Smoke Signal issue 4, Nov. 2, 2011

smokesignal

the smoke signal the

Stafford High School

Stafford High School

Volume 67. Issue 4 Nov. 2, 2011

1

Issue 12, March 23, 2011

33 Stafford Indian Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22405

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calendar Nov. 8 Election Day (no school) Nov. 11 Veteran’s Day (no school) Nov. 23-25 Thanksgiving Break weather Nov. 2-5 High: 64 F Low: 39 F Nov. 6-12 High: 63 F Low: 38 F Nov. 13-19 High: 60 F Low: 36 F

countdown

5

days until Election Day

6 days until Veteran’s Day

20 days until Fall Break

48

days until Winter Break

what’s hot school spirit cheerleading Homecoming Halloween pumpkin lattes Twitter football new sport seasons

index Feature....4-5, 12-13 News......................1-2 Opinion....................3 Sports....................6-7 Sports Feature ..8-9 Spotlight...............16 Student Life....10-11

4-peat! The varsity cheerleaders accomplished an a rare feat--a four time repeat of Commonwealth District Cheerleading Champs. The squad made up of freshman through seniors were able to beat North Stafford for the championship for the fourth time in a row. Cheerleaders worked hard for their victory. Two seniors, Oliva Shaffer and Sammi Krejedovsky have been on the team each year that they won districts. Photo courtesy of Winterberry Portraits

Cheer keeps their four-year streak

BY LELAND BROOKS Editor Competing against eight other teams, the Stafford Cheer team was able to pull off a 4-peat, winning Commonwealth Districts for the fourth year in a row.

“To win Districts four years in a row felt unreal to me. Knowing that no one in our area has ever done that before, I feel so accomplished,” senior Olivia Shaffer said. “I want

everyone to feel what I did that night because it was just so amazing.”

Going into the competition, the girls were very nervous knowing that their new competition was Mountain View who also won all of their invitationals.

In order to make the girls more comfortable and give them inspiration, the girls found a quiet classroom to relax in and covered the white board

with inspirational words, writings, drawings, and also found a new quote that comes from Pslam 27:3, “My heart shall not fear, I will be confident.”

To ensure their luck, Barham put shamrocks in the girls shoes, put a shamrock on their hips, as well as a tomahawk on their cheeks.

In order to pump them up and give them motivation, coaches Janet Barham and Kristi Proudfoot

surprised them with their fellow teammate, Marcus Brown who they were told could not make it to the competition.

“I was looking around to see the surprise, but I didn’t see anything.

Then Marcus came out of the crowd in the front row and started waving at us and I started crying because I was so happy to see one of my best friends,” senior Sammy Krejdovsky said. “ I never

thought it would be Marcus because I thought it was impossible for him to be there.”

Making it past the first round by almost 20 points higher than the other teams, the girls placed a spot in regionals along with North Stafford, Mountain View and Colonial Forge.

In the final round See FOUR on page 2

Iannazzo, Rynders crowned king, queen

By Taylor Lisco

I now dub thee...

Maya Wick, daughter of math teacher Valerie Wick crowns senior Michael Rynders homecoming king. Rynders has been on court every year he has been in high school. Senior Morgan Iannazzo was crowned queen. Photo

by Emily Pearce.

Staff Writer Despite the cold and rainy weather the crowd was still there cheering on the 22 smiling faces of Homecoming Court.

Freshman attendants were Deanna Geraghty and Austin Thompson and Abby Sylvester and Kendrick Icenhour.

“I was pretty excited to be voted on to court,” Abby Sylvester said.

Sophomores were next to take to the wet fields See Homecoming page 2

Spirit Week change confuses some students

BY NATALIE BOHMKE Twin Day,” said Codie Staff Writer Hammond senior and Students showed cabinet member. “We their school spirit last found the new ideas onweek during Spirit Week. line and tweaked certain Though tradition has usu- things but most imporally kept the themes simi- tantly they were totally lar from year to year, the different than anything Student Council Asso- we had ever had before.”

Salad Dressing Day ciation came up with new was a different and unideas.

Costume Day was an usual theme, plus cosaddition along with Salad tume day was different Dressing Day in which from last year.

“I think the new ideas students will represent the salad dressing given were good and out of the ordinary,” senior Aaron to their class.

“When our SCA block Mays said. “Even though was brain storming for there were new spirit ideas we knew we wanted days, I was excited to wear alternatives for the classic, my 80’s clothes.”

Costume Day featured and old, Nerd Day and

many different ideas.

“I think with the new themes people were more creative and had more fun trying to figure out what each costume was,” freshman Elise Andrews.

Seniors who wanted a toga day were able to wear their togas on Costume Day. “I wanted Toga Day like other schools have, but Costume Day worked just as well for that,” Mays said.

Costume Day was originally “Feudalism Day,” but was changed due to potential confusion.

With Feudalism Day, each grade level would have to

TREEHOUSE LOUNGE

SENIOR NIGHT

Teenage club opens on Route 3 See page 11

Fall sports honor their seniors See pages 8-9

A motley group: (Left to right) Seniors Della Lucas, Chrissy Johnson and Chad McConkey talk with juniors Maddie Marheine and Aidan Isaak-Harrington. Some students weren’t sure what to wear when feudalism so it was changed to costume day which was a huge hit. Photo by Emily Pearce

have worn costumes of a decades, costume, salad different “level” of medi- dressing, and school spirit eval royalty.

Between class colors, See Spirit on page 2

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news

FOUR: Cheer aiming high for next level of competition the girls pulled through despite the set-back of Morgan Winkler severely spraining her arm.

“In the series of jumps and back handsprings, I hurt my elbow but it happened so fast that I wasn’t sure what happened but knew I had to keep going for my family,” junior Winkler said.

The team managed to come in first place, but the competition season does not stop there.

“For regionals, we are going hard again, keeping a straight head, and staying confident but not cocky,” Winkler said. “We

are getting ready to bring home a trophy and title at that, that has not been back to Stafford for ten years and it’s our year.”

To prepare for regionals, the girls are going to aim on correcting little mistakes as well as add to their previous routine.

However, since regionals is at home, the girl’s feel that they have a major advantage over the other teams. For the team to win they need the support of their family, friends and fans.

“Our fans have such an impact on us because we go out there and all we see

is a huge blur of blue and gold,” Shaffer said. “They get us so pumped up and if there was a competition to see who has the best fans, we’d win, no doubt.”

Regionals will take place Saturday, Nov. 5 at noon at Stafford.

“Winning districts was such a thrill for the fourth time in a row. Our win really shows how hard we work and we have a really good chance of placing first at regionals,” junior Meredith Burcher said.

“We are going to do even better this time: Stafford style.”

Stafford Style: Varsity cheer coaches Janet Barham and Kristi Proudfoot, wearing matching outfits, walk down the hall at Brooke Point checking their phones, waiting to hear results from the cheer competition. The team had a great performance first round and in the second round sealed their first place win. Regionals will be held Saturday, Nov. 4 in the gym. Photo courtesy of Winterberry Portraits.

HOMECOMING: Court members smile through raindrops

All hail the king and queen: After being crowned, seniors Morgan Iannazzo and Michael Rynders are driven around the track in a convertible Mustang, by Jessie Leigh Bolinsky, the owner of the car. Rynders held an umbrella to protect them from the rain. What could have been a dreary night turned into a fantastsy with the crowning fo the king and queen and the victorious Indians football team’s victory 26 - 6 over Brooke Point High School. Photo by Emily Pearce

with Amaiya Carey and Curran Smolinsky, and Nicole Sutherland and Chris Ashton.

“This is my first year running and I’m excited to be on court, but I’m probably more excited to be getting a free ticket,” said Chris Ashton.

The anticipation builds for the crowning of king and queen as the juniors carry their umbrellas across the track.

Skyla Bailey was escorted

by Christian Belman followed by Alex Kniffin escorting Megan Walton and Cody Harrell escorting Temple Hammen.

“I’m really ecstatic about being on court,” said Megan Walton, first year nominee. “There were so many great people running and I was

really happy about being elected.”

As the crowd waited with baited breath for the crowning, the seniors took their place on the field. Candidates for queen were Morgan Ianazzo, Brooke Scruggs, Jazmyn Dove and Georgia Felopulos. The candidates for king were John Reed, Mikey Rynders, Ryan Leake, and Dan Jobrack. As the rain came down harder, they were crowned. Morgan Ianazzo and Mikey Rynders took their place of honor in a chilly ride in a convertible around the track.

“I felt like a million bucks being voted on to homecoming court,” said Mikey Rynders, newly crowned king. “But winning king makes me feel like two million bucks.”

Class floats were another festivity of the night despite the weather. The senior float “It’s a Jungle Out There” took first place. The jungle themed float had leaves naming different colleges with seniors Danny Strock and Greg Bohmke dressed in prehistoric faux animal fur.walking next to the float.

