December 17

the

Newsstreak

where every person has a story

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

Volume XIC • Issue 5• December 17, 2010

Sarver’s final game Blue Streaks finish season with nearly perfect 13-1 record State runner-ups. The Blue Streaks played against the Briar Woods Falcons on Sat. Dec 11. The game was close until the final quarter, when the Falcons took the lead winning 41-21. Photo by Olivia McCarty.

News Briefs SAT Scores are available from the Nov 6 test date.

To register for the Jan 22 SAT, visit the college board website.

Schools will be closed on Dec 17- Jan3 for Winter break. There will also be a holiday concert on the last Friday before break.

Sports Briefs The Blue Streaks football team made it to states with a record of 13-0 Girls basketball opened season by making it to tournament finals of the Millbrook Invitational in Winchester.

newsstreak.com Sports ticker Feature package stories Advertisement forms Breaking news Media footage Reviews and columns Poll of the week Picture of the Day

Coming Up:

Inside this issue

Winter sports updates Coverage of the new assistant principal Meet the new interim principal Manners and Etiquette Winter Sports Previews Inside the Musical A day in the life of a gymnast Swimming in-depth IFlurtz are on the way Getting pumped for second semester Study tips for upcoming semester exams Special feature on Mrs. Reynolds

ries, finding the endzone a remarkable four times. The Streaks answered on their next possession, also riding the shoulders of their star running back. Holmes tied the game once again, on a one-yard touchdown run.

That was all the Streaks could muster.

“We came out to a great start, but just sputtered,” senior captain Zack Dean said.

The Falcons would score three more touchdowns, two coming from Brownlee, en route to a 41-21 victory over the Streaks

at Williams field on the campus of Liberty University Saturday afternoon.

A questionable holding call on a Michael Holmes kick return for touchdown, which would have given the Streaks the lead in the fourth quarter, proved to be destructive for Harrisonburg.

“When they took away the touchdown, it took away a lot of our momentum,” senior quarterback Jake Johnson said.

Holmes finished his recordsetting career in a Harrisonburg

uniform, rushing for 157 yards and finding the endzone three times.

Overall, the Streaks finished with one of the most successful teams in Harrisonburg history, and sent head coach Tim Sarver out with a bang.

“I will always cherish the time I had to play under him,” Turner said.

Johnson agreed that the season was a memorable one.

“It was a tremendous season, and one I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” Johnson said.

Dr. Perry Pope will serve as HHS’ interim principal Science teachers Christy Stearn News Editor

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lthough HHS has recently hired a new assistant principal, HCPS is additionally hiring an administrator who will replace current principal Irene Reynolds.

Reynolds, who is retiring in January, is leaving behind an executive staff position that will not be filled immediately. HCPS will readvertise the position after the holidays, and an interim principal, Dr. Perry Pope has been hired.

A committee consisting of Superintendent Scott Kizner, Assistant Superintendent Mike Loso, Director of Human Resources Shawn Printz, Director of Middle and Secondary Education Patrick Lintner, and two teachers from HHS are actively involved in selecting the new principal.

Reynolds also chose HHS students to participate in the student advisory. The advisory is a group of students who suggest to the committee characteristics the applicants should hold. Each faction is involved throughout the entire process. Staff members and students were given the opportunity to submit questions to help enhance the process.

“Everyone will have the chance to express their opinions, but no matter what the decision is, whether we choose to hire a specific applicant over another, the committee will all leave supportive of the group’s decision, not critical,” Kizner said.

The candidates applying for position must have an

assortment of imperatives. The committee is looking for administrators with at least three years of experience, a proven track record, academic success regarding all students, and collaboration with the high school’s staff and the community. The applicants will also have to possess several personality traits; the new principal must be a good listener, approachable, a team player, and have a good sense of humor.

“A sense of humor is really important because [administrators] have to laugh or they’ll burn out,” Kizner said. “Being an adminstrator requires very long hours, thick skin, and the ability to balance a lot of different interests.”

The process of hiring a new principal is extensive.

After many applications are turned in and a round of interviews is conducted by the committee, Kizner usually visit the schools the remaining candidates presently work at to get a sense of the school’s climate. The administrators have to meet a certain scoring criteria determined by the committee.

“The principal has to have a good relationship with the students. Mrs. Reynolds has the ability to relate to every student. If twenty kids walk by and none say, “Hi,” then that administrator doesn’t have a good relationship with them, and wouldn’t be a good fit for HHS,” Kizner said.

HHS’ new assistant principal Sonya Bullard was added to the high school’s staff a few weeks ago. She was easily selected as the vice principal, but went through a similar process to candidates applying for the principal position. When the committee hires a vice principal, they are looking for someone with ex-

Bullard replaces Knapp as assistant principal Maria Rose

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editor-in-chief

rincipal Irene Reynolds was so sure of Sonya Bullard, that she did not bother calling anyone else back for a second interview. Bullard, who applied to work as assistant principal at HHS (a position open after Jeremy Knapp left in August to work as a principal in Franklin, Va), went to a second interview with HCPS Superintendent Dr. Scott Kizner and was informed that she had the job. She was, as she recalls, flattered.

“I was very excited to start

Creating the perfect Christmas cookies

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working,” Bullard said, in her new office, freshly decorated with a welcome sign the Renaissance class put together.

Bullard brings with her to HHS a wide range of experiences. For 10 years, she worked as a business teacher for Western Hamett Lillington High School in North Carolina, then spent three years as a business teacher again in Waynesboro, and worked for three and a half years as an assistant principal at Stuarts Draft Middle School prior to transferring here.

Initially, Bullard was hesitant to apply for the job at HHS. With a four—“almost five”— year-old on her hands, she

knew she would be very busy spending time with her young son and 14-year-old daughter.

But after some careful deliberation, she decided she wanted to help the students in Harrisonburg.

“I prayed about it.” Bullard explained. “He led me to [decide to apply], and I just put in my application last minute.”

After she accepted the position, there was a whirlwind of activity she had to deal with. Since the job was offered midway through the first semester, Bullard had to, as she described, “hit the ground running.” Her first day on the job, she dealt with five student re-

Holiday decorations for any household

Coach Sarver bobble head doll info plus complete post season football team coverage

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use grant for new perennial garden Jake Durden

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sports editor

hat started with a tiny activity grant to the science department will soon come to fruition as a beautiful garden just outside the doors of HHS. Former environmental science teacher Ross Bair and physics instructor Andrew Jackson applied for a grant from the Pure Water Foundation to create a rain garden on the campus of HHS. With some generous financial help from principal Irene Reynolds, the garden project became a viable possibility. “[Ross Bair and I] chose three potential locations for the garden,” Jackson said. “Dr. Ford [Former superintendent of the Harrisonburg City School System] selected the location just outside the boy’s athletic locker room and it was not suitable for the rain garden idea.”

Rain gardens generally involve

See Garden on Page A2

Freeze Frame

Turkey! Senior Priscilla Harrison helps with the SSB turkey distribution. Photo by Olivia McCarty

IN PRINT ON THE WEB

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here was no contest for the Streaks the first half of the first quarter. Two touchdowns from senior running back Michael Holmes put the Streaks up 14-0, and in a position to blow the game wide open.

“We thought that we would be able to run away with it,” senior Landon Turner said.

But Briar Woods fought back,

tying the game 14-14 going into the locker rooms at halftime, with one touchdown coming on an 80-yard touchdown pass from freshman quarterback Trace McSorley to junior Alex Carter.

The Falcons struck first on their first possession in the second half, with speed demon Michael Brownlee finding the endzone from one yard out.

“He was very fast and strong,” Turner said. “He gave us fits and we didn’t wrap him up.”

Brownlee finished the game rushing for 198 yards on 14 car-

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Shane McMahan sports reporter

The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010

Kavya Beheraj - News A2

Virginia Blood Services collect 54 units during fall drive Simona Byler staff reporter

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he Virginia Blood Service visited HHS on Friday, Nov 19 for the first blood drive of the school year. The HHS SCA and Renaissance classes arrange two opportunities to donate blood each year, one in the fall and one in the spring. With an average of one hundred students and faculty signed up to donate, HHS helps the Virginia Blood Service get blood to those who need it.

Any student above age 16 was eligible to sign up to participate in the drive, an age requirement which was lowered from seventeen last year. Donors had to also meet a proper

height-weight ratio; the shorter the person, the more they had to weigh to be eligible to donate. These requirements are enacted by the Virginia Blood Services for the health of the donor, who are more at risk for a bad reaction to giving blood if they do not meet the requirements.

Held in the multipurpose room, the drive had several screening stations set up where donors were asked a series of questions to certify their eligibility. Donors also had to have their fingers pricked to check the amount of iron in their blood, known as the hemoglobin test.

“A lot of students find out they can’t donate because they’ve been out of the country or have gotten piercings or tattoos,” faculty organizer of the event Valerie Kibler said.

However, if students met the qualifications to donate, they received benefits of their own. “Besides getting out of class, a student might have known a family member who needed blood, and now they get to return the favor,” Kibler said.

There were many different reasons for students to participate in this fall’s blood drive, though one of the highest among them was being let out of class.

“Last year I didn’t have enough iron so I was glad

that this year I did so I could donate and miss class,” senior Alyssa Myers said. “I also like to think about my blood being in someone else and helping them.”

If a donor has enough hemoglobin and also weighs at least 130 pounds for boys and 150 pounds for girls, they are eligible to give double blood. When donating double blood, the donor’s blood is drawn directly into a centrifuge which spins the blood. This action separates the red blood cells from the rest of the blood, called plasma, which is pumped back into the donor’s arm.

“I wasn’t nervous because needles have never really bothered me, and when you give double blood it just feels really cold when they put the plasma back in,” first-time donor junior Evan Shank said.

Though the majority of donors can give blood without reacting negatively, senior Isaac Rohrer passed out the first time he donated, and nearly had a similar experience this year.

“I’d finished getting blood taken and when I stood up to get a drink, my senses kind of dulled and my vision went misty-eyed so I sat down,” Rohrer said.

Despite this reaction to donating, Rohrer said that he will give blood again, and thinks more students should participate in the spring blood drive.

“It’s a really good thing to do to help out, and people should give blood because it’s really not as bad as they think it is,” Rohrer said.

Saving lives. Senior Juliana Peralta takes a deep breath as she gives blood. She was one of the many students 16 and older who donated when the Virginia Blood Services visited HHS. “It wasn’t the first time I did it. I wanted to help other people,” Peralta said. This was VBS’ first visit of the year, the next will be in May. Along with the age requirement, there were also other weight and height requirements that had to be met for a person to be eligible to give blood. Students who met a slightly higher height and weight requirement were able to give double blood, which was when a student’s blood was put into a centrifuge and separated. Then the plasma, the blood after the red blood cells were removed, was pumped back into the donor’s arm. Photo by Olivia McCarty.

Renaissance sponsors senior takeover day during annual American Education Week William Imeson staff reporter

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f students ever wonder what it is like to be a teacher or an administrator, then SeniorTakeover Day is their chance to find out.

Friday, Nov 19 was Senior Takeover Day, so as a part of American Education week, seniors were allowed to take over for teachers and staff members. This was an extremely popular idea among students and many seniors eagerly took over for their favorite teachers.

Senior Rahsiem “Scooby” Johnson was very excited to take someone over.

“I had wanted to do it since last year when I first heard about it,” Johnson said. “I took over for Mr. Eye and I was running around, doing errands and stuff.”

Johnson and Eye wore matching pants, shirts, and ties. Johnson

even carried a walkie talkie and talked with other surrogate administrators.

However, the students had to follow guidelines in preparation for taking over the teacher. The students had to dress up and act in a professional manner, have a lesson plan approved by the teacher, and work the same hours as the teacher they were taking over.

Senior Emily Blatt took over for Beth Cash, the main office secretary. Blatt had been mentoring with Cash in the office for a long time and “it seemed like the natural thing for [Blatt] to do,” Blatt said. She first started spending extra time in the office when she became friends with Emily Knupp during their freshman year.

“Whenever we needed a break, we would come down to the office to see her mom [the school nurse],” Blatt said. “Eventually Mrs. Cash told us that if we were going to hang around there, we would have to do some work.”

Turner taught Healy’s World History II class and an AP European History class.

“All the Euro class did was take a test, so I didn’t do much,” S e n i o r Turner said. “But I taught the Rahshiem World II class about the Rus“Scooby” sian Revolution. I gave a speech about it and we did some Johnson notes.”

Healy was very impressed with Turner.

“Patrick met with me three Blatt started answering the times prior to the day,” Healy said. school’s phone and assisting Cash in anything she needed. For Take- “He did research on the topic, over-Day, Blatt and Cash wore went back through the book and matching Blue Streak shirts and took notes, and had a good lesson jeans. Blatt also sported a visitor’s plan. I hardly had to do a thing.”

Senior Chris Pyle took over libadge with Cash’s name on it.

Senior Patrick Turner took brary secretary Bradley Walton for over for history teacher and foot- the day. Pyle first got the idea during the spring play. Walton wrote ball coach Marc Healy.

“World History II was my fa- the play and Pyle was part of the vorite class.” Turner said. “I took cast. In the process, the two estabit over because I thought it would lished a good relationship.

“During the play, my costume be fun to teach others that same was a proxy of [Walton],” Pyle stuff.” said. “I had on all black and a black

I had wanted to do it since last year when I first heard about it. I took over for Mr. Eye.”

goatee and we were identical. People backstage kept mistaking me for him. It was such a success, the entire cast demanded that I take him over.”

Walton does not teach students, but that did not mean Pyle did not have work to do. Pyle checked books in and out and made sure students were following the rules of the library. He looked forward to making sure students did not have backpacks or any other contraband.

“I even practiced staring down the rule breakers,” Pyle said. “The reactions [from people in the library] were priceless.”

Pyle would definitely take Walton over again. It was a fun experience and Pyle feels as if he gained a lot.

“It’s a long day in the library,” Pyle said. “But totally worth it.”

Big Blue Botics sells toy robot “Hex Bugs” as fundraiser for holiday season Zach McDonnell staff reporter

changed by touch with its antennae sensors or by sound with its microphone.

Though the bugs were not made by Big Blue Botics students (they were bought hen math teacher from the HEXBUG company), Estes was Geoffrey Estes crehappy to sell something that directly reated Big Blue Botlated to robotics. ics, HHS’s robotics And Big Blue Botics is selling them at an team two years ago, he foresaw opportune time: the holiday season. that its state-funded grant simply “We couldn’t have done [the fundraiswould not cut it for a club with er] any earlier in the year,” junior Howard its sights on national competition.

Zuo said. “This is right before the holiThe program operates under First days, so people might want to gift them.

Robotics, an organization that proIt’s right before the [robotics] season… motes science, mathematics, and we need to buy our parts [for our robot],” engineering with national events Zuo said. in which student-programmed and Though those parts are expensive, seAh! A Bug! The Hex-Bug, a toy sold by Big Blue Botics, is a student-built robots compete. mini-robot that responds to touch and sound by changing di- nior Swayne says the program is well on But the national level is not easy rection. BBB is hoping to raise money to fund their projects. its way to reaching its short-term fundto reach, as hotels and transporta- Photo by Paulina Rendon. raising goal of over $1,000 dollars in revtion alone can run up to $2,000 enue. dollars, according to senior coed to try to do our first small fundraiser this “We have about $500 dollars…in captain Sam Swayne. The robot itself costs year,” Estes said. “I was looking for some- revenue right now,” says Swayne. But the around $6,000. Estes decided that Big Blue thing unique, something you just don’t see fundraising will not cease with the Hexbug Botics would have to go beyond its state- people selling.” venture. “Our [total] goal—not just from sponsored funding.

That “something” is a Hexbug, a small, Hexbugs—is $10,000 dollars,” Swayne said.

“Funding runs out over time, so we decid- walking toy robot whose direction can be

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Big Blue Botics plans to have other fundraisers in the future.

Swayne attributed much of the fundraiser’s success to “proactive” senior co-captain Khashayar Dashtpour.

“I try [to sell] to people who I know have small children or grandchildren,” said the co-captain. “No one is going to buy [a Hexbug] for their 20-year-old son or daughter.”

His methods have worked well, in part because Big Blue Botics is selling the bugs cheaper than any place in the city, including Radioshack, HEXBUG’s main American distributor. Dashtpour boasted that he had sold over “40-50” Hexbugs, by far the most for a Big Blue Botics member. The senior is eager to reach the national competition in St. Louis, MO which he says will cost $5,000 total.

“I’m just very thankful for everybody who supported us through this small fundraiser,” Estes said. But the math teacher has his eye on a bigger prize: sponsorship to compete on the national level. In the meantime, however, the baby steps of the Hexbug fundraiser will do.

NAHS to paint mural for Massanutten Regional Library’s children’s section Paulina Rendon

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style editor

HS’s National Art Honor Society is painting a mural in the Massanutten Regional Library downtown. The mural will be painted near the entrance of the Children’s Section. Each member of the society created his or her own character to paint into the scene which will feature a tree house.

The Art Honor Society was approached

by Lola Mullen from the Library, who asked them to do the mural.

“I think it’s a great idea,” senior president Heather Hunter Nickels said. “It’s such a cool project and it’ll be there for a long time.”

The students work on the mural only on the weekend when the library is closed to the public. So far, the mural is still in the planning stages while the details are being decided.The backdrop for the mural will be the tree house and the characters not created by the NAHS staff will be based on

children’s stories.

“I know it’s going to have some fairytalelike characters in it,” senior Melissa McDuffee said.

Unfortunately, actual storybook characters cannot be directly referenced due to possible copyright infringement. The NAHS has their own solution, however.

“We can’t use the copyrighted characters, so we made up generic, kid-friendly characters instead,” senior vice-president Sam Swayne said.

The idea of having a mural belonged to

Mullen.

“She wanted to have something that drew more attention to the children’s room,” junior Abraham Alvarado said.

All 20 members of NAHS were not able to work on the mural because of limited space on the wall. Hunter-Nickels asked who wanted to be involved and chose seven volunteers to be a part of the project.

The NAHS hopes to finish in time for the holidays in order to surprise the children that visit the library.

Rain garden provides extra educational opportunity for enviro classes Garden from Page A1

Rain gardens generally involve a low-lying ditch area where water collects and hydrophilic plants grow. Bair and Jackson believed that they could capitalize on the runoff from the school parking lot and pool enough water to support a rain garden. However, Dr. Ford chose a location outside the boy’s locker room where the soil topography was flat and most of the water from the parking lot did not flow.

“The area selected for the garden did not drain a large area of the parking lot,” Jackson said.

As an alternative, Bair and Jackson decided to focus on

making the garden an accurate picture of local fauna. “[The garden] will be filled entirely with species native to the Shenandoah Valley,” Bair said.

The most inconvenient aspect of the upcoming garden will be its closure to individual students. Only classes will be allowed to enter, and only under teacher supervision.

“The rock wall adjacent to the garden is too much of a hazard for individual students,” Jackson said.

The native environment provided by the garden will be an ideal outdoor classroom for multiple science classes at HHS. “There will be rock walls, limestone, and slate for earth

science,” Jackson said. “Of course there will be plenty of plants for horticulture and biology courses.”

