Issue 7, Dec. 7, 2011 The Smoke Signal

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the smoke signal the

Stafford High School

Stafford High School

Volume 67. Issue 7 Dec. 7, 2011

1

Issue 12, March 23, 2011

33 Stafford Indian Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22405

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Calendar

Dec. 21-Jan. 3 Winter Break Dec. 8, 9, 10 Mystery of Edwin Drood Dec. 22-3 Jan. Winter break weather Dec 7 - 14 High: 57 F Low: 29F Dec. 15-22 High: 48 F Low: 27F

countdown

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Seniors Chrissy Johnson, Kendall Khan, junior Theron Duitsman and sophomore Lindsay Earnhardt practice in a full dress rehearsal for their performance on Dec. 8-10 of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the unfinished Charles Dickens story that the audience decides.

Dicken’s play offered

BY TORI SANTIAGOTROUTMAN Staff Writer

The drama department has worked long in days until GRADUATION hard in preparation for the premiere of their winter musical, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” on Dec. 8. The pressure has been

7

days until

25 days until 2012

18 days until Christmas

what’s hot Winter Holiday Cold weather Basketball Edwin Drood Christmas shopping Christmas lights Times Square on New Year’s Eve

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

high, but the cast and crew are excited overall.

“It has been so much fun,” junior Hannah Oltman. “The play is really exciting to do because of the format that it’s in and I really like the songs that are in it.”

The solve-it-yourself

murder-mystery brings in the audience as the detectives, with characters of the ensemble interacting with the audience members as they place themselves in seventeenth century London.

“At the beginning of the show, I interact with

the audience members,” junior Eric Rhodes said.

“By the end of the play, they get to pick the ending themselves.”

The play is based off of Charles Dickens’ last unfinished novel, leaving the ending up to interpretation. The musical, written

by Rupert Holmes, first premiered in August 1985 at the New York Shakespeare Festival.

“It’s an unique experience,” junior Patrick Siegmund said. “I think the

See PLAY on page 12

Classroom trailers working out well

BY MORIAH BRISCOE Page Editor Earlier this year, in order to accommodate the needs of the surplus number of students, the trailers on the side of the school were built to house the Driver’s Ed and Health classes. The trailers came with the speculation that they may not accommodate all the students who are taking health or driver’s ed, but assistant principal Harry Johnston thinks otherwise.

“Students are getting in and out with no problem, and they have had good behavior so far,” Johnston said.

There are pros and cons of teaching in the trailers versus teaching in a regular classroom.

Having the students successfully learn in modular buildings, which are slightly smaller than the average classroom, would require the cooperation of the students.

“Learning in the trailers hasn’t

Trailers located outside the gym area are easy to access except during rainy days which means running to dodge rain drops or using an umbrella. Photo by Moriah Briscoe

affected my learning much,” sophomore Tamasha Hammond said. “The different environment was easy to adjust to.”

It is roomy enough for 30 kids according to Janet Barham, PE department chair, and she liked that she could look out the two windows and have a nice breeze come in by opening the doors.

“The downfall is rain,” Barham said. “When the kids come

out, I have to open and close the door for them which lets rain in.”

The travel to and from the trailers can be a hassle in rainy or snowy weather during these winter months. Sometimes, overcoats and umbrellas are necessary for the trip.

“As for the teachers, they seem to all be adjusting well and there are no major problems,” Johnson said.

Classrooms with windows are a nice change in comtrast to the windowless main building.

“I like having windows because it’s refreshing to look outside,” sophomore Madie Osleger said. “I especially can’t wait for it to snow.

It’s going to be so pretty and peaceful looking.”

The trailers do not hinder the image of the school or students.

The school can continue to meet the needs of both the students and teachers.

Johnston can safely say that there are no problems and the trailers have been a big success.

PTSA serves teachers dinner on conference night

BY MUHAMAD KHALID Page Editor The Parent Teacher Student Association organized a dinner in the conference room for the teachers who stayed for the parent-teacher conferences on Tuesday, Nov. 29. Open to all teachers, the dinner brought the faculty together for a chance to relax and soTeacher, secretaries and paraprofessionals all enjoyed chilli and cialize before their updessert courtesy of the PTSA brfore Parent Conference Night. coming meetings.

Photo by Muhamad Khalid

Edwin Drood

Basketball

Play begins Dec. 7

Basketball starts with wins

See page 10

See page 8-9

“Part of what we try to do is show appreciation for the teachers, especially on days like today, when they get here at 7 in the morning and don’t leave until 7 at night, so it’s a good day for us to bring in food so they don’t have to leave and come back,” PTSA president Jennifer Bowles said. “And it brings the teachers together for an opportunity to have fun and talk about something other than

work and teaching.”

The PTSA organized the event by email, determining who would bring the dishes and who would help set up the dinner.

They ended up with over 20 dishes and desserts.

“The chili is great,” English teacher Seth Bixler said. “Mr. Middleton is a big fan.”

The PTSA will hold another lunch for the second conference this year.

See DINNER page 2

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DINNER: Teachers enjoyed food, conversation before conferences The departments are usually separated, so it’s nice to set with people from other departments that we don’t see very often,” Bixler said. “It’s nice to just relax, especially on a long day like this.”

The dinner also provided an opportunity for new teachers to learn from other teachers before their first appointments.

“The lunch was definitely a morale booster,” history teacher Ryan Middleton said. “And through our discussions, we get some insight on how to handle certain situations.”

Over the next week, the PTSA will continue their massage sign-up for teachers.

“During the school day, they can sign up to

get a chair massage during their planning period,” Bowles said. “And we’ll provide some cookies, cider, and hot chocolate.”

A big obstacle for the PTSA is funding. “A majority of our money comes from those that join and pay for membership,” Bowles said. “We don’t do many fundraisers because not many high-schoolers would take home a catalog. We also raise money through the talent show, and maybe this year, a ‘Battle of the Bands.’”

As a first year president, Bowles is happy with the lunch’s turnout.

“I’m thrilled. I think our parents really stepped Mark Brunson, Heather Carafiol, Mike rosenbaum, Maddy Booth enoy conversation at one end of the table as Seth Bixler, Sue up,” Bowles said. “We got Gill, Ryan Middleton and Sean Baker talk at the other end. The ladies from the PTSA brought in 14 different kinds of chilli and a great selection of soups soup for the teachers before the conferences. Photo by Muhamad Khalid. and chili.”

Students collected change in first block to help the Thurman Brisben Center with gifts for all. Over $ 100 was collected.