“Our float was definitely the best,” queen candidate Brooke Scruggs said. “We worked hard and it showed the most spirit."

The final touch was winning the football game against Brooke Point 26 – 6. The power defense worked effectively against Brooke Point’s pass offense. Despite the rainy weather, the Indians were victorious.

Blood drive successful, despite less publicity, donors good cause and I can help someone.”

The blood drive was set up by Key Club. SeThe Red Cross colnior Amy Quantrille, lected blood from doKey Club president nors Friday, Oct. 14 in was in charge of the the gym lobby. event this year.

Many students went The students and to the blood drive teachers who decided looking to take part in a cause they felt was to donate were greeted by a very positive enviworthy.

“I gave blood be- ronment.

“It was nice to see cause I know it helps that everyone was happeople out,” senior Bripy at the blood drive,” anna Sayasithsena said.

Sayasithsena said. “Ev“I’ve given before, and eryone was very apit was a really good expreciative of what you perience, so I decided were doing. ” to give again.”

Each donor received Teachers also pardrinks, snacks and a ticipated in the blood place to rest after they drive as well. gave.

“I always try to give “Its always fun to get whenever I can,” CGS free water and some math teacher Corey cookies, ” Rocchio said.

Rocchio said. “It’s a The donors will also

BY RUSS KAUS Staff Writer

receive further information in the mail from the Red Cross about their blood type and giving blood in general.

In order to give blood, everyone had to meet certain requirements, such as weight, height, and iron blood ratio. Some students found that they were not able to give blood due to these things.

Senior Taron Smith was not allowed to donate because of his veins.

“I wasn’t allowed to give blood because my veins are too small,” Smith said. “The workers with the Red Cross said I could donate through my neck, but I would have to sign a waiver for that.”

PTSA NEWS CORNER Renaissance Program: Students who have signed up for the Renaissance Program: watch for your membership cards after the end of first quarter. For those of you who don’t know what the Renaissance program is, it recognizes students who are making the grade, whether it’s all A’s or A/B or significant improvement throughout the year. The program offers better “deals” to the students with better grades. The Renaissance ID cards are awarded quarterly and provide discounts and premiums at various community businesses (restaurants, salons, music, jewelry, videos, carwashes, car care, pools, class rings, & much, much more!). As your grades go up, so do the benefits!

Cards are awarded at four levels: Platinum Card - 4.0 GPA Gold Card - 3.0 GPA Silver Card - 2.5 GPA Bronze Card - Perfect attendance each Quarter.

Questions? Send them to staffordptsa@yahoo.com

However, Smith was still allowed to enjoy the snacks the Red Cross provided.

“I will try to give again some time The amount of donors decreased from 75 people last year to 55 this year.

“The reason we had less donors was because the blood drive conflicted with a lot of sports going on that day,” Quantrille said.

Coaches did not want their players donating blood then attempting to play a game.

“I would have donated, but since we had a game later that day, Each person that did it would have been too donate gave one pint of risky,” senior football blood. player Jacob HoogThe donated blood house said.

goes directly to the Red Cross, which processes it, then makes it readily available to hospitals.

SPIRIT: Feudalism cut for costumes Continued from page 2 days each student had a favorite.

“My favorite day was school spirit day because it was interesting to see how people incorporate our colors into something creative,” sophomore Miranda Shelton said. “The new days were the most creative ideas I have experienced.”

This creativity showed in what students wore throughout the week.

“I loved the atmosphere of the school,” junior Alex Kniffin said.

There was a different kind of atmosphere within each class. Seniors had their last opportunity to enjoy the excitement that comes along with spirit week.

“I went all out on class color day and spirit day mainly because being a senior it is kind of our priority to out-do all the other classes,” senior Casey Burns said.

Though the new spirit days brought excitement some people will miss the old traditions.

“I think Costume Day was a nice change from Twin Day, seeing crowns, superheroes, cartoon characters, and iconic celebrities around the school was nice,” junior Tony Kemp said. “On the other hand the Salad Dressing Day was a little confusing and I did miss Nerd Day.”

Reflections Program:

Submissions are now being accepted for this year’s Reflections program sponsored by the PTSA. Reflections recognizes excellence in literature, dance choreography, film production, musical composition, photography and visual arts. This year’s theme is “Diversity Means….” Information packets including rules and an entry form are in the office. Submission deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 29th.If you need additional information please contact our Reflections Coordinator, Judy Jobrack at jobrack@aol.com. year.

Raffle winners for those who have joined the PTSA. Student/Parent Memberships: Teacher/Staff Memberships:

Katie Schneider - iPod Touch Anna Ellis and Gail Burgess - $25 dinner gift cards

Courtesy of Mary Podlesny, PTSA Vice President

DOMINO’S FEEDS THE SMOKE SIGNAL STAFF AT LAYOUT

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Stafford High School

opinion

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South cages North, four consecutive years The sounds of screaming fans and the all-too familiar discerning looks of opponents filled the heart of Blackhawk territory as the 24 blue and gold covered girls approached the center of the mats. Cheer districts.

The overwhelming sound of a new “I believe that we will win” chant and the sight of Stafford High School students holding up four fingers through the crowd filled the girls with excitement and onlookers with question. Would the SHS cheerleaders do it again?

Could they possibly win the district competition for the fourth year in a row?

The question would soon be answered; without hesitation or error, the girls performed a stunning first routine and sent the Blue Wave into ecstasy when the announcer mistakenly read the scores of the performances after the first round. The SHS cheerleaders were leading by a substantial amount.

The mood in Brooke Point High School’s gym was not unnoticed. Students in the Blue Wave and their cheerleaders were called obnoxious, overly proud, and annoying. But the envious

words from the fans and members of other teams wouldn’t bring down the spirit; rather it was the root of more screams and cheers.

In previous years, the rivalry between the two Stafford’s has always brought much anticipation, but many went into the gym assuming the Mountain View would be the biggest competitor in 2011. They had won every invitational they attended just as SHS had. Seeing as how the two schools had not attended the same invitational, rumors of a prospective new rivalry forming spread through the crowds.

With the stress of the competition, the cheerleaders were surprised and pleased by the unexpected visit of a former teammate cheering them on from the front of the bleachers.

While the second round proved to be a difficult one for the Indians—suffering through a 20-point deduction— fans and cheerleaders rejoiced knowing that the girls had done it again.

Tears and screams of excitement flowed through the girls in celebration “I believe that we will win”: The cheerleaders of Stafford were triumphant for the fourth year in a row in the Commonwealth as the crowd chanted: “4 District Cheer Competition. The girls took first place on Oct. 26 at Brooke Point High School., Followed by North Stafford High School who once again, took second place in the competition. Cartoon by Toni Sorrentino peat, 4 peat, 4 peat…”

The sounds of excited cheers reverberate throughout Princeton campus; everywhere kids exalt, “Best 10 days of my life!”

Princeton observers watch curiously as the procession termed High School Diplomats walk jovially throughout the university walls.

The group marches with laughter and anticipation.

Why is such a program so unknown, but even more so inviting?

The AIU High School Diplomats is an exceptional cultural exchange summer program unlike anything else out there.

Hosted at Princeton University every year, 40 high school Japanese students are invited to explore America and some of its greatest attractions for two weeks, then meet up with 40 other American sophomore and junior high school students at Princeton University where they will be together for 10 days.

At Princeton, the

Japanese and American students are placed into several roommate pairs in which roommates are selectively grouped based on the unique qualities the individuals share.

For 10 days the students engage in various theme day activities, where each day provides a new adventure. Some examples of activities include Bunka-No-Hi Day, or Day of Culture, HSD Olympics, Rock/ Pop Star, and a Day of Service followed by a talent show.

“Everything is the best, but especially, the talent show was great.

I saw everyone’s gift!

Yabai!” Japanese student Matsushima Shin said.

However, HSD offers a lot more than fun activities and an opportunity to learn more about the Japanese culture. HSD students from previous years have raved about their incredible personal growth as well.

“HSD allowed me to discover more of myself.

It’s amazing how people from different walks-of-

Not your average program

A+ A+

lomats gives a full scholarship towards its program for all its members.

This year the program will be held from July 31 to August 11, 2012. Applications are available at http://www.highschooldiplomats.com/america.php, and should be mailed in no later than January 8, 2012 to HSD, P.O Box 97, Centreville, VA 20122.

To interested applicants, “HSD is the chance of a lifetime and they should seize this opportunity to learn, live, laugh, and love. It’s an incredible experience with incredible people that should not be passed up,” American student Nathaniel Smith said.

For more information to any questions, call American Director Kristen Parrott at 571314-0473, or contact Lyndah Lovell for more details.

