November issue

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where every person has a story

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

Page B3

Volume XIC • Issue 4• November 18, 2011

SMES perfects dual language immersion program Blood drive

collects from students in hopes of saving lives

Vanessa Ehrenpreis editor-in-chief

Austin Coffey advertising manager

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t first glance, Rosalva Correa’s kindergarten classroom is just like any other in the country. Colorful posters line the walls, books are strewn across the floor, and children run rampant.

A second look may reveal what sets Correa’s class room apart: everything-posters, books, place mats-- is in Spanish. The complete Spanish environment is part of Smithland Elementary School’s [SMES] dual language immersion program. The dual language program, which started just over a year ago, aims to “develop each child’s full potential, fluency in both Spanish and English, and an appreciation for the global community.”

Dual language immersion essentially teaches students literacy and

Story time! Substitute Deanna Reed reads students a book during storytime.

Dual immersion students spend half the day learing in Spanish, and half in English.

Photo by Paulina Rendon.

See LANG on A3

‘Heubner’ sweeps competition at VTA

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

beings that guide him throughout Christy Stearn the play), Heubner finds his coneditor-in-chief fidence and is finally able to retell

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Heubner the Reluctant,” this year’s One Act play, is a fantasy that centers around Heubner, which is played by senior Emmett Copeland. When Heubner was young, he used to recite fables; however, as he ages, Heubner forgets the ending to one of his tales. As a story-within-astory, Heubner depicts the Craven, a terrifying mystical creature that possesses a weapon called the unseen sword. As the antagonist, the Craven wreaks havoc while warriors attempt to undermine their attacker. In Heubner’s first tale, the warriors do not know how to fight against the unseen sword, and are easily annihilated by the Craven.

The storyline traces Heubner as he struggles to retell the story with a positive outcome. Through a little dream searching and with the help of floating ladies, (mythical

Coming Up: Fall Execellence Assembly Band trip to NYC Black Friday hooplah Winter holiday planning Basketball season kicks off Regional football playoffs State cheerleading results One Act Play follow-up Musical casting call Portal update Gifts on a budget What’s in an ornament?

Making your resolutions

Freeze Frame

the fable.

“Heubner the Reluctant” was traditionally selected by drama teacher Stanley Swartz because of its focus on the ensemble and use of strong central characters, elements judges reward. The play also incorporated surreal features, such as black lights, backstage cymbals, a strobe light, banners that the floating women carry, sticks the warriors use, and several humanmade props, including cast members crouched on their hands and knees with a sheet thrown over them to create a make-shift bed, to engage the audience.

Auditions for the play were held on Sept. 22 after school in the auditorium. Each actor was required to perform a one minute monologue, do cold readings, and participate in a variety of improv and other acting exercises for the

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news editor

f all goes well, by Dec. 1, HHS can add to its list of achievements that it raised enough money to buy a puppy for the Harrisonburg Police Department. Called Koins For K-9, Key Club is fundraising for the event with their annual drive in collaboration with the Builder’s Clubs of the middle schools. Although Thomas Harrison and Skyline Middle School started earlier than HHS, by the time HHS began the collection on Nov. 1, Skyline had already raised about Bow-wow.

The Key Club has placed ‘Koins for K-9’ collection jugs in every class room. All proceeds will go to purcasing the police department a puppy.

Hang on tight! Senior Taelor Adams grimaces as her paper construction falls to the ground. Adams participated in an egg drop lab for physics. Students tried to constuct an object that would allow an egg to remain intact when dropped.

Photo by Paulina Rendon.

this issue

All hail Heubner!

Awards the 2011 One Act has received Best Actor(s)- Senior Emmett Copeland and Junior Paul Hairston Honorable mention for costume design One of two winners in technical production Third place out of 44 teams-- one of four teams that performed at the final showcase

NEWS

2+2= 4?

Math whizzes unite to benefit the community in weekly Mu Alpha Theta tutoring sessions.

A3

Harrisonburg hosts its own Dancing with Stars

Bryndal Fulginiti staff reporter

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$1,000.

“Hopefully, we will get evHopefully we will eryone pumped get everyone about it and pumped about raise twice as much as the [the fundraiser] middle schools,” and raise twice said senior Key Club President as much as the Angela Huynh. middle schools Key Club spon-Key Club Pres. sor Maurizio AnAngela Huynh tonnicola is very enthusiastic about doing the event this year.

“The [HPD] needs another dog because Robi, a German Shepherd [in the K-9 unit, has] retired,” Antonnicola said. “I’m really excited about this. I hope we can do this.”

Robi, who was imported from Hungary at the age of two, is now 10 and too old for police work. He left a vacancy that the police department will have to fill without any financial assistance from the city. The full cost of the new dog is $10,000, which includes buying the dog, transporting it from Europe, and, most of all, fully training it to be a member of the police force.

“It costs $10,000 not because the dog itself costs

See DOG on Page A2

See DANCE on Pg. A2

STYLE Do you know what goes into your cosmetics?

See BLOOD on Pg. A2

he time has come. Dancing With The Stars Of The ‘Burg is back, with all new dancers and new moves that are meant to amaze viewers. The dancers have been putting in a lot of time and hard work to make sure they get their dances perfect to impress not only the judges, but everyone watching the show. It will be broadcast on WHSV TV3 and filmed at the JMU Grand Ballroom.

This year’s show is slated to be bigger and better than last year’s.

With all new dances, costumes, and a special half time performance by Dancing Feet Studio according to Nancy Jo Parkin.

“This year there will be better dancing than last year. The people who performed last year were good, but weren’t quite sure what all they had to do,” returning judge Parkin said.

“This year, much more talented people are on it, and they will show you what dancing is all about.”

The dancers are very excited for this year’s show. A returning dancer is eighth grade teacher at Skyline Middle School, Kathy Berry.

She is one of the “professionals” because she took dance and teaches her own Zumba class.

Berry and her partner from last year won Dancing with the Stars of the Burg in its inaugural year.

All the money they earned went to the Harrisonburg Rockingham Day Care because they had their

Third place in the Valley District championship directors. Out of the 20 students that auditioned, 18 were selected

See ACT on Page A2

Key Club raises money for new police dog Kavya Beheraj

Inside

Just a bit shy. A student hides behind his Friday folder before his specials class.

Photo by Paulina Rendon

he Student Council Association (SCA) and Renaissance class, joined together during the month of November to plan for the blood drive. This event encouraged students to give blood so that it could be donated locally throughout central Virginia.

“The blood is sent off to our main headquarters in Richmond first, and then distributed to the hospitals who needed it such as Rockingham County, Augusta County, and the University of Virginia (UVA),” said Niccole Staton, a medical nurse from Virginia Blood Services.

The event was promoted through posters and class visits.

The efforts yielded a turnout of 78 people who actually were able to give blood, but over 100 who registered to give. The Renaissance class supported the event with food and passes to every student who was planning to donate.

“Your donation to the blood drive will save at least three lives, is generally painless, and gives you nearly thirty minutes of time out of class,” said secretary Lynda Blackwell who helps with the drive each semester.

There were some requirements that held some people back from giving. The requirements were students must be 16 years old, at least 110 pounds, five feet tall, and must obtain their parents permission if

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SPORTS

B8

A10

HANGTIME. What does it take to have ups?

THE

experience

Sophomore Brougan Brown is a nationally ranked horseback rider.

Take a look at her life in this issue’s ecperience.

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November 18, 2011

News Briefs

HHS will be closed November 23-25 for Thanksgiving Break.

Education Week will take place November 14 through 18.

Seniors will takeover teachers’ classes and administrators’ jobs on November 18 for Senior Takeover Day. MTC students will have early release on November 23 (first year students only). MTC will be closed on November 24 and 25

Sports Briefs

All winter sports are eligible to begin on November 7.

The Girls Varsity and JV basketball teams will travel to Luray on November 26 to play against Luray at 10 a.m.

Callbacks for the HHS musical Les Miserables will be held on November 21 and 22.

The Girls Varsity and JV basketball teams will play against Western Albemarle at home on Nov 29.

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

Blood drive saves lives From BLOOD on A1 they do not meet all of these requirements, then they were not allowed to give blood.

However with all of these requirements in place, students still enjoyed donating blood in the drive and are excited to donate next spring.

“I think everyone who is able to give blood should because it helps to save three lives every time,” said senior Taylor Bailey.

Junior Zach Baxter agrees with Bailey. He donated blood with the hope that it would save someone’s life.

“It’s really helpful knowing that it could potentially save someone’s life one day, and for that reason I donated,” Baxter said. n

One act moves on to regional competition From ACT on A1 as cast members in “Heubner the Reluctant.”

Cast members competed for the district title on Oct. 22 at Robert E. Lee High School and placed third out of seven teams. Turner Ashby High School and new district member R.E. Lee placed first and second respectively.

“I felt very good about our performance as a cast and I thought that we came together as an ensemble instead of acting as individuals,” junior Nancy Carrie Logan said.

Oct. 28-30, the cast of “Heubner the Reluctant” competed at Virginia Theatre Association (VTA). VTA is a voluntary competition between schools all over Virginia where every participating school performs their play in front of a group of judges. The shows were scheduled back-toback on Friday and Saturday in one of the two performing rooms.

At 10 p.m. on Saturday night, the top four casts were announced to compete on Sunday for the Best in Show. Out of 44 schools, HHS was selected to move on to the second round. After performing on Sunday, the cast of “Heubner the Reluctant” was awarded third place overall and Honorable Mention for costumes, and were one of two winners for technical work. Additionally, Copeland and junior Paul Hairston won two of the four Best Actor awards. Rival TAHS placed first.

“I was happy that I received the award because I put a lot of hard work into a character I didn’t really like. At first, I felt that in some places the writing made it difficult as an actor to make the emotional transitions where I needed to,” Copeland said.

HHS competed at regionals on Nov. 12 at TAHS. n

The

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NEWS- Molly Denman - A2

Vocalists prepare for Virginia District Choral Auditions Celia Ehrenpreis

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staff reporter

ince the beginning of the school year, choral director Bethany Houff has been preparing her classes for the Virginia District Choral Auditions. The auditions will takes place at Fort Defiance High School on Nov 5.

“I am confident that all 45 of the auditioning students will do well. They have had numerous opportunities to practice their auditions inside the classroom, as well as out,” Houff said.

The actual audition consists of singing the prepared song Shenandoah, an old Virginia folk ballad, as well as sight singing a short 8measure phrase.

Sight singing is the singing of music at first sight, in order to perform it. At the District Choral Auditions, participants are given thirty seconds to prepare for the sight singing and then are asked to sing it for three judges.

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While singing the prepared but on the evening of the piece, Shenandoah, the same second day, a concert will be three judges take notes on the I am confident that all 45 preformed at Wilson Memoperformance, and then rate of the auditioning students rial High School for friends the overall audition.There are will do well. They have had and family. At this event, jufour possible voice parts for numerous opportunities to niors and seniors are encourwomen who are auditioning; practice their auditions in- aged to audition for All-State Alto 2, Alto 1, Soprano 2, and side the classroom, as well Choir in April. This is a huge Soprano 1. For men there are achievement if selected. as out.

Bass 1 and 2, as well as Tenor Students selected for the 1 and 2.

-Bethany Houff alto voice part were KaeJunior Caitlin Kelly is aulyn Warne, Alison McKenzie, ditioning for the voice part Nancy Carrie Logan, Jessica of Soprano 2. Last year Kelly Nguyen, Shannon Richard, was one of the top ten finishers and is excited Larkin O’hara and Isabelle Burden. Sopranos about auditioning again. that were chosen were Morgan Wise, Lindsay “I get the most apprehensive about the judg- Halling, Caitlin Kelly, Andrea Wood Kirsten es, they make me nervous!” Kelly said.

Ferguson and Jessamyn Tobin. On the boy’s After the auditions on Nov 5, the selected side selected tenors were Dorrall Price, Garrett students will attend a two day choral event in Thompson, Sam St. Ours and Alex Huntermid-February. The first day and a half is com- Nickels. And finally Neal Perrine was chosen pletely devoted to practicing the chosen songs, for the Bass voice part. n

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Alumni Emily Knapp interns on Spielberg film Paulina Rendon

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feature section editor

nce students graduate high school, they decide whether to go immediately into the work force or go to college and then focus on their career. Sometimes colleges offer the opportunity for students to balance both work and school through working on campus or unpaid internships that help get students involved in the career they want to pursue one school is done.

HHS alumni Emily Knapp now studies in the Cinema program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Now into her second year of college, Knapp was recently offered an internship through the Cinema program to intern on a movie set for a movie, Lincoln, directed by Steven Spielberg, to be released in 2012.

“I found out about the opportunity through one of my professors,” Knapp said. “From there, I emailed my resume and a cover letter to the Production Coordinator, and the next day they called to set up an interview.”

After the interview, Knapp was called back to talk to the movie’s publicist, Deb Wuliger.

Wuliger has worked as a publicist for various movies, most noticeably Pulp Fiction, Seabiscuit, and the Bourne films. Knapp got the internship, and now works under Wuliger, getting her anything she needs. Another one of her jobs is to monitor the Internet to see what people are saying about the film.

“I actually caught one story in which a guy working on the film leaked information [about the film] we hadn’t released yet,” Knapp said.

Because of the fact that the movie won’t come out until December of 2012, very little information has been released about the film.

Lincoln will focus on our sixteenth president Abraham Lincoln’s presidency as the Civil War ended.

As well as getting experience in the field of movie-making, Knapp is getting college credit for her internship. She will get one credit for school as long as she works for at least 100 hours. The production company limits the interns from working more than 30 hours a week, which still leaves time for Knapp to focus on her classes. “[The limit] isn’t an issue for me, since I’m taking classes as well and I’m pretty busy,” Knapp said.

Knapp appreciates the opportunity she has been given to get experience in the world of film making. She hopes her time interning for the film and her studies at VCU will lead to a lucrative career in her future. n

Seniors take place of teachers, administrators on Take-Over Day Shannon Kizner staff reporter

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s part of American Education Week, seniors will come up with their own lesson plans and teach in place of a classroom teacher or administrator for Senior Take-Over Day. This handson activity allows students to get a feel for being a teacher - the pressure, fun, and enjoyment of teaching children.

Sports marketing teacher Mallory Cromer enjoys having students take over her class. According to Cromer, students involved in Senior Take-Over Day can get a feel for the difficulties of teaching, such as getting a class to pay atten-

tion for a full 90 minutes.

“The first year I was here, a student took over my class and put a movie on, along with great lesson plans!” Cromer said. “It helped me to see what my students would do if they could be me. The class really enjoyed [the] movie and the lesson plan, too.”

Although senior Grace Clough will not be at school to participate in Take-Over Day, she knows whose class she would like to take over if she could.

“I would trade places with Ms. Houff because I really like to sing.

I think takeover day teaches you responsibility and helps you see if you want to be a teacher or not,” Clough said.

Clough has experienced a take over in her class before, and found

Key Club aims for $10,000 From DOG on A1 but [because of] the training, which is expensive.

When the dog comes out [of training], it will be able to do everything that most humans can’t do,” Antonnicola said. “During 9/11, there were dogs that found people buried under the rubble. Their sense of smell could locate humans, alive or dead.”

Two dog breeds used very frequently by the police force are German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, and the puppy will be one of the two. Antonnicola is hoping for HHS to raise a little less than half of the total cost with the Koins for K-9 buckets that have been placed in every classroom.

