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A8: Fall sports preview and predictions; freshman, senior athlete profiles

The

A10: Costa Rica trip

A6: Exploring H’burg

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Harrisonburg High School • 1001 Garbers Church Road • Harrisonburg, VA 22801 • 540.433.2651 • Volume XIC • Issue 1• August 21, 2012

Marching band kicks off year Band major Alex HunterNickels conveys high hopes for marching squad Mark Duda Editor-in-chief The click of a metronome on the practice soccer field heralds the start of a new school year at HHS. The repetitive noise, a staple of the late summer and early school year, also indicates the beginning of a new incarnation of HHS’ Marching Blue Streaks band. This year’s band is led by senior band major Alex HunterNickels, a third year band student.

Hunter-Nickels was chosen as band major last spring after a rigorous tryout process. “To actually select a drum major there’s a interview process, and I had to do some conduct-

See BAND MAJOR on Page A2 Instrument section leaders take charge Musicians in band take directions from student leaders. A7

Band members adjust to personnel changes Band director JR Snow decreases time at practice because of job requirements, assistant Ian Richard helps take over. A7

PHOTO BY ANA HUNTER-NICKELS

PLACES! Band Major Alex Hunter-Nickels conducts band camp on the practice soccer field. Hunter-Nickels is responsible for acting as a leader to this year’s band, as well as keeping the marchers in position.

Wilson, Tueting prepare for challenges of AP teaching SCA, DiNapoli Celia Ehrenpreis Editor-in-Chief

The start of a new school year involves numerous stressful activities, and anxiety can be doubled, even tripled, for teachers of AP classes. The new twelfth grade AP Literature & Composition teacher, Melody Wilson is making the transition from tenth grade English to AP English Literature, replacing the recently retired longtime teacher Sheila Fielding.

“Nothing is more daunting than being the successor of someone with such an impressive track record. I could never take her place, but I hope to preserve the legacy of her passion for literature and learning,” Wilson said. Wilson is looking forward to the range and freedom of her new position, unlike the grade specific curriculum orchestrated by the state of Virginia for tenth grade.

“Nothing is more daunting that being the successor of someone with such an impressive track record... I hope to preserve the legacy” Melody Wilson, English teacher Although the torch has been passed to a new teacher, the curriculum of the class will mostly be the same with the exception of one unit, literary criticism, and the sequence of material. Wilson’s experience with teaching English has not included seniors, and she is somewhat worried about the jump. “[Senior year] is complex, between the

college applications, and extracurricular activities, it’s hard to stay focused. I expect upperclassmen to be already well disciplined judging from Mrs. Fielding’s previous classes,” Wilson said.

Wilson is not the only teacher experiencing back-to-school jitters. Mark Tueting, former AP United States History teacher, is now in charge of the new AP Economics class. With this addition, the HHS Social Studies Department is looking to expand their number of offered AP classes to four. To prepare for the class, Tueting attended a week long workshop to learn the ins and outs of the new curriculum.

“It’s been awhile since I’ve taught the subject, the workshop helped with developing classroom tactics. The class will be taught similar to learning a foreign language with a systematic approach,” Tuet-

See TEACHERS on Page A2

Band parent group volunteers at camp Sydney Little Feature editor Two weeks before school starts, members of the HHS competition marching band go to a camp at the school to get ready for their competition season as well as Friday night football games. The camp starts at 8 a.m. and doesn’t let out until 6 p.m.

Friday Night band members join their fellow marchers a week after they start, but their days are several hours shorter. Color guard and the percussion section start even earlier than everyone else, coming in a couple days a week throughout the summer to perfect their routines.

All of this practice is supported by several marching band parents. They make sure that all of the marchers are fed well

See VOLUNTEERS on Page A2

bring back class wars Gina Muan News editor

High schools’ exteriors may not appear similar, but they are generally alike in all other respects; their social dynamics transcend regional differences. Sure, HHS students bond together during football games or while fundraising for a noble cause. But from novice freshmen to presumptuous seniors, the students of each grade level tend to believe themselves superior in comparison to the other three classes. Although rarely voiced aloud, these assumptions are always simmering below the surface, eager for a confirmation, according to current student council president Ben DiNapoli.

DiNapoli has decided to utilize this latent competitive nature in coordinating this year’s ‘Class Wars’ with the rest of the SCA staff. He is determined to restore the HHS tradition his sister, Emma, began.

DiNapoli terms the games, ‘an intramural points competition between the grades.’

The ‘Wars’ will be held continuously throughout the 2012-2013 school year.

Examples of previous class competitions are the ‘penny wars’ from two years ago, and the chip pieces distributed during spirit week to those whose creativity in apparel went above and beyond the norm.

This year’s are centered around sports

See SCA on Page A2

SCA Fast Facts

PHOTO BY ANA HUNTER-NICKELS

FOLLOW MY LEAD Band director Ian Richard (right) displays proper form to senior Alan Pineda at summer band camp held two weeks before school began.

On the Web Updated sports scores for all seasonal sports an intramurals Feature package stories and extended coverage of print packages Advertising forms and information Breaking news from school community Video footage of sports Variety of reviews and blogs Poll of the week Picture of the day

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President: Ben DiNapoli Vice President: Alex Hunter-Nickels Treasurer: Jacob Byrd Secretary: Sarah Bell Reporter: Sam St. Ours Homecoming Game: October 19 Homecoming Dance: October 20

Coming Up Sneak peak of Homecoming theme Fall sports coverage: football, volleyball, and more Get to know new teachers Movie, music, and game reviews Presidential election coverage, featuring student interviews and policy comparisons Advice, interviews, and features for college application season

BAND MAJOR from A1 conducting for a panel of directors and student leaders that were graduating, who determined who would be able to do the best job,” Hunter-Nickels said. He was surprised to be selected because he hasn’t been a part of the band for all four years of high school. He cites his “ability to work with people” as his biggest asset in getting the job.

As band major, Hunter-Nickels is responsible for conducting, but he doesn’t see that as his primary responsibility.

“First and foremost I have the responsibility of supporting the students, and making them feel like they’re welcome, and they are wanted, and important. I also have the huge responsibility of keeping everyone safe. It’s not just my responsibility, but I work with everyone to make sure we’re in a welcoming community.

Then, of course, I have the responsibility of conducting the show and keeping everyone in time. I communicate with the band to make sure we’re having successful performances, and that we’re having successful practices,” Hunter-Nickels said.

Music has been part of Hunter-Nickels’s life since he was young, and he believes taking a leadership role is naturally the next step in his musical development.

“Part of me likes to be doing a lot, and this is definitely a lot to do. Part of me

really enjoys working with people, and this is definitely a place I’m working with people. Part of me really digs music, really digs whatever raises me when I’m in an environment with music,” HunterNickels said. “I like being connected with it- marching, conducting, and all of that stuff.”

Although he enjoys band camp, HunterNickels is most excited for competition season and “shows, man”.

“I can’t wait until I’m up there, and it’s like, the middle of a really intense piece, and I’m just going crazy while the band screams up at me. There’s this powerful connection between [me and the band],” Hunter-Nickels said.