The garden would not have been possible without the generous hard work of local landscaping company The Natural Garden. They have accepted reduced payment from HHS and undertaken much of the excavating and layout work. Work on the garden has varied, ranging from periods of intense labor to periods where work was put on hold. Laborers will wait until the spring of 2011 to plant the native species. When this garden blossoms for the first time next year, HHS will have its first outdoor classroom and a variety of specimens of native plants

The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010

Christy Stearn - News A3

Streaks Serve the ‘Burg distributes turkeys to needy families Jake Durden

packed bags of Thanksgiving supplies out to cars and pedesstaff reporter trians, while other SSB members carried massive frozen turour years ago, HHS keys from a refrigerated tractor student-athletes start- trailer up to the distribution ed another tradition area.

Families from the area of service in the comwaited in the lengthy train of munity. This year, Streaks Serve vehicles or stood in line for as the ‘Burg traveled to the Boys and Girls Club at the Simms long as it took to receive their Building and spent the day Thanksgiving supplies.

“Getting to work with my distributing turkeys and other friends and hand out turkeys to holiday foods to those who people who were really thankful for them was great.

My favorite part was diving into the freezer of the truck and unloading,” freshman Ryan Phillips said.

Landon The SSB members Turner still had time for a little fun afterward. The volunteers shared a few pizzas and enjoyed their time together once the flow of beneficiaries slowed.

SSB Coordinator Dawn Womack was may not have been able to eat a traditional Thanksgiving meal proud of the impact Streaks Serve the ‘Burg was able to otherwise.

Approximately 40 Streaks make and was happy to help volunteered during the school Harrisonburg citizens.

“One of the most meaningday on Nov 23. They worked ful expressions of care and contwo to three hour shifts; 8 a.m. cern for people is to give up to 11a.m., and 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Some Streaks dou- your own personal time to help others in need. When you do, bled up to work the entire day.

Volunteers transported pre- you make a difference!” Womack said.

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“Days like today make me feel warm inside from helping people out. That’s why I’m never cold.”

Lending a helping hand Streaks Serve the ‘Burg members unload turkeys to go with the bags they assembled for Thanksgiving meals. Photo by Maria Rose

Several other Streaks believed that the true reward was not a day off school, but instead was getting the opportunity to aid members of the local community.

“Days like today make me feel warm inside from helping people out,” senior SSB leader Landon Turner said. “That’s why I’m never cold.”

Senior SSB member Priscilla Harrison agreed.

“It was really fun to help out others while enjoying your time with fellow teammates,” Harrison said.

Streaks Serve the ‘Burg is also teaming up with the Salvation Army. The volunteers will be ringing bells to try and gain donations for the Red Kettle Campaign on Dec 18. They will also distribute Christmas toys to children on Dec 21. The Salvation Army supplies dinners, clothing, and toys for families in need during the holiday season and throughout the rest of the year.

“It is a blessing for our Blue Streak athletes to be a small part of what they do and we hope a huge blessing to the families served. We often say to SSB members that we are a TEAM, which means Together Everyone Achieves More. Serving the community at these events is a small way SSB can say Merry Christmas to Harrisonburg,” Womack said.

Tri-M plans caroling for area retirement homes this month Banquets happen on same night Ben DiNapoli

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staff reporter

he Tri-M Music Honors Society is continuing its tradition of Christmas caroling in local retirement homes.

The group usually carols at Sunnyside Retirement Community, but has also visited other retirement homes around Harrisonburg. Sarah DiNapoli, last year’s Tri-M president, enjoyed caroling a lot.

“It was really fun experience. The best part was probably seeing the faces when we surprised them by singing.

They were always happy to hear and see us,” DiNapoli said.

Tri-M typically sings classic Christmas carols, such as “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls”. They have tried to sing more difficult songs, but the group’s singing abilities restrict their repertoire.

“We tried to sing harder songs such as “Silent Night”, but there just were not that many good singers in the group,” DiNapoli said. “It was a lot harder to try and match pitches, so we just stuck to the easier tunes.”

Tri-M proceeds through a relatively easy process before they begin caroling. The president contacts the head of advertising at Sunnyside to schedule several different dates when the group can visit the retirement home to carol.

He or she then gives Tri-M a selection of dates to choose from, and Tri-M selects the one that fits their schedule best. Tri-M members then carpool from HHS to the retirement home to sing to the residents.

“Caroling was possibly the best part about Tri-M, besides the bagels in the morning before every meeting. If I was still in high school, I would definitely try to carol again,” Dinapoli said.

For current senior Tri-M president Ryan Stees, this will be his first year caroling with the club; however, he is eagerly anticipating the trend set by Tri-M’s previous members.

“I haven’t been caroling yet because I was out of town my sophomore year and then I was sick junior year,” Stees said.

As a first time caroler, Ryan has set his hopes high for this year’s event.

“I expect a good turnout this year, and it should be a lot of fun because we are going caroling at two places, Sunnyside Retirement Community and VMRC (the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, located near Eastern Mennonite University), instead of just one.” Stees said. “It’s always a good thing to get involved in the community, plus we are going to Mr. J’s in between the locations for lunch!”

Hoping to go to Sunnyside and VMRC on December 18, Tri-M looks forward to continuing on the tradition.

Bullard joins HHS staff

Principal from Page A1

ning.” Her first day on the job, she dealt with five student referrals.

“I didn’t have much of a honeymoon period,” Bullard joked, referencing the time a political leader elected to a new position has to rest.

Bullard began her educational career after her childhood showed her other, unfortunate paths one’s life can take.

Where she grew up, she saw many teenagers getting pregnant early, single parent families, and a rough standard of living. Her experiences growing up inspired her to help children get the best education they could.

“My heart went out to the less fortunate,” Bullard said.

Part of what drew Bullard to HHS was the prospect of working with such a diverse student body.

In North Carolina, she was able to experience collaborating with a variety of ethnicities, and she contends that the more diverse a population is, the more it allows students to learn about different cultures.

“Diversity allows everyone to get along together in society and respect one another,” Bullard said.

“We see that we’re different, but also the same.”

Bullard enjoys most working with the students.

As an administrator, she is now in a position to get to know more kids on a much more personal level. To her, all kids have a different story, and it is her job to learn that story and understand how she must deal with each student.

“We want to be fair to everyone,” Bullard said.

“But that doesn’t always mean it’s equal.”

However, as assistant principal, Bullard understands that a large portion of her time must be spent managing discipline. This, in turn, means that she has less time to devote to student interaction—something she misses very much. As a teacher, she had more to do within a classroom (“as the job should be an instructional leader,” she said), and dealing with the change is the biggest challenge for her. “One day, and one child at a time,” Bullard said.

Mark Duda

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entertainment editor

n Wednesday, November 17, both the cross country teams and band commenced their seasons with banquets held on opposite ends of the commons.

“I always enjoy the banquets because each person gets talked about, although they do last three hours. I enjoy reliving the fun cross country times,” sophomore runner Caitlin Kelley said. “If there were any way they could be shorter, they would be better.”

The cross country team relived the highlights of its fall season.

“Loughran told the story about when we went to Olive Garden [before the state meet] and us daring each other to do things. For example, I called the waiter awkward names like ‘sugar’ and ‘shawty’, and Ellie told him ‘I’m an animal’. It was kind of awkward because all of our parents were there, but it was funny.” Kelley said.

While the girls’ cross country coach David Loughran has long been known to “talk a lot”, according to Kelley, what dragged the banquet out the most this year was the departure of exboys cross country coach Ross Bair. In previous years, Bair has been known for helping to speed things up at the banquets, and the inclusion of the new boys’ cross country coach Lauren Jefferson who Kelley said “seemed like she was trying to out-talk Loughran.”

After collecting money from their team

mates, junior Nevin Heckman and senior Keith Thomas led a search around Harrisonburg for the perfect gift for Jefferson. The hunt ended with the pair of athletes finding the “perfect gift” at a lawn ornament store.

“We went into the store and pretty much just picked out the funniest things we saw,” Heckman said. At the end of the banquet, the boys’ team gathered to bring the gifts, including an extremely heavy garden gnome and an oddly-shaped cardinal, to the stage.

The girls had a plan for a gift for their coach, too.

“Us girls made a poster with pictures on it and everyone signed it,” Kelley said.

Awards were given out to top performers from each team.

“I think that everyone who won awards deserved them. I knew Erin [Goodstein] and Jenny [Kniss] would get their award, and Alison [Domonoske] definitely deserved the Blue Streak Award,” Kelley said.

The band banquet took place the same evening, just across the hallway on the other side of the commons.

“Everybody brought something. First we ate then Snow started talking about the accomplishments that the seniors made. He honored the section leaders and handed out awards,” sophomore Chris Sokolyuk said.

“They played a slideshow of pictures from marching season this year while we ate food.”

After the marching band banquet ended in about an hour and a half, Sokolyuk had to wait for his sister to finish at the cross country banquet. “It took forever,” Sokolyuk said.

Search for interim principal is long, involved process hires a vice principal, they are looking for someone with experience, not necessarily as an administrator, but as a teacher who is actively involved in clubs or other extra-curricular activities within their school. When hiring a principal, the process is a lot more thorough and the requirements are steeper.

“It’s challenging because we’re looking for someone who is great in every aspect; we’re looking for someone who can walk on water,” Kizner said.

The committee will also look at schools with exciting success, and reach out to staff members who were not originally going to apply. By calling the superintendents of other school systems and networking, HCPS has the chance to draw in more applications.

During the middle of the school year, applications are very limited. Thirty people called and asked about the job as HHS’ new principal, but only fifteen followed up on the position. The committee reviewed the applications and narrowed it down to five candidates who they interviewed.

Since there were no clear contenders, Kizner and the committee decided to hire an interim principal and readvertise around the end of December or the beginning of January.

There are two options for hiring an interim principal: the school system can hire from inside the school, (like an administrator already working in the office), or can hire a retired administrator. The interim principal would have the same duties and the same license as a regular principal, but his or her responsibilities are only short-term.

The interim principal will begin working with Reynolds to learn her job specifics in early January. The new principal will be hired no later than July 1. Even though Reynolds is leaving mid-term, the timing is almost ideal for the school system; she will still be here to organize budgets and the staff is already set.

When hiring a new principal, the committee is searching for a contender who is able to lead HHS in a new era.

“We don’t want to look for someone exactly like Mrs. Reynolds; we want to look for new leadership,” Kizner said.

“We have to remind ourselves that we’re looking for someone who can lead us in an unconsidered direction.”

The majority of the teachers and faculty members at HHS have only worked under Reynolds. Both the interim principal and the new principal will have to adapt to HHS’ environment by developing relationships, sharing ideas, trusting, and listening to other staff members.

Interim from Page A1

“Any good principal would take the time to meet the students and staff. HHS will miss Mrs. Reynolds, there’s no question about that, but I hope everyone will give the new principal a chance,” Kizner said.

The committee is hoping to hire a principal who will make necessary changes at the high school. HHS wants all of its students to have the opportunity to be in challenging classses and free from distractions.

“I think we need to take a look at students who are struggling and offer them the right level of support so that they leave HHS with diploma value. The new principal needs to know how to honor and respect HHS’ diversity,” Kizner said. “Kids are more than just numbers; each one has a story and a background.”

HCPS is taking steps to increase the access to technology. In addition to allowing more websites through the content filter, HHS and other district schools are aspiring to start using mobile technologies, such as iPods and iPads in class. The school system is able to pay for the new technologies in two ways. HHS’ enrollment has increased by over 200 students, allowing about $600,000 more than the school expected. Also, Harrisonburg has always budgeted for technology, but has been holding off on purchasing new equipment for its schools. HCPS has added new technologies over the years, but none that are mobile.

“In the world we live in right now, technology is very necessary. We owe it to our students to provide them with good technologies,” Kizner said. “Some students don’t have the opportunity to use iPods or iPads, so we’re hoping to give them that accessibility with the technology resources we hope to add. Technology has to be seen as a basic like pencils and paper.”

Within the last few months, the school system has taken steps to implement technology. Karen Campbell, the division wide technology coordinator, attended a National Tech Conference in Washington, D.C. during September, and two school-based instructional coordinators, Alan Quimby and Diana Flick, will be attending a technology convention in Williamsburg. After the group comes back, they will present the ideas they learned and suggestions to the school board.

“It’s hard for administrators to get excited about all the new technologies if they don’t understand them or don’t know how to use them,” Kizner said.

HHS students and staff are all anticipating the arrival of the interim principal, and later, the new principal.

The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010 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 editors. 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 nondiscrimination 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.

Letters to the editor are encouraged and must be signed and a telephone number must be given. Names may be withheld if the editorial staff feels there is a just cause.

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: Maria Rose, Phillip Bannister; Online: David Proctor, Alison Domonoske Managing Editors: Vanessa Ehrenpreis, Jack Burden Section Editors: News - Maria Rose Opinion - Lauren Martin Style - Christine Choi Feature - Aidan Newcity Sports - Vanessa Ehrenpreis Fun Director: Lauren Martin Advertising Manager: Lauren Martin Business Manager: Savanah Cary Photographers: Emily Jamieson, Maria Rose, Paulina Rendon, Olivia McCarty, Phillip Bannister, Anastasiya Kalyuk, Aidan Newcity Cartoonist: Emily Knupp Page Designers: Christy Stearn, Emily Jamieson, Lauren Martin, Paulina Rendon, Molly Denman, Michael Johnson, Madison Wilson, Kavya Beheraj, Heather HunterNickels, Mark Duda, Shane McMahan, Ama Ansah, Phillip Bannister, Christine Choi, Olivia McCarty, Maria Rose, Vanessa Ehrenpreis, Aidan Newcity Staff Reporters: Nahla Aboutabl, Kavya Beheraj, Emmett Copeland, Heather Hunter-Nickels, Michael Johnson, Christy Stearn, Madison Wilson, Shane McMahan, Mark Duda, Alex Hickman, Maggie Siciliano, Ben DiNapoli, Anastasiya Kalyuk, Charity O’Connor, Rachel O’Connor, Lukas Stephan, Peter Byrd, William Imeson, Zach McDonnell, Simona Byler, Xuyi Guo, Ali Byrd, Mia Karr, Bianca Solis, Jesus Lopez-Chang Freshmen Reporters: John Adamek, Samantha Blake, William Bleckley, Emerson, Bonga, Matt Bowman, Austin Coffey, Megan Coverstone, Anthony Duong, Celia Ehrenpreis, Kevin Franco, Johnathan Gomez-Lemus, Jessica Jolicoeur Professional Affiliations: The Newsstreak participates as a member of several journalistic evaluation services including the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA-2009 Gold Evaluation and 2005 & 2009 Silver Crown Winner), Quill&Scroll Journalism Honor Society (2010 First Place International Award), National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), the Virginia High School League, Inc. Trophy Class Award, and the Southern Interscholastic Press Association All Southern Ranking. newsstreak.com opt out notice: If you do NOT want to allow your student’s full name or image to appear on the school newspaper site, please send an email to vkibler@ harrisonburg. k12.va.us stating: I understand that the school newspaper, newsstreak.com, now has an online version of the publication.

I DO NOT want my son/daughter (place student’s name here) to have his or her name or image published on this online venue.

Emily Jamieson - OP/ED A4

Twitter just isn’t that popular among teens Zach McDonnell

W

staff reporter

hen I first heard about Twitter in early 2009, I never thought it would catch on because of its stupidity. Little did I know that its stupidity is precisely why Twitter is the world’s third-most popular social networking site—after Youtube and Facebook, according to monthly rankings by Alexa, a premier web information company.

Twitter’s underlying idea is that people can inform us about their lives, hold distant conversations, and even interact with celebrities— all with posts under 140 characters, including spaces. In all, these interactions amount to little more than “Eatin a sandwich lol.” Of course, Twitter is hardly a new, innovate idea. The site combines the text message and the blog with a dash of celebrity—a winning combination, sure, but hardly a useful one.

In fact, Twitter worsens celebrity worship, as if E!, TMZ, and People did not already fill that niche with incessant, droning coverage. Users can “follow”—how sheepish— celebrities to peek into their lives.

Everyday people are now fully empowered to say, “Man, that terrorist attack was awful…I wonder what Lady Gaga thinks of this.” It is the kind of celebrity worship that makes America focus less on meaningful issues and more on—well, just look at a recent insight from LeBron James’s account: “Watching ‘The Godfather, Part 2’. One of my favorites.”

Here is one from Tiger Woods’: “I can barely grow a goatee.”

Good for you, Tiger.

An enormous part of Twitter’s appeal is users’ power not just to blindly “follow” their favorite celebrities but to interact with them as well. Users can send “tweets” to those they follow, and on occasion those celebrities will tweet back.

The little people on Twitter, as it turns out, count too.

But followers do just that:

follow—and blindly. The most egregious example concerns Sarah Palin, whose account is (unsurprisingly) named SarahPalinUSA. Palin has effectively dumbed down political debate, along with a legion of political figures who spew shorthand garbage onto the Internet. As Atlantic writer Michael Hirschorn points out, a politician or pundit can tweet something such as “death panels” that cannot be dispelled with rational discourse because of Twitter’s 140character limit. Even something as succinct as the Preamble to United States Constitution would take three tweets.

Because of Twitter, I live in a country in which a person who is the front-runner for a presidential nomination regularly posts things like “It seems God poured His bucket of rich natural resources up North,incl [sic] resources 2 [sic] energize & feed the world;tomrrw [sic] we highlight Bristol Bay.” It just makes me [sic].

Twitter has not just infected political debate.

It has severely dumbed down the newsroom too, particularly CNN’s. CNN anchors regularly check to see what the “Twitterverse” is thinking about the topics of the day. You think somebody would eventually say, “Hey, CNN, I don’t care what the ‘Twitterverse’ thinks about gay marriage or, frankly, anything else. I watch the news in vanishing hope that an educated, nonbiased source—like, say, CNN—will inform me about the news.” But I guess I just did.

Sure, Twitter is like all social networking sites in that it breaks down face-to-face communications and that it is just another distraction yadda yadda yadda. The real problem is that Twitter even breaks down online communication with its character limit and worsens the stupidity of celebrity worship. After all, the most “followed” people on Earth are, in order, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, and Justin Bieber.

At least I can rest assured that MC Hammer is only number sixty-four.

Cartoon by Emily Knupp

Family’s marble tradition gets competitive Simona Byler

W

staff reporter

hen my family and I visit relatives in Ohio over the holidays, the only thing we can all peacefully do together, besides eat, is play marbles. Marbles is not exciting. Marbles is not enjoyable. But for some unknown reason, we end up playing for hours at a time.

I am a pretty competitive person, and apparently it runs in the family. I have over a dozen male cousins in their twenties and thirties overflowing with testosterone who find it impossible to act cordially around each other while participating in an activity which requires any advanced brain function whatsoever. So we all partake in a game which consists of rolling a dice and moving a marble the corresponding number around a home-made board, instead of deal with the arguments that would ensue had we picked a more complicated pastime.