“We’ve passed out these funny-looking jars with little dog heads on them, and we’ve put them in all the rooms. [We will] try to get the school to raise at least $4,000,” Antonnicola said. “If every classroom would fill up [their bucket] with change and cash, we could do it.”

To fill in the gaps, Key Club will be working on the side to raise the rest of the cash. After they hit the $10,000 mark, they will bring the puppy to school for everyone to see, a puppy that the students of HHS, THMS, and SKMS will actually be able to name.

“We’re going to name him something cool,” Antonnicola said. “A good name [would be] ‘Streak,’ but I’m not sure we can get away with that right away.

We’ll have to talk to the middle schools, if they’ll allow us to do that.”

Like previous years, the homeroom that raises the most cash can celebrate with a pizza party and an iPad drawing. Antonnicola hopes that everyone in the school can get pumped to participate.

“We’re giving the police department a dog. And a pretty one,” Antonnicola said. “This is a really exciting thing for the school, and I hope everybody will spread the word, get on the bandwagon, and fill these things up to the brim with money.”

Huynh agrees, and encourages everyone to donate. “[People] should donate because it gives back to the community,” Huynh said. “If you have spare change, and definitely if you don’t want to carry your spare change, just put it in the Koins for K-9.” n

DWTS raises money for local daycare From DANCE on A1 new building built to make sure the kids have a fun place to go to during the day.

This year, Dancing Feet Studio will be returning and performing for the half time show. They performed a piece last year, and this year they plan to amaze the audience with a new dance performance they have planned.

“My dance group this year will show precision and playfulness in their dance. They are going to have great costumes as well. I wanted to make sure that they do a fun and upbeat piece to have the audience in a good mood, and having fun,” Parkin said.

All the proceeds will go to the Harrisonburg Rockingham Day Care. Tickets are available at the JMU Grand Ballroom, and are $70. n

it an enjoyable experience.

“I thought [the seniors taking over] were really funny - it made class more fun,” Clough said.

Senior Kiah Silver is excited to be involved with this day.

“It’s a fun and good reason to get out of class. I’d takeover Butler’s class - that’s my favorite teacher besides Kibler and I like exercise more than English,” Silver said.

“My lesson plans involve P90X, I apologize in advance to whatever kids I get.”

As the date approached, students like senior Ben Harris made official plans for who they would take over. Harris decided to take over the leader of the school, Principal Tracy Shaver.

“I want to be Shaver for the day so I can be in charge of everything

and everyone in the high school,” Harris said.

Harris plans on giving seniors as many privileges as possible.

“I want everyone to love me, especially seniors. I am going to do whatever I can to make the day the best one of the year,” Harris said.

There are, however, guidelines for senior take-over day. Only one student can take over a teacher and two may take over an administrator. Students participating must dress and act professionally and appropriately. They must arrive the same time as their teacher and leave when their teacher leaves.

The participants must have lesson plans made and approved by the staff member. No student can be called out of class for unnecessary reasons. n

Walk enjoys time in States Alexis Dickerson

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staff reporter

n exchange student from Berlin Germany, Anna Walk came to HHS in hopes of learning English. Walk came from a school in Berlin where only German was spoken.

Coming to Harrisonburg was a big change from her hometown.

School days at HHS are different from those in Berlin. Instead of having eight different classes split up into four every other day like HHS, Walk’s school had eight different classes every day. The longer class periods for one subject took some getting used to.

They also do not really favor sports like we do at HHS. Actually, they don’t have any sports what-so-ever in Germany. They have physical education where they do indoor activities. But they do not have any after school programs/sports.

“It’s weird how crazy everyone acts when it comes down to doing sports and participating in games.When I first arrived here,

people didn’t really seem to want to talk to me. I guess it was because I didn’t know English too well, and I would have to ask them to repeat what they said frequently. And it’s just frustrating for them,” Walk said.

At her old school they had English, Spanish, and French languages to take there.

Walk is currently taking French at HHS. “My first impression when I moved here was that this place was crazy. We don’t laugh as much; we don’t really clap or dance there, either. Luckily, people are friendlier here, because I was a little scared. I went from a small population of students and a small school, to Harrisonburg High School; which is way bigger and more people.”

Walk left last week to return to Germany.

She only stayed here for a month. Then her friend, Celia Ehrenpris, will go to Germany to learn with her.

“I’m going to miss being here. I’m so used to being here that it is going to be hard to switch back to my old school after being here. I’ve definitly enjoyed my time here at HHS. But it will be nice to be back in my own country.” n

November 18, 2011

The

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NEWS -Kavya Beheraj - A3

Mu Alpha Theta members help others with math problems Rafael Snell-Feikema entertainment editor

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tudents each learn differently, and sometimes, as senior Joelle Mwami says, they just need to be given confidence. A teacher can’t easily provide the individual teaching that a tutor can. Mu Alpha Theta recently started a math tutoring program after school.

Mu Alpha Theta is a nation-wide competitive mathematics club and honors society. HHS’ chapter initiated a tutoring program for HHS math students based on 2011 graduates Xuyi Guo and Ryan Stees’ blueprint. Math tutoring is available, free of charge, for any student on Monday and Tuesday from 2:20 to 3:30 p.m.

This charitable donation of

time is not the typical pursuit of the Mu Alpha Theta group, which is usually only responsible for the arranging of math competitions.

Though community service is encouraged nationally, this tutoring initiative was entirely the decision of the Harrisonburg chapter and its members who wished to make a difference.

“We wanted to provide a service to the students of the school, so Xuyi and Ryan decided that we could create a tutoring time after school,” said math teacher and society adviser Geoffray Estes.

The members of the meritbased math club now meet regularly to tutor those who need help in almost any math course offered, from Algebra to AP Calculus. Not only are the students well versed in their subject matter, but there

are always teachers on hand to help with anything that escapes the student tutors’ knowledge.

Although the idea was formed last year, schedules of students and tutors never properly meshed.

This school year is the pilot of Guo and Stees’ ideas.

“We tried last year, but the schedules just never matched up.

We wanted to try it again so we just said, ‘Let’s offer it up and see what kind of response we get,’” Estes said.

The response so far is promising. Though their first meetings seemed to average six or seven students coming to receive help, Estes reports that the number of participants is growing. Even with only four students tutoring, Estes said students almost always have less than a five minute wait before

their question is answered. With increased participation from tutors and students alike, the service has increased in popularity. Estes believes the fact the students continue to return is a sign of the program’s progress.

“I definitely plan to keep going. They’re really nice and always willing to help. Whenever I need help, I’ll be going there,” Mwami said. “If you are feeling bad, they can make you feel at ease, like you understand.”

The tutoring process is not simply a one way street, however. The tutors say that they get something out of it, too.

“When I finish helping someone, they feel grateful to me for it and I feel like I made a difference, “ said senior Ford Hatfield, one of the four officers and tutors of Mu

Alpha Theta.

Senior Zak Kraimeche noted how talking to a student and seeing them understand can give you a direct gratification not always present in volunteering.

“I like tutoring. I feel like I actually make a direct difference in a student’s performance and their classes. When you volunteer at a library or something, it’s still good, but you just don’t quite get that direct feeling,“ Kraimeche said.

Any students interested in this help simply need to show up to room 432, where these math students will welcome and help them.

“If you’re struggling in your math classes and are looking for help, please come and see us. That’s what we’re here for,” Estes said.

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SMES dual language immersion promotes multiculturalism in the classroom After its first complete year, Painter believes the dual language immersion proFrom LANG on A3 gram has been enormously successful. “[The kids who were in the dual language content in two languages (English and Spanprogram last year] are beginning to read in ish at SMES) by immersing them completely.

Classes are composed half of English-domi- both languages, they’re beginning to write nant students, and half of Spanish-dominant in both languages. They’re more receptive students. This regulated environment maxi- and can understand more of what’s being mizes the language learning potential, while taught. Most importantly, they’re starting to also preserving socio-economic and ethnic take risks with the language and really exdiversity. SMES follows the 50/50 model of plore,” Painter said.

Dual language kindergarten teacher, immersion, which dedicates 50 percent of Martha Lay saw a large improvement in her instructional time to each language. The curriculum adheres to Virginia’s Standards students’ abilities by the end of their first of Learning, students just learn the material year in the program. The children began to read and write in both languages, and most in two linguistic settings.

The idea to start dual language program importantly picked up social skills.

“Students seem very helpful toward one in Harrisonburg began with a simple disanother and treat each other as equals becussion over a cup of coffee. cause they really experience what it's like to “ESL Supervisor Wanda Hamilton and I walk in a room that is immersed in a new met over coffee to talk about the best ways to teach ESL students. Dual language im- language. They understand that everyone mersion is something we ended up throw- is equally smart even though some may be ing around, and researching because it is so quieter or learning vocabulary, etcetera,” beneficial,” SMES Principal, Gary Painter Lay said in an e-mail interview.

Lay uses teaching techniques geared tosaid. Painter began developing the program wards ESL students, and tries to incorporate in tandem with several other HCPS staff “fun creative projects” in her class. Teachers members in 2006. in the immersion program are required to “There was four years of planning before the actual implementation [of the program]. collaborate much more due to the coordiWe visited other schools with immersion nating lessons. Each lesson is themed, and programs, read books and studies on the that theme must be carried over into both subject, and attended a conference in New the English and Spanish classes.

The benefits that accompany bilingualMexico. All the research went into formism are tremendous. Numerous scientific ing what we have here now at Smithland,” studies have revealed that a bilingual educaPainter said. tion increases communication and listening The program kicked-off at the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year. Fami- skills, and even mental development. Stulies who were interested in the immersion dents who enter the dual language program class were required to fill out an application. are expected to become fluent in Spanish SMES decided to make the program avail- within five to seven years. Research has also able to anyone in the HCPS, families from shown that early childhood is the best time the other elementary districts are welcome to learn a language, making immersion at to apply, but they are required to transport the elementary level a perfect fit.

“When children start [learning] at such their child to and from school. Families are an early age just becomes the then selected through a normal routine for them,” lottery system—there are Painter said. “The benefits When children no criteria for selection, of being bilingual are amazjust a winning number. start [learning ing. And this isn’t just Gary Kindergarten and first language] at Painter making this all up, grade are currently the it is completely research such an early only two grades at SMES based.” with dual-language class- age it just beAlthough bilingualism es. The program is slated comes normal has obvious advantages, to run through eighth there are some drawbacks to routine. grade. As the pilot group the program.

Dual immerof students continues -SMES Principal sion teachers have half the through their education, Gary Painter amount of time to teach litan immersion class will eracy than a regular teacher be added to each grade to does because the school day accommodate the program. Out of SMES’s 476 students, a total of 81 children are in the is divided between two classes. The curdual language immersion program, a num- riculum must focus on mastering the essenber that is expected to grow in upcoming tials in order to keep up with the Virginia Standards of Learning. The program also years.

“The growth in interest from last year to requires long-term commitment from parthis year has been huge. We even have an- ticipants. It takes a full five to seven years other elementary school in the HCPS sys- to become fluent; if a student were to drop tem that is looking at incorporating a dual out or move it would not only affect their immersion program like ours,” Painter said. progress, but also the entire class’.

“The most difficult thing is probably

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making sure that the literacy block is substantial.

We have half the amount of time to teach literacy, so we must teach the essentials first and go from there,” Painter said. “If a student leaves it could impact everyone else. We can’t add more kids down the road because they won’t be at the same level of Spanish.”

HHS ESL program specialist Laura FeichtingerMcGrath was part of the program’s first year. Her son, Braeden, was selected to be in the dual language classroom after a student Rubber band. Reading specialist Kris Marsh teachdropped out within the first es her students words and pronunciation by using rubber bands to emphasize each syllable. Photo few weeks.

“At first [when we weren’t by Paulina Rendon selected in the lottery] it was painful, it definitely hurt a little bit,” Laura said. “Bilingualism is the single most valuable gift I can give my child, so for that to almost not happen was difficult.”

As part of the pilot program Laura understands that there are many kinks to work out, and has complete faith in the teachers and administration.

“Being part of the pilot program there were a lot of questions. I don’t have a Learning Words. SMES students practice words lot of criticisms, because I and syllables. Photo by Paulina Rendon know they’re working it out.

They’re doing everything tionships become more liberal in the world, they’re supposed to be doing, what more I wanted to give my son the impetus of accan you ask for as a parent?” Laura said. ceptance, and have him experience a truly Social Studies teacher Jay Blair entered global community,” Jay said. Although the the program this fall with his son Charlie. immersion classroom promotes multiculJay, who has a great deal of cultural and lan- turalism among English and Spanish speakguage experience through teaching, was im- ers, Jay is a bit concerned about the lack of pressed with the concept of SMES’s language other ethnic groups in the program. immersion and began doing research on the “I originally came to Harrisonburg besubject. Jay weighed the pros and cons very cause it’s the most diverse community in seriously. As a member of the Waterman El- Virginia. The dual language program alementary district he would remove his son most undermines diversity because it is from an immediate community. just English and Spanish speakers. None of “We literally live right across from Water- the other 100 spoken languages are repreman, so to deny him of his own commu- sented if it’s that limited. Charlie will also nity—the people he played with and saw be with the same 40 kids for his entire eleveryday—we had to make sure the benefits ementary and middle school career, which offset the detriments, and they did... You undermines his social diversity,” Jay said. have no idea the balancing act you have to “There are some serious social and cultural go through as a parent to make a decision handicaps that accompany the program, but like this. As I open one door [for Charlie] I I think it’s worth it.” am seemingly closing another,” Jay said.

After just two months in the program Jay hopes his son will be able to experi- Jay has seen a measurable improvement in ence diversity, and a true global community Charlie’s language abilities. while in the dual language program. The “He comes home singing songs in Spanimmersion environment requires to stu- ish, stuff he doesn’t even understand. We dents to build social skills with other stu- have superficial conversation; it’s really fun dents, regardless of their ethnicity. to interact with him in that way. One day he “He can’t isolate himself or create barri- came home, pointed to his light-up, blinky ers against students in a deliberately English shoes and yelled ‘Zapatos excellente!’ It was and Spanish environment. As social rela- awesome,” Jay said chuckling. n

Actors, actresses decide on roles to shoot for in Les Miserables Freshman Graham Rebun is trying for any part. “I’m just trying out to try out. I’ve never actually seen the musical, but I like the music,” Rebun said.

Junior Sam St. Ours is trying out for Marius and Enjolras. “They’re both within my singing range, and seem like fun characters,” St. Ours said.

Sophomore Daelynn McCleeve is trying out for Eponine.

“It is a beautiful part. I like to see her as the character going against the protagonist,” McCleeve said.

Senior Dorrall Price is trying out for Valjean. “I really like the music and the character,” Price said.

DESCRIPTION OF CHARACTERS JEAN VALJEAN: Ex-convict who had been imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread. Primary protagonist.

MRS. THENARDIER: She is the wife of Thenardier. Together they con the world as partners in crime.

EPONINE: Daughter to Mrs. Thenardier. After moving to Paris, she lives hand to mouth, and survives by helping her father break the law.

MARIUS: The son of Georges Pontmercy, a colonel in Napoleon’s army. A college student and idealist. He is in love with Cosette.

ENJOLRAS: The leader of the Friends of the ABC. Enjolras is a radical student revolutionary.

JARVERT: He is the inspector who serves as antagonist to Valjean. “Once a thief, always a thief” is his mantra.

