March 25th Issue by valerie Kibler

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where every person has a story

Boys Dance

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

Renaissance tradition provides entertainment

News Briefs Harrisonburg High School band received superior ratings at our District Band competition on Saturday March 12th. Sherry Burcham Anderson memorial 5k run and walk is scheduled for May 14th 2011. Guidance department announces that early release/late arrival will not be offered to students next year. The original play Terrible Skunk Breath will open on April 22nd and show again on April 23rd.

Sports Briefs Stay updated on newsstreak.com to see how your March Madness basketball bracket is doing.

Outdoor track has their first meet on March 26th, at HHS. Come see boys and girls compete against each other in the Co-Ed Classic.

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

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Inside this issue

Sherry Anderson 5k Coverage. Spring television show breakdowns. New clothes store “Mint” opens in location downtown. Who is going where for college. Spring play coverage Spring sports coverage and profiles. Apple apps, which app are you? Journalism trip to Anaheim California. AP Study tips.

Gettin’ Money! Sophomore Robby Ross preforms as a member of the Renaissance boys dance team. A tradition holding on since 2006. Photo by Emily Jamieson.

Harrisonburg out grows Charlottesville in population Kizner Xuyi Guo

staff reporter

arrisonburg, often thought of as a small city, has overtaken its neighbor over the mountain, Charlottesville, in size. Based on Census Bureau estimates, Harrisonburg had a population of 45,137 as of 2009, an 11 percent increase from 40,468 residents in 2000, while Charlottesville had a population of 42,218 in 2009, a 6 percent decrease from 45,049 residents in 2000. Although the two cities are now similar in population, they still have stark differences, particularly economically. “[Charlottesville] is more upscale,” said Mark Tueting, a history teacher at Harrisonburg High School who commutes to work from his farm near Charlottesville. “Harrisonburg has a very educated elite within the JMU community but there’s a larger portion of the society that is working class,” Tueting said. “Charlottesville is more upper-middle class.” Based on Census Bureau estimates from 2009, Tueting’s assessment of the socioeconomic environment is on point. Charlottesville generally has a more prosperous population than Harrisonburg. The unemployment rate in Charlottesville is a mere 4.9 percent, while the unemployment rate in Harrisonburg is 6.7 percent. Also, of those employed, Charlottesville residents generally make more money. The median household income in Charlottesville, at $38,369, is $4,782 higher than the median household

income in Harrisonburg, which is $33,587. The difference between average household incomes is even greater. Family income data tells a similar story, and 9.4 percent of families, accounting for 27.6 percent of people, in Charlottesville were under the poverty level, while 12.2 percent of families, accounting for 31.3 percent of people, in Harrisonburg were under the poverty level. The economic difference between Charlottesville and Harrisonburg may be accounted for by the educational and vocational differences that Tueting highlighted. Charlottesville’s population has more education than Harrisonburg’s. The proportion of residents who have graduated from high school in Charlottesville is 84.2 percent, whereas in Harrisonburg it is only 76.8 percent. Similarly, the proportion of residents that hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in Charlottesville is 43.3 percent, while it is just 31.8 percent in Harrisonburg. Additionally, the types of jobs that people have in Charlottesville are more likely to be white-collar. The proportion of workers in Charlottesville who are in management, professional, or related occupations is 43.6 percent, while in Harrisonburg that proportion is only 27.7 percent. Furthermore, Charlottesville has nearly double the proportion of government workers at 30.3 percent versus Harrisonburg’s 15.2 percent. However, all of that affluence comes with a price. When asked about why he thought the population of Charlottesville was actually in decline, Tueting responded, “The cost of living.”

See Population on Page A2

Sherry Anderson 5K on its third run Maria Rose

editor-in-chief

t was on the morning of Jan 6, 2009, that devoted wife, mother, and educator Sherry Anderson was killed while running by a drunk driver. It was a Tuesday. The following spring of that year, the Harrisonburg Education Foundation (HEF), held the first annual Sherry Anderson 5K RunWalk, to commemorate the life of a woman who was so actively involved within the community. “We thought it would be a good idea to do a memorial in her name,” Craig Mackail, HEF executive coordinator explained. “She was such a good person and educator in our system.” This is the third year the 5K is being hosted in Anderson’s honor. The HEF was originally planning to host a 5K, which Anderson had planned to serve on the committee for before she passed away. After Strategies for packing quick lunches and nutrition info

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her death, it made Sign up for the Sherry Anderson 5K sense to the board to name the race on May 14th on newsstreak.com! for her. “Kerri Wilson tary schools can compete, and it came up with the race,” Mackail is purely based on participation. said. “It was all in the planning Students can run or walk a lap, stage as she died.” half a lap, two laps—pretty much The proceeds from the 5K sup- whatever distance and speed suits port an educator grant and a schol- them. The elementary with the arship, both of which are in her most student participants wins the name. Applicants who apply for trophy. the grant or scholarship must re“It’s not timed and everyone flect the same qualities Anderson wins,” Mackail said. “We wanted held: dedication, faithfulness, and to get the kids involved. There are energy, as described by the HEF. a lot of families in the 5K, but not In addition, the scholarship com- many kids can run that long. We mittee is looking for a student who wanted to have a tribute to them.” is interested in pursuing a career in But in the end, after the fun and education, similar to Anderson. games, the race’s true intent is to “I think that would please her,” commemorate Sherry Anderson. Mackail said, of the scholarship. “I While the general public may not think she’d be happy that we were know Sherry, Mackail contends spending the money on something that people are still moved when like this.” the family and friends speak. A tradition continued from last “It’s a nice family event,” Mackyear is the Kids’ Fun-Run, held ail said. “And we use this venue to right after the 5K on the HHS continue to remember her.” track. Only children from elemenSenior art students display art during musical

Competition with sports teams at HHS

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addresses student issues at HHS Christy Stearn

News Editor

uperintendent Scott Kizner has developed a new method to make necessary changes and to resolve impending problems in HCPS. Every couple of weeks, Kizner meets with a select group of students from each grade to discuss current issues at HHS. The student advisory board is comprised of two or three students from each grade. The students were chosen by their core teachers and retired principal Irene Reynolds as good representatives for their peers. The group was designed to relay information from students to administrators. Both Kizner and the students believe that the student advisory board is an excellent way for students to provide feedback on regulations, rules, and classes. “I think it’s important because it is a unique opportunity as a student. Dr. Kizner asks all of us if there’s anything we think is important or needs to be fixed and we give him ideas,” junior Amy

See Student on Page A2

Freeze Frame

Hang on! Senior Brandon Brewer demonstrates bike tricks at westover park. Photo by Heather Hunter-Nickels.

IN PRINT ON THE WEB

n 2006, a group of Renaissance students created the tradition which catch the eyes of all students each year during the Renaissance Rally. Then senior Yassee Pirooz help come up with the idea in 2006, with Jason Krech as one of the original members of the Boys dance team. “It was originally Mrs. Kibler and Yassee’s idea. I was mostly responsible for recruiting people out of our Renaissance class and getting them to buy into the whole embarassing idea,” Krech said. “When the guys were first informed of it, everyone including me was more than a little skeptical. It wasn’t the most popular idea with the dancers, since we were the ones that were going to look like fools in front of everyone. But, after we got going with it and everyone loosened up, it was pretty fun. It was probably one of the most popular pep rally “acts” we had during my high school years, as evidenced by the fact that they keep doing it every year.” Seniors Lauren Martin and Emily Blatt personally choreographed the dance this year

getting ideas from youtube and from the dancers. and got a local DJ to create the music mix. “We got the choreography ideas from various videos we had seen and just what we thought went well with the songs we chose,” Blatt said. The boys practiced during their Renaissance class block, in two separate groups. As performance day drew closer, the groups began joint practices, combining formations and dance techniques. “The hardest part was getting our formations figured out and getting there on time,” senior Leo Arango said. Many of these boys were skeptical at first about the idea of performing a dance in front of the whole school. “It was a lot of fun and I loved it,” senior Patrick Turner said about the experience. Compared to last year’s extravagant combination of makeup, feathers, and glitter, this year’s boys dance team personalized shirts and uniformed with grey sweat pants. After days and weeks of practicing and hard work, the boys’ dance team has produced a unique routine, continuing a tradition that will never be forgotten

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Christine Choi entertainment editor

Volume XIC • Issue 8• March 25, 2011

March 25, 2011

The Newsstreak

Kavya Beheraj - News A2

“Terrible Skunk Breath” rehearsals begin with a strong start Ama Ansah feature editor

Big Bad Wolf. With that character, I get to do some kind stage combat and that’s really fun,” One of the benefits of acting in a play meant for younger audiences is the flamboyant and exaggerated characters. Senior Zach McDonnell enjoys his characters: the General of the Skunk Commandos and Craig, Jay’s best friend, because of what he as an actor is able to add to them. “I get to do some voices. I have substantially more lines and more substantial lines. I get to speak in different voices, which is what I take pride and joy in. And, I’m glad that my characters have some personality,” McDonnell said. In traditional children’s story style, the animals can talk. One of them is a fluffy white rabbit played by junior Alison McKenzie. The rabbit, named Fern, gives Jay advice on the ways of the woods once he turns into a skunk. McKenzie

ehearsals for the spring play “Terrible Skunk Breath” began in the second week of March. In this “all ages play”, a boy stops brushing his teeth in order to get the attention of a girl he likes. As a result, he turns into a skunk and his toothbrush runs away. Now, he must find his toothbrush and try to stay out of the way of the Skunk Commandos, or else. As usual, this play is written and directed by library secretary Bradley Walton. The main character, Jay Tennant, is played by Senior Chris Pyle. He has participated in the spring play every year since he was a freshman. He is very enthused about getting the lead role and not too intimidated by the 284 lines he has to memorize, or the fact that he is featured in every scene. “This is the first leading role I’ve ever played. It seems like every year since I was in middle school, I’ve steadily been going up. Last year I [performed] in a major supporting role,” Pyle explained. The role of the mother, Mrs. Tennant, went to senior Kait Arthur who promptly gave her character a first name, Alice, because she envisions her as a steroetypical TV housewife. “Mrs. Tennant is, as I imagine her, is a 1950’s house wife. She knows what’s going on. It’s her son who is a little off. She’s there to help him when he’s lost. She’s the ultimate source of wisdom,”Arthur said. Everyone in this play plays multiple roles with the exception of the main character. Freshman Tyler Edwards has the most roles to juggle. In addition to playing the father of the smelly child, Edwards is also a teacher and a dangerous predator. “Mr. Tennant is the father who wants his son to be involved with what’s going on at the house, like mowing the lawn,” Edwards said, and then continued. “Mr. Fox Skunk! Senior Chris Pyle rehearses for his role is the bland teacher who would bore you to tears. Fox is as the main character of the play, Jay Tennant. one of those traditional creepy kids characters, like the Photo by Ama Ansah.

loves doing the spring play because it’s so different from the musical and one act. “I think it’s a different experience. Different director, different people,” McKenzie said. “Also,[it is] less stress and more fun. I like the smaller cast.” McDonnell shares the sentiment. Indeed, much of the cast are returnees because they enjoy the environment and people. “I love the people in the spring play,” McDonnell said. “It’s fun, it’s relaxed, it’s a great little social group.” Terrible Skunk Breath will be performed Easter weekend on April 22 and 23.

Memorize. Junior Allison McKenzie learns her lines at One Act rehearsal. McKenzie plays the roles of the rabbit and a student. Photo by Ama Ansah.

McDonnell and Siciliano advance to States in forensics meet Mark Duda

style editor

he regional forensics meet was held at Alleghany High School on Saturday, March 5. The meet did not go quite as coach Bradley Walton planned, however, and only two team members advanced to states, as well as two alternates. Senior Zach McDonnell and sophomore Maggie Siciliano will participate, and the freshmen duo team of Ellen Upton and Deb Halpern will travel as alternates. “Many of the judges at the regional tournament had never judged before, or had not judged in several years. We feel

that this may have impacted our--and other teams’--results, although it should be noted that forensics judging is subjective to begin with, so it’s impossible to say for sure,” Walton said. “We had an excellent group of students on the team this year. They worked hard, and going into the tournament we felt very good about their chances. While it would have been unreasonable to expect everyone on the team to advance to states, we felt that the majority of the team would probably qualify,” Walton said. “We are disappointed, but we are grateful to have the chance to work with those students and we are very proud of the progress they made in improving their public speaking this year.” The arbitrary nature of forensics judging resulted in Up-

ton’s placement as an alternate in serious duo with Halpern. “It was more or less the judges. The people who got first we beat in all of the other meets, and the people we thought would win didn’t place well,” Upton said, “you have two judges per round and each judge gives a rank, and your total score is the total of the two.” Upton and Halpern were given first place by one judge, and fifth by the other. The biggest issue, in Upton’s opinion, was the nature of the judging. “The problem is the judge who ranked us first didn’t give us any negative feedback,” Upton said. McDonnell and Siciliano will compete at the state meet on Saturday, March 19.

