October Issue

The

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where every person has a story

Harrisonburg High School • 1001 Garbers Church Road • Harrisonburg, VA 22801 • 540.433.2651

Volume XIC • Issue 3• October 21, 2011

Homecoming king, queen crowned during half-time Bus

overcrowding creates an cramped, unfixable problem

Christy Stearn editor-in-chief

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he ballots have been cast, and the results are in. Seniors William Imeson and Mikala Wolter were crowned as the homecoming king and queen during half-time of the football game against Fort Defiance on Oct 14. Both Imeson, who was up against seniors Taylor Bailey and Marshall Hyser, and Wolter, who was up against seniors Taylor McDonnell and Amber Carter, were surprised to find out they won the title.

“I thought I had a pretty good chance because a lot of people would know me from being president and on the school news, but I wouldn’t have been surprised if I hadn’t won, either,” Imeson said. “It was nice to have everyone clapping for me.”

Wolter, who was asked to the homecoming dance by Imeson, was happy to share the moment with her date.

“When I found out I was crowned, I was excited because William had already won homecoming king, and I was excited because he was my date,” Wolter said.

After being announced as

See COURT on Page A3

Mark Duda managing editor

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Royalty. Seniors William Imeson and Mikala Wolter are photographed after being crowned homecoming king and queen during half-time of the homecoming football game against Fort Defiance High School on Oct. 14. Photo by Paulina Rendon

Correlate teams aid school productivity, success

newsstreak.com

Rafael Snell-Feikema staff reporter

Updated sports scores Feature package stories Advertisement forms Breaking News Video footage Reviews and blogs Poll of the week Picture of the day

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he school day ends at 11:45 once a day each month, but this half-day is not just a break created for the students. It allows for the productive meetings of the correlate teams: groups of faculty and students who discuss their ideas on how to improve our schools.

The seven teams and the goals they work towards are: A Clear and Focused Mission, Opportunity to Learn and Student Time on Task, Climate for High Expectations, Strong Instructional Leadership, Safe and Orderly Schools, Positive Home-School Relationships, and Frequent Monitoring of Student Progress. These teams use the ideas of faculty and students to create a more productive learning environment in the school.

The seven goals are based off of 30 years of research on improving schools according to principal Tracy Shaver. He saw these goals and ideas at work at his last school, where these very ideas helped

Coming Up: Fall Blood Drive Demystifying workout aids What’s your aptitude?

Students reveal their best talents In-depth coverage of students who participate in HHS’s mentorship program District playoff sports coverage Wireless challenge: how long can you go without technology?

Renaissance Rally for Renaissance kids Reviews of newlyreleased albums Mu Alpha Theta math tutoring sessions available free for all students

Paulina Rendon feature section editor

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Self support. Sophomores Mallori Mendez and Alexis Dickerson stick their stunt on Oct. 10 at a mini-competition hosted

by Broadway High School. The cheerleading team earned second place. Photo by Paulina Rendon.

this issue

For example, gym teacher Jennifer Thompson, leader of Positive Home-School Relations, which intends to find ways to improve the communication between students’ homes and the high school, believes that allowing the teachers to get a better feel for their students will be an effective change to their educations. The group’s early goals focus on making teachers more visible in the community, making the school a more inviting place for students, and making parents feel invited to participate and contribute their ideas in the educational process.

“We want to make a better learning environment and improve education by making sure everyone has a voice, [by continuing] the positive contacts where teachers meet parents and talk to them outside of school meetings,” Thompson said.

Every teacher in the school participates in one of these meetings and helps to brainstorm ideas.

English teacher Melody Wilson,

See TEAMS on Page A2

New technology policy brings welcomed changes

Freeze Frame

Inside

raise the graduation rate from 60 percent to a rate of 88 percent this year.

HHS failed to meet accreditable graduation rate with 83 percent instead of the required 85. Virginia law requires that the school system now prepare a plan to raise the rate, and the correlate teams are a part of this plan.

“We want to perform high on every indicator, and the seven correlates, as research has indicated, are the most important goals to making a school successful,” Shaver said.

For their first meeting, the correlates were each asked a variety of questions such as “What are we doing well?”, “What are we doing that we could improve upon?”, and “How could it be improved?” They hope to use the answers throughout the year in their meetings to mend select sectors of HHS. “The correlate teams are a great way for teachers to collaborate cross-curriculum and to share their thoughts, feelings and ideas,” associate principal and head of the correlate teams Lesonya Bullard said.

very day, before and after school, the fleet of yellow school busses passes through the back parking lot of school, pouring out or picking up students. The bus is something of an educational icon, but it would be hard to find a student who enjoys the ride.

There are numerous reasons for this; the noise, the lack of comfort, the kids who sit in the back and shout profanities before ducking beneath his seat. Most of these problems are inherent to public transportation, and, unfortunately, not much can be done about them. However, one problem, overcrowding, seems to resonate the deepest with the dissatisfaction of the bus commuting students.

Junior Mothana Bani-Hani is one of these students. “Whenever I get on my bus in the morning it isn’t that bad, but in the afternoon it gets really overcrowded. Sometimes it’s three to a seat,” BaniHani said.

Junior Jawad Ahmed concurs, although he only rides the bus in the mornings. “It’s not always terrible, but sometimes it gets crowded. I don’t think there’s a pattern [to when the bus is overcrowded], it just happens sometimes,” Ahmed said.

Several problems can arise from overcrowding on buses, most stemming from the lack of personal space available.

“It smells bad on my bus sometimes, and some kids never stop making noise. Even in the morning they’re loud,” Bani-Hani said.

Ahmed agrees that the overcrowding can lead to rowdiness.

“Kids can’t really just relax, mostly the freshman. These kids on my bus always jump over the seats,” Ahmed said.

There is no state law regulating the number of students that can ride on a bus. The Department of Education states that “the number of pupils who may ride a school bus shall be determined by the total number who can be seated on the seat cushion facing forward, safely seated within the seating compartment,” which means no exact number.

As long as students aren’t standing, which Ahmed and Bani-Hani agree the overcrowding has not yet come to, the school system is not obliged to provide more busses. n

or the past three weeks, students have been breaking in the new policy regarding cell phones and iPods. Instead of having to turn their devices off and put them away as soon as they walk through the entrance, students are now allowed to keep their phones on and use them in the morning, before classes, and during lunch. Cell phones and iPods are also allowed at the discretion of teachers for educational purposes.

“The primary means of communication is through cell phone, through texting, through Facebook, and students are very knowledgeable users of this technology.” HHS principal Tracy Shaver said. “But they can be used in appropriate ways to benefit the students and help support the instructional program, and create a more engaging environment for students to learn as well.”

The new rule has come to a relief to both students and faculty. Librarian Bradley Walton appreciates not having to fight some students about using their phones in the library now.

“So as long as students have cell phones and as long as they will be using cell phones, I think

we should stop fighting it place to use technolYOUR OPINION and try to live with it as ogy. And I think having Do you approve of the new much as we can.” Walton a policy where we say, cell phone policy? said. “As long as kids are ‘Don’t use it from seven UNSURE YES NO not talking on their cell until two twenty is not phones in the library and the best policy to have. listening to music at a volThat policy may have ume level that I can hear it, been created because 102 people polled in all grades by Victoria Giron I don’t care.” a handful of students Walton never felt commisused technology. If fortable with the old rule students are going to that limited cell phone and iPod use, especially misuse technology let’s address the student bewhen a student was not causing any problems. haviors on the inappropriate use of technology “Personally I felt like an idiot any time I’ve vs not using it at all. And sort of take away the ever had to walk up to a kid who is working learning potential of the great uses of technolquietly, not making any problems, listening to ogy because of a few using it inappropriately. I music that I can’t hear, and say ‘you have to put don’t see the benefit of that.” Shaver said. that away’ or actually, what I was supposed to After monitoring the new policy, Shaver is say was ‘gimme’. That never really seemed right proud to state that, so far, there have been no to me.” Walton said. problems. Before the policy went into effect, Shaver also found difficulties with the prior he did have faculty express concern, especially policy. He acknowledged the fact that rule was about students using their cell phones between in effect in order to prevent students from being class changes. The staff was worried about studistracted during class or using their devices in dents being busy texting and not making it to inappropriate ways; however, he did not see the class on time. Fortunately, Shaver insists that issue to be with the technology itself, but as a behavior issue with particular students.

See CELL on Page A2 “There’s always an appropriate time and

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STYLE

NEWS Despite the loss of several members that graduated, HHS’s debate team foresees a successful season, and hopes to win states.

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History teacher Mark Tueting juggles teaching and farming.

SPORTS

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Freshman Brenna Cowardin is only one of many exceptional underclassmen athletes.

THE

experience

Editor-in-chief William Imeson sees his ideas as SCA President come to life during Spirit Week.

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October 21, 2011

The

newsstreak

International Festival celebrates diversity

News Briefs HHS will have early realease on October 25 to mark the end of the fist nine weeks.

Report cards will be sent home on November 1.

HHS will be closed on November 8 for parent conferences.

The Honors Choir Veteran’s Day concert will be held on November 7 at 7 p.m at HHS. The Fall One-Act, “The Love Knot” public performance will take place on October 23 in the HHS auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

Sports Briefs The varsity football team will play district rival Spotswood High School on Oct. 21 at Spotswood High School at 7 p.m.

The volleyball teams take on Waynesboro High School on Oct. 27. team will compete in districts on Oct. 29.

The cross country teams will run in the Jeffereson Forest Invitational on Nov. 2.

The varsity football team will play Waynesboro High School in Waynesboro on Nov. 4.

Be sure to come out in your Red Sea t-shirt (or sweatshirt) and support ALL HHS sporting events!

Kavya Beheraj

H

news editor

undreds of flags from countries all over the world lined Hillandale Drive in Harrisonburg in celebration of this year’s annual International Festival. After its opening at 12 p.m. on September 24, over 6,000 people flocked to commemorate cultures from around the globe. Visitors enjoyed international food, wares, and music.

“The international festival is a festival where a bunch of different races and nationalities go to [Hillandale Park] and show where they’re from,” senior Mohammad Barraghi said.

Barraghi spent most of his time walking around and looking at the various stands around the festival, including one that translated his name into a different language.

“I got a name tag that was in Bosnian. My friend got a name tag that was in Swedish,” Barraghi said.

Every year, a cultural musical group plays for entertainment. This year, guests enjoyed traditional African music.

“They had a band playing music and there were kids dancing in front of there,” Barraghi said. “This African thing was playing with drums. It was pretty cool.”

Barraghi visited the festival for fun, but junior Jenny Kniss went with a purpose. In late October, Kniss is flying to northern India for two weeks with her family.

“My grandfather built a hospital there fifty years ago. [I’m going to India for] the fiftieth-year celebration,” Kniss said. “We’re going to see the hospital and I’ll [also] see

where my dad grew up for ten years.”

Kniss needed Indian clothes to wear there, so she thought that the International Festival would be the best place to purchase them. with its multitudes of clothes, jewelry, and accessories from around the world, the celebration offered a wide assortment for Kniss to choose from.

“I wanted to see if they had any Indian shirts that I could wear over there,” Kniss said.

Kniss, who finally found a shirt she liked, believed it was priced reasonably, considering that “[the stand] had to import it all,” Kniss said. Barraghi, who also looked around, feels that some of the goods were overpriced.

“We looked at all the stuff that people were selling from [places like] South Africa and Russia. Different types of stuff,” Barraghi said. “They were selling it for too much.”

Apart from the clothes, food was also a big event at the International Festival. Restaurants from around town, such as the Blue Nile, who specializes in Ethiopian food and El Sol, who markets Mexican cuisine, set up stalls and sold food to visitors passing by. “[I wanted to go] because they always have good food, and that’s was a plus. I got a samosa that was pretty good,” Kniss said.

Kniss also likes going to the festival because of the great cultural diversity she find there.

“You can see a lot of cultural diversity, especially because we live in a very culturally diverse area. It’s cool to see that,” Kniss said. n

Key Club promotes food drive Austin Coffey staff reporter

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his past month the Salvation Army challenged many of the schools in the district to run a canned food drive to support those who are suffering in poverty and have been unable to provide food for their tables. In previous years the Salvation army was able to provide for the needy, however with the arrival of Hurricane Irene, most of the support was moved into places such as North Carolina. This leaves places like Harrisonburg without the support those in poverty need.

Due to lack of support the Key Club quickly took action getting box donations from the Home Depot. They were placed all over the school. A large poster was placed in the main hallway of the school, and the event was promoted over the announcements and on Facebook. With all of the preparation Key Club

From CELLS on Page A1

class on time. Fortunately, Shaver insists that there have not been any noticeable problems as of yet.

Junior Gabe Hoak also praises the new cell phone policy. He has been most enthusiastic about the lack of people ‘secretly’ texting during classes.

“I love [the cell phone policy]. It is most excellent because it keeps a lot of people from texting during class. More often than not it’s all out in the hallways and people aren’t being so ‘sneaky’ about it and when a teacher asks a question you get bugged, because they were focusing on trying to text their buddies in the next class.”

Hoak said. “[Also], in most of the classes I’m in, they’re

put into this event, HHS set a goal of 1500 cans of food, realizing that this was truly an achievable goal. However with the new school changes, the food drive has been suffering.

“We have 1300 students here at Harrisonburg, and if we all were to bring in one can then our goal would quickly be reached. However, poverty is going up, which was making this canned food drive difficult to support,” fashion marketing teacher and Key Club head Maurizio Antonnicola said.

Key Club was able to put their promotion for the food drive on the announcements however, due to the new time restrictions enforced this school year, the Key Club has not been able to squeeze this event onto the announcements every day of the week .

“The plan was to run this event for three weeks, however we only have collected around 250 cans which will probably force the event to

go on longer,” Antonnicola said.

Another reason Antonnicola believes this food drive is failing is the fact that poverty doesn’t have a face.

“The students cannot relate to this food drive, and this is why we don’t see as much support as we would if a friend or another student was in poverty and needed our help,” Antonnicola said.

“I'm truly embarrassed with how we did this year. I know that HHS could have done better than this, and all the students really needed to make this canned food drive successful was a little push,” Antonnicola said. n

not abusing it or anything it’s mostly useful. [When teachers say to put it away], It’s gone, you don’t see it again for the rest of class.”

Although no problems have been reported yet, Shaver and the rest of the faculty are prepared to handle any potential problems. There are a clear set of rules in place for cell phones, such as the websites that students are not supposed to access.

They’re not supposed to be accessing websites without going through our network. If it’s brought to my attention I’ll address that student on that. In actuality they’re not supposed to be using Facebook or Myspace or accessing other sites that are blocked by school’s technology.” Shaver said.

Shaver realizes that he will not be able to limit ev-

ery single student’s smart phone or iPod that can get in the school WiFi system.

If there is a problem, the issue will first be recognized by a teacher, since phone usage is based on their discretion.

“If the teachers don’t want you to use it, and they tell you not to use it and put it away, that’s their call.

But if there’s a teacher who sees the instructional benefit, or allows you to use it it’s left up to those teachers.” Shaver said.

If the faculty can not correct the student’s behavior on their own, then Shaver will become involved. Until then, both Shaver and the faculty are hoping that the new cell phone policy will prove successful, in order to further cement the policy in the next couple of years. n

From TEAMS on Page A1

dents’ homes and the high school, believes thwho is part of the Safe and Orderly Schools team, explained the type of ideas that were passed around at her last meeting.

“One idea was to adapt our current policy of using teacher presence in hallways between classes and before school to keep the students in check,” Wilson said. “The idea was that teachers with a planning period should monitor the high intensity areas like the cafeteria.”

Students are also invited to participate in the correlate meetings. Junior Alex HunterNickels attended the first meeting and said they asked the right questions. However, he

YOUR OPINION

Did you donate to the canned food drive?

YES

NO

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On the lookout. Senior Mohammad Barraghi browses through a rack of hand-crafted jewelry at the International Festival.

Homecoming court chosen electronically Molly Denman

H

news editor

omecoming court nominations for the 2011 dance were approached differently this year. Instead of handing out ballots for students to vote during class, electronic voting was set up in a computer lab during lunch periods.

Students voted by choice rather than having to vote.