The process of getting the band competition-ready has not been easy so far.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m overloaded, like I’m in overdrive. It gets really intense, so I have to continue to chill out and go with the flow. Working with people has been a challenge. It’s been positive overall, though,” Hunter-Nickels said.

Hunter-Nickels has spent the last several weeks conducting band camp, a crash course in marching and band life for students new and old.

“First we warm up, y’know, play music, do all sorts of dance moves and stretch moves, do some jumping jacks maybe.

Then we get on the field to practice our marching and getting out air, getting out lungs warmed up. We practice different

moves and different patterns, we call it ‘fundamentals’, or ‘fundies’. Every day is different, which is what is really cool about band camp and band in general. So far we’ve been practicing and memorizing the music for our show, and we’ve been practicing where we march on the field in order to make giant shapes together,” Hunter-Nickels said. “It’s kind of hard because we all have to be together to have an impact on the audience. We’re really trying to focus on where every person goes.”

A unique challenge for Hunter-Nickels this year is dealing with the change in primary leadership from director J.R. Snow to Ian Richard. “I haven’t been in band for all four years of high school, so I haven’t seen too much of [Snow’s] relationships with past band majors, but my relationship with Mr. Richard is really positive, even though [Snow] isn’t always here, and I feel like I can work with him without feeling like I’m under his control. We’ve found a nice balance between Mr. Snow’s balance and energy and Mr. Richard’s positivity and humor,” Hunter-Nickels said.

His ultimate goals don’t lie in awards or competitions, however. “I wouldn’t say I have any goals in terms of awards for the band. My personal goals lie in trying to grow as a person and helping to grow the band in the sense that I can help people who are struggling to grow,” Hunter-Nickels said.

DiNapoli admits plans VOLUNTEERS from A1 stands, photograph the band, or are still in the ‘developing in apparel went above stages.’ However, in work- during the camp, seeing as they act as part of a competition pit and beyond the norm. This ing with the other members have a 10-hour practice time. They crew,” marching band director Ian year’s are centered around of the SCA, he is certain also help out the band by making Richard said. sports tournaments, in- the ‘best possible events’ sure everyone gets their uniforms Marching band camp coordinator spired by the Olympics will be presented. He also and that they keep them clean. In Amy Labarge is one of the main which took place this sum- does not wish to reveal the addition, they help collect money parent forces behind the success of band camp, as she is the person mer. nature of the prize for the that the students pay for the com- who rounds up all of the parent “I was thinking along champions, but assures petitions they go to. the lines of some three- that it is ‘highly desirable’ “Band parents play a critical role volunteers. on-three basketball, soccer and much more than ‘mere in the success of band camp every “Having parent support helps the games, maybe a dodgeball bragging rights and a sense year at HHS. The all-volunteer par- marchers to concentrate on the tournament,” DiNapoli of satisfaction.’ Naturally, ent staff ensures that all students program and music. We are supsaid, listing ideas. Most of DiNapoli plans to compete have properly fitted uniforms and porting Mr. Richard and the band the events will have to oc- himself, stating confidently that students are well-fed through- members by keeping them well cur outside, after school or that, “the seniors are defi- out camp. Additionally, they also fed, taking care of all aspects of the on early release days. volunteer their time to build drum uniforms,being the nurse when nitely going to win.”

“Although AP Economics has always AP courses at HHS and each year and the TEACHERS from A1 been discussed as an option, it was re- number of students taking AP exams has worldwide economics, from supply and de- ally Tueting’s passion for the subject that increased steadily over the past five years. mand to inflation.

All interested students should talk to made the class possible. His enthusiasm “[The class] is open to any student who will really take it to the next level,” guid- their guidance counselor as soon as soon loves to learn, you don’t have to be a his- ance counselor Tim Meyers said. as possible. tory buff,” Tueting said.

More and more students are enrolled in

SCA from A1

News Briefs STEM ACADEMY OPENS New STEM Academy opens up in the 2012 school year. STEM focuses on science, math, and engineering courses. The pre-selected 24 students will work together in integrated courses and will receive college credit for their work.

SCHOOL START TIME CHANGES School times have changed for the 2012-2013 school year. School will now begin at 7:45 and end at 2:35 p.m. Students should arrive before start time to ensure they get to class on time.

DUAL ENROLLMENT KINESIOLOGY ADDED New Dual Enrollment class being offered this year. DE Kinesiology will be taught by the physical education department and will give students an advanced start on college credit as long as they receive a C or above in the course.

SCHEDULE CHANGE DEADLINE NEARS All schedule changes must be submitted within the first ten days of school.

If you wish to change your schedule, visit the guidance department and sign up under your counselor’s name.

NEW ONLINE GRADING SYSTEM INSTALLED Student portal will not be available until October this year. A new system is being set-up and will take time to complete. If a student or parent would like to know their current standings in a class, they should contact the teacher by email or phone.

PARKING PASSES AVAILABLE IN ATHLETIC OFFICE See athletic department secretary Kim Hill to purchase your parking pass.

RED SEA T-SHIRTS ON SALE NOW Join the best student pep section in the Valley! Red Sea t-shirts are available now in room 444 for $10 each.

Sweatshirts and beanies will be available as cold weather approaches. The SCA has requested that we pack the student section with as many students as we can possibly get. Start your Friday night fun with Red Sea tailgating prior to the game in the student parking lot. Bring $1 for food.

August 21, 2012

The

Newsstreak

FEATURE- A3

Marching band experiences personnel changes Ellie Pruett-Fiederlein Staff reporter It is already scorching hot a little after 8 a.m. on a Saturday in August, as the members of the HHS competitive marching band begin their four hours of outdoor rehearsal. It is the sixth and final day of intensive band camp – Country Day, “to be interpreted in any way you choose” – and students are decked out in everything ranging from camo and straw hats to Spanish soccer jerseys and Union Jacks. Senior Alex Hunter-Nickels, the drum major, climbs the podium as the band gets ready to march and play part two of their show (entitled, “Taiko” and based on traditional Japanese drumming). It is a customary scene to anyone familiar with the band program at HHS. However, there is one noticeable difference from the band camp of years past: Ian Richard is the man with the microphone instead of JR Snow.

Now the Fine Arts coordinator for the Harrisonburg City Schools, and the director of the all-new Fine Arts Academy, Snow now works half of each day in an administrative position.

“I’m working 20 hours a week teaching [at the high school], 20 downtown, and I knew it would be hard to also do the 20 hours required for marching band every week,” Snow said. “It’s better for everyone that I find someone else with the time and energy to really focus on marching band – and Mr. Richard can do just that.”

It wasn’t an easy decision, he is quick to say.

“I love marching band. This is the first time in 22 years that I haven’t been at band camp every day,” Snow said.

Nor will he leave it for good.

“Mr. Richard is the main teacher now; I’m secondary. I’ll be at a rehearsal or two every week. My role now is to be a mentor, a teacher, or whatever he, the staff, or the students need me to be.”

It is also a huge transition for Richard.

“This is an extremely significant change [for me personally],” Richard said, “but it shouldn’t change the way the band works and performs. Our goals are the same as they have always been: to have a better band than last year, and to continue to improve the program. Even though though there is change happening, it’s important that we continue to focus on improvement. It’s easy to say ‘things are different, so it’s okay that this isn’t happening like it should be’, but we can’t do that. The students deserve improvement.”