Debate team comes out on top in district meet held at TAHS, wins all individual events Paulina Rendon style editor

he HHS Debate team started March with a bang. On March 3rd, half the team spent most of the school day competing in the district tournament at Turner Ashby High School. By the end of the day, every single member of the team had won in their individual competitions. There are four styles of debate: Public Forum, Lincoln Douglass, Student Congress, and Policy. Policy style of debate usually focuses on a topic that involves a change in government policy, and consists of researched evidence more than solely rhetoric. Additionally, in certain segments of the activity, debaters may “spread” (speak very rapidly), in order to present as much evidence and information as possible and counter the other side. “Policy is the most difficult, because it’s all about the speed; how fast you can get through the evidence in the bins and argue over who is better,” said freshman Daniel Roth. The biggest distinction between Lincoln Douglass and Public Forum is that Public forum consists of teams of two instead of individually, and they argue realistically on what the topic is. That is, they focus on public speaking and realworld persuasion skills over the predominant use of evidence and speed, as in Lincoln Douglass. “Lincoln Douglass is different because the topics are more about morals and upholding values in our cases,” said junior Ben Marks. At the beginning of each debate season, a new topic is released, and the students must prepare a speech that argues

“Policy is the most difficult, because it’s all about the speed; how fast you can get through the evidence in the bings and argue over who is better,”

Daniel Roth Freshman debate team member.

for or against the topic. That is to say, the students pick a Continuing the comparison with sports, Marks states side to argue. For example, this year’s topic for the Lincoln that every classification of Debate (Lincoln Douglass, PoliDouglass group is “The United States is justified in using cy, etc) is like a completely different sporting event. private military firms abroad to pursue its military objec“There’s actually very little similarities between [the diftives.” ferent styles of debate], aside from the actual debating,” The Public Forum student’s topics change every month. said Marks. Student Congress is completely different, because every The debate team’s regional competition was on Saturday, student comes up with their own topic and the other mem- March 19th. bers either pass or negate it. “I’m excited [about Regionals]. It’ll be interesting to see This is Marks’s second year on the Debate team, and how it goes,” Marks said, before the tournament. the first year on the Varsity team. “The season has gone pretty well. Making the switch to Varsity was a step up, but I think I’ve adjusted well,” Marks said. In comparison to last year, Debate coach Peter Norment makes the biggest distinction. “The team is so much bigger than last year,” Norment said. On a personal level, Marks analyzes his own achievements as an overall improvement. “Based on the skill level of my components, I can’t really compare [this year and last year]. I know I have gotten a lot better, though,” said Marks. The Debate team is separated into two groups, much like a sports team: Junior Varsity and Varsity. For Lincoln Douglass, Public Forum, and Student Congress, students are placed based on their ™ previous experience on the team. For Policy, Norment decides who is placed on which team. • The only national college admission tests where “It kind of depends you choose the subject on how good Mr. Norment thinks you are,” • One-hour tests in a variety of subject areas: math, said Marks.

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Student advisory board brings change Student from A1

Guevara said. The board is responsible for discontinuing the backpack rule, (now all students are permitted to carry backpacks during school hours,) and for helping to choose a new principal (the students submitted questions for possible candidates.) Kizner and the student ad-

visory board also discussed students’ access to grades, and together are attempting to adopt a website that allows access online. During the most recent meeting in February, the group conversed about the tardy policy, possible classes that may be added to the curriculum, and next year’s schedule; however, the student

advisory board did not terminate the option of early release and late arrival. “Everyone has the chance to express their opinions,” Kizner said. The student advisory board proves to be essential to faculty, administrators, and students, and has benefited HHS tremendously.

tesville the median value of a house is $265,300, which is nearly 35 percent higher than the $196,800 in Harrisonburg. “It is a concern in Charlottesville that is difficult to

live in the community without a good income,” Tueting said. Consequentially, residents concerned about prices in Charlottesville have been moving into the surrounding areas.

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Charlottesville’s cost of living higher Population from A1

As a measure of cost of living, real estate prices show a stark difference between Charlottesville and Harrisonburg. In Charlot-

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11b-3367

March 25, 2011

The Newsstreak

Christine Choi - News A3

quaint little town,” Hanna said. For live performances and n the surface, Staunton, delicious food, Hanna recommends The Virginia appears to Mockingbird, also located downtown. Three theatres are aditionally locaed downtown, be nothing The Visualite, The Dixie, and the more than Blackfriars Playhouse. a small town with little to offer. Once Shifting away from the city’s investigated though, Staunton shows its center, Wright’s Dairy Rite is an true colors. Downtown is where most of the fun old fashioned diner complete with is, featuring small boutiques, two movie theatres, curb service, burgers, and shakes. and multiple mouthwatering restaurants. Just The sign outside proudly states: around 30 minutes away, this charming town is “Family owned since 1952.” This the perfect destination on a sunny day. Strolling statement proves to be true as through downtown, visiting the farmer’s market, current owner, Jim Cash, affirms feeding the ducks at the local park, and stopping the sign. by Wright’s Dairy Rite are but a few of the things “My grandfather started in Staunton has to offer. 1952, as just a frozen custard Since senior Pip Marmorstein used to go to stand. After the late 50’s he school there, she is familiar with all its assets. expanded to food, then curb “After school we always went downtown to service,” Cash said. Baja Bean or Split Banana, and we really liked Cash explained that the going to movies there at the Dixie or Visualite,” restaurant is unique because Marmorstein said. Shop ‘til you drop! Staunton ofMarmorstein thinks that the downtown is fers many unique boutique stores everything is fresh cooked, and what makes Staunton the most unique, because it of jewlery, clothes, bags, and that there is “always a family is loaded with beautiful old architecture and fun more! Photo by Charity O’Connor. member here that cares.” For a day spent outside, the shops. Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton is the One of Staunton’s oldest shops is The Emporium, located downtown. The store features jewelry, perfect place to venture. With an outside train ride, a duck stationary, party supplies, toys, and much more. Owner pond complete with duck food, a large playground, a skate park, a pool, and plenty of room for jogging or taking walks, Linda Hanna has run the store for close to 30 years. Hanna feels that Staunton is an interesting place that the park offers a wide assortment to its visitors. Last but not least, just as you’re leaving town, The attracts “a lot of people from Harrisonburg and lots of tourists. A lot of people come because they think [Staunton] is a Frontier Culture Museum pops up. Featuring multiple

Charity O’Connor staff reporter

outdoor displays of traditional English, German, American, West African, and Irish buildings, the museum gives visitors a good idea of what life was like for many different nationalities. With tickets priced at $10.00, visitors get a lot for their money. Staunton, Virginia; a small town in the heart of the Shenadoah Valley, promises more than most realize. Staunton is a town of culture, history, and fun. For a quick escape, simply take I-81 South for about 26 miles. Take one of the three Staunton exits, and enjoy.

Geese! Gypsy Hill Park has a great walking course, playgrounds, and a skate park, perfect for families! Photo by Charity O’Connor.

Destination: Richmond Distance: 130 Miles Carytown Museums Music Venues Located on Cary Street, it is the place to go if you are looking for eclectic shopping and stores that sell all kinds of things. Food: There is all different kinds of food here. Ranging from the finest restaurants to the casual places where you can meet up with a friend. Byrd Theater: At this theater, movies are usually played for only $1.99 a movie. A variety of shows go on here for pretty cheap prices. World of Mirth: a toy store that has unique and all kinds of toys for all ages.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: which The Landmark Theater: The theater hosts a is featuring a Picasso Exhibit, and it is the only U.S. stop. Science Museum: which has all different kinds of exhibits, ranging from an Artic Adventure to a Watt Wall, where you get to look at the worlds energy consumption.

variety of acts and events such as: Broadway, concerts, comedians, children’s theater, lectures, and fashion shows. The National: At this theater, there are countless of music acts shown here. Different kinds of genres and styles preform here. Smaller venues: Alley Cats and Strange MatPlanetarium and IMAX Theater: ters This is actually located in the Science Museum but is able to show viewers things about the heavens and scienceThe Richmond Convocation Center: At this related movies. center, there are different things going on. There The Muare meetings, that bring in people, but also art and Otherwise known as downtown Richmond, seum of Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Confedermusic as well. and the center of nightlife. There are clubs to acy: At this Segway Tours: Take a tour go to, but also concerts going on. m u s u e m , around Richmond on a segBottoms Up there is way learning key things Pizza: A locollections about the town. A personcal pizza place of artifacts, al tour guide will lead you that has excelm a n u around. lent deep dish scripts, and Short Pump Town Cenpizza. They ofphotos all fer regular pizter: This is a mall that has relating to za as well as everything anyone would the Conother dishes. want. A common stop for Bottoms Up Pizza federacy. visitors in Richmond. Also, Canal Walk: In there are countless restuarants around the mall. the center, there is a pathway to walk along the Richmond Canal.

Tourism

Shockoe Bottom

Destination: Harrisonburg Destination: Charlottesville Distance: 63 miles Molly Denman

For those staying in town for spring break, downtown Harrisonburg has great food, entertainment and shopping to offer! Productions carries earthy jewelry and t-shirts they screen print in the store. They Style Editor sell t-shirts for three or five dollars that are printed with random things all over, making here are many delicious them unique--no shirt is the same. restaurants lining the streets Besides shopping and eating, there are of downtown. The burger joint many fun activities going on downtown. Jack Browns, Earth and Tea You Made It! Pottery Studio offers a Café, Clementine Café, Beyond, Dave’s wide variety of pottery that you can paint Downtown Taverna, the new cupcake shop yourself. You Made It! puts your work of art Cocolicious, Jess’s Lunch, Pennybackers, into a kiln and it turns out amazing. A whole Mrs. Hardesty’s Tea Room, and Kline’s afternoon can be spent painting pottery. Dairy Bar. Every Thursday night, The Artful Dodger Downtown Harrisonburg is nowhere has a Salsa night. For students eighteen and close to Tyson’s Corner but there are some older, Brooklyn’s Café has a hookah lounge really cute shops located in downtown. The that offers over seventy flavors of hookah. Yellow Button, although it carries items Take advantage of downtown and explore that can be a bit pricey, there are some the restaurants, shops and activities that good finds such as Toms. Laughing Dog Harrisonburg offers.

Shop! Laughing dog offers Yum! Jess’ offers quick service unique jewelery and apparel. and delicious food. Photos by Molly Denman.

Burgers! Jack Browns has delicious options!

Lauren Martin

Ads Manager

s a child, all that seems to be learned about the city of Charlottesville is the field trip to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. While this is one of the most popular attractions for people when they visit the area code “434”, Charlottesville, Virginia has much more to offer. To start, it is the home of the University of Virginia Cavaliers. Riding through town, you cannot help but to notice the plethora of flags flying and the UVA emblem coating side walks and street signs. A day trip to Charlottesville much feature a tour around the university campus. The architecture of the buildings is nothing compared to the live entertainment and informational kiosks you will find to entertain yourself. Charlottesville also has a lot to offer by way of dining options. From Red Robin at Fashion Square mall to the Melting Pot, good food is no obstacle to find. The Melting Pot, one of the most visited restaurants in the city, is a unique experience that cannot be found in or immediately around Harrisonburg. The main concept of the eatery is fondue, or melted dipping sauces. These

vary from cheese sauces for you meat dishes to chocolate sauces for your desserts items. The Downtown Mall is a strip of walking area that features shops and locally owned businesses. You can find a shop to buy a locally made dress or visit the small movie theatre and catch the latest flicks. The openair atmoTake a Stroll. The downtown s p h e r e mall is the perfect place to spend is what a sunny afternoon with friends. makes the Downtown Mall the ideal place to spend the afternoon catching up with friends over an Delicious! The Melting Pot ice cream is famous for their infamous fondue. cone.

March 25, 2011 The Harrisonburg High School Newsstreak The Policy The Newsstreak is published by the students of Harrisonburg High School every month. Reproduction of any material from the newspaper is prohibited without the written permission from the editors. Advertising rates are available upon request. It is the policy of the Harrisonburg City Public School Board to comply with all applicable state and federal laws regarding nondiscrimination in employment and educational programs and services. The Harrisonburg High School City Public Schools will not discriminate illegally on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, disability or age as to employment or educational programs and activities. Editorials appearing without a byline represent the majority opinion of the staff, but not necessarily the opinion of the adviser, school administration, or the school system. Signed editorials are accepted from people on the staff, but are subject to editing according to published guidelines and policies. Editorials may be edited for special reasons. Letters to the editor are encouraged and must be signed and a telephone number must be given. Names may be withheld if the editorial staff feels there is a just cause. The Newsstreak reserves the right to edit and may refuse to publish ads or letters deemed inappropriate, libelous, or obscene. Please drop your letter by room 444 or give them to any staff member. Letters may also be sent to the high school. The editors and staff : Editors-in-Chief: Print: Maria Rose, Phillip Bannister; Online: David Proctor, Alison Domonoske Managing Editors: Vanessa Ehrenpreis, Jack Burden Section Editors: News - Maria Rose Opinion - Lauren Martin Style - Christine Choi Feature - Aidan Newcity Sports - Vanessa Ehrenpreis Fun Director: Lauren Martin Advertising Manager: Lauren Martin Business Manager: Savanah Cary Photographers: Emily Jamieson, Maria Rose, Paulina Rendon, Olivia McCarty, Phillip Bannister, Aidan Newcity Cartoonist: Emily Knupp Page Designers: Christy Stearn, Emily Jamieson, Lauren Martin, Paulina Rendon, Michael Johnson, Kavya Beheraj, Heather Hunter-Nickels, Mark Duda, Maggie Siciliano, Ama Ansah, Phillip Bannister, Christine Choi, Celia Ehrenpreis, Maria Rose, Vanessa Ehrenpreis, Aidan Newcity, Ben DiNapoli Staff Reporters: Nahla Aboutabl, Kavya Beheraj, Emmett Copeland, Heather Hunter-Nickels, Michael Johnson, Christy Stearn, Shane McMahan, Mark Duda, Alex Hickman, Maggie Siciliano, Ben DiNapoli, Anastasiya Kalyuk, Charity O’Connor, Rachel O’Connor, Lukas Stephan, Peter Byrd, William Imeson, Zach McDonnell, Simona Byler, Xuyi Guo, Ali Byrd, Mia Karr Freshmen Reporters: John Adamek, William Bleckley, Emerson Bonga, Austin Coffey, Megan Coverstone, Anthony Duong, Celia Ehrenpreis, Kevin Franco, Johnathan Gomez-Lemus, Jessica Jolicoeur Professional Affiliations: The Newsstreak participates as a member of several journalistic evaluation services including the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA-2009 Gold Evaluation and 2005 & 2009 Silver Crown Winner), Quill&Scroll Journalism Honor Society (2010 First Place International Award), National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA), the Virginia High School League, Inc. Trophy Class Award, and the Southern Interscholastic Press Association All Southern Ranking. newsstreak.com opt out notice: If you do NOT want to allow your student’s full name or image to appear on the school newspaper site, please send an email to vkibler@ harrisonburg. k12.va.us stating: I understand that the school newspaper, newsstreak.com, now has an online version of the publication. I DO NOT want my son/ daughter (place student’s name here) to have his or her name or image published on this online venue.

