December issue

The

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where every person has a story

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

Volume XIC • Issue 5• December 16, 2011

JMU Invitational prepares debaters Christy Stearn

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lthough the debate team’s satisfactory performance at the James Madison University Invitational helped to prepare its members for the remainder of the season, many competitors consider the weekend to be a “disappointing success.” After losing several distinguished debaters who graduated last year, the team is working hard to fill their positions. While HHS debaters did well at their most difficult competition of the year, the team fell just short of last year’s achievements.

Debate is divided into four sectors: student congress, Lincoln-Douglas, public forum, and policy. In student congress, team members individually present a speech in front of the judges.

Lincoln-Douglas debate mimics the series of debates between former president Abraham Lincoln and opponent Stephen Douglas; (it is a solo debate where the competitor argues logic, morals, and ethical values.) In public forum, two partners write their own persuasive arguments regarding politics. The pair alternates speeches for their side, either affirming or negating their topic. Policy debate is the most complex, and relies heavily on evidence. Teams of two advocate for and against a resolution that typically calls for policy change by the United States government.

Debaters are evaluated using speaker points. Speaker points are an objective rating system out of 30 that describes how well the students speak and debate. Individuals win rounds based on

Practice makes perfect! Senior Zakary Kraimeche engages in a speech speed drill with HHS’s debate team. Members bite on a pencil or pen and recite their argument to better annunciate their words. Photo by Christy Stearn.

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Coming Up: New exam schedule End of semester tips Winter sports updates Beating the winter blues What’s with fighting at HHS? iFlurtz are here!

District Band Auditions Taking a look at the teacher power couples of HHS Preparing for the superbowl Weekly Sports Picks

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Inside

Deck the Halls! Rows of Christmas trees run for miles at Evergreen farms in Keezletown, VA. Photo by Vanessa Ehrenpreis

editor-in-chief

their number of victories, and the team score is made up of collective totals.

HHS’ policy and public forum debaters practice regularly. Public forum debate teams rehearse practice rounds once a week in which they debate each other and give feedback, and policy debate teams conduct a mix of practice rounds and discuss points in their argument twice a week.

“Practices consist of both brainstorming and practice rounds...my job as a coach is to be more of a voice to the students. I don’t necessarily teach them,” English teacher and debate coach Peter Norment said.

So far, the debate team has participated in four competitions this season. On the first Thursday of every month, Shenandoah Valley Forensics League (ShenVaFoL) hosts a meet at one of the high schools located across the Valley. The first tournament of the year was held on Oct. 6 at Fort Defiance High School. HHS completely swept the competition. Senior public forum duo Jack Burden and Raymond Hyser went undefeated, and policy teammates Howard Zuo and Zakary Kraimeche taught students from other schools how to adequately debate.

“The other schools were new to the complexity of policy debate. I helped students from other schools, while other HHS team members debated each other,” Zuo said.

The second ShenVaFoL was held on Nov. 3 at Turner Ashby High School.

HHS repeated its exceptional perfor-

See DEBATE on Page A2

Admininstrators hope home visits prove beneficial Thurmans said.

“That’s ridiculous,” ju- relates is a strong homeAma Ansah create study In the past, these nior Natalie Hernendez school connection. The online blogger visits were conducted said. “They [teachers] school system hopes hall with higharrisonburg almost exclusively by have no business com- that visitations will be City Pub- ESL home-school liai- ing to my house. They the best way to strengther expectations sons, guidance counsel- should just have confer- en this connection.

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lic Schools (HCPS) is looking to bridge the gap with home school visitations. In previous years, if parents wished to speak with their child’s instructor, they would schedule an appointment on parent teacher conference day, and if a teacher wanted to reach a parent, they sent a note home or emailed the student’s parents. Now, HCPS is making efforts to unite home and school.

“A home-school visitation is when school personnel go to a student’s home and meet with them and their parents or guardians,” HHS principal Tracy Shaver

ors, and administrators.

Teachers traditionally met parents on their own turf: the classroom.

This system alienated segments of the population who could not or would not come to school on designated conference days.

“Maybe it was not convenient for them, maybe they were working multiple jobs and could not take the time off. Some didn’t have the transportation, and some could not put forth the effort,” Shaver explained.

Theoretically, the new home visitation system would not inconvenience those parents.

ences like we do now.”

Senior Lindsey Carpenter is also skeptical.

She thinks if a parent wants to talk to their child’s teacher, they should go to parentteacher conference day or send an email.

“Kids whose parents are not involved and don’t come to conference day aren’t going to want the teacher coming to their house. They’ll feel uncomfortable,” Carpenter said.

At the beginning of the school year, seven correlates for a successful institution were introduced.

One of the seven corSee

This year, one of the division-wide goals is to increase the number of home visits made by faculty and staff. At HHS, each teacher is placed in one of seven correlate committee groups. The teachers in the homeschool group decided to require each teacher at HHS to visit one of his or her students’ homes each semester.

Before visiting a student’s home, teachers have to prepare. First, they must make an appointment and determine who will be going on the visit. Teachers

HOME on Page A3

School board reduces health care benefits for retirees Vanessa Ehrenpreis editor-in-chief

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he issue of health care policy has now made an appearance in Harrisonburg. In an effort to improve the long-term “sustainability” of Harrisonburg City Public School’s [HCPS] retirement benefit plan, the school board recently adopted a change in policy. Currently, Harrisonburg City Public Schools pays 70% of a retiree’s health insurance until he or she turns 65, or becomes eligible for Medicare coverage. The change in policy now states that HCPS “will contribute to the payment of the health care premium at the rate of $10.00 per month for each full year of service as a full-time employee to HCPS.” Essentially, multiply the number of years an employee has worked with HCPS by 10 and you will get the monthly contribution from the school system as a health care benefit after retirement. For example if an employee has worked with HCPS for 25 years, they will

OPINION

The breakdown of where we stand on the Penn State sex scandal

receive $250 a month toward their health insurance. Compared to the current rate of coverage, the new policy will cost more for employees with family members still on their health insurance plan at the time of retirement.

School Board Chair, Nick Swayne, favored the new healthcare policy and sees it as a proponent for lasting coverage for employees. Swayne believes that a volatile economy-- similar to that of the last four years—spells trouble for employee benefits of any kind.

“I was concerned with our ability to continue [the current retirement health insurance plan].

Nothing from previous or future school board is set in stone. So there was the potential for a future board to swoop in and cut all health benefits as opposed to a small reduction,” Swayne said.

“We wanted a policy in place that was sustainable.”

The school board looked at the big picture when adopting the new policy. Rather than maintaining it’s current economically

FEATURE

“outrageous” plan, the board opted for a slight reduction in benefit coverage, that would in theory prove to be more beneficial in the long run. Swayne also believes that the new policy equalizes the health insurance coverage for all employees.

“There can’t be subsidies for people with families. Having kids is a personal choice. The new plan makes coverage fair for all employees, equitable, and budgetable,” Swayne said.

HCPS paid about a quarter of a million dollars in health benefits for 70 retirees last year. Within one year the number of retirees has jumped to 81, and the amount spent on benefits rocketed to $350,000-- a number that is foreboding for the school system’s budget.

“It could get to the point where we’re spending more than one million dollars-- two percent of the total budget-- on people who aren’t even serving the system

See HEALTH on Page A3

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SPORTS

Stocking stuffers on a budget

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Wrestlers struggle to cut weight

Conner Whitehouse staff reporter

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.0 and no failing grades.

For athletic eligibility at HHS, students must maintain at least a C-average with no F’s, as set forth by the school board. Head football coach Chris Thurman and wife Lisa Thurman have created an extension of this policy and have made it their responsibility to manage a year round football study hall time after school. Study hall was mandatory during the season, and if the athletes are not a part of another team they are still strongly encouraged to attend.

“We did not have to do this, we just want all of our kids to be able to play, and it seems to help,” Thurman said. Coach Jay Hook, Moses Tinsley, and Joe Carico also aid the Thurmans in supervising the athletes during the study hall.

Their goal is to ensure that the players receive the tutoring they need and have all available resources that are necessary to keep their grades up.

“We make sure that the students stay on top of the assigned work.

Zeros are not acceptable for highschoolers,” Thurman said.

Hook, who often oversees the study hall, believes that the coaches can only be credited with pushing the players to reach their full potential. “It’s not even like we help them that much, we just provide the structure needed for them to succeed,” Hook said. “We help them in things that we know about, but we also send them up to their real teachers for extra help or missing work.”

The administration and school board is really pleased with the improvement in grades that has been observed, and hopes to put the plan in action for all sports.

“It’s expected that the other sports will follow in football’s study hall and build a more focused study time into their practices,” athletic secretary Pat Supko said. n

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experience Join the Ehrenpreis family on their quest for the perfect tree

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December 16, 2011

The

News Briefs

HHS will be closed December 19-30 for Winter Break!

The HHS-PTSA is offering “Treats-4-Streaks” goodybags. The cost is $5.00 per bag. Deadline for orders is January 6 and delivery date will be January 9.

Exams will take place January 10-13.

January 10- B1 & B3 Exams January 11- A1& A3 Exams January 12- B2 & B4 Exams January 13- A2& A4 Exams January 10 will be an early release day

Sports Briefs The girls varsity and JV basketball teams will play against Wilson Memorial at HHS on December 19.

JV begins at 6 p.m. and varsity plays at approximately 7:30 p.m.

The boys varsity and JV basketball teams will play against Wilson Memorial at WMS on December 19. JV plays at 6 p.m. and varsity plays at 7:30 p.m.

Varsity swim & dive team will compete against Pulaski County at the Christiansburg Aquatic Center on Dec 17 at 11 a.m.

Varsity wrestling will compete at Broadway High School on December 17 at 8 a.m.

Varsity gymnastics will compete at Battlefield High School on December 17 at 11 a.m.

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

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NEWS- Molly Denman - A2

Tueting addresses local DAR chapter Boots Barranco

guest writer

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HS U.S. history teacher Mark Tueting, winner of the 2010 Daughters of the American Revolution American History Teacher Award for Rockingham County, again visited the membership of Massanutton DAR at Spotswood Country Club on Wednesday, Nov 9. As guest speaker for their Nov. meeting, Tueting held his audience spellbound as he spoke of Deborah Sampson, a female who masqueraded as a man during the American Revolution.

Sampson, also known as Robert Shurtleff was a fine and noble soldier who when injured in battle tended to her own wounds which included digging a musket ball from her thigh with her own bayonet rather than go to the medical tent and be found a female.

Only when she came down with “malignant fever” was her gender discovered. Both the attending physician and her commanding officer said nothing. She was then assigned to deliver a communication to General Washington. The communication made General Washington aware that young Robert Shurtleff was a woman. He quietly presented her with an honorable discharge.

Sampson is the only woman to have received a Revolutionary War pension ($4.00 per month), which was supported by a letter to Congress from none other than Paul Revere.

Upon her death, her family was granted an additional compensation of $466.66 by Congress.

Tueting continued with a notable modern day heroine Major (now Brigadier General) Rhonda Cornum, Ph.D., M.D. of the United States Army. While serving as a flight surgeon during the 1991 Gulf War in Iraq the helicopter on which she was traveling took enemy fire and was shot down. Five of the eight people on

board were killed and Major Cornum suffered on one from each time. Sampson had to pose, both arms being broken; a blown ligament while Cornum was bery openly involved.” in one knee and took a bullet to the shoulder His speech was met with appreciationi. when the crash was surrounded by Iraqi sol- “They seemed to really like it,” Teuting said. diers.

“They came up to me afterward and said they She was pulled from crash site along with a thouroughly enjoyed it. A lot of women went young Sergeant. They were taken to a prison in away with the feminist problem in mind. It the Iraqi City of Basra. En route, Major Cor- came up in the discussion afterward, too.” num was sexually molested and moved about Massanutton National Society Daughters of until the pain of her broken arms caused her the American Revolution meets monthly at the to scream. With great effort, she controlled Spotswood Country Club and invites all womher screams in fear that the young American en who know or believe they have an American soldier who was seated in the front would try Revolutionary War ancestor who was a soldier to help her, causing the enemy to shoot him. or patriot and are interested in becoming a Fortunately the war ended and she and her fel- member of this patriotic society to contact low soldier were released after only a week as Regent Brenda Babcock at (540) 434-5225 or prisoners. Following the war there was con- Registrar Shelvie Carr at (540) 867-9742 for siderable discussion, primarily as a result of additional information. n her injuries and molestation, if women should be in combat zones.

Major Cornum testified that she did not feel she had suffered any more than male POW’s.

It was a moving portrayal of two women in two very different times and wars showing shared characteristics of mental toughness, great heroism and patriotic dedication to their country with a willingness to step outside of their traditional gender roles.

“I wanted to combine the modern ideawith the clubs pur- History is where it’s at! U.S. History teacher Mark Tueting pose. I had to break it gives a talk to a recent meeting of the Harrisonburg chapdown into 40 minutes, ter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Photo by so I decided to focus Boots Barranco.

Early decision applications provide seniors with quicker admissions process

early if they want to audition for the music department, so that students do online reporter not audition before being accepted,” Boisen said. Boisen is still waiting on other hile some seniors are just places to respond to her applications, but starting to apply to col- views IUP as a good option. leges, many have already Other students who choose to apply been accepted. Students early do so just to get the application demonstrate great interest in the schools process out of the way sooner. Senior they apply to early and Grace Clough apfind out if they are acplied to Gustavus cepted or denied around ... applying early Adolphus College mid-December. just gives lots of in St. Peter, MN and The deadline for subwas accepted. mitting early applications students peace “I went to [Gustawas in November, with of mind so they’re vus Adolphus] on a little variation depending visit and felt that it not stressing... on the college or univerwas the perfect school -Senior Anna for me,” Clough said. sity. Applying early has benefits other than just Boisen “It wasn’t a bindpeace of mind. Prospecing decision. I feel tive music majors apply less attached to high early so they can try out at colleges they school now that I know where I’m going know have accepted them already. Se- to college and I’m more relaxed.” nior Anna Boisen, a prospective music Clough also believes that applying major, applied early to Indiana Univer- early gives students a better chance to sity of Pennsylvania [IUP] and has been get accepted. accepted.

“I think colleges see that students “I applied to IUP because when I went who apply early have more initiative and to visit it I thought the campus was beau- so there’s a better chance of the students tiful. The head of the music department getting accepted,” Clough said. gave us the tour, I believe, and they have But for those who felt not ready for a strong music program there,”Boisen early applications, there is always regular said. admissions.

Students who want to major in music “I guess applying early just gives lots have to audition at the university they are of students peace of mind so they’re not going to. Some universities even make it stressing over college applications durobligatory for prospective music majors ing Christmas,” Boisen said. to apply early.

Guidance counselor Rachel Linden “IUP requires all students to apply says that early action, as opposed to early

Nahla Aboutabl

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Debate team arguing its way to wins DEBATE from Page A1

mance; the debate team entered five teams in the tournament, all of which placed in the top five. “[HHS] was on a rampage after the competition at TAHS. All of us were doing really well,” Hyser said.

At the third ShenVaFoL competition on Dec. 1 at Broadway, HHS echoed another successful performance. All areas of debate, (student congress, Lincoln-Douglass, public forum, and policy,) were prosperous.

On Friday, Dec. 2, the debate team checked in at JMU’s Harrison Hall for the invitational at 3 p.m. Three preliminary rounds began an hour after registration in Harrison, Miller, and Rooper Hall. After finishing Friday night around 8:30 p.m., the students went home, only to return to JMU at 8 a.m. Saturday morning for three more regular rounds of debate. Once the secondary rounds ended, an awards banquet commenced at 4 p.m., honoring stand-out debaters from the weekend.

The banquet was followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals. All Lincoln-Douglass debaters, (freshman Camille Cummings, sophomore Daniel Roth, and seniors Ryan Waligora and Ben Marks,) and both public forum teams, (Burden and Hyser, and sophomore Michelle Waligora and junior Lydia Hatfield,) proceeded to the quarter-finals.

“The JMU Invitational is harder than other competitions because it attracts bigger and better teams because it’s larger,” Hyser said.

“It helped prepare me for future competitions.