Article submitted by Lyndah Lovell

Making the Grade Beating Brooke

Cheer Districts

B-

New spirit week days

F

Rain on Homecoming weekend

B+

life can connect so easily as if they’ve been friend forever,” American student Dezmond Jordan said.

In addition to immersing yourself in the Japanese culture, you also reflect on particular topics in discussion and reflection groups that bring both Japanese and American viewpoints together.

With each passing day of the program, a new life-long bond is born, not only with your Japanese roommate, but also with the other 78 students at HSD, the staff directors, and counselors.

At the end of the program, there is little distinction between friends and family. It is truly a connection that is unfathomable.

“When you’re on the outside looking in, you can’t understand it; when you’re on the inside looking out, you can’t explain it,” Counselor Director Ms. Shannon Marklin said.

The High School Dip-

Haunted Hike

Football fans rejoiced when the South Side Boys defeated the number two team in the district, Brooke Point. Viewers and players withstood rain and cold weather to watch the beloved team win the homecoming football game.

The SHS cheer team competed in the district competition to come out on top for the fourth year in a row. Also continuing tradition, North Stafford fell to South by placing second in the competition. Districts were held at BPHS.

smoke signal staff 2011-2012 Editor-in-Chief Elexxus Brown Assistant Editor-in-Chief Emily Griffin Photography Editor Shannon Cooke

Online Editors Rebekah Kim, Dani Raymond

Editors Leland Brooks Molly Podlesny Toni Sorrentino

Design Editor Bridget Phillips

Page Editors Katie Brandon Megan Corsano Ana Nosal Kirstin Whiteside

Copy Editors Emily Byers Kathryn Lenox

Business Managers Karri Chestnut Georgia Felopulos Ashleigh Powell

Staff Writers Cody Beacorn, Natalie Bohmke, Luci Braun, Moriah Briscoe, 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 Photographers Kerstin Felton, Amber Griffith, Muhamad Khalid, Emily Pearce, Austing Pearson, Kaitlin Shacklette, Eric Stapleton, Keana Young Alisa Posey

Videographers 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.

PATRONS

The addition of Salad Dressing Day and Costume Day to the spirit week roster brought about mixed outcomes. While Salad Dressing Day seemed to go unnoticed, other than the western spirit of the senior class, Costume Day was one that both teachers and students participated in.

Super Sponsor Gyst & Mrs. Jeremiah M. Johnson T. Mark Johnson, MD Tracey Chestnut Teresa Sedlacek Millie Stadelmyer

Rain during the Homecoming football game, all day Saturday, plus during the dance made it nearly impossible for the weekend to be enjoyable. Running through the rain in an attempt to minimize damage to hair/attire and taking pictures indoors are not ideal circumstances.

Gold Patron Katherine Drumm Paula Chestnut Meg & Dave Bohmke Shirley Louisor

The Fall Festival, sponsored by Link Crew, had it’s debut in the fall of 2011. With nearly every club and organization in the school participating by running a booth or helping with the haunted trail, the school was able to raise over $1,000 for the Susan G. Komen foundation.

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 Bronze Patron Chuck Pedigo Barbara Lampert Sheila Giscard Blue Patron Amanda & Joseph Hugger Bruce & Mary Brown Amy Clower Paty & Jason Stine Norris Dickard Katy Baker Leah Blake SHS Patron Denise Epperson

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Spirit Week Swa g!

Spirit

Giddy up for spirit week: Seniors Colin Duvall and Morgan Brooks enjoy lunch while dressed for Salad Dressing day. Seniors had Ranch Dressing and were supposed to dress in cowboy attire.

By Emily Pearce

Pretty in pink: The senior class crowded together to get a snapshot of their Class Color day spirit. Seniors had pink, juniors wore green, sophomores dressed in red, and freshmen had to wear purple.

By Amber Griffith

The Bangles are back: Seniors Emily Rafferty, Brianna Sayasithsena, Morgan Iannazzo(Hawt), Leland Brooks(Cutie), Courtney Albrycht, and Sarah Shearer(Adorable) brought the 80’s back for Decades day.

By Amber Griffith

Class Color

Indians unite: Juniors Mia Romero and Mary Wellman pose in their indian outfits on sirit day.

By Emily Pearce

Decades

Cold and Old: Sophomores Allie Siegal and Stephanie Quantrille show their spirit by dressing up for Costume day. Costume day was a new spirit day added to spirit week this year.

By Emily Pearce

Costume

Italy splits: Juniors Melissa Babin, Deja Pressley, Emily Pearce, McKenzie Bowler, and Cara Skeer dress like the cast of Jersey Shore. Students debated on whether or not this was truly Italian.

By Austin Pearson

sALAD dRESSING

Going green: Dressed for Class Color day, juniors Ryan Jones, Dubby Bass, Lindsey Lysher, Taylor Sutherland, Sarah Northrup, and Derek Cunningham posed in their green attire.

By Amber Griffith

Indians chow down: Seniors Connor Harmon and Rivesh Chalise dress out in blue and gold during lunch for spitit day.

By Emily Pearce

Flirty fifties: Juniors Brad Jones and Jimmy Bowels dressed for the 50’s decade.

By Emily Pearce

Seniors 2012: The class officers decorated a senior sign and hung it up in the senior section of the cafeteria.

By Emily Pearce

Reppin’ the red: Sophomores enjoy their lunch while dressed in their red outfits for the spirit day.

By Emily Pearce Sophomores sail away: Sophomores Megan Humphrey, Rebecca Sprow, Krystal Finch, MacKenzie Kairys, Elizabeth Wardlaw, and Danielle Ross deck out in island attire for Thousand Island dressing day.

By Austin Pearson

Cowboys and Italians: Senior Brenden Carr and Analisa Wall enjoy lunch together while dressed in ranch and italian outfits. By Kerstin Felton

Costume chemistry: Chemistrty students show their school spirit by dressing in a variety of costumes and adding their own twist to each one.

By Emily Pearce

Passionately purple: New to high school spirit week, freshmen participate by wearing all purple. By Amber Griffith

Reversed roles: Calculus teacher Clay Shesman dressed as Harry Potter while Curran Smolinksky dressed as Shesman. By Amber Griffith

Stylin’ seventies: Sophomores dress up in tie-dye ensembles for the seventies decade.

By Emily Pearce

Freshmen make friends: Senior Tatianna Tonnacliff and freshmen Maddi Mixon pose for the camera on daecades day.

Photo by Amber Griffith

SHS has your back: Seniors show off this year’s senior shirts designed by Adriona Payne.

By Emily Pearce

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Issue 4, Nov. 2, 2011

Stafford High School

Gallivan helps lead the team

BY ANA NOSAL Editor

Gallivan gets serious: Gallivan leads team throughout the field hockey season.

By Amber Griffith

The field hockey team has played strong this season with a lot of players stepping up to lead. After a season of hard fought games, the team is fo cusing on improving their game for playoffs.

The team lost four key players when they graduated last year, but this year’s seniors have taken on roles to encourage and lead the team.

“On the field we just talk and keep motivating each other,” senior Erin Gallivan said. “We give each other tips and tell each other what we

should be doing to work together.”

Gallivan helped the team by covering junior Lindsey Lysher’s center midfield position when she was out with an injury. Lysher had broken her finger when a ball hit it at the home game against Riverbend.

The two players continue to switch back and forth from right forward to center midfield now that Lysher has recovered.

After their first loss to Mountain View, the team was able to recognize their mistakes in order to fix them.

“The opportunities that are missed were

mainly in the circle when we were trying to score,” Gallivan said. “We have had trouble finishing but we do a great job getting the ball down the field because we scramble in the circle and don’t stay composed, therefore missing scoring opportunities.”

Their second loss was also to Mountain View during their last game of the regular season.

“It came as a bit of a surprise to us,” coach Danielle Woodie said.

“But it was more of a wakeup call that we need to step up our game.”

Although the 4-1 loss shook the team’s morale, the team is committed

to make it to the district championship game again.

“I think we should if we play hard and stay strong with two more games,” Lysher said.

The coaches also echo the same confidence in the team.

“We have a really good shot if we learn from our mistakes,” Woodie said.

No matter what the outcome of the season may be, the team remains close and unified. Gallivan said, “Team, tradition and working hard together is what Stafford field hockey is all about. We don’t reply on individuals like other teams do.”

Bohmke, MacLeod break school records

BY KATIE BRANDON Pete Augrom said. “Not because I didn’t think he Section Editor could run times like that, Senior Greg Bohmke I was really just surprised and junior Ian MacLeod that he did it so early. have been competing I was expecting him to neck-in-neck recently break 16 [minutes], but during cross country to beat that by ten secmeets to break, and cre- onds was shocking. After ate, new school records. that race though, I wasn’t MacLeod first broke surprised to see how him the school cross country and Greg worked togethrecord Saturday, Oct. 1, at er at Milestat to run their the Great American Cross times.”