SCA collects coins to benefit Thruman Brisbane Center

BY DANI RAYMOND Page Editor The SCA collected spare change this past on Nov. 30 to go towards the Thurman Brisben Center.

The TBC helps homeless and potentially homeless people who live in the area.

“I like the idea,” said senior B.H. Kim, SCA president. “It helps set up programs and gives an incentive to those in need to get their lives back on track.

Teachers were each given an envelope and asked their first block classes for donations.

Smoke Signal Patrons 2011-2012

Super Sponsor Gyst & Mrs. Jeremiah M. Johnson T. Mark Johnson, MD Tracey Chestnut Teresa Sedlacek Millie Stadelmyer Betty & Rusty Dodd Theresa Puckerin Ann Holland Kellie Ebeling Mark McGraw

Gold Patron Katherine Drumm Paula Chestnut Meg & Dave Bohmke

Shirley Louisor Tony G. Owens Felton Family Lori Yelverton Shila Patel Mr. & Mrs. Dwight Roberson Joseph &Chifang Pelham Silver Patron Mark & Tracey Woodyard Jennette Lock Kimberly Vaughn Mike & Kathy Baker Thomas & Lisa Skeer Coker Orthodon-

tics Dana Stonesifer Cathy Pearce Austin Enfinger Linda Hazelgren Marie Cunningham Heidi Kamei Ashleigh Powell Doreen Brindise Nancy Sorrentino The UPS Store Mariah Erickson Stephen Lisco Steven Mitchell Cindy Knutson Angela Donald Soon Kim Ellie Pare Nick Hudson

Kirstin Whiteside Scott Larson Dr. Gregory Kauffman Beverly Byram Barbara Lampert Don & Linda Thomas Alyssa Sims Adam & Jeri Brown Morgan Silver Elisabeta Ferruku Jillian Weisbeck Patty Fenwick Shannon Coche Barbara Humphrey Todd Nosal John Romarello Nancy & Skip

Brandon Nancy Hames Kay Braun Tyler West Margo & Scott Jones Melanie Sutherland Dan & Judy Dugan Madi Teaster Nicole Reeves Civil Air Patrol Michael & Kelly Walker Moriah Briscoe Mike West Brittni Wright Robert Moore Linda Mixon Emily Griffin

Carl Baker Kaylene Ahlm Debbie Cooke Mildred Reeves Kristina Varela Jessica Turner Rachel Perrine Sue Sherman Ryan Smith Jason Stine Annette Seal Sonja & Blair Scott Jim Green Derek Hayes Judy Mears Maura & Sean McGraw Bruce Phillips Josephine Billingslea

Even the teachers helped raise money, participating in a faculty-wide “Casual for a Cause” day. Teachers paid $5 and wore jeans instead of their usual attire.

“I appreciated the faculty support,” Ms. Bridges, SCA advisor said. “I wish more students had participated.”

An estimation of a few hundred dollars was raised for the TBC. “If each student donated a quarter, we would have raised at least $500,” Bridges said. “I appreciate those who came out to help.”

Emily Byers Austin Pearson Karen Lenox Jackson Carmichael Earl’s True Value Hardware, Inc. Greta Sweatman Cheryl Potts Rebekah Kim Louisa Amenitson Monica Santiago Bronze Patron Chuck Pedigo Sheila Giscard Jeff McClure Blue Patron Amanda & Joseph

Hugger Bruce & Mary Brown Amy Clower Paty & Jason Stine Norris Dickard Katy Baker Leah Blake Serena Portillo SHS Patron Denise Epperson Dick & Diane Williams Paula McClure Brian Wigginton Bryan Matthews Susan Wachter Brennan Everett

smokesignal

opinion

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Stafford High School

EDITORIAL: Most people look forward to the holiday season for many reasons.

It’s a time where families come together and celebrate their religion. It’s a time for presents to be opened and good food to be cooked. Many don’t realize though, that there is a crowd of people who can’t create their own holiday joy.

Over the years many

Issue 7, Dec. 7, 2011

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VOLUNTEERING GOOD FOR SPIRIT

more families have been depending on food banks or homeless shelters to help them with an enjoyable holiday. This is where volunteers can make a difference in people’s lives.

Stafford’s Key Club held a food drive last month, supplying two families in North Stafford with a Thanksgiving dinner. There has been a box in the library since

the beginning of the year letting students donate materials such as food or toys for a local animal shelter. The Interact Club collected food. The SCA held a change drive for the homeless shelter. The American Legion and HOSA are collecting nonperishable foods.

Some students choose to volunteer for numerous reasons. Many colleg-

es want to see volunteer hours on an application, so some students feel obliged to volunteer in hopes of bettering their chances of admission.

Others volunteer for their churches or youth groups, and some even volunteer just because they like it.

It doesn’t matter what the reason is, there is always a one to volunteer.

There are many other

ways to volunteer outside of school, from retirement homes and homeless shelters to food banks and Goodwill centers to clothing collections to toys. Sometimes even a card or time spent talking to someone makes a difference.

Spending time helping others makes a bigger difference than many would think. Families rely on the

help of others to support them through the holiday season.

Though many students have limited hours in the day to volunteer their time to anything other than school work and sports, nothing can compare to the feeling of putting a smile on a stranger’s face.

Making the Grade

A+ D

Volunteering

Cold Weather

A+ C

Projects

A-

Busy, busy, busy

Concerts! Plays! Parades! Santa Visits! Shopping!

Parties! New Year’s Eve! Christmas Eve! Hanukah!

Decorating! Baking! Busy, busy, busy!

Sports Success

The girls swim team won their first meet. The boys varsity basketball won their first game. The varsity girls basketball team won their first game.

Is this a pattern?

A+ D A+ C A-

Editors-in-Chief Elexxus Brown Emily Griffin

Brrrrrr! It’s cold outside! Time to sit by the fire making popcorn and listening to holiday music instead of getting up at the crack of dawn for school.

2 Weeks Left

A+

smoke signal staff 2011-2012

The feeling of helping other people is a warm glow in your heart and soul. Everyone needs a helping hand every now and then. Thanks for all you do.

Winter Break is just around the corner. Many people have travel plans for the holiday but some of us will just sleep it away.

Photography Editor Assistant Editor-in-Chief Shannon Cooke

Every teacher seems to think projects are fun!

They are NOT. They take time and energy which may of us don’t have.

Christmas Parade

The Indianettes danced. theJNROTC and the Tribe of Pride marched in Santa’s arrival to Fredericksburg.