Drum major Alex Hunter-Nickels is confident that the band will continue to perform as it always has.

“It’s really different, but I’m very confident about it. I think it’s a positive change,” Hunter-Nickels said.

Other students don’t notice as much of a difference.

“It hasn’t changed things as much as I thought it would,” junior Miranda Wilson said. “I had Mr. Richard for concert band

PHOTO BY ANA HUNTER-NICKELS

In step! Director Ian Richard conducts the competice marching band as they practice part of their show

and he definitely knows how to keep the energy up. My favorite thing about marching band is seeing people who wouldn’t normally be friends come together to get something done.” That’s something that hasn’t changed.

Many students talk about the tightlyknit relationships formed in band.

“I find band one of the most accepting organizations at this school. No one is judgemental; we’re a family,” senior Kirsten Ferguson said.

Snow’s new administrative role is all about making the family bigger.

“My self-defined role as Fine Arts Coordinator is to advocate, support, and celebrate K-12 fine arts teachers in Harrisonburg. Part of this is to create a Fine Arts Academy, which will implement new curriculum to enhance fine arts education in the city. I want to reach as many kids as possible, and this opportunity to reach 5,000 kids instead of 100 is great for me,” Snow said.

At 4:30, the students head back outside for another hour and a half of marching rehearsal in intense heat. This time, both Richard and Snow are on the field, as well as the dozen or so members of the JMU/ EMU staff, who are around to help out with marching technique and musical quality.

“I’m so fortunate to have a staff I trust to get the job done,” Snow said. “They make the transition much smoother. And the ability of the students to adapt is awesome.”

Warm up time Band major Alex HunterNickels leads the bands in pre-practice stretches during an 8 a.m. band camp session on the practice field.

PHOTO BY ANA HUNTER-NICKELS

Listen up! Ian Richard motivates the marching band as they practice during band camp that was held at HHS two weeks prior to the beginning of school.

PHOTO BY ANA HUNTER-NICKELS

Freshmen describe band as ‘fun, exciting’ Sydney Little and Brenna Cowardin Feature editors

This marching season there are a lot of freshmen joining the HHS band. Although it is different from middle school band the freshmen seem pumped for a new challenge. The New Marchers Camp started August 2nd. This was open to all freshmen and newcomers, they then joined the rest of competition band two weeks before school. ”I am excited for competition band because everyone is really welcoming and you get to make friends with people from different grades,” freshman marching baritone player Ava Reynolds said.

For many freshmen the switch between middle school and high school music is a little bit overwhelming, but most of them are ready to embrace the challenge.

“High school band is very different from middle school band. [High school band] is more like a family, everyone

wants to be there. Marching band is hard but it’s also really fun at the same time,” freshman trumpet player Ellie Plass said.

Some freshmen can’t do competitive marching band because it is so time consuming or because of the added pressure of high school sports. Instead they just participate in Friday Night Band which plays during home football games.

“I run cross country so I can only do Friday Night Band, but the band is a great group of people and I don’t want to miss out on getting to know them,” freshman flute player Kayla Leaman said.

This year’s theme is Taiko, which is based on traditional Japanese drumming. The gradual increase in speed of the music during the halftime show will be difficult for rising freshmen but it will help them grow as musicians.

“Doing high school band is going to be a lot more challenging but I am excited to explore another level of music,” Leaman said.

Experienced band members lead sections

PHOTO BY ANA HUNTER-NICKELS

Practice makes perfect! Freshman percussion player Noah Heie practices on the granite blocks for the Taiko performance.

Friday night show should be unique, exciting performance Band by the Gina Muan News editor The HHS competitive marching band has 83 people.

This season, 34 rising freshmen are joining their ranks for

PHOTO BY ANA HUNTER-NICKELS

Touch your toes! Section leaders stretch along with the band before every practice.

the ‘taiko’ (Japanese drums) themed performance. Adding such a large number of newcomers to the HHS exemplary marching band makes it particularly clear why certain musicians must be chosen to take a position of leadership.

These talented players are expected to guide the rest of their section with infectious charisma, dazzling musicality, and killer ‘toes’ on the field.

Attaining the position of section leader is not a simple task. One must first fill out a self-assessment to demonstrate his competence as well as procure the evaluations of two teachers or coaches. Having done this, he is then interviewed both individually and as part of a group. It can be nerve racking to sit in front of the entire senior leadership team and rattle off answers to their spontaneous questions, admits Gabe Hoak, marching trumpet leader. For this reason, section leaders are usually upperclassmen, who tend to be more mature marchers and musicians. They can be recognized on the field by the silver cord around the shoulders on their uniforms.

Section leaders are in charge of sectionals, leading warm-ups, and stretches. They’re always taking the time to perfect musical phrases. Looked up to on the field, they are the core of the band’s success, building a phenomenal show from the base up.

“We just like being together and hanging out,” sophomore Michelle Huynh says about her section.

Undoubtedly, one of the toughest aspects of being section leader is how time consuming the position can be.

Juggling school work and marching band in itself is already a daunting task, and adding to that all the duties of leadership makes life a little stressful. Despite the work, the outcome is always worth it, according to Margaret King, mellophone section leader. Section leaders are constantly planning group bonding sessions. The ‘mellies’ (mellophones) enjoy hanging out at Ham’s and decorating T-shirts. Current section leader, junior Ellen Upton, led the flutes in a tie-dyeing activity.

“Yeah, sometimes it gets tough with school work, but you also want your section to be ready and have fun,” Upton says.

Possibly the most rewarding aspect of being part of the marching band are the memories created and cherished.

Hanging out and embellishing matching possessions lends to a sense of unity between members of a section which in turn creates a closely knit band.

Numbers...

1 Drum Major 2 Bari Saxophones 3 Tenor Saxophones 3 Tubas 4 Alto Saxophones 7 Colorguard Members 8 Clarinets 8 Mellophones 9 Baritones 9 Pit Members 9 Drumline Members 10 Trumpets 11 Flutes Infographic by Brenna Cowardin and Sydney Little

August 21, 2012

The

Newsstreak

STYLE - A4

One Direction makes boy bands cool again

Mary McMahan News editor With the hot “Shot me out of the sky, you’re my kryptonite,” One Direction didn’t only captivate my heart, but the hearts of millions of girls all around the world.

One Direction’s first album, Up All Night, which has already sold three million copies worldwide, has become one of the most popular and desired albums of the year. Their music attracts mainly girls between the ages of 12-20, but it’s popular to a wider audience than most would realize Up All Night has a mixture of different music genres spanning from pop to ballad-like songs. Their most well-known song “What Makes You Beautiful”, which recently won a BRIT award for best single of the year, is very catchy and highlights their amazing voices.

Personally, my favorite song is “One Thing” which features all of their individual voices at different moments in the song.

Liam Payne usually starts out each song

followed by Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson. All five members contribute something special to each track on the album.

Even though many of their songs discuss relationships and love, a few of them deviate from the norm and describe an average teenager’s life. “Up All Night” is a prime example.

The lyrics focus on a young person just wanting to go out and enjoy life.