The Newsstreak

McDonnell gains appreciation of “teams” Zach McDonnell staff reporter

aybe I have done too many group projects entirely by myself, but the concept of a “team” has always been a little abstract to me. I participated in team sports, but they mostly just seemed like... sports. There never seemed to be much of a “team” involved. Usually, it was a oneperson affair. One person had all the talent, the power, and the means to win. The credit for victory went to the superstar, and the credit for defeat went to the rest of us. Think Lebron James and his former Cleveland Cavaliers--on a rec-soccer scale. The concept of “team” is often praised but never explained. Every title-winning sports star always thanks the “team”. Every Oscar-winning director always thanks the “team.” Meanwhile, I sat in the periphery of every “team” I have ever been on, whether the squad was good or not. But after a district title, regional title, and third-place state finish on the scholastic bowl team, I think I finally get it. Maybe this definition is too simple-minded, but “team” means having each

other’s back. It means compensating for other teammates’ weaknesses to become strong as a whole. It means counting on your teammates to carry the weight of winning. So how did scholastic bowl--the nerdy antithesis of any sport--help me to discover this? Well, because our team was incredibly successful--in fact, the most successful in Harrisonburg High School’s history. When we had sat down at our buzzers, the four main team members--seniors Tim Galicki, Marcus Upton, Xuyi Guo, and I--ambled in with both anxiety and confidence. The anxiety was a natural result of competition. The confidence came from knowing that we were a team--a true team. Here was the dynamic: Marcus would get nearly every biology- and religionrelated question, Xuyi would get every math question, I would cover the range of politics, history, literature, and pop-culture questions, and Tim would get everything in between, especially physics. Our team ran the gamut of knowledge. When the question began, the topic area became apparent, and our corresponding role player knew he had to step up. More

often than not, he succeeded. There was not much to worry about. All of us would mutually say, “Don’t worry. I got your back.” All of us had the trivia skills to say so. Make no mistake; talent to extremely important to a team. It is what enables individual team members to excel in the first place. But there was one other thing that made us a team: we all liked each other. Among two atheists, a Polish-American of Bolivian heritage, and a Jehovah’s Witness, there was absolutely no petty arguments or bickering, no hubris or envy. When a teammate got a question right, he was treated like a king, and when he got it wrong, he apologized and was immediately forgiven. The point is, team means something to me now. It is what makes Kobe and the Los Angeles Lakers repeat champions, and the lack of it is what makes Lebron James and Miami’s “Big Three” losers (so far). Thus, we mercilessly crushed opponents up to the state level, where we unfortunately (and ironically) lost to two one-man teams that went on to the second- and first-place spots in the state. But hey, third ain’t bad, and we all enjoyed the ride.

Seniors should ‘live up’ their last year Luke Stephan

They say that colleges will rescind offers of admission if grades dip even a smidge. Well staff reporter I have news for you; it’s an exaggeration. For those expecting to be drawn and quartered if have a disease. Not a particularly dan- that A drops to a B, I have fantastic news for gerous disease, but highly contagious. you: universities rarely rescind admission ofThe symptoms are many and varied: fers. In 2007, Harvard reversed just one adprocrastination, a promission decision, and only 35 found lack of motivation, and percent of colleges surveyed confusion all plague my mind. by the National Association It is not even the end of the for College Admission Counfourth six weeks and I already seling chose to do so at all. have seven tardies. PsycholoGrades have to take quite a gists call it apathy, we call it serious dip for colleges to senioritis. How can we not even consider denying you. with our last carefree summer So am I trying to say that looming around the corner? this lackadaisical attitude Having senioritis is like be- 60 seniors were polled towards your final year is acing in a waiting room. It’s that ceptable? Well, I suppose so. six months of second semesSenior year is one giant pat ter of twiddling your thumbs and waiting for on the back. While yes, first semester is pivsomething interesting to happen while col- otal, the second is not at all. It’s a testament leges prepare their verdicts. Even with all the to our years of suffering inside these whiteanxiety and apprehension, we all just want to washed walls. So live it up seniors. move on, even though most of us feel like we are about to jump off a cliff holding just an umbrella. But still, partying your way through spring semester is a rite of passage. Even the teachers know that trying to motivate high school seniors is like trying to put out a wildfire with a full bladder. Counselors, teachers, and parents often try to galvanize students with fear-mongering. Cartoon by Emily Knupp

Do you have senioritis?

NO 17

YES 43

Emily Jamieson - OP/ED A4

We believe... We believe HHS students are slacking on school spirit William Imeson staff reporter

e believe in the power of pep. Every school has it. Every school wants it. It is what gets the fans going before a football game and what keeps them there in the freezing cold and snow. It is what get students thrown out of basketball games. I do not even know where a term like pep comes from--it is a downright funny word. But merely the mention of this particular word brings memories of high school and school pride. Unfortunately, Harrisonburg High School could use a bit more pep in its step. I remember my first pep rally. 6th grade, Thomas Harrison Middle School. The rumor was passed around like some sort of tantalizing secret. We were going to have a pep rally. Posters were put up. Signs were colored. The gym was cleaned. Finally, during second block of the much awaited day we were sent to the gym. There was excitement in the air. The room buzzed and a thousand feet stamped onto the bleachers. And then it began. But there were no fireworks. No one being shot out of cannons. Nobody doing a between the legs dunk. Just a few half hearted cheers and minimal participation by most students. 40 minutes and one huge let down later we returned to class with the sour taste of defeat in our mouths. To this day pep rallies maintain that buildup of excitement. Maybe it is because we get out of class an hour early. Maybe some students just like shouting and stomping their feet. But there is constantly the let down. Perhaps I expect too much from our school. But in my pep rallies I want students going crazy and school spirit so thick you could choke on it. However in past years pep rallies have less and less pep. I heard booing at the last one. To what can we attribute this unfortunate matter? Some may blame the SCA or the rules limiting what may occur on school grounds, but I say no. I look to the students. Too many kids do not care about the school they represent. They cannot wait to graduate and get on to bigger and better things. High school should be the time of your life! You cannot be tried as an adult and you do not have to get a job. What more can a child ask for? So students of HHS, I believe we can put the pep back in this building with just a little positive attitude. Find some school spirit, buy a Streaks sweatshirt, and scream at the top of your lungs for your school. Get peppy and have some pride.

Eighth graders struggle with late lunch schedule Mia Carr middle school correspondant I never really realized how much I appreciated lunch until I became an eighth grader. It was always a nice break between classes--a chance to talk with friends and relax. Eating was fun, yes, but I saw it just as a break from the routine of the school day.This year’s ridiculously late lunch period certainly changed that. It was not until my hunger was pushed to extremes by the eighth grade schedule (which pushed our lunch back even further) that our 20 minute lunch break became the most anticipated part of my day. It seems as though eighth graders, as the oldest students in the middle school, should have some special privileges. Instead, we are forced

to eat lunch more than five hours after we arrive at school. I know that does not sound particularly impressive or daunting, but it is a huge adjustment for students who are used to eating up to two hours earlier. You try following that schedule five days a week, and tell me how you enjoy it. Personally, I would rather trade my eighth grade status for an earlier lunch. I would not be totally honest if I did not mention the fact that some eighth grade teachers allow students to eat food in their classrooms. However, no amount of cracker packs or granola bars can replace the value of a complete meal. Plus, let’s face it, food can be a distraction. For the first few minutes of class, I am definitely more interested in begging food off of my friends than the day’s lesson. Although, taking our snacking rights away would be beyond cruel under currant circumstances.

On a busy Monday morning, do you really expect me to remember to bring something to beat back the approaching pangs of hunger? Most of the time, I do not. Then, by Spanish, my stomach is growling so loudly I can barely focus. It is hard to put forth your best effort when any energy gained from breakfast has already been sapped away. Since eighth graders have the most challenging classes in the school, it seems preposterous that we are put at the greatest disadvantage. I understand that scheduling in the middle school is a mind boggling process, but I think the well-being of all students should be a major priority. Eighth graders deserve an earlier lunch time. I do not think it is too unreasonable of a request- we are just trying to get the most out of our education. If the request was granted, absolutely nothing would taste sweeter.

Have an opinion? Write a letter to the editor and let your voice be heard! Come to room 444.

our top

March 25, 2011

The Newsstreak

Lauren Martin- OP/ED A5

springtime

favorites

Spring fever, clothes make senior’s top five Lauren Martin Ads Manager

t is that time of year, ladies and gentlemen. The sun cannot help but shine, my closet is the new home to opened toed shoes and floral print dresses, attractive college guys can be seen running through the city...yes, it is definitely spring time. These are just a few of my favorite things about the incoming season. First and foremost, clothes are a huge priority as the temperature starts to rise. After months and months of having to wear layers upon layers of clothing to keep out the bitter cold, there is absolutely nothing better than breaking out the open toed wedges and leaving home without a jacket. My Visa seems to want more things as spring approaches. I find I visit the bank more often, I find that I swipe my bright red Bank of America card more, I find the floor of my room tends to disappear under bags from H&M, Forever21, Express and Nine West. And trust me, there truly is no greater feeling

than revisiting each and every bag’s contents knowing that soon enough, you will be wearing that cute pink bikini or that one shoulder dress. Another wondrous thing about spring is it is good mood weather. Leaving school, you see smiling faces, friends singing out loud with the windows down, birds chirp and butterflies flutter. It is almost as if everyone has awaken from a terrible rut. My good days start to outweigh my bad days. I find more reasons to be outside. Whether I am taking my dog for a walk around the neighborhood or having a picnic date in the park, I enjoy it because spring is the season of happiness and love and I treat it just as such. Slurpees are also essential as the weather improves. Daily 7-Eleven runs after school are an extraordinary refresher after staring at the clock during fourth block for the entire ninety minutes, praying that the minute hand would move just a little bit faster. With spring also comes the need to show off your toes. The best way to prepare for this is with a pedicure. I like to make these a regular occurrence for reasons beyond the obvious. Of course, a pedicure makes your feet more pre-

Spring brings March Madness, warm weather Xuyi Guo Staff Reporter

.S. Eliot wrote in The Wasteland that “April is the cruellest month.” T.S. Eliot was also being a notorious negative Nancy because I totally disagree. I adore April because April is in spring, and spring is my favorite season – and I do not say that just because I was told to write an article about my favorite things about spring. Spring is my favorite season for good reasons, and here are my top five. 5. The fifth seed is March Madness. March Madness is a time for college basketball fans to rejoice. Furthermore, it is a time for non-basketball fans to pretend that they are basketball fans, and for non-college students to support a college that they have no affiliation with whatsoever, other than the fact that they are supporting said college during March Madness. My favorite part of March Madness is “bracketology”, or, well, it used to be my favorite. All the basketball fans and non-basketball fans painstakingly take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days to fill out a bracket, only to have it destroyed by the obligatory Cinderella team and lose the local bracket contest to that seventh grader down the street and not get that cash prize and be completely humiliated and lose all confidence as a man and not be able to afford a tuxedo for prom due to the absence of that cash prize… I do not fill out a bracket anymore. 4. My fourth favorite thing about spring is the weather. Now, I do not mean those April showers that bring in May flowers. Rather, I love that in spring the weather grows progressively warmer, becoming bright, brilliant, and balmy as it bears on the brink of summer. More importantly however, I, being my seventeen-year-old boyish self, know that warmer weather means that on the beach I will be seeing lots of attractive women wearing… you guessed it: capris! Oh how I love spring. 3. When the weather is fine and the beach is calling, no one wants to be in school. That is why my third favorite thing about spring is spring break. I adore spring break. It is an awesome time to go to… some places and do… certain things. Okay, we can just leave it at that. Next! 2. My second favorite thing about spring is my birthday. Yes indeed, my birthday is in the month with the most, May. I cannot wait. I hear that, this Xuyi Guo, year, The College Board is planning to send me a lovely senior just like last year! columnist AP1.exam So what could top March Madness, capris – I mean warmer weather, spring break, AND my birthday? Well, my number one favorite thing about spring is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! There is a lot to do for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, such as attending the aptly named Fiesta Asia! Fiesta Asia, sponsored by the Asian Heritage Foundation, is held annually in our nation’s capital. But while celebrations and parties are wonderful, what I will enjoy most about Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month is hearing an announcement every morning about a contribution that Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have made to this country. I hope everyone else is excited to hear that too.