Country Festival in Cary, Bohmke currently NC. MacLeod ran the 5K holds the school record race in a time of 15:50, of 15:45. He ran this time beating his previous per- also on Saturday, Oct. 15, sonal record of 16:16. He at the Milestat.com Invilater ran a 15:46 on Satur- tational. day, Oct. 15, at the Miles“The course is the fasttat.com Invitational. est one I’ve raced on, it’s “I was surprised when all flat and downhill,” MaIan ran his 15:50,” coach cLeod said. “Without the

hills, there’s less resistance which makes for a faster time.”

MacLeod and Bohmke also attribute their times to intense practices and the determination of his fellow runners.

“I think what drives the boys at practice is the feeling of unfufillment from last year and wanting to prove the naysayers wrong,” Augrom. “We went into the state meet last year expecting to be on the podium as a topthree team and we ended up fourth.

This year we have some people within the state that until recently haven’t wanted to give us the respect that we feel we

On your mark! Greg Bohmke and Ian MacLeod broke two records within a week of each other.

Courtesy of Milestat

have earned.

So guys really want to prove to everyone that last year wasn’t a fluke and that they are one of the best teams in the state

and in the southeast United States.”

The team is currently ranked third in the state and 7th in the southeast United States. The team’s

biggest goal this year is to beat out district opponents Midlothian, Colonial Forge and Ablemarle for first place at states.

JV cheer places second at team’s first invitational

BY AMBER DONALD Staff Writer

5, 6, 7,8: The JV cheerleaders placed second in their invitational.

Credited to WInterberry

On Saturday Sept. 24, the JV cheer team placed second at their first invitationaas a team JV has been for weeks and left all of their hard work on the mat.

Sophomore JV cheerleader Shanice Golston said, “JV is working harder then before. We’re putting all of our sweat and tears into it,”

Golston continued to say, “At our invitational we all were nervous at one point of the day and also happy to perform what we had been working on for days and weeks before we got on that mat.”

The JV cheerleaders kept a positive mind throughout the competition and it help them get what they got.

They know now what to work on their next

competition.

Sophomore JV cheerleader Nicole Sutherland said, “we competed against lower level varsity teams in our division and we beat all of them and came in second place to Stonebridge’s JV team. “ The challenge for the team was adding new people to the stunts, sophomore JV cheerleader said Allie Tanner,” We got 2nd place last

weekend, cause a few of our stunts were dropped.

But we had to put in new people at last minute.”

Although the team is young, they have a lot of great potential and drive to succeed in everything that they do.

The team is closer than in past years and it shows through the way they execute their routine.

The girls strive for nothing but the best.

Athletic Honor Roll

“As a senior captain, Erin Gallivan does a good job of firing up her teamates Dani Woodie

“Whether it is practice or a game, Casey Schooler always gives 100 percent” - Chad Lewis

“Ian Macleod has shown a lot of hard work and is shown in his times this year” -Pete Augrum

XCOUNTRY: Chapin Baker (#1527) races the pack in a recent meet. The team moved on to districts this past week with hopes of going to states again this year. Photos by coach Pete Augrom

“Katelyn Gudyka is one of our most experiences and dynamic players ” Rich Maley

“Olivia Shaffer is an outstanding leader on the team and posses dedication -Janet Barham

FIELD HOCKEY: Brooke Scruggs holds the line in field hockey coming up with save after save and keeping the team in the running for Regionals next week. Photo by Amber Griffith

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7 Issue 4, Nov. 2, 2011

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Football has chance in play-offs

BY ANA NOSAL Section Editor

To say that the varsity football team has had a difficult season is a major understatement.

With the loss of a close friend and teammate, however, the team has pulled together to finish the season strong.

With a record of 4-5 in the district, the team has shown improvement from last season.

“Our seniors have done a great job this year with leading, making for an extremely tight team,” coach Chad Lewis said.

Although the team has fought hard all season, they cannot stop now and must continue to do so.

“Our biggest competitors, as of now, are every team we play from here on out,” senior Ryan Sompayrac said. “We have to play every game like it’s our last because it very well could be.”

A disappointing loss

Blackhawk down!: The varsity football team won the Homecoming game against Brooke Point by a great margin, 26-6. The rain helped the Indians as only six passes were thrown. A ground game with good defense had the Indians out in front for the last game of the regular season. The team still has hopes of being in the playoffs starting next week. Photo by Emily Pearce.

to the team’s biggest rival, North Stafford.

The biggest difference team members have seen this year as opposed to last year is the sense of

community between the players. The players feel that this new feeling has contributed to their success this year.

“We, as a team, are

really close,” senior Brandon Murphy said. “Everyone is friends with everyone.

We pick each other up and push each other to

make the team better. We do a lot of stuff outside of school; either just hanging out or going out to get something to eat with the guys.”

With the big homecoming game against Brooke Point on Oct. 28, the team is hoping to secure another win.

“We are preparing as we normally do for every game,” Lewis said. “We’re all really excited. It’s our tenth game, it’s homecoming, and it’s Senior Night.”

Players said that this homecoming game, however, will be unlike previous years as the team will play for a different motivation.

“Ali’s passing has given us something to play for,” Sompayrac said. “I’m not saying that winning games hasn’t always been our objective, because it has been, but now when we win we don’t just win for our fans, the school, and we win for Ali.” Friday, Oct. 29 the boys pulled a win against Brooke Point 26-6 and still have a chance to go into the playoffs.

V Volleyball improves

BY TAYLOR SUTHERLAND Staff Writer

Look out below!: The varsity volleyball team keeps their head up during their tough season.

India Johnson gets ready to return the ball during the regular season. Photo by Shannon Cooke

The volleyball team has reached their half waypoint through the season with goals reached and some, which the team still hopes to achieve.

“We have definitely improved as a team and as individuals but our record doesn’t show how much we have improved all together,” junior Dana Lee said.

They have won two games against Hylton and Brooke Point High School so far this season.

“We have won only two games so far but every other game we have played has always been really close and we keep up with the teams,” senior

Katelyn Gudyka said. “We are ready to come back and bring it the next time we play each team this second half of the season.”

Since Orange County High School has joined our district, the volleyball team has to work extra hard to compete with the new district team.

“When I found out that Orange County got added to our district I really didn’t mind until I found out how far away it was,” sophomore India Kithcart said. “At least it isn’t as far away as Riverbend High School is though.”

On September 27th, the varsity volleyball team traveled to Franklin County.

It took the team about

four hours to get there for a daylong and overnight volleyball tournament.

“We could’ve and should’ve won the tournament, but with the little mistakes that we made, we could only head back home and work on the mistakes during practice and get better from them,” Kithcart said.

They ended up winning one out of the three games they played but went home with a lot of skills to work and improve on for the games that count.

“We have taken our practices to the next level and we have realized that how we practice is how we end up playing in our next game,” senior Lindsay LaFratta said.

JV volleyball bonds as family strives to win

BY REID MURPHY Staff Writer These young athletes know what they want.

It can be clearly seen in their eyes. They want nothing less than to win, and that attitude shows in the toughness with which they play.

The JV volleyball team has practiced hard to improve off of a one -win season. They have won two of their 14 games so far, with three games left that can help them propel even more under the leadership of first year coach Seth Bixler.

“We struggled at the beginning because so many players are brand new to the team,” Bixler said. “But we have definitely improved as we have gone along and as our players have learned more.”

Bixler is very proud of his team that originally consisted of 13 play-

ers, but is now down to 11 due to injuries. The team is a wide mixture of sophomores and freshmen with many of the freshmen not having any previous experience in volleyball.

“We didn’t have volleyball in middle school,” freshmen Olivia Jefferies said. “I just thought it was a cool sport and would be fun to try something new.”

Jefferies prepared hard and extensively to make the team including doing camps, clinics, and the team conditioning.

Sophomore players on the team have greatly helped mentor the freshmen players, along with trying to improve upon themselves.

“I actually love the practices,” sophomore Heather Wilson said. “It really helps me work on my skills and get better.”

The practices started the second week of Au-

gust with many players having to learn the sport completely.

“At the beginning, girls literally had to be taught the basics of having to play this game,” Bixler said. “But all the one-on-one teaching has really helped the team in the long run.”

Since those first practices, the team has been able to focus more on

team-oriented drills and scrimmages, which have been helping the team turn progress into wins.

“We have definitely improved over the past few weeks,” Jefferies said.

While the team has strived to improve upon themselves, they have had their share of challenging battles.

“There have been some really challenging games,” Wilson said.

“But I don’t think they were so tough that we couldn’t pull off a win.”

That is one of the few things that Bixler plans to have the team improve upon for next year.

“We can definitely pull off wins,” Bixler said. “Now that we have the harder earned skills

and toughness, we have the ability to be more successful.