The average six-person marble game takes

about a half hour to complete, leaving plenty of time in between turns to get really, really bored. My subconscious tries to counteract this boredom, so I often find myself making strange noises without realizing I am doing so, or fidgeting absentmindedly in my chair. This comes much to the annoyance of my cousins, who then turn their attention away from the fascinating marble game to punch me in the arm as a nonverbal “shut up” and then scoff at the dirt under my fingernails or my mismatched socks.

As I feel the bruise on my arm starting to develop, I choose to actually focus on the game rather than undergo any further bodily harm.

This does not last long, as my ADD takes hold and I realize that my green and yellow swirled marbles are the same color as small, spherical dragons and my dice can function as a top if I spin it hard enough. After receiving another punch in the arm for voicing my thoughts about my dragon-marbles and accidentally sending my dice spinning across the table, I decide to get some food.

I swear I gain ten pounds every time I visit family. Though the majority of my relatives have shed the traditions of their conservative Mennonite upbringings, their recipes and ability to home-style cook have not been forgotten over time. My mom and three aunts are in a perpetual state of culinary excellence, which usually results in having a vast array of desserts ranging from tiramisu to cheesecake. I grab a piece of one of the many different pies, and hurry back to the marble game to make sure I don’t receive yet another punch for being late for my turn to roll.

After a few more not-so-strenuous minutes, the game is finally over as the winning team gets the last of their marbles around the board.

At the finish of high-intensity rounds the occasional high-five is given out, but for the most part the only thing that results is awkward eyecontact with the other players, a heaved sigh, and the knowledge that we only have so much time left to spend together as we gather our marbles and start the game again.

Step into vast Harry Potter world Luke Stephan

W

staff reporter

ith the recent release of the new Harry Potter film, many are wondering if there will soon be a new generation to follow. In an interview with Oprah, J.K. Rowling has said that she would easily be able to crank out three more Harry Potter books. Though she says that she has no immediate plans to write anymore.

In an April book reading at the White House, she told a child that she would like to write new books, even going so far as to say; “I’m quite

sure in the not-too-distant future I will bring out another book.”

Rowling said she might be interested in revisiting the series “10 years from now,” But I’m wondering what this would mean for our generation, we who grew up with Potter, we who waited in line from nine to midnight just to fall asleep reading.

I remember being 14 years old, dressing up in my wizard’s hat, and waiting in line at Books-a-Million for hours. Will the same fervor be carried over to the next generation of Potter fanatics? I doubt it. For us, Potter was the best thing since sliced bread. Better, even.

How could anything beat that?

Yes, the Potter universe is vast. Why not continue the story of the Potter children? Or Ministry of Magic dynamics? How about wizards 100 years in the future? Sure, they’re all interesting things to ponder, but Rowling has already hit her zenith.

Harry Potter is the “chosen one,” a title that even Potter’s scion would have trouble topping.

In my opinion a new series would only prove to be a novelty, an attempt to materialize something that should remain abstract. The idea of a new generation is fun to play around with, but will never surpass the flair that the original books had. One thing is for certain; only time will tell.

Why must their be inappropriate forms of communication?

Xuyi Guo

W

staff reporter

riting, singing, and rodeos have something in common. They all have an audience. Thus all writing must first and foremost consider that audience. Consequentially, if I wrote a research paper it should probably read differently from a personal narrative, which should also probably read differently from a column, which should probably read differently from a text message. Different styles of writing, particularly in regard to diction, have their own niches.

One niche of interest to me is the Internet.

Actually, rather than being a single niche the

Internet is more like an entire world. The niches are really the individual websites. I imagine that an academic forum would invite a different style of writing than the comments on the most viewed video on YouTube would.

Some people disagree.

Some people think that the Internet is a locus for them to evince the world that they are the definition of urbane, and are flabbergasted by the vacuous discourse of their virtual peers in comparison to their mastery of rhetoric.

Some people, these virtual masters of rhetoric, really annoy me.

Inappropriateness takes many different forms. There is the basic kind: profanity, prejudice, and general obscenity. And then there is situational inappropriateness. The internet

is frequented by users of all ages and backgrounds, and I hate it when I see people go online and talk down to others. Most often this condescension is subtle, but that makes it all the more venomous. For example, on a website populated by many middle school-age children for whom English is a second language, using words like “Platonic”, touting one’s own noble disposition when compared to others, and then discussing one’s exploration of inner morality in what was meant to be a simple discussion strikes me as both inconsiderate and inappropriate.

Don’t get me wrong; tossing around the SAT vocabulary and reflecting on life is fine.

However, doing it in the wrong place and with a condescending tone is unfitting.

Have an idea?

Let us know! Write a letter to the editor or submit a coverage idea to www.newsstreak.com

The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010

Lauren Martin- OP/ED A5

Football team proudly represents Harrisonburg Staff Editorial

groundskeeper, great athletic director to put together a great season.

The football team of 2010 has had a great season.

Only the best make it to states.

Regardless of the state game outcome, the Harrisonburg High School Blue Streaks have proved themselves, time and time again this fall, to be one of the best teams in the state. Sure, Briar Woods beat us fair and square. But one loss—

even if it was at the state game— out of 14 does not determine who we are as a school and it certainly does not make any of our other t takes a great effort to make wins less important. Was this state a great difference. The footgame just a game? Of course not. ball team of 2010 has accomBut was our dramatic triumph over plished that. our long-time rivals from Amherst It takes a great team to reach in the last 25 seconds just a game? a great goal. The football team of Was our double overtime defeat of 2010 has achieved that.

Christiansburg in the snow just a It takes a great coach, great game? No. quarterback, great wide receiver, One game, no matter how imgreat trainer, great waterboy, great portant, does not define a season. The fact that we advanced to that level is outstandingly impressive. There is no shame in a loss to a team like Briar Woods.

We showed them who we were, and we did so with a classy style. Two touchdowns in the first five minutes? That is no easy feat.

The change that the team has set in motion is one of unity. Not necessarily school spirit, but a sense of unison among the student body and the community. The Briar Woods fans were loud. But Harrisonburg GO STREAKS! HHS fans go crazy as the football team jumps out to an early 14-0 lead showed up with thirteen over Briar Woods in the state championship game. Photo by Maria Rose. (because that’s how

I

many wins we had going in) times as much spirit and had about four times as many people as they did.

It was embarrassing to see how few fans they had, compared to our cheering, hollering, dedicated crowd, and that the real cheering on their side began once they actually had the lead.

So while we may not have brought home the bigger trophy, we gained instead, an appreciation for ourselves as a school. If only for a moment, we came to root for something that we all believed in and wanted, even if we did not know football in the slightest. You did not need to know our stats or how Michael Holmes’ speed would affect our score to love our team.

We had signs and posters encouraging our players all over school before the big game. We had half the town in the stands. We had more reporters on our side of the field. And if one were to check Facebook after the game, about 95% of all the statuses proclaimed undying devotion, admiration, and respect for the Blue Streaks.

So congratulations, Blue Streaks on a great season, but more importantly, being great athletes and people. You have set fire to a school spirit that cannot be contained. We believe. Always.

(not so) Merry Memories

N

ew York City is a very large place. Ironically enough, it has the largest Macy’s in the United States. My family and I decided that it would be a brilliant idea to travel to one of the largest, most populated cities in the country to shop in the largest most populated store on one of the busiest shopping days of the year: Christmas Eve. I’m sure you can only imagine how that little endeavor turned out.

Ten minutes in, we lost my stepfather’s sister. Yes, we actually lost a sixty-something year old woman in Macy’s. It was kind of like a bad Christmas movie. The out of town family comes into the city to shop until they drop (literally), dragging along their NYC inhabitant relative who has never been out of her neighborhood, oh yeah-- and then loses her. It would probably be hilarious, if it was not my real life.

Then, to add immorality to such a lovely situation, we continued to shop as if nothing had happened. I vaguely remember my stepfather making a comment along the lines of “She’ll be alright. Does everyone have their phone?

Good, be careful,” and then walking off into the mob of people mulling around the department store. I will admit, I checked to make sure my phone was still in the pocket of my North Face and hauled behind to the shoe department.

Lauren Martin I realize now how terrible that Christmas Eve could have truly been. Because we were so wrapped up in the sales and the wonderment of the hustle and bustle of last minute shopping, we completely disregarded how ads manager/fun director uncomfortable my stepfather’s sister was being outside of the ten block radius she has resided in for fifteen years. We finally received a phone call while eating dinner at Applebee’s that my step aunt had been sitting in the Macy’s security office since we lost her, a good seven hours earlier. What a great family we are, huh?

It sort of amazed me that we, me, my family, could be so selfish. Seeing my stepfather’s sister with red puffy eyes from crying made me want to throw myself in front of a speeding NYC Taxi Cab...seriously. All I could think about was “What if that would have been me?”

Granted, I would never let myself get so lost, or sit in the Macy’s security office for seven hours, it was still a terrifying thought. I remember how traumatizing getting lost in Costco the first time was- I ran around the store crying until a nice lady finally took me to the front of the store where my mom was frantically searching for me. Needless to say I was temporarily scarred.

I’m happy to say that each year we go to NYC’s Macy’s and have yet to lose someone again, which is a serious accomplishment. We utilize the buddy system and meet in designated areas at regular intervals. Oh, and we give my stepfather’s sister a map. It is amazing the things one can become grateful for.

Last minute shopping leads to a catastrophe

Jamieson Are you choking?!” was the first thing that popped into my mind. experiences My little sister was turning red and waving her hands in front her mouth.

Freshman year health class flashed into my mind; I tried to remore Christmas membe r all the ways to do CPR and all the signs that meant one was actually choking. But since I couldn’t, it was a good thing my older brothchaos than er stepped in and pulled the half chewed piece of bacon out of her mouth.

It was the winter of 2009 when the Christmas madness started.

My cheer mom decided the morning before we left for my uncle’s house that we were go-

“

Emily Jamieson staff photographer

join

ing to shoot to leave an hour early (ha, right). We left two hours late. I knew this was a start to a hectic Christmas. My mom was running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off, screaming out orders and bringing my Christm as mood down.

After an endless car ride to Alexandria, my sister and I were appoint ed to clearing out the car. Let me tell you, when you have just awakened from a two hour drive, you don’t want to be picking up other people’s luggage and heavy present s. This is what we call child labor, and not something you want to be doing on Christm as in the cold.

After we had settled into my uncle’s house, we found out that my mom’s friend invited himself to our family’s Christmas. Now, when I was little I used to hide under the table whenever he walked in the front door. I am pretty sure it is because he has a thunder ing laugh and voice. Loud people make me nervous. When I saw him walk into my uncle’s house I had the sudden urge to hide under the table again.

If you looked up “awkward” in the dictionary, you would get a full description of my family’s Christmas.

Senior loses fantasy of Santa, gains appreciation Phillip Bannister

editor-in-chief

A

s a child I always could not wait for Christmas to come around. Throughout the years I have found t h a t what I miss the most from my child hood was the illusion of Santa Claus.

I remember the day I found out that Santa was not real. It was after Christmas and I was asking my parents if one of the gifts I had received was from them or if it was from Santa. That’s when they told me the truth. Deep down I had already known that he wasn’t real but a big part of me never wanted to hear the truth out loud. A big part of me was not ready to part with that imaginary person. I knew my Christmases wouldn’t be the same, and they weren’t.

Do not get me wrong, my parents have always done a good job at Christmas, but things have never ever felt like they used to. There has never been that extreme excitement before bed or any waking up before 7a.m. just to open gifts. A lot of Christmas is the magic behind it all, when you are a child it all surprises you and amazes you. It makes you so eager to wake up that morning just to see presents there that you had never seen before, but the reality of the situation, you see, is that there is little to no magic involved.

After growing up and being able to give gifts to others and receive them in return I learned that Christmas is about so much more than Santa. It’s about appreciating all you have.

Even though kids may not appreciate gifts as much as they should still, I believe they need Santa.

They need to experience the magic behind the holiday and just enjoy it while they can. It won’t always be there for them but Santa should be a part of every kid’s life. So that when Christmas does roll around they have a reason to be excited, a reason to wake up early, and have something to believe in.

I will always remember the memories of those Christmases I had and I will always remember when I found out I wouldn’t be receiving gifts from Santa anymore. I am not sure which memory is stronger but they are both there. With college right around the corner, this is my last Christmas as a “kid”. I have enjoyed it while it lasted, but the memories of those childhood Christmases will start to fade away, just like Santa did.

What’s HOT

State Game The football team took a 13-0 record into the state final game against Briar Woods, but lost 41-21. It didn’t matter to die hard Streak fans who have supported the team all season.

Christmas Break We are finally free from the hum-drum of school! The Newsstreak wishes each and everyone a wonderful, but safe, holiday break.

College Acceptances Now that the acceptance letters have started to roll in, the seniors can relax...for now.

Kanye’s New Album After making a complete jerk of himself in the infamous Taylor Swift incident, Kanye has come back better than before. Keep up the good work, Kanye!

Beatles on iTunes Who ever said you can’t buy love? Millions of people have flocked to their iTunes store to buy the music of the legendary Beatles which has just recently become available

Nicki Minaj Nicki has taken over the female hip-hop game, in a big way.

She’s so great we can forgive her for those awful hair-dos.

What’s NOT

WikiLeaks WikiLeaks, a site dedicated to disclosing some of the US’s more secure documents, has yet to be shut down. This could turn to be a serious issue for our nation’s security.

Koreas Clashing After years of a somewhat peaceful existance, the neightboring North and South Koreas have recently become hostile with one another.

The New Alice Not only did Kiss FM get taken from the radio waves, but Elvis Duran was also taken off the air.

What are we supposed to laugh at on the way to school?

Arctic Weather, already Could we at least have received a little warning, Mother Nature? Geez.

CORRECTION

Correction: We apologize for spelling Dr. Cale’s name incorrectly in the Nov. 19 issue of the Newsstreak

The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010

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The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010

Paulina Rendon - Style A7

Midnight premiere brings out inner wizards Maggie Siciliano staff reporter

H

aving been a huge Harry Potter fan since my mom read the books to me when I was little, I decided to make Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I the first movie I went to a midnight showing for. Apparently... my definition of huge is quite small in comparison to at least half the people there. While waiting outside the theater building until a movie in Theater 1 was finished, I was greeted by people dressed as Hedwig, the professors at Hogwarts, Ginny, Cho Chang, students from Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and of course, Slytherin.

Upon walking in the theater, bags were checked to make sure no one was trying to sneak in anything, so obviously my friends, sophomores Sarah Kaylor, and Emma Peifer, and I shoved candy into our fluffy boots so we wouldn’t have to buy the outrageously priced movie theater food. It was lucky that my boots disguised the two Fast Breaks, and the Kit-Kat stored in its fluff.

In passing the security guard, I showed him my ticket and briskly walked into the hall, he somehow

happened to miss checking my green ties. Clough’s bag, so my water bottle also was emblazoned ended up accompanying me with the Slytherin into the theater. Sophomore emblem, which she Sarah Kaylor was not as lucky, said she had ordered.

Mr. Security Guard made her In anticipation of the throw away the energy drink first part of the last that was necessary for a midinstallment in the night showing, although her Potter series, Clough Twizzlers made it in. Good said their tickets thing it was chilly, because were bought three without our boots I would weeks ago. And a not have received the chocogood thing they did late sugar rush I got from the just that, seeing as candy that enabled me to stay the tickets for the up until the wee hours of Frimidnight showing of day morning.

HP 7 Part I were sold We soon hurried up the out two weeks before steps in the theater, attemptthe official opening ing to get the perfect seats in night. the middle of the theater, in Clough and Cartthe middle of the row. We er have read all the were successful, and achieved books in the Harry the optimum viewing place.

Potter series, and Soon after we were seated, Staying awake. Juniors Grace Clough and Amber Carter both of them only around 11 p.m., the friends I power up with some coffee while waiting for the 12:01 started this summer. a.m. showing of Harry Potter 7 on Friday, Nov 19. Photo went with and I got bored, and courtesy of Grace Clough. “[I started the decided to play Harry Potter books] because my Trivia. When the questions sister said I should,” on the Hogwarts Express, and ofgot too hard to answer, like, “Who fered to have our theater start the Clough said. is the actor who plays Severus movie five minutes early, to which “And Grace told me I should Snape?” the HP enthusiasts sitting the crowd screamed a resounding [read the books],” said Carter. around us didn’t hesitate to help “Yes!” Clough had been to every midus out.

Looking around, I found ju- night premiere available for Harry The ushers in the theater niors Grace Clough, and Amber Potter and said that Carter and she seemed just as excited as us, as Carter, dressed as Slytherin stu- had only to wait 15 minutes in line they brought around popcorn dents. Both were decked out in which, compared to years previand drinks on a “trolley,” just like black skirts, white blouses, and ous, was very good, and much bet-

What do you think?

Sam Obenshain, 12 “I definitely thought it was very well done, as close to the book as they could possibly do. It was worth staying up on a school night for.”

Lindsey Carpenter, 11 “I thought the ending was very abrupt.

They should have just kept it eight hours long. The anticipation is the worst part.”

Ricardo Mojica, 12 “I thought the movie was very awesome. I like how it was more intense and dark than the other movies.”

Suma Haji, 11 “The plot got really exciting, but when it ended, they just left us hanging. They left a lot of unanswered questions and kept up the suspense.”

Infographic by Kavya Beheraj

ter organized this year.

Both believe the Harry Potter series is worth reading, “[I like the book’s] fantasy aspect,” Carter said.

“You think there could really be a world out there, and,” said Clough, as Carter finished her sentence, “It’s really fun to think that,” Carter said, and Clough nodded in agreement.

Now, why Slytherin?

Both girls grinned as Carter said, “We support Machiavelli, ‘The ends justify the means.’”

Harry Potter 7 Part I, which made $330 million in its first weekend - 3 days, was not just watched at 12 a.m. on Friday morning by hardcore Harry Potter devotees.

The Harry Potter mega-fans were not the only ones who enjoyed the movie. Freshman Lucy Rose has not read all the books, seen all the movies, or gone to every midnight showings, but that does not mean she did not enjoy the movie. Rose really liked the movie, saying it was, “action-packed,” and she is also a definite to view the second part of the seventh movie, that comes out in July 2011. “[Seeing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I] makes me want to read the books.” Rose said.

Families enjoy Deathly Hallows pt. 1 Savanah Cary

H

feature editor

arry Potter has entertained fans all over the world for the past 13 years, and the movie for the final installment of the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One, still inspired the same craze as every other release.

For many students at HHS, going to see the film at the midnight premiere was a family affair. Sophomore Sam St. Ours went to see the movie with his mom, sister, and sister’s friend. Although he was invited by friends to see the show, he was glad to be with his family.

“It was a lot of fun to go with my family,” St. Ours said. “My friends ended up getting there late and bought tickets for the bad theater so I was happy I decided to go with my family.”

Senior Sam Obenshain also went with his sister, Tucker Obenshain.

“My sister and I are really into the books and the movies, so we decided to go together,” Obenshain said.