“T.S. Eliot was also being a notorious negative Nancy...I totally disagree”

sentable but it also gives you an hour or so of uninterrupted relaxation. All you have to do is sit back, be pampered by the pedicurist and let the massage chair knead your problems away. While the above things about spring are truly glorious, the single most exciting thing about spring, as a senior in high school, is realizing that in a few short months, I will be free of the monotonous days that high school has presented me. I will be able to spread my wings and soar into a summer I will surely never forget. However, with these warmer days comes a new challenge: coming to school everyday, on time. The closer graduation gets, the more excuses I seem to find to weasel my way out of spending those sixty-five and seventy degree days in class. But rest assured, somehow, some way, I will trudge through. I’m sure many people share my thoughts about the upcoming season. So I hope to see many people enjoying what the next couple months have to offer. Go outside. Take walks in the park. Ask that guy you like to prom. Laugh with you friends. Embrace springtime wholeheartedly.

Optimism key to spring joy Maria Rose

editor-in-chief

pril showers bring May flowers and flowers come from that dazzling combination of sunshine and rain, and rain, as we all know, smells like rainbows, and rainbows remind me of butterflies, which makes me think of barefoot-ed bliss, and bare feet reminds me of Ultimate Frisbee, and that leads to track, and then to pole vaulting, which makes me think of lying on mats, which makes me think of trampolines, and then jumping! enters my mind and exclamation points follow. In heavy doses. In short, spring equals happiness. And it’s not just me emerging from my winter hibernation of grumpiness and sweatshirts. I am fully aware that spring brings with it allergies and exams and many a bug bite, but no one can deny that a little sunshine brightens everyone’s day in more than one way. (See? Spring even makes me rhyme, it is just that cool.) So here is a short guide on how to enjoy a spring day, Maria-style. First, you must wear a dress to school. Now, for the longest time I loathed dresses. They were seen as the enemy: “They’re so unnatural! Why would I want a breeze ‘round those parts? What if they ride up as I try to wreak havoc and you can see my undies?” However, I have grown up just a little bit—or at least enough to realize that I am a girl and it is perfectly normal, and even fun, to dress as one. (See? Still rhyming!) Let’s be honest, dresses are fun to wear, and are plenty more exciting than shorts, which have the unfortunate habit of never fitting correctly. Dresses are the perfect

way to celebrate happy weather, with their fun patterns and colors and hint of girlishness. Second, after a long day of school and learning--even with the occasional respite of Newsstreak or lunch--clogs your mind, it’s time for a relaxing track practice. Not to say that running is easy in the least; it is one of the hardest aspects of my current teenage life. But it’s important to remember to play as hard as you work, and this is where I can do that. Sure, I may have ten reps of 400’s to do, but in between each set, after the panting and frantic gulps of water, there will be jokes and teasing and the wonderfulness that is the long distance family. It’s hard and fun. And not to mention pole vaulting—the joy that comes from running at a stationary object with nothing but a plexiglass stick to hurtle yourself in the air with is indescribable. It’s like falling—with style. Third is the drive home. I know it’s not exactly a road trip with the most exciting of destinations (…home? To do… homework?), but since I basically live out in the country, I can make it one. Step one: put on the aviator sunglasses. Step two: Crank up the tunes, and crank down all the windows. Step three: Choose the longest way home possible, on as many back roads you can find. Step four: Preferably, you will be with a friend, which allows for loud sing-a-longs and the sound of smiles. But alone or not, sing out loud to some Jack Johnson, whose simple, acoustic voice is basically the soundtrack of my summer. Whatever you listen to, bob your head, improvise some car dancing, and remember that life is pretty good. Every season has its benefits, but spring indisputably has some of the best. And as the winter draws to a close, I look forward to that first morning when I can hear the glorious sound of birds singing before my alarm.

Out with winter, in with flip flops, thunderstorms Simona Byler

Staff Reporter

ith the recent arrival of March, the winter season has no choice but to retreat back into the godforsaken hole from which it originally sprung. Now, do not get me wrong, snow can be picturesque and winter break is great, and heck, even my birthday’s in December but winter can be a real stick in the mud when it comes to finding fun and free activities to participate in. It is a little difficult to get any type of pick-up game going when hypothermia is a possible consequence, for example. For this reason, when spring finally rolls around I find myself appreciating the little things that come along with it. So here are my top five favorite things about spring, take ‘em or leave ‘em. 1. Flip flops: If I had my choice, I would wear flip flops, or better yet go barefoot, every day of the year. Seeing as this is not entirely

realistic in Harrisonburg’s climate, I jump at any chance to free myself from the confines of real shoes. I dislike socks even more than I do footwear with laces, so busting out my beat-up sandals is a near cathartic experience. 2. Music up, windows down: I often find that I spend more time driving alone, both to and from school and practice, than I do interacting with actual humans. But when it is warm enough to roll the windows down all the way, it makes driving much more enjoyable. I am also the kind of person who loves good music to sing to in the car, so blasting songs with my, ahem, “sick” sound system is a frequent occurrence. However, I normally try to control myself while stopped at an intersection and others are in view to avoid their stares of amusement at my one-man jam session. 3. Bloomage, sproutage and other Mother Nature novelties: I am aware that every natural occurrence has some sort of scientific explanation as to why it is happening, but I prefer to think that all things green randomly burst

into bloom by source of magic or other supernatural phenomenon. Every spring, I look at the trees and notice that, all of a sudden, they have leaves. This always proves to be a nice surprise, and I find myself marvelling at how inexplicable nature can be, even when biologists everywhere have explanations to common spring happenings. Sorry to hate, Mr. Bair. 4. Stormy weather: Be it spring showers or violent thunderstorms, one of my favorite things about spring is the rain that accompanies the changing weather. Simple though it may seem, I love everything about the rain. The smell it gives off when drizzling on pavement and sidewalks, the fresh feeling it gives the warm air and the crashes of thunder that shake the ground are all reasons spring rain and I have such a tight bond. 5. Summer: Even in March, the summer state of mind has already started to infect my every thought. Much to my exultation, the coming of spring means that summer, and all of its infinite possibilities, are only so far away.

What’s HOT

Spring Break It is finally here after months and months of waiting. We hope everyone has a fantastic, but safe, week off of school.

Graduation in...

66 days SCA Bracket Competition If you entered your bracket, we want to wish you good luck! That $100 gas card may be the best prize there could be right now.

Roadtrips If you can’t go to Mexico or Florida for break , fear not. Check out A10 for some awesome day trips ideas!

History of Rock class With the addition of so many new classes, a few have caught our attention. History of Rock just sounds epic. Sign up, now!

HHS Publication trip to CA That’s right. We are packing our bags and flying to sunny California for four days of sun..and learning (wink, wink).

What’s NOT

Devastation in Japan Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Japanese comunity in the aftermath of several recent natural disasters

< 65% Graduation Rate We need to make an effort to not only help ourselves succeed, but to help those around us as well.

AP Exams Fees Everyone has recently receieved their AP bill at $87 a class. With gas on the rise, this is the last thing we want to see.

Gas Prices The rising price of gas is out of control. We suggests carpooling to save costs at the pump.

No Late Arrival/ Early Release For those of us who enjoy sleep (which is all of us) an option to come to school a little later or leave earlier is much anticipated. Without it, we lose a loved, if small benefit of scheduling.

The Newsstreak

March 25, 2011

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The Newsstreak

March 25, 2011

Christy Stearn - Entertainment A7

Memory project allows art students to “connect” Art students spend time working on portraits, benefiting kids Vanessa Ehrenpreis managing editor

erhaps some of the least likely contributors to the charitable arena are high school artists, but once a year HHS’s art classes and National Art Honor Society gear up to paint for a cause. The Memory Project [TMP] connects art students with orphans and disadvantaged children in third world countries, in hopes of creating “a positive self-image” for the kids through art. Participating artists receive a picture of a child and then use that picture as a model for a portrait in various mediums, most commonly pencil and paint. The paintings are then sent back to the children as special gifts. HHS art students have participated in the program for two years, although TMP was established seven years ago by Ben Schumaker. Schumaker, who was a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin at the time, aimed to contribute to the children’s feelings of self-worth by giving them unique items; and portraits seemed to fit that niche perfectly. “I heard about [the project] from the Turner Ashby art teacher. She forwarded me the information, and I got it setup,” art teacher Juan Brooks said. Last year 30 students were involved in the program, this year numbers have increased to 40 participants. Any art student can participate, but a high standard is expected for the portraits. “[TMP] doesn’t want the kids to get bad portraits and think ‘who the heck is this?’ The website has great examples of what they expect. The art needs to be of a certain caliber,” Brooks said. “Students usually rise to the occasion though. They put in the time and effort to make it good. They understand that the grade is not the purpose, it’s a cause.” Junior Leo Lopez is a new participant this year. He seized the opportunity to draw an orphan, after missing it last year. Lopez was wary of choosing a kid that was “too cute”, because of the pressure that accompanies such a challenge. Lopez finally settled on a boy named Arturo Junior. “It puts a lot of pressure on me to make him look as good as he is in the picture,” Lopez said, followed by a bit of nervous laughter. “Hopefully [he’ll think] that it’s good and looks like him when he gets it. It will serve as a cherished

memory of his childhood- they don’t have anything like open the folder containing Luis Miguel’s picture. that right now.” Despite Leach’s minor criticism of TMP, he thinks it is a Junior Corban Leach is a returning TMP participant. great way to improve a less-fortunate child’s morale. Most Leach decided to take on the project as an extracurricular children who receive a portrait are immediately enamoured activity through HHS’s National Art Honor Society. After with it, Lopez and Leach hope their children will have posiparticipating in art classes since the third grade, Leach be- tive reactions too. lieves the portrait will be a straight forward task. However, “I don’t think [Luis Miguel] will realized that I spent Leach worries that his own standards may impede his time- four weeks on [the portrait]. I hope he’ll hang on to it until liness. he’s older and can appreciate it. I really hope he likes it,” “It shouldn’t be too difficult. There were a lot of other Leach said. pictures that would have been hard, but this one doesn’t Lopez also wants Arturo to treasure his drawing, and have many shadows or anything,” Leach said, while examin- wouldn’t be surprised if he received a personal “thank-you” ing his picture his orphan of Luis Miguel. “[It will be hard] someday. because I’m an extreme perfectionist, and this is going to “I want it to be so good that one day he’ll come to thank take me forever to do. Plus I don’t have time in art class.” me in person. I’ll open my door 30 years from now and he’ll The project takes a high level of commitment. Students be like ‘Hey man, thanks for doing that.’ and I’ll be like, are asked to sign a contract recognizing that the portrait ‘Yeah, no problem man. Anytime.’” Lopez said, laughing at has an important meaning, and that they are expected to the idea. “It’s going to happen, just watch.” approach it with the utmost responsibility. The assignment requires different amounts of time, depending on the student’s skill level, and mediums used. Typically, students will take several months to finish their piece. The portraits must be back to the art teachers by the beginning of May. “I’ll probably put in 10 to 15 hours, but it’s really hard to say. I’ll be using pencil because I’m really comfortable with it for this type of project. There will be a lot of shading and then erasing,” Lopez said. Over such an extended period of time, many students develop an affinity for the child they are portraying. “You just wonder about [the kid] when you look at their face for months, you’re bound to get somewhat attached,” Brooks said. “Some students wanted to adopt their kid once they get a picture of them holding the portrait.” Leach believes the program benefits the children receiving a portrait, but also wishes that the art students received more information regarding the child they are depicting. Leach finds it difficult to become emotionally attached to someone without having an informational base about them. “I wish [TMP] gave us some information about them. I do wonder what it would be like to be in that type of situation, but there’s no real attachment. I want something Meet your match! The memory project pairs students up with a child from other than just a picture,” a different country. The art students paint a portrait of the child based on a Leach said while flipping photograph that they are given. Last year’s Memory Project portraits are displayed in the art hallway, and this year’s art students have recently begun the assignment. Photos by

SSB volunteers spring break Streaks serve the burg heads to DC Jake Durden sports editor

HS athletes have been granted another opportunity to serve others and volunteer in their community during the upcoming spring break. Many members of SSB will be traveling to the nation’s capitol to assist Youth Service Opportunities Project with their work in Washington, D.C. For the trip, student athletes will be divided into a boys division and a girls division. The boys team will spend three days and two nights in the capitol, and the girls team will spend two days and one night. This trip is the pinnacle of the year for SSB members. The overnight trip is designed as a full immersion experience for the students. They will be living simply: eating basic meals, sleeping on the floor or in cots, and going without showers during their trip. The volunteers will prepare and serve meals at soup kitchens, help with clothing and furniture banks, provide recreational activi-

“The students’ most rewarding experience is the spring break trip.”

Dawn Womack, SSB Coordinator

ties and companionship to children, and distribute supplies at food pantries, socializing with the homeless as much as possible. SSB Coordinator Dawn Womack recognized the impact the trip has on the volunteers. “The students’ most rewarding experience is the spring break trip,” Womack said. The volunteers will also find a little time for leisure during their stay in the capitol, hopefully visiting the facilities of a local professional sports team. “I’m excited that we might visit a pro sports team’s facilities while we are in Washington [D.C.],“ sophomore Trent Sosa said. “It is an opportunity that very few people have.” R egardless of how their leisure time will be spent, members are ready to serve. “I think that it will be fun just to go to D.C. for spring break and help the homeless,” sophomore member Hayden Rutherford said. “It will For Sale! SSB held a fundbe an experience raising auction at spaghetti I will remember dinner. Photo by Heather forever.” Hunter-Nickels. In years past, spring break trips have proved to be a success. SSB members enjoy the opportunity to bond with one another while helping others out.