The nominees for the 2011 homecoming court for the seniors boys were Taylor Bailey, Raymond Hyser, and William Imeson.The senior girl nominees were Amber Carter, Taylor McDonnell, and Mikala Wolter.

The junior boy nominees were Trevor Cockburn and Sam St. Ours. The girl nominees were Margaret King, Makayla Foley, and Nancy Carrie Logan.

The sophomore boy

nominees were Edwin Lopez, Ryan Nixon, and Matt Shifflett. The sophomore girl nominees were Amber Jamieson, Sydney Knupp, Mallori Mendez, and Lucy Rose.

The freshman boy nominees were Stuart Baker and Nick Dean. The freshman girl nominees were Vanessa Alvarez, Isabelle Burden, Lilly Evans-Haywood, Jessica Nguyen, and Kara Simmons. n

Congratulations. The homecoming court nominees were appointed via electronic voting. Votes were submitted in a computer lab.

Altogether, the homecoming court consists of 22 students, 14 girls and 8 boys.

100 people polled in all grades

by Ana Hunter-Nickles

sees a flaw in student participation in these meetings.

“It’s hard to get a diverse range [at the meetings]. The kids who actually go are much more motivated students. The correlates want to know how to help the unmotivated students, and they’re not going to the meetings,” Hunter-Nickels said.

Hunter-Nickels suggests that they find a way to talk to some of the students who need improvements, because the teams’ data now, which comes primarily from students involved in leadership positions, is probably inaccurate.

"Maybe they should set up private messaging or email or something. I don't know.

We just need something to hear their voices," Hunter-Nickels said. n

game, offered to bring the

agreed that the night was

the school’s track. While sitting in the truck’s bed, Wolter and Imeson waved to fans on both sides of the stadium. The plan was put into action by athletic director Darrell Wilson.

Imeson and Wolter

“I thought it was really special because all the candidates deserved to just as much as I did and I felt like I was honored to get [homecoming king,]” Imeson said. n

From COURT on truck for free, and paraded special, and a moment they Page A1 the winners a lap around will always remember.

the homecoming king and queen, the pair was whisked away in a truck, (which was originally supposed to be a convertible) from Steven Toyota. Steven Toyota, who sponsored the homecoming football

NEWS- Molly Denman - A2

PIZZA SUBS and MORE

The Galley 2 1550-B East Market Street Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802 CALL FOR DAILY SPECIALS!!!

Phone:540-433-3331 Fax: 540-433-3342 Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Closed Sunday TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE

October 21, 2011

The

Yearbook, Lit Mag, Newspaper all earn Trophy class rating Sydney Little

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Staff Reporter

n Oct 5, the winners of the Virginia High School League Writing/Photo/ Design Competition were announced.

HHS had 12 students place. Out of those 12, HHS had four people receive first in the state, Maria Rose for her informative piece, After Hours, Jake Durden for his column, The Deal with Durden, Phillip Bannister for his front page layout, Sarver’s Final Game, and Charrity O’Connor for her infographic, Homecoming On A Budget. Out of all the Harrisonburg entries only seniors Jake Durden, Vanessa Ehrenpreis, and sophomore Jack Adamek still attend HHS, the rest have graduated.

Ehrenpreis received third place for both her inside page layout/ spread on Hunting, and for her Human Interest/ Personality(including sports) piece, Bobbleheads Immortalize Coaching. Her human interest/ personality covered the retirement of Tim Sarver, the head football coach.

His wife ordered bobbleheads of him in memory of his achievements.

When Ehrenpreis found out she had placed in the competition, she was very surprised.

“I didn’t know I was entered in the competition, but I was pleased that my writing got that recognition,” Ehrenpreis said.

Jack Adamek received second place, with HHS alumni Phillip Bannister for their inside page layout/ spread on Apps.

VHSL Writing/Photo/ Design Contest Finalists Newspaper

News: Straight News/ News Feature Maria Rose, Kibler named DJNF Zach McDonnell, AP Teachers Successful Feature: Human Interest/Personality Vanessa Ehrenpreis, Bobbleheads Feature: In-Depth/Informative Maria Rose, After Hours Editorials David Proctor, Dream Act Can Be Key Bylined Personal Opinion/Column Jake Durden, The Deal With Durden Simona Byler, Is There Any One Out There Who Enjoys The Dentist?

Photos: Sports Aidan Newcity, Swimming Olivia McCarty, Football Front Page Layout Phillip Bannister, Needs a Job Phillip Bannister, Sarver’s Final Game Inside Page Layout/Spread Phillip Bannister and Jack Adamek, Apps Vanessa Ehrenpreis, Hunting Advertising Lauren Martin, American Indian Cafe Phillip Bannister, Greenberry’s Coffee Infographics/Secondary Packaging Charity O’Connor, Homecoming on a Budget Alison Domonoske, Scary Movies Phillip Bannister, Cupcakes Editorial Cartooning Emily Knupp, Reynolds Driving Away Emily Knupp, Dead Sea or Red Sea Emily Knupp, Pope Joins Staff

Yearbook

Concept packaging Turner Ashby William Monroe Lafayette Harrisonburg Student Life Spread Lauren Phillips, Fall Highlights Lauren Phillips, Pet Ownership Clubs/Organizations Spread Rangeen Alshebari, pp. 190-191 Sarah Kaylor, JROTC Challenge Sports Spread Josh Messerley and Pablo Pacheco, Swimming Infographics/Secondary Packaging Michelle Loveless, Science Comparisons

Literary Magazine

Cover Natalie Warner and Maria Rose Table of Contents Natalie Warner Photograph Phillip Bannister, “Violaceous” Maria Rose, “Dreaming with a Broken Heart” 3-D Art Leo Lopez, “Coqui” Art Gallery Samantha Heitsch and Samantha Swayne, pp. 23-24 Prose Spread Emilee Burke, Emma Peifer, and Ricardo Mojica, “Mia” Ryan Waligora, Samantha Swayne, and Natalie Warner, “Chips” Poetry Spread Alison Domonoske, Emily, Jamieson, and Rangeen Al-Shebani, “Random Matter” Brian Giosa, Savanah Cary, and Samantha Swayne, “The Land Beyond”

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NEWS -Kavya Beheraj - A3

Les Misérables announced as 2012 winter musical Celia Ehrenpreis advertising manager

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fter months of nail-biting anticipation, the 2012 musical has been announced. The award winning show Les Misérables, or Les Mis as it is more commonly known. will be performed at HHS in late February. The show is based on the novel written in 1862

by Victor Hugo. It has won numerous Tony awards for best musical, score, actor, actress to name just a few. It is also the world’s longest running musical playing on Broadway since March of 1987.

The show centers around Jean Valjean, a man who has been in trouble with the law numerous times, but is trying to change himself into a good and honest man. Jarvert, a police officer trying to bring Valjean to justice, also plays a major role in the show.

The timing of the musical is also significant. The musical celebrated its 25th anniversary last year and the novel will be 150 years old in 2012. The cast of this year’s show is a big one, with 44 named parts and numerous minor roles.

Junior Sam St. Ours is looking forward to this year’s production. Last year was St. Ours’ first time taking part in musical, when he performed as one of the business executives in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

“It should be a good [play] But to make it great, there will have to be a lot of work.

I’m interested mainly in the part of Marius,” St Ours said.

Junior Caitlin Kelly was also new to the musical scene last year, but enjoyed it so much that she is back again for another round.

“The songs in this show are much harder [than last year’s musical] and will require a lot more time,” Kelly said.

The two masterminds behind the musical are drama director Stanley Swartz and choral director Bethany Houff.

“I am excited to be working on the labor of love that is Les Mis,” Swartz said. “The appeal of the show lies in the large cast and the phenomenal music. For all to go well, the characters will have to master the difficult songs, although the high school version has been revised for the teenage voice.”

When selecting the annual musical, Swartz likes to ensure that students who go through four years at HHS experience a variety of different shows, and a tragedy like Les Mis has not been done in a while.

Two major set pieces pose a problem to the success of the show. Traditionally, the set pieces of Les Misérables are placed on a large turn table for a lot of the play’s major scenes - otherwise, the show’s pacing would be much slower.

But Swartz is unsure whether HHS’ stage is able to hold the weight of the turn table.

The other problem is the finale of the show, which has a scene with barricades that surround the stage. In the professional version, they are made with hydraulics and complex

mechanics, which may pose a challenge for the stage crew this year. ”I think the challenge of this musical will be good for the students but, [it will not be] overly hard,” Swartz said. n YOUR OPINION

Are you excited about the drama musical Les Miserables?

72 29 YES

NO

101 people polled in all grades by Ann Bauhan

Les Miserables by the numbers

Victor Hugo (1802-1855) was a French writer and human rights activist during the Romantic Movement in France.

21

Number of professional productions performed around the world, in over forty countries and 291 cities

7,602

Each performance of Les Miserables consists of this many costumes, along with over 1,000 items of clothing and 31 wigs

Number of languages it has been translated into

43,000

Number of performances in the longest running production of the play, in the Palace Theatre in London, England

392

Controversial gay pride parade marches through Elkton venues in Hampton, Washing- “[did] not reflect the views of Christy Stearn ton, D.C., and Richmond. Al- the entire community,” and editor-in-chief though the Elkton Gay Pride argued that the entire town

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n Oct 9, citizens from all across the Shenandoah Valley joined to “promote diversity, unity, visibility, and self-esteem among lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender persons” at the first-ever pride event held in Elkton, VA. The Elkton Gay Pride Parade, which was held from 12 - 5 p.m., advocated a positive image for homosexuals in the Elkton area. While alcohol and pets were both prohibited from the event, complimentary food, children’s activities, music, and information booths were available for guests.

The Elkton Gay Pride Parade was only one of six sites in the state where Equality Virginia, a gay rights organization, rallied to earn equal treatment for homosexuals. Equality Virginia’s campaign began on June 5 at the Hampton Roads Gay Pride Festival and continued to other

Parade was the group’s most recent celebration, Equality Virginia also sponsored another local event, Pride in the Park, which was hosted by the city of Harrisonburg at Hillandale Park in July.

The Elkton Gay Pride Parade was sponsored by Merck, a nationwide health care company that teamed up with the Shenandoah Valley Gay and Lesbian Association to orchestrate a festival to raise awareness. According to Merck’s press release, “[the organization] has a long-standing history of supporting diversity in [their] workforce and [their] communities...[and was] proud and honored to sponsor the inaugural Elkton pride event.”

Because of Elkton’s traditionally conservative disposition, the decision to hold the pride parade there was extremely controversial. Residents and churches were against the festival primarily because it

should not be represented in the title of the event. Citizens even gathered at Elkton’s Town Hall for a meeting to protest the event.

“I didn’t like the idea that [the festival] had ‘Elkton’ in its title,” town resident Haley Robertson said. “I don’t really mind that it was held here, just don’t associate the whole city with those views. ” Pastor Matt Homer of the Bible Holiness Church in Elkton rejected the Elkton Gay Pride Parade on both Biblical and moral grounds. Homer asked Craig Kennedy, vice president of Merck, to cancel the event, but Kennedy refused.

Homer urged members of his church to use social media websites to communicate the group’s sentiment. Homer enlisted the assistance of parish member Josh Shifflett to set up a page on ipetitions.com and create a “Stop Elkton Pride Day” Facebook Page. Equality Virginia also utilized online

tools to convey their message to the public. A Facebook page providing users with information about the event was made weeks prior to the parade. Both pages have generated comments from the two opposing sides.

While Kennedy declined to withdraw the company’s sponsorship, he invited members of the group to distribute information at a booth during the festival. Homer additionally held a Prayer Day on Oct 10, the day following the pride parade as a means for congregation members to pray and to reflect their dissent.

“I think there was a great level of respect coming from both sides, so it was a positive experience overall, I would say,” Homer said. “I learned that things happen in the community that you won’t always agree with, but there are other avenues and methods of getting your opinion across to people without being hateful.

It’s important to see where both sides are coming from.”

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Debate team begins with successful start, optimistic about season Vanessa Ehrenpreis

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editor-in-chief

fter a second place finish at states last year, the debate team is looking forward to sweeping the competition again this year. Although some of the team’s most decorated and experienced members graduated last year, there are many new competitors eager to take their place.

Senior Zakary Kraimeche joined the debate team as a junior, when his friend, senior Hao (Howard) Zuo needed a partner for policy debate. Kraimeche describes policy as the most prestigious sector of debate since it is more “professional.” In policy debate, competitors advocate for or against a resolution that calls for federal policy change. Typically, policy debaters put in two days of practice of week, and compile-literally-- bins of evidence for their arguments. A year of hard work and late-night tournaments eventually paid off-- the duo placed fifth at states, a ranking Kraimeche hopes to improve this year.

“The highest we could have placed at states last year was fourth. There were some really really good teams there. This year [Zuo and I] want to place first in some of the major tournaments. Last year we got first at the JMU invitational in junior varsity, and this year we want to place first in varsity. I just want to do well in invitationals, and eventually states,” Kraimeche said.

Kraimeche believes that other team members such as junior policy debaters Madeline Culbreth and Samantha Heistch, senior public forum debater Jack Burden and his partner junior Aubtin Heydari, and senior Lincoln-Douglas debater Ryan Wa-

“

ligora are also extremely ments both freely and competitive at the state confidently. Policy debate level. in itself is extremely “hoThe team as a “The team has certainmogeneous in the way it’s ly been hurt [with the loss whole will win run,” according to Kraiof last years seniors]. Xuyi states-- without a meche. Participants have [Guo] and Bobby [Rotzthe same topic for the in] were really good policy doubt. entire year, use the same debaters… Keith Thomas -senior Howard speech for every competiwas also good public fotion, and make the same Zuo arguments against every rum, he placed pretty high with Marshall Hyser. But opponent. The only facwithout a doubt, we still tor that changes in Kraihave people who have a meche’s eyes is content very good chance of winning, and getting to and the way it is approached. states,” Kraimeche said.

“Most of the work for speeches is in the Individual rankings are not the only thing first two months. You have to compile your at stake. Last year the team as a whole tied arguments and evidence, which you pretty for first at the state championship, although much don’t change for the entire season— Broad Run High School walked away with unless you add stuff to it,” Kraimeche said. the title because they had more first place “Because policy debate is so consistent it’s finishes. Kraimeche is keen for the chance to difficult to have a distinctive style, but Howbeat a few of his long-time rivals this season, ard and I like to use a critique argument, including a policy team from Broad Run. which is like a philosophical argument.

“There’s this team from Broad Run that’s Most people aren’t prepared for them, so known for being really good at policy [Mary that usually helps us out.”

Bobbit and Chetan Mishra]. Mary is basiThis year’s policy topic is: “The United cally the best in the state. I don’t expect to States federal government should subbeat them this year, but I look forward to stantially increase its exploration and/or having a shot,” Kraimeche said. development of space beyond the Earth’s Broad Run High School was recently mesosphere.” (via the VHSL) Zuo is premoved up to the AAA division, leaving the sumptuous about the subject, partially bestage tenatively set for Harrisonburg to gain cause it has great flexibility. a state title. Zuo is anything but worried “I’m very confident [about the topic]. about the state tournament in April, and It’s very broad so we can do a lot of things stated, quite frankly: with it... We’ll adapt things slightly to fit our “We’ll win states. Zak and I are the only opponents. There’s a lot of room to extend viable competitors. The team as a whole our key points,” Zuo said. will win states-- without a doubt,” Zuo said With Broad Run’s absence, and a line of matter-of-factly. well-prepared and experienced debaters, This perfect-debate-storm allows Krai- HHS may be welcoming its first (official) meche and Zuo to formulate their argu- state debate title in years. n

“

October 21, 2011

The

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The Harrisonburg High School City Public Schools will not discriminate illegally on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, disability or age as to employment or educational programs and activities.

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The

newsstreak

OPINION- Mia Karr- A5

Lib dub brings much needed school spirit to life The

newsstreak’s

A

community is always strengthened in the face of tragedy, and HHS has been no exception with the passing of Ricky Valencia-Rocha. What was once a practice of mourning has transformed into an effort of commemoration. School events have been revamped in Ricky’s name, including this year’s spirit week. Students and teachers alike showed their Blue Streak pride in the form of

tacky tie-dye, and red apparel. To the naked eye it may have seemed like a puerile festivity, but on the inside we were strengthening an already tight-knit community.