St. Ours arrived at 8:20 p.m. and was seated around 9:30 and consumed about four buckets of popcorn during the wait. To keep the audience entertained while they waited for the show to start, the workers at Regal Cinemas played a Harry Potter trivia game with the spectators. The atmosphere at the event was buzzing with excitement and costumes speckled the crowd as they waited to get into the movie.

“I wore a Draco Malfoy outfit,” St Ours said. “I had a scarf that my mom made a long time ago, back when Slytherin was still cool and not bad, and I had a Slytherin shirt that I made with a sharpie.”

St. Ours’ sister, Anna St. Ours and her friend Austin Dixon also wore costumes.

Anna wore a Fred Weasley costume complete with wand and Quidditch Robes that she originally made for the premiere of the fifth Harry Potter movie.

Dixon wore a Harry Potter costume.

Obenshain was interested in wearing a costume, but his sister refused.

“I wanted to dress up as Harry Potter because it is easy to just wear glasses and a scar, and I wanted my sister to dress up as Hermione because she can style her hair like her,” Obenshain said. “My sister didn’t want to though, so no one in our group wore costumes.”

It was Anna who originally sparked Sam St. Ours’ interest in the Harry Potter book series and he has been hooked ever since.

“The first midnight book release I went to was for the sixth book at Barnes and Noble and I wasn’t even to that point in reading the books yet. Then I also went for the seventh book release and the past three movie releases,” St. Ours said. “Now I have read all the books like nine or ten times.”

Obenshain has also read the books many times. He got an earlier start on reading them.

“When the first book came out, I didn’t know how to read, so my mom read me the first book, and then after I learned to read, I read the rest as they were released,” Obenshain said.

Obenshain enjoyed the movie, and thought it was better than the other movies in staying with the plot of the book. Although St. Ours thought the movie was well done because of its the third movie is S a m accuracy, still his favorite.

Oben“It is such a long story to shain, try and fit in a movie, so they senior did a really good job with it,” Obenshain said.

When asked what their favorite part of the series is, St. Ours and Obenshain had a hard time picking just one part that they liked best. “[Harry Potter is] cool because I like how it is magic so it is obviously fake, but it still takes place in the real world. It’s not like Narnia which is in a totally different world, I mean it takes place in London,” St. Ours said. “Muggles still have bad things happen to them because of wizards and it keeps it semi-realistic.”

“Sometimes I wish that I could be a wizard,” Obenshain said. “How cool would it be to do all that stuff like cleaning your room or cooking food by just saying a spell?”

When the first book came out, I didn’t know how to read, so my mom read me the first book.”

StumbleUpon, Shelfari, DeviantArt, xkcd appeal to students Heather Hunter-Nickels feature editor

I

t is the Internet. There are infinite places to explore and visit, but for the most part, people stick to the few sights they know the best, facebook, YouTube, MySpace, Yahoo, ESPN, Weather. com, Apple.com, and several others. These are extremely useful/entertaining websites, but senior Kait Arthur knows of a few more that are not so popular.

Her #1 favorite website is Stumbleupon. com. “This website randomly takes you to nearly any website out there,” Arthur said.

It is easy to use. Basically one enters their interests, clicks the “Stumble” button, and is directed to a random website. One of Arthur’s favorite stumbles was 1000mostawesomethings.com, a webpage that listed 1000 of the most awesome things, for example, the in-law nap: taking a nap at one’s in-laws and getting points for being there at the same time. To keep the website for future viewing, there is a “I like it!” button that adds the site to one’s favorites.

#2. Shelfari.com: An online community for books. The site is designed as a bookshelf. It allows people to keep track of the books they have read, ones they are reading, what they have in stock, and what they want to read in the future. There are also discussions to join about different books.

#3. Deviantart.com: According to the website, is the “World’s largest online community of artist and art-lovers.” It is a place for artists to collaborate, display their art, view other artists’ work, and even sell their works.

Several more of Arthur’s favorite websites are potterpuppetpals.com, postsecret.com, dearblankpleaseblank.com, mylifeisaverage. com, xkcd.com, and graphjam.com.

Senior Chris Pyle eagerly shared one of his favorite websites, “I occasionally use it for AP English. When I’m reading a book I look it up on tvtropes.com and it reinforces what I already know about the abstract messages and content of the book, or it gives me a different perspective than what I get in English,” Pyle said. Tvtropes.com, according to Pyle, is a site that breaks down tv shows and books into tropes (the components of fiction). The tropes are informative and written so anyone can read them. Some are even comical.

The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010

Madison Wilson- Style A8

Arthur, Donahue ‘stumble upon’ cool site The ins and outs of Ama Ansah

I

staff reporter

’ve been doing a lot of stumbling recently. Not physically, though that wouldn’t be horribly out of character. What I mean is that I’ve been hanging out on stumbleupon.com, the best procrastination tool ever known to man. I really should stop...but I can’t. I’m not the only one who is addicted. Take a walk through the library during lunch. On any given day, you are almost guaranteed to see some student sitting at a computer, clicking a little button at the top of the screen that reads Stumble!

Senior Jo Donahue discovered the site through her mom two years ago and has been addicted ever since. Over the years, she’s noticed the site has improved in

regards to variety and selection.

“The Internet is one of the largest resources available with tons of knowledge. Stumbleupon gives an eclectic perspective on what’s really out there,” Donahue said. “Also, they have really cute pictures of cats.”

Despite the site’s massive popularity, many people are not sure of what it is exactly or what it does.

Basically, stumbleupon is channel surfing the Internet. You go to the main page and select things that interest you. You start by choosing areas of interest: graphic design, humor and Europe for example.

You can select as many areas as you want. Then you hit the “start stumbling” button and away you go,off to the obscure, cool, entertaining corners of the web. If you like something and have a membership on the site, you can click the like button. The site saves

things you like so you can refer to them later. It’s not just what random bloggers think are cool, it’s what people who like what you like think are cool. It’s almost a community.

Senior Kait Arthur is also a fan of stumbleupon. Donahue introduced her to the site and Arthur has been introducing it to her other friends.

“It gives me many artsy, funny things which I'm interested in. It’s my go to for when I'm bored,” Arthur said.

The website directs users to images, blogs and websites. Arthur enjoys the blogs most of all.

Stumbleupon has introduced her to many websites that she now frequents.

“One of my favorites is a convenience store that looks like a time travel agency,” Arthur said.

-the answer to the last question is 72 times, by the way.

Whenever I see a new preview on TV or hear of a new movie that might be coming out, the first thing I do is jump on imdb.com to see if it’s true or not. If it is, I check the release date, the characters, the plot, etc. to see if the movie is worth seeing. IMDb pretty much tells me everything I would want to know.

Now, IMDb does not just show movie related information, it also gives you tidbits on television appearances, hit shows, and the premises of even the newest shows, Glee and The Event for example. IMDb gives you access to videos, trailers, and if you become an IMDbPro you can have access to spoilers and extras on your favorites.

IMDb tells you pretty much anything you want to know about your favorite things on the screen.

The book Beastly by Alex Flinn

is being turned into a movie. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II comes out on July 15, 2011.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn will be released in two parts, the first of the two coming out on Nov 18, 2011. Actor Owen Wilson turned 42 on Nov 18, 2010.

The movie Avatar won 3 Oscars, along with another 28 wins, and 63 nominations in other award ceremonies.

And do not think the Internet Movie Database stops there, it also gives you news on your favorite stars, the new movies, and, well, I think you get the picture.

Now, with all these awesome features, I am sure that unless you hate movies, everyone will have something they like on this website to do, or try. Me? I just like it because I like to be up to date on all the new movies... and there hasn’t been a question of mine IMDb has left unanswered.

Siciliano uses web to be movie expert Maggie Siciliano statt reporter

W

hen I am bored and do not know what else to do, want to know where I go?

I get online and go to imdb.com .

What’s imdb.com? IMDb stands for Internet Movie Database.

When you get on IMDb.com you can find out a variety of facts on your favorite movies, movies that have not even come out yet, or information on actors and actresses.

Questions such as: “When will the last part of the last Harry Potter movie be in theaters?”

“Is my favorite book series going to be turned into a series of movies?”

“What star was born on this date?” and even, “How many times has Will Ferrell actually made it to the big screen?” are all answered with a few taps on your keyboard

blocking websites

Interview with Dwayne Hottinger, HHS Network Administrator ity, virus software, etc. HowChristy Stearn ever I do not make the final staff reporter decision as to whether or not a What is your title?

Network Administrator What type of websites are blocked?

Websites are blocked based on content. Categories that are blocked are: violence, tasteless and offensive, spam URL's, intolerence and hate, illegal drugs, hacking, gambling, criminal activity, adult sexually explicit, web based email, spyware, ringtones, proxies and translators, peer to peer, games, downloads and chat. Websites are categorized by Surf-Control automatically. In addition teachers may ask for a site to be blocked.

Why was YouTube unblocked?

We had the ability to unblock specific youtube videos if a teacher requested it before; however, the decision was made in the Central Office to unblock youtube for all teachers. It was determined that Youtube had lots of educational content and would aid teachers in teaching their material.

Are there any other websites that were blocked or unblocked when YouTube was unblocked?

Nothing changed in the categories that were set to block.

Who is in charge of blocking websites?I am in charge of the content filter, email servers, web servers, firewall, Internet Security, network connectiv-

website should or shouldn’t be unblocked. Additionally most websites are blocked automatically because they fall into one of the above categories that are blocked.

Why do you think it’s important that websites are blocked?

We are required by Federal Law to run a content filter.

What is the biggest challenge in blocking websites?

It’s actually quite easy to block websites. The challenge is unblocking some websites. Many internet sites are pulling their pictures, video or flash content from a server from somewhere.

I have to figure out where each component is coming from in order to get the site unblocked and all components working properly. Also, you have to be careful in blocking a site, it may impact some other site that is educational and being used.

How are the requests to block or unblock a website handled?

Sites are looked at based on content. Sites that are noneducational or contain offensive material are not unblocked.

What is the process to unblock or block a website?

Teachers may fill out a request to unblock form. Info is on this website: http://www.harrisonburg.k12. va.us/Departments/Technology/Request-Filtering-Change. aspx.

School unblocks Youtube for teaching purposes Christy Stearn

A

staff reporter

cross thousands of school systems in America, websites are blocked based on their content to increase students’ productivity. Recently, Harrisonburg City Public Schools has awarded its students and faculty with broader online freedoms than in previous years. HCPS administrators made YouTube.com available for its staff. Several teachers argued that the video-sharing website features clips that can be educational for their students and pushed to have access to the link.

“We had the ability to unblocked specific YouTube videos if a teacher requested it before,” Network Administrator Dwayne Hottinger said. “However, the decision was made in the Central Office to unblock YouTube for all teachers. It was determined that YouTube had lots of educational content and would aid teachers in teaching

their material.”

Although faculty members are now able to view YouTube.com at HHS, student use is still prohibited. Websites that many students log onto at home, such as YouTube. com, Facebook, and Gmail.com, are blocked at school.

“In a way, [monitoring students online] is good, but it is annoying that so many sites are blocked. There are sites that students use or need to get on that are blocked, but it is good the school system monitors them to some extent,” junior Ashleigh Mongold said.

Under federal law, administrators are required to run a filter. Restricting websites at HHS helps filter the content available to students and faculty. Sites that contain violence, spam, intolerance or hate, illegal drugs, gambling or hacking, proxies and translators, criminal activity, adult activity explicits, web-based email, gaming, and peer-to-peer chats are not permitted at HHS. Most websites are blocked automati-

cally because they fall into one of the categories that is restricted by the filter. Staff members can also request for additional sites to be inaccessible.

“The blocked sites restrict students because I think parents expect the schools to make some effort to filter what their children see. I don’t think it would go over well with parents if they knew their children went to school and could look at hardcore porn on the computers,” library secretary Bradley Walton said.

Hottinger is in charge of the filter, the servers, and Internet security, but he does not make the final decision as to whether or not a website should or should not be blocked.

“It’s actually quite easy to block websites.

The challenge is in unblocking some websites. Also, you have to be careful blocking a site. It may impact some other site that is educational and being used,” Hottinger said.

Because many Internet sites are pulling

their pictures, videos, and flash content from a different server, it is Hottinger’s job to track down each component’s origin in order to get a site unblocked and all the fundamentals working effectively.

HHS’ filters are meant to limit the pages students and faculty are able to open, but some believe the restrictions are too harsh.

“As a librarian, I use some sites that are blocked as reference materials or locations to purchase books to stock HHS. I can’t look at some sites that I need because they’re blocked,” Walton said. “So, yeah, in some cases, I do think the filter is over zealous.”

To gain accessibility to a website that is restricted, staff members may fill out a Request to Unblock form found on a link on the school’s homepage. After the form is completed, the page is reviewed based on its content. Sites that are noneducational or contain offensive material are not unblocked.

The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010

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The Honor A Teacher Program has been designed so parents, teachers, students and community members may make a donation to the Harrisonburg Education Foundation and in turn honor that special teacher or staff member.

It is easy to honor a t eacher. Complete the form below and send it in. All money raised from the Honor A Teacher Program is used to further the mission of the Harrisonburg Education Foundation. By honoring a teacher or staff member, you not only say “thank you” to that special teacher, but also support the Harrisonburg City Public Schools. ¿Buscando el regalo perfecto?

El Programa Honrando Al Maestro ha sido diseñado para que padres, maestros, estudiantes y miembros de la comunidad, puedan hacer una donación a la Fundación para la Educación de Harrisonburg y a su vez honrar a ese/a maestro/a especial o miembro docente. Es muy fácil honrar a un/a maestro/a.. Llene el formulario que aparece en la parte de abajo y envíelo.Todo el dinero recogido en el Programa Honrando Al Maestro es usado para mejorar la misión de la Fundación para la Educación de Harrisonburg. Al honrar a un/a maestro/a o miembro del personal usted no solo le está dando las gracias a ese/a maestro/a especial, pero también está apoyando a las Escuelas Públicas de la Ciudad de Harrisonburg. El Programa de Honrando Al Maestro de HEF Dando las gracias de una forma especial. . .

HEF’s Honor A Teacher Donation Form I would like to honor: ___________________________ My name is: ___________________________ My address is: ___________________________ ___________________________ I have enclosed a check for:________________________ The teacher or staff member will receive a letter stating that you have made a donation to the HEF in his or her honor. You will receive a letter confirming your donation and this letter may be used for tax purposes.

Send your donation to: The HEF, 317 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22801

The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010

kies ps white sugar, 4 o o C r a g Su ed, 2 cu

eaften flour, 2 t utter, so b e s s o p p u r c u p 2 ps allnts: 1 1/ act, 5 cu r t Ingredie x e la il an Beat aspoon v n salt. smooth. o l o ti p n s u eggs, 1 te a r e a t er, 1 nd sug , and ing powd together butter a lt. Cover k a a s b d s n n a , o r spo g powde wl, cream

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When I was younger, I would basically live in my grandma’s kitchen during the holidays. She is infamous within my family for being an outstanding cook and baker. A huge part of the Christmas celebration was decorating sugar cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve. My grandma taught me a few tricks for simple but impressive decorating that I am sharing here.

Christine Choi - Style A10

Ingredie

Gingerbr

ead cook

ies

nts: 3 cu ps flour, 2 tsp gin baking s ger(grou oda, 1/4 nd), 1 ts tsp nutm p cinnam e g (g round), 1 cup firm on(groun ly packed /4 tsp sa d), 1 tsp lt, 3/4 cu brown su p gar, 1/2 b 1) Mix flo u tt e r (s cup mola oftened), ur, ginge ssas, 1 eg 3/4 r, cinnam g, 1 tsp v on, bakin butter & a nilla extr g soda, n brown su act utmeg, & gar in an other bo salt in a molassas large bow wl with a , egg & v n electric l. Beat anilla; b mixer on eat well.

Press do until fluff Graduall ugh into y add flo y. Add a thick fl ur mixtu at disk. W 2)Prehea re on low rap in pla t oven to speed. stic wrap 350. Roll , refriger out doug out ging ate for 4 erbread h to 1 / 4 h men, pla rs. in on a li ce on un ghtly flo 3) bake 8 greased ured sur -10 min. b fa a k c e. Cut ing shee Allow co t. okies to cool, dec orate coo led cook ies.

HOW TO DECORATE ChRISTMAS COOKIES Parchment paper

what you’ll need

Rolling pin Cookie dough

Various sprinkles

Food coloring

Cookie cutters

Icing

1: First, bake cutout cookies with the Sugar cookie recipe above. Let the cookies cool for about ten minutes

2:

3:

Next, use a plain white icing and food coloring to mix the desired colors for the base layer of icing. Ice each cookie to your preference

Last, add the extras- sprinkles, candy, gel icing, etc.to your cookies to make them more appealing.

Infographic by Lauren Martin

Otis Spunkmeyer cookies help band raise money for activities Aidan Newcity

O

feature editor

tis Spunkmeyer is a well known character around school, especially in the band.

People at HHS know the mouth watering smell, the soft and delicious taste, and the great price, three for $1.

That is nothing. Nearly every A-day, the cookies are sold for the entire school. Seniors Desta Hansen and Emily Mackail make the cookies for the band.

“The band makes the cookies as a fundraiser for the Tri-Music club to raise money for the different things we do,” Hansen said.

Hansen and Mackail have both been observers and participants of cookie cooking.

Seniors with early release are put on top of the list to be chosen as chefs. This is the reason Desta Hansen got chosen to do so.

With anything that you do, there are pros and cons. Hansen has many favorite aspects of the process.

“My favorite part is probably the smell of the cookies. Or if we drop some dough, we get to eat it,” Hansen said, “My least favorite part, though, is just sitting around waiting for the cookies to finish baking,” Hansen said.

Students might jump at any chance for a free cookie, but they might be upset.

“We don’t have leftovers all that much.

We try to sell them all while they are fresh and hot. And we don’t try to make too many either,” Hansen said.

Junior Amy Guevara also helps sometimes when she can find the time to get out of class.

On A-days, is when Mackail and Hansen have early release, making that when the cookies are made, and if they are absent the cookies won’t be made.

“It is more difficult to make tons of cookies by yourself. Making them alone can be tough only because you have to manage the different ovens all by yourself,” Hansen said.

The cookies are made through a process and it takes a while to get all the ingredients in from the store. People may wonder if there is anything special they do to them to make them so good, but there isn’t.

“We order the dough from Otis Spunkmeyer and it sits in a freezer we have in the band room. We put the cookie dough on a tray and put them in the oven for about 15 minutes. We have to watch them to make sure they do not burn as well,” Hansen said.

With baking cookies as much as Hansen and Mackail do, there are of course funny stories that they have experienced.

“Last week we tried to plug in all three ovens at the same time and we blew the fuse in the band hall. And then we moved them to them to the other hall and we blew that fuse, too. Turns out you can only plug in two ovens in one circuit,” Hansen said.

Otis Spunkmeyer cookies are well known around the campus of HHS. Sophomore Taylor Grogg really loves to eat the cookies.

The only downfall is that she does not hear a lot about them; so she does not know when they are on sale.

“When I find out that the band cookies are for sale, I go get them immediately because they are so good! I just don’t always hear when they are making them,” Grogg said.