It taught all of us that we need to be more prepared and put more emphasis on teamwork so we can share information better. Also, we know what the judges are looking for now.” n

decision has advantages as well as disadvantages.

“The good thing about early action is that it’s not binding, so students are not tied to that choice, and still have the same amount of time to decide whether they want to go to the college they applied as the students who apply regularly,” Linden said.

That is why Linden likes to make it clear to students the difference between early action and early decision.

“Early decision is binding. If a student applies and gets accepted then they have to go there. They have to commit to that college, regardless of financial aid deals that college will offer. The advantage with early decision is that it lets you apply to your number one school, ” Linden said.

Colleges send out early decision and action letters around mid December to mid January, depending on their schedule.

“If you get accepted, they’ll send a letter expressing that. If you’re not selected they might send a letter saying that your application will be deferred to the pool of regular decision applications. It will be a second chance for your application to be viewed again. Sometimes a college will just let you know that you’re not accepted and that you haven’t met their criteria,” Linden said.

If a student is not ready to apply early though, there is always regular decision.

Applications for regular decision are due mid January depending on the college a student applies to. n

Need more Information about Financial Aid for college?

Completing the FAFSA Online Monday, Feb. 6, 2012 6-8:00 p.m in the Library Computer Lab Financial aid representatives will be available to assist you in completing the online FAFSA application. Students and parents should bring the following documents to the session: Your social security number Your alien registration or permanent resident card (if you’re not a U.S. citizen) driver’s license (if you have one) 2011 W-2 forms and other records of earnings in 2011 2011 tax returns 2011 untaxed income records ( social security number, welfare, veterans, benefits, temporary assistance for needy families) Current bank statements Your current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond and other investment records.

(Translators will be available for Spanish speakers)

Band marches in NYC Veterans’ Day Parade Kavya Beheraj

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news editor

fter traveling five hours by bus to a hotel in New Jersey, the HHS Band began their trip to march in the Veterans’ Day Parade in New York City, New York.

Of course, the five-day trip consisted of more activities than just the Parade. The band also saw the many sights in New York, took backstage tours, and listened to an orchestra, among other things.

This was senior Kari King’s first time in the Big Apple. “[New York was] as glamorous as I thought it would be,” King said. “Lights, everywhere. Especially at night. In the day, it was kind of like, ‘Oh, whatever,’ but at night, ‘Oh.’” Although the band stayed in New Jersey, the majority of their activities were in New York.

“We rushed in and out of New York every day. We mostly stayed in Manhattan and visited sights,” said senior Anna Boisen.

On the first day, the band had a backstage tour of the Metropolitan Opera House, and got to watch some of the rehearsals. Afterwards, they visited the Cotton Club, a famous jazz club in Harlem with a long history. Boisen enjoyed that live band that performed there.

“There was this 16-year-old guitarist named Solomon Hicks, and he was amazing. He is going to be famous one day. He was so good,” Boisen said.

King agrees that it was her favorite part of the trip.

“I think my favorite part was the jazz

club, because there was dancing and food and it was really fun,” King said.

After the jazz club, the band members went on a dinner cruise provided by the travel agency that organized the trip.

Along with a few other schools, they got to enjoy a view of the Statue of Liberty at night.

“There was dinner and a DJ, and we were dancing and it was fun,” Boisen said.

Later in the trip, they saw Memphis performed on Broadway. Afterwards, a couple of the smaller cast members ate dinner with the band and talked about the show business.

“They talked a lot about how they come from all different paths, but the main thing [they found] is [that] you need to be determined to succeed,” Boisen said. “If you have a fall back plan, then go with the fall back plan, because you need to think, ‘This is what I want to be doing in my life to succeed in performing.’”

Other activities included listening to the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, riding the Staten Island Ferry, and visiting the Natural History Museum. On the day of their performance, the band was set to march in the Veterans’ Day Parade and play in the Band of Pride event in Times Square, which honored veterans and victims of the 9/11 attacks. “[The day of the parade] was really cold. We ended up waiting in an alley between apartments for a long time, but once we got to go, we weren’t in it for that long. It went by pretty fast,” King said.

Boisen agrees, and enjoyed performing with the band, even though she is

usually part of the pit orchestra.

“I was a little apprehensive. I was marching with a bass drum, and I’d never really done that before. I saw some people dancing by the edges, so that was kind of cool. It was a lot of fun,” Boisen said. “The worst thing was that it was really cold, and we were waiting quite a while beforehand. Once we were actually marching, we were moving around, so that was okay. But the waiting before hand was pretty rough.”

King’s least favorite part was the Band of Pride event.

“My least favorite part actually was probably the [Band of Pride event] because we had to get up at four in the morning, and I had gotten two hours of sleep [the night before] and it was cold and I was bored,” King said.

However, King is happy that she got to go on the trip, considering that it was a last minute decision on her part.

“I went because I wasn’t originally going to go, and then there was space on the bus, I decided at the last minute in September that I was going to go with them,” King said. “I was really, really glad that I went. I wasn’t sure I was going to want to go when I decided to, and I had a great time, so I’m glad that I did.”

Boisen is also glad that she got to experience New York, since it was her first time in the city as well.

“It was really fantastic. It was a great experience. It was my first time in New York, so that’s a big thing. It was a lot of fun,” Boisen said. “It was well organized.

I don’t think there was anything that was really boring. I enjoyed it all.” n

December 16, 2011

The

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NEWS -Kavya Beheraj - A3

Government students volunteer at sheriff election campaigns

Rafael Snell-Feikema feature editor

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very six weeks, AP Government students are required to complete one government or politicsrelated project out of several options given. One such project was to aid in political campaigns during the 2011 sheriff election season. Not only did this give the students credit for a piece of their grade, but it counted towards their required senior service hours.

Typically, said AP Government teacher Kris Vass, students help the campaign mainly by answering phone calls and going doorto-door to garner support for their candidate.

Senior Taylor McDonnell was one participant in the volunteering. She helped with Bryan Hutchinson’s sheriff campaign for eight hours: one hour of going door-to-door telling people to vote and asking for their support, two hours of putting up campaign signs at schools, and the rest of her time giving out sample ballots on election day.

Vass said he intended for this sort of experience to enlighten students to how the election process works. Specifically, through

working at campaign, students can learn what sort of demographic typically populates the polls. Finally, Vass’ goal is to try to involve his students more actively in the election process now to get them interested in participating in politics later when they can vote.

“It’s my hope that students were able to learn from the experience, but there’s probably a greater hope that they’ll take an active role in politics in their life,” Vass said.

Students say that Vass’ hopes do appear to be approaching the results of their experiences.

“We were getting right up there with the government and learning how the government works first hand,” senior Ismael Nuncio said.

Many of the students, like McDonnell, noted that the average voting age seemed to be somewhere between 60 and 70 years old, perhaps accentuated by the comparatively minor sheriff 's election this year. McDonnell’s observation goes along with statistics showing that typically the demographic most inclined to vote, and vote often, is the elderly.

Least inclined are the youth, especially in off-year elections where a president is not on the ballot, such as this one.

“I learned that the people who

come to vote are old and crazy,” McDonnell said.

Fellow volunteer senior Lindsey Carpenter thinks that this trend has led to a decline in government benefits for young people, as well as an increased focus on the elderly with programs like Social Security and Medicare.

“Younger people need to go out and vote; old people are getting all the benefits we don’t have,” Carpenter said.

Vass’ other goal of influencing students to take a more active role in politics has worked as well.

“I am absolutely going to vote when I can. I want the younger people’s voice to be heard,” Carpenter said.

Nuncio notes the common argument that one vote is so insignificant as to depreciate its value to zero. In essence, one vote among an eligible 200 million is effectively of no value at all, as no election would be decided by an individual vote. Also, individual votes do not directly elect presidents; the electoral college does. Candidates win districts and their electoral value, so the popular vote is not factored into the result. He doesn’t think this argument of insignificance is valid reasoning. Not only does this effect accumulate and therefore

Excellence ceremony celebrates success Celia Ehrenpreis advertising manager

or the successful students,” Koyee said.

The assembly required a lot of preparation and organization, mainly by the undreds of successful stu- guidance department staff. Counseling dents piled into the high Director Amy Powers, along with the school auditorium at the end whole guidance department spent many of November to be recog- hours working to prepare for this event. nized for their excellent grades for the Before a student could be invited to the event, their academic success had to be first nine weeks. verified by the departAfter welcoming ment. Afterwards, they students and their were given certificates parents Principal Trabased on what they cy Shaver recognized It’s so important achieved. This was a difstudents who made to celebrate ficult task, since many the “600 Club”- the student achieve- students received more students who got one than one award. or more perfect scores ments through“We had to verify all on the SOLs taken last out the year. I’m the students’ criteria, and year. print certificates for the The students were hopeful. students,” Powers said. asked to stand if they “I thought it went well. were a member of the -Principal Tracy It was great to recognize 600 club, or later on if Shaver students who are not they had fulfilled other usually acknowledged excellent achievements. for their good grades.

The other excellent achievements recognized by principal Shaver were the All But next quarter there will definitely be “A” Honor Roll, the “A/B” Honor Roll, more than one food line!”

Principal Shaver heard positive feedRenaissance Success Students, and the back from students and parents alike. He Most Improved Students.

Previously, successful students were emphasizes the importance of celebrathonored through the Renaissance Rally. ing the achievements of students.

“It’s so important to celebrate student This year, students still received their Renaissance card and coupons, but the achievements throughout the year, but we’ll have to wait and see if it improves excellence ceremony replaced the rally.

Following the ceremony, there was the student body’s grades. I’m hopeful,” a breakfast for students and their par- Shaver said.

Math teacher Tricia Cummings was ents provided by the cafeteria staff, and a drawing of names for prizes. Many very much in favor of the new excellence people felt that the reception was too ceremony.

“I think it is such an improvement crowded and chaotic, like sophomore from the Renaissance rally. Before, the Aurvan Koyee. students were not truly recognized for She felt surprised by the assembly.

“It wasn’t what I expected. It was a lot their good grades. It was more like the longer then I thought it would be, and whole school was honored during the the reception was hectic. But I think it rally. I was also appreciative that they was great that Shaver was trying to hon- kept the ceremony short and sweet,” Cummings said. n

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Vote! Senior Taylor Bailey passes out sample ballots to voters for the 2011 sheriff election campaign. Photo courtesy of Ben Marks. nullify the argument, but Nuncio feels that he would be doing his duty to his government and his people by casting his ballot.

“I am definitely going to vote.

In the Al Gore [and George] Bush election, even though the majority elected Gore, Bush won through the electoral college. People felt ig-

New sports fitness class begins Sydney Little

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also visit a student accompanied by other teachers, home-school liaisons, guidance councilors, or administrative staff. Next, they must do their research.

Shaver recommends that teachers talk to students or home school liaisons when visiting households with different ethnical backgrounds.

“A family from Iraq will have different customs than a family that has spent their lives in Harrisonburg. It’s a cultural thing. For example, teachers should take off their shoes when going in to a Musilm household and to not refuse food offered. A little cultural

training does not hurt,” Shaver said.

Freshman Yuliya Novak has mixed feelings on home visitation. She thinks having a teacher come to her own home would be awkward but imagines it could be beneficial for select students.

“The teacher would be able to see and understand their life and how they live, Novak said. “It would be good for some [students] but not [necessarily] for all.”

Still, others have doubts. Junior Dylan Liskey does not see the point in implementing the visitation policy.

“What we have now, with conferences, is fine,” Liskey said.

anymore, which we just can’t do,” Swayne said. “That type of benefits model is what put General Motors out of business.”

The change in policy has not come with out qualms from the city school employees.

“This is the first time I remember teachers being really upset about a policy change,” AP Government teacher, Kris Vass said. “Usually policy changes add more benefits, so this is the first time something has really been taken away from the teachers.”

Swayne acknowledges the dissent from many of HCPS’s employees, but feels that it may be misguided.

“People are trying to portray it as a

big reduction in benefits, which is not the case,” Swayne said. HCPS’s current benefit policy is one of the most generous in the state. Even with a slight reduction in coverage from the new policy, teachers are still compensated well above the area’s average.

Employees who would still have family members on their health insurance at the time of retirement are concerned about the difference in costs that may come with the new policy.

“I will be losing over $400 per month in retirement benefits if I continue as an employee of HCPS after the year 2014....that will have an impact on my family,” Instructional Technology Resource Teacher Diana Flick said in an e-mail interview. Flick faces the dilemma of retiring in 2014, when she

hypertrophy phase, which develops a good muscular and metabolic base for the future.

Students will also work on the body’s core in the weight room. The third nine weeks will focus on more advanced types of lifting, like super sets, which are back to back exercise with no rest in between. Another advanced life is combination lifting, which combines two or more movements in one motion while also working on agility and power. The class will finish the year with the students making their own workout plans that will fit to their ability levels and goals.

“I like being in the class. It’s challenging and Butler doesn’t settle for less than your best effort. The class is helping us become not just stronger, but it’s also giving us endurance in areas such as running. My favorite parts of class are the running and ab workouts, but I don’t really like the bench press. I would recommend the class only to people who are motivated to improve their overall health and wellness,” Junior Addison Shepard said.

“The class is making me stronger and is helping me improve my skills in all of my sports. I would definitely recommend this class to juniors and seniors” Adams said.

n

What’s in a daily workout?

The second nine weeks begins the endurance phase for the sports fitness class.

Each exercise focuses on one part of the body at three increasing weights for 20, 18, and 15 reps. This is a sample of a daily workout in the class:

CHEST:

BACK:

BICEPS:

-Flat bench with bar -Inclined bench with bar -Flat bench fly with dumbbells

-Lat pulldown machine -1 arm rows (lawnmowers) -lower back machine

-Standing curls with bar -Bicep machine -Concentration curls with dumbbells

Shaver has made his share of home visits in the past at schools he where he was previously employed, and has even visited seven students so far this year. He found the tables turned this fall when his daughter’s teachers came to visit his home as part of the homevisitation program.

“It was nice to sit down and talk with them,” Shaver said. “We had the opportunity to ask them questions like ‘how do we improve our daughter’s performance?’ It was nice to ask professionals how to help our girls.”

Shaver hopes students and teachers alike will prosper from home visitation just as he did. n

Health care benefits cut for HCPS retirees HEALTH from Page A1

feature editor

uring third block on A and B days, PE teacher TJ Butler teaches the new sports fitness class for juniors and seniors.

“This is the first year of HHS having a Sports Fitness class. Before we just had a weight lifting class which I taught for one year,” Butler said.

Sports Fitness is different from the weight training class that HHS used to have in many ways. The course is broken down into 4 different components, one for each nine weeks.

“The class is different from when I did it last year because we don’t warm up by playing games like basketball and football.

We just work out the whole time. When I work out I usually start out with a leg exercise, then do one for my triceps, and then one for chest. After that I repeat the cycle but with different exercises,” Senior Taelor Adams said.

For the first nine weeks the class worked on a lot of cardio and basic techniques in the weight room. The second nine weeks is broken down into strength, endurance, and

Home visits new focus of teachers this year HOME from Page A1

nored, but even though it can feel like your vote really doesn’t matter, I need to do it. I feel like it’s my civic duty,” Nuncio said.

Volunteering is a hands on experience, and, in these students’ opinions, this opportunity was a valuable way to learn about their government. n

will have 30 years of service to HCPS. The new policy is set to come into effect in July of 2014-- right at Flick’s possible year of retirement .

“I'm not sure if retirement would be in my best interest in 2014... I will have to make some very difficult decisions,” Flick said.

Vass compares the new retirement benefit plan to the 18th amendment of our Constitution.

“It’s a lot like the Constitution. There are 28 amendments, most of which are giving rights to US citizens. There’s one amendment [the 18th amendment that established a prohibition on alcohol in the 1900s] that takes a right away, and that’s the one that was repealed.” n

SSB members serve community Mitch DePoy staff reporter

S

treaks Serve the ‘Burg’s (SSB) annual Thanksgiving Day tradition of passing out turkeys to those is need was broken. This year, sponsors are not funding the pass out, so the SSB crew was unable to participate in the event; however, members were determined to give back to the community over the holidays.