This album is a ‘mustbuy’ for anyone who loves boy bands and music in general. There is also a special edition album that Hit British boy band One Direction new album Up All features two more of their Night ts now touring in the U.S. songs, ‘Moments’ and ‘Stand Up’. It costs $5 more than the origi- of the year. Who knew that a British boy band would steal ‘directioners,’ one heart nal, but is totally worth it.

Up All Night is definitely the best album at a time?

Olympics inspire,amaze billions of viewers

Celia Ehrenpreis Editor in chief I’ve always loved the Olympics. Ever since I was young enough to understand it’s significance and impact on the world. The two week event brings together over 200 nations from the farthest corners of the earth to compete with gusto against their arch rivals whom they see only once every four years.

Every night during those two weeks, you could count on seeing me plopped down in front of the T.V. from 8 p.m. until midnight. I would sit and watch everything from Jordyn Wieber’s crushing injustice in the women’s gymnastics all around, to Michael Phelps astounding 22nd medal, making him the most decorated Olympian of all time.

I would even suffer through the snore-inducing women’s water polo, not wanting to miss a moment of the USA team dominating on the track. Before the men’s 100 meter final, I remember my heart beating so loud I thought my family would comment on the obtrusive noise. After the final I couldn’t fall asleep, my head filled with thoughts The Olympic rings hang from the Tower Bridge in London. Photo courof Usain Bolt, officially the fastest man in the world. tesy of Wikimedia Commons.

If someone asked me my plans for a Friday night, I would simply say I was busy. Which was true, I had to was blown away with the impressive display of British bands. I am watch history being made as 15 year old Katie Ledecky won gold now deep into post-Olympic sadness. I can’t believe that I have to in the 800-meter freestyle. wait four whole years until Rio De Janeiro where the whole whirlWhen the Olympics concluded with the Closing Ceremony, I wind will happen all over again.

Moonrise Kingdom could win big Issac Falk Op/Ed editor

Have you seen Moonrise Kingdom yet?

You need to!

Moonrise Kingdom is a dramedy about two mentally unstable teens who find themselves in love on a island whose population can be counted using fingers and toes. The film is directed by Wes Anderson, so expect the unexpected and you will be treated to a visual delight.

Throughout the story you will meet two absentee parents (Bill Murray!!!), and washed-up cop (Bruce Willis), and a camp counselor (Edward Norton), all of whom contribute their own story to the unfolding relationship between the two love birds. What you get is a confluence of narratives all orchestrated into a single story.

Don’t go into Moonrise Kingdom expecting a gut-busting comedy. You’ll find yourself chuckling along to the absurd situations, antics, and idiosyncrasies of the characters. Expect more subtle or macabre humor. One of the more humorous scenes involves a stabbing. But its a light-hearted darkness; it never becomes overbearing.

The soundtrack to the film is equally amazing. I can still hum some of the more memorable songs, even after a couple of months. They augment the actions onscreen, yet have their own presence. Basically the soundtrack is awesome.

Moonrise Kingdom is easily Wes Anderson’s best film, and beats any of the other summer movies, hands down. You can take your Ted and shove it into the dark nethers of oblivion.

New ‘Step Up’ movie delivers great dancing Isabelle Burden Feature editor Although the new ‘Step Up’ movie, Step Up Revolution, was not as popular as the The Dark Knight Rises, don’t just write it off as a bad film. It was actually very good.

First of all, the dancing was hardcore and fabulous. Second, even though the movie was heavily focused on dance, the

writers did not forget about the plot.

The female lead, Kathryn McCormick, was a finalist for “So You Think You Can Dance” and got third overall.

Ryan Guzman, McCormick’s co- star, was not always into dancing and acting. His career started in martial arts and modeling. As soon as he caught the acting buzz, director, Scott Speer, snatched him up to play the male lead in Step Up Revolu-

tion.

The movie was released on July 27, earning $42,152,889; just over $9 million more than what they spent to produce the movie. When I saw it, the theatre was packed.

When I left, I heard many people say “Woah” or “that was awesome!”. Definitely a mustsee if you enjoy dancing and great music!

Falk reevaluates, rates, reviews childhood favorites SONG: “Toxic” ARTIST: Britney Spears

SONG: “Hot in Herre” ARTIST: Nelly

SONG: “Blue” ARTIST: Eiffel 65

Review as a child: 9/10 Review as of 2012: Britney Spears. No but really, as a child, I loved Britney Spears. To this day I am still befuddled by my infatuation. But on a return trip to Britneyland, I find it is not as bad as I thought. She really did birth this modern generation of pop. Within modern music you still hear echoes and Toxic is no exception.

The lyrics are the most nuanced of the bunch, but that is not saying much. The music itself still holds up, and I think a re-release would be warmly met.

Overall score out of ten: 7/10

Review as a child: 6/10 Review as of 2012: Even as a child I realized this song was not exactly the most nuanced. He is Nelly. It is hot. Take your clothes off. Rinse and repeat. I suppose it is a decent party song, for when you are just looking to dance, but as a song for personal enjoyment you may want to look elsewhere.

Overall score out of ten: 3/10

Review as a child: 9/10 Review as of 2012: Well we are off to a weird start. This is a song about an alien, who is blue.

The lyrics are rather limited, and include a description of the protagonist’s life(hint, it’s blue).

The melody is still as catchy as ever, it’s only a shame the lyrics are not more subtle. The singer sings in an alien voice, which fits in nicely, yet I hope he does not sing like that all the time.

Overall score out of ten: 6/10

Stacie I. Dietz, DDS Creating Natural Smiles 1663 Virginia Avenue, Suite 210 Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802 Phone: (540) 442-9100 Fax: (540) 442-9096

One of Harrisonburg’s most delicious traditions 22 S. Main Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801 540-434-8282

August 21, 2012 The Harrisonburg High School Newsstreak The Policy The Newsstreak is published by the students of Harrisonburg High School every month. Reproduction of any material from the newspaper is prohibited without the written permission from the editorial board. Advertising rates are available upon request.

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The editors and staff Editors-in-Chief: Print - Mark Duda, Celia Ehrenpreis Online - Maggie Siciliano, Ben DiNapoli Managing Editor: Mia Karr Advertising Managers : Austin Coffey and Bryndal Fulginiti Photographers: Ana Hunter Nickels Staff Reporters: Mark Duda, Maggie Siciliano, Ben DiNapoli, Anastasiya Kalyuk, Mia Karr, Katrina Sokolyuk, Anthony Duong, John Earle, Max Johnson, Isabelle Burden, Julexus Cappell, Bryndal Fulginiti, Victoria Giron, Ana Hunter-Nickels, Gypsy Torgerson, Hope Carr, Gina Muan, Kerri Hofacker, Kendall Bailey, Jacob Byrd, Josh Byrd, Soma Barzanji, Cierra Pharr, Cheyenne Saylor, Austin Swift, Shad Abdullah, Valerio Aleman, Tyrone Kirkland, Jr., Jesus LopezChang, Ellen Plass, Felicia Tran, Brenna Cowardin, Luke Gibson, Sarah Mongold, Matt Shifflett, Isaac Falk, Sukriti Adhikari Professional Affiliations The Newsstreak participates as a member of several journalistic evaluation services including the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA-2010 Gold Evaluation and 2005 & 2009 Silver Crown Winner), Quill&Scroll Journalism Honor Society (2011 First Place International Award), National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) AllAmerican, the Virginia High School League, Inc. Trophy Class Award, and the Southern Interscholastic Press Association All Southern Ranking and 2010 Scroggins Award winner. newsstreak.com opt out notice: If you do NOT want to allow your student’s full name or image to appear on the school newspaper site, please send an email to vkibler@harrisonburg. k12. va.us stating: I understand that the school newspaper, newsstreak.com, now has an online version of the publication. I DO NOT want my son/daughter (place student’s name here) to have his or her name or image published on this online venue.