FANTINE: She is the beautiful young girl who, abandoned by her lover, is left to fend for herself and her daughter Cosette.

COSETTE: She is the beautiful daughter of Fantine. She is in love with Marius.

Infographic by Katrina Sokolyuk

Source: http://www.ucpe.org/

November 18, 2011

The

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The Harrisonburg High School Newsstreak The Policy The Newsstreak is published by the students of Harrisonburg High School every month.

Reproduction of any material from the newspaper is prohibited without the written permission from the editorial board.

Advertising rates are available upon request.

It is the policy of the Harrisonburg City Public School Board to comply with all applicable state and federal laws regarding non-discrimination in employment and educational programs and services.

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.

Editorials appearing without a byline represent the majority opinion of the staff, but not necessarily the opinion of the adviser, school administration, or the school system.

Signed editorials are accepted from people on the staff, but are subject to editing according to published guidelines and policies. Editorials may be edited for special reasons.

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The Newsstreak reserves the right to edit and may refuse to publish ads or letters deemed inappropriate, libelous, or obscene. Please drop your letter by room 444 or give them to any staff member.

Letters may also be sent to the high school.

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

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The

newsstreak

OPINION- Mia Karr- A5

You can always find happiness through giving The

newsstreak’s

I

n today’s society, most individuals, particularly high school students, are involved primarily in self centered activities. Making a difference in the community could be considered posting a controversial Facebook status, and “giving” is what people do at Christmastime.

Today’s youth are not necessarily at fault, as they are a product of our culture. However, there is a path for those with a few ounces of character to buck the trend and help others in need. Global organizations such as the United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and Salvation Army are impacting the community and there are several high school clubs that focus on aiding others in the greater Harrisonburg area. What sometimes goes unnoticed is that when reaching out and making an impact, sometimes the biggest impact is what goes on inside of ourselves. Giving is a gift, not from Santa Claus, from oneself -- the ability to improve as a person and as a human being.

As someone who has been fortunate enough to serve with multiple events in the community, I can honestly say that I would be much worse off had I not been persuaded to volunteer in events such as Stuff the Bus, Salvation Army turkey and toy distribution, bell ringing, and other service events through

SSB (Streaks Serve the Burg).

The event that made the greatest impact on me as a person was an alternative spring break trip my junior year. About a dozen studentathletes from SSB took three days of their spring break and headed up to Washington, D.C. to help the homeless. The first night we spent cooking a meal, and then sitting down with homeless people in the area, learning about their lives and swapping stories.

The next day we scattered throughout the metropolitan area and worked at various tasks, primarily cooking and cleaning. The conclusion I came to by the end of the trip was that in our everyday lives, we do little to make the world a better place. Most of our activities are of little consequence in the big picture.

The best way to make a positive impact is to serve others, by helping them you give them an example of true character and compassion that they are able to emulate and spread to others. Internally, you learn to put things in perspective and realize how blessed you are compared to the circumstances of others. Compassion is kindled, and grows with every act of service.

Most of us have a long way to go in our journey towards influencing our communities for the better. Serving others gives people a greater sense of purpose and develops character within that leads to citizens of compassion and in-

tegrity that countless others rely on.

The best example I can think of that has permeated almost all of American culture is Dr. Seuss’s story of the Grinch. The compassion the Grinch shows at the end of the story literally causes his heart to grow, and I think a more figurative phenomenon certainly occurs when we serve others in the community.

At the same time, you don’t have to embark on an alternative spring break trip to make a difference. You can give monetarily to a slew of nonprofit organizations worldwide with the click of a mouse. You can give your time to a younger sibling, helping them with their homework or just playing in the yard. The selflessness exhibited will undoubtedly inspire others to reach out as well. Individual actions will accumulate and eventually, entire communities can be positively impacted by individuals realizing that the change lies within.

I cannot think of another way to describe this phenomenon, it is something that each has to experience for his/herself. The internal repercussions will be present for the rest of your life.

Join SSB. Join Habitat for Humanity. Join Key Club. Help strangers that you will never see again, but you know you have aided for the rest of their journey.

Serve others. It will serve you for the better. n

YOUR OPINION

What is you favorite Thanksgiving dish?

31 22 14 13 6 5 4 3 2 Turkey

Mashed Potatoes

Pumpkin Pie

Stuffing

Other

Cranberry Sauce

Gravy

I don’t celebrate

Green Bean Casserole

100 people polled in all grades by Nicolas Lee

We should all recognize power of art this

we

Ama Ansah

I

BELIEVE online reporter

believe in art. Visual, performing, literary, culinary, I believe they are more necessary than many

people seem to think. Art school is the butt of jokes, parents shame their children for wanting to go be sculptors, and no one ever thinks of the technical theater artists. We should respect the arts, not ridicule and discourage it, for it is a vital part of any cultured society.

Historically, artists have been a fringe group. Actors were on par with prostitutes in Shakespeare's time. Painters have always

struggled to find venues and funding for their endeavors. But those lucky enough to make it flourished. Shakespeare wrote for the queen and is now regarded as a brilliant playwright, sculptors like Michelangelo were taken in by rich families in the Italian Renaissance, and there are plethora of paintings of French royal court members.

It is 2011 now, almost 2012.

Shouldn’t we be more enlightened

and cultured? Why are artists struggling?

All we are focused on now is math and science. We panic; we are falling behind the rest of the world in left brained pursuits.

Yes, we should try to improve our standing in math and science, but not at the expense of arts, for it is creativity that leads to innovation. Steve Jobs would not have created fonts if it were not for a calligraphy class, yet art classes are being dumped all over the country.

There is a link between mathematical skills and music, yet band programs are losing funding. We want students to be able to speak with confidence and finesse, but we give theater programs a shoe string budget. The overlap between arts and sciences is vital and deserves to be explored.

Art should be for the masses. A good collage, painting, play, or song can make one consider their place in the world and see the beauty and wonder of what is around them. Slums become blank canvases, pastures become heavenly escapes from chaos. Simply, art is calming and makes us happy. I believe we need to lead happier lives, ergo we need art. n

Turn your talent into career that works for you

Jabbin’ with Jamieson

F

EmilyJamieson

or some reason, eighteen is a magical number that turns teenagers into adults overnight. I have recently turned eighteen, which means I am now an adult. I can buy cigarettes, pornography, vote, rent a hotel room, buy other people movie tickets if they are underage and I can file taxes!

Believe it or not, being an adult comes with responsibilities (that

was sarcasm). First off, people suddenly start asking you what you are going to do in life. All I want to say is, “Dude, I just turned eighteen, hop off my back!” But I do not, because my mama raised me better. How can you expect me to know what I want to be for the rest of my life when I cannot even decide what I want to have for lunch?

But once something is put into my head, it does leave easily. I have constantly thought about my future since my eighteenth birthday.

Life is not going to slow down for me, so I might as well put some thought into it. The first thing I have to think about is what I am good at and what I would enjoy doing for a long period of time.

Ever since freshman year I saw myself as a journalist of some kind, now that it is my senior year,

I do not see myself enjoying being a journalist, because I have found out that sitting in front of a computer does not make me happy.

I have found out that I am a very good caretaker. I work at a retirement home in the dining hall; I enjoy helping the elderly and listening to them.

Not only am I a good caretaker, I am also a good listener to my friends. I am always the shoulder to cry on and the very first person my friends come to when they have a problem that they want to talk about. With these things in mind, I have decided that I should be a therapist. I am already halfway there, I just need the schooling. I might as well get paid for what I am really good at and what I would enjoy doing for the rest of my life. And listening to other people’s problems and helping

them out makes me happy, and being happy for the rest of my life is probably the most important thing.

I feel the best about myself when I am helping others. Just giving someone the time of day to listen to their problems and give them my advice is what I live to do. I am always going to be there for someone because I know how it feels to have no one to be there to listen to me. I do not want anyone to feel like that, so I am always open to help people. Plus, helping other people makes me the happiest.

Writing stories about other people does not give me that warm feeling in the pit of my stomach or makes me feel like I accomplished something amazing. Helping people does, so I just figured why not do make others happy and make myself happy as well? n

Got an opinion?

Share it with us at www.newsstreak.com!

Or send a letter to the editor!

November 18, 2011

The

newsstreak

OPINION -Emily Jamieson - A6

Discover what our nearby countryside has to offer

I

t is no secret that gas stations because they looked eras. Let’s be tourists in our own county. I want we live in the counstraight out of the 1950’s, but alas to take some friends, grab a camera, hop in my try. There is turkey we did not. It did not feel danger- car, and take a drive. We can stop at gas stahouse across from ous or like we were about to get tions that have not changed their exterior since our school, the town smells shot at by toothless locals named 1965, go to Natural Chimneys or Todd Lake, or like animal feed, and someZeke. I only saw one confederate go run through a corn maze. It is simple, cheap, times you get stuck behind flag. and just may make us appreciate where we live a tractor on your way to Why do we here in Harrison- a bit more. n work. We are rural, no burg resent the My Dumb Thoughts way around it. Everyone Ama Ansah country so much? complains about it, but we We say there is shouldn’t. This is not a bad nothing there, thing and we should appreciate it. that it is boring, that it is “full The other day, my family and I went for a of hicks.” I thought these hike. To get to our location, we had to drive things when I was younger through the country. We went through small and regret it. If we looked at towns like Montazuma and Mount Solon. the countryside more closely, I had never been this far out in the boonies we would see how beautiful it and had no idea we lived in such a picturesque is, how serene and calm it is. area. There were rolling green hills, immacu- I wish I had known there was late farms, beautiful old houses and, best of all, such natural beauty around a pasture full of sheep! me, it is a shame I only found I checked the odometer and was shocked this out seven months before to see that we were only 10 miles away from I leave town for good.

Harrisonburg. We passed old order Mennonite I propose invading the farms, little churches that were holding pot- country side. Not with sublucks, and horse drawn buggies. I really want- divisions or mass farms, but Wow! The Shenandoah Valley is full of natural surprised to stop at the little convenience stores and with our friends and our cam- es. Photo by Rafael Snell-Feikema.

Romney for Kids can try your patience, but it’s worth it 2012 GOP nomination

T

Politics. Simplified.

O

Benjamin Marks

f all the candidates throughout the Republican party this primary season, only one has remained steady in the polls: Mitt Romney. Though he’s rarely in first, his opponents swing up and down like elementary school children on a swing set.

First it was Bachman, then Perry, now Cain. Nobody knows who the next Republican nominee to sweep the polls will be, but it sure won’t be Romney. Now, there’s likely several reasons for this continued stability.

First of all, Romney is incredibly superficial. He will rarely take a strong stance on a subject, and is conveniently reversing his opinions on quite a few decisions he made as governor of Massachusetts in order to gain Republican backing.

However, this superficiality stands out, in a way. Romney refuses to take radical stances on anything. He’s viewed as far more moderate. Bachman had her stint against vaccines, Perry revealed that he really just didn’t know how to make coherent arguments while speaking the English language, and Cain decided to set up a electric fence across the Mexican border, and run a campaign ad that included smoking, of all things. Just like demigods, grabbing support from mob rule, these candidates rise and fall in waves.

Romney is the pillar of stability in the polls, if not in his political beliefs.

This superficiality also promises to help Romney after the Republican nominations. These Republicans are taking stances far too radical and right wing to possibly win a general election in the United States. Being radical and eccentric might be the key to grabbing the Tea Party vote, but they’ll vote for any Republican candidate over Obama. Romney understands that setting yourself up as a radical in an election is never a good idea. His position as a moderate might sway some of the swing states, which is where the true presidential debate lies anyway.

Whether Romney wins the primaries or not, he has set himself up as a man who knows how to stay out of the spotlight. He is clearly satisfied with his 23% support, and though he may not be a man who comes in with a flash, he also will not go out with a bang.

Romney may just be the symbol of longevity and stability the Republican party needs to succeed in 2012. n

hey’re loud, talkative, and they cannot sit still.

No, I am not talking about a classroom of high school students, but the class of three-year-olds I teach. Every Saturday morning, I help them learn basic dance moves and new ways to move their bodies. As a dance teacher’s assistant, I am responsible for helping every child in the class go to the bathroom, tying pint-sized ballet slippers, and reminding energetic preschoolers that they need to be quiet and listen. That being said, it may be surprising that I absolutely love my job.

It is my belief that most threeyear-olds are way cooler than the average human being. For one thing, they are not so hung up on image. They will wear a fluffy pink tutu with pride, and do not care if someone else is sporting the same leotard. It works in reverse toothey do not care what you look like. As long as you are nice to them, they will like you and latch on to you.

I also really enjoy hearing what my young pupils have to say. I have had some pretty interesting conversations about sparkly shoes, favorite colors (usually pink), and the Disney princesses. At their age, I was the ultimate flouncy dress-wearing, Barbie-collecting, princess-obsessed girly girl, so I get the infatuation with The Little

The Mia Perspective

Mia Karr Mermaid.

But beyond that, the little kids in my class will talk about anything, and they are not going to hide their opinions from you. I wish I could open up so quickly with someone I barely know.

That bubbly talkativeness can also pose a challenge. You cannot really get angry with a three-yearold for being rambunctious, but you have to get them to sit still and listen if you want to get anything done. It has been an exercise in patience to constantly remind the

“

It is my belief that most three-yearolds are way cooler than the average human being

“

-Mia Karr

class to stop chattering, squirming, hanging on the bars, invading others’ personal space, and untying their shoes just because their friend also has an untied shoe.

Much like following the untied shoe trend, once one girl has to go to the bathroom- usually within the first five minutes of class, someone always does- everybody has to go to the bathroom. Since I am not the main teacher, the job of helping them always goes to me.

One class a child actually locked herself in to the bathroom and started running the water at full speed. After she ignored my polite requests to open up the door, we had to pick the lock with a bobby pin. Thank goodness random hair supplies are always available at a dance studio.

It is always exciting to see a student learn how to do a new step, or listen better than last week. A lot of little girls are put in ballet class at a young age, but only a few of those girls will continue to dance throughout their elementary, middle, and high school years. I started out in a class much like this one, and now I am at the studio at least five days a week. I always wonder which of my enthusiastic dancers will follow in my footsteps. For now, I just hope they have a good time, and enjoy wearing adorable sparkly outfits while they still can. n

“Mistletoe” Bieber’s saving grace?

Shannon Richards

staff reporter

J

ustin Bieber, a guy who most people either love or hate, recently came out with a new Christmas song “Mistletoe.” I think it is better than his other songs like “Baby” and “Never Say Never,” which I think are sort of annoying. Since he has gotten older, his voice is deeper so he sounds less feminine. I also think the song is sweet. It is about a guy saying he’ll be with his girl instead of “playing in the winter snow” or “chillin’’ with his folks”.

“It’s good to hear him do a Christmas song,” said junior Laura Baker. “I’m not a producer but I think he could be more innovative,” Baker said.

I agree with her. He could make it a little more interesting. I’m not much of a Bieber fan but “Mistletoe” is overall a pretty good song. Some people have very different opinions.

“He has the singing talent of a dead cow,” said freshman Luke Burket. “It was terrible in every way.

Way to ruin Christmas,” Burket said. Like most guys, Burket does not like Justin Bieber and his songs.

I think that guys just want to listen to their rap, heavy metal or whatever songs they listen to, but are actually jealous of his singing talent. They haven’t figured out yet that a lot of girls like guys who can sing.