2011 marks the third annual Brent Berry Food Drive. Like the Stuff the Bus campaign, Bucky, Brent’s father is initiating the food drive in hopes of collecting over 30,000 cans. Last year, the drive gathered 20,000 to feed citizens across the Valley. The food drive lasted three days, and with two city transit buses parked in front of Best Buy all week, Bucky, SSB members, and several other volunteers all donated their weekend to help the cause. The Harrisonburg Police Department, the event’s biggest contributor, brought truck loads of food that filled almost half of the buses.

“It was a lot of fun and it felt good,” senior and SSB group leader Brady Cockerham said.

SSB members also volunteered at a range of different venues.

“The SSB also went out to the Simms center and participated in a Thanksgiving Dinner on the 21st, along with another meal on Thanksgiving Day at the Salvation army,” senior and SSB volunteer coordinator Madison Wilson said. The members helped serve visitors full course Thanksgiving meals, equipped with turkey, stuffing, and a variety of sides.

“At the Simms center, workers were only expecting about 150 people, but we got to serving food and the people kept coming,” Wilson said.

By the end of the holiday, the Simms center and the Boys and Girls Club served about 250 people.

Streaks Serve the Burg is continuously working with the Boys and Girls Club.

“During activity period, members of the Teen Center came and talked to us about becoming the mentor of a child,” Wilson said.

Members will have the opportunity to take on a child anywhere from five to 16 years old and spend as much time with him or her as they can, serving as a role model. n

December 16, 2011

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December 16, 2011

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

Advertising rates are available upon request.

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

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

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

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

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Letters may also be sent to the high school.

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

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The

newsstreak

OPINION- Shannon Richard- A5

A year to remember...

Are you skeptical about famous 2012 prophecy?

T

he world is not gofocusing on the future if the world ing to end in 2012. is about to end. High schoolers are Okay, theoreticalconstantly worrying about grades ly, life as we know so that they can have opportuniit could end tomorrow, but I ties after they graduate. Actually, if seriously doubt the world is the end of everything comes before going to crumble before we any of us graduate, what are we have finished off the year’s worried about? Is doing homework Christmas cookies. Howliving in the moment? Of course The Mia Perspective Mia Karr not, it only helps us tomorrow, or ever, I can not help thinking about what the end of civilithe day after that. zation could mean, in a “this would make a reThis whole line of thinking really worked ally good science fiction novel” way. The truth out for the doomsday cult members who gave is, I would have wasted a lot of time and energy away all their possessions. Of course, quite doing things I really did not want to do. shockingly, they were still alive the next day. It “Live in the moment” is a common philo- is clear that simply focusing on today is pretty sophical phrase in pop culture and greet- bad advice. ing cards.To the best of my understanding, it This year may have seemed semi-apocameans to not dwell on the past or focus too lyptic, with all the natural disasters, economic much on the future. We should definitely avoid crises, uprisings, and widespread anger, but as-

suming the world is still around in 2013, these events are all the more reason to prepare for the future. An uncertain future changing the lives of the more than seven billion people sharing our planet.

It is a pretty exciting future, too. If humans can invent a phone that gives conversational responses to your questions, think of all the other advances that can be made. The new year promises to be unpredictable, especially with the presidential elections drawing closer.

So, if your personal version of the future involves being cast into oblivion before next Christmas rolls around, go ahead and tell your teachers that you do not care about their class.

After all, you will never have a chance to use your knowledge in the “real world.” However, most of us should probably keep looking forward to the new year. n

Amidst negative reflection of 2011, we can find hope

2

011 was an awesome year for being discontent. With Occupy Wall Street, The Arab Spring that has now become the Arab Autumn, and the London riots back in the summer, what country wasn’t up in arms (answer: Iceland). Why were we so upset this year? Something in the air, maybe. I think planets aligned just right so that everyone became aware of the inequalities and injustices of the world.

This was also an awesome year for killing bad people. Osama Bin Laden was killed in May and there was much celebrating. I remember texting one of my best friends that night. She and I were both glued

to CNN just trygroup is struggling ing to fathom to find a new leader. what happened.

Then Gadaffi died. In It was a little maAmerica we saw his cabre how everybloodied body beone celebrated ing dragged through and relished in the streets and were this man’s death, shocked. His regime My Dumb Thought s but I think it tumbled quickly.

Ama Ansah Herman Cain did was called for. It is impossible to not pay attention. know how many people this man Do candidates usually start killed and for those families affect- campaigning for president this ed by him, I am sure he could not early? Because it felt really early die enough times. We will all re- this time. Republican candidates member where we were and what started campaigning in July and we were doing when we found out still we do not have a clear front Bin Laden died. Many AlQueda runner. What was the point in operatives died this year and the starting early then? Other than to

Comic by Nishat Jamil

torture me.

I think 2011 was an interesting year for the world and a great year for news reporters. Even though the financial world is in crisis, citizens are angry with their governments, and we have fools running for office, I am optimistic. I think that this was the year where people were reminded of the power they possess to change their futures. Considering there are seven billion of us now, I think we need to all work together to make humanity’s future the best it can be whether we achieve it through revolution or protest. Can we just leave the pepper spray out of the equation though? n

this

we

BELIEVE

2012 offers us a new beginning: make the most of it!

Katrina Sokolyuk style editor

I

Aboutabl looks back to look foward Nahla Aboutabl

year, 2011 was a good year. Yeah, there was some bad news like Herman Cain suspending his presidential online editor campaign (making jokes about him made me feel his year is coming to an end, and looking better about myself), but overall, I think this year has back on it, I believe that it might have been been “da bomb.” Dictators fell, terrorists died, and the most important year of my life. It was Justin Bieber is not a dad. I am satisfied with all those the year I applied to a bunch of colleges events.

I’m also hopeful about the future. Next year, I am (some of which I might not be accepted to), and it going to college. I will be independent and I will lead was also the year that Egypt and other countries in a completely different life than the the Middle East and North Africa one I’m living now. Another thing I revolted. There’s a theme in applying can’t wait for is proving the Mayan to college and revolting. It’s called Dictators fell, tercalender wrong. I can’t wait to say, taking charge of your life. People in rorists died and “Yeah Mayans, you were wrong. The 2011 woke up to the fact that they Justin Beiber is world did NOT end when you said don’t have to be oppressed and that it will,” Hopefully I live long enough they can live the life they envision not a dad to see that prophecy proven wrong, for themselves. I did that too. In -Nahla because my friends in elementary applying to college, I expressed my always used to scare me with interest in living a good life and in Aboutabl school the whole “the end of the world in getting a higher education.

2012” thing. But I’m just waiting for But back to looking back on the winter break as of now. n

T

“

“ Got an opinion?

believe in new beginnings. Check that-- I believe in better beginnings.

I believe that 2012 will be the best year yet, because we have absolutely no idea what is going to happen to us. The element of surprise makes it that much more exciting.

I fully expect 2012 to be one giant surprise party.

Will we live to see Dec 22, 2012? Who will win the presidential election on Nov 6?

Will Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez still be together? Who knows. I suppose we will just have to wait and see. Catch my drift?

New Years comes with the cliche that with a new year starts a new chapter of our lives. In a way, that is true-- we go from writing 2011 to 2012 at the tops of our papers-- but keep in mind that we are already five months into school with six more fantastic months left (I only wish you could hear how much sarcasm is laced through my words). There really is no point in starting over since we are so far in, but we now have a whole new year to make things better and to make this year ours. We just have to keep on truckin’ and face things as they come.

Think of it as a choose-yourown-adventure.

I believe that the best is still yet to come, but it is up to us whether or not we make the most of this new year. n

Share it with us at

www.newsstreak.com Or send a letter to the editor!

December 16, 2011

The

THE PROBLEM WITH

What to do if abuse occurs:

PATERNO

1

If abused, then one needs to find a trusted adult to tell. If the adult is someone who works at school, that individual is required by law to report it.

When a teacher reports the incident, they will tell a counselor or administrator, who will then tell the authorities. These authorities include social services.

The police may be contacted depending on the severity of the crime.

Children are only taken into foster care in very bad cases.The abused child’s family would receive help.

2 3

If someone you know is being abused:

1

one needs to tell a trusted adult. If the adult is a faculty member at school, then they are required to tell authorities. Normally the counselors and administrators are also told and they will alert social services.

Same as above, the abuse can come from places other than home.

2

The reason authorities get involved is to help both the victim and the victims family. infographic by Ann Bauhan

newsstreak

N

ovember has been a rough month in the history of Penn State despite the decent season they’re having athletically. But something that has shocked the world is the blind eyes that were turned towards a lengthy sexual abuse scandal by a long time assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.

On Nov 5, Sandusky was arrested on nearly 40 counts of molesting eight-year-old boys over a 15-year period. It was reported that Mike McQueary a graduate assistant at the time, had witnessed Sandusky sodomizing a young boy. McQueary told long time head Coach Joe Paterno that he had seen these vile acts. Paterno went to the athletic director and then later made mention of it to the director of business and finance, who also oversaw the campus police.

Paterno from then on turned a blind eye to the matter. The man who tried to instill morals in his players and leave a legacy of character could not even go directly to the police and report these atrocities which took place under his command. It’s the moral obligation of a man of his stature to report the crimes of his staff and

The

newsstreak’s

I

staff editorial

n our society, we have a strict code of laws. The breaking of these laws can result in serious repercussions. But what about the gray area? Who says what exactly is the appropriate response for a moral conflict? Joe Paterno, former long time football coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, is currently unemployed and mulling these very concepts.

While the allegations are bold, the truth is still unclear about what happened with Jerry Sandusky in those Penn State showers.

According to the allegations, Joe Paterno knew that Sandusky was abusing young boys and failed to report him to the police. The public is tearing Paterno up about this, saying that as the storied leader and father figure of the Nittany Lions, he should have taken action and put an end to the crimes. But Sandusky was a long time friend of Paterno and publicly going to the authorities would only have meant negative press for the renowned division one school.

The worst part is, not only did Paterno fail to do anything, he allowed Sandusky to continue to prey upon young boys in the Second Mile charity program. This is where the line is drawn. Paterno can not be forgiven because he supposedly knew about these attacks and failed to stop them from

“

The day that a school and game become more important than the molestation of a child is simply unethical, and disturbing

“

happening in the future.

Sexual assault of young children is probably the most despicable and wrong action an adult human being can commit. Children are supposed to be able to look up to adults as role models and feel safe.

As a participating member of society, Paterno should have reported Sandusky immediately. Anyone who knows of such crimes being committed and has the power to put an end to them should act without hesitation.

But why did Paterno not act?

He certainly does not seem like a child molester or a person who would espouse such actions.

What prevented him from taking charge? Judging by the fallout Penn State has received, maybe Paterno did not want to reveal that his university was responsible for child molestation. The Nittany Lions and their football team are a powerhouse. They routinely sell out every single home game-- that

persevere in the process of getting Peter Byrd them adequately punished. staff reporter It’s obvious that the appropriate actions were not taken due to the oe Paterno should not be stakes at hand. A program such as fired on the basis of moralPenn State would be devastated to ity. Paterno went straight to find that these sexual crimes were the suits, the president and happening under their very noses, athletic director of the university, and that’s what scared this prethose who he was legally obligated sumed powerful man away. It was to inform. How was Paterno supa good idea Paterno had to end posed to know that the president his employment and athletic at the end of the director would season.

Now not take care JoePa By many believe of matters apthat he should the Numbers propriately have already as promised? ended it instead 409 wins (Division 1 teachers might of staying as the Record) as well be fired useless figure 62 Years as Penn for going to an head he was. But State coach (42 as administrator to think that was head coach) and not the poall that needed lice after they 24 bowl wins (37 to be done is abwitness child appearances) surd, his immeabuse. Get real, diate firing was 5 undefeated seapeople. You reneeded to show sons port problems the country and to those higher 60, 288 seats added fans that Penn on the totem to the stadium State takes these pole; not the crimes seriously. police departActions needed ment. to happen, and action is what hapPenn State feels as if one negapened. There’s no use supporting tive incident, (yes I know there these whimsical ideas that Paterno were more alleged victims but the had no idea and his firing was jus“child abuse scandal” as a whole is tified. n one incident) cancels out 62 years

J

Media scrutiny can unfairly tarnish reputations Ben Marks

I

What’s

HOT

Abuse scandal cause for ethical realignment is 106,572 seats. The amount of money the football program produces for Penn State is enormous.

Paterno would certainly not want to endanger or shame his program at any cost.

Just look at the backlash from other high profile NCAA football programs with scandals. Ohio State barely broke some NCAA rules and their head coach has been fired, they lost their star quarterback, and now their team is awash in the quagmire of mediocrity. The University of Southern California was also discovered to be breaking NCAA rules and they have been punished, thus losing scholarships and bowl invitations.

Sexual assault of a child is not an infraction of NCAA rules, but it is against the law. It is possible that Paterno knew that Sandusky was a sexual predator and did not stop him because he did not want to bring shame to the university and the football program.

Perhaps Paterno considered Penn State football to be too important and that he was above the law; too powerful. If that is the case then a serious look needs to be taken at colleges and their football programs. The day that a school and a game become more important than the molestation of a young child is simply unethical, and disturbing. We need to realign our society’s moral compass and remind ourselves of what truly matters: a game, or a child’s life? n

FOR firing of Penn State legend AGAINST firing of Joe-Pa Conner Whitehouse staff reporter

OPINION -Mia Karr- A6

website manager

n today’s day and age, we live in a world of instant gratification. Everyone wants the latest gadget, the newest trend, and they want to know about them before they happen.

However, increasing life’s pace isn’t always a good thing. By living in a culture that wants the news before it happens, we’ve destroyed a vital principle of our country; innocent until proven guilty.

Granted, this principle still exists in the courts. And with the improvements in forensics and DNA processing over the last several years, we can be sure that this clause holds up firmer than ever in our judicial system.

However, as we all know, courts aren’t the only thing that can ruin one’s life.

Our media provides information to us as it breaks, as well as ridiculous amounts of commentary, on information that often isn’t accurate. Let’s take the Casey Anthony murder trial, for example. As the trial progressed, nearly every viewer was certain that Anthony would be declared guilty. Though she was eventually declared not guilty, the effects of that trial will follow her for the rest of her life.

Now, many would say that the jury made the wrong decision. However, there are multitudes of examples of citizens who have had their lives destroyed by false

allegations. The media is far more interested in reporting on the massive scandal than admitting that they were wrong a few weeks down the road.

And so we come to the Penn State sex scandal. The idea of innocent until proven guilty comes up here, too. For example, let’s look at the national response to the sex scandal. First of all, the focus was on Joe Paterno, of all people. Take a moment to consider that he wasn’t the person who was raping children, the only question was whether he fulfilled his obligations in reporting the incident.

Granted, allowing activities like that to continue under any circumstances is inappropriate, and Paterno’s punishment was deserved.

But the important thing to note is that Paterno was fired before any details of the incident even came out. The reputation of a man who is one of the most successful coaches in football history has been permanently tarnished, and he was tarnished before it was shown that he had done anything out of place.

So, when passing judgement on the latest scandal in the news, take the time to ask yourself how well you actually know what you’re talking about. Regardless of whether the accusations later prove to be justified, destroying the reputation of an innocent man is not worth the ability to call out the guilty a week earlier than they would have been otherwise. n

of dedication and hard work to ensure the betterment of the university, not just the football program.

Paterno has donated over $4 million to the Pattee Library on the Penn St. campus and help raised over $13.5 million for its construction. Paterno was never driven by money as he made only $568,000 per year (a far cry from the $6.6 million per year Urban Meyer will make at Ohio State).

From a football standpoint, Paterno brought Penn State from a rural agricultural institute to a national power in house.

He is arguably the most iconic football coach of all-time. Under his leadership, Beaver Stadium, Penn State’s home field, has been expanded six times during Paterno’s tenure from a capacity of 46,284 to 106,572 (the second largest college football stadium).

Prominence and notability are understatements for what Paterno has accomplished at this university.