The

Newsstreak Newsstreak

Op/Ed NEWS - A5

Falk deals advice for freshmen Isaac Falk Op/Ed Editior

Howdy there class of three years after the class of 2013, my name is Isaac Falk and I shall be your assimilation guru for this upcoming year. As freshmen you are certain to have many questions regarding the change from middle debauchery to high school etiquette. Questions such as: “Where are the bathrooms?” and “Will I ever find true love?” The answer to both is a whole hearted no. However you can flourish yet, so long as you follow my advice.

“Everyone seems so tall, how can I expect to get so big?” You can’t. There’s a secret to all of the upperclassmen’s height, and it is bovine grade growth hormone that you can find in the dairy section at any local grocer. I’ve been snorting that stuff for years, and look at me. I’m a giant at 6’1, and the only side-effect is a ringing in

your ears. Well, that and the desire to chew grass. But it’s such a well kept secret everytime I mention it to another upper classmen they play dumb and look at me like they have no clue what I’m talking about.

“This place seems so big! How will I ever find my way around?”

Truth is nobody knows the layout of HHS. We all just wander from hallway to hallway in search of our next class. HHS is like Hogwarts, the layout switches over night. The only way to get from point A to point B is to slowly meander the halls, if you don’t believe me just look outside the classroom. Don’t bother bringing a map like Lewis and Clark, the only way you’ll find your way is to lose your way.

“Is it true there is a pool in the basement?” Who told you such filthy lies! In the basement is our maintenance facility, that and the magical grove where we breed unicorns.

“Will I find a group to fit in to?”

Probably not. You will spend your eternity alone, devoid of any human existence. Caught in a malaise of solitude, you will reach out to others only to find the cold grips of ennui. Wait we’re still talking about high school, aren’t we?

You will likely find others with the tastes you possess. Whether you fancy yourself athletic, geeky, or otherwise you will find someone. Unless you like Nickelback, in which case there is no hope for you. At all.

“And who are you?” I am Isaac Falk, Lord of Mann, Ruler of Slampas, and Puba of the Jews. I have braved the cornfields of Iowa, the onslaught of a Bar Mitzvah, and the terror that is the viola. If anyone is your salvation in this purgatory they call high school it is me.

If you ever need me just say my name three times into a dreidel.

Then find me in the hallways. God save the Queen.

Make the best out of your first day of school Mary McMahan News Editor The first day of school isn’t as terrible as everyone makes it out to be. Yes, summer break is over and we get locked in a cinderblock maze, but we get to see all of our friends who we haven’t seen for the past two months.

The first day is our first experience of the year. We can either make the best of it, or go in thinking that it will be one of the worst days of our lives. Personally, I think that someone should go in with a positive attitude.

You never know, you could have a friend in each of your classes and love every second of it.

The best way to deal with the long day is to break it down into hours. Instead of looking at how

much longer you have to sit in the school, think of how many hours you have accomplished. One hour doesn’t seem like much time has elapsed, but it’s one hour closer to the golden time, 2:35 p.m.

Hour 1. Freshmen will be running frantically through the halls trying to find their English-9 classroom, while the upperclassmen run through the doors at 7:42, praying that they’ll make it to class before the teacher slams the door shut.

Hour 2. We will still be sitting in our first class, wondering how in the world we’re going to survive another ten months of boring lectures and documentaries that were probably filmed back in the eighties.

Hour 3. We’re finally halfway through the day despising the fact that we basically have to re-

peat the first two hours or so all over again.

Hours 4-6: The rest of the day is pretty much bland, except for the periods of time in which we briefly get to see our friends in the hallways.

So now we basically need to repeat this day 179 more times, but each day will get better. We’ll know where all of our classes are, and know which of our friends are in our classes, and we’ll (mainly freshmen), be more familiar with the layout of the school.

I wouldn’t say it’s a complete waste of time. The knowledge that we begin to collect on this day is essential to our well-being and our futures. So once we get through the first day, it will be pretty much smooth sailing until June....knock on wood.

Outer Banks experience teaches lesson Mia Karr Managing Editor

The Mia Perspective

Mia Karr

In all the years that my family has been going to the beach, we have never suffered so strange an occurrence as we did this August.

As a last summer hurrah, we ventured down to the Outer Banks with two other families. The week was going smoothly and everyone was having a good time. We all kind of wondered about the guy in the house next door who would sit all by himself tossing a frisbee, but we did not give it too

much thought.

A couple of the dads had rallied us together to start building on a giant sea turtle sand sculpture. It was go ing really slowly the first few days, but by day three or so we had a solid foundation. So, it was dismaying to find the next morning that the turtle had been destroyed. Our strange neighbor, Rob, was looking kind of suspicious, so my friend’s dad questioned him about the turtle destruction. He denied any kind of involvement, but we later received eyewitness accounts that he and his son had done the deed.

Never mind that roadblock, we fell on our sculpting with renewed vigor. By our second to last day of vacation, we had a sculpture that was gaining plenty of attention.

Children and adults alike were stopping to ask questions and admire. When we left the beach that night, no one gave a second thought to how the sand creature would fare. We should have.

The next morning, my mom and I were relaxing in the hot tub when most of our friends returned from a beach walk.

“We have something serious to tell you,” my mom’s friend said, sounding slightly shocked.

Not only had the turtle been destroyed, but someone had left, on top of the remains, a literal pile of crap. Who would do such a thing? Rob was instantly blamed.

Unfortunately, we didn’t think to get a DNA sample until the waste had been disposed of, but he will forever live in our hearts as ‘The One’.

So what does this have to do with returning to school? Well, it’s all about the attitude. We could have gotten angry. We could have cried. Instead, we made a sand octopus. The beginning of the school year can bring an onslaught of stress and frustration, but it does not have to get you down. The world does not end when someone craps on your turtle.

FEELING OPINIONATED? Write a letter to the editor!

Let us know what we are doing well, doing poorly, or not doing at all.

What’s

HOT Summer

Summer’s always a good time to just chill out and unwind with a cool glass of lemonade.

Olympics Team USA really won gold this year, getting a total of 107 medals, beating out all the other nations by a large margin.

Summer movies Summer is always a good time to get in a guilty movie, or to hunt for indie flicks.

Tax free weekend What a great way to get ready for this school year by spending less.

Gourmet sodas What a better treat for this hot weather, than a specialty soda like Bundabergs.

Mars rover landing NASA’s Mar’s lander succesfully landed and will hopefully transmit exciting new facts about Mars.

Weather Quite literally, with this past July being the hottest month on record

Voting Democracy rules!!!