Bieber has an amazing voice and has just been ridiculed for singing higher than other guys even though some of his songs are good like “Mistletoe.” So go and listen to this song, even if you don’t think you like Justin Bieber, and you just might be surprised. n

I

do not have a life. I am not pathetic, but I just do not have the time to be social outside of school. All of November, I will be working on applications for colleges and different scholarships I am applying for. I know I complained about the work load seniors have last time, so now I am going to complain about me not having a life.

For the past few weeks, my life

Cheerleaders going to STATES Woo Hoo! Our hats off to the cheerleading squad for reaching the STATE level.

Musical auditions for Les Mis It’s time to start auditioning for this year’s musical. Sign up in the music wing!

Theater team winning awards Emmett Copeland and Paul Hairston took two of the four best actor awards at the state VTA competition. The one act play is also advancing to the regional competition for VHSL. Break a leg cast!

iPhone 4S Cool voice software has taken iPhone technology to a whole new amazing level.

Arrested Development returns The next installment of this unbelievable phenomenon has now begun!

Student portal & Parent portal All students now have access to their grades 24/7 on student portal. Parents do, too.

What’s

NOT

NBA Lockout Opening day comes and goes with no progress being made in the NBA lockout. Multiple players are exploring their options for short seasons in Europe.

An Ohio man released his exotic animal collection before committing suicide.

Dan Weldon killed in Grand Prix race Points leader, Weldon, was killed in a fiery crash while competing in a challenge to come from the back and win.

Baby, baby... Bieber’s new single “Mistletoe” has topped the charts.

has followed the same pattern. I go to school, do homework, go to sleep. I get bored, but it is not like I have the time to entertain myself or go out with my friends, because my friends are also working hard. The only time I have to socialize really, is in journalism, where I can talk and type at the same time. My friends and I have not gone out in a while, it is making me wonder whether my college life will have the same lifeless routine.

So to mix things up for myself, I took to watching random YouTube videos. Just the other

day, I saw a video about fake languages. Apparently, they exist. All you have to do to learn how to speak a fake language, is, well, sound like you are speaking a language you do not know. It is actually legit, and it does make it sound like you know the language if you make all the right sounds.

These are the sort of things that entertain me when I am bored with nothing to do. Until I find the time to do something that is actually fun, I will be learning how to speak fake Italian. Ciao. n

CORRECTION:

In the October issue on the page detailing teachers with 25+ years of experience, we incorrectly reported that Mrs. Fielding’s role model was a former student who had cancer. He had cerebral palsy rather than cancer.

HOT

Exotic animals escape & killed

Aboutabl struggles to balance school and social life Nahla Aboutabl online reporter

What’s

check us out on the web! www.newsstreak.com

polls, stories, and blogs for your viewing pleasure

End of Fall Sports Season As excited as we are for the winter sports to begin, we’ll miss our Friday Night Lights and other fall sports!

Herman Cain scandals Women are coming out of the woodwork to accuse Cain of sexual harrassment in the past. Enough already, let’s focus on what needs fixin!

Penn State cover-up

Joe Paterno’s impeccable program is being tarnished as assistant coaches are embroiled in sexual abuse accusations and a reported cover-up by the athletic department.

November 18, 2011

The

newsstreak

STYLE -Sydney Knupp and Rafael Snell-Feikema- A7

the

Wireless Challenge Can you imagine giving up your phone, facebook, or twitter for a few days? Four students accepted the challenge and went wireless for a short period of time.

Antonnicola struggles with cell phone addiction Rafael Snell-Feikema style editor

L

ike a typical high-schooler, junior Giancarlo Antonnicola uses his phone for a lot of things. Not only does he use it for calling and texting, but also for looking up a question quickly, using an app, browsing Facebook, or arranging appointments. He uses the camera function to take pictures or videos to show friends something funny or notable, and sometimes just to save a moment for himself.

Antonnicola has an iPhone 4 which he traded for with a friend himself. He likes iOS 5, the variety of apps, and siri, a new feature where you can ask practically any question and the program will answer. Antonnicola likes the more common apps, like Facebook, Twitter, Ebay, and the normal texting, calling, and camera functions.

Antonnicola’s parents are not proponents of cell phones. His father, fashion marketing teacher Tony Antonnicola, says he never would have gotten Giancarlo one. Giancarlo had to trade for it, and he pays for almost all of his unlimited texting and calling

Quick Stats

ety, as well.

“I think peoples’ attention spans are shorter now. They want a quick text or a quick message, so when you are talking to people, they tune out quick,” Tony Antonnicola said.

Giancarlo also recognized some cons to phones. They cause, among other things, a large number of small distractions. Not only do they cause random interruptions from required events, but they can interrupt a faceto-face conversation.

“Sometimes it’s nice not to have those little distractions,” Giancarlo said. “It helped when I was doing homework for it not to go off, even if it only does it every five or ten minutes.”

Overall, however, Giancarlo felt that phones are a good thing to have.

He notes the added human contact he says he gains from his phone. He also believes that constant internet and phone access is not only good for entertainment and convenience, but provides safety in emergencies too.

“I go biking a lot, and [I] always text my friends and see if they want to go or not. [Cell phones are] a real convenience,” Giancarlo said. n

Lasted 3 days without a cell phone Has sent a total of 200 texts in a day plan.

“I remember once we had to take his phone away as some punishment.

He started going into withdrawal like some alcoholic needing another drink.

Any addiction is bad,” Tony Antonnicola said.

This attachment is, in Tony Antonnicola’s opinion, a serious one.

For some, it may be hard to imagine life without their precious handheld, but Giancarlo experienced it firsthand. Giancarlo went three days without using his phone. He found this to be a strange experience. “[It was] very weird not having my phone buzzing in my pocket every now and then,” Giancarlo said. “I’d see something funny and want to use the video camera on my phone, but I couldn’t. It was just kind of weird in little ways.”

Tony Antonnicola thinks that cell phones have had a bad effect on soci-

Allen gives up Facebook in media challenge Jasmin Rose

S

staff reporter

ophomore Simara Allen faced a challenge for herself this weekend when she agreed to go without the massively used social networking site Facebook, something she says she typically would use several minutes a day.

“I used to get on like 15 times a day, but now it’s annoying, hard to keep up with it. I definitely think it’s not life. There’s better things to do,” Allen said.

This just shows that some people would have a tough time without Facebook and then others do not.

Even during school people get on Facebook to post a status about

Quick Stats Lasted 2 days without getting on Facebook checks Facebook an average of 15 times per day things like making cupcakes in nutrition and wellness.

She was tempted to get on and she did continually think about getting on. Although it was not hard for her not to use Facebook because sometimes she does not even get on when she is in her sports season, in this case cheerleading, she might have been more tempted. She was confident that she could do this again maybe even for a week if necessary.

Since she was at her cheerleading event at regionals, “I don’t feel like

I missed out on my friends because I was with my amazing team this weekend. “ Allen also uses Twitter to avoid some of the more ‘dramatic’ aspects of Facebook.

“I have a Twitter and I use it way more than Facebook because it’s less drama and it’s more up to date.”

Twitter is a social network where you don’t have to be friends with people you just follow them and you receive all their tweets back.

Allen was able to accomplish the wireless challenge without much difficulty, since she prefers Twitter over Facebook. Facebook might change a person; according to Allen “Some people think they are tough and ‘go hard’ through Facebook but they never say a word in person.” n

Long leaves fantasy football team unattended

Techie Statistics 1 in every 9 people on Earth has a Facebook Each Facebook user spends on average 15 hours and 33 minutes a month on the site

190 million average Tweets per day occur on Twitter (May 2011) Twitter is adding nearly 500,000 users a day

190 million average Tweets per day occur on Twitter (May 2011) 18-24 year olds send and receive an average of 110 texts per day There are 330 million cell phones in the US. even though there are only 311 million people in the US. Nearly 5 million people play fantasy sports online

1 in every 8

people in the USA suffers from “problematic” or addictive internet usage statistics from Business Insider, JeffBullas.com, Business Week, The US Census, and NetAddiction

Chris Sokolyuk

S

style editor

ophomore Blake Johnson,” Long said.

Long has accepted After building his the challenge: to give Quick Stats fantasy team, Long up something that felt a sense of pride he holds near and dear. For Lasted 5 days without in it.

Long, this special thing is checking his fantasy football Long disconfantasy football. For a week, account nected himself from Long let his team go unsuhis team for the five pervised. days. “I was tempted Fantasy football is pretty to look every day much what it sounds like. It is a fantasy team but, I resisted... but Tuesday I kind of looked that involves real football players. Fantasy at the scores...” football is generally a season-long compeAfter a week, Long returned to his fantasy tition played by football fans in which par- football team. Unfortunately, the outcome ticipants draft their own team and compete was something that he was not looking forwith teams built by others. Individual game ward to. “I lost every game!” Long said. winners are determined by points accumuAfter only five days, Long’s scores had lated by players based on their real-life per- plummeted. Everything from the week prior formance in a game on the same day. to this experiment was left unchanged.

“You get to choose who you want on your “I couldn’t switch my players, which meant team and then you draft them. Some of my that my team was not earning any points.” best players are Matthew Staford and Calvin Long said. n

Barisic survives wintery weekend without tweeting Mitch Depoy

T

staff reporter

rending Topics, Re-Tweeting, Hash tags and twit pics are what is in with the new social media network. Twitter has became the new Facebook and is taking over the social media network. Junior Lidija Barisic has had a twitter account for only five months but has fallen in love with it. ”I love to tweet,” Barisic said.

Barisic got into a little trouble at home and her mother took her phone away. This provided the perfect opportunity for Barsic to jump in and ask her to go without twitter for a few days.

“I was kind of freaked out at first and I couldn’t imagine not tweeting,” Barisic said. With her phone being taken away and her computer down at home, the temptations were not there.

Barisic likes twitter for many reasons. “I like everything about twitter,

Quick Stats Lasted 2 days without tweeting grand total of 1,250

tweets

I love following a bunch of DJs just to see what they are up to,” Barisic said. Her favorite moment on Twitter was when two of the DJs that she follows re-tweeted and responded back to one of her tweets. Tiesto, a Dutch musician, and DJ Roshon Fegan, an American actor and rapper, tweeted her.

“I was shocked when Tiesto retweeted me and when Roshon Fegan tweeted back at me,” Barisic said.

Giving up twitter cold-turkey was very hard for Barisic. Her HTC EVo has the Twitter app, making it easy for Barisic to look at Twitter at anytime.

“It was hard but without my phone it was easier,” Barisic said. Barisic was finding herself updating her Twitter about 15-20 times a day, tweeting about school, her friends and about music etc. She even has a total of 1,250 tweets. Barisic did not give up Twitter for too long, though, and after two days she gave into temptation when she got her phone back.

“I missed tweeting and the idea of always having my phone,” Barisic said.

With Barisic back on Twitter, and the stars all tweeting her back, she is glad to be back on the site. Barisic has one last thing to say, what seems to be the most common saying on twitter and anyone that has an account tells everyone else.

“Follow me on twitter, @croarseni and I’ll follow back,” Barisic said. n

November 18, 2011

The

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Understanding social networking

STYLE- Chris Sokolyuk - A8

The ins and outs of Google+

1. notification bar

3. navigation menu

2. friend circles

5. hashtag

4. ‘status’ update

G

6. +1’d

7. group hangouts

oogle+ is the newest edition to the social netowork world.

Google+ (or G+) is essentially a combination of Facebook, Twitter, and Skype.

Users have status updates, friend “circles,” and video chatting abilities. What sets G+ apart from the social media pack is the customizability of it. Users choose who to follow and what cirlces to place them in, making Google+ appealing to many people. n

The G+ key On the homepage 1. notification bar- if anyone comments, +1s, or adds you on Google+ you will get a notification on your google account bar.

2. friend circles- G+ is based around the concept of ‘friend circles.’ You group your friends, family, acquaintences, and follows in circles; making it easy to manage your groups.

3.navigation menu- this is where you navigate through G+. With one click you can view your friend circles, profile, photos, and even games.

4. ‘status’ update- much like Facebook, G+ has a news stream. You can update your status and share anything on the web with your friends.

5. hashtag- just like Twitter, you have

the ability to hashtag (#) your posts in G+.

8. snapshot photos

6. +1’d- +1-ing is equivalent to a Facebook ‘like’. When you search something on Google, every link has the +1 icon beside it. When you +1 a webpage, it will automatically feed to your G+ profile.

7. group hangouts- Google has also incorporate video chat into G+. You can chat with multiple friends at once in what are called ‘hangouts.’

9. profile options

On a profile 8. snapshot photos- these are photos you post to your profile, as a kind of ‘look-book.’

9. profile options- this is where you navigate through a person’s photos, information, videos, and +1s.

tumblr. explained

on the homepage.

T

2. upload

umblr is a microblogging website where users post stories, audio, video, and images. (Imagine a cross between facebook and blogger.) The main idea of tumblr is reblogging. Reblogging is essentially reposting another user’s post through your own profile. This created a collaborative communituy that enjoys sharing information and media.

Tumblr has risen in popularity over the past year due in part to fatugue with traditional social media and the occpuy wallstreet movement.

WeAreThe99percent.tumblr.com has brought the stugggles of every day Americans dealing with the ecomomy to light and has sparked occupy movements in cities accross the nation. Tumblr users hold a wide variety of intersts from entertainment to politics.

According to socialmediaexplorer.co, the three most popular tumblrs include all-thats-interesting.tumblr.com, lesbianswholooklikejustinbeiber.tumblr.com, and clientsfromhell.tumblr.com. n

1. customize 4. variety of topics

on a profile.

4. archive & random

3. reblogging

5. ask me anything

the tumblr key.

On the Homepage

1.Customization- you can create your own blog or follow other bloggers. If you have your own blog your can download different themes to make it unique to your taste.

2.User Interface- Upload your own photos, text, images, videos, links, anything to your blog.

3.Reposting- or reblogging, is at the heart

of tumblr. Users repost images, videos, or stories from accounts they are following.

Their readers see what they reposted and repost it themselves. This is a concept similiar to twitter, but with the opportunity to respond more. Users can also “like posts,” which is similar to reblogging, but it will not actually appear on the user’s profile.

4.Variety of Topics-There are myriad of tumblers dedicated to everything from My

Little Pony fan art to funny internet videos to polituics. Looking at a tumblr user’s reblogs provides personalized insight into their lives.

On a profile

5. Ask me anything-many tmblr accounts have a place where readers can ask ques-

tions to the blogger.

6. Archive and Random- Archive houses the complete list of a user’s tumblr posts in chronological order. Clicking the ‘random’ button will bring up a random post from a user’s archive.

Dove prefers Twitter over other social networking sites Shannon Kizner

T

staff reporter

he social networking site Twitter is at the top of the charts lately.

‘Tweeting’ is the new trend for many high school students, some more than others. Senior Gentry Dove is known to tweet more than your average teenager, tweeting up to 25 tweets a day.

Dove has been a Twitter user since July 2009 but has just recently started being a frequent user. Dove, also known in the Twitter world as @GenTree01, said her favorite thing about Twitter is the funny tweets she sees on her timeline.

The HHS senior is following 198 people, both famous and friends; Dove says she only follows her favorite famous people like Jer-

“

sey Shores’ Vinny Guadagnino, Kim Kardashian, and her favorite singers Trey Songz, Chris Brown, and Bruno Mars.