To be honest, we were skeptical when the yearkbook announced their plans for a ‘Lip Dub’ in Ricky’s honor. Anyone would have been hard-pressed to get students to stay after school-- on an early release day no less-- to participate in something strikingly similar to Glee.

But they did.

Unlike previous years, people have taken interest in what goes on at HHS, which we feel is a beautiful thing.

As students and faculty, it is your right to have an investment in the school; be it through the football team or literary magazine.

Harrisonburg High is our second home, so show it some love!

As we sat on the grand staircase watching every club and athletic team cheer for Ricky, we got a sense of that love. People were sprinting through the halls, smiling and laughing, happy to represent what they had a stake in.

Everyone meshed together (through some incredibly cheesy song lyrics) to form one functioning machine; regardless of whether you were a cheerleader or DECA member. Every face in

that video reflects the true HHS: a place where you can be proud of who you are, and proud of what you are a part of.

We are dazzled with the fervor that has come to Harrisonburg’s hall, but now we need to harness it! ‘Lip Dub’ has rejuvenated our spirit, but can we build off of it?

Can we pack every sporting event, and support every academic? Judging by the passion of last week, we can, and we will. We feel that the fun has been put back in to HHS, and is here to stay. In the words of Will Smith: “Get jiggy with it,” Streaks! n

The editors and staff Editors-in-Chief: Print - Christy Stearn, Vanessa Ehrenpreis Online - Jack Burden, William Imeson Managing Editors: Mark Duda, Maggie Siciliano Section Editors: News - Kavya Beheraj Opinion - Emily Jamieson Style - Katrina Sokolyuk Feature - Paulina Rendon Sports - Jake Durden Fun Director & Advertising Manager : Celia Ehrenpreis and Austin Coffey Photographers: Emily Jamieson, Paulina Rendon, Anastasiya Kalyuk, Jack Burden Cartoonist: Kari King Page Designers: Christy Stearn, Emily Jamieson, Vanessa Ehrenpreis, Paulina Rendon, Jake Durden, Mia Karr, Kavya Beheraj, Katrina Sokolyuk, Mark Duda, Celia Ehrenpreis, Chris Sokolyuk, Sydney Little, Sydney Knupp Staff Reporters: Kavya Beheraj, Michael Johnson, Christy Stearn, Mark Duda, Maggie Siciliano, Ben DiNapoli, Anastasiya Kalyuk, Peter Byrd, William Imeson, Mia Karr, Mitch Depoy, Jake Durden, Andy Shisler, Paulina Rendon, Katrina Sokolyuk, Emily Jamieson, Chris Sokolyuk, Conner Whitehouse, Matt Bosch, Ben Marks, Shannon Kizner, Alexis Dickerson, Anthony Duong, John Earle, Emmett Copeland, Kevin Franco, Manny Gomez, Max Johnson, Rafael Snell-feikema, Ann Bauhan, Isabelle Burden, Julexus Cappell, Nicholas Fernandez, Bryndal Fulginiti, Victoria Giron, Eduardo Hernandez, Ana Hunter-Nickels, Nicolas Lee, Jessica Nguyen, Shannon Richard, Jasmin Rose, Gypsy Torgerson, Irina Tsiberman, Ariel Vogel, Hope Carr

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 (2010 First Place International Award), National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), the Virginia High School League, Inc. Trophy Class Award, and the Southern Interscholastic Press Association All Southern Ranking and 2010 Scroggins Award winner.

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Teachers should cut stressed out seniors some slack Nahla Aboutabl online reporter

worn path prepare me for colAre you satisfied with the lege? No offense administration right now? to the old lady, omework. College ApYES NO NEUTRAL or the author, or plications. SAT’s. What anyone who gets more can a senior get my reference and done in the few months actually enjoyed before November?

100 people polled in all grades by Mia Karr reading that essay.

Teachers don’t realize the Still, I do these asamount of work they pile on sesignments as best niors because each teacher forgets how many as I can, because grades matter.

You don’t have classes college bound seniors are actually takgood grades, tough luck getting into college. ing. I’m not even taking as many AP classes as some students are, but I do have a fair amount Well, a good college. But what makes a “good college” anyway? I don’t know, no one will tell of work to be done.

So tell me please, how am I supposed to me.

Maybe the old lady knows. maintain good grades in all my classes and fill Also, the time we have to complete all these out college applications and study for a bunch assignments is not sufficient. There are eight of standardized tests? Just a thought. classes a high school student has to take, and Teachers, I’m sure, have gone through the only so many hours after school to get all that same thing, and some claim to know the seniors’ struggle, but do nothing to show sympa- work done. Yes, classes are on an alternating thy. Some just nod their heads and give you the schedule, but there are assignments that won’t “this is for your own good” excuse. How will get done in one night. You will need all the time reading about an old woman walking down a you can muster up to get all the work you’re as-

H

YOUR OPINION

23 61 16

signed completed. Not to mention all the other college related stuff seniors have to fill out.

I know this sounds like a lot of complaining, but teachers, please. You complain too. At least you already went to college and have a paying job. We students are trying as hard as we can to get to that point in life where we are settled and are employed adults. Making the journey harder just results in you being the subject of many bad memories students will have 20 years from now.

We understand that some teachers care about our well being, but I don’t have to be tired 24/7 and in need of caffeine boosts three times a day as a result of the work load I have.

I’m not just talking about myself, I’m speaking for a lot of seniors out there who have had it with the stress and work only eight weeks into the school year. I’ve seen students have a break down because of the stress they have to live with and the pressure they get put under at home and at school. No one should feel that way in their last year of high school. n

Jamieson finds indirectness in people irritating

I

Jabbin’ with Jamieson

EmilyJamieson

am a very straight forward person. If I do not like something, I will tell you. If I do not like you, you will know.

If I like something, you will hear about it. Repeatedly. If I like you, you will get the hint from my multiple hugs a day.

Since I am such a straight forward person, I expect others to be the same. I realize that most people are not genuine. I like to call these characters “bush people” because they like to “beat around the bush.” Instead of saying their exact thoughts, the exact moment they are feeling them, these people are deliberately ambiguous and they beat around the bush, meaning they say anything and everything to divert the focus away from them. In other words, it means talking about anything and everything other than what you really mean or feel.

Being a bush person is sometimes necessary; even I, as much as I do not like to admit it, can be a bush person. When I am not trying to hurt someone’s feelings, I fall victim to obscurity. Instances when I lie, telling a fellow coworker I cannot cover their shirt, keep my mouth shut when my best friends select an outfit that completely clashes and telling a friend that I am busy when I really just want to lounge around in my pajamas. Instead of fully revealing my opinion, I beat around the bush then admit what I am thinking. Besides that, I am just not an indirect kind of person.

I learned to be straight forward from my annoyance with other people’s indirectness. I decided that I would save everyone’s time and say what I truly meant. If the truth is going to come out sometime, why not just start out with the truth? For real.

Honestly, “bush people” tick me off. If I am being honest and up front with you, you should have the decency to return the favor.

Unfortunately, I am not a mind reader, therefore you should not expect me to know what you are thinking. Say what you mean and mean what you say. It is really not that hard. . n

An instance of beating around the bush...

cartoon by Kavya Beheraj

October 21, 2011

The

newsstreak

OPINION -Emily Jamieson - A6

Freshman adapts to high school scene What’s Mia Karr

I

staff reporter

n some ways, it feels like I started going to HHS years ago. I think I have settled in pretty well and going to high school is now just going to school. However, people are constantly asking me how I am liking it, how I am doing, and how it compares to middle school. So, I decided to assess my feelings in order to be able to give a more eloquent answer than, “It’s good.”

The most noticeable change from eighth grade is probably the scheduling. I am not used to A and B days or 90 minute blocks. There are some things I like about it: not having math homework every day, for example, and only having my least favorite classes two or three times a week. Then there are the times where I realize I have been in health class for what seems like an eternity, and still have 50 minutes of note-taking left, and I curse my new schedule. Maybe I will be a more patient person after this year.

Rick Perry has made a few wise choices in his bid for president

The second biggest change seems to be the organization of grades. In middle school, we were all sectioned off into our little hallways.

I swear I did not see a single fifth grader for the first six weeks of eighth grade. Now all the grades are jumbled together and the hallways are packed with people. I appreciate not being treated like I need to be protected or quarantined.

Unfortunately, these cluttered hallways all seem to look the same. My sense of direction basically extends to telling my left from my right, and that is only some of the time. I was pretty nervous I would get totally lost and be late to all my classes. Luckily that never happened, but I have walked past my classroom, realized it, and had to turn back around. I think it once took me a good five minutes to find the cafeteria.

My main woe is also a result of the jumbled classes; I miss not seeing almost everyone in my grade on a daily basis. Some of my friends are not in any of my classes. In middle school this would mean we would at least have lunch

together, but here that is not the case. The size of HHS, with the merging of Thomas Harrison and Skyline contributes to that phenomenon as well.

However, being separated from people you feel comfortable with is not always a bad thing.

I think being in high school has encouraged me to meet new people and try new things.

Reflecting on the past few weeks, I have stayed considerably calm and collected. Maybe my new sense of responsibility has pushed me to grow up and handle problems maturely. I also feel slightly more confident now that I’ve left the sheltered world of middle school behind.

Overall, I guess I am glad to be in high school. We have more control over our schedule and more after school things to be involved in. I certainly cringe at the thought of going back to middle school; it is good to move forward and do different things. I can already feel the “newness” wearing off and transforming into “normal”. Hopefully, in a few weeks, 90minute classes will not feel long at all. n

AP

My Dumb Thoughts...

Stuff

with Ama Ansah

I

students like

n the ilk of the blog “Stuff White People Like,” I am dedicating this blog to Stuff AP Students Like. Do keep in mind though; this is not a critique, but an observation from a fellow AP student. I secretly like all these things, too. (Well, not so secretly, since I’m writing it in a column that’s read by…15 people?)

1

Comparing Grades

AP Students love to compare grades because they love to feel superior. Even if the grade difference is by one point, it’s enough to make or break their day. Though they may not ask directly, they pry the info out of you somehow. “Did you get number three?” “How was our class average?”

Politics. Simplified.

T

Benjamin Marks

here aren’t many things I like about Texas Governor Rick Perry. However, he’s made a few good decisions that stand out.

The first one was his executive order to distribute the HPV vaccine in Texas. How anyone could disapprove of this move is completely beyond me. Not only do one in two sexually active Americans get HPV over the course of their lifetime, but the disease is linked to cervical cancer. Why the naysayers are against this makes no more sense then say, not taking the smallpox vaccine back in the 60’s. The ever frequent attempts to link vaccines to autism are never fruitful and only prevent people from taking vaccines that combat diseases. The ridiculous belief that many Americans hold regarding the “danger” of vaccines is causing thousands of deaths from easily preventable diseases.

The other belief I commend Perry for is his stance on immigration. Perry is against the standard Republican stance on immigration. A large part of this decision may simply be politics for the governor of a border state, but it is commendable nonetheless. I do agree that there needs to be something done about the waves of illegal immigrants crossing over into America. They do take jobs, freeload, and are frequently linked to crime, drug smuggling, and other acts of violence.

However, building a fence across a border that is thousands of miles long is not only the wrong way to handle the situation, it’s idiotic. There is simply no way that building a fence across the border would be any more effective than the methods the government currently has set up. In fact, it would likely do nothing other than give us a false sense of security.

Furthermore, for the political party who seems to love addressing how much money Obama is spending on health care and his jobs bills, think about how much this would cost. It’s simply a win for Perry. n

2

HOT

Protests on Wall street We applaud the protesters on Wall street. Keep raising awareness about the top 1%!

Halloween Festivities Get those costumes ready, Halloween is just a few weeks away!

New Fall TV Seasons It may be cold outside, but don’t let that get you down!

Stay inside and snuggle up to new seasons of your favorite shows!

Palin not running for President Palin announced that she is not going to be running for president anymore. Hallelujah we’ve been saved from the craziness.

Canned Food Drive It’s good to see student’s lending a helping hand to those in need.

Over 1600 cans collected

Being busy

It’s almost as if we are in a competition for whoever can do the most stuff that will be irrelevant in 18 months.

There is a certain joy and excitement in the voices of AP kids when they describe their workloads. Almost bordering on arousal. It’s a little frightening. I worry about some of us having breakdowns.

Spirit week Spirit week was ballin’ this year! Thanks for making the school year fun, Streaks.

What’s

NOT

3

Toms, UGGS, and Sperrys

Almost all AP students have a pair or more of these. I look around the floor of my AP classes and see these all over the place. And if an AP student doesn’t own a pair of these, they really want to. (I prefer the WASP-y look of Sperrys.)

4

Talking

AP classrooms are some of the loudest classrooms I’ve ever been in. Sometimes it’s good and really bolsters discussions. Other times, it’s just listening to some egotist tell the whole class about this one time they washed the dark clothes with the light clothes. Last year’s AP U.S. History class was the worst as far as irrelevant stories went. (That isn’t to say I didn’t do that sometimes, but I tried to refrain.) n

Check us out on the web www.newsstreak.com for more of Ama’s “Dumb Thoughts” go to www.newsstreak. com and click on the blogs tab.

Gotcha!

Keep reading the Newsstreak.

If a staff member catches you, you could win some awesome prizes!

(Who doesn’t love free stuff?)

New Muppet “Lily” Sesame Street introduced their new muppet, Lily, who talked about poverty and hunger on the streets. Really? Seems like a little much for kids...

Cold rainy weather Burr! It’s getting colder outside, bundle up! And while you’re at it, grab an umbrella.

Google + for those 18+ Share the love Google, we want the next step in social media too!

232 days until graduation So. Much. Time.

Football’ loss to Broadway The winning streak has been broken. Go get ‘em again streaks!

Steve Jobs’ Death On October 5th, Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. No one can fill those shoes.

October 21, 2011

newsstreak

STYLE -Sydney Knupp- A7

How our world revolves around the The

TELEVISION

Glee returns

Two Broke Girls tops new comedy list

Modern Family keeps viewers laughing

Anastasiya Kalyuk

T

staff reporter

wo Broke Girls follows the lives of two girls in their twenties who live in New York City. Max, the main character, comes from a working class family. The momentum of the series Conner Whitehouse starts when she meets a girl named Caroline, a girl who was born rich but suddenly lost staff reporter all of her money when her parents go bankrupt. fter being turned down by CBS They begin working together in and NBC, you would think a a Brooklyn restaurant and quickly show would just give up, or go became friends. They dream of for a lower quality production opening a cupcake shop together channel, or just give up. Not Modern Family. and making profit off of Max’s They pressed on until ABC accepted them velvet cupcakes. Although they can for one season, and since then, the show has barely pay for anything with the become a hot commodity. The sitcom’s multiple amount they get at work, they Emmy nominations and Screen writer’s awards attempt to make ends meet. speak for themselves. The show is a hit simply Kat Dennings character because of it’s humor, but people really can relate Max is sassy, and usually does with the multiple lead characters. not get along with people.

“I love Phil and his wife because I can relate to She tries to have a hard them, maybe it shows some similarity to my family, exterior and does not try just not as crazy of course,” history teacher Mark Healy to be charismatic to earn said. tips. She takes crap from The show is gaining popularity among all ages; no custumer and is not the season three opener alone drew over 14.3 million afraid to speak what is viewers, easily topping Simon Cowell and his new show, on her mind.

The X Factor. The framework of the show originates in it’s Beth Behrs who patriarch of the family Jay Pritchard (played by Ed O’Neill) plays Caroline is who has a daughter and a son. The daughter, Claire (Julie the stereotypical Bowen), marries Phil Dunphy(Ty Burrell), and they have valley girl who three unorganized children. Then Jay’s other kid, Mitchell(Jesse does not know Tyler Ferguson), adopted a girl with his partner Cameron(Eric how to do Stonestreet), who creates a lot of classic scenes.The show gives anything and another view of something that some people find controversial, has breezed same sex fathers raising a child. They are probably most viewers’ through life favorite characters, too.