Money or lack of it

With the need to buy all those presents for your loved ones, money becomes important. Wait, it was always important but now you just don’t have enough of it for what you want or need.

Snow!

Cold weather gers a D but it has to happen for snow! Bri ng on the cold days and add that snow!

Online Editors Rebekah Kim Dani Raymond

Editors Leland Brooks Molly Podlesny Toni Sorrentino

Page Editors Bridget Phillips Katie Brandon Megan Corsano Ana Nosal

Kirstin Whiteside Copy Editors Emily Byers Kathryn Lenox

Business Managers Karri Chestnut Ashleigh Powell

Staff Writers Catherine Alfaro, Skyla Bailey, Cody Beacorn, Natalie Bohmke, Luci Braun, Doreen Brindise, Moriah Briscoe, Travis Byram, Megan Corsano, Erin Cunningham, Amber Donald, Megan Ebeling, Bradley Elmore, Austin Enfinger, Shannon Fenwick, Ryan Hazelgren, Hannah Haugen, Billy Howell, Maggie Howell, Megan Humphrey, Russ Kaus, B.H. Kim, India Kithcart, Taylor Lisco, Courtney Mears, Erin McGraw, Chris McMillen, Caelynn Miller-Keyes, Kirsten Mitchell, Patrick Oliver, Ellie Pare, David Pearson, Abbie Pennington, Marta Perrine, Elizabeth Puckerin, Anthony Romanello, Hannah Rowlette, Tori Santiago-Troutman, Brendan Sherman, Cara Skeer, Morgan Silver, Justin Thomas, Ryan Thompson, Jillian Weisbeck, Matt Yelverton, Photographers Kerstin Felton, Amber Griffith, Muhamad Khalid, Emily Pearce, Austing Pearson, Kaitlin Shacklette, Eric Stapleton, Keana Young Alisa Posey

Videographers Jordan Reed

Taylor Sutherland

Reporters Claire Adams, Allie Ahlm, Emily Billingslea, Shannon Cocho, Ridge Dodd, Elizabeth Drash, Ergys Ferruku, Tamara George, Tyler Haley, Alexandria Hinkle, Patrick Holland, Bonnie Kamei, Eric Kauffman, Jessica Larson, Theresa Rigby, Isabella Rivas, Julianne Rogers, Alyssa Sims, Bridget Stadelmyer, Blayne Stine, Marissa Stone, Madison Teaster, Jessica Turner, Chris Vaughn, Taylor White, Brittni Wright, Dillon Baden, Jacob Barber, Kiana Burgos, Jackson Carmichael, Katherine Drumm, Michael Gordon, Caitlin Green, Taylor Jones, Valerie Lampert, Kirsten Mitchell, Charlotte Potts, Sydney Scott, Louisa Amenitsch, Shawnail Cavender, Mariah Erickson, Jessica Justice, Kyle Mcguire, Madison Mixon, Chadni Patel, Kelly Pedigo, Palmers Oelham, Taia Polluck, Rachel Rolando, Sheldon Sheinall, Austin Thompson, Chiann Todd, Tyler West, Kirsten Burton, Staria Foosness, Kimberley Hall, Katelynn Halstead, Melissa Mercer, Brittany Nealy, Audrey Perrine, Brynne Reeves, Kayla Seal, Tyler Sullivan, Elizabeth Walker, Taro White Advisor Sue Gill, CJE

Turkey & Stuffing

Christmas cookies

Leftovers? You still have turkey left? And dressing and cranberry sauce? Eat it up!

Doesn’t matter what k ind they are, everyone loves COOKIES! Get out our mixer and let fly.

Everyone loves cookies at Christmas time.

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

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Give the Gift of Volunteering Operation Christmas Child

Clubs Volunteering

BY MORIAH BRISCOE Page Editor

Giving back may seem daunting because there are so many different options and charities to donate to. But International Club has gotten involved with a charitable organization, called Operation Christmas Child, that ships presents to children all around the world.

“We are putting together shoe boxes and filling them up for children all over the w o r l d where this is the

only Christmas present they get,” senior Laura Chilton said. “Also, at Conway, we plan to help children shop for their parents for Christmas while parents are served hot cocoa and snacks.”

This project benefits everyone involved, from the families, children and also the members as senior Michelle Amezquita explains.

“I think this event will help the kids by letting them know that presents don’t need to be extravagant,” Amezquita said. “That it’s the thought that truly matters in the end.

Families will hopefully be very appreciative of the children thinking about them and thinking about what to get them for the holidays.”

During

BY BRIDGET PHILLIPS Design Editor

t h e event, the members will have shops located in different classrooms and the snacks will be located in the cafeteria.

“It took a lot of planning, but in the end, knowing how happy those kids will be made it all worth it,” junior Mia Romero said.

Helping the unfortunate and giving back during the holidays can make people feel that someone is looking out for them.

Like senior Temple Hammen who thinks that having people that care is blessing and a wonderful thing to have.

“I really hope to help the children and be someone that they can look up to and have them really appreciate us coming,” Hammen said. “Seeing the kids smiling faces and to

Angel Tree know that we touched at least one child’s heart makes it all worthwhile to me and the spirit of giving is really what Christmas is about.”

Romero feels that not only does this project raise money for Conway, but giving their time and presents to children is a great way to make a difference for families one present at a time.

BY HANNAH HAUGEN Staff Writer

J. C .

Penny and The Salvation Army are joining forces for the third year in a row to bring joy this Christmas to angels across the country. This year, J. C. Penny has added option to adopt angels online, and for groups to adopt multiple angels at once.

The Angel

Salvation Army

Giving Tree is a way for people to adopt a child, teen, or senior and provide them with a gift this Christmas. Without the help of The Angel Tree, many of these Angels would not be receiving a Christmas gift due to financial hardship.

This year, individual or groups can adopt an angel by going online to http:// angel.jcpenney. com/angeltree/ and select angels by age, area, or gender.

Once the criteria for an angel has been chosen, the group leader or individ-

u a l can go through a provided list of angels. Each angel comes with a list of things they need or want this holiday season.

In order to make sure that all the presents will be delivered in time for Christmas, all supporters must have adopted their angels and made their purchases by the ninth of December, or purchased the gift cards by Dec. 13.

“My family does the Angel Tree every year,” Page Conley said. “It feels really good to help out kids in need.”

SHS students can get involved in the Angel Tree by going online and adopting an angel with their families or by getting together with a group of friends, church group, club, or any other group and adopt angels this holiday season.

Staff o r d clubs are teaming up with the Thurman Brisben Center for this holiday season.