I n r e turn, Dove is foll owe d by 194 people - the band One Republic is one of those followers. With famous hits like “Too Late to Apologize” and “Stop and Stare”, Dove says she likes both of those songs and was shocked when they followed her.

“It’s really cool to have someone famous following me, not many people have

I’ve had Facebook for years, but Twitter has taken over for me. I rarely make status’ anymore-there’s no way I could make 25 statuses a day, but I could tweet.

-Senior Gentry Dove

that.”

“In a day, I tweet a lot – probably up to 25 tweets. I just like to tweet about what I’m doing,” Dove said.

H a v ing close to 2,000 tweets, Dove says Twitter is s omet hing she likes to do.

“It’s a fun

way to see what your friends and even famous people are doing.”

Although Dove mainly tweets about what she’s doing during the day, she does not think there is anything that is not okay to tweet.

“Everything is okay to tweet, there’s nothing you could tweet that would be wrong,” Dove said.

Being a Tweeter for over two years now, Dove says she made her official opinion between Facebook and Twitter.

“I’ve had a Facebook for years, but Twitter has taken over for me. I rarely make status’ anymore – there is no way I could make 25 statuses a day, but as for tweeting, I could,” Dove said . n

November 18, 2011

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The newsstreak

November 18, 2011

STYLE- Katrina Sokolyuk - A10

Cosmetics dangerous secrets revealed There may be a lot more than you realize in your daily cosmetic products. The FDA does not monitor the ingredients used in many products, allowing thousands of harmful chemicals to be present in your lotion, shampoo, practically everything.

QR Codin’

Scan with your smart phone to view Ann Leonard’s video ‘The Story of Cosmetics,’ which provides an in-depth look at the history of the cosmetics industry.

Toxins found in cosmetics may lead to cancer Katrina Sokolyuk

style editor

Y

ou slather, spray, paint them on and rub them in. Cosmetics are so much a part of our daily regimen that you probably never think twice about them. If they are on store shelves, it seems reasonable to figure that the cosmetics are safe to use, despite those unpronounceable ingredients lists.

Contrary to what most consumers believe, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) neither tests nor determines the safety of cosmetics and toiletries. In September of 2005, the FDA issued a press release revealing serious deficiencies in its power to protect public health, admitting its inability to require warning labels on products.

All cosmetic products contain a certain amount of bacteria, which prompts manufacturers to add preservatives, called ‘parabens’. According to Aubrey Hampton, the owner of Aubrey Organic Cosmetics, these preservatives are not added to to protect the consumer from bacteria, but to extend the shelf life of a product.

Teenagers should pay special attention to the type of makeup they use. In a 2010 experiment conducted by Environment Working Group (EWG), 16 chemicals from four chemical families were detected in blood and urine samples from

20 girls aged 14-19. Studies link these chemicals to potential health defects including cancer and hormone disruption. These tests feature first-ever exposure for parabens in teens, and indicate that young women are widely exposed to to this common class of cosmetic preservatives, with two types of parabens detected in every girl tested.

Toxic metals can be found in a number of products ranging from sunscreen to mascara, to theatrical clown makeup. The toxins in makeup are numerous, and could pose serious health risks. The skin easily absorbs these toxins, which accumulate in the body. When you use products with Propylene Glycol or Sodium Hydroxide, you are essentially using products that are primary ingredients in most antifreeze and drain cleaners. These chemicals are especially dangerous because they are found in so many lotions, hair products, cosmetics, and cleansers. Mercury is another toxin that is regularly found in cosmetics-- mainly in eye makeup.

But what can you do to avoid these chemicals? Unfortunately, one cannot just go looking for “natural”, “organic” or “hypoallergenic”. These terms have no specific legal definition in the cosmetic world. A poison could be considered “natural”.

One of the biggest things that you can do is to switch over to mineral cosmetics. The great

What’s really in your cosmetics?

DEODORANT

HAIR DYE

ked to breast Aluminum- lin cancer d glycol- linke Propylene l a tr n e c e to th to damage d n m, heart a nervous syste liver e rupt hormon Parabens- dis e d h irt b ible levels, poss an toxicity fects and org rease risk of c In Phthalatests c birth defe a lassified as Triclosan- c e FDA, and th pesticide by rcinogen by a c probable the EPA use

that Companies als: these chemic Stick, d Secret, Spee Spice Mitchum, Old

BABY POWDER Frequent users of permanent hair dyes are twice as likely to develop some kinds of cancer than nonusers. Black hair dye is particularly volatile.

used Talc- Talc is owp y b in ba up, ke a m in r, de ler fil a and as This s. m a re c in has powder onc d un fo n bee ith w taminated nd a s, o st asbe ked has been lin na c n ria to ova r. ce

NaturalNews.com Information from

A

staff reporter

ccording to CNN, Americans spent close to a total $10 billion on cosmetics last year alone, making it one of the largest markets in the world.

Makeup can be classified two ways; toxic and all-natural. Toxic makeup is makeup that contains at least one chemical that is harmful, poisonous or toxic. All-natural makeup does not have any toxins in it. This type is generally healthier because the main ingredients are natural herbs and minerals.There are many negative effects for using toxic cosmetics, according to almost every health source such as FOX News and Breast Cancer Fund. The immediate effects that are normally seen are acne, red face or irritation to the skin. If these products are used heavily every day, your body can absorb up to 5 pounds of chemicals a year, according to healthiertalk.com.

Some of the worst chemicals that are in makeup are mercury and paraben along with many others. Mercury is illegal to use in cosmetics in the United States because it is so dangerous. It can quickly seep into the skin and into the bloodstream, and cause mercury poisoning. Paraben causes irritation, and the user may even contract dermatitis if they turned out to be allergic to the makeup.

Chemistry teacher Suzanne Smith does not think it makes a difference whether or not the chemicals are synthesized or natural.

“I don’t think it really matters if there are

SHAMPOO methylisothiazoline (MIT)- linked with ne urological damage, cancer, and liver dis orders (prevents communication betwee n neurons) Isopropyl AlcoholLinked to skin cancer Cocoamide- increased risk for liver and kidney cancer Methyl Chloridecauses dizziness, headaches, and linked to cancer

Companies that use these chemicals: Head and Shoulders, Suave, Herbal Essences, Clairol, and Pantene

LOTIONS & CREAMS Alpha Hydroxy Acids- blistering, bleeding, severe redness and skin discoloration. Increased sensitivity to the sun Fragrances and Artificial coloringNot all perfumes and colored products are bad, but some have been known to cause respiratory illness, dizziness, etc.

Information from To xins study by Doris Rapp M.D.

Natural makeup provides healthy alternative to name brand companies Ann Bauhan

thing about mineral Toxins Lingo- words you cosmetics need to know is that they are nontoxin- substance that toxic. There is poisonous to humans are no paraFood and Drug Adbens or talc ministration (FDA)- Fedfound in them, and eral agency for protheir colortecting and promoting ing is from public health the earth’s Carcinogen- a natural substance that is diminerals. rectly linkled to causing These products will not cancer clog your Paraben- widely pores and used in cosmetics as can be used preservatives.

They are by those loosly linked to cancer who suffer from acne.

The best thing to do, really, is to simplify. Buying products with fewer ingredients, and using fewer products overall is the simplest alternative in the long run. n

chemicals in makeup or not. Chemicals that are natural, in plants, or chemicals made and synthesised in labs are the same as far as makeup is concerned. I don’t think it makes a difference.”

Big makeup brands are starting to move away from using chemicals and move towards natural minerals and herbs. Collections such as Cover Girls’ Nature Luxe work to make your skin healthier and cleaner.

“I actually wear all-natural makeup, because it’s not as oily,” freshman Miranda Stoner said.

Many makeup counters at the mall carry natural makeup and representatives are always happy to answer any questions.

“All of our makeup has to go through many tests before it comes to us to sell, so that way we are sure that our products are good and work well. Each product goes through 7200 tests,” Clinique representative Kim said. “All of our makeup is also allergy tested and generally good for your skin. If someone is having a problem with their makeup, we have doctors that they can talk to. We get some requests for all-natural makeup regiments. Normally, our makeup and cleansers come in packs, so if only parts of them are allnatural, the end product is still going to be positive.”

Large makeup companies are beginning to advertise makeup with no chemicals in it. They say that their makeup is starting to not only be all-natural, but also good for your skin. However, whatever type of make up you may wear, if any, it is always a good idea to read the labels, just to be safe. n

Brands you can trust

Aubrey Organics strives to “provide all-natural, safe and effective per-

sonal care and lifestyle products to the consumer.” Its products are all 100% natural. Aubrey Organics is the most popular for carcinogen-free hair products, and is available in many natural health stores.

GoodGuide.com provides free and easy access to the world’s largest and

most reliable source of information on the health, environmental and social impacts of different products.

GoodGuide will tell you what chemicals are in your toothpaste, or if your socks are made with sweatshop labor. This site offers ratings on over 60,000 products commonly found in your home, making it quick and easy to find safe and healthy products that are right for you and good for the planet.

November 18, 2011

The

newsstreak

FEATURE - Mark Duda - B1

Joining the workplace Students learn valuable skills through mentorship program

Lopez pursues athletic training career through school mentorship program Andy Shisler

N

Staff Reporter

ot many students have ever even seen a cadaver, but senior Leo Lopez interacts with them on a regular basis as part of his mentorship program. Lopez is aspiring to become an athletic trainer, and through the mentorship opportunities at HHS he is getting plenty of hands-on experience already. Lopez works with HHS athletic trainer Jen Glazer, to learn some key parts of the profession.

Lopez’s ambition to become an athletic trainer comes in part from his interest in the human body.

“I’m primarily studying anatomy,” Lopez said. “The human body is very interesting to me. I’ve been learning about bones, muscles and ligaments, as well as common injuries among athletes. I love learning how different muscles and body parts work with each other.”

There is one part of Lopez’ mentorship in particular that sets it apart from the average anatomy class. Every two weeks Lopez goes to Bridgewater College to work with dissected human corpses,

Hands on learning Senior Leo Lopez, in an athletic training mentorship, apllies gauze while learning how to mend atheltic injuries. Lopez also works with a mentor at Bridgewater College on the college’s collection of cadavers.

Stader fixes computers as IT specialist-in-training Chris Sokolyuk Feature Editor

C

hildren often dream of becoming firefighters, astronauts, or dinosaurs when they grow up. Senior Cory Stader wants to go a different direction.

“I always wanted to do something involving technology,” Stader said.

Stader is mentoring with his mother Lora Stader, who is the IT specialist at Keister Elementary School, on B-days during his mentorship block. Stader is learning how to become an IT specialist. Being a IT specialist means for Stader “That I am the guy to go to if you are having any problems

with your computer,” Stader said.

“The first thing that I do when I arrive at [Keister], is check my log.

This tells the IT specialist who has what kind of problem and where he can reach them,” Stader said.

Stader has dealt with problems ranging from an unplugged computer to problematic green screens. The entire time he is under the watchful eye of his mentor.

When Stader arrives at the classroom or area where the computer is stored, he first examines the computer, checking for unplugged cords or any other simple errors.

“Sometimes a virus gets into the computers and that takes a lot of time to fix,” Stader said. “When a virus gets into the computer,

the computer begins to run more slowly and the entire server might be at risk of crashing.”

If Stader does find a virus, he restarts the computer. If that does not work, then the computer is turned off completely and Stader has to reboot and reprogram the entire computer.

“I am hoping to be an IT specialist, but if that doesn’t work out then I have a few fallback plans,” Stader said.

One of those fallback plans is to join the Navy. “Another interest that I have is flying,” Stader said.

Stader hopes that he will not have to use his fallback plans if he gets the job he wants.

“IT specialist is what I am hoping to do in my future,” Stader said. n

McDonnell works with nurse at Stone Spring Elementary Molly Denman

S

News Editor

enior Taylor McDonnell’s experiences with mentorship made it possible for her to see what it is like to be a nurse and helped her focus in on what career she would like to pursue. McDonnell is currently mentoring at Stone Spring Elementary School. She is shadowing the school nurse Bette Lam. McDonnell’s interest in pursuing nursing after college was her reason for choosing to mentor at SSES. “I want to be a registered nurse when I get out of college, so I thought this would be a good experience,” McDonnell said.

McDonnell has had many situ-

ations while mentoring at SSES where she has learned what it would really be like to be a nurse.

“On the first really cold day of the school year, so many people were coming into the clinic feeling sick. Both students and teachers were swarming the nurse. We had coughs, fevers, sore throats, and lots of throw up. Everything was so hectic. That day I felt like I truly got to experience what it is like to be a nurse,” McDonnell said.

When McDonnell arrives at SSES, she checks in and assists Lam with whatever she needs help with. Often McDonnell is responsible for making disposable ice packs, which entails stuffing Ziploc bags with paper towels, putting water in them, sealing them, and freezing them.

“I get to watch and listen as the

nurse helps the kids that come in while I make the ice packs,” McDonnell said. McDonnell also follows the nurse during classroom visits to check on students who have chronic illnesses.

“For the most part, I watch and just take it all in, but I also do get to help do basic things. I sometimes get to take temperatures, put Neosporin and Band-Aids on minor cuts, change the paper on the bed, and entertain sick kids while they wait for their parents to pick them up,” McDonnell said.

McDonnell’s experience so far has created interest in not only being a nurse, but being a pediatric nurse. McDonnell’s favorite part about her mentorship is talking to the kids when they are hurt and making them feel better. n

MENTORING FAST FACTS *Mentors must be seniors *Currently 28 students enrolled *Popular programs include Law, Medicine, Engineering, Business *If students have a field of interest they would like to work in, McAllister (the teacher) is able to make contacts and arrange internships

also known as cadavers.

“Working with the cadavers provides really good hands-on experience,” Lopez said. “The cadavers are already dissected, so the muscles are easy to identify. Being able to actually see the muscles, ligaments, and other body parts that I’ve been reading about really helps to solidify my knowledge of the human body.”

In addition to the mentorship class, Lopez also takes a sportsfitness class to ensure he personally stays in good physical shape. “I participate in sports year-round, so staying fit is really important to me,” Lopez said.

Lopez plans to pursue a career in the field of sports science.

“I love sports, and I love working with people,” Lopez said. “I want to have a job that’s not the same thing every day. Being a trainer would involve a lot of moving around, and I would be able to interact with many different people.

I plan to major in either sports science or athletic training, because they’re pretty broad fields, and they will allow me a lot of freedom to find a job that I’m interested in.” n

Wolter learns what teaching kindergarten is like “Mikala is one presence in Kavya Beheraj the room to adore and give atNews Editor tention [to the children]. My

T

he mentorship program at HHS hopes to give seniors an opportunity to pursue their interest in a particular career by following a professional around at his or her job. “[Mentorship is] a program designed to help high school students make educated decisions about their career paths by giving them hands-on experiences in the field of their choice,” Jessica Farkas, Stone Spring Elementary kindergarten teacher and senior Mikala Wolter’s mentor, said.

Wolter hopes that through the mentorship prohram, she can take steps towards a job she has always been interested in.

“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, a second grade teacher,” Wolter said.

Wolter is Farkas’ first mentee, although Farkas has been teaching kindergarten for five years.

“I enjoy being around kids. I enjoy watching their faces when you show them something new or when they realize they are reading on their own for the first time,” Farkas said. “I also care tremendously for each and every one and know that, for many, I am the only positive example they have in their lives.”