Streaks Serve the ‘Burg hosts spaghetti dinner as fundraiser Michael Johnson sports editor

treaks Serve the Burg put together a fundraiser for their trip to Washington DC during spring break. They are having a spaghetti dinner, which will consist of spaghetti and salad and auction in the commons here at HHS Sunday, March 27 starting at five. It is an alternative spring break where the members of the club will be working at a homeless shelter. Senior Patrick Turner is an orginial member of SSB, having

helped start the group when it first began. “We are selling an assortment of Blue Streak items such as helmets signed by Akeem Jordan and John Wade, a Blue Streak clothing basket, certificates for yard work by SSB, a camper rental certificate, and lots of other cool things,” Turner said. Senior Heather Hunter is also a member of SSB and is going on the trip. “We will spend the night, and then get to work at the homeless shelterthe next day. I am not sure what we are going to do there, but we will help out

in every way we can. My guess is that we night pass out food. We are also planning on visiting the Redskin’s training facility,” Hunter said. Senior Alison Domonoske is another member of SSB and was on the trip last year when they went to the gulf coast of Mississippi. “I am very excited for the alternative spring break because it is a lot of fun, we do a lot of good work,” Domonoske said. “I am excited to go to Washington DC, and I had a lot of fun in Mississippi last year.”

The Newsstreak

March 25, 2011

Paulina Rendon - Style A8

Mexican Restaurants in H’burg El Charro restaurants are family affair for Gallardos Ama Ansah

feature editor

o the Gallardos, family is important. Not only did they immigrate together from Mexico to America, but also own a restaurant together after having settled in Harrisonburg. El Charro, a local Mexican Restaurant, is owned and run by the Gallardo family. Thirteen years ago, it started out a small eatery on South Main Street specializing in authentic Mexican food. Over the years, the enterprise has grown, with four additional locations reaching as far as northern Virginia. Junior Mairany Gallardo, daughter of the owner, helps out at the family restaurant. Every weekend, she works as a hostess at the original South Main Street location. “It’s good. I get paid, but not like the other people get paid since we’re family,” Gallardo said.

The restaurant business is a family affair for the Gallardos. The other El Charros location on East Market Street, is owned by Gallardo’s uncle. The location in Fredricksburg, Virginia is owned by three more uncles. In addition to owning and operating the eatery, the members of the family w o r k there as well. “People ask me ‘Oh do you like working here?’ and I’m like ‘well, I have to. I don’t have a choice,’” Gallardo said with a smile. Though being in the family and working at the restaurant is not mandatory, many family members do anyway. Gallardo’s sister and cousin work some shifts. The brothers who own their own El Charros work the restaurant with their families. The Gallardo family is thrilled with the popularity of El Charros. Over the years, it has become a permanent fixture in Harrisonburg and is particularly popular with high school and college students. “My dad says [the success] is a good experience. He says ever since the first year the high school started going, students started going

by themselves because they liked it. It’s really good for us,” Gallardo said. Recently, the family has opened El Grancharro , a restaurant similar in style to El Charro. “They wanted to open that one because it’s bigger than all the El Charros in both food and size. It would be a new experience to open it and get more people to go,” Gallardo said. ”It’s the Ole! El Charro Restaurant same kind of food, but they is a family-owned, familyadded new dishes.” friendly eating establishUnlike her uncles, Gallarment. Photo by Paulina do does not plan on entering the restaurant business full Rendon. time. She plans on attending college, but will always have time for the family business. “I’ll work and help out, but I don’t really want to own it. I want to be a psychologist,” Gallardo said.

O’Connor enjoys quality Mexican food at Jalisco’s Rachel O’Connor

staff reporter

he atmosphere of Jalisco is extremely authentic as soon as you walk in. Unlike many other Mexican restaurants, it truly feels like you are enjoying real Mexican food. Walking across the brown tiled floor, your eyes are immediately drawn to the wagon wheels sitting atop low walls with leather horse saddles set between them. Chili peppers and Mexican paintings adorn the Mexican scene-painted walls. The leather-like table tops are held up by wooden-crossed bases. The warm, low lighting makes the whole restaurant seem more inviting. As we sit down, the waiter brings chips and two dips to the table. One dip is a salsa and the other is a coleslaw dip. The dips are seriously delicious. I found it hard to stop

eating them, even though I had to save room for my main dish. The menu has both Mexican and American food. The Mexican desserts offered are banana caramel cheesecake xangos (rich cheesecake layered with banana chunks and caramel in a flaky pastry tortilla), churros (fried strips of dough rolled in cinnamon sugar), flan (a caramel custard), fried ice cream (ice cream deep-fried in cornflakes), and sopapilla (dough squares deep-fried with honey). But if you are feeling like a regular dessert, the more conventional ones offered are chocolate cake, carrot cake, cheesecake, and tiramisu. The menu gives good descriptions of the numerous Mexican dishes, and the waiters are very friendly

“The chips are seriously delicious. I found it hard to stop eating them.”

Taco Truck offers delicious food for an affordable price Michael Johnson

sports editor

itting in the parking lot across from Holly Court is the turquoise taco truck. As one walks up, the smell of a variety of meats travels through one’s nose. The Taco Truck serves a wide variety of meats including pork, beef, chicken, and tongue. They sprinkle cilantro and onions on top of the tacos to give it more flavor. The tacos are quite small. They are probably four inches in length. The tacos have two mini tortillas that contain the meat. I chose to try two beef and two pork tacos. Like I said, they are very small, but just right. It does not make you feel bloated, but it satisfies you. Both tacos were very delicious. You need to make sure that you get cilantro and onions on the taco to give it flavor. They also treat you with a bag of radishes and a special sauce to place on the tacos if you want. The prices are also a plus. For four bucks, I got four tacos. This is a very good deal compared to the other Mexican restaurants. El Charro and other restaurants serve their tacos around two or three dollars. Overall, the Taco Truck was a very good. The service is great, the prices are cheap, and the tacos are satisfying and scrumptious.

staff reporter

hen you first walk into El Charro you are immediately greeted with a very festive atmosphere, everything is very bright and upbeat. Once I was seated the waiter brought me chips and salsa, which were delicious. The salsa was not too spicy or bland and the flavors just blended together leaving a delicious taste in my mouth. Plus, the chips and salsa are made fresh, which makes them even more appealing. I eventually had to push the salsa away from me to make sure I had enough room left over in my stomach to eat my main course. When it came time to order I decided on the chicken nachos. I chose them because they are one of my favorite foods. When they arrived I was a little surprised because they did not look like my basic homemade version of

chicken or beef (optional for quesadillas and rice) 2 tablespoons oil 2 tablespoons chopped onion 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice 2 cups chicken broth 1 cup chunky salsa 1. Heat oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Stir in onion, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Yum! The Taco Truck offers many variations on the traditional Mexican tacos. It is located in the parking lot next to Holly Court Road, between the CVS and Harrisonburg Crossings. Photo by Paulina Rendon

chicken nachos where you can see the bright yellow of the cheese. But once I tasted them I did not mind the way they looked at all. They were exquisite and would definitely beat my homemade chicken nachos any day. The sauce, chicken, and cheese was spread equally over everything to ensure that with each bite you got equal bursts of flavor in your mouth of cheese and chicken. My only complaint is that the dish is a little messy, but it does not really bother you once you taste the meal, and after a while, some of the chips in the sauce get soggy and soft so you might have to add in more chips just to scoop up your meal, since the soggy chips loose their structure. Overall, my meal and service at El Charro was most pleasing. I had a nice and friendly waiter, the atmosphere is enjoyable and fun, the restaurant stays open pretty late-until ten p.m.--and and the food is scrumptious and reasonably priced. It is definitely a reastruant I would suggest to my friends.

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A quick and easy Mexican food how-to: Quesadillas Ingredients:

McCarty finds delicious chicken nachos Olivia McCarty

if you have questions, although somewhat hard to understand due to their accents. The prices are very reasonable, making the restaurant all the more desirable. The one issue I had with my food was that it wasn’t what I was expecting. I ordered two chalupas, assuming they had meat in them. To my surprise, I was presented with two half taco shells, topped with refried beans, cheese, and lettuce and tomato. The food was still delicious: Senior shells were nice and crunchy, and Rachel the together with the other toppings, tasted O’ Conner better than I expected. But, if you are ordering something, make sure you are sure it is what you want. Overall, Jalisco is a quality Mexican restaurant, though not as well known as others, but still a hidden gem.

2. Mix rice into skillet, stirring often. When rice begins to brown, stir in chicken broth and salsa. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes, until liquid has been absorbed. 3. Enjoy!

Yum! A simple dish of spanish rice and quesadillas is easy to make and delicious! This plate is versatile with many different options and combinations for additions to spice up this plate! Photo and infographic by Christine Choi recipe is from www.allrecipes.com

March 25, 2011

The Newsstreak

Lauren Martin- Ads- A9

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The Newsstreak

March 25, 2011

Ben DiNapoli- Style A10

History of Easter Eggs dates back to Egyptians Katrina Sokolyuk

staff reporter

aster is a time of Easter Bunnies, painted eggs, and gorging yourself on chocolate eggs and marshmallow chicks. At least, so goes the stereotype. Eggs are ubiquitous come Easter-time, and have become synonymous with the holiday. It might seem strange that eggs and bunnies have become forever-linked, considering rabbits do not lay eggs. So how did eggs become such a huge symbol of Easter? The term Easter is derived from “Eostere”, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring. In ancient Pagan culture, the egg represented the rebirth of the earth. Religionfacts. com mentions that some ancient cultures,

like the Egyptians and Hindus, believed that the earth began as an enormous egg. In Medieval Europe, eggs were forbidden to be eaten during the fast of Lent. Since chickens do not stop laying eggs during Lent, the eggs were often boiled or otherwise preserved. Along with spring festivals and the spring equinox, Medieval Europeans began to gift eggs to one another as a symbol of new life, and the revival of nature after winter. However, with the introduction of Christianity, the Easter egg began to hold religious value. The egg no longer represented nature’s rebirth as much as it did the rebirth of man. According to Religionfacts.com, the hatching Easter chick became a symbol of the tomb from which Jesus emerged. Coloring and decorating eggs became a

popular custom in Medieval England and held further meaning as a gift, and so the practice continues. The wealthy could afford to have gold-plated eggs made, while the peasants dyed theirs bright colors using flowers and herbs. Eggmanart.com relays the story of Peter Carl Faberge, a well-known goldsmith, who created the most famously decorated Easter eggs. These eggs were ordered by the Russian Czar Alexander as a special Easter gift for his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna. The Faberge eggs had an outer shell of enameled white platinum, and pulled apart to reveal a golden “yolk”, which in turn opened to display a gold chicken that also opened to reveal a miniature replica of the Imperial Crown. Collectos.com adds that of the 69 original eggs made, 61 have survived

and 42 of those now reside in private collections. Following the German’s idea of the Easter Bunny (who represented rebirth and fertility), European children began to believe that if they were good, the Easter Bunny would lay a nest of colored eggs. Children would decorate baskets and hide them to be filled with decorated eggs. People began to exchange eggs and eggshaped toys during Easter time and by the mid 19th century, the first chocolate eggs were made in Europe. Easter eggs have been around for centuries. Whether they be hard-boiled and dyed bright pastel colors, or neon-bright plastic and brimming with jelly beans, Easter eggs have always been a staple in Easter traditions.

How to make Easter Eggs The eggs must be hardboilded!

All kits $3.99 at Michaels.

T ie-D n e d l y o e G Needed: A kit that contains a gold, pink, and purple matellic dye with a couple of paint brushes to put the dye on the egg. Includes a tray to dry.

Needed: A kit that contains many different colors of dye, and plastic baggies to spread around the dye. Kit includes a tray to dry.

Dip! Senior Charity O’Connor dips a hard-boiled egg in a cup of green dye, then proceeds to coat the egg in glue. After that she places the egg in a bag of glitter, and creates a glittering green egg. Photos by Paulina Rendon.

r a l gu

Needed: A kit that contains five differnt cups and five different color taplets. Just dip the egg in the cup of color and let it soak for a while.

Paint! Senior Rachel O’Connor paints gold dye on a egg to create the golden effect during a Newsstreak class from a kit on dying.

Easter carries a family tradition for the Silvers Christy Stearn

staff reporter

ll over America, thousands of people celebrate Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. Families across the country attend church services, throw festive meals, exchange gifts, and have Easter egg hunts in honor of the holiday. Although Easter is primarily a religious remembrance, the holiday also has a secular side that many commemorate. Junior Kiah Silver recognizes Easter as a time to reunite with her family and enjoy the holiday together. As a child, Silver would travel to her great grandmother’s house in New Market, Virginia for a family Easter egg hunt for all of the grandchildren and great grandchildren. Silver’s great grandmother hid over a hundred plastic Easter eggs in her yard. Inside each egg, there is a number between 1-50. The number corresponds to a dollar amount, and after all the eggs are found, the children add up their totals for redemption. Afterwards, the entire family has a luncheon complete with an array of dishes, including chicken, macaroni, and stuffing. When Silver’s great grandmother passed

away, her grandmother decided to continue the family tradition at her house. The family gathers to eat dinner, open gifts, and dye hard-boiled eggs; Silver’s favorite part of the day. “I like decorating the eggs because it’s a lot of fun making different designs. Plus, it’s a nice way to bond with my family,” Silver said. This year, the Silver family is planning on blowing, a process that involves a different method of decoration, and painting Easter eggs instead of dying them. “I’m really excited to decorate eggs this year because [blowing Easter eggs] is something I haven’t done before,” Silver said. “The whole process sounds hard, but I think it’ll be fun. All you do is use a needle to poke a hole in the top of the egg and blow the yolk and everything out, then you paint it.” The Silvers utilize Easter as an opportunity to spend the day together and bond. “Since my family isn’t religious, [Easter] means good food, lots of candy, having fun decorating eggs, and spending time with my entire family,” Silver said. “Which is good, because I don’t see most of them that often.”