And while these challenging games have helped the team learn their mistakes and improve upon them, they have also brought the girls closer together especially their first win against Brooke Point where after falling behind on their lead, rallied together to take the win.

“The Brooke Point game was very tough,” Bixler said. “But I was so proud and impressed by how the girls came together and put true focus into winning.”

All of the players have come together as more of a family, and even help

their own confidence.

“I’ve made so many friends through this team,” Wilson said. “Plus it has helped me open up more since I used to be really quiet.

JV/ freshman football teams fight difficult seasons

BY CHRIS MCMILLEN foot forward.

Section Editor This year freshmen football team went 2-3-2.

Both the freshmen “We are playing well and JV football teams even though we’re not have worked hard this winning,” freshmen Colt season.

Steigerwald said. “But Although there were not as well as I think we some disappointing lossshould be playing.” es, the team came togethThe team lost their last er to play as a solid team game to Brooke Point in a and always put their best hard fought game.

Junior varsity has gone 3-5 so far this season. The team’s season is also almost over.

“I think our season has been somewhat successful,” Ethan Hughart said.

“I think we lost focus in some games, but if we had that focus we could easily only have one or two losses.”

JV’s next game is on Monday against Colonial Forge. They hope to win that game to finish the season close to a .500 record.

The team united this year and played with all of the strength they had.

With the varsity football team during farely well this season, they knew

they had to step up their game as well.

The team was able to work as a team rather than just individuals like most of their opponents despite the freshman getting used to playing at a high school level.

They hope to take away hardwork and dedicated players guarantee a

winning season.

The players hope to follow in the footsteps of the seniors to make it on the varsity team next year.

Even through, the various struggles all the football teams went through, it’s apparent that students and faculity still support and take pride in the teams.

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www.staffordsmokesignal.com

Issue 4, Nov. 2, 2011

Sp o r t s C e l ebrate



Proud of their boys: The seniors of the varsity football game line up along the track at the Homecoming game with their parents. The athletes were each given a single yellow rose to give to one of their escorts. Senior night is a memorable night for both the senior athletes and their parents. Photo by Emily Pearce

BY AUSTIN ENFINGER Staff Writer As the season comes to an end, the seniors of Stafford’s football team recall the time they’ve spent with the team.

“Beating Forge,” was the answer seniors Ricky Martin, Quinton Fogle, and Adam Pruitt gave as their favorite memory.

Others, like senior Justin Crabbe, said that they enjoyed being at practice with their team and family.

At the beginning of the year,

Photo by Emily Pearc e

Sammy Krejdovsky

BY SHANNON COOKE Photo Editor The students and teachers who walk the halls of Stafford cannot help but notice the remarkable level of spirit and pride shown by the cheerleaders. The traditions that have been made and kept throughout the years make the senior cheerleaders closer than ever.

At the Homecoming

FOOTBALL

the seniors set goals that they hoped for the team to accomplish throughout the season.

Among those goals was getting revenge on Forge, which they achieved in week five with a victory of 24-14.

Other goals they wished to achieve this year were to work as a family and for everyone to have good sportsmanship.

Photo by Emily Pearc e

Madison Ritchey

game, the seniors on the cheer team will be honored and celebrated for their years of participation. Seniors Olivia Shaffer, Madison Ritchey, Sammy Krejdovsky, Miranda Pepe, and Taylor Campbell will close their final season full of great memories.

“My favorite memory of cheer is winning districts the past few years,” said Ritchey, “It’s definitely the greatest feeling

“The seniors had to be leaders and help the underclassman,” Martin said. Working hard at practice helps make the rest of team better and the seniors had rivalries to see who was the better player.

“I always enjoy facing Robert Beckwith,” said Fogle.

The two would face off each day at practice, and by compet-

Photo by Winterberry Portrait

Olivia Shaffer

ing they each helped to make the other a better player.

Before the homecoming game the seniors celebrated senior night. The tradition was to walk down with their parents to get ready for the last home game.

Joey Sorrentino, a senior who was injured in the game against North Stafford, went

Photo by Winterberry Portrait

Taylor Campbell

Cheer

in the world.”

There’s no denying the accomplishments of the cheer team. When they achieved their fourth consecutive district title this year, the team called their win a “four-peat.”

Pumping up the crowd: Senior Miranda Pepe leads the varsity cheer team in inspiring the crowd during the Homecoming game.

Despite the cold and rainy weather, the cheerleaders remained uplifting and positive. Photo

by Emily Pearce

The win at the district competition is the best way to end the already successful few years these girls have had with the team.

Shaffer and Krejdovsky have been a part

to the game with his family to celebrate senior night.

The team faced Brooke Point last Friday night for the homecoming game. Brooke Point was the last of the three teams that Stafford students referred to as ‘murderers row’, the other two being Mountain View and North Stafford.

Stafford lost to Mt. View and North Stafford but beat Brooke Point 26 – 6 at the Homecoming game giving them a shot at the playoffs depending on the other teams win/loss record.

Photo by Emily Pearc e

of varsity cheer since their freshman year.

“Sammy and I have grown together and I can’t believe we’re finally seniors,” Shaffer said.

The girls have senior sleepovers in which they make gifts and plan events for the entire team.

“Being leaders together has really brought us closer,” said Krejdovsky.

All of the seniors hope to participate in com-

Miranda Pepe

petitive cheer in college.

Ritchey was recently accepted to University of Louisville and hopes to cheer there.

“They have a really great cheerleading program,” Ritchey said, “I really hope I make it.”

Whether or not they compete competitively in college, the motivation and leadership skills gained from being a part of Stafford Cheer will stay with them.

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Stafford High School

BY EMILY BYERS Copy Editor While most of the students in school are enjoying their long sum-

mer days, the Stafford field hockey team is up early Aug. 1, ready for conditioning. Their old teammates have gone off to college and the new seniors have to step up.

Erin Gallivan

9 Issue 4, Nov. 2, 2011

Sarah French, Sam Heflin, Erin Gallivan, Emily Rafferty, Ella Colebaugh and Brooke Scruggs have remained dedicated to the team especially as they enter their senior year.

“Seniors are expected to lead the team,” Heflin said.

The seniors are held to an even higher standard. As the leaders of the team, they become the example that is set for the rest of the team.

The girls reflected on their years on the team.

“Going to states last year is definitely one of my favorite memories,” captain French said.

“Summer conditioning and those runs on the end line will always be something I remember.”

French has been on the varsity team since freshman year. She plans to play club field hockey at whatever school she attends.

“I’ll miss the bonds the most,” captain Heflin said. “I knew that if I had a bad day, my hockey sisters would always be there to help pick me back up.”

Heflin has played varsity all four years. In college, she plans to try out for a club team.

“Believe it or not, It will be hard waking up

Sarah French

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August 1 and not being on the end line [with] all my girls on either side of me,” captain Gallivan said.

Gallivan has been on varsity for all four years.

She will be attending JMU on a field hockey scholarship.

“I will miss my teammates the most,” Rafferty said.

Rafferty has been on the team all four years.

Her plans to play after high school are still up in the air. “[Senior night was] retrospective and reminiscent,” Gallivan said.

“You think about all the years of SHS hockey and

realize it’s ending soon.

It’s sad, but you feel so appreciated.”

The underclassmen honored their seniors during their last regular season game. They put a lot of work into making senior night special.

They gave each one of them Build-A-Bears, flowers and presents.

They also decorated the field.

Although the seniors do not want to leave their field hockey sisters, they will carry the memories and skills on with them to bigger and better things.

Sam Heflin

Brooke Scruggs Emily Rafferty Ella Colebaugh

BY REBEKAH KIM Online Editor For the four seniors on the varsity dance team, the Homecoming game will be a substantial event, because they will be able to walk across the football field, symbolizing an end to their last high school sports year.

“I am going to walk with my family, and try to have as much fun as possible,” senior Jasma

BY KATHRYN LENOX Copy Editor Although the end of the school year is far from over, the reality of leaving high school behind is already setting in for some seniors as the fall sports season ends and seniors play with there teammates for the last time in their high school career.

This reality set in for volleyball seniors Julie Allard, Lindsay LaFratta and Katelyn Gudyka on Oct. 25 when they were honored by teammates at their last home game for senior night.

“I love senior night,” Allard said. “It’s a lot of fun, but a little sad knowing it’s our last game. I cried during it” For senior night, the team followed the tradition of making banners while the seniors went out to eat. When the seniors returned they re-

Oglesby said. “I will miss it as soon as I graduate high school.”

The senior dancers all admit that they will miss the dance team after the season is over. It will be a big adjustment after all the years of practicing with the team for games and competitions.

“I will miss being on the team with all of my dance girls,” senior Dayton Smith said. “I will just miss dancing, period.”