“The combination of Cam and Mitchell really makes the show,” junior Sam St. Ours said.

The show would not have been rated so highly in the much more conservative past. Modern Family brings dozens of issues to light that some shows in the same genre do not like to discuss, including: children struggling to accept their adopted siblings into their family, maritial struggles, step parent drama, stress, parenting, and other family affairs. The makers paint the show in a relatable, funny manner that is comical to almost everyone.

“The producers do a great job dealing with issues in society, in a light manner,” Healy said. “I think [Modern Family is a fitting title.] It really does. That is a wild family though.” n

A

with her parents’ help. She lies to earn her spot in the restaurant, but finally earns back Max’s trust when she tells Max how her loser boyfriend hit on her. Although she is not book smart, she is clever with her ideas and ambitions to make her goals a reality.

style editor

A

fter months of “this cast member is getting fired, TOP 5 FAVORITE NEW that cast member is TELEVISION SHOWS being written off ”, Glee’s third season finally premiered.

1. Up All Night Glee returns for what should prove to 2. Tosh O. be an interesting season, as some of the 3. Terra Nova characters are in their senior year, which should mean they are leaving the show as 4. Man Up regulars. After all, they can’t all stay in high 5. Prime Suspect school forever, except maybe Brittany, What infographic by Max Johnson will actually happen is anyone’s guess.

73 people polled At any rate, things are happening, and happening fast. Sam and Lauren are written out with ease, as Sam transfers to another As a 16-year-old, this show was school and Lauren becomes too cool for New pretty funny. Some jokes were Directions. Blaine transfers to McKinley- and cliche, but Max comes to life. joins New Directions. Another new addition comes Kat Dennings is a good actress from Sugar Motta, an utterly tone-deaf character unlike her supporting actress that Will Shuster will not let join ND. The havoc she Behrs because you can see will wreak is still under speculation. Santana reverts to through her punchlines and the Satanic Cheerios she only has the ability to and is booted from make one face. The “duh” TOP 5 DRAMAS New Directions. Artie face.

ON TELEVISION and Tina are revealed Give this show a as juniors, which makes chance because even 1. True Blood them available for a though at times you 2. Dexter fourth season. Sue runs for say, “did they really Congress with a kill-all-arts 3. Criminal Minds just say that?” it is platform which seems to be relateable in some 4. Grey’s Anatomy working surprisingly well in ways. Everyone 5. Heroes her favor. Quinn reverts to a wants to make infographic by Max Johnson cigarrette-smoking hoodlum, their goals a 63 people polled dying her hair pink and hanging reality. n out with a new group called the Skanks, who are more stereotypical than gay Kurt Hummel.

Overall the new season looks promising. The great musical numbers don’t seem to have any end in sight, and the fickle teenage world doesn’t seem to be terribly misrepresented when viewed from the more colorful lens Glee offers. n How many hours do you watch tv in a week?

14 12 20 19 36 1-3

0

4-6

New Girl worth watching

7-10

11+

100 people polled by Jasmin Rose

How many hours do you watch ESPN in a week?

0-1

5-10

15-20

25+

27 25 25 5

Emily Jamieson

W

Katrina Sokolyuk

opinion editor

hen Nick, in New Girl which airs on Fox at 9 p.m. on Tuesdays, looked at Jess in disbelief and said “Did you just make 82 people polled by Max Johnson up a theme song for yourself?” I knew that New Girl would be my new favorite show.

The New Girl is about a girl named Jess (Zooey Deschanel) who got dumped by her cheating boyfriend. She moves in with three guys named Coach (Damon Kyle Wayans, Jr), Nick (Jake Johnson) and Peter Byrd Schmidt (Max Greenfield) in the aftermath of her break up. Coach is a personal trainer who yells instead of speaking in a normal tone. It sports reporter is not because he is some sort of verbally abusive guy, he simply has Nahla Aboutabl The ESPN family of networks provides many viewers with no idea how to speak to girls. He also is just in the first episode and a smorgasbord of exhilarating athletic events to dazzle your is later replaced with Winston staff reporter eyes and a highly intellectual panel of analysts to dissect each in the apartment. Schmidt is game.” These words, spoken by second in command sports TOP 5 one of “those guys.” The kind ou might think that The guru Jake Durden (I am the ultimate sports schwab), ring true for that does not take “no” for COMEDIES X-Factor is just another many sports fans at Harrisonburg High School. an answer when he asks 1.The Office American Idol. It’s not.. First Matt Shifflett, a state finalist golfer, always is tuned in to ESPN a girl on a date, and “that of all, Jennifer Lopez is not in or one of its sister channels.

2.Family Guy guy” who takes shirtit. This means we don’t have to see a judge cry “SportsCenter is what I watch in the morning to catch what less pictures of himself.

3.South Park at every audition. Second of all, Simon Cowell I missed from the previous night’s sporting events. However, Nick is the most down 4.The Simpsons is on the show, which means there will be plenty my favorite show is SportsNation because it is not your to earth of the boys. of sass and attitude this season. The contestants that typical sports show. It is more relaxed and (Colin) Cowherd 5.Parks and Recreation Like Jess, he was also go through are also very talented. I feel like the judges and (Michelle) Beadle compete against each other and the infographic by Max Johnson dumped and tends to 61 people polled are taking the competition seriously, and unlike Idol, nation in a series of mini-games,” Shifflett said. tell everyone that he you have a variety of different types of singers. Remember Nathan Mendoza, a senior on the basketball and is “over it” repeatlast season of Idol? It was like listening to a country station. baseball teams, agrees. edly.

So far on The X-Factor, you have rock , soul, jazz, and pop “I like SportsNation the best because it is different All the characters compliment one another persingers who can actually sing, rather than having just country than other sports shows. Beadle is eye-candy and fectly. Each character was thought through and singers like what happened with Idol last season. Have you heard Cowherd is a funny guy that likes the Patriots and I well planned with their stories and personalities.

Melanie Amaro sing Listen? She gave me the chills! Her voice is so like the Patriots so I agree with him on most issues.

Combine all those personalities and stories and pure and strong, and I just have a feeling she will go far.

The games on the show are fun to play. But my you get one of the best comedies yet.

You also have audition gone wrong scenarios, and because favorite thing about ESPN is the Top 10 Plays on I knew that New Girl would be pretty funny they’re is an audience, it makes the whole experience more funny (and SportsCenter,” Mendoza said. by just looking at the cast. But the first five awkward) to watch. So far on the show they had a Justin Bieber wannabe, Evan Shank, a starting defender for the soccer minutes, I knew that the show would not let a crazy guy with long hair and a sweaty body (he thought he could sound team, is also a big fan of SportsNation. me down. It had me kneeling over laughing, Michael Jackson or something), and of course, the usual crying girl who got “Beadle and Cowherd are funny together with tears rolling down my face. The diafour no’s. I sympathize with the girl, but I feel and are both knowledgeable. I like how Beadle logue is quirky and clever. It has hilarious that if she hadn’t broken down on the stage, she takes the high road and shows morality on all references, like Lord of the Rings and othFAVORITE might have been able to leave with some dignity. issues while Cowherd speaks his mind and ers that will have you folded like a lawn REALITY SHOWS Just an opinion. The judges are not ruthless though, is not afraid to defend people. Cowherd is chair from laughing so hard. and have actually given a few contestants a second ESPN’s best analyst. My favorite part of the The first episode ended with the boys 1.Jersey Shore chance, letting them sing another song so that they show is the three jeers segment where singing to Jess after she got stood up 2.Amazing Race could judge their voices properly. I don’t agree with they make fun of people who made silly on a date. That scene of three grown 3.Survivor all the affirmative responses, but I’m not a judge and mistakes. Outside of SportsNation men singing “I had the time of my neither can I sing, so I guess the judges know what they’re I watch ESPN documentary films 4.Kendra life” was the cherry on top of the doing when they let some crazy people go through. because they are very interesting,” show. Imagine me kissing my fin5.Teen Mom 1 I have to say though, I’m enjoying the show and are lI Shank said. n gers and saying, “perfecto!” and infographic by Max Johnson look forward to seeing who will win.

Too bad I have to wait you’ll know how I looked after 78 people polled till the end of the season. n watching New Girl. n

X-Factor catching on quickly

Y

Sports enthusiasts love ESPN

“

newsstreak

NEW with technology?

October 21, 2011

The

What’s

STYLE- Chris Sokolyuk - A8

iPad labs provide mobile technology for classrooms Kavya Beheraj

news editor

H

HS is taking big steps forward with integrating technology in the classroom this year. Starting with the discontinuation of the cell phone policy, the school has recently acquired new iPod touch and iPad labs, and students are now able to access the Wi-Fi network with a password. “[We got the labs] to explore new ways of using technology,” said HHS’s IT director Diana Flick. “Anytime we put something new into the hands of students, the first thing we notice is that the students are totally engaged. Everybody wants to touch.

Everybody wants to be a part of what’s going on.”

Currently, there are two labs of twenty of both the iPod touches and the iPads, and

five iPads in the library for teachers to check out. Flick has noticed that while the iPads are used almost exclusively in the classroom, the iPods have seen more use outside of school.

“The iPod touches have gone on field trips. That’s more their claim to fame,” Flick said. “We used them as cameras, because you basically have twenty cameras when you have twenty iPod touches.” iPads have definite advantages in the classroom, however. One big plus, according to Flick, is the built-in camera in the iPad 2, which allows students to do projectbased learning. Also, the iPads are very easy to get in and out of the classroom, and have many applications that would be beneficial to student learning in a wide variety of fields, from Spanish to Biology.

“We have productivity apps, like dictionaries. We have foreign language apps some Spanish and French. We iSee iPads. Senior Eric Mitri enjoys the new iPad in Kris Vass’s AP government class.

Students can surf the web, or use educational apps under the supervision of their instructor. The iPad lab is now available for class use. Photo by Kavya Beheraj.

have a couple of what we could call ‘strategy games’,” Flick said. “There are calculators. [There are apps] that demonstrate how things would be graphed. [There are] 3D models, such as the brain, for science.”

Flick has noticed some unique challenges in regulating student use of the new technology. Like other technology use this year, the responsibility of discipline lies with the teacher.

“Teachers have some kind of activity or lesson in mind. They take [the students] into the classroom, then [the teachers] are responsible for what goes on with [the technology] in place,” Flick said.

If the activity is online, then Flick has

This or that with IT specialist Diana Flick Mac OSX or Windows laptop or desktop eBooks or paper books Pepsi or Coke Early bird or night owl iPod or Zune 3-D or 2-D Smartboard or White board Book adaptation or movie adaptation Harry Potter or Twilight

HHS library offers new eBook collection Katrina Sokolyuk

style editor

T

he HHS library has expanded its services to students with a new eBook collection available on the library’s web site. Any student can “check out” and read any eBook anytime, anywhere by visiting the site.

Using a provided username and password, students are able to browse the available books.

“We only have 73 eBooks at the moment,” said librarian Billy Martin. “A lot of them

are classics, because this a new thing that we are trying out, and we want to see how many people actually take interest.”

Books range from classics, such as Beowulf and the Iliad, to more contemporary titles like the Mockingjay series.

A book is considered ‘checked-out’ if it is open and being read. Once a book is closed, it is then made available for anybody who wants to read it. Librarians have no way of knowing who is reading what book.

Some books have special features, such as audio.

“The annoying thing is that if you stop

the audio and then restart it, it starts all over from the very beginning [of the page],” Martin said.

Readers are also able to bookmark their pages, or use the search bar to find selections relevant to their search. n

Breaking it down:

The perks:

The cost:

Since there are no applications, Chromebook only takes 8 seconds to start up.

Chromebooks are virtually always connected to the web.

$429.99

The problems:

Chromebooks have limited functionality because they are completely on the web. If there is not a web app for something you would like to do, you cannot do it.

There are no annoying application update pop-ups. Chromebook automatically updates its interface.

Madden ‘12, Call of Duty tops in new game editions Austin Coffey

A

advertising manager

s the world continues further into the technological era, gaming is steadily becoming a major component in many people’s lives.

Advancements have brought consoles such as the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360, and have led to a wide selection of thousands of different video games available at local supermarkets and gaming stores. Consumers are constantly looking for that next best thing: the next game that will put you in the action, all accessible from the living room

What’s new about Madden NFL ‘12?

25 brand new plays- more plays means different games, every time.

Improved Gameflow- allows gamers to seamlessly choose the best plays.

Rookie scouting/ NFL draft- a great new addition in the franchise mode of Madden.

Advanced defensive AI- makes the game even more realistic as players can properly react to plays.

couch. As a response, producers are quickly releasing the new games leading into 2012.

Released on Aug 30, Madden 12 has kept the ball rolling with new graphics, realistic game play, and communication with the coach. Selling nearly 1.4 million copies in the first week and profiting nearly twomillion in the first month after being released, Madden has given all potential buyers something to look forward to.

The game is now a little more difficult than the previous games in many ways, one of which is due to a more aggressive tackle that has been given to each player on the field. This makes it more difficult to make it to the other side of the field. The game also features a setting where the coach gives the gamer tips during the game via a headset, creating a more realistic experience. All of this has been compacted into something Madden calls Superstar mode, which keeps gamers’ hearts racing on the field ready for the next play.

“Madden 12 is the most realistic game compared to all of the previous Maddens,” sophomore Jack Humphrey said.

At the same time, gamers such as Humphrey are already eagerly anticipating Madden 13, hoping for even better results.

“I would like to see Madden 13 in Move for PlayStation 3, this will give the

Blink 182 finally resurfaces with Neighborhoods

How to check out an eBook: 1. Go to the HHS homepage.

2. Click on ‘Library’ under ‘Home”.

3. Go to ‘Follet- Shelf eBooks’ under ‘Quick Links’ 4. Username: hhsguest password: hhs

Google releases much awaited Chromebooks Chromebooks are essentially computers-- but completely on the web. There is no desktop, there are no applications; everything is through the web browser Google Chrome. All word documents, powerpoints, etc. are saved online in the cloud. You are always connected to the web since there is built in Wi-fi and 3G.

ways to log its use by students.

“We want [the online activities] on our network so they are filtered through the same Internet that we filter. We have to do that because of money and the Child Protection Act,” Flick said. “So to monitor what goes on, when we get [the iPads or iPods] back, we can see what’s on each device. If we see activity that doesn’t belong [on] the device, just like what we’d do with a computer, [it is] addressed individually.”

In terms of the iPad, some of its capabilities are also limited for students. “[We limit what the devices can do] to some degree for management reasons,” Flick said. “If I were to have the iPads wide open and anybody could access the App Store or anybody could download whatever they wanted to, then I’ve got 40 devices that I have to set up for the next classes.”

The reaction to the iPods and iPads has been mainly positive, by both teachers and students. Teachers have been checking out the iPads before they use it in the classroom to become familiar with the device beforehand.

“A lot of students haven’t touched the iPads [before]. The iPod touches, yes, but not the iPads,” Flick said. “The nice thing is if you have an iPod touch, [the iPad] is just a bigger iPod touch. If you have an iPad, the iPod touch is just a baby iPad.” n

game an even more realistic feel,” Humphrey said.

Alongside Madden 12, gamers are also awaiting the release of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3. The video game is expected to come out this upcoming winter or spring, and has kept all of the Call of Duty followers eagerly awaiting the release.

Because it has not yet been released, there is very little information as to what is expected in this game. However, features such as quick scoping and the perks are being brought back into this newest version of Call of Duty, and other features like the last stand are being removed from the game.

With all of these new changes being made to the game one thing is standing out to the crowd of anticipation, Elite. Elite, is the one major change of the new Call of Duty, and it basically says that instead of having to connect through failing Internet sites such as Xbox Live, players who have friends who are playing the game can connect and play with each other through socializing sites such as Skype and Facebook. In addition to this new way of gaming with each other, Elite has brought a one time $50 fee to all new maps, and rank ups, which replaces the $15 payments for four update packs a year.