As soon as Wolter arrives at Stone Spring, she talks to Farkas, who brings the kids back from Specials. Afterwards, the kids have their math class, which usually has stations with different types of math, and Wolter helps out in the classroom. She gives the kindergartners one-on-one attention they might not have otherwise received due to their parents’ jobs or large family sizes.

mentee has allowed me to have smaller group sizes during math because she is able to monitor a third math group,” Farkas said.

“However, I often find myself worried that I may cause my mentee to change her mind about becoming a teacher.”

Farkas had a similar experience during her high school career, when she was involved in the mentorship program.

“I was placed in a second grade classroom of a teacher, who, after a few days, I was convinced disliked children.

That experience led me to not choose the education field my first two years of college,” Farkas said. However, ultimately Farkas knew that teaching was what she wanted to do.

Wolter’s favorite part is during snack time.

“They’ll finish early and come over and be like, ‘Miss Mikala! Can you come read to me?’ So I’ll read to them,” Wolter said.

After being involved in the program, she knows that it will help her in the future with a possible career path.

“It gives me a good idea of how hard I’m going to have to work as a teacher if I choose to do that,” Wolter said.

Farkas agrees that the mentorship program is beneficial to students looking into different careers. “I think that the mentorship program is valuable because it gives them a chance to ‘test drive’ a career before committing four years (or more) of college to that career that they may not end up liking,” Farkas said. “For those who are in the program, I think it gives them a good idea of what to expect after they graduate.” n

Showalter experiences life as pharmacist at RMH Sydney Little Feature Editor

M

entorship is a class where you choose a field that you would like to pursue in the future and then they try to find you a mentor who is as close to your field as possible. During fourth block on A-days, senior Bethany Showalter does her mentorship at the Rockingham Memorial Hospital in the pharmacy.

“Mentorship has helped me become more ready for a job at a hospital after college. It has also taught me to be patient with customers/

patients,” Showalter said.

On normal days in the pharmacy, Showalter’s day consists of making sure that the drawer of vials is full and working at the prescription pick-up window.

“I am actually interested in nursing, but the pharmacy is also medical, so I decided to take it since there was a high demand for nursing mentorships. I put prescriptions away when the pharmacists are done and I fill redi-cats and restock shelves with vials and such. I enjoy working with the pharmacists, but when the pharmacy isn’t busy it can be really boring,” Showalter said.

The most interesting

thing that happens to Showalter, however, is the type of people who come to the pharmacy.

“A lot of our customers cuss and try to break through the window, and we also get tons of people begging us for narcotics,” Showalter said.

After graduating this spring, Showalter plans on going to college. New York University is her dream college, but two of her other options are The University of Virginia and George Mason University.

“In the future, I want to work at a hospital in the pediatric or neonatal units as a nurse,” Showalter said. n

November 18, 2011

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HEALTHMYTHS Q1:

blood glucose is low, it could affect your cognitive Is breakfast really You need this fuel for the most important level. the brain--you can’t think meal of the day? without it.” “[Breakfast is important] because it keeps me from Ariel Vogel getting hungry later in the day,” freshstaff reporter man Graham Rebhun said.

However, some students do not ake sure you get a good think breakfast is necessarily the most breakfast before taking important meal of the day. Sophomore the test.”

Students have heard Deborah Halpern said, “I don’t think it variations of this phrase, time and is that important. I mean, it’s good, but time again, from teachers and parents a lot of people say it’s the most importhe day or morning before a big exam. tant meal of the day and that’s just not From this, we can assume that eating true. I could show you a lot of websites saying that it’s not!” breakfast helps you think better.

No matter the importance of In Nurse Angela Knupp’s this meal, why don’t students eat words, “If y o u r it?

“They don’t have time or they’re more socially inclined.

Basically, they talk before they eat,” Knupp said.

Freshman Chrisalyn Johnson agrees, “They’re probably in a rush.”

M

FEATURE - Sydney Little- B2

Ever wonder whether breakfast is actually important? Or if carbo-loading is good before gameday? Now your questions are answered by the professionals.

“They have no time, or they just don’t feel like it,” is Halpern’s take on the matter. “I eat it most of the time, but I’m not usually hungry, and I’m only eating it because my parents make me.”

According to the internet medical resource WebMD, skipping breakfast on a regular basis can have serious effects: “If you... regularly skip breakfast in the interest of saving time or getting a few more minutes of sleep, remember that eating a wholesome, nutritious morning meal will probably save you time in the long run. By recharging your brain and your body, you'll be

Ben DiNapoli

more efficient in just about everything you

do.”

Whether you eat it or not, breakfast clearly has beneficial health effects. n

Q3: Ben Marks

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fore a race, he or she would have a significantly higher energy level.

Due to the high levels of glucose in foods like pasta, an athletes’ diet began to consist of spaghetti, lasagna, and the like.

The body then processes the glucose into glycogen, or long-term energy storage molecules, which are then used the next day during the race.

Unlike sugary foods, this energy can be released over time, preventing a “sugar crash” halfway through a three- mile race. Eating carbs just before a race can also hurt athletic performance, as the body does not have time to fully digest all of the food consumed, leading to stomach cramps while racing. As such, athletes make sure to carboload the day before a race, to make sure that their body has enough time to digest all of the food that they eat. Additionally, athletes consume a large amount of water, as the body needs about three ounces of water per ounce of

Is carboloading the day before a game or race a good idea?

website manager

arboloading-- though the term is familiar to many an athlete, the general population’s first response to the phrase would probably be anything but positive.

Carboloading is the ingestion of large amounts of complex carbohydrates the day before a game or meet in order to maximize the levels of glycogen in the bloodstream, thus increasing athletic performance. Of course, there is a much simpler way to describe it.

“We eat pasta,” said cross country runner, senior Nevin Heckman.

Carboloading originated in the 1980s, when researchers discovered that if an athlete ate large amounts of carbs the evening be-

Q2:

W

How beneficial is weight lifting?

staff reporter

eight lifting attracts a certain crowd. Not everyone has the motivation to go to their basement or take a quick trip to the gym and lift for an hour or two. Most athletes are required to lift in order to stay in shape for their sports, from soccer to football, or swimming to cross country. Lifting is an alternative to everyday practice, making it ideal for days where the weather doesn’t permit exercising outside. Although some think that lifting is monotonous and boring, others agree that the rewards of lifting outweigh the short-term downsides.

Junior Zach Baxter lifts three to four days a week. “[Weight lifting] builds your confidence. It makes you feel good about yourself. After you work out, you feel accomplished,” Baxter said.

Since starting lifting around the seventh grade, Baxter has been unable to stop. For his size, Baxter can lift an impressive amount.

“I can press around 200 pounds. I haven’t pressed in a while, but I am definitely way up there,” Baxter said.

Being able to press a lot of weight isn’t the most important thing about lifting to Baxter. Instead, he prefers the aesthetic appeal.

“You have to look good for the ladies,” Baxter said.

“That’s why I like doing curls the best. When you’re at the beach, you have to make sure you’re looking good.”

It’s a fact that sometimes lifting can be very boring, especially when doing it alone. Baxter makes the best of it, and makes sure that he chooses the best music.

“I usually pick something with a good fast beat. The faster and stronger the beat is, the better I work out,” Baxter said.

It’s taken years for Baxter to tone his muscles, and it’s finally paying off, especially on trips to the beach. Lifting isn’t for everyone, and it only the strongest that truly succeed.

“I have a heart like a lion, that’s why I’m so strong,” Baxter said. n

carbohydrates to ensure appropri- not eating enough can lead to ex- athletes, including Heckman, are ate levels of water in the body. haustion or dehydration halfway scientific about the food they conThough eating a massive plate through an event, a nightmare for sume. As long as it tastes good, of spaghetti sounds like a dream most athletes. A fine balance must it will be devoured. Each athlete come true to many a starving high be established, which is unique to generally knows what their limit school athlete, doing so alone ev- every athlete. For example, some is, and for them, it’s usually about ery weekend gets rather repetitive. athletes prefer to eat a large lunch, the time that they’re stuffed. n So it is only natural that teams as eating at dinner won’t allow come together for a night of food their body to digest the food and fun before the big meet days. before the event. The amount The skinny on carbs “We have team dinners every of food each athlete consumes Friday [before Saturday races],” varies dramatically, though Carbs provide the Heckman said. “It’s a lot of fun to the general ratio of a quarter eat as a team. The host family will pound of carbs for every 20 body with fuel for physialways make some sort of pasta, pounds of lean mass is a safe cal activity, and organ and then everyone else brings a ratio to go by. function side dish. [For example], Marshall However, few high school [Hyser] always brings some There are good and delicious apple pie that his bad carbs. Generally, mom makes. After we all We have team dinthe less processed a eat, we go to the football ners every Friday [begame, if it’s at home.” product is, the better The combination of fore Saturday races]... it is for you. The same carbs and small amounts goes for carbs. of protein work together It’s a lot of fun to eat to help athletes perform Whole grains, fruits, at their best the day of the as a team. and vegetables, big competition. Though -Senior Nevin carboloading to excess can are great sources of cause cramps and other Heckman healthy carbohydrates problems the day of a race,

“

“ WORKOUT SUPPLEMENTS BEAUTY CARE

VITAMINS & MINERALS

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SPORTS NUTRITION

GNC’s WELLbeING brand is a collection of health and beauty supplements. Each vitamin pack targets a different function in the body, including metabolism or complexion, and each box contains about a monthlong supply. WELLbeING features be-WHOLESOME, be-BEAUTIFUL, be-HOT, be-BUFF, be-BALANCED, be-CLEAN, and be-ENERGIZED.

Ultra Mega Green products contain multivitamin packs that are individual to men and women. The formula supports memory function and brain health, and helps strengthen bones. Ultra Mega Green products incorporate gingko biloba, a natural herb that supports increased peripheral blood flow and mental sharpness, and CardioAid phytosterols, natural plant compounds found in fruits and vegetables that help block cholesterol absorption.

Hydroxycut is a weight-loss capsule that is sold in an assortment of forms. In 2009, it was recalled because of its high dosage of caffeine and green tea extract.

While the new formula is safer, it does yield elevated levels of liver enzymes, which may result in liver damage.

Jack3d is a pre-exercise protein supplement used to produce energy and awareness. Side effects may include tingling (caused by beta alanine), nervousness and an irregular heartbeat (caused by caffeine), and irritability and lightheadedness (caused by dimethylamylamine). Jack3d is available in a wide variety of flavors, such as green apple, tropical fruit punch, lemon lime, white blue raspberry, and grape bubble gum.

September18, November 23,2011 2011

The

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

Hidden talents unveiled

Heckman earns karate black belt in two years Paulina Rendon feature section editor

C

urrently Morgan Heckman holds the rank of a black belt, but only two years ago she participated in her first karate class at Halterman Karate studio. Now, at fourteen, Heckman has the status of Moshi black belt. Heckman’s initial interest in karate was inspired by her favorite author, Tamora Pierce. “[Tamora Pierce’s medieval fantasy novels] influenced me because the characters were often in situations that called for the knowledge that they had from their training,” Heckman said. “[Her books] made me choose karate because I wanted to do something that would allow me to protect myself if I were in a situation that called for that.”

Heckman is not expecting to be accosted by knights with swords and daggers, but would rather be prepared for any attack that would come her way. One of the main aspects of karate is self-defense, with techniques that focus on evasion, as well as routines to inflict pain on attackers.

While advancing through the various belt levels, karate students are continuously learning more

advanced and effective ways to protect themselves.

The belt system for karate differs slightly based on the discretion of the school and owner.

While karate itself is one field in the world of martial arts, there are also many different variations of that field that differ wherever karate is being studied.

At Halterman Karate, the belt system is divided into three different levels; Little Dragons, Moshi, and Goju. The Little Dragons program is offered for kids under the age of six. Moshi takes over for kids six through 12, and Goju is for anyone over 12 years old.

Since Heckman received her black belt at 12, it means she was in at the Moshi level.

The weight of the belt differs depending on the level at which the belt was reached. For example, a five-year-old could go through the Little Dragons program, all the way to black belt. As the child begins the Moshi level, they start over again at white belt, once again going for a black belt.

The process repeats once more at Goju level. The biggest difference between Moshi and Goju levels are the number of belts for each; in the Moshi system the order starts at white, then orange, gold, blue,

green, purple, brown, brown, and black.

The Goju system contains the same first six colors, but adds another level of brown before being able to get to black. Once a black belt is received in Goju, the student then focuses on moving up in degrees in their black belt. The highest level overall is a tenth degree black belt.

Another difference between Moshi and Goju levels are the types of weapons the students learn for each. At Moshi level, Heckman learned to use a bo, a sword, and komas. Katas and open hand techniques differ as well. She has already begun her Goju training, where she has learned to use a jō, and will be taught how to use nunchucks, and a sai.

Heckman has recently showcased her knowledge of weapons as well as karate techniques at a tournament in New Jersey this past summer. She won third place in weapons and kata, and placed fourth in sparring.

Becoming a black belt is not easy. Over her two years of training, Heckman has practiced hard to get to the level she is today.

“I usually go at least twice a week,” Heckman said. “[To get to black belt,] I practiced a lot. I was there a lot. Some nights, like

Kyah!! Freshman Morgan Heckman presents her black belt test at the Halterman Karate studio. She rose through the ranks and learned various self-defense techniques along the way, including mastering the use of weapons. Photos courtesy of Morgan Heckman. when I was getting ready for the tournament, I stayed for hours because I had my class, and then I helped teach [the Little Dragons], and then I had other classes. For a black belt it was just constant repetitions that took a lot of time.”

Currently Heckman is taking a break from karate because of cross-country season. Once that

season is over, Heckman looks forward to going back to her friends at Halterman.

“I’ve created good friendships with the other students and the teachers,” Heckman said. “I think it’s just learning new things. That’s really fun.” n

Martin finds expression through songwriting, performing Mia Karr

S Jam! Junior Sam Martin rocks out on his guitar during a concert with his band.

Photo courtesy of Sam Martin.

op-ed editor

omething as simple as a beautiful sunny afternoon can provide inspiration for junior Sam Martin. Martin is a dedicated guitarist and songwriter who plays bass in the HHS marching band, but started playing guitar three years ago because his creativity felt limited.

“I was playing everybody else’s music but not mine,” Martin said. “A lot of people think that the guitar is just chords, but there’s so much in-depth stuff you can do with it.” Now he has the chance to compose his own songs.

Martin practices about two to three hours a day outside of the marching band’s season. A typical practice consists of warming up, practicing scales,

improvising songs, and attempting to learn a new concept. His favorite song to play is “Hotel Yorba” by The White Stripes.

“It’s a really simple song. It’s one of the first ones I learned. You can run around and have so much fun playing it,” Martin said. “It’s not about how hard the music is, it’s about enjoying yourself.”

Martin’s peers recognize their friend as both a talented writer and musician.

“He’s very dedicated. He understands it on a very mature level,” junior Alex Hunter-Nickels said. Hunter-Nickels says is an inspiration through his creativity. This dedication additionally assists Martin in the marching band.

“He brings a level of excitement to the front ensemble... just with how he is and his own personality,” said HHS band director J.R. Snow. According to Snow, Martin is the band’s first bass player.

Martin hopes to make a career out of his passion for the guitar as a session musician. If a celebrity needs a guitar part for their song, he would get paid to record it for them. Right now he performs by doing open mic songs as a singer/songwriter, or playing in bands, such as his current band, The Tapes.