The dance team, like

ceived flowers, balloons and a blanket from their coaches. Their parents walked them out onto the court and their teammates read something they wrote about them.

“Jordan Rosenthal talked about how much she’s going to miss me and how much I’ve helped her,” Allard said.

“We all went to ChickFil-A and Lindsay gave us a collage of pictures of us playing, Katelyn gave us pillowpets and I gave them a volleyball that I had the whole team sign.”

As the seniors leave, they pass on advice to their underclassmen teammates.

“The things I’ve learned while playing volleyball that my teammates can learn from are to always come to practice with a positive attitude,” LaFratta said. “Also, come ready to work hard and give it your all and never give

many other Stafford sports teams, is a family, not just a team. The seniors look back at their dancing memories with fondness.

“From late night practices and Saturday practices to competitions, we

have just bonded like a big family,” senior Renee Orange said. “And I’m going to spend time with the rest of the girls while I can.”

Varsity dance coach Sue Abel shared in the teams love and passion

for dance.

“The seniors have been there for the underclassman girls to vent and ask questions,” Abel said.

There have been several times when senior dancers from Stafford have gone on to participate in college.

“Stephanie Jennings, Class of 2005, and Rachel Foglesong, Class of 2007, both became successful college dancers,” Abel said. “Carrie Abel,

Class of 2003 and my daughter, went to college for dance and came back to teach as a junior varsity coach.”

The underclassman also must adjust to the sudden change.

“I will miss dancing with them the most because we’re so close and just like sisters to each other,” junior Brittany Saleh said. “It’s just going to be so much different and difficult without them.”

up.”

They also take with them many memories from their years of playing on the team.

“There are lots of memories,” Gudyka said.

“The thing I’m always going to remember is my last game because I knew I was playing my hardJulie Allard Lindsay LaFratta Katelyn Gudyka est.”

Although the seniors will no longer be playing volleyball in high school, they plan on continuing the sport in college, some at the club level and some just for fun.

“I don’t know exactly what level I’m going to play at, but I’m definitely going to play, hopefully at UVA,” Gudyka said.

Senior night was bittersweet for the seniors, but they still wish the best for their teammates.

Allard said, “I felt special and it is sad leaving the team, but I wish everyone the best of luck for next year.”

Proud seniors: Before their close match against Massaponnax, Katelyn Gudyka, Julie Allard, and Lindsay Lafratta received balloons and flowers from the rest of the team. Photos by Taylor Sutherland

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Hammen sings at Kennedy Center KRISTINA VARELA Staff Writer

Star smiles! After her performance, junior Temple Hammen stops to take a photo with Forrest Parker, Boys & Girls club regional director. Hammen went on to win the competition earning $1000 and invitations to several events. By Hammens

Singing her way to the big stage, junior, Temple Hammen won first place in Icon 11, recently by singing a jazzy version of the classic “Somewhere over the Rainbow.”

Temple won a $1,000 scholarship that she will be putting toward college and an invitation to the Women’s Leadership Gala dinner and Red Carpet Event.

“I got picked up by a limo and driven around the whole day.

They paid for everything, even my dress!” Hammen said. “They called it ‘Star Treatment’”.

The competition is similar to American Idol and America’s Got Talent in the sense that it has all types of talents and multiple stages contestants have to go through to get to the final. Nine other finalists competed at the Kennedy Center with Temple.

“It was amazing,” said Temple’s father, Bill Hammen. “I knew she’d win because she is an excellent singer and no one could compete with her. I’m happy and excited for her.”

Having never entered a competition of this caliber, Hammen’s experience in Chamber Singers, drama, Jazz Band and working at

Bailey wins contests

people would not believe that if they knew the amount of titles that she has won. Winning six titles in a pageant can be a positive ego and confidence booster.

“I’ve come pretty far because I came in as a girl who was really shy about being in front of a big group of people, to this social butterfly who can tell you every little rule in the world of pageantry,” said Bailey.

Ultimately, pageantry can work wonders on someone’s personality as Bailey explained. Some incentives are getting to wear beautiful gowns, makeup and feeling beautiful.

“I love being able to show off my true personality on stage to everyone who is willing to watch. I want to show off my gown, face, and body and be an entertainer,” said Bailey.

At the end of it all, winning a pageant is what it all boils down to. Bailey describes the feeling of winning as a big accomplishment that someone else sees how hard you have worked.

“Seeing your inner and outer beauty,” said Stafford High Beauty: Junior Skyla Baily poses after winning one of her many contests Bailey. “I feel most hapBailey was crowned Miss Fredericksburg Teen USA. Bailey enjoys py because I feel like I participating in contests and loves the idea of winning. am making my family

BY MORIAH also a bad thing because proud of me. As soon as BRISCOE some people can see they place the crown on Staff Writer you as an ambitious girl my head I instantly get a Junior Skyla Jean Bailey but also as a girl who glowing affect and smile has been doing pageants thinks highly of herself,” from ear to ear, even cry for about a year now. said Bailey, who believes a little.”

Pageantry can open The TLC show can cast a that girls that compete bad image upon ‘pagin pageants don’t need a lot of opportunities, eant girls’ as spoiled and thousand dollar dress- ones that Bailey enjoys, bratty, but Bailey is not. es, or have to be rich to like meeting new pageant girls from all over “I’m proud to be a compete in pageants. pageant girl, I think it Bailey has just be- Virginia and the United means a good thing and gun doing pageants, but States.

Riverside Dinner Theater for two years helped her prepare.

“I absolutely love performing.

I try every chance I get,” Hammen said.

After winning the competition the top five performers were given the chance to attend the Women’s Leadership Gala dinner and perform.

Temple got several offers and opportunities at the Gala to perform at some other parties and

events.

“I get paid for doing shows, but I would do it for free!” she said.

On the stage at the Gala Temple was the most recent but certainly not last performance.

“I am definitely doing this after high school, it’s no question” Hammen said. “It’s absolutely my life and it will be my career. I think God has so much more in store for me and I can’t wait to see what is up ahead.”

Over the rainbow: the audience looks on as junior Temple Hammen performs a jazzy rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Hammen was one of 9 contestants to perform at the Kennedy Center for the competition. Photo submitted by the Hammen family

Model UN prepares for year, strives for regional model UN Ryan Thompson Staff Writer The Stafford high school Model UN club will begin preparing for their upcoming conference starting Nov. 7. The purpose of the club is to show students how the real United Nations functions. Some of the activities include debates, simulated sessions, and, trips to conferences to meet other model UN groups.

“Like a mock congress, we simulate United Nations committee and general assembly meetings,”

sponsor Mr. Harding said.

One of the other sponsors Mrs. Purnell has previously been to several conferences throughout her time with the model UN, including a trip to Boston and even to the real UN in New York.

“Our goal is to go to a regional model UN at UNC Chapel Hill,” Purnell said.

The model UN meets about once a month and will be meeting more frequently as their competitions draw nearer.

In the meetings students practice debates

and learn how the competitions will be conducted.

“We prepare the future leaders of our global community to create constructive solutions to world problems through diplomacy, peace, and humanitarian missions,” Harding said.

The club meets about once a month and is open to all who are interested in politics, world affairs and debate.

“I would like for many young people to come and participate in debates,” Purnell said.

Dirtbiking costs time, money but fun

BY BRAD ELMORE Staff Writer Off road terrain sporting has come into its own at Stafford. Many students participate in the extreme sport, from their backyards to major tournaments.

A collective group of students have taken joy to the sport, but a few have put more into it than others.

“I like the adrenaline rush,” sophomore Brian Stroschine said.

Most students like dirt biking because they feel amazing when they do it “I like the adrenaline rush,” Stroschine said. Stroschine owns a 1994 CR125 and likes to ride in his backyard trail and has been doing so for two years.

Sophomore Brandon Hulsey on the other hand, has been doing it for five years and rides a 2002 CR80.

Others get into dirt biking for more than what they see on TV. “I think it was everybody around me, and I had a fast one,” senior Michael Bowling said. Bowling rides a TRX400EX. Bowling races at VXCS, and the turn out of every event is positive.

“VXCS is usually about 100 people every event,” Bowling said Although dirt biking is fun, there are associated dangers. They scale from minor wounds like bruises or scratches, up to full on accidents.

“I got a hole in my knee from the peg of the bike,” Strochine said.

“I almost died jumping over a hill into a lake,” Bowling said.

Even competitors with five years plus have had major injuries.

“I had a concussion and a broken wrist,” junior Dalton Bayse said.

Off road sporting is collectively a costly habit. The bikes range from $1,250, to upwards of $8,000!

“It’s an extremely expensive habit,” Hulsey said.

Off road sporting can be done year round, depending on the weather. For the most part, people like to either ride on the weekends or whenever they have free time.

