best friends convinced me to work with her.” Junior Samantha Ibinson also works at Outback Steakhouse, and helped Olsen get the job. “I knew we needed people, and I knew she was capable of handling a job,” Ibinson said. “Its difficult sometimes, but not impossible.” The first time having school and work presents the possibility of suffering grades. Junior JR Brown
began working at McDonalds over the summer and notices the difference. “It’s a little bit harder to manage my schoolwork,” Brown said. “But I’ve tried to be more organized.” The main reason for most students to have a job is for the money. “I needed money for senior dues, a parking permit, and stuff like that,” Mays said. Having a job also gives students the opportunity to meet new people from other schools, and create new friendships. “I like making the money, but I also get to meet people that go to other schools, so its really cool.” Olsen said. With the extra stresses
Dancing the night away: Lyndah Lovell enjoys a dance. Photo submitted by: Lyndah Lovell
The Annual Regional College Fair will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011 at Spotsylvania Towne Centre from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Many University and College Admissions Officers will be available to provide information about their school.
A Parent College Funding Workshop will be held on Nov. 1, 2011 in the Stafford High School Auditorium beginning at 7 p.m.
of having a job, a student’s time has to be well planned. “My schedule is online, so I can see when I work and plan when I need to do homework,” Olsen said. “That’s really nice.” Mays also schedules schoolwork around his job. “I work anywhere from 20 to 25 hours a week,” Mays said. “So I do my homework before school and on my break.” If a student is well organized and determined, they could maintain a job. “They have to be responsible and good at dividing their time,” Olsen said. “Being able to drive could also help, but it wouldn’t be necessary.”
Lovell attends Princeton program
Oct 17 Virginia Wesleyan College Oct 18 Sweet Briar College Oct 19 Greensboro College Oct 20 Randolph College Oct 27 University of Mary Washington Nov 16 University of Rochester
“I think that Brianna has taught me about high school so that I know what to expect,” said Erin. “Even though I might not like it at times, I know she’s doing it for the right reasons and so that my time at high school is good.” Having a senior as a sibling provides a role model the freshmen can look up to and learn from. With their experience, freshmen have an example of what they could be like and how to deal with the ups and downs of high school. “My brother is a good role model to me and has set a good example for me,” said freshman Liam Davis of brother senior Pat Davis. “He’s already been through a lot of the same things I’m going through.” When seniors choose what they want to do after graduating, it is up to the freshman to use what their siblings taught them about high school. “I’d like to still give my younger siblings advice about what to do and not do in high school, like learning from my own mistakes and teaching them.” Delaney said. Although school has just started, before they have to leave in June, these seniors will leave behind all that they can. They can feel assured knowing that they will leave behind their knowledge, advice, and legacy.
Rebekah Kim Online Editor Lyndah Lovell, had the opportunity to meet with a group of selected Japanese high school students and interacted with them at the AIU High School Diplomats program. According to Lovell, this program, started in 1987 as an opportunity for Japanese students to experience America for three weeks. Two of those were spent with in American families and one week being the 10-day program
at Princeton University. “I absolutely loved every single day during my time at HSD; it truly changed my life,” Lovell said. “You don’t just learn about the Japanese culture, but you build this everlasting familial relationship between each other.” Lovell participated in several day activities. “My favorite day was the Day of the Culture, because I was able to see the Japanese students work so hard to put on this phenomenal festival that reflected some of the
most awe-striking qualities of Japan,” Lovell said. Other days included School Spirit day, Country Fair Day, Date Night, which was like an inter-cultural prom, HSD Olympics, Musical Festival, Halloween, Day of Service, talent show, and Day of Reflection. “By the end of these 10 days, you and everyone else will feel like siblings,” Lovell said. “This program really does become some of the best 10 days of you life – all on a full scholarship, too!”