In addition to all of this, the creators of Call of Duty held an event known as Call of Duty XP. This official Call of Duty event did more than just let players play Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3, they also got a shot at running a real version of The Pit time course and experiencing the Scrapyard in-game map. n

Paulina Rendon

B

feature editor

link 182 is back. For the first time in eight years, the band has come back to produce an album, Neighborhoods, which was released on the last week in September. For someone who has been a devoted fan since their debut album Cheshire Cat, this news may come as the best thing since sliced bread, while others could care less.

For me, it’s almost like Christmas has come early. Blink 182 has been in my life practically since I was born. I did not discover Blink 182 as they just started out, because I was only a couple months old at the time. I was not the one in my family to discover the band at all. My older brother was the one to blast their music throughout the house.

Later with the creation of iTunes, it became harder for our parents to tell us to stop listening to them all the time because instead of using CD players, my brother’s iPod streamed their music directly to our ears.

Unfortunately the streaming came to a tragic end some time in 2004.

Blink 182 fans were devastated when the band declared an ‘infinite hiatus’ and pursued side projects separately.

Eight years passed, and now Mark Hoppus, Travis DeLong, and Travis Barker have come together and produced the ten wonderful tracks that make up Neighborhoods. The band decided to give their fans a little taste of the previously unreleased album when they released their “Up All Night” single in July. From there, the fans had to wait two more months for the official album release, but after waiting eight years, a little bit more time didn’t hurt anyone.

Listening to the album is just like slipping into a pair of favorite jeans; the ones that end up lost in the closet for years until one day they miraculously return. Blink 182 have not lost their touch. Far from it. The album has kept their previous sound from eight years ago, but the album also has a bit of a new twist in some songs, most apparent in “Up All Night” and “Kaleidoscope”. The vocals of Hoppus and DeLong compliment each other as well as they always have, and the ever-present beat of Barker on drums gives the feeling akin to that of friends reuniting after a long time.

All in all, I would give this album four stars out of five. The only reason I’m not giving it a perfect score is more out of the bitterness of not having heard Blink 182 in eight long years than actually finding something wrong with their music. The only thing I have left to say that hopefully summarizes every other Blink Fan is this; welcome back, boys. n

October 21, 2011

The

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The newsstreak

October 21, 2011

Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner FOWL FACTS:

-Rockingham County is the nation’s second largest turkey producing county.

-Virginia is fifth in the national ranking for turkey production.

-Virginia has six poultry companies: Cargill Turkey Products, George’s Food, Pilgrims Pride Corp, Perdue Farms, Tyson Foods, and Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative Inc. -Virginia has more than 780 chicken farms; 550 of those are in the Shenandoah Valley.

STYLE- Katrina Sokolyuk - A10

Rockingham County is home to millions of chickens and turkeys-most of which make for a delicious meal.

-There are more than 300 turkey farms in Virginia.

-Virginia’s poultry farmers produced 250,400,000 chickens and 17,000,000 turkeys in 2010.

-The US’s poultry meat consumption has risen from an average of 34 pounds per person per year in 1966 to 100 pounds today. www.vafarmbureau.org

McDonalds introduces 20-piece McNuggets Mitch DePoy

W

staff reporter

hat is more of an American icon then the golden arches of the world-famous McDonald’s? Founded in 1955, McDonald’s is a chain that everyone has come to know. From their dollar menu, to their sweet tea and the legendary Big Mac, McDonald’s menu has become a world-famous phenomenon. A new feature that McDonald’s has recently introduced to its menu is the 20-piece chicken nugget option for just under $5.

The chicken nugget is not something entirely new to the menu.

In 1983, McDonald’s added the McNugget to its menu. The nuggets come in sizes of four, six, ten, and now, twenty pieces. The nugget itself is made up of all white-meat chicken that McDonald’s prides

itself on. In reality, the highly sought-after all white-meat chicken nugget recipe does not contain any particularly special ingredients, although your taste buds might think otherwise.

“I love the McNugget,” senior Brady Cockerham said. “I’ll get the 20 piece meal with the classic barbecue sauce to dip them in,” Cockerham said. “It’s something about the taste of the nugget and the fact that you can get 20 of them for such a good price that makes them so appealing.”

The real secret of the nugget, however, appears to be the dipping sauce. McDonald’s has a wide range of dipping sauces that chickenlovers might enjoy dipping their nugget in, such as original creamy ranch, barbecue, honey mustard or ketchup. In the past year, McDonald’s has stepped up their game, and come out with a sweet chili, spicy buffalo, tangy barbecue and a sweet-and-sour sauce. n

Billy Jack’s adds new Hatfield prefers dimension to wings B-Dubs’ wings boneless wings called Leghorns, Celia Ehrenpreis chili cheese fries, and houseadvertising manager made doughnuts. The all-natu-

S

trolling by Billy Jack’s, you can hear the buzz of conversation from the always open windows.

Once you enter, your eyes are put into overdrive. There is so much to take in: the large bar taking up almost all of the restaurant, the multicolored doors lining the walls, and the large TV monitors placed strategically so when your sitting, you are in view of at least two other screens.

Among many of the new shops opening up downtown, Billy Jack’s seems to one of the main attractions. On a Saturday night, it is packed to the brim with everyone from college students to middle-aged parents.

Billy Jack’s is a branch off of the beer and burger joint Jack Brown’s, which is located right next door. This new restaurant specializes in chicken wings,

ral wings come with one of three house sauces. The wings look like the classic buffalo variety, but do not stray too far from the well known and loved chicken wings.

Daily specials are also available. One of the unique specials are french fries covered in mac n’ cheese, bacon bits, and Martin’s potato chips. This concoction is a good one- it has a great combination of flavors.

The dessert menu consists of only doughnuts, covered with such toppings as toasted marshmallows, chocolate frosting, and peanut butter. Although the dessert portions are small, they are only $1.50 per doughnut.

The fluffy doughnut mixed with the large number of toppings, is a perfect end to the meal. If put to the test against the wing joint across town, Buffalo Wild Wings, Billy Jack’s would definitely hold their own. n

Andy Shisler staff reporter

B

uffalo Wild Wings, a sports bar and grill located on South Main Street in Harrisonburg, is becoming increasingly popular among HHS students. The main attraction for students are the chicken wings.

B-Dubs offers 16 different sauces for their chicken wings, a wide variety compared to other local wing restaurants.

According to HHS junior Allan Souryvong, B-Dubs is the best wing place around.

“The honey barbecue wings are my favorite. I usually go to B-Dubs around once every few months. I like to watch sports events on their big TVs,” Souryvong said.

Senior Ford Hatfield is also a huge fan of B-Dubs.

“It’s a fun place to eat and hang out. The food is really good, and the atmosphere also

makes B-Dubs a cool place to hang out with friends,” Hatfield said. Hatfield is confident that B-Dubs wings can’t be beat. “They’re the definitely the best wings in town. I’ve been to Billy Jacks, and their wings aren’t nearly as good. I would absolutely recommend Buffalo Wild Wings to anyone,” Hatfield said.

Part of the reason that BDubs seems to be more widely liked is the massive variety.

While other restaurants offer very few wing sauces, and even fewer additional entrees, B-Dubs provides 16 available wing sauces and four seasonings, as well as an additional menu consisting of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, soups, and desserts. Because of B-Dubs’ numerous options, and the largest wing selection in town, it is able to appeal to a much larger group than any other local wing places. n

What is your favorite Buffalo Wild Wings Sauce?

Honey BBQ- 15 Asian Zing- 5 Hot BBQ- 5 Sweet BBQ- 3 Teriyaki- 3 Mild- 3 Medium- 3 Mango Habanero- 3 Wild- 3 Blazin’- 3 Spicy Garlic-2 Hot- 2 Parmesan Garlic- 1 Jammin’ Jalapeno- 1 Carribean Jerk- 1 Original- 1 Thai Curry- 0 No/ Never been there53 107 people polled by Shannon Richard

Homemade chicken dinners don’t have to be a challenge

F

or some, homemade chicken is not a treat to savor very often. With supermarkets and grocery stores offering ready-

Ingredients

to-go and in-the-box rotisseri chickens, it’s easy to forget how much better a homemade chicken dinner tastes.

Now, you may think that

2 lbs. of boneless chicken cutlets 2 eggs 1 cup of plain bread crumbs 1/2 cup of grated parmesan or romano cheese Salt and pepper to taste 3 Tbsp Olive oil Lemon wedges

making a full chicken dinner is difficult, but in reality, it is not. If you have fifteen minutes and access to the right ingredients, you can have a classic

and easy-to-make meal that will have you coming back for seconds.

Mama DiNaps’ Homemade Chicken 1. Beat eggs in a bowl until completely blended

2. Mix together breadcrumbs, cheese, and salt & pepper.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet.

4. Dip chicken cutlets in eggs.

5. Coat the chicken cutlets in the breadcrumb mixture completely.

6. Fry chicken cutlets in skillet until golden brown on both sides (about 4-6 minutes on each side) 7. Keep warm on a tray in the oven at 250 degrees, if necessary.

8. Serve with lemon wedges.

Infographic by Ben DiNapoli

October 21, 2011

The

newsstreak

FEATURE - Mark Duda - A3

Down on the Farm

Students, teachers share stories of the simpler life

Farming becomes family matter for Tueting Vanessa Ehrenpreis

F

editor-in-chief

ighting in World War II and operating a small dairy farm in Wisconsin have little in common to most people. But for social studies teacher Mark Tueting, they are just “different types of risk.”

“My uncle is a full-time dairy farmer in Wisconsin. I asked him once about how he was able to manage the risk that comes with farming, and he said it was nothing compared to fighting in World War II. I guess after you’ve been to war and had the Japanese shooting at you, financial uncertainty isn’t exactly a big deal. It’s just a different type of risk,” Tueting said, chuckling.

Tueting’s family history is steeped in agriculture. Decades of dairy farming in Wisconsin precede his uncle’s current operation. Tueting left his fond childhood memories on the farm when his family moved to Virginia, and when he later began teaching in Baltimore. After years of confinement in Baltimore-- and the one-fortieth of an acre garden plot that accompanied his townhouse-- Tueting became interested in purchasing a farm of his own.

“I have a hard time sitting still-- if you didn’t already know. I gardened in Baltimore because I wanted something to do,” Tueting said. After a few years of extensive gardening, Tueting was able to grow large amounts of food on his plot, and also realized what made the process interesting for him.

“You’re able to see the direct impact you have on something. As a teacher, you’re planting the seeds for a kids future, but you never see the product. When you farm you see the product forming. It’s immediate feedback that tells you what works and what doesn’t.”

The “mental puzzle” of farming enticed Tueting. He bought a 40-acre plot a few years later and began a process of trial and error. Tueting originally hoped to grow organic wine grapes and have a small vineyard, but after a few failed attempts and other “time consuming mistakes,” he adjusted his plan to livestock.

Years of evolution gave way to Sweet Seasons Farm, located in Batesville, VA (a little less than an hour’s drive from Harrisonburg). Sweet Seasons is not a major commercial operation. Tueting typically raises eight steers and six hogs as his cash crops every year, which he sells to family friends and other buyers. Sweet Seasons also houses a small vineyard, orchard, poultry operation, and garden for his family’s personal use.

Tueting admits that managing a small farm whilesimultaneously juggling a teaching career is difficult at times. About half an hour to two hours of work daily is required on the farm during the school year. During the

summer, Tueting spends as much as 20 hours a day baling hay alone. Luckily, the labor intensive and time consuming work does not overlap with the school year.

“When I was teaching AP [United States History] I used to plant in the dark-- I had a little head lamp and I’d do about an hour of work once I got home,” Tueting said.

“Time is always of the essence, and there’s always pressure.

But most of my heavy duty work is in the summer.”

Time management is no longer one of Tueting’s principle issues, instead he is more concerned with his affinity for the livestock on his farm. As a small farm owner, Tueting has a handful of animals, most of which he develops an attachment to-- one of the worst possible fates for a farmer, in his opinion.

“I have a hard time seeing the animals as purely economic units. When they have names and your kids play with them, naturally you get a soft spot. Bonnie is my favorite cow on the farm. Right now she has an injured udder, and she’ll eventually decline in health, but I’ll probably end up keeping her because I love her. Once you get

attached, it’s difficult to have an animal reach its full economic potential,” Tueting said.

Despite his love for animals and the process of farming itself, Tueting never envisions himself as a full-time farmer.

“No [I’d never be a full-time farmer], definitely not,” Tueting said almost instantaneously. “I love teaching too much. Plus it’s too much of a risk financially. I have kids to take care of, I can’t be worrying about crop prices and livestock. I do think being a full-time dairy farmer would be a fun and exciting thing to do, but it’s not reasonable.”

For now, Tueting is content with his small-scale farm and all the happy family memories it provides.

“One of my favorite memories is when my daughter [Emilie] was first born. I’d come home in the evening, bottle feed Bonnie with Emilie on my knee, and she would just giggle, giggle, giggle. It was snowing slightly, and I was sitting in a barn I built myself. That’s one of my favorite memories of all time,” Tueting said quietly. n

This or That with Mark Tueting

Fun times! History teacher Mark Tueting and his four children all enjoy the animals on their farm. Photo courtesy of Mark Tueting

This or That with Robby Ross Corn or Tomatoes Ice cream or Popsicles McDonald’s or Chick-fil-a Growing fruits and Vegetables English or Math Red or Navy Blue HHS Football or NFL A-days or B-days HP computers or Apple computers Alternative rock or Rap NIKE shoes or VANS shoes Microsoft Word or Excel Target or Wal-Mart Family Guy or American Dad Sunny Days or Rainy Days Google or Yahoo The Beatles or Beach Boys iPad or iPhone Sunny days or Rainy days Google or Yahoo Daily News Record or Washington Post Reading or Writing Little League baseball or MLB New York or Washington D.C. Car or Bus infographic by Nicolas Lee

Farming with family History teacher Mark Tueting and his daughter, Emilie, feed a cow on his farm in Batesville, VA. Photo courtesy of Mark Tueting.

Work on grandparent’s farm is labor of love Peter Byrd

W

sports editor

orking on a farm can be difficult. That is why Robby Ross’ grandparents call on their grandson to perform certain duties that they are no longer able to do. Ross’s grandparents spend half the week at their home outside of Manassas and the other half on their farm in McGaheysville.

“I’m the able body in the family and I love to help out with whatever they have for me. My dad is coming off hip surgery and he is the only other man in the family. I have to shoulder the load for the Ross family but I take pride in doing so,” Ross, a junior, said.

Work on the farm can be strenuous at times but Ross does not have the pressure of achieving a task in a specific time frame.

“I work on my own time because there is no rush to complete a certain job quickly. I see it more as volunteering rather than working. I enjoy the work and it’s great to help out my grandparents. I can do work while they are in Manassas or when they are here,” Ross said.

Ross is like a renaissance man, well-rehearsed in multiple fields rather than specializing in one particular area.

“I put up and repair a lot of fence line and I also plant trees, shear sheep, plow the field, the odds and ends of managing a farm. Shearing sheep is probably one of the more fun jobs to do because it is not nearly as boring or repetitive as putting up fence line or digging holes,” Ross said.

The work is relaxing even though it causes Ross to work up a sweat.

“Nothing beats the peacefulness of the farm. The smell, yes it stinks sometimes, but it is a refreshing reminder of the countryside. After a hard day’s work I can go inside their house and get treated to chocolate chip cookies and apple cider,” Ross said. n

Raising goats or Raising cows Straw or Hay Overalls or Cowboy hat Jimmy Hendrix or Eric Clapton Plaid or Stripes Truck or Tractor Butchering or Mucking stalls Corn or Tomatoes Early morning or Late night White milk or Chocolate milk Thomas Jefferson or George Washington George W. Bush or Ronald Reagan Ice cream or Popsicles Babyface or Bearded action Smartphone or Dial-up phone Newspaper or News on TV TV or Computer Glasses or Contacts Football or Basketball English or Math infographic by Ariel Vogel

Mongold learns lessons while raising cows on grandparent’s farm

Alexis Dickerson

S

staff reporter

enior Ashleigh Mongold has spent much of her life working on a farm her grandparents own. Mongold helps out with the farm, which raises cows, by giving the cows hay, water, and food.

“The hardest job I think is giving the cows hay because they eat a lot of hay, so I always have to give them hay constantly,” Mongold said.