Wheelin’: While on the course, senior Michael Bowling does a jum on his dirt bike. The sport has the participant drive special vehicles that are equipped for off road terrain, and pits the participant against other competitor to see who comes out on top in various events. Dirtbiking has gained popularity among male students over the years. Photo by Brad Elmore

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Treehouse lets teens relax safely

Lay back at the Lounge: Teens come to the Treehouse Lounge in seach of fun and relaxation. The club hosts theme nights, the most popular being ‘dance night’ on Friday and Saturday nights. Many teens attended the grand opening on Sept. 24., although the turn out was less than general manager Ryan Bullock hoped for that night. Photo by Sarah Shearer

BY SARAH SHEARER Staff Writer

The Tree House Lounge is a new, safe place for teenagers to relax and have a good time.

Teens complain how there is nothing to do in Fredericksburg, and that is why general manager Ryan Bullock opened the lounge.

“I wanted to open a place where kids can come and hang out and parents feel comfortable about it at the same time,” Bullock said.

TreeHouse Lounge located on Plank Road

before Central Park had its grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011.

Around 75+ people attended the event, but it wasn’t as many as Bullock was expecting.

“The place actually seemed pretty cool and had a good atmosphere, but there was nobody there,” junior RC Stephens said. “If there would have been more people I think I would have had a better time.”

The theme resembles a tropical rainforest with jungle like sound effects, low lying fog, and accent lighting.

“The atmosphere is really awesome and it’s baffling to see not as many kids coming as we had expected,” employee Drew Shrope said. “Because we are giving kids what they asked for, I don’t understand why they aren’t coming in.

Maybe it’s a lack of advertisement that we need to work on.”

TreeHouse Lounge is exclusively underage only on Fridays and Saturdays to 16 through 20 year olds.

“The owner and his father are very close within our family and we

were able to see his progress made over the summer

“I think it’ll be a great hit because it is the only ‘teen club’ in this area that offers dancing, wireless connection, and just a spot to chill. I think that his dedication and hard work will pay off.”

Many are familiar with Aunt Sara’s, which was the restaurant that previously owned the building before running out of business.

“We went on Saturday night and it seemed like RC enjoyed his time inside the lounge,” junior Billy Howell said. “I did find it difficult to find though, we ended up getting lost on 95.”

Every night of the week there is a different theme. Monday is school organization night, Tuesday is Glee night which begins at 7:30 p.m.; seats are on a first come first serve basis.

We d n e s d a y is Karaoke night that starts at 7 p.m. with a $5

Treehouse Lounge: The official logo of the new hot spot in town inspired by a jungle theme.

months,” senior Leland Brooks said.

cover charge, Thursday is college night where students can read, surf

the web, and enjoy food and entertainment.

Then Friday and Saturday is dance night with a $10 cover charge and an age restriction after 8 p.m. that includes 16 to 20 years of age. The dress code is ‘dress to impress’, which is typical club-like attire.

“I enjoy working here,” said Strope. “It’s really neat having music and TV playing and not too much to do, it’s the ideal job.”

Not only is the TreeHouse Lounge a club on the weekends, it is also a restaurant. They sell food such as cheese fries, corndogs, pizza, macaroni & cheese, milkshakes and a special brownie explosion.

“I feel as though there has been a bit of confusion,” said Bullock. “The TreeHouse Lounge is well known for being a ‘club’; however this is a common misconception because it is only a dance night on Fridays and Saturdays after eight. During the week anyone and everyone can come in and enjoy everything we have to offer.”

There are high hopes for The TreeHouse Lounge that word will spread and have a better outcome, making the Treehouse lounge a greater success than it already is.

Bloomsburg Book Galore: Sponser Margaret Bridges’ granddaughter, Rose, poses with just some of the 1,000+ books that were collected from students and staff. The drive was held for two weeks earlier this school year, giving students an opportunity to donate. Photo submitted by Margaret Bridges.

History students step Bloomsburg book drive into colonial leader shoes

BY LELAND BROOKS AND MEGAN HUMPHREY Editor and Staff Writer

In order to give back to the community, Key Club held a book drive that was open to everyone, in order to help the flood victims in Bloomsburg, PA this October.

“My daughter was volunteering in the elementary school library and overheard a boy speaking about how he lost all of his childhood books in the flood,” sponser Margaret Bridges said. “Because of this, my daughter decided to have a book drive for all

the affected children. She contacted me, as well as a couple professors at VCU, about participating in a book drive.”

Bloomsburg was recently flooded due to tropical storm Lee, which hit the town in early September, and the residents lost most of their possessions.

Supervisor Margaret Bridges’ daughter, Jennifer, lives in Bloomsburg.

She noticed the local elementary students were distraught over the disaster, and her own seventh grade daughter, Rose, decided to do a book drive to replace the books that were lost.

Along with Bridges’ granddaughter, many other middle school children would check out books and clean them up if it was necessary.

“My daughter posted on Facebook after the drive was finished saying how excited she was that so many people were involved,” Bridges said.

Over two-thirds of the books came from Stafford students and staff. This was the first and only time Key Club will do the book drive, although it did turn out to be a great success after more than 1,000 books were collected.

2011-2012 FBLA OFFICERS

From left to right: Dylan Porter, president; Shane Van Hoy, vice president; Camille Reid, secretary;Taylor Campbell, treasurer; Shone DiPaula, reporter; Mikey Rynders, historian; Alexis Cosner, parliamentarian

2011-2012 FEA OFFICERS

Back row: Shannon Cooke, historian; Julie Allard, treasurer; Kathryn Lenox, secretary Front row: Toni Sorrentino, vice president; Emily Griffin, president

BY MOLLY PODLESNY Editor The British came.

Friday, October 21, teacher Kristen Brady’s second block AP U.S. History class held a debate about colonial independence.

Students dressed up as colonists and Parliament members and discussed the cause of freedom.

Brady was King George III, the debate moderator. She wore a purple robe, complete with a wig, gold chain and bowl of grapes.

The students sat on opposite sides of the room, under the titles “Friends of King George III,” and “Delinquents of Treason.”

The students were required to write a resume for the person they played, in addition to having note cards prepared with quotations by their person.

Brady hoped the debate would help her stu-

dents learn information in a more hands-on way.

“It’s a good way for them to learn to analyze primary sources, and to be able to use them in context,” she said.

Included historical characters were George Grenville, Patrick Henry, Lord Dartmouth, Thomas Paine, John Adams, Samuel Adams, Lord North, Charles Townshend, Thomas Jefferson, Joseph Galloway, Stephen Hopkins and Thomas Hutchinson.

“The only character I really wish we could have had was George Washington,” Brady said.

A podium was used for the role of the first president instead.

Junior Morgan Winkler’s character was Patrick Henry.

“I ended up staying up until 4 a.m. the night before doing research, but it was worth it,” Winkler said. “I felt comfortable enough with my character that I was able to improvise a lot off of what other people had

said.”

Other students prepared differently. Junior Matt Coyne owns a video series on his character, John Adams, and was able to watch that.

“I chose John Adams not just because we had recently done a presidential profile on him, or because I had the series but because he was known as a man of integrity and I really want to become like that,” Coyne said.

The outcome of the debate was not officially decided, however, most students concurred that the “Delinquents of Treason” won.

“The colonists definitely won,” junior Harper Lovegrove said.

“George Grenville was the only Brit that said anything….Morgan Winkler made some good points for the colonists, along with George Washington.”

The next topic the class will debate on will most likely be slavery.

2011-2012 SKILLS USA OFFICERS

From left to right: Nicholas Starosta, Vice Pres. (Drafting); Christian Wiskur, Treasurer (Drafting); Dana Henderson, President (Drafitng); Walter Pfau, Secretary (Masonry) and John Brascher, Reporter (Drafitng).

12

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Stafford Celebrates Homecoming Issue 4, Nov. 2, 2011

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Brooke Scruggs, escorted by John Reed. Photo by Emily Pearce

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Stafford High School

14 Issue 4, Nov. 2, 2011

student life www.staffordsmokesignal.com

Students use past expieriences with bullying to help others

By Dani Raymond Page Editor Senior Kyle Clyde and Sophomore Kenna Dickard are turning their experiences with bullying into something positive to help others.

“I find bullying to be absolutely heart breaking,” Clyde said. “I used to be bullied a lot in middle school by my own ‘friends’. I just don’t want any other kid to have to go through being bullied and harassed.”

Over the summer, the two decided to stand up to bullying by coming up with Project ACB (Anti Cyber Bullying) and creating their own website, invisibleimpact. com, which displays wellresearched truths about bullying.

“I want to reverse the mindset of bullying,” Dickard said. “Some people think it’s funny and joke about bullying without realizing or caring that they are hurting people. It’s important to get information out and to connect to people.”