Local church hosts Easter egg hunts

Maggie Siciliano

page editor

hen November creeps up, we all look forward to stuffing ourselves with food for Thanksgiving. When December and the holidays come along, we look forward to caroling, family time, presents, and Christmas. When February pops up, we are all tired of winter and hope for flowers from that special Valentine and spring. When March and April come around, though, Easter approaches and it is Easter Egg Hunt Time. Many churches and families take part in this Easter ritual of certain people hiding eggs, sometimes filled with goodies like candy or money, and having the rest of the guests go and find them. It can be for fun,

just to see if you can find the cleverly hidden eggs or find the ones with the prettiest colors, or it can be a competition. Who can find the most eggs by the end of the hunt? Whose eggs had the best candy? Did you find the lone egg with a surprise in it? Sophomore Kirsten Ferguson’s church, First Assembly of God at the end of Garbers Church Road, has been having an Easter Egg Hunt for as long as she can remember. Every Easter Sunday the church’s youth group hides eggs in the field behind the church near the play area, and all the younger kids hunt for them. “All the children who are in the kid’s ministry [are invited],” Ferguson said. Only the children are technically allowed to participate although they always get some help in their hunt from the youth group and children’s pastors.

Spa

rkl

Needed: A kit that contains different color tablets and a bag of sparkles and glue. Dab the dyed egg with glue and dip it in the glitter.

Dye! Seniors Rachel O’Connor, Charity O’Connor, Aidan Newcity, and Christine Choi dye different kinds of eggs, ranging from just the basics to tie-dying eggs and sparkly eggs with little to no mess at all.

How to make homemade Easter egg dye

Gather your produce and Things You’ll Need: pantries items according to •Eggs what colors you want your dye •Water to be. The outer layers of onion •Vinegar produce brown dye, spinach •Produce •Pantry Items makes green dye, orange peels •Saucepan make yellow dye, crushed blue- •Drinks (coffee, tea) berries make blue dye, crushed •Food Coloring cranberries or raspberries make red dye, and chopped rhubarb or beet juice make pink dye. (An easier way may include adding food coloring to cups of water and vinegar.)

2. Put as many eggs as you want into a pot of boiling

water. Make sure you boil the eggs for at least eight minutes.

3. Put your separate produce or pantry items in sep-

arate saucepans along with about two tablespoons of vinegar and enough water to cover your eggs. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let the dye simmer for 15 minutes.

Place dyes in separate cups. Lay newspaper down where you will be dying the eggs. Also wear gloves to protect your hands. Dip your eggs into the dye until they reach your preferred darkness.

5. Lay eggs on the newspaper or place them back into

the egg carton to allow them to dry. Make sure you remember to put all of your eggs into your refrigerator.

The Newsstreak

March 25, 2011

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The Newsstreak

March 25, 2011

Mark Duda- Style A12

Packed lunch: Is it for you?

Making a lunch in 2 minutes Making a lunch in 15 minutes Kern teaches cooking class Charity O’Connor staff reporter

he easiest way to pack your lunch in less than five minutes is to have items that require little to no preparation. Step 1: Obtain lunch box, bag, or sack. Place said container on the packing surface (i.e. the counter, etc.) This takes five to ten seconds depending

how close the container is to you. Step 2: Get the main course ready-a sandwich. Spread the bread with desired amount of mayo, place cheese/meat between bread, and bag the sandwich. This should take no more than 50 seconds. Step 3: Choose your sides-an apple and a granola bar. Wash the apple (five seconds), and grab a granola bar (no more than ten seconds). Step 4: Place all items inside your lunch box. This should take four seconds. Grand Total: One minute and 19 seconds.

Olivia McCarty

aving enough time to make a fifteen minute lunch is usually a luxury that most high school students do not have, but when I do find that I have an extra fifteen minutes in the morning then making a fifteen minute lunch is a great way to ensure that I will like the food I am eating for lunch that day. Usually when I have fifteen minutes I make a salad. Step 1: gather all your ingredients, for me that is lettuce, cucumber, carrots, pecans, blueberries, lunch box, lunch container’s for the salad and salad dressing, and salad dressing (3min). Step 2: wash and dry the lettuce, then start cutting and place it in your lunch container when you are all done (2min). Step 3: cut carrots and cucumbers into thin slices and add to the top of your salad, and then toss the salad to make sure everything gets mixed in (3min). Step 4: After place pecans on a tray and roast for four minutes at 350 degrees in your toaster oven (4min). Step 5: wash the blueberries while pecans cool and then place both on top of the salad (1 min). Step 6:Then pour salad dressing into the container (1 min) and lunch is served.

Making a lunch in 10 minutes Savanah Cary managing editor

have packed my lunch everyday since sophomore year, well at least my dad has packed my lunch for me since sophomore year. As an fan of eating fresh meals from home everyday, I was excited to try packing my own lunch in ten minutes. The main reason my dad packs my lunch for me is to save time. 1. So with my ten minute time restraint, I started by planning my meal. I generally eat leftovers from previous dinners in my Thermos to avoid the monotony of pb&j’s and turkey sandwiches. I knew we had leftover spaghetti so I started with that. I swiftly got the spaghetti out of the fridge, smothered it in homemade tomato sauce, and placed it in the microwave. 2. While my spaghetti was warmed with radiation, I looked for a fruit to add to my meal. Returning to the fridge I spotted strawberries (YES!). I quickly went over how long it would take to slice the berries, and decided it was well worth the extra time. I removed the

staff reporter

leafy tops and quartered the juicy red berries. Next I put them into a Snapware container and sprinkled them with sugar. 3. I added a little more time to my spaghetti then looked at the clock. I was half way through my allotted time so I decided to save time on my next two food items. 4. I poured goldfish into another Snapware container and added a Nature Valley granola bar. 5. I heard the beep of the microwave, stirred my spaghetti, then scooped it into my Thermos. I quickly put on the lid and placed all my food items into my lunchbox with a fork and napkin. As I zipped my lunch box shut I looked at the clock, perfect timing. As someone who rarely packs her own lunch, I was surprised at how long it takes to pack a lunch of any kind. While I did not encounter any real problems, I was hoping to make an even better lunch in ten minutes. Goldfish is a filling snack, but it is not part of a nutritional meal. If I had more time, I would replace either the goldfish or the granola bar with a vegetable like carrots or celery to make my meal more complete.

to cook because she believes it is something that students news editor can use for the rest of their life. “It helps them to be he family and consumer sciences healthier, happier, and more section of HHS is successful,” Kern said. Carmona has learned how taught by Diane to make Kern, who clam chowhas been “It helps der, lobster part of staff them to be bisque, peat HHS for healthier, can pie, and 33 years. cookies and “We cook happer, and Diane thinks that and take Kern, more suche would notes on difFCS cessful.” teacher bake the ferent types pie at home of food. on his own Right now time. we’re doing regional food, Kern emphasizes basic New England, South Western, and Southern types,” Ju- cooking skills, nutrition, and health in her basic cooking nior Matt Carmona said. “I teach everything from class, because “you are what soups and salads to pasta and you eat,” Kern said. She also bread and combination dish- emphasizes shopping, because “food is very expensive es,” Kern said. She teaches students how these days,” Kern said.

Kavya Beheraj

1. Yogurt, a simple serving of dairy that can be packed. 2. An apple and some grapes are easy servings of fruit for the day. 3. A PB&J on wheat covers grains. 4. Chocolate chip cookies contain a small amount of oils that are needed in a balanced diet, and satisfy the sweet tooth.

Packed Lunch

1. 2. 3. 4. Infographic by Phillip Bannister

Students pack lunch as alternative to cafeteria Simona Byler staff reporter

hough the HHS cafeteria features several different lines of food at lunchtime, quality of cafeteria food is a common complaint. If a student would rather not eat what the school provides, another option for sustenance is packing a lunch. Though this can be seen as more time consuming than buying food at school, many students prefer it to eating from the cafeteria’s Styrofoam trays. For sophomore Mary McMahan, packing a lunch does not provide for exciting food, but she still would rather eat the same peanut butter and jelly sandwich than buy cafeteria lunch. “My mom packs my lunch before I go to school because I get up late and don’t have time to make it,” McMahan said. “I normally get a sandwich and goldfish.” For others, a packed lunch can mean variety for every day of the week. Junior Ryan Waligora claims to look forward to lunch because of the different sandwiches his mom prepares for him. Hummus and veggie, turkey and lettuce and bagel sandwiches make in into Waligora’s lunch regularly. “My favorite is probably roast beef and mustard. I like to keep it simple,” Waligora said.

Though many would agree that Waligora’s lunch are anything but simple, he keeps the same food such as peppers and chips on the average day, and he says Gushers fruit snacks are a rare treat. Packing a lunch is a necessity for some students due to health and lifestyle choices. Senior Marcus Upton brings a packed lunch to school because he has chosen to become a vegan, meaning he does not eat any animal products including meat and dairy. Upton says he became a vegan because of its health and environmental benefits. “It’s healthier not to eat all the fats and cholesterol contained in some foods,” Upton said. “It also takes a lot less energy to raise plants than animals, so it’s more responsible on the global population. Not to mention the meat and dairy industries are pretty inhumane.” Many may wonder what a vegan can eat when meat and dairy products are eliminated from their diet, but Upton does not struggle to find things to pack in his lunch. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pretzels or granola bars and vegetables are all foods Upton

ins

A detailed breakdown of what a daily diet should consist of.

Grains can consist of bread, tortillas, crackers, and rice. Six ounces of grains should be eated daily for a healthy diet.

its

Fru

One and a half cups of fruit is the reccomended amount. Servings of fruit can come from juice, smooties, or whole fruits.

Oil’s

Fruits

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Veg

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The cups of milk a day is suggested. Food’s high in calcium such as cheese, yougurt, shakes, and milk obviously are great ways to get calcium.

There is no reccomended daily amount of fats and oil to be consumed. It is just recommeneded that oil be a part of a healthy diet but not an excess amount.

Protien

Milk

Pro

Milk

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Your daily vegetables can be an array of choices such as corn, peas, spinach, carrots, broccoli, or even baked potatoes. Around two and a half cups of vegetables should be ingested daily.

Oil’s

Information used in the creation of this inforgraphic came from Myfoodpyramid.com

Vegetables

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Necessary Daily Intake

finds in his lunch, which his mother packs for him. “I think she enjoys packing my food for me, like her maternal instinct,” Upton said. “I could pack it myself but if I don’t have to, I won’t.” Junior Lindsay Carpenter has always packed her lunch because of food allergies. Carpenter is allergic to peanuts and shellfish, and used to be allergic to dairy and wheat products. “My mom put peanut butter on my arm when I was a baby and I broke out in hives,” Carpenter said. “If I eat peanuts my throat swells up and I go into anaphylactic shock and die.” For this reason, Carpenter packs her lunch to ensure she does not ingest any products which would cause her to have an allergic reaction. However, she prefers bringing her food to school, regardless of her allergies. “I think school lunches are greasy, and I generally just feel better eating what I do,” Carpenter said.

Meat and beans are excellent sources of protien. Five ounces of protien is the suggested amount to be consumed. For vegetarians there are still other sources of protien are eggs, nuts, and tuna.

March 25, 2011

Biking

The Newsstreak

Aidan Newcity- Feature B1

in Harrisonburg expands to more people Zimmerman works on project to create “Greenway” for Harrisonburg public

Vanessa Ehrenpreis

managing editor

enior Tabea Zimmermann is ambitious. After constructing an aquaponics system as part of her research project for Massanutten Regional Governor’s School last year, Zimmermann decided to participate in the Northend Greenway project as her research project this year. The Greenway, which would essentially be a multi-use bike and pedestrian pathway, would stretch from EMU to Downtown Harrisonburg. The New Community Project [NCP] is the driving force behind the Greenway’s creation. The path was recently approved by the City Council as part of Harrisonburg’s new Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. “I worked with [NCP] last year for my research project. So I just contacted them again this year to see if they had any ongoing projects, and the Greenway was what they were working on,” Zimmermann said. As with any public project, research must go into the amount of public and government support available. Zimmermann has been a participant in the planning and implementation of the Greenway, but her main responsibility is the presentation of the project to various professional community boards, and local government organizations. Although she has only done one formal presentation, Zimmermann has already learned the craft of formal presentation. “I’ve talked to the Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance so far. They gave me some really positive feedback, which is always nice to hear after months of hard work,” Zimmermann said, through a bit of laughter. “You learn how to tailor your pre-

sentation to your audience.” To optimize future presentations, Zimmermann gives her audiences a survey so she can make comparisons about the audience’s reception of it. Once she examines the surveys, information about the project’s feasibility, general public opinion, and availability of funds can be seen. “Overall, the Greenway has gotten a really good reception. All the City Commissions have given their support, and the City Council recently approved it. We’ve already got support from the public and all residents along the route,” Zimmermann said. After the success of the first presentation, Zimmermann has already contacted other local organizations in hope of rallying further support. All the presentations and campaigning will eventually culminate into one “kick-off” day when the fundraising will begin. NCP intends the project to be “community funded”, which involves a great deal of public campaigning to gain revenue. Zimmermann’s research mentor at MRGS, Trisha Funk, believes that Zimmermann’s research is a perfect window into the everyday operations of society. “I think Tabea has really been able to see how the system works throughout the entire process. With a community project like that you can see how the societal system operates on all the different levels,” Funk said. Funk is pleased with Zimmermann’s previous, and current research performance. Funk even goes so far as to rank Zimmermann’s aquaponics system as the best research project in MRGS’s five-year history. “Yes, [I thought she could feasibly implement her project]. Based on her work from last year, I knew she could do it. She built an entire aquaponics system from start to finish with The New Community project last

Start- EMU Athletic fields

Route 42

= the greenway year,” Funk said, gushing at her student’s achievement. “This year she’s been working with the New Community Project in the planning and implementation of the Greenway.” Zimmermann sees the Greenway as a form of communal and environmental improvement, that needs to be established. “It’s beneficial to our community. Lots of people can use it, it’s an awesome way to get outside and be in nature. There’s also the health aspect. People can walk and bike on it, and be active,” Zimmermann said.