After a long day working on the farm, Mongold enjoys hanging out with her grandparents. “We eat supper, then we go outside and just hang out. Then we have to give them water, and we sometimes cook in the barn,” Mongold said.

Her family raises these cows by taking them in as calves, raising them, and, when they’re fully grown, keeping them for about one to two years before butchering them.

They usually have about 5-10 cows on

their farm. They have 5 adult cows, and 5 calves by the end of the year. Having these cows for 1-2 years, when they go to butcher their adult cows, they’ll still have 5 calves left.

It costs about $500 for one cow. One cow could feed a person for nearly a year, according to Mongold.

Mongold doesn’t have a habit of growing attached to the animals, although there has been one exception. The only cow she ever grew attached to was a cow named Stanley, who her family butchered.

“There was this cow named Stanley. I loved his white face, and it was weird because he wasn’t scared. I saw him at least once a week. It was hard to eat Stanley,” Mongold said.

“At first I was sad, but when you own a farm, you gotta realize that cows are going to get butchered,” Mongold said. Although she is a self-proclaimed animal lover, she believes that one either eats or goes hungry. “We butchered Stanley about a year ago, and we are still eating him today,” Mongold said. n

Farms by the numbers $500 - estimated cost of a young live cow. number of farms in the USA- 2,204,792 Average per farm production $109,359 -expenses Percent of land used for agriculture 31. 2% in the USA-

statistics from the USDA

October 21, 2011

newsstreak

25 years + The

and still going strong!

Mary Strickler

Yearbook Teacher Q: How long have you been teaching at HHS? A: Since 1982.

Q: Have you always taught the same subject?

A: Yes, English and yearbook.

Q: Why did you become a teacher?

A: I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, I just didn’t know what I wanted to teach. Then you have that one teacher that inspires you, that teacher changed my life.

Q: What’s the most difficult thing you’ve had to overcome in your years of teaching?

A: The first year I wasn’t prepared to discipline. I had no idea how the students would act.

Q: Has there been a noticeable change in the education system over the years?

A: Yeah, it’s a pendulum. It goes back and forth from one change to another. It used to be uncool to teach grammar. Now it is.

Q: What was your happiest moment as a teacher?

A: I started a project-a book about Vietnam.

Everyone was assigned a veteran and they would tell their story and each veteran got a copy of the book.

Q: How much longer do you plan on teaching?

A: I plan on retiring by 2016 because the health benefits are changing.

Q: Do you think anything should change about HCPS? A: I think change is good, but not always dictated. It’s good to try new things.

Q: What tips could you give future teachers?

A: Have a good sense of humor, and kids need love the most when they deserve it the least.

Q: What tips can you give students taking your class?

A: Always be prepared.

Q: If you could have dinner with three people (dead or alive) who would you choose?

A: My two grandmothers, my mom, and my dad.

Q: Who is your personal hero?

A: My husband.

Nancy Faulkner

Spanish Teacher Q: How long have you been teaching at HHS? A: 38 years.

Q: Have you always taught the same subject?

A: I have always taught Spanish at some level or another.

Q: Why did you become a teacher?

A: When I was growing up, there were very few options for women, you were either a nurse a secretary, a homemaker or a stay-home mom.

Q: What’s the most difficult thing you’ve had to overcome in your years of teaching?

A: Uncooperative students.

Q: Has there been a noticeable change in the education system over the years?

A: The biggest change would have to be the courses that are available now. For example the AP, Honors, and Dual Enrollment classes.

Q: What was your happiest moment as a teacher?

A: Students being successful.

Q: How much longer do you plan on teaching?

A: At least three more years Q: Do you think anything should change about HCPS? A: Acceptance among students. Students need to have more respect for each other.

Q: What tips can you give for a future teacher?

A: Be prepared, be fair, and be consistent.

Q: What tips can you give to students taking your class?

A: Study a little bit every day.

Q: If you could have dinner with three people (dead or alive), who would you choose?

A: John F. Kennedy, Nelson Mandela, and Thomas Jefferson.

Interviewed by Sydney Knupp

Kathy Grogg

Math Teacher Q: How long have you been teaching at HHS? A: I started here in 1984 [however, he has taught for 42 total years] Q: Have you always taught the same subject?

A: Actually, I’ve taught everything in the math department.

Q: Why did you become a teacher?

A: I wanted to coach [football]. When I graduated from college, the only way you could coach was if you were faculty and had a salary.

Q: What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to overcome in your years of teaching?

A: Not really any one thing. Nothing! Well, actually, it’s probably time management. Getting it all done is hard when it seems teachers have to be more than teachers.

Q: What was your happiest moment as a teacher?

A: Well, number one is when I got married and when my kids were born. Two was when my kids got married. Nothing in the classroom, but things that happened in my life.

Q: How much longer do you plan on teaching?

A: I don’t know. I take it day by day.

Q: Do you think anything should change about HCPS? A: The high school at least should start at least half an hour later [8 am]. Research shows that high school students have a different clock than normal. Early isn’t better, they’re more productive later.

Q: What tips can you give to future teachers?

A: Don’t take anything personally. Enjoy your students, they all have different personalities.

Make up at least three or four lesson plans for when you want to take a day off or need to take a day off so the class can still be doing something.

Q: What tips can you give students who take your classes?

A: Don’t take anything personally. I don’t grade on how much I like you or not, it’s how well you did.

Q: If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive who would you choose?

A: My wife, Joe Gibbs, and President Obama Q: Who is your personal hero?

A: My mathematical hero is Archimedes. From a coaching standpoint, Joe Paterno. From a how-I’d-like-to-live-my-life standpoint, Kramer from Seinfeld. Think about it, he doesn’t work, he can still pay rent on his apartment, he has all he needs; he has a perfect life!

Attendance Secretary Q: How long have you been at HHS? A: I have been here for 28 years, I started when I was 18 years old.

Q: Why did you become involved with education?

A: I went to work at Sims school building from 1-4 pm in the special education department. I realized I really did enjoy secretarial work. They actually contacted me to go work at Spotswood Elementary. Once I was there, I realized not only did I love secretarial work, but I loved working with kids.

Q: Has there been a noticeable change in the education system over the years?

A: Yes! I have seen many changes in my 28 years, mainly how things have become easier with computers. When I started, I had a typewriter, no phones in the class rooms, you couldn’t even look up a student’s schedule electronically.

Q: What was your happiest moment as a teacher?

A: When you see a kid who struggles with behind the scene issues and they succeed at school, or when they see you out years later and they give you a big hug and thank you for the difference you made.

Q: How much longer do you plan on working?

A: I am planning on retiring when my daughter, who is 9 and in 4th grade; becomes a senior. So, in 8 years we will have a graduation/ retirement party together.

Q: Do you think anything should change about HCPS? A: Pay raise for secretaries.

Q: What is the strangest moment you’ve encountered as a teacher?

A: It amazes me that I’m teaching lots of my former students’ children. Also some of my old teachers are still here.

Q: What tips can you give a future teacher?

A: Give every kid a chance, never judge a child, every kid deserves a clean slate each year. Enjoy your job and try to get to know your students. Cherish every moment, because you may be the person who changed that child’s’ life.

Q: What tips can you give students?

A: Every student should be involved in something other than the educational part of their day. Join a club, manage a sport, do something to enjoy high school.

Q: Who is your personal hero?

A: My grandfather. He raised me and taught me how to be a giving, caring, and loving person.

Q: Anything you’d like to add?

A: I am an HHS graduate, two of my children are as well, and I have two more children to go.

I married my high school sweetheart. Once a blue streak, always a blue streak. My family bleeds blue.

Interviewed by Ama Ansah

Interviewed by Shannon Kizner

Interviewed by Anastasiya Kalyuk

Bill. Turner

FEATURE - Sydney Little- B2

The voice of experience can be profound. These teachers have all been in the classroom over a quarter of a century and they are still making incredible contributions to education every day.

Sheila Fielding

English Teacher Q: How many years have you been teaching?

A: 33 years.

Q: How many more years do you plan on teaching?

A: I have no idea, as long as I can.

Q: What’s the strangest thing that has happened to you in your teaching years?

A: A couple of students came to class with a dead bird and smashed it in the middle of the room.

Q: Who is your role model?

A: A student that had cancer who was home schooled all his life finally got to go to public high school and when he was there the kids would make fun of him.

He struggled, but pushed on that year. He died later that same year.

Q: Have you always taught the same subject?

A: No, I also taught Social Studies .

Q: What tips would you give students looking to become teachers?

A: I would tell them to do it for the love of teaching and not for the A. Q: What tips can you give students?

A: I would tell them to keep up with their homework.

Interviewed by Manny Gomez

Vicki Harris

Earth Science Teacher Q. How long have you been teaching at Harrisonburg High School?

A. 11 years.

Q. Have you always taught the same subject?

A. No, I have taught earth science and oceanography.

Q. Why did you become a teacher?

A. In college I had three options, be a nurse, be a secretary or be a teacher. I just liked teaching the most.

Q. What is the most difficult thing as a teacher?

A. Definitely the paperwork.

Q. Has there been a noticeable change in all your years of teaching ?

A. Yes there has been a huge change in the number of courses you can take.

Q. What was your happiest moment as a teacher?

A. Anytime an individual shows appreciation for me.

Q. What is the most exciting moment you have encountered as a teacher?

A. When I saw my first science fair.

Q. What tips can you give a future teacher?

A. Be flexible, a good listener, and try to put yourself in your students shoes.

Q. What tips can you give your students?

A. Come to school every day!

Interviewed by Max Johnson

Steve Wszalek Math Teacher

Q: How long have you been teaching here at HHS? A: This is my 41st year at HHS. Q: What is the best moment that ever happened to you as a teacher?

A: I keep hoping it would be every day.

Q: What do you like to do during your free time?

A: I like to read books and mess around with computers.

Q: What is your favorite kind of music?

A: Almost any kind of jazz.

Q: Have you always wanted to be a teacher?

A: Since my junior year in high school.

Q: What do you like about teaching here?

A: Sharing knowledge and helping people learn.

Q: On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate this year so far?

A: We haven’t done enough to know. There’s been too many changes to rate this year.

Q: What are some of the hard things about teaching?

A: Sitting through meetings.

Q: What other subjects have you taught?

A: I’ve taught part time at JMU and Blue Ridge Community College. I was also a math tutor for JMU athletics.

Q: What advice would you give for teachers?

A: It can’t be a job that you want just for money.

Interviewed by Matt Bosch

September October 21,23, 2011 2011

The

newsstreak

A day in the life of...

Shaver’s life before HHS Ben Marks

website manager

T

racy Shaver was born in Colorado, as the son of a ski instructor. He was in a family of family, with a younger and older sister.

When he was still young, his family moved to a small town in upstate New York. The town was extremely small, with only two stop-signs.

The town also had very little diversity. In his school there was only a single AfricanAmerican student. Shaver was a good student, though he was suspended once for skipping class.

“It was my first time trying to skip class and I got caught,” Shaver said, “and it was also the last time I skipped class.”

Despite this bump along the road of his youth, he managed to graduate third in his class of 39.

After graduating from high school, Shaver attended West Point Prep Academy for a year, where he excelled. Shaver decided to turn down an offer to attend West Point, however, because he did not want to make a career of the military.

At this point, Shaver joined the army. During his time serving the

FEATURE FEATURE-- Paulina Paulina Rendon Rendon -- A3 B3

HEnLamLO e is my

Principal

r e v a h S y c a r T

country, Shaver had tours in Honduras, El Salvador, and Panama. He met several friends in the military that he still has today. Unlike his high school, Shaver experienced a large degree of variety in the military.

“There was a great amount of diversity in the military,” Shaver said, “[The diversity] showed me that other cultures were just like me.”

After his time in the military, Shaver attended the State University of New York where he pursued a degree in business management. Shaver did not ever stay too long in one place, switching towns at several points through the years. One summer, he helped several juvenile delinquents in a program designed to help them readjust to society. In the program, the students and Shaver worked together to renovate a building on top of a mountain in upstate New York.

“It was just the eight of us working on the building on top of a mountain,” Shaver said “I got to know them and it really was a great experience for me.”

It was this experience that made Shaver decide to change his major from business management to business education. After attending the State University of New York, Shaver received a bachelors in business teaching. He would go on to receive a masters from Georgetown. During this time, he met the woman who became his wife, Deborah.

After graduating from college, Shaver was a business teacher at George C. Marshall High in Fairfax County for several years. During his time teaching, he also coached the golf team, which he took to the state tournament two years in a row.

After his time teaching, Shaver was offered the position of assistant principal at Manassas Park High school, which he readily accepted.

After three years as an assistant, Shaver became the principal, which he served as for five years. After five years, Shaver accepted Harrisonburg’s offer to come and serve here.

Shaver currently lives in Harrisonburg with his wife and three children; Sydney, who is eight, Delany, five, and Chase, who is four months old. n

On the clock.

A minute by minute day in the life of principal Tracy Shaver 5:45- Wake up, get ready for school 6:15- Grab a cup of coffee and a granola bar on the way out the door 6:30- Arrive at school 6:35- Check email

and voicemail

6:50- Work on any current projects: currently creating strategies to improve on time graduation rates for the school through maximization of instructional time and ensuring that students are actively participating in class through routine observation.

7:05- Head into the commons, interact with the students as they come in

7:30- Read the morning announcements over the intercom

7:40- Head into several classrooms and observe teaching, ensure students are actively learning 8:15- Head back into the office to check email and voicemail

8:20- Receive a folder from bookkeeper Tammy Shepard containing the previous day’s financial information

Family man. Principal Shaver poses with his family during a reunion.

Photo courtesy of Tracy Shaver

8:30- Receive any papers from his secretary Beverly Sturm

8:55- Head back out into the hallways for class changes

9:15- Observe teaching in a class 10:00-

Start a web conference with the department of education and other school districts to discuss school performance

10:40-

Head out to lunch, interact with students and faculty

11:15- Meet with ath-

Bring your kids (and wife) to work day! Shaver’s wife and three children find time to visit him at work during the school day. Photo by Vanessa Ehrenpreis.

letic director Darrell Wilson to discuss any needs of the athletic department

I can hear the bells. Shaver and his wife on the day of their wedding. They have been married for 14 years.

Photo courtesy of Tracy Shaver.

12:15- Meet with Cur-

riculum and Instruction Supervisor Pat Litner to discuss on time graduation rates

2:15- Head into the halls to watch students leave, make sure they get to study hall 2:30- Return to office, do paperwork, work on projects, etc.

4:50- Leave office, head home to have dinner with family 7:00- Return to school for sporting event

Way back when... Above: (Left) Shaver’s senior picture. (Right) After graduating high school, Shaver joined the military.

By The Numbers with Principal Tracy Shaver

8

10

Owns suits and pairs of shoes (including two pairs of cowboy boots).

2

Over miles- the distance Shaver walks per day.

Arrival time at HHS-

6:30 a.m.

8:30- Head back home at the end of the day

Green and green all over. Shaver and his wife get festive for St. Patricks day. Photo courtesy of Tracy Shaver

Year graduated from high school:

1986

Received master’s degree:

2001

14

years- How long Shaver has been married to his wife

4 5 8

months years

years - the ages of Shaver’s three kids: Chase, Delany, and Sydney.

October 21, 2011

The

newsstreak

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October 21, 2011

The

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October 21, 2011

The

newsstreak

SPORTS- Jake Durden - B6

Cheerleading team wins two meets to begin year

Photo Finish The Streaks conclude their routine for a competition at Broadway. Photo by Paulina Rendon.

Max Johnson

T

staff reporter

Cheerleaduing Terminology

his fall the Blue Streak cheerleading squad started off the season right, with victories in the first two competitions of the year. The most recent first place win at Turner Ashby made it the first time Harrisonburg cheerleading has won first place in consecutive competitions in recent memory. Some stuDouble Hook- A jump where one leg is bent in front of you and the other leg is bent behind you, your arms are in a high V. Aerial- Used to describe a cartwheel without hands touching the ground or floor. Sometimes refers to a walkover or roundoff without hands.

Full Extension- Two bases each hold one of the flyer’s feet at their chest level and a spotter stands in back. From this position, the bases move into a full extension by raising the flyer with their arms up straight and holding the flyer above their heads. There are double based extensions and single based.