Invisible Impact: Clyde and Dickard created Project ACB after their own expieriences with bullying. Their goal is to help prevent and deal with bullying. Their website offers tips and facts to handle bullying. Photo by Sue Gill

Dickard was invited to attend The National Conference for Safe and Drug Free Schools and the National Bullying Summit where she was able to gain more knowledge.

“It was a great opportunity to meet people who cared about the cause,” Dickard said. “I was able

to meet actors and actresses from Switched at Birth was able to learn things that can help the website.”

To start up Project ACB, Dickard and Clyde received help from their community.

Riverside Counseling Center donated $100 to produce

business cards, sample tshirts, and to maintain of the website.

They also received help from Rachel Sherman, Learn and Serve teacher.

“I was really impressed by the enthusiasm Kyle and Kenna had for the ideas as well as the preparation they had already

put into the project,” Sherman said. “They came to me with knowledge of bullying and its impact, ideas for how they could help students with stopping bullying, and even a t-shirt and business card.

I feel honored to be able to help Project ACB be successful.”

It wasn’t long before

GROUP SUPPORTS ANTI-BULLYING

BY NICK HUDSON Staff Writer Rise Against, a punk rock band formed in 1999, is aiding in the fight to prevent bullying. Tim Mcllrath, lead vocalist, and activist visited his old high school to shoot the video “Make it Stop (Septembers Children).”

The music video shows three outcast teenagers pushed towards suicide. “It Gets Better,” is a program made for young people who are feeling tormented, or bullied.

The video was made for this program.

Mcllrath himself was bullied due to a health condition called Heterochromia Iridium, causing his eyes to be two different colors. The bullying became so extreme that Mcllrath considered the option of suicide.

Along with other stars, and hundreds of everyday people around the world, Mcllarth submitted videos about how things can and will get better.

Project ACB formed into something bigger than a website. Project ACB is also being turned into a club for students to share their support and stories.

“We think no kid should ever have to go through this,” Clyde said.

“So, we came up with this club to get the word out and talk to preteens, kids, and teens about how terrible bullying and cyber bullying really is.”

Support for AntiBullying projects spread from the student body to teachers. Dickard and Clyde gave a presentation to principal Joe Lewis that they also want to present to younger kids.

“I think any effort to stop and prevent bullying from taking place has to come from students, much more so than adults,” said Lewis. “I applaud their initiative and I will support them in whatever way I can.”

Clyde and Dickard are using their resources and website and are aiming for positive results.

“It’s more than a club,” Dickard said. “We’re changing lives.”

Did you know?

(Taken from invisibleimpact.com)

Rise Against songs have been known for touching on various topics. Songs such as “Make it Stop” and “Hero of War” spread the message

of world peace and stopping the war. The song “Help is on the Way” was released after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

By joining in the bat-

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

tle against bullying, Rise Against hopes to make a difference by helping teenagers realizing that suicide is not the answer.

•

Other recent bullying statistics reveal that 54 percent of students reported that witnessing physical abuse at home can lead to violence in school.

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Among students of all ages, homicide perpetrators were found to be twice as likely as homicide victims to have been bullied previously by their peers.

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There are about 282,000 students that are reportedly attacked in high schools throughout the nation each month.

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One out of every 10 students drops out or changes schools because of repeated bullying.

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One out of every 20 students has seen a student with a gun at school.

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Some of the top years for bullying include 4th through 8th graders in which 90 percent were reported as victims of some kind of bullying.

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There are about 160,000 children that miss school every day out of fear of being bullied.

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Teen suicide has raised 50% in the last 30 years

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1/2 teen and child suicides are result of bully related depression, that’s 2,200 bully related deaths every year.

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Stafford High School

The Stafford Players Present:

15

spotlight

A Fable

Issue 12, March 23, 2011

www.staffordsmokesignal.com

Joining together at center stage: The cast unites in the middle of the stage during the one act play to perform a song together. The costumes worn were designed to resemble the Old English period. Photo courtesy of Laura Swites

Belt it out: Senior Ragon Dickard takes the stage.

Photo courtesy of Laura Swites

All against one: During the play, the cast was twisting and contorting their bodies to be dynamic props, and to add to the dramatic and theatrical play. The set and costumes for the one act play, A Fable, added to the authenticity and drama of the performance. Photo courtesy of Laura Swites

Sing it loud: Senior Chrissy Johnson performs. Photo courtesy of Laura Swites

Caught up in the act: The cast surrounded the characters covered in netting. Photo courtesy of Laura Swites

A large cast: The actors took advantage of their numbers by sometimes acting like props. Photo courtesy of Laura Swites

A brighter outlook: The cast sings along in the background to support the leads. Photo courtesy of Laura Swites

Staying in character: The actors im- Help to fade the pain: The characters solemnly sit at center pressed and entertained the audience. stage, consoling eachother. Photo courtesy of Laura Swites Photo courtesy of Laura Swites

COMING SOON

THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD

The Solve-It-Yourself Musical Murder Mystery Thursday, Friday & Saturday, December 8, 9 & 10 at 7pm $7 Students $10 Adults

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Stafford High School

16 Issue 4, Nov. 2, 2011

Lurking from the woods: Many scarers were covered in face blood and elaborate makeup. Photo by Eric Stapleton

spotlight www.staffordsmokesignal.com

Creepy crawler: The Aimee Trail was decorated with spiders and other Halloween decorations for the event. Photo by Eric Stapleton

The walking dead: Volunteering for NHS, junior Cori The Day of the Dead: Rather than jumping out and Pumpkin face: Participants were free to be creative Hailey wore scary makeup and dress, frightening all scaring the peope who walked by, many students and wild with their costumes and masks. Photo by who passed by her. Photo by Eric Stapleton “played dead.” Photo by Eric Stapleton Eric Stapleton

Light up the night: Senior Dylan Morton illuminated the night sky with a red lightsabre. Morton was dressed as a character from the movie “Star Wars.” Photo by Eric Stapleton

Indians take over the forest: Dressed in Indian dresses, Juniors Caitlyn Larrabee and Mia Romero run throughout the trail. Many different costumes were worn in the event. Photo by Eric Stapleton

Playing Dead: While the participants walk the Aimee Trail, senior Danny Strock silently waits to jump out and scare all who pass him. Students from different school organizations helped with the Haunted Hike, making it a great success. Photo by Eric Stapleton

Haunted Hike

BY ASHLEIGH POWELL

Business Manager

Link Crew held their first annual Fall Festival last Saturday, Oct. 22.

With the help from other clubs, they were able to incorporate a variety of booths and activities as well as a haunted trail.

Mr. Middleton, one of the Link Crew advisors, sent out e-mails to other clubs asking them to partake in their fall event.

“Mrs. Martin and I were bouncers,” said GAP Coordinator, Virtual VA Mentor Helga Purnel. “We were to make sure no one entered without a stamp. Every generation I asked, from toddler to adults, said they enjoyed it.”

Link Crew, Interact Club, Learn and Serve, Journalism, Key Club, Japanese Club, Art

Club, NHS members, and JROTC all helped bring the festival together. Each was responsible for their own booth or activity.

The event was held

from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., costing $7 for adults, $5 for students, and $3 for kids.

“The booths and activities were set up out-

side the cafeteria,” said Link Crew commissioner, senior Morgan Iannazzo. “We had karaoke, face painting, cupcake decorating, chalk art for little kids, and concessions.”

The clubs also helped put together a haunted trail. The trail started with the trunk-or-treating, provided by Journalism students. Five students from Journalism decorated the trunks of their cars with miscellaneous items such as spider webs and lights.

The students also dressed up to accompany their trunks in different Halloween costumes like zombies, prisoners, and witches. The participants walked from car to car to receive candy, toys, and other treats.

The trail started at the baseball

field, went through the cross country track, and ended at the football practice field. Members from different clubs dressed up in costumes and wore makeup resembling masks. They hid throughout the trail and jumped out and scared people walking by.

“I was there for NHS as a part of the scaring team,” senior Paige Bugg said. “I would pick out groups of girls and try to scare them. It was pretty fun.”

The event was similar to the popular Halloween Haunt held yearly at King’s Dominion. However, the Haunted Hike is an inexpensive and convenient alternative.

It also supported a great cause.

The festival gave money to the Susan G. Komen foundation for breast cancer. This foun-

dation is dedicated to education and research about causes, treatments and the search for a cure.

It is the most widely known, largest and bestfunded breast cancer organization in the U.S. “I really like that it gave money to an important organization,” Purnel said. “It was a great community outreach and I am glad that I was a part of it.”

The Fall Festival united some of Stafford’s biggest clubs and raised money for a great cause.

All clubs that participated saw the event as a success and hope to participate in a similar event next year. This Link Crew event has the potential to become a yearly Stafford tradition.

Also contributing to this story are Russ Kaus, Karri Chestnut, and Shannon Cooke