What’s

NOT Travel

Nobody likes to wait in line at the airport security for some geriatric gentlemen to slowly remove his penny loafers and fiddle out his I.D.

Sunburns The payment for getting tan is the pain of a thousands suns scorching your flesh.

Also, cancer.

Excessive heat The record-breaking heat this year really put a damper on outdoor activites and prevented enjoyment of the beautiful weather.

Political Ads We get it. You want us to vote for you. Leave us alone!

Chick-fil-a

Drop ‘em off in room 444

The chicken sandwich company recently came under fire for its anti-homosexual CEO’s remarks

Kim Jong Un’s Marriage Sorry ladies, he’s taken.

August 21, 2012

The

Newsstreak

FEATURE A6

Farmer’s Market bursts with food, fun Mia Karr Managing editor

T

he sweet taste of watermelon, the crunch of corn on the cob, and the cool creaminess of ice cream are all associated with summer. They can also be associated with the Harrisonburg Farmer’s Market, located in the Municipal Lot on South Liberty Street, which sells everything from fresh produce to clothes to baked goods and jewelry. “[We have] a pretty big variety of vendors,” Justin Van Kleeck, Farmer’s Market assistant manager said. Anybody in Rockingham County, or its adjacent counties, can apply to be a vendor, but the market is producer only, meaning everything you sell you must have grown or made yourself. The market is currently at full capacity on Saturday mornings, with over 50 vendors selling their products over the summer.

Popular summer products include fruits, such as peaches and berries, sweet corn, ice cream, donuts and tomatoes. Van Kleeck favors blueberries, watermelon, and cantaloupes when they come into season, as well as the unique ground cherry, which tastes something like a tomato mixed with a cherry.

There are also plenty of non-food vendors, such as Ed Latham, who sells his artwork at Oasis Art Gallery in downtown Harrisonburg, in addition to being at the market many Saturday mornings. Latham is a blacksmith who shoes horses and makes metalwork, such as intricate metal roses.

“I especially like making the roses. People

say they look real,” Latham said. He encourages people to come down to the market because of the large variety of things to see and buy. That’s just one of many reasons the area’s residents flock to the market instead of shopping at a traditional store. “[The food is] almost universally healthier for you,” Van Kleeck said, explaining that storebought produce is picked before it reaches full ripeness and therefore loses nutrients and taste before it reaches the grocery aisles.

HHS algebra teacher Tricia Cummings, who went to the market several times this summer, also enjoyed the benefits of local food.

“It’s fresher. It’s nice to know everything about the growing process,” Cummings said.

Not only is the food fresher, but, according to Van Kleeck, many of the farmers grow their food using sustainable methods.

This is important to English teacher Peter Norment, a die-hard Farmer’s Market fan who shops there twice a week.

“Produce tastes infinitely better if you buy it locally,” Norment said. He tries to buy as much food locally as possible, for enviromental and health reasons. In addition, supporting local business is a priority for his family.

“I’d rather support Farmer Joe down the street ...than know I’m paying... some large corporation to wreck the planet with their farming practices,” Norment said.

In its mission statement, the market says it aims to support community well-being. Cummings also enjoys supporting local businesses, and also seeing people she knows when she

makes trips to the market.

Norment has gotten to know the vendor at Staff of Life bakery, where his son gets his favorite pastry. (Other favorite products include produce, hot sauce, and gazpacho.) He finds that the friendly atmosphere of the market makes for a much more pleasant shopping experience than the grocery store. Van Kleeck would encourage high schoolers to join the fun.

“It can be a really fun place to hang out for people of any age. [In high school] there may not be as much awareness about health and local food,” Van Kleeck said. On most summer Saturday mornings, live music adds to the atmosphere. Local musicians play in a variety of genres from bluegrass to rock and roll.

Van Kleeck wishes to make it clear that the market is a good shopping experience for many different groups of people. In fact, through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), customers with food stamp benefits can shop at the market.

The number of SNAP customers is growing, as well as other customers. Last year the market passed the $1 million sales mark, and this year is shaping up to be a busy one. The market is open from 7a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays from April to Thanksgiving, and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays from December to March.

“You have the opportunity to build a relationship with the person growing your food, rather than just going through a drive through,” Van Kleeck said.

Q & A with Farmer’s Market Vendor Stuart Mercer Q: What do you make?

A: I personally mine, cut, and polish Virginia gemstones.

I have my degree in geology which I got specifically to do this job. I started doing this in fifth grade.

Q: What kinds of rocks do you mine?

A: There are like 16 different types of rocks that I [use.]

They run from bloodstones to agates and jaspers.

Q: When did you first become involved with the market?

A: I did my first Farmer’s Market this spring. A spot was available so I signed up and I did very well.

Q: Do you see any of the same customers?

A: I do have a number of repeat customers. There is no one else doing what I do.

Q: Why would you encourage people to come to the Farmer’s Market?

A: Because it is a great experience with lots of different offerings. It is all homegrown, personally done. It’s homegrown food to homegrown jewelry. Everything is the best quality.

Q: How would you describe the atmosphere at the Farmer’s Market?

A: Uplifting, high energy, positive, happy.

Infographic by Mia Karr PHOTO BY CELIA EHRENPREIS

YUM! This is just one of the many vendors selling a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables at Turner Pavillion.

PHOTOS BY CELIA EHRENPREIS

POTATOES, WATERMELON, TOMATOES! Fresh local produce is one of the most popular items of the summer.

MORNING MUSIC Local musicians serenade customers in at the bustling Turner Pavilion on a Saturday morning.

COLORFUL QUILTS Vendors must handmake or grow all of their products, making it a “producer only” market.

Farmer’s Market Facts • The market is open 7a.m. to 1p.m. Saturday and Tuesdays from April to Thanksgiving and 9a.m. to 12p.m. Saturday from December to March.

PHOTOS BY MIA KARR

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS Metalworker Ed Latham’s favorite products are metal roses.

Downtown music, film festival remains popular summer activity

• It is located in he municipal lot on South Liberty Street Sydney Little in downtown Harri- Feature editor sonburg . It moved to its current location in During the months of June through August 2006.

• It was voted “Best Place to be on a Saturday Morning” by the DNR three years in a row.

• The market began in 1979.

• The Harrisonburg Farmer’s Market Association is run by an elected board of directors. This system began in 1994.

the people of Harrisonburg spend every Friday night downtown at court square for the 2012 music and film festival, known as Fridays on the Square. The festival is currently celebrating its 22nd season and is a parntership of the Citizens for Downtown and Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance.

The festival consists of twelve performances that switch between local bands and films sponsored by various groups and organizations of Harrisonburg. This summer the musical entertainment included The Judy Chops and George Wesley’s Small Axe Orchestra. A wide rangs of films was shown, including The Help and The Wizard of Oz. The final movie, Hugo will be shown August 24th. All events are free and open to the public. Music begins at 7 p.m. and films start at 8 p.m.

“I particularly enjoyed selecting the films

this year and really wanted to focus on recent and award winning films,” Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance promotions manager Nicole Martorana said. Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance focuses on picking the films, while Citizens for Downtown works to book bands.

There seems to be something for everyone.