The Interact Club is going to the center to make gingerbread houses with the children and the SCA is doing a coin collection to benefit the center.

Over the years, the Thurman Brisben Center has transformed into a community center to help the less fortunate of

Salvation Army With the start of the holiday season, the familiar sights and sounds are beginning to reappear around Stafford. Crowded malls, holiday music and lots of lights are all staples of holiday decoration.

Another thing most people are familiar with is the sound of ringing bells and the big red kettle outside of most stores and supermarkets.

The Salvation Army collects money in t h e i r signa-

kettles are only out during the holiday season, and are put away a few weeks after Christmas. Though they are put away after the holiday season, their donations affect the people receiving them for many months.

There is also the option to donate online, from a credit card. This is called their “virtual kettle,” in which people can create their own red kettle online to donate to.

“I think it’s really cool how people can donate online now,” sophomore Katie Walz said. “Since it’s a lot easier, I think more people would donate.”

The red kettles are staffed by mainly volunteers.

Many of them have been helped or seen the affects donations have on needy families.

“You can tell that the people who ring the

to the center and make the houses with the little kids,” president Kristina Varela said.

“They have a lot of fun. Everyone participates and even the older kids at the center get involved.”

On Dec. 18, Interact Club members will be bringing gingerbread house kits to make the festive treats with children active in the center activities.

“It really brings everyone together and I’m happy we’re getting to do it again this year because the kids really enjoyed it last year and it really fun,” Varela said.

Large orange folders are being passed around in first block classes to collect change in support of the center. This is being

Bragg Hill, rather than just an emergency and cold weather homeless shelter. Since 2000, they have supported and given aid to over 15,000 individuals.

“Volunteering at the Thurman Brisben Center helps give the people there the opportunities to enjoy things we usually take for granted,” Interact Club sponsor Ryan Middleton said.

It is difficult to find ways for high school-aged students to volunteer at the center, without filling out lengthy applications and meeting specific criteria. However, there are several ways for students to get involved in the center through clubs.

“We go

sponsored

by SCA. “We are collecting change to support the center and benefit the homeless and less fortunate,” SCA president BH Kim said. “I think we’re going to be able to raise a lot.”

Helping the less fortunate is rewarding for both the helper and those who receive the help and both the Interact club and SCA plan to help the center more in the future

Welcome Cards

BY CARA SKEER Staff Writer ture red kettle to provide less fortunate families with Christmas dinners, toys and clothing.

These supplies are also donated to seniors, the homeless and family of prisoners.

The food and supplies that are bought with donations are delivered by volunteers to hospitals, nursing homes and shelters.

“I think its great that the donations are given to a wide variety of charities.” Junior Mckenzie Bowler said.

Students who want to get involved in holiday giving and charity can drop change in the kettles outside of stores.

“The red kettle and the bell ringing outside are things I’ve always associated with Christmas,” junior Samantha Ibinson said.

“It’s the season of giving, and they help a lot of people.”

T h e

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BY DEREK HAYES Staff Writer

Social Services bells must be dedicated,: junior Sarah Olsen said.

“To stand out here in the cold and ask for donations takes dedication.”

Airline miles and car donations are also accepted, and many of them are tax deductible.

The message of the Salvation Army, and their goal, is to spread the gospel and to meet human needs without discrimination. They strive to aid all kinds of people and families.

BY SKYLA BAILEY Page Editor

The Fre dericksburg Social Services Department is asking for donations of money, gift cards, and other gifts for teens living in foster homes, group homes and independent homes.

“It would be cool for teens to sponsor a teen for the holidays,” said assistant director Beth Girone.

Many of the teens d o

n o t have families to spend the holidays with and lack the feeling of holiday joy.

“It helps the teens to have presents at Christmas, but it doesn’t take away the feeling of being separated from their families,” said family resource coordinator Michelle Mathews.

Donations are accepted until the middle of December right before Christmas.

“We currently have 14 teens in foster care,” Mathews said.

This event is a way that spreads the holiday cheer around Fredericksburg and helps the

teens.

“There is an organization that is looing for help for their teens, Chaplin Group Home,” Mathews said.

The Chaplin Group home is in need of presents from the community to distribute among the children for Christmas.

“I am sure the director and teens would appreciate the help,” Mathews said.

The gifts are given to the social workers of the teens to create anonymity.

“Other agencies have teens in the same situation so its kind of a region wide thing,” Girone

said.

The teens are very appreciative of the gifts and will have a chance at having a Merry Christmas.

“It would be great if students could help donate,” Girone said.

Items can be donated to the Fredericksburg area Social Services Department.

The hol i d ay season is approaching fast. Learn and Serve is well aware of that.

This year, learn and serve is doing what they can to help people feel thought of and happy over the holidays by sending welcome cards to a nursing home during Christmas time.

Rachel Sherman’s 4Y class is hosting this event. Sherman has a lot of faith in her students f o r

this project.

“My kids are awesome,” Sherman said. “I know my class can do something when they set their minds to it.”

Learn and Serve’s 4Y class is also excited about participating in this event.

Some of the students are into the event for the fun of it.

“I am excited to do this project because I like old people and I like helping them,” sophomore Zachary Staples said.

Other students are more into the project for the work experience and the feeling of doing something good for another.

“I plan on getting the work experience with the elderly and that diversity of life that they have compared to mine,” junior

Alex Carnes said.

Sherman’s class is well aware of the reason for the project it’s self, but Sherman also wants to get that positive message around the school as well.

“It’s easy to get so caught up by your family’s needs during the holidays, however it’s good to care for other who don’t have as much as we do during the holidays,” Sherman said.

Students in the 4Y class have been preparing for the event by spending classes in the library researching for it. There they have been assigned to look up nursing homes, and positive and negative things it can do to a family and the patient itself.

“People in nursing homes really have it

hard, e s pecially with the payments and the feeling of being left behind by their families,” sophomore Katie Waltz said. “I think it’s really important that we send these cards to make sure that they are thought of and cared for.”

Official planning on the project itself and which nursing home the class will be going to starts next week.

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sports

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Stafford High School

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Swimmers bring heat to winter season

BY MAGGIE HOWELL swimmers have shown Staff Writer their dedication by showing up to the practices.

Stafford’s swim team “All the hard work recently held tryouts. Un- you put in to practice allike last year, coach Ber- ways pays off in the end,” nadette Pellichero did not sophomore Haylie Harhave to make any cuts and bin said. everyone that tried out Before meets, some made the team. swimmers have special Up to 60 swimmers routines to get themselves can make the team. Of prepared. Some people those 60, half of them are eat certain things, or boys and the other half stretch the night before. are girls.