Taylor plans cookie exchange among faculty members

Wide variety of cookies being shared Ali Byrd

“

staff reporter

They are the magic of life,” Mary Strickler said referring to cookies. Strickler, the Yearbook adviser, is one of the faculty members who participated in a cookie swap this winter. For the cookie swap each person has to make five dozen of their favorite cookie.

They must then separate the cookies into containers with a dozen each. Each person was assigned to a group and kept a dozen for themselves and gave the rest to the four other members of their group. In the end, each person ended up with five different types of cookies.

Sarah Taylor, one of the English teachers, organized the cookie swap.

“We used to have one at my old workplace, so I thought I would try to have one here,” Taylor said. She hosted one a few years ago, but since it was thrown together at the last minute very few people participated.

Taylor made “The best chocolate chip cookie in the world.” According

to Taylor, many people have agreed with that statement. The secret: perfect size, taste, and texture.

While Taylor is using her own recipe, Mallory Cromer, the sports-marketing teacher, and Strickler are using old family recipes. Cromer decided to make her great-grandmother’s recipe for sugar cookies with decorative icing.

“I am most excited to decorate the cookie,” Cromer said. She decided to participate for the first time because she just wanted to make Christmas Mary Strickler, cookies.

Strickler is English planning to use teacher her grandmother’s recipe for Russian tea cookies. Russian tea cookies are little round balls rolled in confectioners’ sugar. “[The cookie] was originally served to the Czar at weddings,” Strickler said. She continues to make it because she is from a Russian background and it isthe only hint of Russian still prevalent in her life.

The swap was originally scheduled for Dec 16, but due to a conflict was moved to Dec 17 in Taylor’s classroom where they will share the magic of life.

[The cookie] was originally served to the Czar at weddings.”

The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010

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The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010

Mark Duda- Style A12

Wintertime Workers

Blair enjoys thrill of skiing, snowboarding in winter Jack Burden Managing Editor

S

ki season has a certain aura about it. Getting up on that mountain, looking out to the valley below, and then embarking on a 40-mph journey down snow-packed slopes is an exhilarating experience for avid ski and snowboarders.

Dates & Rates at Massanutten Resort Sunday - Thursday (non-holiday) -9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Friday, Saturday, & Holiday -9 a.m. - 10 p.m _________________________ Weekdays 8 hours 4 hours $46 $34 _________________________ Weekends 8 hours 4 hours $66 $60 _________________________ Night $34

“It’s a euphoric feeling,” senior Dakota Minton said.

Minton has been a skier since he was nine years old. He began skiing simply because “it looked fun.”

“I love the freedom,” Minton said.

Minton skies mainly at Massanutten.

While many recognize that Massanutten doesn’t have the most thrilling runs or the best snow, it attracts Valley residents because of its close proximity. Minton also travels to nearby resorts such as Wintergreen, Winterplace, and Timberline.

“Winterplace is the best because it has the biggest slopes and more of them than other nearby places,” Minton said.

Minton actually worked as an employee at Massanutten last season, which allowed him to hit the slopes just about every day.

“I found out, working at Massanutten, that I hate little kids,” Minton said.

While junior Andy Shisler doesn’t hate little kids (except for on the slopes, because of how slowly they go), and has never held a job at Massanutten, he shares Minton’s love of skiing.

“It’s just fun going fast down the mountain,” Shisler said.

While living in Syracuse, New York, Shisler was introduced to the sport by his brother and a friend. Although he did not ski very frequently in New York, when he moved south to Harrisonburg he began hitting the slopes at Massanutten regularly with his friend Ford Hatfield. He now buys

a season pass every winter, which allows him to go every day, except for Saturdays before 4 p.m. and holidays.

Believe it or not, teachers too share their students love of skiing and snowboarding.

History teacher Jay Blair has skied since he was a seventh grader living in New England.

“I began skiing mostly because I went to a new school with new friends, and they were all skiers. Nobody in my family did it, but when I was thirteen they let me go on a local ski bus on Saturday mornings to the nearby resort. Eventually, I influenced my family to start skiing too, and in a few years we bought a ski house at Bromley Mountain in Vermont,” Blair said.

But skiing was not enough for Blair. Blair had tried snowboarding in the Eighties when the sport was still developing, but it was a “disastrous” experience for him. He didn’t pick up a board again until he was 24 living in California, when he decided to give the sport a second chance. He bought a board and bindings, and discovered he liked snowboarding so much that he boarded 110 times that winter.

While living in California, Blair worked at a resort out west called Squaw Valley, host of the 1960 Winter Olympics. Working at Squaw Valley had one great perk: employees were given free ski passes. There he became indoctrinated into the “snowboard bum” culture, where he and fifteen other guys would rent a house and hit the slopes when

not working.

While living in California, Blair took many interesting ski trips to nearby mountains. Living in the Tahoe area, there were many resorts available to him, but he enjoyed going to the lesser-known destinations as well.

“When I lived in California I climbed Mt. Shasta, a14,000 footer. I had an 80-pound pack and my Burton Supermodel, and it was pretty technical climbing. It was a multi-day trip, but at the end I got to snowboard back down the mountain,” Blair said.

When Blair moved from California to Williamsburg, VA, he found himself in a tough position geographically: he was a long way from any sort of ski resort. He occasionally made the trek to Snowshoe, but the trip took five hours each way, which seemed like too much of a hassle.

But when Blair moved to Harrisonburg, he discovered the convenience of Massanutten. Not only is it close by, but it offers one additional perk for Blair.

“Massanutten is really family-friendly. I can take my son, who’s four years old and has been skiing for three years,” Blair said.

Whether one skis or snowboards, no one can deny the thrill of flying down the mountain.

“You have to put self-control in balance with the demands of nature. It’s a mix of athleticism and technology that keeps you on top of gravity,” Blair said.

Phares works winters at Massanutten waterpark All jobs are not created equal Luke Stephan staff reporter

T

he first thing that greets visitors as theywalk into Massanutten Water Park is the all-consuming noise of rushing water. Most wouldn’t expect there to be a water park open in the middle of winter, but our local Massanutten Water Park does just that.

But being open all year round often has its own problems. More than once the entire park was

snowed in and it became virtually impossible to get off the mountain. The result was employees who didn’t live on the mountain were holed up in hotel rooms, for sometimes as long as three days.

Tyler Phares, a Harrisonburg senior, is a water attendant at the water park. The water park, boasting eight slides and an outdoor section in summer, is big, though it still does not compare in size to the more well-known SixFlags.

Even though Phares seemed to have landed a dream job, he says he liked his old job at the winter rental shop better.

“I set skis and snowboards,” Phares said, “the best thing about it were the people I worked with.”

“The weekends were busier,” Phares said. Nevertheless, he thinks the the water park is less fun compared to the rental shop.

“Kids spray me with water,” Phares said. Though, he admits, “The people I work with are pretty friendly.”

Massanutten offers plenty of job opportunities year round.

From working as a water park lifeguard, to fitting skis and snowboards at the resort.

Boys find shoveling snow surefire moneymaker Ben DiNapoli

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staff reporter

s described in chapter one of The Teenager’s Guide to The Real World by Marshall Brain, money gives you freedom.

In the winter, it is hard to obtain money due to the lack of “easy” summer jobs like mowing or raking leaves in the fall. One has to be creative when in need of a job, and recently shoveling during the winter has become a popular job for teenagers.

All you need is a shovel, motivation, and neighbors willing to pay up. Once you can get past those first few steps, then the whole world is at your shoveling hands. It seems that upperclassmen at HHS have figured out the tricks of the trade. Senior Thomas Wong shovels snow every winter.

“I don’t try to charge too much per driveway, usually $10-15. I sometimes just price the driveway based on its size and how much snow is on the ground,” Wong said.

Similar in pricing methods, seniors Geil Ramirez and Min Wongsirukul both charge based on how deep the snow is. Another shared method between the three seniors is how they shovel snow. All three agree that using a shovel is the best way to go.

“I don’t use a blower mainly because one, I don’t

own one, and two, it repels potential customers.

When they see you with a blower, they think that you already have enough money to buy a blower, so you don’t need to shovel their driveway; so stick to a shovel!” Wong said.

Contrary to tactics in some neighborhoods where fliers are passed out, the three seniors simply go door-to-door and ring doorbells.

“I don’t pass out fliers for shoveling, but people in my neighborhood know me, so they ask me to do it for them,” Ramirez said.

“I ring doorbells and say, ‘Hey, are you feeling lazy? Let me shovel your driveway.’ It works all the time,” Wong said.

Senior Sam Obenshain can simply skip the whole knocking-on-doors step, as his neighbors have him on retainer.

“Whenever it snows, my neighbors just expect me to walk over and shovel their driveway. They pay me a flat rate of $50 for every time,” Obenshain said.

With about 80 inches of snow falling in Harrisonburg last winter, these four seniors made a lot of money. Wong, Ramirez, Wongsirukul, and Obenshein made about $200, $250, $150, and $200 respectively, making snow shoveling an ideal “easy” job to have during the winter.

Tools of the Trade Option 1- There’s no shame in a mangy old shovel you found in the depths of your garage. It may not be the most efficient choice, but it’s cheap.

$0

Option 2- A top of the line shovel is a great compromise between frugality and work efficiency.

$30

Option 3- Go for the snowblower, and you can cut your work time into a fraction of what it was before. If you get enough work, it should pay for itself in no time.

$400

Option 4- Why not go all out? If you already own a truck, you might as well go for the attachable snowplow. It won’t be cheap, but you’ll be done with shoveling in no time.

$2500

sponsibility. McCarthy has no Anastasiya Kalyuk complaints about working there. staff reporter “My job is so chill. I have a really

I

t’s tough to find a job if you don’t know where to look, and what to do.

Sophomore DJ Nicely has mastered the old fashioned shoveling and mowing alternation between seasons. Senior Robert McCarthy, on the other hand, is doing something out of the ordinary this winter. He’s working at Westover.

“The best thing about shoveling in the winter and mowing in the summer is money. For shoveling I get $60 and for mowing I get $40,” Nicely said.

In the summer, he switches it up to mowing around the neighborhood, “I hate doing the work but I love money. The hardest part about mowing is getting the motor started, but it’s easy while it gets going. But be careful, one time I blew up the lawn mower on accident by pulling the string too many times.”

When there isn’t an actual amount of money you are supposed to be paid, you have to negotiate on how much the effort costs you, “the best advice I can give is overprice everything because the downside of shoveling is that it makes your back hurt,” Nicely said.

Jobs like the one at Westover require you to take on more re-

good boss. We get to slide down the water slides on rainy days in soap we clean the pool with.”

Like all jobs, there is a downside. One of the jobs there includes being a lifeguard. That means you are the difference between someone getting hurt and someone walking out safely. It does get stressful because you always need to know what to do if something bad happens. The employees have a duty to act calmly.

Of course, if you don’t feel up to it, you could work as a cashier.

That’s the easiest job they have.

To someone who wants to work there, that best thing you can do is follow your boss’ directions and you’ll be on his good side. If not, you might not be able to act accordingly.

“The scariest thing that’s ever happened while I was on lifeguard duty was a little kid slipping off the water slide unprepared and getting submerged in water. I had to jump in and pull the kid out. Another bad thing that happened was a kid dove into the concrete in the Olympic pool,” McCarthy said.

“I think the pay is fair, I get more than minimum wage, and the hours are awesome but you have to be able to put up with annoying eighth and ninth graders,” McCarthy said.

Baby-sitting still worthwhile job Paulina Rendon

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style editor

big factor of a high schooler’s life is money - more specifically, how to get it in order to spend it on any necessities. Some students have different jobs in businesses around the city like working at Food Lion, restaurants or stores in the mall while others don’t even have to leave their home to make a little extra cash.

“I get $10 a day to babysit my little brother and sister,” sophomore Michala Kwolek said. “I take care of them while my parents are at work.”

Unfortunately, not everyone gets paid.

“I have to babysit my little sisters. while my parents work,” junior Li Xie said. “My parents are like, ‘If you don’t do it, you can’t leave the house. Like, ever’,” she said.

Whether the babysitter gets paid or not, they still hold a big responsibility. The child’s parents are entrusting their kids’ lives to a teenager they may have never known before.

It is important for that babysitter to take the special precautions.

“Whenever I babysit I make sure I have the parent’s contact information and I always have my phone so I’m ready to call 911 if there’s an emergency,” junior Gwen Elwood said. “I know the address. Nothing has happened yet, knock on wood.

I hope nothing of the sort ever happens to one of the kids I’m responsible for, but I make sure I have the

information I need for that situation,” she said.

Elwood began babysitting because “it’s fun to interact with children.” Also, “it’s a good way to get some extra cash.” Elwood began babysitting because when she was little, the babysitters she and her sister had were “pretty awesome.” She first got into babysitting when her new neighbors moved in next door.

“A while ago some neighbors moved in who had two little girls.

I babysat them when my sisters weren’t available,” she said.

According to Elwood and Kwolek, the most interesting part about babysitting is what the kid decides to do.

“A lot of the time my little brother decides he wants to go outside and I can’t find him for like an hour,” Kwolek said.

Elwood believes working with kids is sometimes hard.

“You’re babysitting and you’re supposed to be the adult and are supposed to know everything about everything,” she said.

Questions about the meaning of words is not the most difficult issue Elwood faces when babysitting.

“The blind child I babysit is very different from the other kids I babysit, because it’s hard to find activities to do,” she said. “I usually bring an art or craft project or a board game, but it’s different because it’s different circumstances.

When I go over, we tell stories about being princesses and superheroes and we can sit on the couch and be creative and it’s fun.”

The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010

Celebrating the

Season

Aidan Newcity- Feature B1

Know your Christmas trees

Mall Santa enjoys his second job “I hear a lot of kids asking for NinLauren Martin tendo DSI’s and PSPs, Wiis, Xboxes Advertising Manager and iPod touches,” Laird said.

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s the weather starts to become colder and the faint hum of holiday music becomes constant, a reigning tradition gears up in malls across the country. Displays of Christmas trees, Santa’s helpers and the North Pole spring up in the common areas of shopping centers and the big guy himself spends hour upon hour asking children the infamous question “What do you want for Christmas?”

The Old St. Nick you see in Valley Mall, however, did not fly in from the North Pole in his sleigh manned by nine tiny reindeer. Our Santa arrived from Pendleton County, WV in his 2003 Ford pick up.

Fred Laird is the acting Santa at the Valley Mall. He had never been employed as a Santa before this year.

“The lady that works the morning shift with me saw me and liked my appearance. She asked me if I would be Santa and I agreed,” Laird said. “[Being a mall Santa] is not really something you grow up thinking you’ll want to do.”

Even though Laird merely happened upon the opportunity, and late in the year at that, it is an opportunity he has chosen to embrace wholeheartedly. While there are preparations and training provided for hired Santas, however, Laird was hired too late to participate.

“The company I work for has a “Santa School” in July, but I did not attend. [To prepare] I go to a toy store and look around so I’m aware of what is out there,” Laird said.

And it is a good thing being the obvious job of a hired Santa is to, well, be Santa. So far this year, Laird says he has had normal request, or at least the kinds of things that were expected.

“Girls ask for dolls. When they are younger, probably younger than five, it’s baby dolls. When they get around seven, it’s Barbie dolls. And when they’re a little older it is the American Girl dolls. Really, any kind of dolls,” Laird said.

The boys are mostly asking for electronics this years. With so many different gaming systems, Laird is not surprised at how many requests he has gotten for the various gadgets.

Laird has always had a few unorthodox requests come to his knee. One in particular struck a heart cord.

“One little girl asked me if I could bring her mother back. I mean, what do you really say to that? She was of an age where she understood that was a little outside of Santa’s realm but it’s a hard thing to deal with,” Laird said.

Laird spoke with the girl for a significant amount of time. He found out the girl’s mother had died the previous year.

“I’m not sure what I could have done but I did talk to her about it and I believe she felt a little better afterwards,” Laird said. “I hope she decides to come back in the future and let me know how she is doing.”

Laird enjoys the experiences he has on a daily basis being Santa. He believes he is able to work well and be patient with kids, both young and old.

“The youngest we have had so far this season is eleven days old and the oldest was ninety-nine years old,” Laird said. “It turns out the ninetynine year old had never sat on Santa’s lap before. His grandsons convinced him to do it.”

With Santa will come non-believers. For many the idea of St. Nicholas is merely a “santasy”. Laird believes there is no real wrong in continuing an age-old tradition.

“I don’t see any harm. It’s something parents can use with their children to enjoy their children and the time they are able to share together,” Laird said.

Laird was visited by a young lady who, at 16 years old, is still a believer.

“Every Christmas morning a package arrives for her on her doorstep.

There are never tracks in the snow, she has asked her parents and tried countless times to catch whoever it is,” Laird said. “So as far as she is concerned, she is still a believer.”

Laird is very fond of the promotion Barnes and Noble has running during the holiday: Elf on a Shelf. Essentially, the parents are able to buy an elf that would be put up in their child’s room that would be Santa’s watchful eye throughout the year.

There are many wonderful and touching moments that come with being a Santa, even if it’s only at the Val-

ley Mall. But to counter the positive situations, of course there are downsides to being Santa. “[My least favorite part] is the hot costume. It’s not uncomfortable, it’s just the heavy velvet suit with the fur gets hot. If Santa was in his chair outside, it would be perfect, or even if the mall was 10 degrees cooler,” Laird said.

At the end of the work day, which generally runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Laird is able to go into his dressing room, take off his Santa suit and change back into his denim overalls.

Outside of his jolly holiday job, Laird lives a normal life not too far away in West Virginia.

“My wife, Karen, and I work for Habitat for Humanity in Pendleton, West Virginia. We take care of a guest lodge for volunteers,” Laird said.

The house accommodates about 70 volunteers. Laird and his wife take care of the facility and ensure the comfort of the guests.

“Basically we just greet the guests and make sure they don’t party all night long,” Laird said.

Laird feels extremely content with the duties he is fulfilling within his life, both real and fictional. Being that his children are grown up, he is able to focus on the more serious aspect of Christmas- the religious aspect.

“This year, unfortunately being Santa, I am unable to partake in my church. But I feel that faith is a good way to teach the little ones. Of course they are interested in the presents, but through teaching the meaning of the holiday you are able to mix the two,” Laird said. “Without some understanding, kids can get selfish and greedy.”

Laird has a full plate during this holiday season. The hours are long and the suit is hot but there are always simple things that make Laird’s job worth it.

“It’s amazing how excited some kids get,” Laird said. “I was waving at a little boy the other day and he was so busy waving back at me, he ran right into the ATM machine.”

It’s these small, innocent things Laird has come to appreciate. Even when things and people are not so nice, it’s important to hold on to the notion that a little charity, whether it be spending hours fulfilling the dreams of children or dressing up as one of Santa’s elves, can go a long way.

Star Wars ornaments adorn Walton’s Christmas tree Lauren Martin

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Advertising Manager

through very careful. They break easily and It’d be a good idea to wear a thimble. Its a long, tedious process.