“I’ve been going down to the square every Friday for a few years. It just kind of became a habit to go,” junior Larkin O’Hara said.

For some, Fridays on the Square is just a place where people of all kinds get together and enjoy the diversity of music and family films, but for others it is a local place where they can just get together to hang out with friends.

“I usually just meet a few friends there and we throw a frisbee around or sit in the grass and talk. I used to also watch the films they showed, but I don’t as much anymore because now they are meant more for younger kids,” O’Hara said.

“Each event in the series had an average of 100-200 peole in attendance, though some bands or films draw bigger crowds,” Martorana said.

The festival is truly a community effort, and is funded by donations. At each event a “Love Bucket” is passed around, where those in attendance can leave a donation.

“Fridays on the Square could not take place without the generous support of many in our community- the partnering organizations, the dedicated volunteer’s at each night’s event, the event and series sponsors, and the community members that attend the events,” Martorana said.

Those are not the only ways Harrisonburg’s community makes Fridays on the Square its own. One of the film nights featured the Super Gr8 Film festival, a popular local film festival that was featured at Fridays on the Square for the second year in a row.

“Featuring local films is another positive way to build the Fridays on the Square series by supporting our local arts community and the many talented voices we have here,” Martorana said.

This summer, Fridays on the Square has continued to be the same staple of the community it has been since 1990.

August 21, 2012

The

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August 21, 2012

The

Newsstreak

NEWS - A8

Young athletes anticipate upcoming fall season Kerri Hofacker Sports Editor Every athlete is excited to start playing sports as soon as school starts. The football players are ready to strap on their pads and start hitting each other, while the volleyball team is ready to start spiking the ball at each other.

Some players are more experienced and they’re anxious to teach the younger players everything they know. The freshmen are usually the most nervous ones at try-outs.

They aren’t sure if they’ll make the team or if they’ll get cut.

Sophie Hartman said, “I’m not too nervous, because I played volleyball in 8th grade on the JV team and I know most of the girls already so that helps a lot.”

When Tanner Grogg was asked about playing high school sports he said, “I’m not too nervous because I’ve played football since I was little, so it’s something that I’m used to.”

Other freshmen are a little more nervous about trying out for something that they’ve never done before. For Kendyl Brooks, trying something new was a little intimidating. “I’m really nervous, because I don’t really know what

I’m doing, but at the same time, I’m excited because it’s something I’ve been looking forward to.”

When asked about the team’s biggest competition this year, Sophie said, “It’s most likely going to be Turner Ashby. They always seem to have a really good team no matter how many people they lose each year.”

“I’m not really sure who’s going to be the biggest competition because this is my first year, but there’s usually a big rivalry between us and Spotswood so maybe they would be good competition,” said Brooks.

Grogg said, “Broadway should be the biggest competition this year because they got really good last year, so it should be a really close game when we play them.”

There are some things to look forward to when playing sports for the high school. “I’m really looking forward to the team bonding that we did last year. We would play games and stuff at practice and that was always really fun,” Hartman said.

“Just being part of a team is what’s exciting for me,” said Brooks.

While Grogg said, “I’m excited to play under the lights and be with my teammates.”

PHOTO BY ANA HUNTER-NICKELS

Down, set, hike! The varsity football team lines up to run a play in an early season practice. The football team opens their regular season schedule at home against cross-town rival Turner Ashby on Friday, August 24.

PHOTO BY ANA HUNTER-NICKELS

The varsity football team run sprints across the length of the field before cooling down to stretch at the end of a long day of practice.

PHOTO BY ANA HUNTER-NICKELS

The football team runs different plays to prepare for their upcoming games.

PHOTO BY ANA HUNTER-NICKELS

The varsity volleyball team listens to instructions given by their coach, Andy Thompson. Before each drill, the coach explains the concept and how it will help his players prepare for the upcoming games.

Freshman

Senior

Freshman

PHOTO BY ANA HUNTER-NICKELS

Sophomore Kara Simmons warms up her hitting arm before practice.

The volleyball team opens their season on August 23 at home against Eastern Mennonite High School.

Senior

Abby Westfall Girls Cross Country

Erin Goodstein Girls Cross Country

Sophia Hartman Girls Volleyball

Sarah Rose Girls Volleyball

What are you looking forward to?

Having fun with the team.

What are you most nervous about?

The length of the races. I want to pace myself well in the 5k’s.

Who is your role model?

Hannah Purcell, she stayed with the freshman for the first couple days of practice and kept us at ease.

What are your goals for your first season?

Always do my best.

What is your favorite memory from your sport?

Going to Olive Garden with my team before the State meet! We all sit together and unwind before the meet.

What will you miss the most about cross country?

The team and the sisterhood.

What do you want to leave behind for others to remember?

Making people laugh and be comfortable with themselves.

What are your goals for your final season?

Go to the State meet again with the team.

I also want to keep my number one position on the team.

What are you looking forward to?

Being the starting setter for JV and possibly being captain.

What are you most nervous about?

Getting injured and letting the team down Who is your role model?

The varsity setter Skyler Johnson.

What are your goals for your first season?

Imrove my sets and be a good leader for the team.

What is your favorite memory from your sport?

Playing warm-up games and team bonding activities.

What will you miss the most about volleyball?

My teammates What do you want to leave behind for others to remember?

I want others to remember that I was a great team player and a strong leader.

What are your goals for your final season?

Be a beast hitter and have a winning season.

Freshman Sam Clark Golf

Senior Troupe Armentrout Golf

What are you looking forward to?

What is your faImproving and getvorite memory ting better everyfrom your sport?

Beating Robbe day at practice and Failes. matches.

What are you most What will you miss the most about nervous about? golf?

Nothing really.

Who is your role Practices with the team. model?

What do you want Graeme McDowell.

What are your to leave behind for goals for your first others to remember? season?

That I was the calmImprove, play well. est player to ever play the game.

What are your goals for your final season?

Make it to the state tournament.

August 21, 2012

Union Springs Location: West 33 Terrain: Literally a mountain Good for: Distance, hills

The

Clover Hill Location: West 33, south 743 Terrain: Rolling hills Good for: Distance, tempo runs

Newsstreak

Antioch Location: North on Ft. Lynne from 763 Terrain: Hilly Good for: Distance, tempo runs, hills

SPORTS- A9

Burtner Farm Location: East 33, near Peak View Elem.

Terrain: Rolling hills Good for: Workouts, tempo runs, races

Montezuma Location: West of Dayton Terrain: Relatively flat, rolling Good for: Distance Pence Middle School Location: South on 42 towards Dayton Terrain: Rolling hills Good for: Distance, tempo runs

Loughran plans for successful season

Brenna Cowardin Staff Reporter David Loughran, cross-country and track and field coach of 12 years, is excited about how this year’s cross-country team is shaping up. There are 26 girls running this fall, which is the largest girl’s cross-country team HHS has seen since the program began 34 years ago. As always, he can’t wait to see how the freshmen fit in on the team.

“It’s been a long time since a freshman wasn’t in the top ten,” Loughran said.

Another valuable runner is Aisha Dames, a track and field district qualifier in all three distance races, the 800, 1600, and 3200. She is running crosscountry for the first time this year.