“Every night before Fifteen girls and boys a swim meet I eat steak,” make varsity.

Sizemore said. “It has a lot Varsity swimmer Ra- of protein in it that gets chel Showers recently my body ready to swim moved here from New the next day.”

Jersey. Her two best Other swimmers do strokes are freestyle and different things. butterfly.

“I listen to music a lot “Everyone at Stafford so that I don’t get nervous is very welcoming and re- and over think my races,” ally nice,” Showers said. sophomore Julianne RogAnother freshman on ers said. the team is Karah SizeBesides the nerves, more. swimmers overall have a “I’m looking forward good time at swim meets. to swimming for Staf- While swimming, swimford,” Sizemore said. “I mers also get to hang out think it will be really with friends. cool swimming on a high “The best part of swim school team.” meets is being able to talk Swim coaches Glenn Stordeur and Bernadette Pellichero observe swimmers during practice. They had their first meet on Nov. The team has been to my friends,” freshman 29. The girls team enjoyed a victory while the boys had a close loss of five points. The team is still working to compensate for practicing for the up- Ryan Ulrich said. “It takes the loss of last year’s graduates.

Photo by Emily Pearce coming meets. Practice away some of the stress has gone smoothly, and from the meet.”

Howell, Payne have great expectations

BY MAGGIE HOWELL Payne said.

Staff Writer He also swims for Tsunami, a year-round team Stafford High’s swim in Fredericksburg. team has two returning “My best stroke is swimmers who promise butterfly, and my worst to provide a lot of swim- stroke is also breastming excitement this year. stroke,” Payne said.

Coming into the season, Howell swims on a sophomores Billy Howell year-round team as well, and Spencer Payne are for the YMCA Stingrays. two of the fastest swim- He practices in the same mers on the team. pool for high school as he Both boys started does Stingrays. out swimming on local Last season both boys Rappahannock Swim swam for the Stafford League summer league team and went to regionteams and progressed als. to year round swim“I’m aiming to go to ming. sectionals on my year Howell is on round team,” Howell said. the YMCA StingSwimmers have to rays and made get a certain time before it to the YMCA they are able to attend the National Meet at meet.

Georgia Tech in “My goal is to go to Atlanta last sum- states this season for Stafmer. The meet drew ford,” Payne said. swimmers from YMCA Payne and Howell teams around the coun- went to regionals last try. It’s the farthest he’s year for the Stafford swim ever traveled for a swim team. This is another meet meet. where swimmers have to “Traveling to different swim fast enough to go to. places for swimming is a Some swimmers have great experience,” Howell favorite snacks to eat dursaid. “I like visiting new ing meets, or songs they places and meeting new like to listen to, to get people.” them ready for their races.

He has been swim“My favorite thing to ming for 10 years. eat at swim meets would “The first team I was have to be hot fudge sunon was Grafton summer dae pop tarts,” Howell league swim team,” How- said. ell said.

Howell’s favorite song He still swims for a is “No Church in the different summer league Wild” by Jay-Z and Kanye team, the YMCA Massad West.

Marlins.

“My favorite snack are “My best stroke is muffins, and my favorite probably backstroke, and song is probably “Like my worst stroke is defi- a G” by Kid Ink,” Payne nitely breaststroke,” How- said. ell said.

“I’m excited for the Payne has been swim- new swim season this ming for eight years. year,” Payne said. “Our “I grew up on the team continues to pracFerry Farm swim team, tice hard every day.” and I still swim for them,” Sophomores Billy Howell and Spencer Payne pose in their Speedos. The two are the among the fastest swimmers on the team. They have great expectations going into the new season.

Photo by Emily Pearce

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Stafford High School

Tradition is something that the Boys’ Varsity basketball team can pride themselves on. Having won the District title the past four years, working with the same coach for decades, and nine out of the twelve players returning to Varsity from previous seasons, change is not something that frequents this team. With a new coach, new starters, and new players, the team has quickly adjusted to different conditions and is on the track to their fifth District championship title.

The team welcomed Coach Daniel Tryon in October after long-time coach, Steven Spicer, announced his retirement.

“I saw an article in the newspaper that said Coach Spicer was retiring so I called Mr. Bergazzi and told him I was interested in applying,” Tryon said.

Tryon, who began coaching at L.C. Byrd High School when he was a student at VCU, also coached varsity basketball at Brooke Point for the past six years.

“It was difficult to leave the coaches that I was working with prior to coming to Stafford because we had great coaching staffs and we were together for a long time,” Tryon said. “I was fortunate to be able to coach with two people that I played for in high school.”

As a student in high school, Tryon knew that he wanted to eventually become a basketball coach.

“I had a goal to be-

come a head basketball coach,” Tryon said. “I know how strong Stafford’s basketball program is and what a great school it is so when the opportunity came to be a part of it I had no hesitation to pursue it.”

Aside from coaching at Brooke Point, Tryon was also a student there who played on the team under the guidance of Coach Kania at Brooke Point and Coach Lear at North Stafford. He also became familiar with Coach Spicer at this time.

“I have known Coach Spicer since I was in high school,” Tryon said. “I have also gotten to know him very well over the past seven years since I have been coaching in Stafford County.”

With the sudden transition of coaches, the ability of quickly adjusting to new circumstances is one the players have mastered.

“As coaches we sometimes take on a role as a father figure or mentor for our players,” Tryon said. “Coach Spicer was definitely that way for his players and they cared about him very much. It is always difficult when someone that has been there for you so much is no longer there in a sense with basketball. I just try to show them every day that I care about their best interests.”

Although the coaches remain in contact, the conversations are very rarely about basketball and their methods of

Issue 7, Dec. 7, 2011

sports

Top: Varsity basketball coach Danny Tryon goes over a drill with the team at practice. As a first year coach at Stafford, many of the players are still adjusting to his quick-paced strategy.

Photos by Muhamad Khalid

coaching remain very obviously differentiating. “[Coach Spicer] has shared many stories with me about the beginning of his coaching career and some of the challenges he faced during those times,” Tryon said. “I think Coach Spicer and I both expect a level of commitment from our players that is necessary to be successful. I like to play a fast-paced game and I feel like you have to replicate that in practice to prepare the team for the games.

I just like to keep things moving quickly in practice so that their minds never get a chance to relax or lose focus.”

Adjusting to new circumstances was not necessarily a difficult one for Tryon, but he is trying to instill in players the importance of tradition and identity.