Elevator- Two bases each hold a different foot of one flyer. The feet are both

dents at HHS are not advocates of cheerleading. However, it is much more to some of the fans in the school, such as junior Noah Royer.

“Competition cheerleading is the most exhilarating thing I have ever witnessed in my entire life,” Royer said. His sister Justice Royer is a cheerleader on the team and Noah attends any competition he is able to in the area.

Cheerleading coach Bridget Smith was held at shoulder level.

Mount- When one or more people are supported in the air. Another word for stunt.

Scorpion- While in a liberty you grab the toe of your bent leg and bring it up to almost behind your head.

Basket Toss- A stunt usually using three or more bases which toss the flyer into the air. Two of the bases have interlocked their hands. In the air the flyer may do any jump before returning to the cradle.

Kewpie- One base holds up a flyer with one hand. The base’s arm is fully extended and both of the flyer’s feet are in the base’s one hand. Also known as a cupie or awesome.

Infographic by Isabelle Burden

High hopes, hard work for Hoak

other teams, and our full squad tumbling was better,” Hoak said. staff reporter There are rigorous requirements for gymnastic ability in order to be a member or many high school students, sports of the Blue Streak competition team. Reare a part of their life; for freshman quired stunts include: a standing back-hand Aspen Hoak, cheering is her life.

Hoak has been cheering since sec- spring, a toe-touch backhand, a round-off ond grade with the pee-wee football cheer backhand, the ability to twist out of stunts, squad. That hard work and dedication paid and being close to accomplishing a double off when she helped the Blue Streak Varsity down. Hoak has mastered these stunts, and competition cheerleading team to victory at continues to progress towards more technithe district mini meet at Turner Ashby High cally difficult moves.

“The next trick I’m working on is a toeSchool. Hoak and her comrade’s effort came touch tuck; landing a toe-touch and then to fruition once more at East Rockingham going straight into a back-flip,” Hoak said.

High School during an invitational.

Hoak develops her technical skills in the “I think we had more energy than the off-season by practicing at Spirit 365, a tumbling, cheering, and dance gym located in Verona. In the offseason, Hoak practices three days a week at Spirit 365; these long hours contribute to her precision on the mat. The driving force behind her work ethic is her main goal: to take the Blue Streak cheerleading squad into the postseason.

“One of my main goals is to win districts,” Hoak said. Her quest will be more difficult due to the expanding size of the Southern Vallley District. However, her ambition exceeds this season, and even the HHS cheerleading squad.

“I hope to continue cheering even through college,” Hoak said.

“Colleges hear about winning teams, and they go see who the Flying High Freshman Aspen Hoak (top center) best cheerleaders on that team is held up by fellow fliers Justice Royer(left) and n Mallori Mendez (right).Photo by Paulina Rendon. are.”

Sydney Knupp

F

the most excited after the first competition.

Smith was very proud of the way her girls cheered, especially because the squad was undermanned with only 13 girls, compared to 14 for other schools.

“I’m just glad to see all the hard work pay off, if anybody sees any of the cheerleaders in the hallway, congratulate them on there big win,” Smith said.

Smith also wants people to realize how complicated competition cheerleading is;

judged categories include dance, stunts, and tumbling. In each category there are three levels, and depending on how many times they do a certain jump or stunt, you raise a level. The team with the highest level finishes in the three categories takes the crown at the competition.

Senior cheerleader Gentry Dove was exuberant about her team’s victory.

“We really pulled together as a team, we have always known what we were capable of and we got to show it and came away with a first place win,” Dove said. Dove was also excited because it was the last chance she and the other three seniors had opening the season with a first place title.

Simara Allen is only a sophomore and a first year cheerleader. She has huge expectations though.

“We work really hard in practice, we do a lot of stunts and tumbling. If we do our routine right, we will be hard to beat’’.

Another big aspect of a cheer competition are the fans that come to watch it. Harrisonburg has a fantastic fan section that attends every competition and is always the loudest in the building. Thanks to fans like Cristian Bravo, the crowd is always roaring for the Lady Streaks.

“The feeling of being at a cheer competition just tingles your whole body, there’s nothing else like it,” Bravo said.

Other fans like Robby Ross look at cheerleading from a more athletic aspect. “They work hard!” Ross said. “If cheerleading was cake, I would be the first to eat it.” n

‘New York’ anchoring Streak’s defensive line Mitch Depoy

T

staff reporter

he nose guard position is known as one of the hardest positions on the field. You have to have a unique drive to be able to fill out this position. The nose guard lines up virtually helmet to helmet with the opposing team’s center every play, with both hands on the ground and eyes on the football.

The instant the ball is snapped the nose guard must fly into action, attempting to drive the center back into the quarterback. Nose guards have to be tough, rough, and a little crazy to play such a position. Stars like million dollar man Albert Haynesworth make the position well known for its rigorous demand. The Streaks have found their million dollar nose guard in sophomore Kyle Jackson.

Jackson moved to Harrisonburg this summer from Dryden, New York, giving him his endearing nickname, “New York”.

“That nickname just kind of stuck,” Jackson said with a grin.

Jackson had been playing football for several years and happened to play a position that HHS needed some help with.

“At my old school I played the nose guard position as well,” Jackson said.

This year he is a key component for a defense that lost many seniors from last year’s squad. Jackson has stepped up in a big way and has been plugging the middle of the defense this season.

Jackson does not have the appearance of a typical nose guard. With bleach blond hair, Jackson only stands at about 5’ 6” inches tall, while the typical high school nose guard would be about 6’ tall and around 250 pounds.

Jackson has the drive and the strength to make plays despite being undersized.

“I love the nose guard position because I’m right in the middle of all the action,” Jackson said. It’s a difficult task to be able to

find someone in high school who is willing to play that position and be good at it.

Adjusting to a new school and a new football system can be tricky, but Jackson is well on his way to mastering it.

“The system that Coach Thurman has here is a lot more intense than at my old school,” Jackson said. Along with the system being different, Jackson also relishes a larger importance on his sport in HHS and the community than in New York.

“Football at my old school wasn’t as big of a deal as it is here,” Jackson said.

However, football isn’t everything and Jackson agrees that school in Harrisonburg is a step up from his previous location, and that he has integrated quickly into the system both on and off the field. “[School is] a lot easier when the teachers have an interest in your success,” Jackson said.

Jackson really enjoys the camaraderie of the football team and all of his friends here.

“I’ve made a lot of new friends and the football team embraced me very quickly,” Jackson said. n

D-Fence Jackson takes his three-point stance during a practice. Photo by Paulina Rendon.

Cowardin making impact on cross country team as freshman Sydney Little staff reporter

N

ew to HHS this year, freshman Brenna Cowardin decided to further her running career by joining the HHS cross country team. Cowardin attended the summer practices and a preseason running camp with the team in August. She has rapidly climbed the team rankings into second place, between junior co-captains Erin Goodstein and Caitlin Kelley.

“I am really excited that Brenna is as fast as she is.

She is a great addition to the team and she is going to be a beast as she continues to run,” Goodstein said.

“Like many of our stud freshman, we are trying to find Brenna’s limits without overworking her. So far, we have not found them,” cross country coach Dave

Loughran said.

Cowardin did not come into the season with particularly lofty aspirations.

“The only goal I have for this cross country season is that I want to break 21 minutes in my 5k,” Cowardin said.

So far this season, Cowardin’s fastest 5k(3.1 miles) time has been 21:28.

Cowardin’s best friend, freshman, Morgan Heckman and her whole family are quite active. When Cowardin spent time with Heckman, she was influenced by the way exercising brought them together.

“I have always run because my friend Morgan and her family are so into it.

They would constantly take me to the summer EMU track meets with them,” Cowardin said.

Throughout middle school cross country at Thomas Harrison she put forth dedication and hard

work, which eventually led her from an overall team ranking of seventh place in sixth grade to her first place ranking in eighth grade.

“I don’t like workouts because they’re harder than the actual meets and I don’t like when we have to run for

long periods of time. I like courses that don’t repeat themselves. Flatter courses are easier for me to run,” Cowardin said.

Cowardin doesn’t just run because of her talent; she runs because of the way it makes her feel.

“Running makes me feel really free. It calms me down and I feel like I don’t

have to focus on anything but myself at the time,” Cowardin said. n

Left: Third Gear Corwardin accelerates past opposing runners at the Burtner Farm meet.

Above: Fellowship Coach Dave Loughran congratulates Cowardin and her teammates post-race.

Photos courtesy of Dave Loughran

October 21, 2011

The

newsstreak

SPORTS - Mitch DePoy - B7

Concussions becoming dangerous reality in sports Rafael Snell-Feikema

J

Peter’s Principles Peter Byrd

Are super conferences a thing of the future?

I

f I told you a few years ago that there would be four 16-team mega-conferences in Division-I athletics would you have believed me? Mostly likely not. But a series of earthquakes regarding founding teams of their respected conferences have begun to sculpt the ever-changing landscape of college athletics.

Syracuse and Pittsburgh, original members of the Big East, have announced that they will be joining the ACC which will increase the conferences’ membership to 14 teams.

The Big East, known more for its basketball success than football, is in a state of flux. The conference currently has 8 football teams (that’s including Pitt and Syracuse). TCU is set to join the conference in football next year which will leave the Big East with 7 teams in football because of the other two’s departure, but 14 in basketball. Georgetown, Seton Hall, St. Johns, Providence, and Marquette do not have football teams while Notre Dame is an independent (with the possibility of joining the Big East for football) and Villanova has a FCS team that plays in the CAA. Rutgers and Connecticut are looking to join the ACC as well, creating even more of a mess for the Big East. Too add to the trouble, West Virginia is looking at possibly joining the SEC and East Carolina is looking at joining the Big East. Is your mind boggled yet?

Mine is.

The Big 12 appears to soon be defunct. The conference’s commissioner has already resigned. Texas A&M will be joining the SEC next year. Colorado left for the Pac-12 and Nebraska departed for the Big-10, which now has twelve teams. Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas and Texas Tech are considering options to move to the Pac-12 which will increase that conference’s membership to 16 teams. Baylor, Missouri, Kansas, Kansas State, and Iowa State will be left to fend for themselves. I would suspect at least one of the teams to join the SEC to make it an even number of teams (Texas A&M was member #13). The ACC has two possible holes to fill but possible Big 12 applicants would have to compete against the more local Big East schools for membership.

The four mega-conferences, the SEC, ACC, Big 10, and Pac-12, would have a combined total of 64 teams for football. The remaining 55 Division-I football teams would most likely create eographically suitable conferences. The BCS and current bowl system would most likely remain in place to help smaller schools as well as to promote advertisement because lets not forget, it’s all about the money.

I think that mega-conferences are good for college football. However, I am not in favor of the BCS system. Nor am I in favor of a 16team playoff (although I’d rather have a playoff than BCS bowls). I am a proponent of a plusone system. That means that the top two teams play for the national championship. However, if there are three undefeated teams, as in the case of 2010-2011 season, then the top four teams would play a mini-playoff. For example lets just take last year’s top four teams after conference championship games: Auburn (13-0) was ranked 1st, Oregon (12-0) 2nd, TCU (12-0) 3rd, and Wisconsin (11-1) 4th. In my proposed system, because there were three undefeated teams at season’s end, Auburn would play Wisconsin and Oregon would play TCU. The winners of those two games would meet for the national championship. This way, no team is discriminated against because of their strength of schedule. The true national champion will be decided on the gridiron. n

staff reporter

unior Mike Eckstein is one of many students who has experienced a concussion first hand. His concussion was the result of a hit during a kickoff return in a football game with Handley earlier this year. He had the classic symptoms: a strong, lasting headache and a dizzy feeling.

His, fortunately, was not severe. He did not have to report to the emergency room or have any hospital treatment and said he just got taken out of the game. Eckstein has one piece of advice regarding concussions: “Don’t get one,” Eckstein said.

Not only are these injuries painful and irritating, but they can actually lead to brain damage and permanent side effects like migraines and vision problems. Professional football players can suffer from brain damage long outlasting their careers from their repeated head injuries and concussions.

Sometimes concussions are so serious that they lead to brain inflammation and death.

Fellow sufferer, sophomore Sarah ShenkMoreno received a concussion in basketball practice so severe that she was knocked unconscious.

“I had no idea what was going on for a second. I totally blacked out,” Shenk-Moreno said.

Trainers are the most important link in concussion treatment for athletes. Head football coach Chris Thurman said that typically handling concussions is just up to the trainer.

“I don’t have much of a part in it. It

Brain Damage A model brain illustrates regions of the cranium

usually goes to the trainer because she’s the one medically qualified to diagnose it,” Thurman said.

HHS athletic trainer Jen Glazer has had plenty of experience with concussions from sports. She said that in the average case, a victim can experience the aforementioned symptoms: nausea, headaches, trouble concentrating and dizziness, for an entire week.

They are completely removed from sports for the duration of their symptoms, after which they begin the school’s progressive return to play policy: a gradual, five day workup to full participation.

Concussions affect everyday life, too.

Scholarly pursuits will be impeded by how hard it is to concentrate, the lasting headache, and even trouble remembering facts.

Glazer says if teachers are told when a student has a concussion, students usually receive a bit of leeway in terms of homework and tests, as Eckstein said he did. . In more severe cases, students are given time off from school to rest, and are even advised to avoid activities like watching television, using the computer or playing video games, and texting as all of these stress the mind and may extend the length of the athlete’s symptoms.

Glazer believes the most important thing a student can do if they get a concussion is to report it. Without reporting it, the student will continue to participate in sports, education, and other things that can seriously worsen and prolong the concussion.

Glazer had one case at her previous workplace in which a student didn’t report a concussion he received in the middle of football season for six months. He was scared of losing his starting position, and thus played through seven games with concussion symptoms. When he finally reported it, he was removed from school for an entire month. For the average student, Glazer notes, missing a month of school is not easy to catch up from.

Glazer said this was one of the most severe cases she had seen, and though not absolutely certain, thinks it would almost definitely have been less severe had the student reported it soon after the incident.

“Concussions are serious, and whether the severity is mild, moderate, or severe, it can actually affect your everyday life. It’s important to report it so as not to prolong the changes in your everyday life,” Glazer said. n

Symptoms and side effects of concussions -Kills brain cells -Nausea -Sensitivity to light and sound -Feeling fatigued or tired -Low grade headache/ neck ache -Confusion -Loss of memory -Loss of sense of taste and smell -Loss of balance -Long term memory loss -Change in sleeping/ eating patterns Commonly injured people -10% of all contact sport athletes sustain concussions YEARLY -87% of professional boxers have sustained brain injury -5% of soccer players have sustained a brain injury -An athlete who has had a concussion is 4-6 times more susceptible to a second concussion How to avoid a concussion -Always wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter, skateboard, horse etc.

-Do not EVER drink and drive -Wear proper safety guards when participating in sports (ex: football) -Make sure rooms/hallways are well lit -Place non-slip mats in your bathroom, to prevent falling -Do not run on slippery surfaces (ex: wet linoleum) -Avoid horseplay -Avoid stunts that are dangerous and out of your range of ability infographic by Julexus Cappell

Fith Year of Inducties elected into the Hall of Fame Conner Whitehouse

T

staff reporter

his year at the home football game against Millbrook, the fourth class of the HHS Hall of Fame was formally inducted.

Now that it has been made an annual event, it is normal to expect close to 10 inductees to be named each year and announced at the football games.

The athletic director turned history teacher, Joe Carico is the president of this honors community. People send in nominations all year, via online or paper, a committee reviews the nominations and makes a decision. Coaches, players, and three “contributors” have graced the Hall of Fame since it’s inaugural induction class.

“When I was the athletic director four years ago, we established the Hall of Fame to model the VHSL and Handley halls. But there is no higher class than another. They are all made to recognize

all the athletes who were great at their sports. Not just those whose numbers are retired,” history teacher Joe Carico said.

The famous number 52 has been framed over the trophy case ever since the new school was built in 2005. And finally the name behind that retired number John Wade was inducted into the prestigious hall. The face of Bridgewater College basketball, Don Burgess Jr, and his father both walked the field on the same day as inductees. George Kostis, Patrick McNelis, Sam Mitchell, Joey Morris, Valerie Sampson, Dutch Simmons, and JJ Updike are the rest of this class of inductees.