It is absurd to think that a grandiose university such as Pennsylvania State would fire its global icon and legend over a “he said/ she said, I’m not sure what I exactly saw event”. Everything he’s done down the drain because JoePa reported the incident to his bosses and was assured it would be handled aptly. Such a shame. n

Sexual assault should be taken very seriously Julexus Cappell

I

staff reporter

n the state of Virginia, sexual offense laws are extremely broad. The laws can go from a range of sexual harassment, all the way to things like rape and child molestation. In Virginia, sexual assault is classified as this: “In the state of Virginia, sexual abuse is the forcing of undesired sexual behavior by one person upon another person.”

It doesn’t matter how old you are, if you are or have been sexually abused you can report it to the authorities in Virginia. There is no statute of limitations for felonies of this nature, which means there is no time limit, so it’s never too late to report an incident. Sexual assault is taken very seriously in Virginia.

Punishments in the state of Virginia for sexual abuse are: “Violation of the punishment in the discretion of the court can be confinement in prison for up to life or no less than five years in a state penitentiary.”

If you decide you want to report being sexually abused, or know someone is sexually abused, the state will investigate. If you decide you don’t want to go to court after going to report the crime, the state will take over from where you left off. If a sex offender is brought to the authorities attention, they need to be aware of who needs to be on watch.

With sex abuse cases, it is almost always recommended to go talk to someone after such a dramatic experience. Even if you and your family decide not to go to the police, and deal with it at home, according to the K-State educational website, it would be the best idea to go talk to a professional counselor about what you have been through. n

Holiday Spirit Days We love seeing students and teachers decked out in the wacky holiday apparel as part of the SCA’s two weeks of spirit.

Early Decision Acceptances The wait is over for many high school seniors who applied to college this fall.

Congratulations!

Winter sports Season Bring on the the warm indoor sports! We look forward to cheering on our Streaks!

NBA lockout over Thank goodness, it is finally over. The Pro basketball season will begin on Christmas day.

Christmas Movie Releases A brand new batch of heartwarming flicks have already begun hitting the theaters.

What could be better for those cold winter days?

Dr. Conrad Murray After a long trial, Michael Jackson’s doctor is finally found guilty.

What’s

NOT

Norwegian terrorist avoiding jail After killing 77 people, Anders Breivik may not even face jail time.

New Twilight Movie Joy, Edward and Bella are back-- despite horrible reviews of Breaking Dawn. The movie premiered to millions of adoring fans.

CD Production to stop CD’s are poised to become as obsolete as records in the immediate future.

Deaths in Afghanistan The act of a suicide bomber killed on a Shiite holy day killed 52 people. This could mark the beginning of sectional violence in Afghanistan.

Police reaction to Occupy protests Police officers used large amounts of pepper spray on non-violent student Occupy Wall Street protesters at UC Davis.

Greece/Italy Economy The economies of the two European nations have rapidly deteriorated, spelling trouble for both the European Union and USA.

December 16, 2011

For those with...

The

newsstreak

Hip-hop Taste

Julexus Cappell

J

For those with...

Vanessa Ehrenpreis

staff reporter

.Cole, a semi-new artist to the music scene, released his debut album “Cole World: The Sideline Story”, on September 27 of this year. This album has definitely been anticipated in the music world, especially by fans of J.Cole.

According to hiphopdx.com, “J. Cole’s debut album has flaws just as others’ rookie seasons did, but Cole World: Sideline Story definitely proves that he deserves a prominent spot on the team. With the skill to match his heart, he’ll be dominating games in no time.”

In my personal opinion, this CD is the best. J.Cole is truly talented, and none of the songs fail to amuse me with all of its witty lyrics, and great beats-- most of which are original from the North Carolina native.

“Cole World: The Sideline Story” is very creative, and something you could jam out to in the car, or just lie around in your room and chill to. In my book, I give 4 out of 5 stars, but 5 stars when it comes to effort and originality.

J.Cole’s album consists of songs giving a lyrical background into his life being born and raised in the southern town of Fayettville, North Carolina. His songs are known to me “real”, to all of his fans, but to freshman Aizha Williams, he is much more.

“I personally like him.. a lot actually.

He’ a great lyricist and produces most of his beats. he’s real and his raps tell a

L story. He’s so much better than mainstream rappers these days,” Williams says. n

Total rating:

4.5 out of 5 CDs

Country Taste Bryndal Fulginiti staff reporter

E

20s.

When they sing these songs, they try to reach out more to high schoolers, where relationships start and people get their first loves, and first heartbreaks. The Eli Young Band is a sweet, heart-touching group that leaves you wanting more of their music. n

Total rating: 5 out of 5 CDs

For those with...

Alternative Taste Jessica Nguyen

O

staff reporter

What was your first CD?

n Feb. 22 of 2011, Adele released her second album “21”. After eight months “21” is still holding the number five spot in the Billboard Top 200 albums. The album is composed of eleven tracks, the most memorable ones being “Rolling in the Deep”,” Someone Like You”, and “Set Fire to the Rain”. “[My favorite song] is Someone Like You because it’s really good,” Freshman Graham Rebhun says. For 19 weeks, “Someone Like You” has clutched the number three spot in Billboard Hot 100.

“My favorite song is ‘Set Fire to the Rain’ because I just like the groove and the feel to it,” Freshman Ella Marian says. Even though “Set Fire to the Rain” is not the most popular song it still is on the Billboard Hot 100 in spot number 89.

“21” is such an amazing album because

“I remember my first CD was ‘Proof That The Youth Are Revolting’ by Five Iron Frenzy” Teacher Ben Frederick

Hipster Taste editor-in-chief

et me just begin this CD review by confessing that I, Vanessa, am an elitist hipster. The following album may not be to your liking, but we can agree to disagree. The first time I heard Fleet Foxes’ debut album, “Fleet Foxes” was in a car hurtling down the interstate, packed with hypertensive 16-year-old boys. Needless to say, it was not the ideal environment to listen to a folk music album, but it piqued my interest in the unique band.

Fleet Foxes is a rare treasure in today’s music world. Unlike many, many “musical” artists Fleet Foxes actually plays instruments! Frontman and lyricist, Robin Pecknold, combines the band’s retro folk-y theme with refined lyrics to produce music that is rich in both sound and substance. The six member band’s dulcet, orchestral songs can transport anyone to the rolling hills of England (the name “Fleet Foxes” is from Pecknold’s belief that their sound is “evocative of some weird English activity like fox hu nt i n g” ) .

In my

A Tribute to the CD

For those with

veryone has their favorite CDs that they always play.

They know every word to every song.

Everyone’s favorite CD is different. My favorite is The Eli Young Band’s CD, “Life at Best”. I know every single word to every song that is on it. I listen to the CD so much, I know the exact order of when the songs play without even having to check the back of the CD cover.

The Eli Young Band is a country band that sings sweet songs about true love and relationships. They are not sappy old sweet songs that no one wants to listen too.

They keep their songs upbeat and allow you to enjoy them without getting tired of them.

The Eli Young Band is able to put any feelings into a song. They are kind of like Taylor Swift when it comes to talking about your first true love, or never letting go and loosing someone. Their songs are very similar except that the Elie Young Band writes their songs from different points of view.

They sing it from both people in the relationship. While singing a song, they show that whether a guy wants to admit it or not, they have a soft side and this is how love feels to them in a relationship. The Elie Young Band is a group of brothers in their early

STYLE -Katrina Sokolyuk- A7

Total rating: 4 out of 5 CDs

For those with...

Punk Taste

Gypsy Torgerson staff reporter

K

orn began their existence as the Bakersfield, California based metal band LAPD, which included guitarists James “Munky” Shaffer and Brian “Head” Welch, bassist Reginald “Fieldy Snuts” Arvizu, and drummer David Silveria. Korn’s new album, “Path of Totality”, was released on December sixth of this year, and is now available in stores and on iTunes. “Path of Totality” is Korn’s tenth studio album.

Many fans are expecting their new album to be just as sinister as ever with the odd guitar sounds Kor n has obtained. Just as many suspect that the band has made a more than decent album with more than just one-hit wander that many Korn fans will be expecting to hear over the radio.

The “Path of Totality” includes thirteen songs; ‘Chaos Lives in Everything’ (Featuring Skrillex), ‘Kill Mercy Within’ (Featuring Noisia), ‘My Wall’ (Featuring Excision), ‘Narcissistic Cannibal’ (Featuring Skrillex & Kill the Noise), ‘Illuminati’ (Featuring Excision & Downlink), ‘Burn the Obedient’ (Featuring Skrillex), ‘Sanctuary’ (Featuring Downlink), ‘Lets Go’ (Featuring Noisia), and ‘Get Up!’ (Featuring Skrillex).

Korn had an album release show on November eighth promoting their newest songs and album. The band’s recent dubstep collaborations with Skrillex was a surprising rock hit in their song “Get Up!”, according to Korn fan Raven Sheets.

Korn’s new release is sure to have their fans on their toes and pre-ordering their Total rating: out of CDs n waiting grudgingly for Korn’s music and new album. Whether they tap their toes or bob their heads along to the beat, fans will definitely have a successful new album for the holidays to listen to. n

4

5

For those with...

it tells the story of the many e m ot i ons that Adele experiences during a break up based on the sequence of the songs. It starts with the angry, soulful “Rolling in the Deep” which is Adele’s response to the break up and closes with the melancholy “Someone Like You’” where Adele accepts that her exlover has found happiness without her.

“21” has sold 2.5 million copies and 992,000 digital copies since it was released and is still going strong. n

Total rating: 4 out of 5 CDs

“My first CD was ‘Enima of the State’, by Blink 182.”

Connor Boyle, 12

opinion, the album’s crowning tracks are “White Winter Hymnal” and “He Doesn’t Know Why”.

If you are sick of hearing the drone of an auto-tuned voice and synthesizer, pick up Fleet Foxes’ album “Fleet Foxes.” You might be surprised at what English “fox hunting” has to offer. n

Pop Taste Matt Bosch

L

staff reporter

ike a lot of people, I don’t have a whole lot of CDs. However, one CD I still listen to is Maroon 5’s “It Won’t Be Soon Before Long, which was released in May 2007. This album deserved all the good reception that it recieved when it came out. This album has some great songs that has that Maroon 5 sound. I am a huge Maroon 5 fan, and I still think they are one of the best pop bands out there.

I got this album from a friend, and I still love to listen to it. One of my favorite songs on the album is “Makes Me Wonder”, which has a very good dance-party feel to it. This album has a lot of variety within its songs. Each song has a different feel to it.

“The first CD I remember having was from an old band, named Kansas.”

Gabe Hoak, 11

Some songs have a steady beat while others are more slow and powerful. Maroon 5’s lead singer, Adam Levine, did a good job with the lyrics too. Some of these songs like “Won’t Go Home Without You” and “Back At Your Door” have great lyrics.

“It Won’t Be Soon Before Long” is a definite winner. n

Total rating:

“I think first album was a They Might Be Giants CD.” Erin Goodstein, 11

4.5 out of 5 CDs

“I remember the first CD I had was ‘Rubber Soul’ by the Beatles.”

Sam Martin, 11

December 16, 2011

The

newsstreak

Christmas traditions D

STYLE- Chris Sokolyuk - A8

Holiday decorations make memories Christy Stearn editor-in-chief ecember is the magical time of year when ordinary American homes transform into sparkly symbols of festivity.

For many students, such as freshman Gisela Luna, putting up Christmas decorations is an integral part of the holidays.

Luna’s family decorates their home by hanging up Christmas trumpets around the living room. Her little sister contributes with decorations made at school.

Luna’s favorite decoration is the tree. She owns many special ornaments. “[My favorite ornament is] my first ornament, which is a little toy box,” Luna said.

Candy canes, shiny orbs, angels, and a star accompany the toy box. The Christmas tree is also freshman Kelli Showalter’s favorite decoration.

“I hate all those store bought ornaments. We have special ones,” Showalter said. Showalter estimates her family has over 100 ornaments. She still has a pipe cleaner nativity she made when she was five. Her

house is also decorated with a wreath and bows.

“That day is really beautiful,” said Spanish teacher Patricia Rojas referring to the time when her family decorates their tree.

“Everyone has to participate.” She cherishes the decorations her children have been making since elementary school. She usually decorates the exterior of her house with plastic balls, reindeer, and lights.

Math teacher Tricia Cummings also enjoys decorating for the holidays. She puts lights on the outside of her house, Christmascolored candles in the windows, and hangs a wreath.

Her favorite symbol of Christmas is the poinsettia, because of her love for flowers. Other favorite decorations have more personal significance.

“I have a porcelain Santa that my father gave me and we have special ornaments from my childhood and my husband’s childhood,” Cummings said.

Luna agrees that decorations can be very special. “[Decorations are] very important,” Luna said.

“They give you the Christmas spirit.” n

Where are you going over winter break?

Alison McKenzie - Senior Q: Where are you going for winter break?

A: I am going to Atlantic City, New Jersey, New York City, New York and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Q: What are you planning on doing while your there?

A: Were going to Atlantic City to hang out at the beach, while were in New York City were going to see a show on Broadway, and were going to Pittsburgh to see family.

Q: Do you have any Christmas traditions?

A: My grandfather makes his traditional potato pancakes every Christmas.

Caitlin Kelley - Junior Q: Where are you going for winter break?

A: I am going to Boston, Massachusetts and Bar Harbor, Maine.

Q: Why are you going there?

A: Were going to a family reunion.

Q: What are you planning on doing while your there?

A: In Boston, I am going to go look at colleges, do some before-Christmas shopping, go to the Museum of Science, take a day to go snowboarding and I am going to go on a duck tour around Boston. In Bar Harbor, I am going to go to Acadia National Park and will take a couple of hikes there.

Q: Do you have any Christmas traditions?

A: We always watch The Polar Express on Christmas Eve and we always have Baked Alaska.

Families enjoy opening gifts at traditional times Mitch DePoy

C

staff reporter

hristmas time is known as the season of giving. People all around give change to the bell ringers that ring the bells for the Salvation Army, and many others volunteer at local food banks to help the less fortunate.

The majority of people, though, seem to know Christmas as the time of year that we get to open presents.

Many families have traditions that they do when it comes to opening gifts. Some families will wait to open

them all until Christmas day. Others will open them on Christmas Eve. The majority of families keep all of their presents wrapped under one main tree that is kept in their living room. Seniors Sarah Schick and Gentry Dove both open a gift on Christmas Eve. “My brother and I always open two presents on Christmas Eve,” Dove said.

These two presents usually have a sentimental value to the family.

“Every year we get PJ’s and a Christmas ornament,” Dove said.

Like the Dove family, in the Schick household they open a present on Christmas Eve. “I always get to open a present and it is always a ornament,”

Schick said.

According to Dove and Schick, the gifts on Christmas Eve are not as fun to open, because you already know what is coming since it is a tradition.

Some of the best gifts are received on Christmas day.

“When I was seven, I got a doll house that I’ll never forget,” Dove said.

Senior Ben Harris’ family does not celebrate Christmas. “At my dad’s, we celebrate Hanukkah,” Harris said. This doesn’t mean, however, that Harris was left out of the joy of festive giftgiving. “One year, I got a big boombox that I loved,” Harris said. n

Music adds to many holiday festivities Mark Duda

S

managing editor

tep inside a major gathering around this time of year, and you’re bound to hear soft festive melodies floating through the air. For all the colors and decorations that are associated with the holidays, music and the holidays are intertwined just as deeply.

“I think festive music really does add to the holiday atmosphere. We always go to the same restaurant for Christmas, and I always notice how the music helps with the feel.

It makes it more special,” sophomore Chris MacAdam said.

“It’s hard to feel sad while listening to Christmas tunes.”

For MacAdam, however, holiday music is for more than just adding to the aura of the holiday season. It’s a family thing, too.

“My sister and I are both in our school bands, so we both have holiday concerts every year. We always plan on going to them as a family,” MacAdam said.

Not only does listening to music play into some holiday

traditions, but playing it does, too.

“Sometimes I just sit around my house and play my sax.

We’re doing ‘Sleigh Bells’ for the holiday concert, and I like that one a lot,” MacAdam said.

Another HHS band member, junior Lindsay Halling, also enjoys the traditions that music adds to the holidays.

“I go around and sing Christmas tunes when I’m at home,” Halling said, “It helps me get into the spirit for Christmas, and it’s fun.”