“For the most part basketball players are similar wherever you go they just want to be coached,”

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Girls hit courts running

BY TAYLOR WEST Staff Writer The girls varsity team won their first game against Massaponax on Nov. 28.

Try-outs were recently held for the girl’s basketball team. During try-outs, the girls were asked to perform a series of skills including ball handling drills, shooting drills, defensive drills, and competitive one-onone games.

Coach Carl Harris prepared his team during the off season by holding conditioning every day after school where they worked out and ran on the track.

Captains this year are seniors Merritt Hempe and Taysia Gray.

“My expectations for this season are to play as hard as we can every game and to make it to regionals,” Gray said.

Harris is also holding a tighter rope this year.

“I think that coach will be stricter in practice and make us more focused,” Gray said.

Sophomore Kendall Parker would like to see Stafford make a name for them selves outside of the district.

Parker would also like to make first team all district and get colleges looking at her.

“What I’m looking forward to most though is just playing with my teammates and competing with other schools,” Parker said.

Over Thanksgiving break the team practiced everyday except Thanksgiving to prepare for the up and coming season. During practices the team works on basic fundamentals, offense, defense, and adding all of that together to make a solid overall team.

Senior Brooke Scruggs is excited for the upcoming season.

“I love the intensity and exhilaration you get during a game,” Scruggs said. “Our goals for this season are to just do better than last year and improve as a team.”

Harris also would like to see an improvement.

“We’re going to be good this season,” Harris said.

“We just have to work hard and keep focused so that we can do better than last season.”

Tryon said. “The big thing that we have talked about so far is they have to ‘Own Their Legacy’. Every team has its own identity no matter how much success or lack of success a program has.”

Tryon keeps motivating the team to push harder, while noticing their strengths and using them to full capacity.

“The players are playing very hard and are buying into what we are doing which is very important,” Tryon said. “Our strength is that we have nine seniors. Our players are experienced and mature which is a great combination to have on a high school basketball team.”

With the majority of the season ahead, success is very much the ending that Tryon foresees with the team.

BY BRADLEY ELMORE Tryon said, “The most Staff Writer important goals are the ones that we have right As winter rolls around, many sports will see their now for this team in this end, but some students see the snow as an opportuseason.” nity to build new skills. Many travel to areas near the Blue Ridge Mountains to snowboard.

For some students like senior D.J. Wonsey, snowboarding is more than just a sport, its a passion.

The winter activity can range from simple objectives like just riding down the mountain to the base, to Olympic sporting competitions to compete for the gold.

“I love going down a mountain fast, and I love the snow,” sophomore, Kristen Weapon said.

Students have also started participating in the sport at young ages.

Wonsey started snowboarding at the age of seven.

But most students have started more recently, as of the past few years.

It is not always easy to make it out to the slopes. It takes about two hours to get to most resorts.

Most students can’t snowboard throughout the year locally so many are forced to travel, uaually to nearby lodges at the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Most students stay there for a week at a time. The price of lodging can range from $1500 to $2000.

“Getting all the right equipment can also be really expensive,” junior Dalton Bayse said.

The boards end up costing upwards to 300$, and the clothing ranges from $80 to $200. Travel expenses can easily top $1500.

Junior Jacob Bearon holds down Anthony Williams at practice. The wrestling season started on Nov. 7. The Gilberts are preparAlthough most students pay for expenses theming for their first tournament on Dec. 2 with technique and drill sessions.

Photo by Toni Sorrentino selves, some look to sponsors.

Wonsey has a sponsorship at Salomon Snowboards, a nationally recognized company Wonsey travels all the way to California to snowCoaches Brandon and stronger, ” Tolley said.

He Being a wrestler also board, but also travels to other countries around the

BY MARTA PERRINE ranked as sixth in the Daniel Gilbert has hope- world. comes with sacrifice.

Staff Writer ful but realistic expecta“I have to give up junk state last year as well.

He travels all the way to countries along the Andes Tolley practices for tions.

Seniors Logan Jackson food,” Jackson said. He Mountains in South America. He is able to do so, be“This year we will cause Salomon snowboarding sponsors him. and Matt Tolley are two of admits that it is worth it. three to four hours everythe best wrestlers on the A wrestler must watch day, sometimes two prac- probably be second to Although the adrenaline rush is fun, there are asColonial Forge,” said sociated dangers. Sophomore Kristen Weadon and team this year according what they eat to perform tice sessions a day.

“Wrestling is my life,” Daniel Gilbert. Colonial her brother had both have sprained ankles while wrestlers Palmers Pelham at their best.

Tolley is the second said Tolley. “I weigh my- Forge has eight seniors snowboarding. and Austin Thompson.

Jackson started wres- star wrestler of the team. self every morning, I this year, and they are top “Newcomers might be afraid to start snowboardtling in fifth grade because He started wrestling in think about it all day, and five in the region and top ing, but there’s nothing to fear here. The communities his brother needed a part- seventh grade for mostly I watch what I eat all the 15 in the state. around the area are never too harsh,” Weadon said.

Stafford’s wrestling “But never get in the way of people going down the ner to practice with. This the same reason as Jack- time.” Tolley is one of year is his eighth year that son- to assist another many dedicated wrestlers team has been improving mountain, sometimes they’ll just run you over.” on the Stafford wrestling for years, thanks to these he has been training and wrestler his age. two wrestling stars. The “The coaches have team. practicing year round.

Along with limiting team expects to win and “Conditioning is a changed the way I aplot better this year,” said proach and look at match- what you eat, wrestling be successful and that can Jackson, weight class 182 es,” said Tolley, weight must be a priority in your be done through strong practices and a lot of replife. pounds. Jackson practices class 160 pounds.

“You can’t really have etitions.

It’s obvious that coachwrestling for two to three Come and check out es have really affected the a social life when you are hours everyday.

All of that practice team and helped wrestlers a serious wrestler,” Tolley the first meet of the seasaid. It is very time con- son this Friday and Satpays off. Jackson ranked improve individually.

“I’ve perfected my suming and takes a lot of urday at the Forest Park third in the state last year, Opening Day Duals. a huge accomplishment. moves and I’ve gotten commitment.

Jackson, Tolley excel on the matt

Snowboarders hit slopes

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Issue 7, Dec. 7, 2011

Stafford High School

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Gamers celebrate release of Modern Warfare 3

BY AUSTIN ENFINGER Staff Writer Gamers waited in line at midnight on Nov. 8 to buy Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3, the latest game in the Call of Duty series. The game is available for the Playstation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii. So many people showed up at GameStop that the waiting line stretched out of the store.