“The first classes were much bigger, we tried to get a lot in at once. Now we would like to keep it around 10 new inductees each year,” Athletic Directior Darrell Wilson said. This class has a rich history and many people remember their accomplishments.

“A really interesting fact about some members of this class is Dutch and some

other of his classmates were actually drafted into the war during high school, but after the war they still had some eligibility left. And they used it,” athletic administrative assistant Pat Supko commented. We have an extensive and rich athletic history here at HHS, and our hall-of-famers prove that. At a time where kids from other high schools did not even associate with each other, and pre-Title 9 where basketball and tennis were the only girls sports available.

“I know what an honor it is to be chosen to be in the hall of fame, it is nice to be recognized for your accomplishments even before Title 9 was implicated. It’s like we were pioneering athletics for girls,” Hall inductee Nancy Faulkner explains. It was a different time then, but it is really interesting to know where the roots of Harrisonburg athletics lie. It’s a true honor to walk that field at the football game amidst the crowd of cheering fans, and take your place among the great athletes of the region. n

Athletic department inducts class of 2011 into Hall of Fame

Welford Dutch Simmons

Valerie Sampson

Patrick J. McNeils

Sam Mitchell

George Kostis

Donald Burgess, Sr.

J.J. Updike

Donald Burgess, Jr.

John Wade

Joseph Joey Morris

October 21, 2011

The

newsstreak

SPORTS - Ben DiNapoli - B8

Are athletes making the grade?

Football players receive help after school during study hall The Deal with Durden Jake Durden

I

Study! Senior Connor Floros makes good use of study hall before football practice to complete his math homework.

Anthony Duong sports reporter

I

t is a well known fact that the environment in which one studies must be one that is conducive to studying.

No doubt, this is why the school study hall was put into place. As the name suggests, study hall is a time period devoted to studying.

Students bring in their books and homework and spend the allotted time reviewing for classes and doing their homework.

This year, Harrisonburg’s board of education has raised the bar for football players by making the study halls longer and also sitting players out of a game for failing in the class room. Not only do football players have to focus on football, but the more important priority of making adequate grades before they go on the field.

Unlike last year, players are required to report to study hall after school to do their homework for at least an hour before going to practice. The players have access

turn in missing assignments or grade-repairs such as test corrections.

“I like study hall this year,” said Junior Tyler Horne. “There aren’t any distractions so I can get my work done.” n

Average GPAs of HHS Athletic Teams as of Spring 2011 1. Cross Country (Boys) 2. Cross Country (Girls) 3. Tennis (Girls) 4. Tennis (Boys) 5. Golf 6. Varsity Soccer (Girls) 7. Varsity Softball 8. Outdoor Track (Girls) 9. Varsity Volleyball 10. Indoor Track (Boys) 11. Swimming 12. Outdoor Track (Boys) 13. Competition Cheer 14. Indoor Track (Girls) 15. Varsity Baseball 16. Winter Cheerleading 17. Fall Sideline Cheer 18. JV Soccer (Boys) 19. JV Soccer (Girls) 20. JV Basketball (Girls) 21. Varsity Soccer (Boys) 22. JV Basketball (Boys) 23. JV Baseball 24. JV Volleyball 25. Basketball (Girls) 26. JV Softball 27. Basketball (Boys) 28. Wrestling 29. Freshman Football 30. Football (Varsity)

4.230 4.225 4.087 3.871 3.863 3.811 3.741 3.683 3.660 3.649 3.636 3.555 3.523 3.416 3.415 3.384 3.337 3.248 3.234 3.217 3.204 3.130 3.113 3.034 2.966 2.749 2.769 2.373 2.351 2.312

HHS ATHLETES OVERALL GPA

3.373

Fantasy football leagues grow in popularity Kevin Franco

F

sports reporter

antasy football is a experience loved by millions, where it really feels like your team. Fantasy football makes you feel like your the general manager of a team. You sign, cut, trade and bench players, select your starting lineup, and try your best to make your team unbeatable within your league.

You start by either choosing an auto-pick feature, where the computer randomly selects the players, or you can manually choose them like a real draft. In many leagues, the members sit around one player’s computer for an hour or

board. so, depending on how many YOUR OPINION Most leagues let you players are within each How is your fantasy football team select multiple quarterleague and select and trade doing? backs, running backs, their draft picks.

GOOD BAD OK wide receivers, and deDepending on how your fensive players, letting real player (the living peryou fully customize your son in the NFL) performs team. However, other in that week’s game, you will earn fantasy points. The to- 100 people polled in all grades by Eduardo Hernandez-Aguilar leagues require that you select an existing team’s tal points accumulated after defense, restricting your options in the draft. each game add up to your total game score.

Either way, fantasy football is a fun and enLet’s say you play Adrian Peterson as your starting running back and he rushes for over tertaining way to spend football season.

Although you can not draft a team after the 200 yards. You would get approximately 20 season starts, there is always next year, and points.

Many websites run different style leagues so other fantasy sports including fantasy baseball, the points and scoring options vary across the hockey, NASCAR, and basketball. n

24 76 24

Go Pro offers alternative for hands-free filming Ben DiNapoli 5, 10, 30, and 60 second intervals, sports reporter allowing for “hands-free” picture-

A

s an adventure or extreme athlete, everything goes by really, really fast. Whether you’re tearing it up on some single-track on your mountain bike or spinning over 70-foot gaps on a snowboard, your surroundings are always a blur; no more than streaks of colors in the corners of your eye. All you are focused on is making it through whatever trick or maneuver you’re attempting in one piece. Sometimes, being so focused on what’s happening in the present, you forget about the future. If you’re alone on the slopes or in the middle of nowhere on the trails, no one else will see what you just did.

That’s where the GoPro HD Helmet HERO comes into play.

Arguably the best helmet camera in the business, the HERO gives you professional level optics along with the best seat in the house: through your eyes. Using a wide (170 degrees) fish-eye style lens, the camera allows you to see your surroundings as if through your peripherals instead of the tall, vertical footage that traditional helmet cameras usually give. The HERO has 5 options: 1080p (in 30 frames per second), 960p (30 fps), 720p (in 60 fps, or slow-motion), 720p (30 fsp) and 480p (60 fps).

The massive number of options allows the user to create the best looking shots possible.

Not only does the HERO have exceptional film quality, but it also has a 5-megapixel camera, allowing for crystal-clear fisheye pictures that look better than your phone or a professional camera.

The HERO comes in two picture settings. Like traditional cameras, the HERO lets you take pictures in single, triple, or in a timed mode.

The second is for time lapses at the predetermined intervals of 2,

taking.

Weighing only 5.9 ounces, you won’t even be able to tell that you are wearing a camera, and that weight includes the complimentary water-proof housing.

The HERO is practically bombproof. GoPro designed it to be slammed on the concrete when skateboarding, slapped by branches when mountain biking, drilled into the snow when skiing, and be fully submersible in water up to 180 feet. It isn’t possible to find anything that this camera won’t withstand.

The best thing about the HERO is its mounts. GoPro has thought of everything when it comes to finding the best place to put your camera. Options include helmet, handlebar, wrist, chest, tripod, suction cup, and even surfboard mounts. And don’t worry, all adhesive mounts are held on by industrial-strength 3M adhesive, the strongest tape out there, so you don’t have to think about whether your camera will fall off in the middle of a run.

The HERO can also hold up to a 32-gigabyte memory card, which gives you more than enough footage time, up to a little over four hours of playback at the 1080p setting. The 32-gigabyte card will last forever. After a full summer of personally using the camera during mountain biking, bridgejumpings at the beach, and skateboarding and BMX videos, along with enough photos for three full time-lapses, the card still isn’t even close to being filled.

Junior Giancarlo Antonnicola mostly uses his HERO to film mountain biking.

“My favorite place to mount [the HERO] is on the side of my full-face helmet. It has a great angle and the footage looks great,” Antonnicola said.

Antonnicola also agrees with

Film! The GoPro HD HERO captures all your actions hands free when mounted on the chest harness. Photo by Jessica Adolino. the critics about the camera’s use.

“I think anything you shoot with the GoPro is great. I’d rate it a 5 out of 5,” Antonnicola said.

Besides mountain biking, Antonnicola used his HERO this summer at Smith Mountain Lake mounted on a jet ski and the front of a boat.

“The video quality of the camera is just amazing. I think the quality of the actual camera could be upped a little bit, just because 5 mega pixels is not the greatest quality. It gets the job done and more,” Antonnicola said.

The GoPro HERO is probably the most versatile camera in the business, besides maybe the ContourROAM, another leading helmet camera. The only real

the

s there really parity in college athletics?

A common trend in contemporary sports analysis is an emphasis on the increasing parity in college football.

Analysts argue that the increasing number of high caliber athletes going into college football is gradually leveling the playing field with a larger talent pool leading to more upsets of top-notch teams.

Though much can be said for all-time upsets against Michigan and Virginia Tech by Appalachian State and JMU, respectively, the reality is that despite occasional flukes, power conferences, particularly the SEC, dominate regular and post season play in the not-so-dynamic landscape of college football.

In the past five years, two landmark upsets have supposedly rocked the foundation of college football. In 2007, Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division 1-AA) Appalachian State upset number five overall Michigan by two points in a last second finish, rocking the Big House. Just last season, JMU upset number three ranked Virginia Tech in a 21-16 win in Lane Stadium that went down to wire as well. These two upsets were a major part of the mass hysteria that swept college football analysts nationwide, stating that increased parity had led to a more level playing field in once lopsided match-ups.

Now, let’s get down to business: the overall facts.

Although arguably the two greatest upsets ever in college football have occurred in the past five years, out of 68 games between FBS and FCS teams in the 2011 season, the FBS teams have only been upset three times; two of the games were won by two points or less. This minuscule success rate by underdogs is not indicative of increasing parity.

In fact, there is not even parity between conferences. The SEC has dominated all of college football, winning the last five national championships and seven in the last decade.

Though some advocates of parity contend that the SEC has weak links with losing records, they clearly do not realize that the bulk of these losses come from in-conference opponents. Last season the SEC had an out-of-conference record of 46-11; this could result in at most half of the losses for a team with a losing season, such as Vanderbilt. Yes, Vanderbilt lost 10 games and won only two, but seven of their losses were against other SEC teams!

With every winner and undefeated SEC champion, there is a buffet table full of quality football teams that were simply beat up on by the future national champion.

The SEC has dominated the biggest stage of the postseason, where power conferences clash and championships are won. Since the creation of the Bowl Championship Series, SEC teams have emerged victorious in 15 of 21 appearances, a staggering number considering the nature of their opponents, all of which must have been in the top 10 of the national rankings in order to earn such a berth. Of the 76 teams in power conferences, 50 went to a bowl game last year. The numbers simply don’t lie.

These statistics demonstrate that the power conferences dominate regular and post-season play, with the SEC being the ringleader of the FBS bullies. The increase in overall talent of high school football players going to compete at the next level has resulted in a corresponding increase in top-notch dominant prospects who reign over their peers from above with the SEC being their perch.

Parity in college football is a hoax, and those searching for another conference to rival the SEC are better off looking for a leviathan in the depths of Loch Ness Lake. n

to the library, teachers, and computers. The coaches do their part by walking around the classroom and assisting anyone who needs help in a subject. This way, students will have enough time to do their homework and play for the team without failing any classes.

“Study hall has been more productive this year than it was last year,” assistant football coach Joe Carico said.

If a player has a grade below a 69 (an F), the player will sit for at least one half of a game while also making an effort to pull his grade up as soon as possible. As Harrisonburg powers through teams on the field, they aren’t looking for grades to slow them down at all.

“There aren’t troubles with any student right now. Some are struggling but we can get that fixed,” head coach Chris Thurman said.

Players don’t seem to complain about the new changes made this year. Working hard to keep grades above the minimum and playing on the field are the priorities of all football players this year and fans and parents alike are looking forward to a great season.

“Study hall can be really helpful for a lot of students who are trying to do their homework without any distractions. Do your homework and get ready to get on the field,” sophomore football player Jacob Byrd said.

Players also get weekly progress reports and talk to the coaches on how they are doing in classes. This way, they can fix their grade and

x

complaint that most people have about the HERO is the sound quality. Due to the highly protective and waterproof housing, the sound of the HERO is muffled and not very crisp. However, in order to get professional level sound quality, the camera would have to sacrifice its protection. If you remove the HERO from its housing, the sound quality is as good as any other video camera.

If you are interested in action sports and want that unique, hardto-get first person view, the GoPro is the best deal you can get. Its adaptability allows you to get the best shots out of all your friends.

The HERO is one investment you will not regret. n

x treme corner

October 21, 2011

2011-12

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Spirit week SCA President William Imeson witnesses his ideas come to life during spirit week.

2011 The experience - A10

William Imeson online editor-in-chief

A

s with all great projects come great planning. The Great Wall of China was not built on a whim, and the first spaceship to reach the moon did not get there by accident. So when the Student Council Association began planning Homecoming and spirit week, we knew that much preparation would be needed for it to be pulled off. Thanks to the five-man team of Emmett Copeland, Jacob Byrd, Ben Harris, Amy Guavera, and myself, the planning was split up and no holds were barred.

Much like a proud parent holding their new born child, there is always a sense of great satisfaction to see something come to fruition that you have arduously worked on. For spirit week to be a success, we knew that the number one priority would be student participation.

Even now, it almost brings a tear to my eye to reflect on the thoughtful process of which spirit days and activities to include and how quickly the students of HHS strove to become involved.

I knew it was going to be a good week when I walked into school on Monday and was greeted by a large number of students wearing tie dye. The vibrant colors of red, yellow, green, orange, blue, and many others percolated through the halls in a fashion not unlike that of a ‘70s music video. Tuesday brought sports teams of all varieties into HHS, from soccer to football to Quidditch. On Wednesday everybody saw double as twins crammed the halls and Friday brought a sea of red, or perhaps better known as the Red Sea. Even though one of the main events of spirit week, Powder Puff football, was postponed, that did not stop the junior and senior ladies from banning together to order crazy shirts and form complicated strategies in the hopes of pulling out a win. Even something that the SCA had no part in, the Lip dub, was a roaring success. Hundreds of students committing their time and energy after school for a good cause is sure to warm the heart of any bystander.

To see all of this planning come to fruition and and all of the hard work be paid off is like no other. The sense of completion can only be matched by the sense of satisfaction. For it is school spirit that makes a high school great. Without it, HHS would just be a musty building where hundreds of kids are forced to attend and learn. But school spirit brings fun. Competition. Friendships. Thirty years from now when you all look back at your time spent in these blue and white halls, no one is going to remember each individual detail of school life. But you sure are going to remember the rolling good times you had with your best friends. Because that is what spirit is in its truest essence, its finest form. So allow me to thank you HHS, for throwing apathy out the window and participating in a fantastic spirit week. It is like I always say, you can not have spirit without the three F’s: fun, friends.. and football. Go Blue! n

Tie-dye day

Give ‘em lip. Hundreds of students stayed after school on October 11, to participate in the Lip Dub-a lip synching video filmed in honor or Ricky Valencia. Photo by Paulina Rendon

MC Loughran Announcer (and English teacher) Dave Loughran yucks it up during the pep rally.

Photo by Paulina Rendon

All smiles. Principal Tracy Shaver grins before senior Ben Harris pies him in the face. Photo

by Paulina Rendon Lets go streaks! Sophomore Mallori Mendez shows her spirit during her cheer routine. Photo by Paulina Rendon

Lookin’ good. Sophomores Lily Evans-Haywood, Kara Simmons, and Isabelle Burden wait for the announcement of king and queen. Photo by Paulina Rendon

Loud n’ proud! Drum Major Gwen Elwood directs the band. Photo by Paulina Rendon

Atteeeention! JROTC members stand at attention during the national anthem.

Photo by Paulina Rendon

Sports jersey day

Drum roll please... Seniors Mikala Wolter and William Imeson are crowned homecoming king and queen at half-time. Photo by Paulina Rendon

Twin day

Red-out day