“The number one goal of the season is to stay healthy,” Loughran said. He’s very big on making sure

his team eats their fruits and vegetables, ices sore muscles, and reminds them constantly that soda is poison.

Loughran wants the team to run faster this year. He’s hoping to win districts and make it to the state meet after ending the season a week and a half early last year. Looking at the team line-up, it’s very possible. Only one senior graduated last year, and the top ten has remained the same, growing stronger.

Loughran’s not changing his game plan to do that.

“Workouts may vary from last year, but the general philosophy will stay the same,” Loughran said. That philosophy is to “[My philosophy is to] get strong, and add speed.”

Loughran organizes summer practices that are not mandatory, however many girls show up to prepare for the upcoming season. Summer runs, unlike workouts, are based on time, not a certain number of miles. This sum-

mer, practices began the week of June 25, and have continued throughout July and August until official practice started the week before school.

“We started with three 25-30 minute runs and two at 30-35 and eventually built up to one long run, one shorter, quicker run and three base runs every week,” Loughran said.

This year he added an extra five minutes to every run this past summer which gave the team almost three hours of extra running. He wants them to be prepared to work harder in post season races where the difference between going to the state meet or going home could be one runner.

Loughran says it’s hard to know how other teams are looking before actual meets. However, considering the seniors that graduated last year, he predicts that Fort Defiance and HHS will be the major contenders for the district title.

Cross country teams start practices early in summer

Kendall Bailey Sports Editor

Before Fee Days, scheduling, or even the Back-ToSchool signs appeared, the boys and girls cross country teams were already preparing for their fall season.

Both teams could be seen running in huddled clumps through downtown Harrisonburg, Purcell Park, and the local college campuses as early as the end of June.

“They’re called captains’ practices”, senior captain Caitlin Kelley said,“ Coach Loughran gives us a list of runs we need to complete at the beginning of the summer, then the captains decide which days we do which runs until we get them all done.”

For the boy’s team, the practices are organized by their coach, Lauren Jefferson.

Besides running, the girl’s team practices includes diverse activities, including several aerobic stretches, core exercises, and lifting weights.

For the boy’s team, it’s a totally different story.

“We actually don’t do anything else besides run, not even warm-ups or prerun stretches,” senior captain Jordan Leaman said, “But we always stretch afterwards.”

There’s good reasonin for having runs so early before the start of the season. “[They’re] primarily long distance runs rather than speed, aimed at building endurance so we can focus on speed later in the season.” Leaman said. The purpose is more than just practicing The runs also

help to establish a team bond for newcomers as well as returners.

“The summer practices help the upcoming freshmen to join the sisterhood of our team,” Kelley said.

The team bonding portion of the summer runs have sparked a lot of fond memories for the members as well. There are numerous times when teammates have gotten lost during practice and were searched for for hours.

“One time Andrea [Wood] and Ambar [Gonzalez] got lost at The Gorge, and everyone was scared because Loughran always warned us to stay together because The Gorge was haunted,” continues Kelley, “ but we ended up finding them and everyone was relieved.”

Another favorite for the girl’s team are ‘The Little Grill’ runs, since the athletes get to enjoy breakfast together after a long practice.

The importance of the summer runs couldn’t be stressed enough. Both captains have high expectations for their teams this upcoming season. The girl’s are looking forward to reclaiming their district title and both teams are shooting to make it all the way to the state meet in November.

The men’s team is hoping to recruit a good number of freshmen to repopulate the team for future seasons.

“Mainly, we want to go in with a positive attitude, not be as stressed as past seasons, and improve our times,” Kelley said.

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August 21, 2012

The

Newsstreak

¡Pura Vida!

NEWS - A10

Spanish class students travel to Costa Rica

Celia Ehrenpreis

editor-in-chief

Beautiful! Sunset in Limon Photo by Jacob Byrd Celia Ehrenpreis Editor-in-Chief

T

he most well known Costa Rican phrase is “pura vida”, although it can be used for greetings it also translates to “pure life”. By all accounts this is the Costa Ricans’ motto.

“Everything is different, the fruit tastes fresher, the natives are friendly and helpful, and the way of life is slowpaced,” junior Jacob Byrd said of his recent trip to Costa Rica. Six HHS students accompanied by two chaperones made the 2,000-mile voyage to reach San José, Costa Rica this past summer. This exOR SWAN PHOTO BY TAYL change, between the Colegio Metodista Neigh! Junior Sara Shenk Moreno smiles while ridschool and HHS has been happening for ing along the Tambour coast. numerous years.

PHOTO BY CHRIS SOKOLYUK The trip started at a resort, right along the Costa Rican coast in Tambor. Breath-taking! Volcanic view from hotel in La Fortuna.

The group spent two nights relaxing by the beach and recuperating after their strenuous journey. The next stop was La Fortuna, where ziplining, and white water rafting took place.

“We also went to these hot water spring pools in La Fortuna. They were heated by the nearby volcano, and the closer you got to the volcano the hotter the water became, it was amazing!” junior Sara Shenk Moreno said. One of the main reasons for the trip is to allow HHS students to practice their learned Spanish in a native country. That is exactly what happened when the trip traversed its way back to San José, where the HHS students stayed with volunteer host families who had children in the neighboring school.

KOLYUK “The first day we followed our ‘host SY OF CHRIS SO PHOTO COURTE PHOTO BY JACOB BYRD sibling’ from class to class. Their school So scenic!

The group went horseback riding on the Good Night! An evening group shot on the ferry ride to Tambor had almost all the same classes as ours, From left to right: Sam Strickler, Chris Sokolyuk, Ben DiNapoli, beach at Tambor. but they had uniforms and not nearly as Jacob Byrd, Taylor Swan, and Sara Shenk Moreno. much technology as HHS,” Shenk Moreno said.

The Arenal volcano, one of the most visited sites in all of Costa Rica, was described by students as as one of the highlights of the trip. The students took numerous day trips that allowed them to see the different faces of Costa Rica.

They saw one of the more touristy coffee tours, but they also did projects such as helping to integrate recycling into an underdeveloped school with an HHS graduate who is now a member of the peace corp.

“My favorite place we went was probably our ziplining trip. It was rainy so the line was slick, which meant we went especially fast. It was so beautiful above the trees, even if it was raining,” Byrd said. Although it was summer at home while they were on the the trip, in Costa Rica, it was their winter. Temperatures ranged from 60-80 degrees, a strong contrast with our winter temperatures.

“Everyone from Harrisonburg was fine, we wore shorts and t-shirts everyday, but the natives were dressed in jeans and sweaters! Their winter was our summer,” Shenk Moreno said. The Costa Rica OR SWAN PHOTO BY TAYLOR SWAN trip will be happening again next sumPHOTO BY TAYL mer if everything goes according to plan. So lush! The view looking down Interested students should talk to Span- into Sanchiri valley.

Don’t trip! The crater at a volcano in Irazú National Park. ish teacher Phil Yutzy.

Great vacation bonding! Seniors Sam Strickler, Chris Sokolyuk, and Ben DiNapoli enjoy Sanchiri. Photo courtesy of Chris Sokolyuk.

Misty! Early morning view in the Costa Rican mountains. Photo by Jacob Byrd.