“When my shift ended, me and a lot of my friends waited until midnight for the game to be released,” said Senior Shane Haley, who works at Best Buy. The main reason that people buy the game is for the online multiplayer, where gamers can fight with or against their friends.

Modern Warfare 3 features new game modes that weren’t on the previous games, such as Kill Confirmed and Team De-

fender.

In Kill Confirmed, not only must the player kill the enemy but they also must pick up the dog tag that the enemy drops.

However, allies of the fallen player can also pick up the dog tag, preventing the other team from scoring.

In Team Defender, the two teams fight over possession of a flag. The team scores points by killing enemies, but the team with possession of the flag gets double the points for each kill.

The old multiplayer game modes have also returned.

“My favorite game mode is Search and Destroy,” senior Collin Borkowski said.

In Search and Destroy, one team tries to plant a bomb while the other team tries to prevent them from doing so.

Each player only has one life, so this game mode is more re-

alistic than most.

“The best game is Headquarters,” sophomore Matt Sompayrac said.

In Headquarters, the teams compete to capture a base and defend it from the enemy.

Once a base is captured, the capturing team must defend the base as long as they can until they are defeated. When the enemy team kills someone on the capturing team, they cannot join the fight again until the base is destroyed.

Other favorite game modes include Team Deathmatch, Demolition, and Domination.

Online perks have returned allowing players to have an edge on their opponents.

These perks include Extreme Conditioning, which allows the soldier to sprint much longer, Quickdraw, which allows the soldier to aim down the

sight of their weapon faster, and Dead Silence, which prevents the soldier from making noise that the enemy could hear.

The old killstreak system has been expanded to include two new strike packages; the Support and Specialist packages.

The Support package is new to the game, where players unlock rewards that help their team instead of themselves. Rewards in this package include remote sentry guns, UAV, and stealth bombers.

The Specialist package is also new, and it allows players to unlock extra perks every two kills. This package resets upon death, like the Assault package. As a bonus, once a player reaches eight kills they unlock every perk, regardless of the perks they have chosen.

The Assault package is the

same as the old game modes, where players unlock rewards by killing multiple enemies without dying. Rewards in this package include sentry guns, attack helicopters, and airstrikes.

Modern Warfare 3 features a single player campaign mode, like the other games. It involves multiple characters and missions which follow the Modern Warfare games from the past. In the missions, the player must fight past enemies to reach an objective with a few allied soldiers. The missions vary from fighting in the streets of New York to evading the militia in the jungles of Africa.

The Call of Duty franshise is one of the most successful in the country, and video game fanatics will always eagerly await the realease of its next game.

Dana Henderson leads in SkillsUSA, Drafting KATHRYN LENOX Copy Editor Not only has senior Dana Henderson excelled in her drafting classes since freshmen year, but now she is also President of SkillsUSA. According to their official website, SkillsUSA is an organization that works with teachers, high school and college students and to help members preparing for careers in the trades, to excel in their field.

Henderson has been a member of the club since her freshman year and was elected president in September.

“I love my role as president,” Henderson said. “I lead meetings and I also help with the different fundraisers we do and help promote and tell people what SkillsUSA is.”

Fundraisers that Henderson will help head up as president are a car show at North

Brianna Cornett expresses herself through art CAELYNN MILLER-KEYES Staff Writer Senior Briana Cornett is a star student according to art teacher Mr. Nick Candela. She has been drawing for years and she loves it.

“She is phenomenal, she always has strong concepts and ideas,” said Candela. “She has grown as an artist throughout high school and she is willing to explore, which is a huge part.”

Cornett is very involved in her art; she has been drawing since she was five. Her favorite part of being in art class is be-

ing able to draw.

“I have always found art interesting, and I took art to learn how to draw better,” Cornett said.

Cornett uses art as a way to express herself in ways that words cannot.

“My favorite part of art is being able to express myself and my thoughts through an image,” Cornett said.

Cornett’s favorite artist is Georgia O’Keeffe, and she has always found drawing as a hobby. One of Cornett’s favorite things to draw is a cartoon.

“My uncles inspire me,” Cornett said. “They’re tattoo artists so they draw a lot and make cool designs.”

Cornett agrees that she has gotten better and grown stronger as an artist throughout high school.

“I will probably continue art in college but it will be as a side, it won’t be my major,” Cornett said.

After Cornett began drawing she decided to to take art class in school because it was an option for her. Cornett prefers drawing to painting, but loves all types of art.

Stafford High School and a fruit sale in December.

Every year since she joined the club, Henderson has competed in SkillsUSA drafting competitions.

“I like competing in the competitions.”

Henderson said. “Freshman year I placed first and sophomore year I placed third. I plan on competing this year as well.”

Henderson is also successful in her drafting classes, receiving drafting student of the year award her freshmen, sophomore and junior years.

“For the engineering side of drafting I enjoy taking things apart and figuring out how they work and why,” Henderson said. “For the architecture side of drafting I like designing and putting things in a house where I want to. I guess I like just being able to be creative.”

Henderson is also a member of the National Honor Society and holds two jobs. She

works at The Children’s Place and as a secretary at a pediatrician’s office.

Even after her high school career ends, Henderson plans to continue with the engineering side of drafting.

“After high school I plan on being a mechanical or computer science engineer,” Henderson said. “I would like to go to Virginia Wesleyan or Old Dominion University for their computer science program and hope to get in at Dahlgren.”

Although Henderson will take with her the skills she has learned in drafting and in SkillsUSA as she continues to study engineering, she will miss being a part of SkillsUSA. Henderson said, “I’m going to miss the club and being president, but I’m especially going to miss the car show fundraiser because I like getting to see all of the antique cars.”

smokesignal student life the

Issue 7, Dec. 7, 2011

Stafford High School

Liz Willard practices at the bar. She has been dancing for seven years and has had numerous parts in ballets over those years. She also enjoys other sstyles of dance. Photo submitted by Liz Willard.

Liz Willard dances with heart

BY SHANNON COOKE Photography Editor

For senior Elizabeth Willard, ballet is second nature.

Willard has been doing ballet since the age of three when her mother signed her up for dance lessons. Though she was signed up for many classes, Willard chose ballet over them all. ‘’I just like the feeling and technique of it. When I start practice that’s all I focus on.”

Willard said.

Willard performs at the Stafford Ballet Academy and does at least two shows a year: The “Nutcracker” in the winter and a different spring one yearly. Willard gets support from her mother, and her friends and family come out and support too. Even thought Willard has performed the Nutcracker many times, she still tends to get nervous.