The Northend Greenway

Senior Tabea Zimmerman is working with the New Community Project in a effort to create a “greenway”. This non-motor vehicle pathway will run along Blacks Run from EMU to downtown Harrisonburg. NCP hopes to have the path erected within 6 years.

End- By the Little Grill

Route 11

“It even helps the environment because of the prospective daily commuters. The path would also bring in revenue for downtown Harrisonburg,” If things continue down the same path, the Northend Greenway should be in Harrisonburg by 2016, much to Zimmermann’s enjoyment. “I think it’s good for the public to see something like this happen. It shows people that we’re not just some little non-profit trying to make a difference. This is something our government wants.”

Brewer, Martinez passionate for BMX biking Heather Hunter-Nickels

feature writer

chool. Bus. Bowl of cereal. BMX biking. Seniors Brandon Brewer and Adrian Martinez live and breathe BMX biking. Martinez has been doing it for two years and hooked Brewer to it six months ago. Every day, when the weather permits, they like to hit up the skate park at Westover. Both Brewer and Martinez built their own bikes at a price of about $1,200 each, while good quality complete bikes range from $300-500. “With money comes quality, “ Martinez said. “I wanted to build something that fit me specifically.” Considering all the grinding, jumps, twists, and spins that a body does with a bike, it is important to have a feel for that bike. Brewe’rs best trick is a “180 to a fakie”, which is a 180 degree bunny hop finishing off backwards. But he is most proud of his “suicide no-hander” because “It’s really hard to take your hands all the way off the bars. Most people can’t do it. Makes me stronger,” Brewer said. “ More agile.” Martinez’ favorite trick is “going fast and ‘manualing’(pulling back on a bike, front wheel in the air, and finding the balance point), and it’s the best feeling ever to roll away from a 180 half-cab bar spin (half-cab bar spin:

front wheel lift, twist, and bar spin),” Martinez said. In a joking manner they related BMX biking to doing tricks on an overpriced kids bike. As for the hottest spot to ride in The Burg, they have worn the town out, from the Pump Track at Hillandale, which Martinez helped build, to the “Hardee’s ditch”. “I like traveling, going to new cities,” Martinez said. “Bikers look at [the city] differently.” As they walk down the street, it is not a bland building and staircase they see but a ledge to grind on and a challenge for their expertise. When it comes to their level of expertise, on a scale of one to ten, ten being Garrett Raynolds and Nigel Sylvester good, famous bikers, Martinez gives himself a three and Brewer considers himself a two. They grade themselves harshly against their idols. “Nigel Sylvester has a good style/swag to the way he rides,” said Brewer. “It’s really smooth.” Martinez idols Raynolds. “What’s not to love. He is the epitome of a good idol; humble, does it for the fun, and lets his riding speak for itself,” said Martinez. “He shreds too hard.” “At the end of the day, if your not having fun doing it, you just gotta chill, sit back, and look at it,” said Martinez. “Because you’re doing it for fun. It’s my life and I love it.”

Trick! Senior Brandon Brewer bikes at the local skate park. He is passionate about biking and doing tricks on the bike. With his friend senior Adrian Martinez, Brewer bikes all around Harrisonburg. He particularlly enjoys traveling to other cities to bike. Photo by Heather Hunter.

Shenadoah Valley great location for mountain biking Mountain Bike Disected

Breton Nicholas

guest writer

arrisonburg, Virginia is home to a great road and mountain bike scene. Harrisonburg, also referred to as the ‘BuBrewg or Rocktown (due to its abundance of limestone outcroppings), is surrounded by the Amish countryside. The landscape is full of rolling hills and cornfields. Most of the country roads around the ‘Burg are very low traffic, creating an ideal riding environment for road bikers. On many roads, you are more likely to pedal past an Amish horse and buggy than to be roared past by a car belching exhaust. The rolling hills are nearly constant, but do not get boring. They offer a variety of riding, from long steep climbs with speedy descents, to short attacks with flat stretches to follow. Aside from riding out of town, cyclists can go either west, to the steep, ferocious Alleghenies on the Virginia - West Virginia border, or east, to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which has gentler, but longer climbs. In addition to these aspects, most drivers are courteous to cyclists. Road biking around Harrisonburg is really fantastic. There is also a group of riders who can identify with Rocktown a bit more literally. The mountain biking community in Harrisonburg is enormous and full of life. Riders of all ages participate in bmx, downhill, free-ride, and above all, cross country mountain biking. Many of the great trails surrounding the ‘Burg are accessible by bike. There are races too, for riders of all skill levels, including pros. The ‘Burg’s mountain biking scene is thriving, welcoming, and fun for everyone. In Harrisonburg, the central hub for biking of all types is Shenandoah Bicycle Company (SBC). The shop is located smack in the middle of downtown, where it is in plain sight, and is

easily accessible from any direction. From the outside, SBC looks like an average bike shop, a wareSaddle house, but inside the story is different. Handlebars Junior Connor Seat Post Bell named all The floors and much of the workstations are the parts of weathered hardwood, his mountain lending a rustic atmoTop Tube bike. sphere to the store. All of the exposed Fork concrete floor is painted yellow, and the walls are Down Tube (naturally) covered with hanging bikes and apparel. The shop was founded by Thomas Jenkins and Cassette Front Derailer Tim Richardson in 2000, and carries high end Wheel Chain Stay Chain Ring mountain bikes, road bikes, cyclocross bikes, and even some bmx bikes. They also supply Rear Derailer Crank Arm their customers with a host of componentry Picture courtesy of Connor Bell. Infographic by Aidan Newcity and accessories, such as gloves, energy foods, magazines, helmets, etc. fore. The thing he enjoys most about HHS junior Connor Bell was there working at SBC is the work he does on getting a rim fixed for his cyclocross bikes. However, he hates cleaning. This bike; he’d dented it in a race, breaking is typical of what most bike mechanics two spokes. He and about seven cus- say. tomers were inside. Some were getting He thinks riders who regularly ride expert advice on how to care for their with others in the SBC community like bikes, and others, buying replacement the diversity of the group. He said that parts. the way “people hang out as a group . . “The shop is really the core of the . helps [the] community”. community, and I’m glad because Tim The diversity that Richardson menand I really wanted to start a shop tions pertains to the different types that was a part of the community and of riders here in the ‘Burg, from prohelped the bike scene. I imagine the fu- fessionals who have won the national ture of biking here in Harrisonburg as championships, to office types who having facilities on all main roads [bike are trying to lose weight, to outdoorsy lanes], bike paths connecting neigh- hippies, and young aspiring kids. borhoods with schools and shopping The fact that all these people are centers. I want it not to be uncommon associating with each other is remarkto see people on bikes,” Jenkins said. able. Their interaction, along with the Richardson does a variety of kinds surrounding area, really works to creof biking. He regularly road, moun- ate an excellent bike community in tain and bmx bikes, and he’s even one of the most inconspicuous college Ride! Located downtown, the Shenadoah Bike Company offers services and pairs and sells top of the line bike products.. tried downhill (mountain biking) be- town on the East Coast.

The Newsstreak

March 25, 2011

Ama Ansah- Feature B2

JMU brings teacher exchange program to Harrrisonburg Ama Ansah feature editor

ulture visits HHS every Friday via the teachers from the International Leaders in Education Program. ILEP, a state department program, helps teachers from all over the world visit the US to spend time in our classrooms and employ the new methods they learn from here. In addition to spending time in local classrooms, the visiting teachers are taking classes through JMU’s College of Education. This program coming to Harrisonburg is the result of the Office of International Programs (OIP) at JMU. “It provides an excellent opportunity for service for our College of Education (CoE) faculty and because having the ILEP Fellows here on campus increases awareness of other countries and their people, thereby increasing understanding of others and of ourselves,” OIP project specialist Lorrie Merrow said. Merrow is the Project Manager for this program. OIP also saw benefits for the community at large. They see Harrisonburg as a fantastic location for the ILEP program because of the diversity and the quality of the school system. Not only do the visiting Fellows benefit, but the students and community benefit as well by gaining perspective.

“I think for students in our community who are not na- arduous month long task full of uncertainty. It is competitive speakers, it’s good to see these great role models...I hope tive with only 80 participants being selected--some teachers the students here are learning about what great schools we have to apply two or three times before being chosen. They have. If you talk to the teachers, they will often tell you that are interviewed multiple times and fill out many applicathe school we have is amazing...we as Americans, especially tions. Selection is up to the state department, host colleges students can learn to appreciate what we have here and what have no say. Once accepted and placed in Harrsionburg, wo n d er f u l Fellows were matched with teachers opportuby subject. nities we OIP and CoE have high hopes for have,” JMU this program. They are quite fond of Ed u c at i o n their visiting Fellows and can’t wait Professor to see how their stay affects both our Lisa Schick school system and the visiting scholsaid. She is ar’s school system. the intern“We hope to develop partnership coships with the Fellows that extend ordinator beyond their short stay with us. We responsible are learning from them about their for putting cultures, their countries and their the scholschools,” said Peggy Shaffer a CoE ars in local Associate Dean. “We would love to classrooms. be able to visit the Fellows in their For inschools some day, but if that is not ternational possible, we hope to keep in touch, t e a c h e r s , Meeting time! The international teachers have dinner together. sharing ideas and practices for being applying to Photo courtesy of Ragab Hassan. the best teachers we can be to all of ILEP is an our students.”

Hassan attempts to overcome educational barriers in Egypt Nakadaria follows childNahla Aboutabl

staff reporter

n old Arabic proverb says “Seek education even if it takes you to China.” For the ILEP teachers, going to China was not necessary, for cities all over America have opened their doors. Ragab Hassan, who teaches English in his home country of Egypt, is working with english teacher DavidLoughran. He hopes to return with new ideas for his classroom. “[There is] no comparison between teaching here and in Egypt,” Hassan said. “Teachers here are very lucky. They have a lot of resources such as technology and equipment. Schools here have more equipped classes.” Hassan spoke of how teachers in Egypt have to deal with larger classes. Class numbers often surpass the size of those in HHS, which causes more stress on teachers. “We [Egyptian teachers] exert a lot of effort in the class room be-

cause of the number of students. Here, classes have fewer students so teachers don’t have to exert as much effort,” Hassan said. Other problems plague the educational system in Egypt, like methodology Memorization, not analytical understanding, is the method most students, and teachers, resort to. “Teachers in Egypt do a lot of lecturing and emphasize the importance of memorization more than they focus on helping the students understand whatever subject they’re teaching. Students also try to get high grades using that method, so they forget what they learn easily,” Hassan said. The relationship between students and teachers here is also something that caught Hassan’s attention. While teachers in America have a more correlated relation with their students, teachers in

Egypt are stressed out by all the factors going against them that rather than guide and help students excel, they just lecture. “The power in the classroom is also shared between the teacher and the students so that the teachers job is to help guide the student and the student helps facilitate the teacher’s job,” Hassan said. Loughran says he is also benefiting from the internship as he helps Hassan adapt to the new school system. He is also facinated by Hassan’s culture. “I help him understand how our school functions and provide opportunities for him to team teach with me, but he is certainly a capable teacher. I just make sure he’s comfortable as far as the English language goes, ” Loughran said. “I give him time at the front of the room so he can present to the class things about Egypt, it’s history and his culture.” With the new emerging government in his country, Hassan hopes the educational system there will change for the better, and with his ILEP expereinces, he can aid students more.

Kisemei learns from the technology of HHS Rachel O’Connor

their only source of information is a textbook. [HHS] is a lot of ‘spoon-feeding;’ they are almost given the answers feature reporter to the questions,” Kisemei explained. “My students must struggle on their own.” olomon Kisemei is one of the 16 foreign teachers Work ethic aside, Kisemei is impressed with the block who have come to Harrisonburg to learn how to scheduling HHS utilizes. He would like to introduce 1 ½ improve their school systems. Kisemei hour classes in Kenya. is from Kajiado, Kenya and teaches “Teachers can exhaust the lesson; classes geography at Kajiado High School. The differin my country only take 40 minutes,” Kiseences between Kajiado and Harrisonburg are mei said. He doesn’t believe he has enough vast, but Kisemei is looking to bridge those time to truly make headway on topics with differences by bringing back certain things such short classes. For this reason, the stuhe has learned while he has been here, about dents and teachers seem to have a closer relatechnology in particular. tionship at HHS. “Since I have come here, “[Students] ask quesI saw the use of PowerPoint tions without fear,” Kisemei and projectors. In Kenya, said. we only have chalkboards Harrisonburg High and one piece of chalk,” School and Kajiado High Kisemei said. He believes School still have a long way having technology in Kenya to go before forming a comwill make a big difference plete bridge, but the new because he will have teachtechnology and research ing aids to help improve his Kisemei is bringing back students’ knowledge. with him in June will make Although Harrisonburg his visit have been worthhas more technology and while. He can implement better access to information, many of his new ideas to Kisemei believes the stumake his high school a betdents in Kenya work harder. ter learning environment. “First my students must Kisemi checks student work. Photo by Paulina Rendon. pass an examination and

Zouitni “lucky” to participate in ILEP

staff reporter

hough she’s only been in the U.S. for half of HHS’s second semester, Mouna Zouitni already feels that she has learned a lot. Zouitni, who has taught English for twenty years in her native Morocco, feels that she’s adding onto her career experience by j o i n i n g ILEP. “I’m learning new things every day, not just from classes, not just from [ James Madison University], but about American lifestyles, about people,” said Zouitni, who has visited the US only once before—nineteen years ago, on a one-week tourist trip to New York. The Moroccan transplant, hosted by English teacher Cathy Soenksen, said that the Americans she’s met through the program surpassed her expectations and have been “really helpful” and “really nice.” Indeed, Zouitni admires

Harrisonburg High School itself, calling it “wonderful” and “amazing.” She particularly marvels at the school’s amount of technology, which far eclipses the technology used in Moroccan schools, which share “huge differences” with American schools. “The technology… the classes…even the relationship between teachers and students is different,” said Zouitni, who teaches tenth through twelfth grades in Morocco. “I think that students here have more freedom than Moroccan students” in terms of both academic freedom and classroom decorum, she said. Zouitni was surprised by the lateness of foreign-language education in the United States, which starts in high school for most students. In Morocco,

Zouitni is quick to point out, students begin learning Arabic and French in elementary school (with French as the country’s “first foreign language”) and English in high school. The exchange teacher emphasized foreign-language education as one of Moroccan schools’ greatest strengths that the US could learn from, especially in an increasingly interconnected world. But the veteran English teacher sees an important similarity between American and Moroccan schools: “The objectives are the same—that the students achieve…and get an education.” Zouitni is excited to incorporate the lessons learned through ILEP, which she joined simply because she “loves teaching,” into her classes in Morocco. She just considers herself lucky to have the opportunity to do so in the first place.