“I’ve been in a lot of different bands.

A lot of my stuff has punk influence,” Martin said. He adds that he has also played jazz and classic rock. Snow, who describes Martin as an “eclectic rocker”, said that he could do a lot of different things with music, from playing in his own rock band to composing.

“Sam’s always going to play, somewhere, somehow. He has a neat intellect and a diverse musical background for his age. It will always be a part of his life; he loves it too much,” Snow said. n

Green enjoys handcrafting necklaces for family, friends Ariel Vogel

T

staff reporter

eachers have a life outside of teaching and coaches have a life outside of coaching, so therefore, lunch ladies must have a life outside of serving. They have various areas of interest including instruments, singing, or knitting.

“I make jewelry, mainly necklaces,” Joyce Green, the cafeteria worker in charge of putting together sub sandwiches, said.

Green celebrated her twentieth year of working at HHS this October, and has been making necklaces for the past three or four years.

“Sometimes I sell them and sometimes I give them as presents for Christmas and birthdays,” she explained. “I give them to friends, my nephew’s wife, my mom, and my daughters.”

Green makes a variety of necklaces. The materials she uses varies on the kind of necklace Green makes at the time.

“I make anything from chokers to long necklaces,” Green said.

“The necklaces are usually beaded, although [I do]

sometimes make necklaces on chains.”

Making the necklaces usually takes a long time, though the actual time spent also varies on the kind of necklace Green is working on.

“It probably takes me two nights to make a necklace,” Green said.

“Or about four to five hours.”

Michaels Arts and Crafts is where Green usually buys the materials she needs to make her

necklaces. She mainly buys what is on sale. “[The materials] can get really expensive,” Green said.

Fortunately, there are some occasions when Green has help getting her materials.

“My nephew went to a fair once and there was this stand that was getting rid of beads. He got me fifteen full bags, brown paper lunch bags!” Green said.

Green enjoys when people wear her necklaces. After working on the necklace for a long time, she likes the feeling she gets when she sees people wearing what she made for them “I really appreciate it. It makes me feel good!” Green said. n

Wood demonstrates talent in Irish step dancing in competitions Victoria Giron and Kavya Beheraj staff reporter, news editor

J

unior Andrea Wood has a passion that has been burning for nine years: Irish step dancing.

The dancing style has a long cultural history that stretches back over 2,000 years, when the Celts settled in Ireland and brought their native folk dances with them.

Ireland was under British control for 400 years, at which point it became a British colony. This interaction with other cultures influenced the Irish, who adapted dance movements from both the British and the French and set them to traditional Irish music.

“I read that Irish sailors actually used to do hard shoe dancing on their ships for entertainment at night,” Wood said.

They were forced to dance in secrecy after the Catholic Church banned dancing in the mid-1700s. It was around this time that the stiff upper body that is distinctive of Irish dance came to be. Often, the dance stage was no larger than a door set flat on its back, so the dancers had to remain fairly stiff and stationary to conserve space.

“People had to dance without anybody seeing them. That’s where the straight upper bodies came from, so you could be dancing with your feet and no one would notice you,” Wood said.

Wood started out taking jazz lessons when she was young, but her interests changed when she discovered Irish step.

“My mom wanted me to take another dance class and Irish step class sounded cool,” Wood said.

She started dancing at Dance and Company, but now goes to Carle Irish Dance School, taught by Jo’ann Carle. Part of Wood’s success and dedication is due to all

she has learned from her teacher.

“Someone told me about Jo’ann [Carle] and I’ve learned [a lot] from her,” Wood said.

She practices once a week on Wednesdays for an hour, and then “sporadically throughout the week. Five or 10 minutes here and there, almost all the time,” Wood said.

Wood enjoys Irish dance because she is good at it. She also loves “how it [Irish] is graceful and powerful. You can show your emotions with it, especially hard shoe.”

Irish dancing requires certain protocol for the dancer to follow while performing, mostly centered around the position of the feet when on or off the ground. For example, heels can never touch the ground, and when jumping, toes must always be pointed.

“You have to have your upper body straight and your arms down by your sides,” Wood said. “Your arms can’t be floppy. You have to have them by your side and you have to have your hands in loose fists.”

There are two different types of shoes that are worn when performing Irish, the hard shoe and the soft shoe, with specific dances for each shoe.

“Hard shoes are made out of fiberglass, so they’re really loud. There’s a lot of rhythm and sounds you can make with those shoes,” Wood said. “Soft shoe is all about technique and form – how high you can jump, things like that. Hard shoe is a lot about technique and form as well, but I feel that you don’t notice it as much because you’re concentrating on the sounds that your feet are making.”

There are many different steps for both hard shoe and soft shoe, and by putting steps together a full dance is formed.

“In theory, there are an infinite number [of different steps for hard shoe and soft shoe],” Wood said. “Teachers make them up as they please, and then you can change

them, tweak them so that they’re different.”

Wood’s passion for Irish step dancing led her to wanting to go professional. She is already in preliminary, a rank in Irish step, and has won several novice and prize competitions. Among other awards, she has won nine first places, five second places, and three third places in grade level competitions. She continues practicing in preparation for upcoming competitions.

“From October of last year to August, I was practicing the same steps and Jo’ann [Carle] showed me some new steps that were difficult. I’ve had to practice it more,” Wood said.

In practices, Wood usually warms up and does a little bit of stretching first. Then her teacher will have her do a soft shoe step, and give the students something to work on while she goes individually to each dancer.

“After we do soft shoe, we change into hard shoe and it’s pretty much the same thing,” Wood said.

Wood also enjoys other aspects of Irish step, such as the traditional costumes, which are Get ready! Junior Andrea Wood dresses up for usually in green or black. an Irish step dance competition - called a Feis “I have a dress that I wear for earlier this year. Wood has competed in varicompetitions that I love. It has a ous competitions and has won several awards. black bodice with a pink bubble Photo courtesy of Andrea Wood. skirt,” Wood said.

She believes that people physical fitness and your muscle tone. It should definitely try Irish. makes you happy, promotes social skills, “It can improve all aspects of your life, and teaches you time management. I would in theory,” Wood said. “It increases your definitely recommend Irish to anybody.” n

November 18, 2011

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SPORTS - Mitch DePoy - B7

Cheerleaders slated to perform in Louisiana for BCS championship game next January Julexus Cappell Peter’s Principles Peter Byrd

Defense makes difference

T

he age old saying in sports is that defense wins championships.

No words ring more true. Offense sells tickets, packs the stadium,makes highlight reels, and might win some regular season games. But, when the playoffs arrive, if a team does not have an above average defense, they will quickly be dispensed and have the luxury of watching the rest of the playoffs from their respective couches. Defense wins championships in all sports ranging from football to basketball to soccer.

Out of the past 12 Super Bowl champions, nine Lombardi Trophy winners have had a defense that ranked in the top 10 overall. Of those nine, six have had a top five run defense.

The other three had a top five pass defense.

When you think of great defenses in the NFL, you immediately think of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens.

These AFC North rivals have dominated the rest of the league and the reason you do not hear about the Ravens being in a Super Bowl every other year is because the Steelers have been their Achilles’ heel, knocking them out of the playoffs two of the past three seasons.

In the college ranks, the SEC has won the last five national championships thanks in large part to their dominant defenses.

This past weekend we saw those stellar, championship defenses on display in LSU’s 9-6 OT thriller versus Alabama. Many high school students were upset with the outcome because they wanted a 52-45 shootout.

I, however, salivated over how dominant these two defenses were and how inept they made these two high-octane offenses look (People complained about bad offense but coming into the game LSU and ‘Bama both averaged over 39 points per game!). A great defense is the saving grace when an offense fails to get into a rhythm and put points on the board.

A common notion is that no defense is played in the NBA, making it boring to watch.

This is mostly true, until playoff time. The top defensive teams rise above the others.

Chicago, Miami, and Boston were ranked 1,2, and 3 in total defense. These ended up being the top three seeds in the Eastern Conference. The Miami Heat defense smothered the Chicago Bulls and MVP point guard Derrick Rose in the Eastern Conference Finals en route to the NBA Finals. The Big 3, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh, even with all of the offensive skill sets between them, were over-matched in the NBA Finals by the Dallas Mavericks, who played collective team defense for 48 minutes every game.

Defense wins the world’s most popular sport. The 2006 World Cup showed this when the best defensive team in the world, the Italians, allowed only two goals all tournament (one to the Americans in group play and one to the French in the World Cup Final). This impressive feat shows that it does not take a good offense to beat opponents. This past World Cup in 2010, most people picked Brazil or Spain to win because they were the two best attacking teams in the world.

Brazil’s offense and defense was a no show versus the Dutch and they were eliminated in the quarterfinals. The Spanish went on to win the World Cup but won their last four games all by the score of 1-0, surprisingly enough. As flashy and crowdpleasing as a potent offense is, what is more important is having a strong and sturdy defensive unit.

Offenses can put you in a place you want to be; the playoffs. However, once you are in the playoffs, the burden shifts to the defense to play their best. And ultimately, without a dominant defense, a team is mediocre. n

H

staff reporter

HS’s Blue Squad of cheerleader’s has been known to do well during competition and providing spirit to our school, but this January they’ll be heading into the big time. They get to perform during the halftime part of the Bowl Championship Series game in New Orleans, Louisiana. They have been picked, along with several squads from across the nation, to perform representing our high school. The Blue Squad was just recently notified that they were going for sure.

“We, along with like 100 other schools got invited down to the BCS game,” said freshman Aspen Hoak.

This type of invite is quite the honor.

The BCS games are a big deal, the Lady Streaks will be performing in front of like 60,000 people at the stadium. Along with the large crowd, the game itself will be televised nationally. In order to get the invite, the committee saw a video of the Streaks in their district performance and called up our coach.

“We were so excited when we first heard about the idea from our coach,” said junior Sydney Wells.

The Streaks get to ride in style while going down there as they fly down on Jan 6 and will stay through the tenth. The ladies have to raise $1,300 each to make the trip. This might be the biggest feat for the ladies, but they are up for the challenge.

“We are selling gourmet cookie dough to raise money,” Hoak said. In order to get the money, they might have to do some other fundraising as well as paying some of the expenses themselves. n Cheer on! The HHS Lady Streaks Blue Cheerleading squad performs during a competition at Broadway high school. The squad will perform at the halftime show of the BCS championship in January.

Photo by Paulina Rendon.

Streaks advance to regional play Max Johnson

T

sports writer

he HHS football team is doing better than expected. Pre-season predictions were heavily based on the loss of seniors from last year, such as Virginia Tech running back, Michael Holmes. University of North Carolina guard, Landon Turner and many more phenomenal athletes who would be hard to replace.

But to add to the loss of great athletes, Harrisonburg lost a great coach as well in Tim Sarver. So fans didn’t know what to expect. With a small line, first year quarterback, and the question of who was going to replace Michael, fans wondered what the year would be like. After the first five games, the questions were answered. The Streaks were playing as if nothing had changed other than the offensive scheme, and a new coach calling the plays. One thing didn’t change, Winning.

The inexperienced quarterback question was quickly put to rest within Jake Durden’s first five games. He threw for 1,259 yards, which was more than former quarterback, Jake Johnson, threw his entire senior season. He can run a little, too. He ran for

just over 100 yards as well.

Another big part of the Streaks’ success comes from junior wide receiver, Weylin Holmes. He had 368 receiving yards with an amazing 12 touchdowns in the first five games. So the “who is going to replace Michael” question, was put to rest by his brother.

But who would resolve the the “small line” problem? It was not expected, but the Streaks took former skills players and turned them into good lineman such as former fullback Trent Sosa and former tight end Ahmad Salehi, who give Durden the time to get the ball to his receivers.

The Streaks were looking good. But on a crisp fall night, the Streaks fell short of a perfect season, in overtime, to the Broadway Gobblers. It crushed the players and the fans, who haven't seen a regular season loss since the opening game of the 2009 season.

With the regular season ending. This can only mean one thing for the Streaks, it’s playoff time, which the Streaks have come accustomed to the last 10 years. This is the first year that the Streaks have not won the district title since 2001, (the year they won the state championship), but that does not mean that the Streaks don’t think they can go all the way. They are actually more than happy in the position that they are in. n

Imeson only state-qualifying harrier

Kevin Franco

P

staff reporter

assion is when someone fights through something because they love what they do. Just about every cross country runner will tell you how difficult it is to finish up a tough race. William Imeson, a six-year cross country veteran said, “I enjoy how running can be so simple because all you do is put one foot in front of the other.

It can be pretty relaxing.”

Imeson has run every year since the sixth grade excluding his freshman year. He has been very successful this year and has qualified for the state meet, the last five haven’t gone as well though.

“I had some success this year, I got third in district

and tenth in the region. I wasn’t top notch those six years. I was mid pack and fairly slow,” Imeson said.

Imeson admits he'd love to continue his cross country career in college.

“I might if the right opportunities emerge,” Imeson said.

He thanks his coach Lauren Jefferson for increasing the mileage and difficulty at practice, and he also gives himself credit for taking this year seriously and training extremely hard.

Imeson has proven to be great runner with a love for the sport and serious talent and he hopes to keep progressing not only in cross country but in life. One of the most important things he has learned about life from cross country has been, “Do not give up on something, even if it’s hard.” n

Streaks finished up season strong, ready for next year Anthony Duong

T

staff reporter

he HHS volleyball team made another strong run at the playoffs this year as they capped their season off. Although they had a mediocre regular season, the team hopes to power through their opponents next year by using their young talents. But having difficult competition during the post-season didn’t slow the Streaks down as they tried to finish their season with wins.

“We’re looking to finish this season off, and we’re going to make a statement,” said sophomore setter Skyler Johnson. The Lady Streaks faced a tough Fort Defiance squad in the semi-finals of the tournament after winning a play-in game against Waynesboro at home. The team lost to Fort at the tournament held at Spotswood High School, but advanced to the consolation game against R.E. Lee to determine who

advanced to the regional tourney. The girls were up 2 games to none before losing to the Lee Ladies in games three, four and five of the set.

Johnson, a rising talent, has proved to people that she could be the next star for HHS. Her teammates agree on the result of their season and finishing is their main priority.

“This season was fun, I’m ready to finish and come back next year,” said junior Taylor Grogg.

Running into walls during the season doesn’t bode well for coach Andy Thompson, but he agrees that they still have a lot to fix next season.

“We still have a lot to work on for next season, but overall it was very fun,” Thompson said.

Although finishing the regular season with a better record than last year, the Streaks still have a lot to work on for next year. Being a young team, everyone on the team knows that they will have a lot of returning players. n

The Deal with Durden Jake Durden

Offense is what really wins big games

Jake Durden

A

sports writer

common aphorism in sports is that “defense wins championships”.

In a close second place is the saying, “the best defense is a good offense.” Using the transitive property, it takes a good offense to win a championship.

An overall solid team is necessary to win a championship, but the offense is the greatest single factor in the acquisition of a title. The offense dictates the tempo, controls the game clock, and most importantly, is in a cause and effect relationship with the defense; the opponent’s defense is always subject to the offense a team runs.

You cannot win a game without scoring points, and the waters would be murky if a championship game ended in a scoreless draw. And point to the contrary, the number one ranked Army Knights lost the 1946 national championship despite being undefeated due a scoreless draw with Notre Dame. Offenses throughout a smorgasbord of professional, global sports have proved the dynamos of title quests.