For some students, like junior Mark Chepelyuk, however, tradition doesn’t matter when it comes to enjoying holiday music. “Mistletoe by Justin Bieber is better than classical songs,” Chepelyuk said.

Both Halling and MacAdam participated in one of Harrisonburg’s own musical holiday traditions this year: the holiday parade. The band played a medley of favorites like “Frosty the Snowman”, “Jingle Bells”, and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town”.

“It was really cold this year, but [the parade] is always a lot of fun,” MacAdam said. n

Antoine Timbers Sophomore Q: Where are you going for winter break?

A: I am going to the Bahamas.

Q: Why are you going there?

A: I was invited by my friends to go there with them.

Q: What are you planning on doing while your there?

A: I am going to go to the beach, go shopping, and relax.

What is your favorite Christmas movie?

Guidance Counselor David Hoover. Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas. “I grew up watching that. It makes me feel like a kid.”

Elizabeth Leigh, 11. The Nightmare Before Christmas. “It’s a really good movie. It’s an animated movie, and it’s got lots of great animation.”

Milton Delgado, 12. Bad Santa.

“It is hilarious. I like watching stupid people do stupid things.”

Even Yoder, 10. It’s a Wonderful Life. “I grew up on it. It makes me cry every time I watch it.”

Gabby Humphrey, 12. A Christmas Story. “I think it’s funny. It’s an older movie that I grew up watching with my family. It’s like a tradition for me.”

PE Teacher Paul Rath. The Miracle on 34th Street. “It shows the true spirit of Christmas miracles.”

Infographic by Kavya Beheraj

December 16, 2011

The

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The newsstreak

December 16, 2011

A RECIPE FOR THE

Classic Cookies!

The Triple ll Chocolate Ba

FEATURE-Sydney Knupp and Rafael Snell-Feikema - A10

HOLIDAYS

Food brings families together in all cultures

Ingredients: Paulina Rendon ) 1 pkg. (3.9oz t feature editor stan Chocolate In Pudding s school lets out for holiday ilk 1/2 cup Cold M kbreak, there are several things oo C 36 OREO students look forward to. The d he us cr y ies, finel prospect of spending time (about 3 cups) iwith family and catching up on homem Se 1-1/2 pkg. work or sleep makes vacation a time te la co ho Sweet C to look forward to. Another aspect of tel m , s) re (12 squa the holidays that students anticipate ed is the food. te Chocolate, 1 square Whi No matter what holiday the fammelted ily celebrates or what culture they are Directions: in from, food is still an important facmix and milk Beat pudding r fo tor in bringing everyone together. sk hi w with medium bowl bs Families prepare traditional dishum cr ie ok co dd two minutes. A ell. Shape into es from their native countries to w er and mix togeth d freeze for 10 celebrate Hannukah and Kwanan one-inch balls melted chocolate zaa, as well as Thanksgiving and in w lo minutes. Dip al Christmas. Some families incorsh in r ye la le and place in sing ed pan. Refrigerlin . waxed paperes or until firm ate for 20 minut hite chocow Drizzle with erate for late and refrig until 10 minute or firm.

A

porate the taste of the food from their home country into the holiday feasts they prepare in the United States.

Senior Leo Lopez mixes in his Puerto Rican background when he celebrates the holidays.

“My family makes pernil, which is basically pork shoulder,” Lopez said. “It’s delicious, delectable. It’s probably horrible for you, but it’s a very traditional Puerto Rican meal. In Puerto Rico they eat the whole pig, but since we’re [in the United States] we settle for the pork shoulder. [My family] eats it for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

Similarly, senior Suma Haji’s Kurdish roots influence the food she and her family eat. She and her family are a part of a Kurdish community that gets together for the holidays in the home of one of the members.

“We get together and one woman makes the food, and then we all go to [her] house, like for Thanksgiving, my mom made the

food and everyone came to our house,” Haji said.

For Thanksgiving, Haji’s mother prepared one of her favorite foods, dolma: a Middle Eastern/Mediterranean dish. Dolma is made up of Swiss chard [a vegetable], tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. The veggies are stuffed with rice and then cooked. Haji’s mother also made another one of her favorite foods for Thanksgiving.

“My mom made rice with Middle Eastern spices in it. She made the rice and then got a pan and some dough. [She spread] the dough in the pan and then stuffed the dough with rice, and then wrapped it up and put it in the oven. Once you cut it open, the rice comes out, and it’s so good.” Haji said.

Students from around the world come to balance both their former country and American culture. The medium of food is a perfect way to celebrate both countries. n

Recipes for an international Holiday...

Potato Pancakes (Latkes)

The Peanut Butter Cookie Ingredients: 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter 1/2 cup all-vegetable shortening 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar 3 tablespoons milk 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 large egg 1 3/4 cups all purpose flou r 3/4 teaspoon baking sod a 3/4 teaspoon salt Directions: Heat oven to 375 degree s F. Combine peanut butter, shortening, brown sugar, milk, and van illa in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended.

Add egg. Beat until blended. Combine flou r, baking soda, and sal t.

Add to creamed mixtu re at low speed. Mix until blended. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls two inches apart onto greased cookie sheet and flatten. Bake 7 to 8 minutes, or cookies begin to brown.

Ingredients 2 pounds Yukon Gold or baking potatoes 1 medium onion 1 large egg beaten 3-4 tablespoons of flour or matzah meal Salt and pepper to taste Vegetable oil for frying

ish tional d h i d a r t A nuka for Cha

Directions 1. Peel the potatoes and put them in cold water. Using a food processor (or a grater, if you are a gluten for punishment), coarsely grate the potatoes and onions.

2. Place together in a fine-mesh strainer to squeeze out water.

3. Mix the potato and onion with the flour.

4. Add the egg and salt and pepper.

5. Heat a griddle or non-stick pan with at least one-inch of vegetable oil.

6. Drop around 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture into the pan. After a few seconds, flatten the mound with the back of spatula.

7. Fry for a few minutes until golden. Flip the latke over and brown the other side.

8. Remove to paper towels to drain.

9. Serve immediately or keep warm (and crispy) in a 250 degree oven.

The dle k ic Sn erdoo Ingredients: s tablespoon 3 sugar d on groun 1/2 teaspo cinnamon z.) of refrigo 1 roll (16.5 cookies ar g su ed at er all-purpose 1/4 cup flour ll bowl, mix Directions: es F. In sma l, break up re eg d 0 5 3 Heat oven to namon. In large bow r until n u sugar and ci gh. Stir or knead in flo d an u g o d lo ie to cook . Reshape in -inch sliced d n le b l el /4 w ough into1 cut cookie d into a ball and roll in ch es. Shape ea n mixture, then place o am cookie sugar-cinn n ungreased until edgo t ar ap two inches 0 to 14 minutes or ke 1 brown. sheets. Ba olden g e es ar

The Gingerbread Man Ingredients: 1 cup butter, so ftened 1 1/2 cups white sugar 1 egg 1 1/2 tablespoon s orange zest 2 tablespoons da rk 3 cups all-purpo corn syrup se flour 2 teaspoons baki ng 2 teaspoons grou soda nd cinnamon 1 teaspoon grou nd ginger 1/2 teaspoon grou nd cloves 1/2 teaspoon salt Directions: Cream the butte r Add egg and mix and the sugar together. we and dark corn sy ll. Mix in the orange peel ru cinnamon, ginger p. Add flour, baking soda, , ground cloves an until well combi d salt, mixing ne Preheat the oven d. Chill dough for at least two ho ur to 375 degrees F. a lightly floured Grease cookie sh s. su ee rfa ts. On ce , ro ll do into desired shap ug es using cookie cu h out to 1/4 inch thick. Cut inch apart on th tte rs .

Place cookies on e prep e minutes until co ared sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 okies are firm an d lightly toasted on the edges.

Benne Cakes (Sesame Seed Cookies) Ingredients: Oil to grease cookie sheet 1 cup finely packed brown sugar 1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened 1 egg, beaten 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup toasted sesame seeds

A tradi tion for Kwa al dish nzaa

Preparation: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly oil a cookie sheet.

Mix together the brown sugar and butter, and beat until they are creamy. Stir in the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Add flour, baking powder, salt, and sesame seeds.

Drop by rounded teaspoons onto the cookie sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are browned.

The Newsstreak staffers’ favorites Favorite Recipe: Coconut Macaroons Ingredients: 2 cups sugar 24 oz. unsweetened coconut 1 cup egg whites 1 tablespoon all purpose flour ¼ teaspoon almond extract 6 oz. semi sweet chocolate (optional)

Directions: 1.Mix together all the ingredients in a bowl.

2.Using a small ice cream scoop or a spoon, scoop the mixture onto a wax paper covered cookie tray.

They should be about two inches wide and set two inches apart.

3. Allow that to dry at room temperature for 30 minutes.

4. Bake at 375 degrees until they are a light golden brown which takes 12 to 18 minutes.

5. Halfway through, turn the pan around so they bake evenly. Baking times vary so watch closely. 6.

When done allow the macaroons to cool then peel them off the tray.

If you would like to make chocolate dipped macaroons: 7. Place them in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up after baking.

8. Then melt six ounces of semi sweet chocolate (Tip: bars are better than chips because they melt faster) 9. Dip the macaroons halfway and place on wax paper.

10. Chill until firm in the fridge.

Favorite Recipe: Christmas Pumpkin Pie Ingredients: 1 frozen unbaked deep dish pie crust (9-inch) or Signature Pie Crust (recipe follows) 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 2 eggs 1 tablespoon McCormick® Pumpkin Pie Spice Vanilla Whipped Cream, optional (recipe follows) Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Place pie crust on large foil-lined baking sheet.

2. Mix pumpkin, milk, eggs and pumpkin pie spice in large bowl until smooth. Pour into crust.

3. Bake 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F. Bake 40 minutes longer or until knife inserted 1 inch from crust comes out clean. Cool completely on wire rack. Serve with Vanilla Whipped Cream, if desired.

To Make The Vanilla Whipped Cream: Beat 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract in medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.

December 16, 2011

The

newsstreak

FEATURE - Mark Duda - B1

Stocking Stuffers Ideas, memories, and the history of stockings A History of Stocking Stuffers: According to the stocking legend, hanging the sock-shaped decorations started when the daughters of a nobleman hung their stockings over the fireplace to dry. The nobleman’s wife had died of an illness, around the same time that the family lost their money and were forced to live as peasants. The daughters were close to the age of being married, but would not be able to because they had no dowry. Saint Nicholas, who knew of the family’s bad luck stopped by their house one night after the nobleman and his daughters had gone to sleep. St. Nick left all three daughters one small bag of gold that enabled them to have a dowry and were finally able to get married. The nobleman and his daughters led long, happy lives. Other families soon spread the habit of hanging stockings over the fireplace. Christmas stockings are supposed to have the gifts given by Santa Claus. The other gifts are wrapped in present papers and placed near the Christmas tree. It is believed that a child who misbehaves during the year receives coal in their Christmas stocking. The gift given by Santa Claus would be something to eat, a thing that makes a sound and gives a pleasant view to the eye.

by Anthony Duong

s ’ t a Wh your in ? g n i k c o t s

Makeup- This one’s for the ladies. Eye shadow, blush, foundation, chap stick, pretty much ANY item of makeup makes a great stocking stuffer. It’s inexpensive, and practically a universal gift. You just can’t go wrong with it. Check out Target or any Drugstore for the latest selection.

iPod- Far from being an item rarely found on Christmas wish lists, iPods have taken over as one of the premier items to be given in stockings. The only problem is finding someone who doesn’t already have one.

get cooped up inside. A great stocking stuffer is ski and snowboard gear, or a season pass for the slopes. These items can get pretty pricey very quickly, but they’re an awesome gift for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors!

Gift Cards- Especially good gifts for people who you don’t feel confident getting any other gift. It’s hard to go wrong with an iTunes gift card, but restaurant. retail, and recreation gift cards work too.

Flip Camera- While maybe not for professional videographers, this nifty little camera is good enough for filming school projects, home videos, and anything else that doesn’t need to be extremely clear. It’s small, light, and relatively cheap too, so it’s not hard to keep in a backpack or pocket.

Candy- Truthfully this is an all-season gift, but luckily it comes in festive holiday themes. Mint and cinnamon are good winter flavors, and candy canes are abundant during the holiday season.

Oranges-

This old Christmas tradition might have died down in recent years, but, believe it or not, children have been waking up Christmas morning to find citrus in their stockings for years.

Legend holds that the oranges represent gold that Saint Nicholas gave to three girls in their stockings as dowries.

Tickets-

Winter is one of the best times of the year for sports. College bowl games are in full swing, the Super Bowl is approaching, NHL season is underway, and, fortunately, the NBA lockout is over. Tickets for two are a great gift for someone that you can enjoy, too.

Then, of course, there are concert and theater tickets.

Socks- Getting clothes for Christmas might not always be everyone’s favorite thing. In fact, it’s a common trope in holiday movies for kids to open presents and let out an, “Eww, socks!”. However, it’s winter sports season and Massanutten is nearby, so use those socks and get up to the mountain.

Teachers share stories of their best stocking related memories Paulina Rendon

Algebra teacher Tricia Cummings also remembers getting the Storybooks, which feature editor were little boxes shaped like books that cons the holidays get closer, families tained four or five rolls of Lifesaver hard begin to plan how they are going candies on one side, and usually a little to spend their time together for Christmas story on the opposite inside flap.

Candy was a pleasant treat to find on the two-week break. Preparations involve making arrangements for visi- Christmas day, and a lot of families pretors, deciding what to make for the Christ- ferred stuffing them into stockings.

“My parents would give us candy and mas feast, and decorating the house. While oranges,” English teacher traditions vary depending Sheila Fielding said. on each family, the usual For some teachers, it My dad wrapped decorations include putting was a little less straightup a tree, stringing lights, a brick... he said foward. and hanging up stockings.

‘I tried to give “My dad wrapped a Now, people don’t get brick, ” physics teacher gold in their stockings. The you something Seth Berkeley said. “It trend of having fireplaces to you wouldn’t was one of the bricks that hang the stockings over has had the holes in it, so it also diminished, as people guess. prefer not to have fireplaces -Physics teacher wasn’t solid and in one of the holes he put the key due to increased health isto my car. He didn’t just Seth Berkeley sues the smoke may cause. want to wrap a key, so he The stockings, however, said ‘I tried to give it to have remained a tradition in most family you in something that you wouldn’t guess.’” households. Parents usually fill the stockings In the end, Christmas is mainly about of their children with candy, toys, and other family, and spending time together. Pressmall goodies, called ‘stocking stuffers.’

Many students and faculty at HHS have ents are exchanged in the spirit of giving, participated in the stocking tradition at one but the worth of the present can not also be point or the other. The goodies found in the measured by its value.

“I don’t think you can measure gifts by stockings were small, inexpensive objects money, the money invested,” Fielding said. that were easy to find.

“I think sometimes it’s the sacrifice you “[I remember] getting Lifesaver Storymake or the time you give.” n books,” Calculus teacher Geoffrey Estes said.

A

Ski and Snowboard Gear- It’s winter, so don’t

“

“

Coal- He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice....

Maybe you haven’t been good this year, or maybe your parents just have a good sense of humor. Regardless, this gift is sure to get a laugh.

Students remember Christmas traditions from years past Chris Sokolyuk

M

style editor

any people use the holidays as a time to relax and take memorable family trips.

“Most kids stay at home [for Christmas]. I went to Honduras,’ junior Alan Pineda said. When he was seven years old, Pineda traveled to Honduras to visit family over Christmas vacation. Pineda enjoyed his Christmas vacation in Honduras, where his family was connected together for a wonderful holiday experience.

“Those were my best memories; three families came together and we had a feast,” Pineda said.

Tamales, baked chicken, and other traditional Honduran foods were prepared for Pineda’s family feast.

Like Pineda, many people include traveling in their winter break plans, some even have philanthropic vacations.

Senior Breton Nicolas’ most memorable Christmas is when he traveled to the Everglades with the Sierra Club, an

organization that raises awareness for the environment that we live in.

“In sixth grade I went on a week-long canoe trip with the Sierra Club,” Nicolas said.