Do this until you have a string long enough to wrap around your tree several times,” sophomore Emilee Burke said.

hristmas trees may all look the same, but the ornaments we put on the trees set them apart from one another. Depending on your preference, your tree might look like a mesh of all different kinds of hanging decorations or you might have an organized color scheme.

Library secretary Bradley Walton said, “Our tree is overwhelming. We have so many ornaments on it, and the theme is unknown. We have everything from Disney princesses to Star Wars. In fact, we have a Yoda topper. We’ve also got some homemade ornaments and random plastic icicles hanging from the tree.”

World History teacher Cara Walton said, “our homemade ornaments consist of snowflakes that are made out of clear beads. Candy canes that are also made of beads. Some plush hand stuffed snowmen and Santa Clauses that are also homemade.”

And the list keeps on going. Hallmark ornaments, Dora the Explorer ornaments, Winnie the Pooh ornaments. “And Borg Cube from Star Trek is hanging on our tree because it doesn’t belong. My favorite is Sleeping Beauty and, of course, our Yoda topper,” Cara Walton said.

Senior Chris Pyle also has a Star Trek theme for his Christmas tree, “a Borg Cube is basically a cube that looks like the inside of a computer. It’s lime green, black, and gray.”

Sophomore Weylin Holmes is more of a sports guy, so he puts up football related ornaments on his tree, “we definitely have Steelers ornaments on our tree,” Holmes said.

There are also the old classics people try to decorate with, “I put candy canes on my Christmas tree,” junior Allen Argueta said.

Making popcorn string is another traditional decoration that is overlooked, “step 1: tie a needle to a really long spool May the force be with you! The Walton’s, a Librarian and History teacher at of thread. Step 2: String the popcorn HHS, decorate their Christmas tree with a Yoda topper

Grogg participates in Black Friday craziness Christine Choi

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Style Editor

hen accounting records were kept by hand, red ink marked the loss of profit while black ink marked the profit made. The Fridays after Thanksgiving mark the beginning of the Christmas shopping season, which dubbed the name “Black Friday” in the 1960’s. Black Friday marks one of the busiest retail days with early bird specials and a plethora of sales.

This is one of the most anticipated and also dangerous days for shoppers. Since 2008, three deaths and multiple injuries have been recorded in the United States on Black Fridays.

For Attendance Officer Cathy Grogg, Black Fridays are an almost 24 hour non-stop challenge.

“I wake up at 3 a.m., leave the house at 4 a.m., and arrive [in Winchester] at 5. I go to the Apple Blossom mall, Target, TJMaxx, and Old Navy,” Grogg said. “Meanwhile, my crazy family stays in Harrisonburg to go to Walmart.”

During Thanksgiving dinner, Grogg’s family lists the things they want and where they can find them, and maps out their shopping route. Inside Walmart, they spread out with their walkie-talkies and contact each other when they find things they think the others would like.

“They call me when I usually buy they find something cheap. Last year I got a call things for me about a $20 printer while with my hus- C a t h y I was shopping,” Grogg band’s money Grogg, said. “Things like that are ttenfor him to give Adance a great deal!” to me.” officer 364 out of 365 days of the year are spent shopping for her children, but Black Friday is shopping for items just for herself.

“I usually buy things for me with my husband’s money for him to give to me,” Grogg said. “You have to think about the bargain you’re getting rather than thinking about the time you’re wasting waiting in lines to purchase those items.”

Although a lot of the shopping is done for herself, Grogg buys toys when they are on sale. At the Christmas parade, she distributes those toys to her kids for them to donate on the float that collects toy donations for children who are less fortunate.

Junior Shannon Kizner wakes up at about 3:30 a.m. each year, getting ready for her annual shopping trip.

“This year I’m going to New Jersey, but I go shopping at different places each year,” Kizner said. “I usually go to any store but it’s funny to go to Wal-Mart where a lot of people run in. I saw this lady fall and people just walked around her.”

Customers line up at the doors of Walmarts, Target, and electronic stores, awaiting outrageous sales.

“This year, I’m getting a laptop for my birthday on Black Friday,” Kizner said. “I usually get clothes. It’s fun to see how many people go [shopping].”

Senior Nicki Strickler lists and maps out the stores she wishes to visit. “[My family and I] park in the back of the parking lotyou have to walk more, but it’s easier to get in and out of spaces,” Strickler said.

Strickler spends anywhere between $100 and $200 starting her Christmas shopping for family. Strickler usually looks for accessories, church clothes, and things to share with her sister.

“My favorite store is Target because they always have good deals and I can shop for almost everyone on my list,” Strickler said.

The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010

Ama Ansah- Feature B2

Auditions full of different experiences for different grade levels Kavya Beheraj and Olivia McCarty

A

news editor and staff reporter

man brought me back, and I am so glad that I did it because it is an awesome group of people,” said Elwood.

To prepare for her audition Elwood found the monologue she was going to use for the play online and practiced in front of friends. To help the students learn their music for the audition, choral teacher Bethany Houff held practices after school where she went over the music. Elwood went to these after school rehearsals to learn the song that she used during her audition.

Senior Senior Kait Arthur also has been in the musical for two years and she too practiced her monologue “a bunch of times,” to prepare for her audition.

“I try to practice ( my monologue) in front of as many

lmost everyone wants to be an actor. Everyone wants their moment in the spotlight. But to prove your worth you must audition, a daunting prospect for many students. Of course, different people have different experiences.

Freshman Trying out for anything your first year of high school can be intimidating. But Freshman Daelynn McCleve was not shaken. In fact, she is more than excited for the upcoming musical. Her audition, she felt, wasn’t as hard as she expected. Her monologue for the first audition was a standalone called “Your Money’s Worth” by Kellie Powell. “[I] was so nervous and excited at the same time,” McCleve said. “Callbacks were easy [for] me, of course, because I have had experience with dancing.”

Although this is her first time in a high school play, McCleve is no stranger to acting and dancing. She has been in theater for two years, since middle school, and has been involved in dance for about six to eight years, taking ballet and jazz.

“I thought musical would be a good experience for me. I really love to act,” McCleve said. “I really wanted to get in.”

McCleve found that she was part of the secretaries, one of the clerical pool.

“I look forward to practicing, having a blast with the rest of the cast, and acting on stage,” McCleve said.

Sophomore Sophomore Jesse Henninger never thought he would get into the musical, but he tried out anyway. “[For the monologue,] I did an excerpt from a speech done by Al Pacino in the movie Scent of a Woman,” Henninger said. “I thought it went pretty good. [I auditioned because] mainly I just wanted to do the monologue.”

Henninger’s sister, Krystal, had been stage manager in her day at HHS, and pushed him to audition. Unfortunately, he could not make it to callbacks due to an illness.

“I didn’t think I was going to [get in], Henninger said. Let’s Look.... Sophomores Laura Baker, Maggie Siciliano and Elena “I didn’t even check the cast list, I was so sure I didn’t Gerome check out the cast list just as it is posted in the drama/band hallway. Photo by Phillip Bannister get a part.”

Henninger was surprised to find that he had got the people as possible, because it helps calm my nerves,” Arthur part of Wally Wampler, a business executive in the play. He said. is looking forward to making his first musical the best it can The thing that worries Arthur the most during her audibe. tion is a nervous habit.

Junior “When I get nervous, I get really breathless, so I worry Often times, having a friend or sibling who has audiabout getting breathless on stage,” Arthur said. tioned before can help convince you to take the leap. Junior One piece of advice that Arthur would like to pass on to Gwen Elwood has been in the musical for two years and next years auditioners is to “go to their audition early bedecided to first tryout because of her sister’s involvement. cause for the past two times I have come on time and I forThis year, however, she was not sure if she was even going got that I had to fill out (audition) forms,” Arthur said. to tryout.

How To Succeed in Business with out Really Trying will be “I was thinking about doing something different because Feb 17-19 with a matinee performance on the Feb 20. my sister wasn’t in it (the musical) , but Tabea Zimmerm-

What’s the plot?

J. Pierrepont Finch is not content with his job, washing windows for the Worldwide Wicket Corporation

After stumbling upon a life-changing book titled “How to Succeed in Business”, he successfully enters the corporation Where he meets Rosemary, a pretty young secretary.

Finch rises through the ranks of the corporation in a matter of days, while trying to outwit his enemy, Bud Frump.

Hilarity ensues.

Events Production learns the ropes behind the scenes the office, in his classroom, eleven students busy themselves sewing 1800s style aprons for teachers in another school feature editor and sports editor district that dress up for Thanksgiving. This is the events production class. Swartz directs the chaos, fixing sewing machines, re-threading the spools, calling out measuren Drama teacher Stan Swartz’s office sits an inch-thick ments, and advising shortcut methods to fixing mess-ups. stack of papers, each outlining the position of props This is Events Production;the class behind the curtain. on the stage in each scene of the winter musical, How Putting a production together is an incredible amount of to Succeed in Business without Really Trying. Outside work. As director, Swartz’s job is to make sure everything is taken care of, such as the costumes, props, music, actors, etc, and make it flow smoothly.

His class is helpful when it comes down to the nitty gritty work that needs to get done. So far they created the One Act set and Homecoming rocket.

Students learn as they go whether it is building a set, designing a poster, or sewing aprons.

“It makes you appreciate what goes on backstage,” sophomore Kaelyn Warne said. This is her second year taking Events Production.

She has found that the skills she learned in the class have applied to everyday life.

“We learn to sew, so I can fix ripped clothing,” Warne said.

Carpentry skills are learned that can apply outside of theatre as well.

“You learn to fix stuff and build platforms with good You sew wack!! The boys of the Events Production class learn how to sew. Photo by support,” senior Joseph Heather Hunter-Nickles Roth said. “The building

Heather Hunter Nickes and Michael Johnson

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experience gave me more confidence in building things on my own, instead of relying on someone else to tell me what to do.” Roth was part of last year’s Events Production class.

For the winter musical, the class will be building a lot of pieces, some 24feet tall; all must me mobile in order to clear the stage for district band.

“The set is going to be very elaborate, there are lots of pieces and it is very modular,” Swartz said.

Parents are also big contributors. Paul Warne and David McCarty are two of the parents who are involved with the set. Last year, Warne designed the set for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat and he is lending a hand this year as well.

The set is going to be very big, colorful, crisp with clean lines, and straight. It is going to have a very geometric look to it and there will be several platforms coming out of the stage,” senior Isaac Rohrer said. He has been involved with the musicals his whole high school career and this year is no exception.

A musical is not only the set. Lights are a big part of the play as well. Swartz usually works with the operator of the lights. He tells the operator where to angle the lights and at what time. The cast then runs through rehearsal. This is when Swartz can study the lighting. If he is not pleased in certain areas, he talks to the operator and changes the lighting if necessary.

Another important part of putting together a musical is costumes. The costumes come from either old plays that the school has done in the past, Swartz will make the costumes, or parents participate and make the costumes exquisite.

“The costumes for the guys will be older style business suits. They will be double breasted with bow ties and skinny ties. The girls will wear skirts, blouses, and maybe some jackets. The girls will kind of resemble Jackie Kennedy. All of the costumes are made to be for fifties fashion,” Rohrer said.

There are many different parts to a musical. If it weren’t for the support of the parents, the co-operation of the actors and the patronage of the audience, plays would not exist. It takes a village to put on a play.

Who is who in the cast of How to Succeed

Pierpont Finch Dorall Price sophomore What’s the best part about your role? His wit is pretty cool, he is able to be successful and out wit people without doing a lot of work.

What are you looking forward to? I’m looking forward to putting it all together on the stage.

Three words to describe the show? Ridiculous, witty, and fast paced.

Rosemary Maggie Siciliano sophomore What’s the best part about your role? I like how compasionate and how willing she is to please others.

What are you looking forward to? I’m looking forward to playing off the other characters.

Three words to describe the show? Funny, surprising, and entertaining.

Bud Frump Jay Horton freshman What’s the best part about your role? It’s fun cause he’s kind of mean and childish, it will be fun to play.

What are you looking forward to?Just being a part of the whole thing and seeing the set.

Three words to describe the show? Exciting, Dramatic, and very active.

Hedy LaRue Nancy Carrie Logan sophomore What’s the best part about your role? I really like the character and the attitude that she has.

What are you looking forward to? I’m looking forward to the set and costumes, and I like the way everyone sounds together.

Three words to describe the show? Fun, entertaining, and exciting.

Mr.Twimble Caleb McClay senior What’s the best part about your role? Definitely my song, and the fact that he is so happy about his company habits.

What are you looking forward to?The thrill of putting it on.

Three words to describe the show? Sterotypical, ambitious, and scandalous.

Mr.Biggly Isaac Rohrer Senior What’s the best part about your role? I get to sing with a low kind of griddy voice.

What are you looking forward to? I’m looking forward to building a family like relationship with the cast.

Three words to describe the show? Up-beat, Jazzie, and classic.

The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010

Heather Hunter-Nickels- Feature B3

Great gift ideas on any budget GIRLS

BOYS

EITHER

Category

Low $

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Perfume

Victorias Secret Perfume, starting at $15.00

American Eagle Bohemian for Her, $34.50

Ralph Lauren Hot Perfume, $57.00

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American Eagle Vintage for Him, $8.50

American Eagle True Cologne, $34.50

Framed picture of BF/GF, approx. $15.00

A nice bouquet of her favorite flowers, $20.00 and up

Ralph Lauren Romance Cologne, $47.50

Handmade Gift Thoughtful Gift

Bake him something, $5.00 for ingredients

A scrapbook about BF/GF, $10.00 and up

Diamond key necklace, Kay Jewelers, $99.99

Birthstone ring from Kay Jewelers, $150.00

Cook him a homemade meal, approx. $15.00 and up for ingredients

Tickets

Tickets to a free local performance Casio sports watch, Walmart, $19.00

Movie tickets, $20.00

Concert tickets, $60.00 and up Fossil Watch from Macy’s, $65.00

Handmade A collage Gift of pictures, and cut outs of you and your girlfriend, free Jewelry

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1

A collage of pictures, and cut outs of you and your girlfriend, free Steve Madden purse, $50.00 at T.J. Maxx

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Nine West Coach satchel, purse, $89.00 $175.00

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Adidas Watch from Macy’s, $40.00

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MP3 player from Walmart, $25.00 Hoodie Custom hoodie from shirtmagic.com, $30.00 and up Plan a trip Go to the to Charlot- movie tesville theater, and enjoy window shopping at the outside mall, $20.00

Technology

3 Favorite gifts etched in memories “My favorite Christmas gift was when my entire family got together,” junior Saida feature editor Mammadova said. Christmas is a time for families to get together and celebrate the here is always that holiday, and being with family is a great gift. one special Christmas Mammadova’s family does not live in Hargift that is never for- risonburg, so it was the only time her family gotten. The feeling of got together in a long time. ripping neatly wrapped presJunior Viktoriya Vetosheva’s favorite gift ents, tearing open box- was one that set her apart from other girls. es, and finding the one “My favorite Christmas gift was a remote item that had been most control Hummer I got when I was little. I wished for. Although not loved it!” Vetosheva said. This remote conall presents are material, trol car was her favorite because she proved Christmas season is a to all of her guy friends that they were wrong time where that inner about girls only playing with dolls. “When all child longs of the boys to open would come gifts underTop 7 outside to neath the play they Stocking Stuffers: Christmas were really tree.

1 Chapstick jealous of Jewelr y my Hum2 Chocolates is always an mer,” Veto3 Games exciting pressheva said. ent for girls 4 Stuffed Animals Childto get, senior hood mem5 CDs Marina Alories of 6 Perfume verez’s neckChristmas lace is one of 7 Candy and the presher favorite ents stick gifts. A gift around no matter how old a person may get. from her grandmother that “My favorite Christmas gift was when I got she wears daily, it holds a a set of Legos when I was eight when I first lot of sentimental value. got to America,” junior David Love said.

“My favorite Christmas Love remembers his first Christmas in the gift I ever got was a gold, United States, and his first present to this heart shaped necklace day. “I woke to the smell of monkey bread. with diamonds in it. It I was too nervous to eat because I saw all is my favorite gift be- these big boxes of presents. I got up and cause my grandma my mom was like let me get a camera and gave it to me,” she plopped me down said go ahead and I senior Mari- opened the biggest box first.” Love said. na Alverez Love lived in an orphanage in Russia his ensaid. tire life until he was adopted.

For Christmas in the orphanage, all 18 of the children passed around boxes of presents. “We didn’t get to keep them but we got to play with them for a little,” Love said.

“For my very first Christmas I was so happy to have something of my own.”

Love said, “I played with it all night.

My mom got so mad because I always left pieces laying around the house.”

Christmas gifts are just one of the many joys of the holiday season, every person has a favorite gift of their own.

The memories of those favorite presents and of family during Christmas time stays with a person forever.

Molly Denman

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4

5

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Infographic by Christine Choi

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Hidalgo knows what he wants for Christmas Madison Wilson

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feature editor

The first thing I would do if I had my parents with J.C. me would be Hidalgo, to hug them. senior A hug means a lot to me.

Sometimes we get presents from them, but we never get a real hug from them.”

etting things for Christmas is expected by most people, but for senior J.C. Hidalgo it’s not about the presents, it’s about the people you are with. Hidalgo has not seen his parents in several years, and if he could have one wish, it would be to spend Christmas with them.

“The first thing I would do if I had my parents with me would be to hug them. A hug means a lot to me. Sometimes we get presents from them but we never get a real hug from them,” Hidalgo said. “If I were to see my parents I would not talk about why they left, I would want to talk about life and to tell them that I love them.”

Hidalgo does not want to receive anything from his parents but time, to spend time with the parents he has not seen in a couple years and to get to know them.

“The past is gone, now all we can do is live in the present and make the best of it,” Hidalgo said.

If it came to getting just a present Hidalgo would get his mom flowers because she has always loved flowers, and for his dad he would get him something blue, because Hidalgo knows that he loves the color blue. Christmas time for Hidalgo is a time to reflect on the year and to see how thankful you should be and how amazing life really is.

Low $

Sophomore Kendall Bailey celebrates Christmas with her family every year and has the struggle of figuring out what to get her parents.

In the past she has gotten them things for their hobbies. But this year she has decided to get them alumni products from their colleges.

“It was something I knew they would like,” Bailey said. “I’m getting my mom stuff from Radford and I’m getting my dad stuff from Tech. I got it two weeks ago.”

Bailey said that it was easy to get the Tech stuff for her dad because most of the college stores around here carry Tech gear. But getting things for her mom was a little more difficult. She had to go online and order most of it and then she had her dad take her to the college over the weekend to get the rest

of the stuff.

Junior Suma Haji celebrates Eid, which is just like Christmas except for Muslims. There is exchanging of gifts, services at the mosque, and morning prayer.

“We just finished Eid, it goes back ten days every year. So last year it was in December, but this year it just past,” Haji said.

Usually it’s the parents who get the children things. The kids help around the house and help cook the food.

“We get up early in the morning and cook all day,” Haji said.