In the past decade, most Super Bowl winners have been teams with prolific offensive attacks. A prime example is Super Bowl XLI when the prolific offense of the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Chicago Bears, known for their stellar defense, outscoring the Bears 23-3 in the last three quarters.

Arguably the greatest team ever in the NFL, 1972 Miami Dolphins went undefeated primarily due to their unrelenting offensive attack.

They were the first team ever to have two 1,000 yard rushers in a single season, and the total offensive yardage exceeded 5,000 yards. The 1972 Dolphins averaged 27.5 points per game, first in the NFL, and shined in all 17 of their victories.

High octane attacks do not just win championships on the gridiron, however. The 2011 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals won a title by outhitting their opponents by 25 hits and 33 runs during the postseason. The Cardinals sported arguably the best hitter in baseball, future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols. Perhaps most important of all, the Cardinals would never have reached Game 7 if not for edging out the Rangers with a walk-off home run in a 10-9 slugfest. Once again, offense stole the show.

Offenses on the soccer pitch are also quintessential to titles. In the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Brazil’s flashy offensive skill came to fruition with a 2.6 goals per game average. Brazil had two of the top five goal scorers in the entire tournament, and topped the list of shots attempted and shots made. Overall, the Brazilian tactics of pushing players up field and using highly offensive formations has resulted in five World Cup Championships.

As the evidence illustrates, high octane attacks with great offensive players supersede the importance of defense in winning championships. Acquisitions of titles rarely occur without a stellar attack, whether in football, baseball, or soccer. n

Let’s Go! Coach Thompson rallies his team during a time-out against the Little Giants of Waynesboro in the district tournament playin game. The Lady Streaks won the match to advance to play Fort Defiance in the semifinals. Photo by Paulina Rendon.

November 18, 2011

The

newsstreak

SPORTS - Ben DiNapoli - B8

HANGTIME! IT’S ALL ABOUT THE

Kardos hopes to dunk in game during upcoming season Connor Whitehouse

staff reporter

“

I was so hyped.”

This is what junior Weylin Holmes said about his first time succeeding at dunking a basketball. Holmes was at a basketball court near his house, the summer after eighth grade with his brother Michael when the dunking first began.

“I was with my brother, and since he’s been dunking since eighth grade I really wanted to do it. I tried sometimes, but I didn’t really think about it a lot,” Holmes said.

This is a similar story to junior Seth Kardos, Holmes’ basketball teammate Kardos never specifically worked on his vertical by lifting, he just lowered the rims to dunk for fun.

“I first dunked the summer before my sophomore year. I’d been trying a little with my brother, and that day at URec I finally got it,” Kardos said.

Kardos and Holmes are about six feet tall, so they have to have a good vertical to get up to the rim. It’s a difficult process that involves getting up high enough to get a basketball with the diameter of nine and a half inches into a rim ten feet in the

air. That is not as true with senior Salim Charles. Standing at about six feet nine inches, Charles towers above his otherwise shorter team. Dunking comes almost naturally with such stature.

“I remember the first time I dunked. I was in eighth grade and I was at Sims with all my homies. They all started telling me to dunk, but I was not as tall then, so it was more difficult.

I did not want to embarrass myself in front of them. I went to half court anyways, got a running start, and dunked the ball.

All my friends went wild and I felt like such a G. I felt like I had done something for the Blue Streaks,” Charles said.

Charles, being a division one football prospect is forced to work out a lot. Upper body, core and especially legs are important for a receiver.

“I squat and leg press to work on my vertical, but it’s for football. It’s just a bonus that it helps with basketball also,” Charles said.

Dunks are not a common sight in high school basketball, especially in our district. Kardos and Holmes have not gotten the chance yet; however, Charles managed to slam only one down during the district tournament his sophomore year.

“It was risky before, but now I really want to dunk in a game,” Kardos said. n

Slam It! Junior Seth Kardos practices his slam dunk form during a recent open gym after school. Kardos hopes to use this skill he’s been working on during an actual game this season. Photo courtesy of Seth Kardos.

Sosa aims to make state diving tournament Connor Whitehouse staff reporter

“

When you’re up in the air like that, and you have the feeling of accomplishment of that dive that you’ve been working on for weeks, it is really cool,” junior Trent Sosa said.

Sosa was one of only three divers on the 2010-2011 Harrisonburg dive team.

Recent graduates Cilla Harrison and Joey Glick, combining with Sosa made up the trio. Sosa had never dove before the 2010-2011 season, where both of our senior divers went to the state competition.

“I was tired of wrestling and didn’t want to do it, so I swam to stay in shape.

And I guess that’s how I ended up on the

dive team,” Sosa said.

Sosa worked extensively with Coach Richard Morrell in the beginning of the season to work on basic form and pointers, then, as the season progressed, Sosa began working with Coach Mike Floyd.

Floyd coaches divers from nearly all the district schools, but has a son who swims for district rival Turner Ashby High School.

The district is extremely competitive.

Spotswood High School routinely puts out some of the finest divers in the state, the same divers who have inspired Sosa to stay with his diving career.

“Coach Floyd was really helpful. He pushed me really hard, but he said from the start that I had good form for a first time diver,” Sosa said.

Sosa went from being a beginner div-

er, not fully aware of how he was being scored, to being a strong competitor at the district level.

“I did not know it was possible for someone who had never dove before to do as well as Trent did. I thought it was going to take at least two years for Trent to get 11 dives down for regionals, but he proved me wrong and was one dive away from making it to regionals. And if he did the same dives at regionals, he could have gone to states,” Morrell said.

Sosa has not had time for preseason training for diving due to his football, but he anticipates a successful season as Harrisonburg’s only diver.

“I’m also wrestling this year, but I think I’ll be a lot more experienced and will be able to perform better. Maybe even go to states,” Sosa said. n

Dive! Junior Trent Sosa tones his routine during practice.

Salim “Shake Them Dreads” Charles dominates playing field Mitch Depoy

T

staff reporter

hey say that height isn’t everything in football, but I’m here to tell you that it sure doesn’t hurt. Senior Salim Charles, better known around HHS as Salim “Shake Them Dreads” Charles, is a force on the football field. Standing at 6’8”, Charles is the tallest player in the district and by far the tallest kid on the team. With his height comes his ability to get up and attack the ball as it is coming, or mossing a player.

Charles has been playing football since the eight grade.

“I didn’t play before because

my mom wouldn’t let me because I was so skinny, ” Charles said.

Even in the eighth grade, Charles was tall and towered over everyone. Before football Charles played baseball and basketball.

“Football is my favorite sport because I love the contact and winning,” Charles said.

This season, the Streaks are fighting their way back to Regionals after a State Championship game last season where the Streaks lost to Briar Woods.

“Last season was great, we won and made it to the title game,” Charles said.

Charles came into the season looking to have more success, and with his tall frame, he can be the X factor for the team.

With his massive height advantage over most everyone this year, teams have been double covering him most of the season. Double coverage has its advantages and disadvantages, though. With the double coverage of Charles over top, it opens up the running lanes for senior running back Corbin Whitelow along with opening the other side of the field for the pass.

Charles’ numbers are down, but he still ranks second in the team in catches and third on the team in total yards. These numbers also rank him in the top three in the district receiving stats. When the Streaks need a big catch or someone to throw to in the end-zone, Charles certainly can be seen.

The term mossing a opponent

Liberty offers pre-season snowboarding Ben DiNapoli sports reporter

S

the

kiing and snowboarding are two very tricky sports. Not just the skiing and snowboarding in themselves, but the actual needs required to participate. For one, it has to be cold enough outside to snow, under 32 degrees. There also has to be snow on the ground, something that is very hit or miss depending on where you live.

Then you also need to have a ski resort that offers all the things you want out of a full day of skiing or snowboarding: fun and fast slopes, boxes, rails, and jumps, and short lift lines so you can do everything all over again. The biggest problem with the two sports are that these requirements are only present in the winter months, usually a short period of three months from December to late February. The Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center offers a solution for skiers and snowboarders looking to ride when there isn’t any snow on the ground, even in the heat of the summer.

The LMSC is located adjacent to Liberty University in Lynchburg, a straight two hour drive from Harrisonburg. On top of a 5,000-acre mountain that also offers hiking trails and single track for mountain biking, LMSC offers a truly unique riding experience.

First conceived in 2005, LMSC was designed to find “creative ways to utilize [Liberty’s] mountain property”. LMSC is the only Snowflex terrain in the United States, and makes up one of the 30 resorts that are scattered across Europe.

Snowflex was a concept designed by Briton Engineering’s Brian Thomas. The actual Snowflex material is a synthetic, carpet-like material that is designed to simulate the feeling of real snow. It slips, grips, and slides when you want it

x

to. A complex misting system keeps the turf-like layer rideable, and at the same time keeps you cool during the hot summer months. LMSC also has a padding system, not common in the U.K. centers. Underneath the Snowflex, a layer that resembles firm foam keeps riders safer if they fall (of course, falling will still hurt much more than on real snow because the Snowflex is on top of the hard surface of the mountain slopes instead of cushier snow). The unique properties of Snowflex allow it to bend and flex to form innovative shapes, some of which make up the cornice drop, triple kicker, booters for rails and a massive quarter-pipe at the end of the freestyle run.

Snowboarder and junior Aaron VanBenschoten made a trip to LMSC with sophomores Shane Burke and Josh Messerly. “[Snowflex] took a little getting used to, it is nothing like the real stuff,” VanBenschoten said.

“It was still fun getting to ride though.”

LMSC requires all riders to wear helmets, and especially long pants and jeans, despite the sometimes triple digit summer temperatures.

Although it may seem hot out, it is worth covering up all your skin in order to save yourself from a nasty burn.

“Falling doesn’t really hurt that much because it’s pretty padded, but if you don’t cover up you can get a burn that’s like a rug burn,” VanBenschoten said.

As well as having three big kickers, LMSC also has a collection of rails and boxes.

“The setup for the park was good, but there were a few badly placed rails. I mostly did boxes,” VanBenschoten said.

Being open year round with reasonable hours (open from 12 p.m. to midnight Mondays through Thursdays, 12 p.m. to 1a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1a.m., and Sundays from 1p.m. to 12a.m.), LMSC is a great place to dial in tricks during the off-season and really keep your progression in the sport going, even when there isn’t any possibility of real snow.

“I am definitely going back. I wish it were closer,” VanBenschoten said. n

x treme corner

came from future NFL Hall of Famer, Randy Moss. Moss ranks fifth all-time in receiving yards, second in all-time receiving touchdowns and ninth in all-time receptions. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, Moss was known, much as Charles is, for being able to get up high and get the ball. Moss made several statement catches through his career as he jumped higher than the defender and caught the ball, thus the term “mossing” came about.

Charles has had many “mossing” experiences as well. Any Streaks fan will remember the game against Amherst last year.

Up to the regional game last season, the Lancers had owned the Streaks. This changed though due

to Charles and the help of a tremendous last second play by the Streaks.

“I’ll never forget the play that I went up and mossed that one defender so bad,” Charles said.

Height is always going to be an advantage. Charles posses this rare attribute of mossing. Sometimes the students can be heard chanting “Shake Them Dreads, Shake Them Dreads.”

“I love showing through all of my hard work and dedication that I can get up higher than other defenders,” Charles said with a smile on his face and his dreads dropping down. n

Floros’ numbers rival NFL players’ Mitch Depoy

sion on fourth down. Floros doesn’t let this get to him and makes the staff reporter best of it when he gets on the field.

“I love getting to crush the ball on ost people try to forget kick off and put points on the board some of the stuff from by extra points and field goals,” Flofreshman year, from ros said. the fact of being the As for Newcity and his extremely youngest in the school, the small- high stats, Floros has a few of his est, getting picked on and having to own. sit behind people and wait for your “My longest punt I’ve had was turn to play or start in sports. Se59 yards,” Floros nior Connor Floros said. started his kicking This number career on the soc- I love getting to is up there with cer field, where he crush the ball some punters was approached by in the National on kick off and athletic director Joe league, put points on the Football Carico. too. As for his “He came up to kick-offs, Floboard. me, saw that I could ros is one of the kick a soccer ball far -Connor Floros only players who and told me that I again and again could really help the can pound the football team,” Floball past the goal ros said. line and into the end zone.

Going into the summer of his “My season long field goal in a tenth grade year, Floros decided to game is 40 yards and in practice I try out for the football squad. once hit a 59-yarder,” Floros said.

This season, Floros is the starting A 59-yard field goal is a monster kicker for the football team In his kick. This year the longest field goal first year on the team, he was num- in the NFL was kicked by Raider’s ber two on the depth chart behind kicker Sebastian Janikowski a 63fellow soccer-player-turned-kicker yard boot that tied the NFL record.

Colin Newcity.

Football holds a special place in “I didn’t start kicking because of Floros’ heart.

Colin at all,” Floros said.

“During football season I like However, the whole football team kicking better and during soccer is adjusting. With the new coach season I like soccer better,” Floros comes a different style and that style said. reaches all the way down to the No worries though. Floros will kicker. It has been well documented return to the soccer field when the that Coach Thurman doesn’t like to season starts, fully committed. kick the ball much. For the 2011“I get emerged into the sport that 2012 season, the Streaks are leading I’m doing at that certain time,” Flothe district in going for the conver- ros said. n

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November 18, 2011

2011-12

HHS

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November 18, 2011

The experience - A10

The newsstreak

Horsing Around

Aiken, SC Keswick, VA

Christy Stearn

“

editor-in-chief

My first word was ‘horse,’” sophomore Brougan Brown said.

Brown, who began horseback riding at age four, started taking lessons at Rainbow Farms in Mt. Sydney, VA with Debbie Crummet twice a week. Brown trained with Crummet for three years, learning horseback riding fundamentals, such as the proper care of a horse and keeping in tune with the animal. Brown then enrolled at Hassinger Farm and Equine Rehabliliation Center in Aberdeen, NC. The Browns traveled four hours each way to the stables for practice every weekend. She trained with Amy Hassinger for four years, where she was taught the competitive aspect of riding and the commitment necessary to excel, before she began riding for Pam Baker in Bealton, VA. “Eventually my ability and talent outgrew [Rainbow Farms and Hassinger Farm],” Brown said. “When I started training with Pam, I rode every horse for her - babies, nice horses, bad horses. Anything I could get my hands on to be the best. I looked up to her like a mom; she taught me everything.”

With Baker, Brown learned how to use light touch and how to handle unexpected situations, as well as how to perform at the highest level of competition. Baker also assisted her in business aspects of the sport by helping her with her communication and social skills.

Brown credits Baker as her most influential instructor because she provided her with the essentials needed to be a successful rider.

At age eight, Brown rode up to 14 hours a day for five days a week, and was on the road nearly 40 weeks out of the year from Monday night to Sunday night showing horses and gaining experience.

Brown gave up horseback riding when she was 14 at the end of the show year on Dec. 1, 2009; she was ranked second in the country.

She finished her final year home-schooled, and then returned to public school at HHS as a freshman. Brown decided to quit training in an attempt to achieve a normal life.

“I gave up everything for riding, and people began taking advantage of me. I never got a thank you. I felt so much pressure from my parents, other trainers, and Pam,” Brown said.

“I’m really glad I rode horses and competed because it made me the person I am today, but

Culpepper, VA

Check us out on the web www.newsstreak.com This is a condensed version of Christy’s story, for in-depth coverage go to www.newsstreak.com

Harrisburg, PA