Having only canoes as a means of any kind of transportation, Nicolas had to camp on the banks of the rivers that he had canoed down.

“We paddled up the Everglades for a week. Most kids sat at home around a tree, I sat around a fire,” Nicolas said.

Junior Lindsay Halling traveled across the big pond (also known as the Atlantic Ocean). Halling lived in Belgium for four months. During the duration of her stay, Halling celebrated Christmas their with her host family.

“In seventh grade I went with the Study Abroad program with James Madison University,” Halling said.

Every nation has its own traditions, and Belgium, being no exception, has some interesting ones.

“The children left their shoes out and Santa Clause would come and put treats into them,” Halling said.

“No matter where you spend your Christmas it will always be special,” junior Mark Chepelyuk said. n

December 16, 2011

The

newsstreak

FEATURE - Sydney Little- B2

Best of 2011 Top Ten Sports Moments of 2011: Anthony Duong

Staff Reporter

10. Wisconsin beats No. 1 for a Second Time

Wisconsin took down, then ranked No. 1 Ohio State Buck Eyes for a second time in basketball.

9. The NBA lockout ends

A tentative agreement was made between players and owners relieving fans that the NBA season will not be cancelled.

8. Rodger Goodell ends the NFL Lockout

After many months of negotiations with the players, Rodger Goodell ended the NFL lockout.

Assuring football fans that the world was once right again.

7. Butler Goes to the NCAA Basketball Tournament Again

Butler proved for the second year in a row, that mid-major teams could play a huge role in the season and make the championship.

6. Auburn Wins the BCS National Championship Cam Newton and the Auburn Tigers topped the Oregon Ducks to win the BCS National Championship.

5. Boston Bruins Win the Stanley Cup (Hockey)

Boston experienced many championships in the past years with the Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics.

The Bruins were the only ones missing until now.

4. US Women’s Soccer Team Electrifies the Nation

This summer, the women’s team captured the hearts of every American sports fan across the nation as they made their way to the final and unfortunately lost in a hard fought match against Japan.

3. St. Louis Cardinals Wins World Series

the

Best fashion trends of 2011

Molly Denman

news editor

E

very year, new fashion trends emerge. Some continue on from past years while others evolve from much earlier generations of fashion. Popular fashion trends are noticeable, especially in high school.

Some of the most common fashion items are yoga pants, Uggs, moccasins, pencil skirts, and boots. However, people have many different opinions about what fashion trends have been the best of 2011.

Accessories are a big part of fashion, many new styles have become popular over the past year. Scarves, although they have been popular in past years have become increasingly more common.

“The infinity scarf is the best accessory of this year. I love the fullness of it and you do not have to tie them like regular scarves so they are easier to wear,” attendance official Kathy Grogg said.

Another popular accessory of this year is feather hair extensions. Over the summer, many people experimented with semi permanent feather hair extensions and clip in ones as well.

“The clip in feather hair extensions were just as popular as the semi permanent ones this summer. I just got two sets from American Eagle, they are neat because I can wear them to match my outfits,” Senior Ryan Maphis said.

Colorful hair has also been a trend.

Girls have dyed strips of their hair bright colors to change up their look.

‘New Girl’ tops the charts in 2011 premiere law school drop-out who is the Celia Ehrenpreis most sensible of the four. Fiadvertising manager nally there is Winston who just

A

lthough there were many new TV shows premiering this fall one seemed to outshine the rest. New Girl has taken the comedy world by storm, with the charming, yet goofy Zooey Deschanel at the front. This new show revolves around the life of Jess, an elementary school teacher, and her three male roommates. She moved in with the three men because of a bad breakup.

There is the somewhat foolish roommate Schmidt, who loves the ladies. Nick, the grounded

returned from Latvia where he was a member of the Latvian Basketball League for two years, he is currently unemployed but looking for work. Together the characters work in tandem to make the show successful.

New Girl is sophomore Larkin O’Hara’s favorite show.

“I like Jess because she makes me laugh, for example she tried to thaw out her Thanksgiving turkey by putting it in the dryer,” O’Hara said. “The three roommates are strange but funny, especially Schmidt.” n

In your opinion...

The best musical artists of the year

With a back and forth battle in the series, the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Texas Rangers to win the World Series.

2. Greenbay Packers Win the Superbowl

Aaron Rodgers led the Greenbay Packers through the playoffs and into the Super Bowl to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, earning themselves the title of Super Bowl Champions.

Adele

1. Dallas Mavericks upset the Miami Heat in NBA Finals

37%

Breaking Dawn

8%

Foster the People 9 people

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

6%

The Muppets

6%

69 people polled by Ariel Vogel

Lady Gaga 5 people

LMFAO 4 people

Bruno Mars 3 people

Nicki Minaj 9 people

Best News Channels of 2011 107 people were polled by Gypsy Torgeson

NBC 17%

Transformers 3

11%

9 people

101 people polled from all grades by Manny Gomez

CBS 25%

Best Movies of 2011

Insidious

In your opinion...

FOX 29%

- Premeired on Fox on September 20 - Pilot show had 10.28 million viewers - Was the highest rated debut show on fox since 2001

32%

Drake

The top news stories of 2011

‘New Girl’ Fast Facts

The Hangover Part 2

13 people

Dirk Nowitzki led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals, upsetting Lebron James and the Miami Heat.

Osama Bin Laden Killed - 55 people Japanese Tsunami - 22 people NFL Lockout Ends - 5 people Death of Steve Jobs - 5 people 10th Anniversary of 9/11 - 3 people Penn State Football Debacle - 2 people Japanese Nuclear Disaster - 1 person Joplin, Missouri Tornado - 1 person Lockout Shortens NBA Season - 1 person Bedbug Infection - 1 person Death of Muammer Gaddafi - 1 person Arab Awakening - 1 person East Coast Earthquake - 1 person Economic Crisis - 1 person Withdrawal of Libyan Leader Muammar Gaddafi’s Forces from Benghazi - 1 person

“I have been dying my hair for a long time, I had blond in it and when I got bored with it over the summer, I dyed sections of my hair different colors. First I dyed it blue and then I dyed it purple because that is my favorite color,” Junior Emily Donegan said.

Along with accessories, new shoe styles have been created over the year.

Uggs have remained a popular shoe choice for many years now. However, more and more girls are wearing 6different styles of boots.

“The best fashion of 2011 is definitely fashion boots. They come in all different colors and they go with everything.

I have tall boots and short boots and I wear them almost every day,” senior Melanie Bridges said. n

ABC 16%

CW 13%

Coldplay 3 people

52 people polled from all grades by Victoria Giron

September 16, December 23, 2011

The

newsstreak

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

Christmas preparation

around Harrisonburg Valley Mall Santa a fixture of Christmas time Rafael Snell-Feikema feature editor

S

anta Claus, a jolly old man in a red suit with a long white beard, is a Christmas tradition in much of the world and is a common sight if you ever happen to wander into any mall at Christmastime. People will dress like this for their children, but what is it like to do this as a profession?

Mall Santas have been a tradition since the 1890’s when James Edgar first began it by dressing as Santa in his Brockton, Massachusetts department store. As most children may recall from their childhood, these Santas support the story of Santa in the contemporary cultural situation of the United States.

The Santa at Harrisonburg’s Valley Mall, who prefers to remain unnamed, so as to avoid ruining the visions of small children, believes strongly in the importance of upholding the story of Santa.

“I think Santa can represent a lot of things. He represents comfort and goodness- sometimes even world peace- but I think that it’s the goodness that he brings out in people.

Even adults. When[ever] they see him, they smile,” the mall Santa said.

The mall Santa says he upholds his persona all year long,

“

including growing a long white give them their money,” sophomore Tabitha beard.

LaFreniere said.

“If I’d grown [my beard] out He makes children Others recognize this too, but find it offset and it hadn’t been white, it’d be a by the amusement and joy they argue these different story, but since it is this happy. The chilactors provide to children. length and white, you have to be dren’s happiness far “He makes children happy. Maybe the mall in this persona all year long. I has him there so that people come in and buy outweighs everywork at Habitat for Humanity and things, but I’m sure the actor is there for the people will take pictures of their thing else. kids. The childrens’ happiness far outweighs kids with me because [their kids] else,” sophomore Kidane Gebreje-sophomore anything think I’m the real Santa. If you sus said. don’t want to do it, you’ve got to Kidane Gebrejesus Many students have good memories with change the way you look,” Santa Mall Santas, like junior Caitlin Kelley. said.

“When I was five, I asked for my dream He has further similarities to the mythical Santa beyond doll house and the Barbie kitchen set. He said something his looks. He practices woodworking, and says that he wants about how big of a present that was and I got angry and some tools for Christmas. yelled something at him and snapped his beard. Yeah, I reOne might think it difficult to act as Santa for not only a ally like the Santas though,” Kelley said. season, but parts of the entire year as he said earlier. Santa These Mall Santas do their best to keep the story alive in says this isn’t the case. He finds it easy to convince children, children. Children don’t always believe, but they do their probably aided, he thinks, by his beard and their simple de- best to make them. According to the Valley Mall’s Santa, sire to believe. that’s why he thinks his job is the best in the world.

Santa certainly thinks that he is doing a good thing.

“You try to put on a good look to greet the kids, the Some of our students voiced their difference of opinion. adults, the elderly, to give them the spirit of Christmas,” the “Christmas nowadays is so commercialized. Mall Santas mall Santa said. n are just another way of getting people to go to stores and

“

Holiday shopping begins in Harrisonburg Crossing Paulina Rendon feature editor

A

s holiday time gets closer, HHS students and their families begin to prepare for the festivities.

Getting ready may include buying presents, getting food, or making arrangements for visiting relatives. Most of the preparations start by going shopping, where the stores offer sales for the customers to make the holiday shopping easier,

in local shopping areas, like Harrisonburg Crossing.

One of the interesting parts about shopping for decorations is seeing how stores decorate. The idea is similar to looking at what decorations neighbors are putting up and seeing how creatively they express themselves and getting a few decorating ideas.

With Christmas one week away, some stores around Harrisonburg are beginning to express holiday spirit by hanging up

decorations. Wreaths and trees are found in more abundance as the holiday season continues. Some areas, however, have not begun to decorate. So far, the stores that make up the Harrisonburg Crossing shopping area have not put up any decorations yet.

At Harrisonburg Crossing, almost all the major stores have holiday sales that offer lucrative deals on people’s favorite clothes, books, toys, and gadgets. For example, stores like Barnes and Noble are advertising the $99 Nook, as well as daily discounts

on other possible gifts, like Godiva chocolates and bestselling books. Other stores like Bed, Bath and Beyond and Michael’s devote the entire front section of their store to Christmas displays, with decorations and potential presents on sale, but have yet to renovate the store themselves.

Although Christmas decorations at Harrisonburg Crossing has yet to begin, the spirit of Christmas grows stronger as the day approaches. n

Tree and decorations price comparison Inexpensive

Expensive

Location

Home Depot

K-Mart

Lowes

Wal-Mart

Location

Home Depot

K-Mart

Lowes

Wal-Mart

Price for trees

Artificial: $10-20 Live: $50-100

Artificial: $33-75 Live: $80-100

Artificial: $20-25 Live: $ $15-25

Artificial: $ $0-20 Live: N/A

Price for trees

Artificial: $300-400 Live: $ $150200

Artificial: $275-470 Live: $120190

Artificial: $200-400 Live: $$100200

Artificial: $ $100-150 Live: N/A

Price for decorations

$0-10

$0-25

$0-10

$0-20

$250-300

$75+

$100-200

$50-100

Price for decorations

Infographic by Anastasiya Kalyuk

Christmas spirit spreads to downtown stores Ben DiNapoli

H

staff reporter

oliday spirit can be few and far between sometimes when it comes to participation with local stores. Big cities like New York, Chicago, Philadelphia or Boston are notorious for their zealous city-wide decoration projects. Lit trees, wreaths and stores adorned with snowmen, candles, ornaments and fake snow are the norm. In Harrisonburg, a strong effort is usually put forth.

Although not quite up to par with big cities, Harrisonburg does put up wreaths with red bows on all the lamp posts along Main Street.

Many stores do a surprisingly good job of spreading the

holiday cheer. Ten Thousand Villages decorates their windows with fake snow spray, as well as multiple Christmas trees with small and intricate ornaments hanging from their limbs. On the second floor of the modern and crafty fine arts store Oasis stands a brightly lit white Christmas tree. Duo, a new secondhand clothing store has lights lining the top of the store as well as Christmas trees displayed prominently in the windows. Many other stores downtown, including the Laughing Dog, have also decorated their store fronts with lights and hanging icicles.

One of the most noticeable additions during the season downtown can only be seen at night: the trees. Every tree

Holiday cheer! Downtown Harrisonburg stores decorate their windows with Christmas decorations in preparation for the oncoming holidays. Photos by Vanessa Ehrenpreis.

in the downtown area is adorned with bright and beautiful white lights. From the base of the tree’s trunk all the way to the very top branch, the bare branches shine throughout the dark winter nights.

Even if downtown decorations could be spruced up to the levels of the big cities, seeing color and festive items is a nice change from the bland brick walls and blank windows that make up most of the downtown stores. Holiday spirit can be hard to find sometimes, but Harrisonburg’s Municipal Services certainly help spread a little color and flavor to the downtown area. n

December 16, 2011

The

newsstreak

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SPORTS- Jake Durden - B6

Cutting weight continues as unsavory practice prevalent throughout wrestling Kevin Franco

D

sports reporter

akota Hassler wakes up at 6am and stuffs his duffel bag with three pairs of sweatpants, two sweatshirts, and extra dry clothes. He snagged an apple and a granola bar, hardly a nutritious breakfast . When lunch arrived, it was not anything new. When asked how hungry he was on a scale of 1-10, he replied with “25”.

Most people could hardly survive on this amount of food, let alone go to a gruesome wrestling practice. Dakota Hassler can and did for one reason: cutting weight. He needed to lose weight and quick!

He put on multiple pairs of sweat pants and sweaters and practiced as hard as he could. He astonishingly lost 11lbs in two hours. After a intense practice he would continue to challenge himself by running until four in the morning some days. He eventually arrived at the competition and was so sick from doing this week in and week out that he ended up losing the matches he so vigorously trained for.

“I regret doing it. It’s stupid to

cut weight. No one should do it,” Hassler said.

Dedication: something that is embedded in every serious wrestlers DNA. Every wrestler understands the importance of “making the weight”, or in other words, literally weighing in at the exact pounding necessary to compete.

“Making the weight” is something vital for every wrestler, if they expect to win. A pound can be the difference between dominating your opponent and getting absolutely crushed.

In wrestling, your opponent is determined by their and your own weight. According the Virginia High School League (VHSL), there are 14 approved weight classes in Virginia, which range from anywhere below 106 pounds to over 285 pounds. Some weight classes include 138 to 145 pounds, 160 to 170 pounds, and 182 to 195 pounds.

Most people assume wrestling is an individual sport, but that is simply not the case. While on the mats, you may be wrestling by yourself, but the outcome of your match will add to your team’s total score, and will ultimately determine if your team will come out

on top at the end of the day.

There are healthy ways to reduce your weight, such as proper dieting and regulated cardiovascular exercise. However, wrestling is notorious for the unhealthy methods utilized to cut weight.

A survey in Wisconsin conducted by pediatric experts at Vanderbilt University tested 713 high school wrestlers for eating disorders, and an astonishing 392, or 55% of the surveyed students showed positive symptoms. According to dietitians, wrestlers are 7 to 10 times more likely to develop bulimia.

“I’ve done some pretty crazy stuff to cut weight. I’ve run in a trash bag with sweats and a sweater on, for hours,” said an anonymous HHS wrestler.

Grapple. Sophomore Ahmed Mustafa (left) develops a new Change is on the horizon, move against senior Seve Sosa-Hernandez while Coach Mike however. Recently, many pre- Dickerson observes. Photo by Paulina Rendon. cautions have been taken to In 1997, three wrestlers passed tlers. It is a part of every wrestling prevent these unhealthy habits. Some include hydration test, away while attempting to “make team throughout the country weight loss limits, and body fat the weight”, all within 33 days of whether it should happen or not. each other. It is not just a useful Although cutting the weight is testing.