“It’s mostly on knew spring shows, but I still do get nervous

the Nutcracker.” Willard said.

To help balance school and ballet Willard must have all her homework finished before practice. This may end up being six to ten hours a day, everyday of the week except Tuesdays. ‘’I normally try to get all my homework completed before practice so when I am finished I can just come home eat dinner and go to bed.” Willard said.

Sophomore Carmen Shelton has been dancing with Willard for seven years. Shelton performs the “Nutcracker” and a spring show with Willard every year.

“I think Liz is a really good dancer because she practices a lot.” Shelton said.

The Nutcracker is one of the most popular ballet shows that Willard participates in, and she is ready to take on the challenge.

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Jason Martinez, Brian Acord, Zeb Graves, Dalton Shelton, Morgan Arrington, Ta’Rance Arrington, Brian Phillips, Freddie Glaum, Brent Lawson, Joey Buige, Allison Otto, Sarah Rearick, Samuel Shelton, Brianna Tyrrell, and Michael Walters (Cadets who aren’t in the photo) Dylan Good, Ashley Longwell, Carolyn Gale, Zack Schaefer, and Edward Crockett

NJROTC captures third STORY PROVIDED BY NJROTC NJROTC Bring Back Trophy Stafford Senior High School’s NJROTC Unit sent forth a platoon of 20 cadets on Nov. 5. These dedicated cadets were lead by CMDSCPO Brian Acord and Ens. Zeb Graves to their first Drill Meet. They stayed after school for three weeks, practicing and rehearsing until they had it down pat.

They were finally ready to compete against other schools.

The NJROTC Drill Meet was divided into three main events.

These included unit inspection, color guard, and basic drills both armed and unarmed.

The cadets brought back the third place trophy for Unit Personnel Inspection. Not only did they place in this event

but also earned fourth place in Color Guard and unofficially second in Unarmed Basic Drill (because they were not counted as a full platoon.)

While some were surprise or shocked and others were filled cheer and joy, all of them shared a common feeling …..Pride.

Pride in those 20 cadets who came to all the practices, put in a lot of effort and sacrificed the opportunity to “vegg out” to show others what they can achieve.

It was a fun and exciting experience for these cadets to put forth all the hard work they did. Also it give the platoon an understanding of what they can improve on for their next time competing.

“We took 20 cadets and they really did step it up,” said Lt. Cmdr. Martinez. “There was a lot of special bonding between those chosen NS1s, NS2s, and

NS3s while they worked as a team to obtain their goals.

They went up to the unit personnel inspection and when they announce Stafford for third place, I was more static than surprised. The fact that these cadets were able to outdo so many in the inspection was mind blowing.”It would also help them develop great leadership skills for the next line of cadets that would join the program.

“I had a pretty good time meeting with the other units in the area,” Ens. Zeb Graves said. “There is always room for improvement, however we did pretty well being our first appearance at a Drill Meet.”

As the NJROTC program grows, many of the cadets will be able to show what it takes to be a leader and will work hard for the unit’s upcoming Christmas Parade.

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

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Issue 7, Dec. 7, 2011

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The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Seniors Ragon Dickard and JC Baron perform a Senior Chrissy Johnson leans on fellow castmember, dark scene together. Photo by Shannon Cooke junior Theron Duitsman. Photo by Shannon Cooke

Seniors Chrissy Johnson and JC Baron have several songs in which they perform together. Photo by Shannon Cooke

Seniors Steven West and Kendall Khan, and juniors Hannah Oltman and Theron Duitsman work together to perform a large group song. Photo by Shannon Cooke

Junior Hannah Oltman stays in character, even when the spotlight isn’t on her. Oltman is one of the main cast members, and plays an important role in the performance.

Photo by Shannon Cooke

Edwin Drood entertains

Continued from page 1

audience will enjoy it very much.”

There has been a major time pressure for this winter’s musical, unlike last year’s “Seussical.”

“It’s been a little stressful, because we usually have a lot more time to prepare,” Rhodes said. “We had over two months last year, and only five weeks this year.”

Due to the time constraints, the rehearsals were concentrated and condensed from a two-month period, and some members were impacted by the intense rehearsals.

“We’ve been working every Saturday, we’ve had ten hour days, and we had to come in and work over Thanksgiving break,” senior Chrissy Johnson said.

“There’s a lot of pressure, but it’s worth being on stage and performing for an audience.”

The cast members enjoy playing their characters,

Juniors Hannah Oltman and Theron Duitsman take center stage to perform a duet together. The two actors were portraying a couple from Asia, and they both have elaborate and sophistcated costumes throughout the play. Photo by Shannon Cooke

some finding a sense of connection with them.

“I love my role,” Oltman said. “She resembles me because of the attachment I have to my family and how protective I am of them.”

For other cast members, their roles in the musical are different than ones they had played previously.

“Every character I’ve played before have been weak and vulnerable,” Johnson said. “This time I’m super girly and a lot stronger.”

“I’ve never played a priest so that’s cool,” senior Steven West said. “Deep down he’s a really human person, but he has a mask over that.”

Despite the pressure, the cast remains hopeful for opening night this week.

“You just get your adrenaline pumping,” senior Kendall Khan said. “The audience is finally there in front of you, listening and watching you. Overall, it’s excitement.”

Senior Chrissy Johnson and sophomore Lindsay Earndhart sing an emotional duet. Photo

by Shannon Cooke

Everyone in the production has put much commitment to the first curtain call of the school year.

“I think opening night is the most enjoyable to do overall,” Siegmund said. “It’s a high point for the cast and we’re putting it all of out work to use and we get to make the audience smile.”

Through the hardships, the cast and crew find themselves united as a family more than ever.

“We’re a family,” Johnson said. “We have had so much fun backstage and learning about our characters.”

The cast members have made relationships with eachother, easing the anxiousness and nervousness.

“The cast is wonderful,” West said. “They are the best people I’ve ever worked with, and I wouldn’t want to work with anyone else.”

Who is Edwin Drood’s killer? Be there to solve it yourself this Thursday at 7.

Seniors Ragon Dickard, Kendall Khan and Steven Sophomore Lindsay Earndhart and Senior JC Baron Junior Theron Duitsman and Senior Chrissy Johnson West and Junior Theron Duitsman join together to make a toast during a group scene. Photo by Shannon get close during an eventful music number. Photo by perfom a group number. Photo by Shannon Cooke Cooke Shannon Cooke