She is hoping to spread the word about the program, so that more students will learn about this “incredibly life-changing experience” and help Lovell recruit applicants for next year’s program. “Also, [continuing this program in school] is a part of my application process for U.S. HSD program this summer,” Lovell said. “Therefore, I hope this article is a testament on how I plan to continue the knowledge of this program.” Lastly, Lovell expressed her hope for more students applying for HSD program. “I hope that more American students apply and build a relationship with everyone there. Cultural distinctions are extremely minor; you’ll discover that difference is actually the shadow of great similarity,” Lovell said. “Also, if you’re interested, please contact me for more information.”
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sports feature www.staffordsmokesignal.com
Issue 3, Oct. 12, 2011
Drivers Ed with Shane Haley: 6 steps to a good drive
Move Away: Hinge wrists, and keep them tight. Don’t break until the club reaches the apex.
1 The Setup: Visualize a good swing, turn in shoulders, and practice moving club in a back and forth putting motion
2
Keep a stable lower body. Your left forearm should be perpindicular to the club shaft.
3
GOLF SWINGS THROUGH SEASON
6 Impact: Turn your body, straighten left knee and lift your right heel. Maintain your balance and let your eyes follow the motion of the ball.
4
Wind Shoulders: Turn shoulders, and stretch your upper body. The club face should parallel your forearm. Left your hips twist inward
5
Transition: Transfer weight to your left side and let your arms drop. Follow through with a subtle squatting motion.
Elizabeth M Attreed, DDS, PC 2832 Jefferson Davis Highway Stafford, VA 22554 (540)-659-5161
smokesignal the
e h T Stafford High School
8 Issue 3, Oct. 12, 2011
spotlight www.staffordsmokesignal.com
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Fredericksburg
Taking a break from the classroom: Art teacher Nicholas Candela tries out a more unusual artistic medium in the Via Colori street drawing event held in Downtown Fredericksburg. Artists from all backgrounds and experience levels were eligible to participate in the event. Photo by Muhamad Khalid
Shannon Cooke Photo Editor Artists from all over Virginia met in Fredericksburg to transform the bland streets of Downtown Fredericksburg into a work of art with vibrant and beautiful chalk drawings in the second annual Via
Colori. On Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24 and 25, Seniors Muhamad Khalid and Georgia Felopulos, and art teacher Nicholas Candela were just a few of the numerous artists who took part in the historic event. Those who wished to participate had to sign
All ages welcome: The experience was open to anyone who wanted to join. Ages ranged from 10 to over 60. Photo by Muhamad Khalid
up ahead of time online. It cost nothing to participate and it is open to anyone, regardless of age. “There were a lot of people there that weren’t even from Fredericksburg,” Khalid said. “There were people as young as 10 and there were some senior citizens there too.”
The chalk used is nothing like the Crayola crayons you can find at Wal-Mart. The chalk pastels used for Via Colori are similar to charcoal and can last long after it rains. “Last year, the drawings stayed on the streets for over a week,” Khalid
said. At the intersection between Sophia Street and Charlotte Street, a seemingly endless line of chalk drawings, each beautiful in its own way, captivates young and old, artists and non-artists. It was not only made up of professional pieces, but
also abstract art, murals, cartoons, and three-dimensional graphics. This opportunity for the art community to unite in a free and limitless event united artists of all ages and experience levels. Via Colori will no doubt become a Fredericksburg tradition.
Unique materials: The chalk used is specifically made to last long, even after rain. They come in a variety of colors. Photo by Muhamad Khalid
Taking over Fredericksbug: Participants in Via Colori lined the streets with art. The usual bland street was transformed into an array of uniquely and beauJoin the festivities: The second annual Via Colori at- tifully drawn art. It was an opprotunity for them to Getting down and dirty: Participants were often covtracted artists of all backgrounds and interests. Photo meet and mingle with people of similar interests. Pho- ered in chalk after finishing their drawing. Photo by to by Muhamad Khalid Muhamad Khalid by Muhamad Khalid