Medium $$ High $$$

An iPod nano, $149.00

iTouch, $229.00 for new 8GB JMU Under hoodie Armour from Uni- Hoodie, versity $49.99 Outpost, $34.00 Go iceskating and have a less expensive dinner, approx. $30.00

Go to The Melting Pot Restaurant for a unique fondue experience, $80.00 and up

Secret Santa Ideas: 1. Candy- Who doesn’t

like candy? A bag of their favourite sweets is a nice inexpensive option for the Secret Santa on a budget.

2. An interesting m aga zine- some light reading is always a good idea. Try a publication that they don’t normally read, but they won’t find alienating. Something cool and quirky like Mental Floss can appeal to many people.

3. Home made baked goods- who doesn’t like homemade food? It doesn’t cost that much to make a simple batch of cookies. No mixes! That’s cheating.

4.

Winter accessories (scarf, gloves, hat, etc.)- even dudes need gloves! It does not cost that much to bundle up in the winter.

5. A gift card (iTunes, restaurant, store)- a classic go to gift. Who doesn’t like free money to a favourite store?

6. Things that smell nice (incense, soap, candles)- a calming scented candle or a few sticks of incense can relax the mind, which is especially great around the always stressful holiday season.

7. Jewelry- for the laaadiees. A pair of ear rings don’t cost that much. Just avoid cheep metals that can cause irritation to certain skin types.

8. Toys or gamesno matter how old you are, a card game or a simple toy can bring b a c k fond nostalgic memories.

9. Socks- everyone needs socks, especially fuzzy ones 10. Donation to charity- instead of spending money on silly objects, make a ten dollar donation to an organization they care about, such as the SPCA or Action Against Hunger­­­

December 17, 2010

The Newsstreak

Lauren Martin- Ads- B4

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The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010

Lauren Martin- Ads - B5

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Happy Holidays!

I wanted to wish all of you a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!

We have many exciting events going on during the month of December. As always the Toy Convoy is kicking off to a great success and our stocking tree has been a big hit! Every new and preͲowned vehicle purchase from me at the Honda Showroom gets to pull a stocking from our tree.

Inside the stocking is an additional $50 to $750 off your purchase!

540Ͳ435Ͳ7596 brandenfauber@harrisonburghonda.com “Largest new selection in the Valley.”

The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010

2010-2011 HHS

NEWSSTREAK PATRONS NEWSSTREAK SUPER SPONSOR

Lauren Martin- Ads - B6

Patrons are members of the Harrisonburg community and others who support the pursuit of excellence in the journalistic publications of Harrisonburg High School. Money generated from the patron program is used to offset costs of attending journalism conferences, to print our paper, and to purchase up-to-date technological equipment for our journalism lab. To become a patron, see any member of the Newsstreak Staff or stop by room 444. Patron level is determined by the following scale: HHS Patrons, $5; Blue Patrons, $10; Bronze Patrons, $15; Silver Patrons, $25; Gold Patrons, $50; and Newsstreak Super Sponsor, $100+.

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The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010

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WINTER SPORTS PREVIEWS

eter’s et eeves

Indoor Track has strength returning

Newton trumps off-field issues Peter Byrd

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Michael Johnson-Sports - B7

Sports Editor

am Newton is the most dominant college football player I have ever seen. The 6’6” 250-pound junior is a wrecking ball that needs to be gang-tackled by other teams if they want to have any hope of bringing him down.

Originally, Newton, from Westlake High School in Georgia, committed to the University of Florida and won the backup quarterback job over current Florida quarterback John Brantley. After Florida won the 2009 BCS Championship, Tim Tebow announced he would return for his senior season at Florida.

Newton decided it would be in his best interest to find another home, a place where he could get on the field quicker. Not wanting to sit out a year, Newton transferred to Blinn College, a junior college in Texas. The mammoth quarterback dominated the weaker competition en route to leading his team to the NJCAA National Football Championship. According to Rivals.com Newton was rated as the only 5-star quarterback coming out of high school or junior college for the Class of 2010. Auburn coach Gene Chizik heavily recruited Newton and the Auburn Tigers landed themselves a quarterback who could help the Tigers compete with the powerhouses, such as Alabama, Florida, and LSU, in the toughest conference in the land, the SEC. Newton first donned the blue and orange colors in a win over Arkansas State in which he accounted for 5 touchdowns. Following his breakout performance, Newton was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week. He never looked back on his performance and has guided the Tigers to a 12-0 record, a number one ranking in the latest BCS poll, and a spot in the BCS National Championship game in Glendale, Arizona on Jan 10. Newton has already set the record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a season in SEC history with 1,409. He also has thrown for 2,589 yards, making him the first SEC player to throw for over 2,000 yards and run for 1,000 yards in the same season.

The day after Thanksgiving, Newton led his then second ranked Auburn Tigers to a 28-27 win over eleventh ranked and rival Alabama in Tuscaloosa, on the Crimson Tide’s home field in which they had won twenty straight games. Newton orchestrated an amazing second half comeback after the Tigers had trailed 24-0.

Newton is tenth in the country in rushing yards per game, second among quarterbacks to only Michigan star Denard Robinson. His 20 rushing touchdowns are tied for the most by a quarterback and tied for second most by any position. He has also thrown 28 touchdown passes and caught a touchdown as a result of a trick play. Newton became only the second player ever to pass and run for at least 20 touchdowns in the same season (Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick became the third hours after Newton accomplished the feat). The star quarterback has been responsible for 294 points which is the most in the country. Everything was going great, he was undefeated, setting school records, and was the front-runner to win the Heisman Trophy; then, disaster struck.

Two former Mississippi State players have leaked information that in order for Cam Newton to play at Mississippi State the school would need to pay between $180,000-$200,000 to Cecil Newton, Cam’s father who is a minister. Nothing can yet be proven, but the NCAA is doing a thorough investigation. The situation has become national news and many people, including Heisman voters, are unclear what to do. Auburn University has allowed Newton to play amid the swirling allegations surrounding him and his family. A number of Heisman voters have publicly said that they will not vote for Newton because of the allegations and the immorality of them.

Opposing team’s fans have harassed him continually. Before the Alabama game, the songs “Take the Money and Run” and “Son of a Preacher Man” blared over the loudspeakers during pregame warmups. Newton remained unphased, and after leading a comeback victory over the Crimson Tide, ran around the stadium with his right hand covering his mouth as if to silence critics everywhere.

Newton has since been cleared by the NCAA and is eligible to play after the NCAA cited a lack of evidence that Cam knew what his father was doing.

Newton had been prohibited from publicly commenting on his situation, but spoke for the first time in over a month after guiding his Tigers to a 56-17 thrashing over the South Carolina Gamecocks in the SEC Championship Game. Newton accounted for six touchdowns in the game, four through the air and two on the ground, before sitting out a majority of the fourth quarter to allow the backup quarterback to take some reps. His performance on the field speaks infinitely louder than his dad’s possible request off of it which is why I believe he will win the Heisman Trophy and go into the record books as one of the greatest to ever put on pads, before leading Auburn to a win in the National Championship Game.

William Imeson

Coach Bugg and I hope to continue,” Loughran said.

Returning this year is senior distance runner Keith Thomas, Staff Reporter who is ready to start anew after a difficult cross country season.

Thomas is fast enough to not only run distance races such as he 2010-2011 indoor track season started on the the mile and the 1000, but also be an important member of the first Monday after fall break, Nov 30. The season 4x400 relay. lasts about three months and will go from DeAlso returning are senior sprinters Michael Holmes and cember to March. Last year’s indoor track team Donte Fitz-Sloan. Holmes will be playing basketball as well, went to states and did well, but this year they are even more but will no doubt make a valuable addition to the team. Senior hopeful. sprinter Haley Wenos will also be participating in indoor and Despite losing key runners such as Troy Jones, a school re- gymnastics. Wenos is a hurdler and sprinter and despite being cord holder in the 300-meter dash, and Tricia Comfort, an all plagued with injuries throughout her career, is an important time great in girls distance, the team looks to come back strong. member of the team.

Coach David Loughran has high hopes for the season.

A strong junior class will also play an important part in “We have had a level of success in the past several years that the indoor season. 4x400 relay veterans Wayson Lee and Nevin Heckman are looking stronger than ever and will undoubtedly lead the team in it’s most exciting event.

“I’m going to miss Troy,” Lee said.

“But I think we can still do well without him.”

Heckman finished twelfth in the state in the 500-meter dash and has the top ten in his sights. Junior Vanessa Ehrenpreis has been training hard in preparation for the upcoming season, and looks to perform with even more excellence after an exciting sophomore year in which she set a school record in the 300-meter dash.

The first meet of the year is Dec 9 at Fort Defiance High School. These outdoor “Polar Bear” meets are important for determining which runners will be representing Harrisonburg at the bigger meets.The district meet Feb12 at Stretch! Freshman Ashley Riley, sophomore Katrina Sokolyuk, senior Haley Wenos, Eastern Mennonite University and the and senior Alison Domonoske, stretch before indoor track practice. Photo by Pau- regional and state meets are soon after at Liberty University. lina Rendon.

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Winter cheerleaders gearing up for basketball season Nahla Aboutabl Staff Reporter

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ow that the fall cheerleading season is over, a new winter season begins. They cheer for all the basketball home games, for both the girls and boys teams. Girls tried out even if they were on the fall cheerleading squad, but this time, coach Bridget Smith is doing it differently.

“I split the squad in half. Blue team and red team. The girls will be cheering at alternating games,” Smith said. This is so the girls have less work to do.

“I like it this way because before we would have four days

of work. Two days of practice and two days of cheering. Now we only cheer once a week and get another day for practice,” sophomore Katie Jett said.

Winter cheerleading is different than fall cheerleading in more aspects.

“We don’t go to competitions. That’s why we get less recognition,” Smith said.

“We had six days a week of work because we had competitions and games we had to practice for. I like fall cheerleading better though,” Jett said.

As to the new split squads, Jett says she likes them because now she has fewer days of practice and cheering, and more time for homework and socializing.

Morrell takes over as head swim team coach Rachel O’Connor Staff Reporter

done as possible at practice.

“I think that for the swimmers, they are excited about having he swim a coach who wants to team has be successful. They’re been withswimming hard. They out a regular have already set their coach for the past cougoals- they just know ple of years, but EngI’m there to put their lish teacher Richard goals in place,” Morrell Morrell has stepped said. up to fill the position Junior Claire Glick, for the 2010-2011 who has been swimswim season. Morrell English teacher and ming since her freshwas not able to coach head swim coach man year, is excited in previous years beRichard Morrell about the upcoming cause he was involved season. Last year, the with the after-school team was coached by program in the afternoon. Although he two JMU swimmers, so havcould not coach the school swim team, ing an experienced coach is he did coach a summer swim team. a change for the better.

“The focus during the summer league “I think we’re all going is primarily having fun; [the school] to improve a lot. Most of us swimmers are at a higher skill level than should make it to regionthose in the summer league. In high als and a fair amount of us school, competition takes on more im- should qualify for states,” portance,” Morrell said.

Glick said.

Morrell’s biggest expectation for the The practices are more season is for all of the swimmers to meet planned out and Morrell their individual goals they have set for helps each swimmer indithemselves. He also wants more swim- vidually with their strokes. mers. There are 22 swimmers so far, but He also videotapes the he would like to get the team up to 54. swimmers during practice “More swimmers makes it more fun,” and puts a lot of time into Morrell explained. working out and stretchMorrell swam in high school, but not ing on dry land- something for the high school team; he wrestled none of the previous coachduring the swim season. He swam free- es thought to do. style and breast stroke.

Needless to say, the swim Morrell’s coaching style is simple: team is ready to dive into to come in with a plan and get as much the upcoming season.

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Small gymnastics team working hard to prepare for season

Rachel O’Connor

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Staff Reporter

here were over 20 gymnasts on the gymnastics team last year. The team has to make do with half of those gymnasts for the 2010-2011 season. A small team is not necessarily a bad thing though: the team becomes closer and each gymnast has more time to work individually with head coach Michael King or assistant coach Stephanie Lewis. Freshman Chloe Scanlan is especially looking forward to the gymnastics season.

“The hardest thing about the season will be doing well on beam,” Scanlan said. Although it will be her first year on varsity, Scanlan is experienced, having been a part of the local Skyline Gymnastics since she was little and the middle

school team in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. She executes her favorite move, a round-off back handspring back tuck almost perfectly, which is more than many of the girls older than her can do.

“I’m most excited about competing for the first time,” Scanlan said.

Seniors Haley Wenos and Lexi Vondrak are also looking forward to their final year of gymnastics.

“My favorite aspect about gymnastics is having a close team and being able to do a sport that most people can’t do,” Wenos said. Working on an arabian, an extremely difficult round-off, half turn, front tuck, Wenos can indeed do things most others can only dream of.

While Wenos opts for trying new moves, Vondrak is more interested in executing moves she can already do well and consistently. Her favorite move is an aerial (a cartwheel with no hands), but

Vondrak’s best event is vault.

“I am most excited about somebody going to states,” Vondrak said. She was only fractions of a point from going to states on vault last year.

Wenos and Vondrak have been doing gymnastics together since the sixth grade, and have had King as a coach ever since. King has been coaching gymnastics for 29 years, and is still going strong.

He is most looking forward to what the seniors can do.

“I am most excited for our seniors to have a successful year,” King said. He believes the best part about the team is the seniors. What makes them the best part? “Their competitive spirit,” King explained.

With “fire” as the new theme for the gymnastics team, King had just one thing left to say about the season: “Flame on!”

Freestyle! Freshman Sydney Little practices laps at Westover Pool. Photo by Aidan Newcity

Breast Stroke! Derek Crites does sprint drills during practice at Westover pool. Photo by Aidan Newcity

Basketball team must wait for football season to end Emmett Copeland

C

Staff Reporter

oach Kevin Tysinger has an air of subdued excitement when discussing HHS’s coming basketball season.

“Can’t wait till football’s over,” Tysinger said. “Right now I can’t do too much without the guys coming from football, but I think this year is going to be fun.”

Tysinger is unwilling to commit to any predictions about the teams prospects, but he is hopeful.

“We’ll just have to see what happens,” Tysinger said.

Tysinger notes that Michael Holmes is strong, Salim Charles is tall, and Corbin Whitelow is quick. While no one is going to faint in surprise or call the WHSV at this revelation, the point stands that the basketball team will feature exceptionally impressive physical ability this year. Will it be enough to trump the tough district and region? Tysinger again won’t commit.

“I’ll say this,” said Tysinger. “We’re going to be fun to watch.”

The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010

Peter Byrd- Sports B8

Freshmen Phenoms

As winter sports seasons get underway, keep your eye on these rising sports stars Amanda Xaynhasone

Chloe Scanlan

Christina Hartley

Age:14 Sport:Gymnastics How long have you been involved in gymnastics? About two years Why did you join the team? I love gymnastics!!!

What is your favorite part of being on the team? Getting help with things you can’t do.

What is the hardest part? Facing your fears of falling on your face.

What aspect comes the easiest to you? Flexibility (not splits) What do you struggle with the most? splits What goals do you have for this season? Getting my splits down.

What is something this sport has taught you? A sport is not as easy as it seems.

Who do you look up to on the team? Simona Byler How did you prepare or train to join the tea,if you did? Looking up videos of stretches on you tube.

What makes you want to continue for next year?

The aspiration to be better.

Favorite sports brand?Under armor Favorite sports drink? Gatorade Favorite pump up song? Firework

by Katy Perry Favorite snack? Yogurt

Age: 15 Sport: Gymnastics How long have you been doing gymnastics? I have been doing it since kindergarten.

Why did you join the team? The girls, they are are so nice and really supportive.

What is the hardest part? Getting all of my school work done. What aspect of the sport comes the easiest to you? Tumbling, backhand springs and back tucks.

What do you struggle with the most? Probably beams or bars.

What goals do you have for this season? Improve my back and front walkovers.

What is something this sport has taught you? To never give up, and to try your hardest.

Who do you look up to on the team? Haley Wenos and Simona Byler, they have been doing this for a long time as well.

How did you prepare or train to join the team? I go to Skyline gymnastics every Saturday. I usually do some crunches, stuff like that.

Will you continue with this sport in years to come? Yes! Favorite sports brand? Under armor.

Favorite sports drink? Water.

Age: 14 Sport: Swimming How long have you been involved in this sport? a long time Why did you join the team? I like to swim What is your favorite part about being on the team? being in the water What is the hardest part? non-stop swimming What do you struggle with the most? breathing What goals do you have for the season? work up more strength in my leg What is something this sport has taught you? you have to commit Who do you look up to on the team? Joanna Hernandez How do you prepare or train to join the team, if you did? ran every day What makes you want to continue for next year? the fact that I can’t do it makes me want to Favorite sports brand? Adidas Favorite sports drink? Gatorade Favorite pump up song? Mud on the tires Favorite snack? granola bars

Simara Allen

Santiago Moreira

Taylor Swan

Matthew Shifflett

Julie Raab

Age:14 Sport:Basketball How long you been involved in this sport? I been playing basketball 6 years Why did you join the team? I stay active What is your favorite part about being on the team? being with my team mates What is the hardest part? conditions, running and being in the weight room What aspect of the sport comes the easiest to you? practicing What do you struggle with the most? All the exercise that we have to do What goals do you have for this season? win ‘em all What is something that this sport has tough you? go for the best Who do you look up to on the team? the good players How did you prepare or train to join the team, if you did? get in shape What makes you wants to continue for nest year? doing good this year Favorite sports brand? Nike Favorite sports drink? Gatorade Favorite pump up song? hard in the paint Favorite snack? cookies

Age: 15 Sport: Swimming How long have you been involved in this sport? Since I was 8.

Why did you join the team?

Because I like swimming, its good, it helps me prepare for soccer.

What is your favorite part about being on the team? Hanging out with with my friends and getting exercise.

What is the hardest part? Doing the backstroke and knowing how far away from the wall I am.

What aspect of the sport comes the easiest to you? Getting along with everybody.

What do you struggle with the most? I struggle mostly with the backstroke.

What goals do you have for this season? I want to try to go to states.

What is something this sport has taught you? It has taught me to complement and cheer for my teammates.

Who do you look up to on the team? I don’t really look up to anybody on the team, but I measure myself against teammates.

How did you prepare or train to join the team, if you did? I swam in the summer and played soccer with friends.

What makes you want to continue for next year? Reaching my goal before the end of my HHS years.

Favorite sports brand: Adidas Favorite sports drink: Gatorade Favorite pump up song: “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor Favorite snack: Any kind of chocolate

Age:14 Sport: Cheerleading How long have you been involved in this sport? Since sixth grade.

Why did you join the team? It’s fun and I like cheering.

What is your favorite part about being on the team? Cheering and watching games.

What is the hardest part? Practice.

What aspect of the sport comes the easiest to you? Yelling and Cheering.

What do you struggle with the most? Jumps.

What goals do you have for this season? Round-off back handspring.

What is something this sport has taught you? I don’t know.

Who do you look up to on the team? All the seniors.

How did you prepare or train to join the team, if you did? Conditioning.

What makes you want to continue for next year? I love it and the team’s nice.

Favorite sports brand? Nike.

Favorite sports drink? Gatorade.

Favorite pump up song? Anything

by Chris Brown.