“You have to cut weight or else wrestling tactic; it is a dangerous definitely unhealthy and potentially life-threatening, it can also someone bigger then you will get and foolish practice.

Cutting weight is essential for be seen as a useful skill used to to your weight class and beat you.” some, idiotic for others, and just gain that little edge over your opsays Artem Makayed. a normal routine for serious wres- ponent. n

Athletes working hard in off season Max Johnson

D

sports reporter

etermined would be a fitting word to describe Coach Thurman’s sentiments about his football team for the upcoming years.

He has made it required for his underclassmen to stay after school, complete their homework, then go lift weights, a sparse crowd in previous years.

But when you want to win, you must put in the work in the off season according to sophomore lineman, Seth Harper. Harper is determined to work as hard as he can in the off-season in order to

help the Streaks to another “hopefully” successful season.

The Streaks are now basically required to stay after school, attend an hour long study session, and put on muscle during weightlifting sessions. They will be required to do this all winter, spring and though the summer as well.

There will be almost no breaks.

This will probably be the most off season work done in the history of HHS athletics.

However, this is also the first year that you can legally practice in the off season. Harper is very determined and ready for all the hard work that is headed his way.

Harper said, “Right now, players

are not really motivated, but come next season they are going to see that hard work really does pay off.”

Shane Burke, a sophomore wide receiver is also very excited to see how these results will pay off.

“I’ve never really seen this much dedication from so many people, it’s going to be really cool to see it all pay off next season.”

“We will use our experience from this season to our advantage, and the extra effort in the weight room will give us the force we need to win a lot of football games,” junior Zach Baxter said. n

Boys join gymnastics team Celia Ehrenpreis advertising manager

T

ypically the word “gymnastics” brings to mind girls in tight leotards, with sparkles and sequins. But this stereotype is being defied by senior Daniil Makayed and sophomore Denis Shulgan. These two boys are braving the predominantly female sport to make a name for themselves. Official gymnastic practice started on Nov. 5, and the boys have been working hard ever since.

“I joined the team because I like the sport, and I wanted to learn more,” Makayed said. “ I did wrestling in freshman, sophomore, and junior year.

But I decided to do gymnastics this season.”

Makayed is graduating this year, but still has the desire to continue his gymnastics in college.

“I want to go to James Madison University, and do club gymnastics while I am there,” Makayed said.

Sophomore Dennis Shulgan is joining the gymnastics team this season due to his interest in Parkour, also known as free running. A sport very similar to

Arghhh! Junior Mike Eckstein cranks out repetitions of miltary press, spotted by sophomore Christian Rivera(Left) and Junior Drew Hedrick(Right). Photo by Paulina Rendon

gymnastics, but where the participant has to avoid obstacles, in an outdoor environment.

“It is a lot of fun, if I learn a new tumbling trick, I will show Daniil, and if he learns one he will show me. After meeting the girls on the team, they all seem to be really nice,” Shulgan said.

Last season, there were four gymnasts on the team who were state qualifiers, both senior Gentry Dove and sophomore Chloe Scanlan are back from last year’s success for another round.

With the freshman on the team, the Streaks will have an even greater chance of sending the entire team to states. It is freshman Nicole Downey’s second season of gymnastics, and first time on a coed team.

Although the boys will not be competing in meets, their presence is vital to the team.

“The guys on the team are really friendly, they help with spotting, to make sure the girls on the team don’t fall,” Downey said.

There have not been boys on the gymnastics team at this school for at least five years.

“For as long as I was athletic director, there was not a coed gymnastics team,” said Joe Carico, former athletic director. n

Blair’s thirst for adventure leads to escapades in Sierra Nevadas Ben DiNapoli sports reporter

A

the

h, snowboarding season is almost here. Almost.

Just a few more weeks and the snow blowers will be laying down enough base for everyone to get out onto the slopes at Massanutten. However, nothing else in America compares to snow on the West coast, especially the likes of Lake Tahoe, Breckenridge, Mammoth, and Squaw Valley in California and Colorado.

Ski and Snowboard Club leader Jay Blair is excited to get to the slopes with members of the club, although nothing will compare the past when Blair’s home resort was Lake Tahoe.

“I actually started skiing in the seventh grade,” Blair said.

“My first snowboarding experience was right when it was first invented. I jumped on the Burton Arrow, a flat, wooden board, at Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont. It was definitely a challenge.”

Being new, the snowboard industry didn’t take advantage of any shaping or camber like ski companies were just starting to do at that time.

“It was very hard to make turns, and I had a pretty rough experience with the board,” Blair said. “I didn’t snowboard after that until I was 23 when I moved out to California.”

Living the dream, Blair scored a job at the local Lake Tahoe Ski Resort as a parking attendant.

“Being a parking attendant is the best job you can have at a resort,” Blair said. “I got there around 10 every morning and helped everyone park. I could then snowboard for a good five or six hours after that until about 3 PM when I had to help people leave.”

Of course, one essential thing is needed if you work at a resort out West: a snowboard.

“The first thing I did was buy a snowboard, a Lamar. It

x x

had good edges, but baseless bindings. You could feel every Granite Peak is one of the best runs. You have to hike from little bump underneath, and I loved it,” Blair said. “That sea- the lift to it, but on a fresh powder day you will always get son, I had 110 days of snowboarding. I went everyday that I fresh tracks. You can drop from a huge wind cornice on the worked at the mountain. My whole life was snowboarding. ridge and have fresh lines for the whole day,” Blair said.

I even lived in a house full of snowboarders who went every Not only is powder better for carving than ice, it is also day.” significantly more quiet.

Nothing can last forever, however. After “The snow is way lighter in the about a year in California, Blair moved to VirWest. It is almost like a whisper as the ginia to complete school at the University of I see this kid yellsnow falls back after a turn. It’s like William & Mary. you are floating on a cushion of powing to his mom, “I always went on vacations to Tahoe,” Blair der, isolated and beautiful,” Blair said. said. “Whether it was every the summer or ‘Mom! Mom! Blair’s many fond memories are acover winter break, I would always try and find That’s him! That’s companied by several less-than-memtime to get out there. There was a big chunk of orable moments. time when I didn’t do anything because I lived the guy!’

“At Squaw, there is a section called in Williamsburg. Massanutten was four hours -Jay Blair the Palisades. It’s not accessible by lift, away, and it just wasn’t worth the drive.” so you have to hike about 20 minutes After graduation from William & Mary, along the ridge,” Blair said. “At the top Blair scored a job teaching at Harrisonburg, are a series of chutes that start with where he met expert skier and fellow teacher Mark Healy. a pretty good drop, anywhere from five to 30 feet. I didn’t “I bought an old pair of skis from Healy and then I would even think about it as I dropped in because I had done it so rent a board from Function4Sports,” Blair said. many times. As soon as my board hit the snow after dropThe East coast provides different attributes for skiers and ping the cornice, I dipped my front end in the snow and snowboarders than the . In addition to flatter terrain, snow flipped end over end all the way to the end of the Palisades. quality, or the lack thereof, is a challenge. There is a lot of It just so happened that the Palisades end on a very popular ice in the slopes in the winter, which can sometimes cause Blue (Intermediate) trail, which I took to the lift nearby. difficulties when skiing or snowboarding.

“I looked like a snowman at the bottom. I had snow ev“I usually choose to ski when I am with my son [Char- erywhere. I had to undress and shake the snow out. Standlie], and I also sometimes ski with Healy,” Blair said. “In ing with most of my gear off, shaking the snow out, I see the West, I would always board, but sometimes you can get this kid yelling to his mom, ‘Mom! Mom! That’s him, that’s more traction and feel more stable with skis on the ice in the guy!’,” Blair said. the East.”

Although heading out West for an extended period of When looking at resorts and Massanutten in the East to time seems less and less likely as Blair has a wife and two resorts and real mountains on the other side of the country, kids, the Ski and Snowboard Club provides Blair with a lot there really is no comparison. of enjoyment.

“The East has wet, heavy, and sometimes icy snow,” Blair “It’s awesome because, for me especially, it gives me an said. “You can’t go opportunity to make a connection with students and share out of bounds or my experiences with the kids. I had fifteen days last year into the trees either. and about thirty days the year before with the club,” Blair Out West, they let said. you do anything. It’s Tons and tons of experiences and memories from snowa lot more open.” boarding at the big Western resorts stay with Blair, but with Having spent a lack of photo evidence. time at other re“If I’m standing at the top of a mountain watching a sunsorts around Tahoe, set, some people want to take a picture. They are sacrificSquaw Valley also ing the moment for evidence of the moment. I would much ranks high on Blair’s rather appreciate and experience the few moments I have,” list of skiing venues. Blair said. n ”At Squaw Valley,

treme corner

“

“

December 16, 2011

The

newsstreak

SPORTS - Mitch DePoy - B7

The Coaches

5 minutes with...

Amy Cerelli

Varsity Girls Soccer

The Deal with Durden Jake Durden

Why do we coach?

C

oaching is one of the most stressful jobs on the planet. Every year, hundreds of coaching staffs are fired and replaced. Coaches are making millions one minute, and out on the street the next due to the quick trigger of school officials. Even if coaches manage to stay one move ahead of their athletic directors and choose to leave before being forced to, they are perpetually relocating their lives and their families in order to suit their professional passion.

Worse than the lack of job security is the constant scrutiny, verbal abuse, and hatred that coaches are subject to.

If his or her team does not execute well, the coach could end up with a brick through his or her window.

Verbal abuse is not only for college coaches however. High school coaches often have to deal with unruly parents who are unsatisfied with their children’s playing time. The effects of this mistreatment by parents often wreak havoc on the coaches social and personal lives.

Despite all of these trials and tribulations, every year thousands of former student athletes try and scratch and claw their way into a graduate assistant position for their college athletics program, or even take a step back down to the high school level. The plethora of minute reasons that culminate in the decision to coach can be summed up in one phrase: the love of the game.

Sports are commonly viewed as a leisurely activity or a way to burn some calories. For others, it is a passionate inferno rooted deep in the human soul.

Coaching is the only means that some people have of staying in the game once their physical ability to play wanes.

Complete withdrawal is not physically possible for some.

Sports create some of the strongest and longest lasting relationships that we will experience throughout the course of our lives. The camaraderie between teammates is unparalleled outside of one’s own blood kin. Coaching is one of few other opportunities to be a part of a such a tightly knit unit.

The other primary reason cited by coaches at all levels is the ability to influence and improve the lives of their players. High school and college coaches are key role models for their players as they mature into men and women.

Coaching is not just the pursuit of a championship. It is not simply late night film sessions. It is, in essence, total dedication to your players and to your sport.

n

Grant Thompson

Football - Defensive Coordinator How many seasons have you coached at HHS? I have been coaching here since 1990.

When my daughter was born I took a year off for the 1999-2000 season, and I returned for the 2001 season.

Where did you play? I played football in high school and went on to play at Sheperd University in West Virginia..

What made you decide to coach at HHS? I had been coaching at Wingate College in North Carolina and I’m from Winchester, so I wanted to move a little close to home. I wanted to get my masters at JMU, and I saw that there was a coaching position available at the high school so I decided to apply for it. It turned out to be a good opportunity.

What made you coach that you experienced in your playing career? 0Even when I was younger in the neighborhood, I had a knack for dealing with kids. I wanted to teach phys. ed. and find a position where I could coach as well. I definitely wanted to give back and I had great coaches growing up. I was very thankful to be able to come [to HHS] and be under the leadership of Coach Sarver for all these years.

What sacrifices do you have to make during the course of the season in order to fulfill your duties as a coach? People don’t realize that even at the high school level, coaching takes up a lot of time; time away from your family, whether you’re scouting another team or watching film on Sundays.

That’s the big issue, sacrificing your time.

We’ve always tried to have a family atmosphere on the staff, but time away from your family is a biggest thing you have to deal with. You have to have some good wives at home.

What are a few ultimate qualities you look for in a player? For one, I think that they need to be coachable. In this day and age, I think that when a coach gets on a kid, sometimes the kid takes it personally. He has to have a desire to get better; that means sacrificing: it requires lifting weights in the off-season and doing the little things in order to succeed. Kids thate Have there been any scenarios where you have had to go out of your way to help a player? Oh, well all the time. We have to take kids home and counsel kids. That’s the neat thing about coaching.

In short, why do you coach? I just had lunch yesterday with a former player, he’s at JMU now. That’s the neat thing about coaching. Whatever level you’re [coaching] at, the relationships -- that’s what I remember, more so than the big games; seeing those young guys grow up, and seeing where they go after high school, that’s the big picture.

You just hope that you’ve had a little influence on them along the way. That’s kind of how we get paid, so to speak. Kids perform well, but it’s about life, not just about football; teaching these kids responsibility, and teaching them to be good citizens after high school is over.

How many seasons? I have coached at HHS since 1998. The first season I was the assistant to the varsity team and the next season I became the head coach. So, this will be my 15th year coaching at the high school level.

Where did you play? At what levels of competition did you play? I grew up playing soccer in NJ. I began recreation soccer in first grade and started travel and sleep away camps in third grade. I played three sports in high school, but continued to play soccer throughout the year. During high school I played with my travel team, the Wyckoff Torpedoes, my local recreation teams and my high school team. I grew up in a very competitive area for soccer. My high school team was runner up for the State Championship my sophomore year and we were State Champions my junior year. In college, I played Division I soccer for the University of Delaware.

What made me decide to coach at HHS? I transferred to JMU after my sophomore season at Delaware. I stayed in the area after I graduated and I owned a local fly fishing shop while coaching boys’ and girls’ travel soccer. I assisted Coach Rath when he began one of the first travel teams for girls inHarrisonburg, Rocktown Women’s Soccer.

When HHS began its first girls’ soccer team in 1998, I was asked to be an assistant with the team.

What made you want to coach that you experienced in your playing career? I think a lot of players begin coaching so they can continue to play and be close to the game.

This was part of the reason why I began coaching. I was astounded when I realized there were no travel teams or high school teams for girls in the area. I had traveled to Colorado and Canada to play in international tournaments by eighth grade and played with two travel teams, so I was very surprised, especially with the Division I program here at JMU, that girls’ soccer was not organized in the valley. When I discovered this, I was very excited to be a part of helping with any girls’ soccer programs in the area.

What sacrifices do you have to make during the course of the season in order to fulfill your duties as a coach? How much time do you get with your family during the season?

I tell my friends and family I’ll see them in June! (After we win Regionals and play in the State Final, of course. It is a big sacrifice for everyone involved. The high school players, their parents, coaches, administrators, trainers and their families all have a lot on their plates during the season. It takes a lot of dedication to have a good program in any sport.

What are a few of the ultimate qualities you look for in a player?

You can be the best player in the world, but if you don’t show up and don’t have the right mindset, you will have a very long, frustrating season. This is especially true to the sport of soccer, in which there are no time outs and it is very free-flowing. If you have not come to practice and worked hard with your teammates, it can be a very long 80 minutes. As far as qualities specific to soccer, a lot depends on the position the player will play on the field. For the varsity team, on top of being fit, having a good touch on the ball, working well with teammates, I look for players that have a good understanding of the game, have good vision on the field, and are not afraid to be creative in their play. On the Junior Varsity squad we hope to develop these qualities in players and are looking for girls who are willing to work and to get better.

In short, why do you coach?

I had a great experience growing up with soccer and it is a game that I continue to learn from. Soccer is challenging mentally and physically. Soccer is a sport that girls can be involved in for the rest of their lives and I think it is important that a player’s high school experience is positive.

David Long

Football defensive coach

How many seasons have you coached at HHS? This is my tenth Where did you play? I play college football and track at Bridgewater college What made you decide to coach at HHS? I went to school at Harrisonburg and I had positive interaction with the coaches I had here and so it gave me an opportunity to come back and coach with the coaches who coached me.

What made you coach that you experienced in your playing career?

I guess at the high school level the coaches that coached me they all had a positive influence on me I could go to them for other things other than football so as I got to be a senior and I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do, one of the coaches suggested that I should be coaching and I thought about it and I thought it would be a good idea that way I could give back to the kids the way those coaches gave to me.