Favorite snack? Chips.

Age: 15 Sport: Basketball How long have you been involved in this sport? since 4th grade Why did you join the team? I like basketball What is your favorite part of being on the team? playing basketball every day What is the hardest part? running all of the time What aspect of the sport comes easiest to you? drills What goals do you have for this season? have a winning season What is something this sport has taught you? respect coaches Who do you look up to on the team? Scott Measell How did you prepare or train to join the team? workout during summer Favorite sports brand? Nike Favorite sports drink? Gatorade Favorite pump up song? Can’t Be Touched Favorite snack? sunflower seeds

Age:14 Sport: Indoor Track How long have you been involved in this sport? I haven’t done indoor track but I did track.

Why did you join the team? To just keep running What is your favorite part about being on the team? Running.

What is the hardest part? Keeping a good pace.

What aspect of the sport comes easiest to you? I’m not sure.

What do you struggle with the most?

Same, keeping a good pace.

What goals do you have for this season? Run faster.

What is something this sport has taught you? Making friends and keep myself running and being active.

Who do you look up to on the team? I don’t know yet.

How did you prepare to train for the team, if you did? I did track for a long time.

What makes you want to continue for next year? I want to keep myself running.

Favorite sports brand? Adidas Favorite sports drink? Gatorade Favorite snack? An apple

Alexis Dickerson

Age:14 Sport: Winter Cheer leading How long have you been involved in this sport? Since Last year.

Why did you join the team? Trying something different.

What is your favorite part about being on the team? Doing the stunts.

What is the hardest part? Learning the more difficult Stunts.

What aspect of the sport comes easiest to you? The excitement you need to cheer.

What do you struggle with the most? Landing some of the more difficult stunts.

What goals do you have for this season? Landing some of the more difficult stunts.

What is something this sport has taught you? That cheering is so much harder than most people thing.

Who do you look up to on the team? The only person I did look up to decided not to do winter cheering.

How did you prepare to train for the team, if you did? I did 4 summer camps, I practiced my tumbles nearly every day. Stretched just about every day, and also bought weights for my jumps.

What makes you want to continue for next year? Yes, like being on the team cause it feels like one big family.

Favorite sports band? Asics Favorite sports drink? Powerade Favorite pump up song? Crack a bottle by Eminem Favorite snack? Cookies

Trevor Jackson

Name: Trevor Jackson Age: 15 Sport: Wrestling

How Long have you been involved in this sport: For nine years.

Why did you join the team: The wrestling team is fun and all the guys are great.

What is your favorite part about being on the team: Practicing.

What is the hardest part? Training.

What aspect of the sport comes the easiest to you? To get on to the mat and just be ready... the feeling is truly hard to put into words.

What do you struggle with the most? Seniors.

What goals do you have for this season? To get to the states.

What is something this sport has taught you? To never quit.

Who do you look up to on the team? All the guys are great, they make it fun to wrestle.

How did you prepare for the team?

I jogged about two miles every other day What makes you want t continue for next year? The competition, it dives you Favorite sports brand: Rebook Favorite sports drink: G2 Favorite pump song: Don’t stop believin’ by Journey Favorite snack: Waffles

The Newsstreak

November 19, 2010

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Lauren Martin- Ads - B9

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Todos seguros medicos son aceptados incluyendo Medicaid. ¿Está sin seguro medico?

Puede calificar para servicios rebajados.

Harrisonburg CHC is trusted, affordable and nearby

540-433-4913 Family Practice - Pediatrics - Internal Medicine see our website for more information www.hburgchc.org

GO STREAKS!

Harrisonburg CHC es de confianza, asequible y cercano

540-433-4913 Práctica familiar – Pediatra –Medicina Interna Visita nuestro sitio del Internet para más información www.hburgchc.org

¡Vaya STREAKS!

Little Grill Collective

Stacie I. Dietz, DDS

621 North Main Street Harrisonburg, VA 22802 (540)434-3594

Creating Natural Smiles Find more details, and a calendar of events on our website:

1663 Virginia Avenue, Suite 210 Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802 Phone: (540) 442-9100 Fax: (540) 442-9096

www.littlegrillcollective.com Fun with Friends!

Fresh Ingredients

Harrisonburg High School

Streaks Club

Hey all you Blue Streak Fans! it is hard to believe but Christmas is right around the corner. We will be hosting our annual Blue Streak Christmas Sale again this year.

We will have all of our apparel, stickers, magnets, blankets, hats and much more available to be purchased for that special Blue Streak fan on your list. We will also be offering free gift wrap. Come early for the best selection.

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010 TIME: 4-7 p.m.

PLACE: HHS Gym Commons You won’t want to miss out on this great opportunity to purchase a special gift for someone and know that they will love it! Goooooooo STREAKS!!!!

We Accept Personal Checks and Cash

1731 South High St. 540.432.1386 Come enjoy a variety of breakfast, deli and veggie sandwiches.

We also have latte’s, cappuccinos, and smoothies.

Mon- Fri 6 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.

Sat- Sun 6 a.m.- 3 p.m.

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The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010

Sarver bobbleheads immortalize coaching legend

Vanessa Ehrenpreis

I

managing editor

t takes a lifetime of achievement to have a bobblehead fashioned after yourself. Athletes such as David Beckham, Sammy Sosa, and Donovan McNabb are all the lucky subjects of bobblehead memorabilia. Now, coach Tim Sarver’s impressive resume has officially qualified him for a big-headed miniature of himself.

“I thought [bobbleheads] were only for famous people,” Tim Sarver said chuckling. “It was embarrassing at first, but it’s a great gesture.”

Kathy Sarver, Tim’s wife, came up with the idea after a visit to a JMU sports office.

“They had all these bobbleheads in the office.

One of Mickey Matthews, some of the team, and other stuff. After I left, I got to thinking about it and thought it was a cool idea,” Kathy said.

“Sometimes you jump without thinking. It either works out, or ends badly. I think this is something that will work out well.”

Kathy had been saving up money over the years for some sort of retirement gift, and bobbleheads seemed to fit the niche perfectly.

“Mr. Sarver is a conservative man. He’s very quiet, and humble. He doesn’t like any attention.

This was a time when he deserved some attention.

It’s a funny and respectful way to honor his ca-

reer,” Kathy said.

The process of making the bobblehead was extensive. Kathy first ordered a case of 500 bobbleheads through a special deal from Alexander Global Productions. She then collaborated with the company to ensure the figure resembled coach Sarver.

“We went through side-line pictures to find a likeness. We were constantly going back and forth with the company, tweaking things slightly. I remember sneaking around while we were on vacation in Maine, trying to wrap things up,” Kathy said.

The final product finally arrived in late October, and resembled coach Sarver greatly.

“It’s a very real portrayal. I mean, they’ve got the clipboard in the back and everything. There’s enough of a likeness that you could tell it was me,” Tim said.

The figure sports a navy blue HHS football jacket and baseball cap, khakis, glasses, his 2001 state championship ring, and a clipboard fittingly located in the back of his pants.

Aside from honoring Tim’s career, the bobbleheads will raise money for a new scholarship fund.

“All the profits will be going toward an athletic scholarship fund named in Sarver’s honor,” attendance secretary Kathy Grogg said.

Jake Durden- Sports B10

The Streaks Club hopes to create the scholarship to recognize Sarver’s “years of dedication and service to the Harrisonburg High School football program,” according to the HHS athletic department.

The Streaks Club hopes it will eventually become an endowed scholarship managed by the Harrisonburg Education Foundation.

Sales thus far have been good. Of the original case of 500, five or six boxes have already been sold. The bobbleheads are on sale in the attendance office, and with the booster club. Most of the buyers are either Sarver’s former, or current players.

“Most of the people I’ve seen have been former players. It’s one of those things that if a former player saw them it’s ‘gotta have one’. I’ve gotten lots of calls from moms of players asking about them. And when players come back it’s something they want,” Grogg said.

Kathy Sarver wants the bobbleheads to have a lasting impact on HHS. “Maybe they’ll put a bobblehead in the trophy case,” Kathy Sarver said.

Road to state finals packed with formidable obstacles Shane McMahan

sports editor

Harrisonburg vs. Staunton River. Friday, November 19, 2010 he Golden Eagles of Staunton River were known for their stingy defensive efforts night in and night out. Granted, senior Michael Holmes is not your everyday running back. The reigning Group AA Player of the Year was held to a modest 69 yards, his lowest total of the 2010 season, on 22 carries.

Nonetheless, Holmes found the endzone twice, and led the Streaks to a 45-13 thrashing in the regional semi-finals.

“Staunton River is a difficult team to run against, mainly because they blitz eight people at all times,” Holmes said.

The Streaks were also sparked by a kickoff return touchdown by senior Donte FitzSloan at the beginning of the second half.

“I just saw a seam and the blocking was good,” Fitz-Sloan said.

In the midst of Holmes’ rather quiet night, he made major noise, breaking Chris Hart’s all-time rushing record at HHS. “It’s a great accomplishment and one I’m very proud of,” Holmes said.

As the game wound down, the Streaks realized what was ahead: a date with death.

T

Harrisonburg vs. Amherst. Friday, November 26, 2010 istory was destined not to repeat itself on a brisk night at Walter Green field. After being knocked out by the Lancers three straight years, a simple fade route down the opponent’s sideline changed history.

With roughly 20 seconds left in the game, and the Streaks trailing 23-21, the coaching staff drew up a play looking to get the ball in their most prolific player’s hands. The play, called “Blue Right Mike Falcon 999”, was designed to put the ball in District Player of the Year Michael Holmes’ hands.

Johnson fumbled the snap, but eventually found Holmes streaking down the sideline, surprisingly only being covered by one Lancer.

“When I fumbled the snap, I just thought to myself pick the ball up and throw it to Michael,” Johnson said.

Johnson and Holmes connected for the 44-yard strike, claiming for the Blue Streaks

H

their first regional title since 2004, and a trip to the state semi-finals.

“It feels great to beat them, because we have lost to them the past three years I have been on the team,” Johnson said. “The fact that it is Coach Sarver’s last year makes it that more special.”

Holmes, along with anyone else who had followed Harrisonburg football the past few years, knew he had a great chance to catch the ball.

“Right when they called the play, I knew I had to catch it,” Holmes said. “I had to catch it.”

Johnson finished the night completing seven of ten passes, finding the endzone twice, and throwing for an impressive 169 yards. Both touchdown passes came at crucial times, the pass to Holmes’ winning the game, and an earlier strike to lanky junior Salim Charles, which gave the Streaks their first lead in the game, 21-17.

“Jake threw a great ball and I just made the play,” Charles said.

Meanwhile, Holmes finished with another incredible performance, rushing for 223 yards on 30 carries, and finding the endzone twice.

“The thing about Amherst is they are so fast,” Holmes said. “Getting any yards against them is good in my opinion.”

With the win, the Streaks were set to travel down to traditional gridiron power, Christiansburg. The Streaks new it was a tall task, but one they could conquer.

“We knew that they were usually a good team, but at the same time, we had a lot of confidence in ourselves,” junior lineman Marquis Veney said.

Harrisonburg vs. Christiansburg. Saturday, December 4, 2010 he world’s most accurate weather source, NOAA.GOV, was calling for temperatures in the high 20’s and a thirty percent chance of snow. At least they got the temperatures right.

The HHS football team traveled down to Christiansburg on Dec 4, not knowing they would be bracing against extreme conditions, including a steady snow downfall that lasted much of the afternoon.

“The snow was crazy,” sophomore specialist Josh Scott said.

Roughly 500 of Harrisonburg’s faithful made the three-hour drive down interstate

T

Hoist it High! Coach Tim Sarver soaks in the positive vibes of being Region III Champion once again. The Blue Streaks defeated Amherst County 28-23 and won a spot in the AA state semifinal. Photo by Olivia McCarty.

81, anticipating another great outing by the Blue Streaks.

“I was very anxious the whole ride down,” sophomore Max Johnson said. “The snow made it much more intense.”

“Intense”, in fact, was exactly how the game was, and what the Daily News Record front page read Monday morning.

The Streaks jumped out to a 7-0 lead, on an early Holmes touchdown run. There would be many, many more carries for Holmes to come.

“The conditions were difficult to run in,” Holmes said. “It was impossible to get any traction.”

The Blue Demons answered shortly after, tieing the game at seven. The teams headed into the locker room knotted at seven, and extremely cold.

“We were all very cold, but we were too excited to win the game, that we didn’t think too much of the weather,” sophomore lineman and specialist Ahmad Salehi said.

The Streaks came out of the locker room with fast feet and jumped out to a 14-7 lead.

Christiansburg wasn’t giving in, though.

The Blue Demons scored 14 unanswered points, including a blocked punt returned for a touchdown, and took their first lead of the game, 21-14.

“We really didn’t lose any confidence or anything,” senior lineman R.J. Good said.

“We knew we could still win the game.”

Holmes took a handoff 51 yards for a score to knot the game at 21, the third tie of the game. Both teams attempted to put the ball in the endzone throughout the final half of the fourth quarter, but came up unsuccessful. If the Streaks were going to advance to their first state championship since 2004, it was going to take another resilient effort, this time in the teams first overtime appearance of the 2010 campaign.

Both teams came up unsuccessful on their first series. The Streaks took possession of the ball, and drove down to the one yard line. Fourth down approached, and it was do or die time.

“It was too cold to think, but I think we all knew Michael was going to find a way in,” junior defensive back and returner, Corbin Whitelow said.

Holmes did just that. Quarterback Jake

Bobble! Tim Sarver bobble head dolls can be purchased in the main office. All profits will be deposited into a scholarship fund.

Photo by Phillip Bannister

Johnson dropped back and handed the ball to Holmes, who dove across the goal line to give the Streaks the lead 28-21.

“I was going to dive no matter what,” Holmes later stated.

With the score, the Streaks were one defensive stand away from a state championship. The Demons drove down to the three yard-line, and were faced with a fourth down. One last stop would give the Streaks the improbable win.

The Demons turned to their most successful play of the night, a traditional jet sweep, and raced toward the corner of the endzone. Senior captain, Zack Dean, tripped up Blue Demon junior, Kam Johnson, and Michael Holmes finished him off, wrapping up the gutsy win for the Streaks.

“I just hoped someone would come finish him off,” Dean said.

Holmes finished with one of the gutsiest performances in Harrisonburg football history. He tallied 247 yards on a mind boggling 49 carries, and found the endzone all four times for the Streaks.

“It was one of the most tiring games I’ve ever had to play in my life,” Holmes said.

“Playing offense and defense in the snow was extremely tiring.”

Quarterback Jake Johnson also finished with an impressive 124 passing yards, considering the weather conditions.

The hard-earned victory sent the Streaks to the state championship, a goal the team had set since day one.

“It was obviously a goal from the first day we started practicing,” UNC signee Landon Turner said. “We wanted to get to states for Sarver since it is his last year.”

The storybook ending was nearly complete.

Dap! Sophomore wide receiver Sandy Jimenez congratulates senior quarterback Jake Johnson after his game-winning 44-yard touchdown pass to running back Michael Holmes. Photo by Olivia McCarty.

Victory Formation QB Kneel. Quarterback Jake Johnson and the Harrisonburg offense break the huddle with only a few seconds remaining to put HHS’s victory on ice. Photo

by Olivia McCarty.

The Newsstreak

November 19, 2010

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The Newsstreak

December 17, 2010

Phillip Bannister- photo essay B12

‘tis the season to be...

Families in need.

Two children wait with their food packages as parents fill out papers that assess how much food they get. Photo

by Maria Rose.

From one end to the other. SSB members toss boxes of packaged food to each other. During the entire day, members were on site for a heavy workload.

Photo by Maria Rose.

Generous

Chain Reaction. To make cleaning up go faster, SSB members formed a line to pass boxes down from a stack by the Simms Center to the Salvation Army truck. Photo by Maria Rose.

The line-up! Members of Streaks Serve the ‘Burg Priscilla Harrison, Jake Johnson, Hayden Rutherford, Corey Stader, Savanah Cary and Christy Stearn help pass out pre-packaged Thanksgiving dinners that the group put together for area needy families. Photo by Olivia McCarty.

Giving the gift of spirit. Senior Lexi Vondrak works with a group of SSB members to hand out pre-packaged Thanksgiving food to those in need. Along with turkeys, the packages included canned vegetables, bread, and noodles. Photo

by Olivia McCarty.

Get your turkey here... Junior Jake Durden, senior Lexi Vondrak, and SSB mentor Dawn Womack wait to greet a family with their turkey, food packages, and enthusiastic holiday cheer. Photo by Olivia McCarty.

The ice box. Freshman Ryan Phillips unloads food shipments from trucks to start packaging. Photo by Maria Rose.

Order up. Junior Jake Durden and Taelor Adams get ready to hand out turkeys. To get each family their delivery of pre-packaged food, workers had to work fast to assemble it all together. Photo by Maria Rose.

Caring

A helping hand. Streaks Serve the ‘Burg members distributed pre-packaged Thanksgiving dinners to families in need on Nov 23. Families came to receive food that they might not have had the means to buy for the holiday season. Photo by Maria Rose.

Bring it out. Senior Jake Johnson makes a pile of turkeys to be distributed. Photo by Maria Rose.

On the news. Senior Scott Measell and sophomore Max Johnson speak to the local news channel about serving the community with SSB and distributing turkeys. Photo

by Olivia McCarty.

The line-up! Senior Pip Mormenstein receives instructions. Photo by Olivia McCarty.

Big turkey. SSB mentor Dawn WomYum! Senior Zack Dean ack jokes with junior Jake Durden. hands out turkeys. Pho- Photo by Olivia McCarty. to by Olivia McCarty.

Helpful Wrapping up. After the food delivery shifts were over, SSB helps put all the food and packages back on the trucks to return to the Salvation Army to hand out another day. The entire gymnasium at the Simms Center was filled with food, and even more packages lined the sidewalk, but with over twenty students, everything was moved quickly. Photo by Maria Rose.

Playing as hard as you work. Senior Pip Marmorstein playfully shoves a box of food down the line. All throughout the day, members mixed work with jokes, games, and fun to pass the time. Photo

by Maria Rose.

So much food! Sophomore Sydney Wells tosses a box that held turkeys to the pile of cardboard. Wells handed bags of canned food to families. Photo by Maria Rose.

Packing it all away. SSB members load trucks full of the remaining food packages. After all the trucks were loaded, students followed them to the Salvation Army, where they unloaded it all again. Photo by Maria Rose.

Turkeys please-size small. Senior Brandon Baxter picks which turkey to give. Depending on how many people were in a family, package size varied.

Photo by Olivia McCarty.

Ripping up. Freshman Hayden Rutherfurd takes apart boxes that once held turkeys to put in the trash.

Photo by Maria Rose.

Gratitude. As junior Christy Stearn hands a package of food to a family in need, they thank her for the work she put in. Families all over the Valley came to the Simms Center for Thanksgiving food. Photo by Olivia McCarty.

Thanksgiving made easy.

Seniors Landon Turner, Pip Marmorstein, and Zack Dean discuss the day’s turnout. Photo

by Maria Rose.