What sacrifices do you have to make during the course of the season in order to fulfill your duties as a coach? How much time so you get with your family during the season?

I’m not around my kids as much I have a sixyear-old a three-year-old and a six-monthold and so with the exception of weekends the only day I get to see them is Thursdays when I come home early and when we have team meal so I can have supper with them.

Most of the time that’s the biggest sacrifice What are a few ultimate qualities you look for in a player?

I guess the top quality that I look for in a player would be the ability to understand what’s being taught and being able to process it and do that on the field. A lot of them will give it all and do it on the field. I guess the one quality I’m looking for is the person who can understand in practice and apply it on the field.

Have there been any scenarios where you have had to go out of your way to help a player?

Oh yea, all the time. I mean to me that’s just part of coaching if they need rides, they text me or call me that they need to be picked up for practice. I’ve been at practices were they call and I had to go leave practice and bring them to practice. If they need money for team meal, I give them money for team meal. Some of them come and talk to me about problems they have outside of school.

I love it. It’s part of the reason I like coaching.

In short, why do you coach?

Because I get to give back to the kids the way those coaches gave back to me when I was a player here.

David Loughran

Track and Cross Country

Kevin tysinger

Head Boys Basketball Coach

How many seasons have you coached at HHS? This is my fourth season Where did you play? In high school, I played basketball then in college I went to Bridgewater and played baseball.

What made you pick Harrisonburg High School to coach at?

I always enjoyed playing the game and I understood the game very well. I started as the freshman coach and over time I worked my way up the ladder and became the JV then the varsity coach.

How much time do you get with your family during the season? It takes away from your family time for sure. During the season between all the games, practices and what not the gym becomes more like your home. You have to learn to adjust and take advantage of every moment that you have at home.

What are a few of the ultimate qualities that you look for in a player?

The player has to have a good work ethic, the capability to play the sport, be a team player and of course has to have the athletic ability.

In short, why do you coach?

I enjoy it, I love to go out there and over the course of the season see the players grow and have success in what they are doing.

How many seasons have you coached at HHS? Three seasons a year for seven years Where did you play?

I grew up in Mount Lebanon, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and went to high school in Mount Lebanon.

What made you decide to coach at HHS? This is where the teaching job was.

What sacrifices do you have to make during the course of the season in order to fulfill your duties as a coach? How much time do you get with your family during the season?

I rarely get home before six o’ clock most of about half of my Saturdays are used to travel to meets, so it is a lot of time.

What are a few ultimate qualities you look for in a player?

Competitiveness and dedication Have there been any scenarios where you have had to go out of your way to help a player?

Oh yea, rides home, money for food, stuff like that. That’s a common occurrence for coaches.

In short, why do you coach?

Because the kids who come out for a sport choose to be there so they are sometimes more motivated than the student that I get in a classroom and helping students earn success in athletics is pretty rewarding for me.

December 16, 2011

The

newsstreak

SPORTS - Ben DiNapoli - B8

Football stakes its position as most prominent HHS sport Kevin Franco

Peter’s Principles Peter Byrd

BCS system needs to go

T

he time has come for a playoff in FBS (Division-I) football.

James Madison is in the FCS (formerly known as I-AA) and they have a playoff. Bridgewater is a Division-III team and they have a playoff. High school football has playoffs for its different divisions. The NFL has the most entertaining playoff of all, culminating with the Super Bowl.

So why don’t Division-I teams have a playoff? It’s the question that millions of Americans are asking and no one seems to have an answer to, or at least an answer that fans want.

The current Bowl Championship Series (BCS) system will expire at the end of the 2013-2014 season. Until then, we are left with the current bowl system and there is nothing we can do about it. It was disappointing to see a very deserving Oklahoma State team be left out of the national title game to a team that did not even win its own conference, let alone its division within the conference. Alabama, who finished in second place in the SEC West, got the nod over Oklahoma State thanks largely in part to the voters who make up two-thirds of the BCS formula. The Harris Poll accounts for one-third as well as the Coaches Poll. The computer rankings make up the other third.

2014 is the soonest that a playoff system could possibly be implemented. Some experts think that a playoff is not feasible because of extra weeks tacked on to the end of the season.

Some coaches are not in favor of a playoff because it adds up to four extra games on the schedule further adding to the wear and tear on players’ bodies and takes them out of classes. I think the coaches who feel this way are asinine. As former NFL coach Herm Edwards once said, “You play to win the game!”. Football should be settled on the field and adding four more games justifies a true champion. The argument about how athletes would miss more class time is egregious. Even though student comes before athlete in student-athlete, most football players at high-profile universities go to school to play football and get an education on the side.

The analysts that I listen to champion a seeded plus-one system where the top four seeds have a mini-playoff.

For example, let’s take this year’s top four teams in the final BCS standings.

Top-seeded LSU would play fourthseeded Stanford. Second-seeded Alabama would play third-seeded Oklahoma State. The winners of those two games would play each other the following week for the national championship. The reasoning behind this method is that the season would not be unnecessarily drawn out. I think these analysts are foolish because as it is, the season is already prolonged due to the various bowl games throughout the course of December and into January. The final regular season game (not counting Army vs. Navy) this year was played on Dec 3. The last postseason game, the national championship, will be played on Jan 9. That’s an extra one month and six days added to the end of the season. This long layoff refutes the argument that a playoff would cause the college football season to drag out because a 16-team playoff would only take four weeks.

A 16-team playoff would take place of the BCS bowls in the system that I propose. I would keep the other bowl games so that small schools in weak football conferences would still have something to play for. The power conference schools which missed out on the playoff would also be eligible for a bowl game if they finished with a record of .500 or better. Teams like Boise St. TCU, and Houston would no longer be discriminated against because of a weak schedule. These teams would have the opportunity to settle the dispute on the field, the place where controversy should be settled, instead of voters and computers. Oklahoma State and Alabama would have the chance to prove they are one of the two best teams. Boise State would have the chance to prove they can play with the big boys. LSU would have the chance to prove that it is undoubtedly the best team in the country. My friends think Oklahoma State should be playing in the title game rather than Alabama, but the current BCS sytem allows for the two best teams to play in the championship and Alabama is the second best team, regardless of not winning its conference championship.

Love it or hate it, that’s the way it is. America’s biggest question remains unanswered, at least until 2014. That will be our best hope of implementing a playoff. Until then we are left with the Bogus Controversy System. n

I

sports reporter

n today’s society, if your school excels at football then you are a dominant establishment within your district, region, or maybe even your state. It is a hard earned title of “the best school” that many schools long to have.

When asked “Who or what is the face of HHS’ athletic program?”, 31 out of 50 polled students answered with football. Why does football represent such an important aspect of high school sports.

“Because it makes all the money and everyone watches it,” said sophomore Gary Via. The sport of football has worked tirelessly for years and years to assume the role of one of the biggest sports across high school, collegiate, and professional leagues.

Many schools simply are not accustomed to having to assume such a demanding task of living up to the sport. There are other suc-

cessful endeavours that include track and field, soccer, and basketball, any of which have the ability to become the new face of the Blue Streaks.

Up until the 2011-2012 season, HHS has assumed the role as the warriors of the Valley District, claiming eight consecutive football championships. The history of dominance at Harrisonburg has earned us the prestigious title of “that school”.

Being “that school” is both a key asset as well as a burden. The title gives players and coaches something to strive for while also placing a target directly on their backs.

Being “that school” can give a team tons of confidence after a successful win or with much disappointment after a loss between players, coaches and fans alike.

As of now, football represents the entire Harrisonburg athletic program. Hardearned victories also come with hard losses.

However, from those losses also come lessons that will be implemented in the future to preserve football as the face of HHS. n

What is the face of high school athletics?

Football- 57

Cross Country- 14 Track & Field- 11

Soccer- 9

Basketball- 6 Tennis- 2

Swimming - 1 100 people polled during three lunch periods by Kevin Franco

Football team loses in first round of regional playoffs Max Johnson sports reporter

H

arrisonburg football was not in a new position. Deep goes at a playoff title were old hat to the players and fans of Blue Streak nation. But for the first time in years, the Streaks fell with a 28-9 loss in the first round of the playoffs to Staunton River High School. The loss was tough on everybody from the fans to the players to the coaches.

Played on 11/11/11, the Streaks were favored over Staunton River by local media. But the major difference in the game was enthusiasm. The Streaks came out flat, while Staunton River came out with the intensity of a wild boar. After a tight first quarter, the Streaks continued to shoot themselves in the

foot with multiple turnovers, and Staunton River used their running offense to slowly take over the game with an insurmountable lead.

Fans sat and watched in agony as the seconds ticked away and the reality kicked in that the Streaks were coming closer and closer to a loss.

“It was not a bad season for a first year [at HHS] coach, first year offense and first year quarterback, but it’s definitely a tough way to go out. I feel like we let a lot of people down. It sucks,” sophomore lineman Seth Harper said.

But there are also positive aspects to be found in the tough defeat. Blue Streaks basketball coach Kevin Tysinger is experiencing something different than anything before in his coaching career. He had his entire roster set in the middle of November, which means that he has more

Hike! The Streaks take the field for a punt on fourth down.

Unfortunately, HHS ultimately suffered a tough loss. than enough time to prepare for the upcoming season. Off-season training will allow the team to keep getting faster, stronger, and more mentally prepared for the upcoming season.

Last year, the Streaks made a run to the regional finals and

lost by just five points. This year, the Blue Streaks fell in only one sport, but are using that as motivation. Now, HHS can look forward to a couple of months of improvement and hopefully come back like a bolt of lightning in the fall. n

Bowl team picks with sports writing staff Mitch DePoy

Michael Johnson

Jake Durden

Peter Byrd

Max Johnson

Temple vs.

Wyoming

Temple

Temple

Wyoming

Temple

Wyoming

Ohio vs. Utah State

Ohio

Ohio

Utah State

Ohio

Ohio

San Diego St vs.

Louisiana-Lafayette

SDSU

SDSU

SDSU

SDSU

SDSU

Florida Int vs.

Marshall

Marshall

Marshall

Marshall

Marshall

Marshall

TCU vs. Louisiana Tech

TCU

TCU

TCU

TCU

TCU

Arizona St vs. Boise State

Boise St.

Boise St.

Boise St.

Boise St.

Boise St.

Nevada vs. Southern Miss

Southern Miss.

Southern Miss.

Nevada

Southern Miss.

Southern Miss.

Missouri vs. UNC

Missouri

UNC

UNC

UNC

UNC

Western Michigan vs. Purdue

Purdue

Purdue

Purdue

Purdue

Purdue

Louisville vs. NC State

Louisville

Louisville

NC State

NC State

NC State

Toledo vs. Air Force

Toledo

Air Force

Air Force

Air Force

Air Force

California vs. Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

Texas

California

Florida State vs.

Notre Dame

FSU

FSU

FSU

FSU

FSU

Washington vs.

Baylor

Baylor

Baylor

Baylor

Baylor

Baylor

BYU vs. Tulsa

BYU

BYU

BYU

BYU

BYU

Rutgers vs. Iowa State

Rutgers

Rutgers

Rutgers

Iowa State

Iowa State

Mississippi St vs.

Wake Forest

Mississippi State

Mississippi State

Mississippi State

Mississippi State

Mississippi State

Iowa vs. OKlahoma

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Texas A&M vs.

Northwestern

Texas A&M

Texas A&M

Northwestern

Texas A&M

Texas A&M

Georgia Tech vs.

Utah

Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech

Illinois vs. UCLA

UCLA

UCLA

Illinois

UCLA

UCLA

Cincinatti vs. Vandy

Cincinnatti

Cincinnatti

Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt

Cincinnatti

UVA vs. Auburn

UVA

Auburn

Auburn

UVA

Auburn

Houston vs. Penn State

Houston

Houston

Penn State

Houston

Penn State

Nebraska vs. South Carolina

Nebraska

Nebraska

South Carolina

South Carolina

South Carolina

Michigan St vs.

Georgia

Michigan State

Michigan State

Georgia

Georgia

Georgia

Ohio St vs. Florida

Florida

Ohio State

Ohio State

Ohio State

Ohio State

Wisconsin vs.

Oregon

Oregon

Oregon

Oregon

Oregon

Oregon

Stanford vs. Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State

Stanford

Stanford

Oklahoma State

Michigan vs. VT

Michigan

Michigan

Michigan

Virginia Tech

Michigan

WVU vs. Clemson

WVU

Clemson

Clemson

Clemson

WVU

Kansas St vs.

Arkansas

Arkansas

Arkansas

Arkansas

Arkansas

Kansas St.

Southern Methodist vs. Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

SMU

SMU

Pittsburgh

Arkansas St vs.

Northern Illionis

Arkansas St

Northern Illinois

Northern Illinois

Arkansas St

Arkansas St

LSU vs. Alabama

LSU

LSU

LSU

LSU

LSU

Tiebreaker-Total score of title game

27

31

52

38

52

December 16, 2011 November 18,

2011-12

HHS

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December 16, 2011

The experience - A10

The newsstreak

‘Tis the season Editor-in-chief Vanessa Ehrenpreis shares her family’s process of picking the perfect Christmas tree for the holidays

Vanessa Ehrenpreis editor-in-chief

M The perfect fit Right: David Ehrenpreis cuts down the Ehrenpreis family’s choice of tree: a small Colorado Spruce. The Ehrenpreises make an annual trip to Evergreen Tree Farm in Keezletown, VA to choose a Christmas tree. Celebrate good times! Below: Successful completion of chopping down the tree is reason enough for celebration for David Ehrenpreis. Photos by Vanessa Ehrenpreis.

Oh tannenbaum.

The Colorado spruce decorated, and lit in all of its glory.

Photo by Vanessa Ehrenpreis

It’s a family affair. The Ehrenpreises huddle together for a lasting memento of the 2011 Christmas tree expedition. Photo by Celia Ehrenpreis

Rolling hills Celia and David Ehrenpreis take in the sunset at Evergreen farms. Photo by Vanessa Ehrenpreis.

y family enjoys being a family. We relish any activity that can be done as a family i.e. playing board games, eating dinner, or watching “Modern Family” (yes, that is totally a family thing).

The holiday season is the time of year when ‘family’ activities reach an all time high. My family’s lack of religious conviction has for the most part left the Christian ideology out of the holiday.

We instead substitute familial ties for religious worship. It is the time of year that we gather together with the sole purpose of unity. There is no school, no work, essentially no distractions, which makes Christmas time a period of reverence in the Ehrenpreis household.

Part of the annual celebration is purchasing a Christmas tree. This does not mean heading over to the sketchy parking lot stall with “Freshly cut trees!” Oh no, that’s not how us Ehrenpreises do it.

Our tradition is rooted in the process of meticulous selection. There are not many coniferous trees up for grabs in Harrisonburg, so we head to the boondocks-- Keezletown.

Evergreen Farms is located about a 15-minute drive away, and is in all seriousness the perfect place to get a Christmas tree. The farm is situated on one of many rolling hills in the Shenandoah Valley, which makes the perfect backdrop for the thousands of trees that line its sides. As we pulled away from the house, with Sly and the Family Stone’s “Family Affair” blasting out of the speakers, I could not help but be excited for the season of family Actually picking our tree is always more complicated than it needs to be.

Every family member has an opinion, and believe me that opinion will be heard. It is a communal process, which is not a bad thing, it just gets... well... frustrating at times. Compromise can be hard to come by, but it is simply part of the process.

Eventually we were able to settle on a medium sized Colorado Spruce, that was free of bald patches, and general unattractiveness.

After we arrived at home, the real tree festivites began. My mother has kept practically all the Christmas decorations from her parents. Our living room has the potential to be a yuletide episode of hoarders. Kitschy ornaments and lights from the 1950s were strewn across the floor, waiting for their place on the boughs.

We all have our favorite ornaments, and if someone dares put someone elses’ favorite on the tree, there will be hell to pay. After a few hours of decorating, we were able revel in the glory of our newly light, adorned and festooned tree.

Many Christmas trials and tribulations have finally produced a genuine holiday for my family. We may not go to church, but we have the comfort of family, and that is more than enough. n

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Getting there: Evergreen Farms Evergreen Farms Keezletown, VA

Harrisonburg