For the full stories on our interesting foreign teachers, check out www.newsstreak.com!

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hood dream to be a teacher Katrina Sokolyuk

staff reporter

ita Nakadaira has been teaching English for over 20 years in her home country, Brazil. Nakadaira knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue a career in education. At the age of 12, Nakadaira began taking English classes at a local language center. In Brazil, the native language is Portuguese, and English is offered as a foreign language, not a second language. “I have always wanted to be a teacher,” Nakadaira said “Being among children and teens, teaching them, and also learning from them is something that fills me with a sense of accomplishment. It is a passion for me, and I love my profession,” The journey into the US was not an easy one for Nakadaira. Out of 400 Brazilian applicants only eight made it into the program, Nakadaira being among them. “My family and friends are very proud of me,” Nakadaira said. “This experience is something that I have been waiting for for a long time...It makes me feel absolutely happy.” In addition to taking TESOL and READ classes at JMU, Nakadaira also comes in every Friday to student-teach with English teacher Jen Rose. “She is more than a host teacher, she is a friend to me,” Nakadaira said of Rose. So far, Nakadaira has presented a lesson on her home nation Brazil. She also asked students to write a letter introducing themselves to which she responded to and created a game to see how well the classmates know each other. “It is a wonderful learning experience to collaborate with a teacher from another culture,” Rose said. “Unlike the JMU practicum students I have worked with in the past, Mrs. Nakadaira has been teaching for many years and brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom. Mrs. Nakadaira is incredibly energetic and enthusiastic. I especially admire the easy connections she makes with students. She is very interested in hearing about their experiences and opinions and providing creative ways for them to express themselves,” Nakadaira has observed many classes at HHS, and is keeping a journal about her experiences and observations. “[Comparing] makes you think about all of the things that you may or may not have, and even with all these adversities you have to do your job well and the students have to learn,” Nakadaira said. “I am sure that everything we are experiencing here is for the better,” Nakadaira hopes to come back to her country with many new ideas which she can adapt into her lessons. “This experience is enriching my life,” Nakadaira said. “I will never be the same after taking part in this international program.”

Islam promotes interactive learning in the classroom Ben DiNapoli

style editor

aiful Islam teaches at Agrani School and College in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Agrani is an all-girl school of over 4000 students--a school so big assemblies must be conducted outside. Each grade is divided into five sections of 70 to 80 students and class sizes average 25 students. Desks are fixed to the floors, and students remain seated in their own desks in between classes while the teachers switch classrooms. In order to get into JMU’s exchange program he had to complete an extensive series of tests, readings, forms, and essays questioning his objectives and aims as a teacher, and why he wants a position in America. The most important test was the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), an international standardized test for the English language. The entire process took about a year in order to obtain the scholarship. Of the program, Islam says there are lots of things to learn from the United States, many of which he will bring back to Bangladesh. “[Our] classrooms are very large,” says Islam. “A lecture based environment is not ideal, especially for English. If students talk to each other, then they will improve their own skill, so I will have a learning centered classroom.” Islam’s curriculum will require lesson planning, groups in which students share their own experiences, pair-reading assignments, and group leaders that will present their group’s work to the class. “Next year, I will try to establish permanent groups that work together all year long, as this will help build relationships and friendships between students,” says Islam. Overall, Islam’s goal is to make learning English in the classroom more enjoyable, easier, and more efficient.

The Newsstreak

March 25, 2011

Heather Hunter-Nickels- Feature B3

Art by junior Virginia Velaya

Robert McCarthy Kavya Beheraj

News Editor

ver since fifth grade, senior Robert McCarthy has considered himself an artist. Winning the DARE drawing contest inspired him to continue follow art as a passion and hobby. His achievements and hard work culminated during the musical shows, when he was featured in the intermission art show. Art teacher Jauan Brooks has been teaching McCarthy for three years. “Typically we like to [display the artwork of] students who have gone through the process, at least through Art 3, and they’ve invested a lot of time with us. We think it’s nice to honor them in some way,” Brooks said. “Especially if they have a strong body of work and things through the years that they’d like to exhibit. It was nice to see several students who really love creating and the results of that on display.” McCarthy has been taking art since his sophomore year, and according to Brooks, has “grown a lot.” She believes that a good influence on McCarthy was seeing ‘10 alumnus Kyle Saxton work on his art. “I think Robert really realized how much of yourself you can put into your artwork and the results that you get when it’s more personal,” Brooks said. “I think he’s grown as far as making all of his works about him or about something, and therefore the works are stronger because of it.“ Indeed, his works in art class since his sophomore year show a wide variety of subjects and sources. McCarthy recognizes that his inspiration comes everywhere.

“Most of my inspiration comes from my mom. She loves my paintings more than anyone,” McCarthy said.McCarthy has created dozens of works in his years at HHS, and uses many different mediums, from paint to charcoal. In terms of creating his art, he does not have a set procedure that he follows. “I really don’t have a process [to my art], I just wing it,” McCarthy said. “If I work on a part [of a piece] for a long time, I’ll go crazy.” Brooks finds McCarthy’s work interesting and strong, and his thought process fascinating when creating art. “The end result typically is not what he anticipated and it takes him a little while to get to that end result, but the trip along the way is always really interesting,” Brooks said. “Regardless of how he got to that point, the end product has been interesting and thoughtprovoking for people viewing it.” Recently McCarthy was presented with an offer for one of his paintings, a three-piece work titled “Sinful Escape.” “About $150 was offered, [but] I turned it down because I spent a ton of time on that painting,” McCarthy said. Brooks recognizes that it is hard to give away artwork

that have a lot of time and effort poured into them, especially for high school students. “It’s hard to part with it. It’s almost like they’re your children,” Brooks said. “You watch them grow and change and then sometimes it’s hard to get rid of them.” McCarthy hopes a certain message will come across in all his paintings. “I guess the message I’m trying to send is that life is great, but also a struggle,” McCarthy said. “You have to continue to reach to achieve.”

Sam Swayne Aidan Newcity

“

Feature Editor

This guy Sam is amazing!” Is what senior Sam (Samantha) Swayne heard throughout the annual art exhibit at Harrisonburg High School’s annual musical production. “I guess some people didn’t realize I’m a girl,” Swayne said. Each year during the winter musical, the art program displays an art exhibit consisting of each level of high school student art.. As an honor, seniors usually have their own displays. “[The purpose] is to show my stuff, but I get to participate because I am a senior and any senior with art pieces they’d like to show can have a senior show,” Swayne said. There was a lot of time put into the putting together the exhibit. “I stayed after school with the art teachers and the other seniors, helped arrange the other panels, and then hung up my own pieces on my panel. I also velcroed my pottery pieces to the shelves” Swayne said. Most of her artwork at the exhibit she created during her junior and senior year. A lot of the pottery came from the summer Art Governors School she attended after her junior year and a pottery program at Westover’s Recreation Center. During the countless amounts of art classes she has taken at HHS, all the way from art one to independent study (which is a art class that the student gets to work on whatever they feel, not from a set schedule), the art teachers have always been there when she has needed them. “Mrs. Shradley and Ms. Brooks both help me figure out how to finish a piece when I run into a problem and give me advice when I ask,” Swayne said. Both art teachers think really highly of Swayne. They both admire her unique outlook in art and how she tells the story of what she is trying to portray. “Sam had a really interesting way of expressing herself. She makes beautiful works of art that are very technically proficient, but when you look at the piece as a whole, there

will be a joke or something funny that she is tiring to communicate,” Shradley said, “Sometimes when a student has great talent they feel that every work of art must be able to hang in a prestigious place, but Sam keeps it light and truly uses her artwork to express who she is.” A painting of soda falling out of the sky into customers cups is one of Swayne’s favorite works. “My favorite piece was ‘Free Refill’ because how cool would it be if refills poured out of the sky?” Swayne said. Both art teachers, Mrs. Shradley and Ms. Brooks, also have their own opinion about what piece of Swayne’s work was their favorite. Brooks favors ‘Free Refill’ because of the unique thought process. while Shradley is called ‘Cabbage’; it is a really leafy ceramic piece with a lid. “I think my favorite piece, is call ‘Cabbage’. It is the really leafy ceramic pieces with a lid. Ceramics is my favorite media and this pieces is really original in technique and in form. Sam did this at governors school over the summer and I think she did a wonderful job creating this piece,” Brooks said. Swayne has been making art since she has been able to hold a pencil. She often makes art at her home where she has her own area just for her work. She makes a variety of pieces such as earrings and bracelets, paintings, drawings,

Tanya Marko D

Phillip Bannister

Editor-in-Chief

uring musical intermission for the past few years, an art show featuring student’s work is exhibited for the audience. In the auditorium commons before the show and during intermission, the faculty, students, and guests all have an opportunity to view student artwork. Among the numerous displays, the senior artists get displays to themselves. Senior Tanya Marko was a featured artist this year. “They get their own displays because we have students that go all four years and we just wanted to honor students that are devoted to visual arts in that way,” art teacher Jauan Brooks said. Having had taught Marko for several art classes, Brooks has been able to see the growth of Marko as an artist. “She did well in all of them [art classes], but art three had more interesting assignments so certainly her work was more interesting. Art three has more opportunities that allow them to express more personally making it more interesting,” Brooks said. The joy of participating in art classes came from the simplicity of the class itself. “I like art because it’s not a hard class and its fun. I wish I could take more art classes,” Marko said. When it comes to favorite pieces of art, Marko claims to not have a favorite in particular. “I don’t have a favorite, but I like my oil paintings that I

did recently,” Marko said. Through art, Marko has even managed to make a source of income. Income by selling some of her art locally to interested buyers. “So far I sold four paintings. I have given some paintings for birthdays and other events,” Marko said. “The guy that recently bought one was like ‘I know you paint and hear you’re very good’. He asked if he gave me something to paint would I be able to do it. He told me what he wanted in the picture so I agreed to do it. He asked me to do a picture of a school and a person. His wife had just passed away and wanted to remember her.” The selling of student art has become more of an apparent thing in previous years of the show. “Typically our upper class level students have someone interested in one of their works but they usually have so much invested that it makes it harder for them,” Brooks said. As well as painting for personal enjoyment, Marko has painted for more business reasons as well. “I painted two signs; a man had like 200 acres of land and wanted a sign painted,” Marko said.

and pottery. While her least favorite medium to work with is ceramic, her favorite is watercolor. Swayne tries to use it whenever she can. “I like watercolor because I can remove color after I have placed it,” Swayne said. Among the people that have seen Swayne’s artwork, the biggest impression has been on her art teacher. “Sam takes it upon herself to experiment with new media. She and her father spent time experimenting with welding, she has taken ceramics and glass classes and workshops, done independent studies, and gone to governor’s school most of which were self instigated,” Brooks said. “Through this she has grown incredibly as an artist. She is technically proficient and her works have personal meaning. It is that personal meaning that makes her work so interesting - it has a story behind it! She is in the top five percent of my best students throughout my 16 year career.” With her skills in art and her love for science and math, Swayne has her eye’s set on being an industrial designer. There are many different forms of art in the world, and many different views on it. Whether it is creating in a public area or simply creating art because you just want to. Whether Swayne is being referred to as a boy, it doesn’t matter because she has her own certain love for art and her opinion about it. “I love that I don’t have to think analytically about creating artwork. I just get to create,” Swayne said.

At one point, she was even able to create a piece of art to display in her own home by request. “My mom had got new furniture and she asked me to do an abstract painting to fit the new furniture in the living room,” Marko said. “I did it out of oil and acrylic.” Although art has managed to provide some source of income for Marko already she maintains that she will not be pursuing it as a career. “No [I will not be continuing art] but I will probably continue painting and drawing but it will always be useful,” Marko said. For Marko art will always just be a scheduling convenience that ended up offering so much more. “I just took the class because I had space in my schedule but I ended up liking and continued taking art,” Marko said.

March 25, 2011

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March 25, 2011

Maggie Siciliano-Sports - B7

Spring Sports’ Freshman Profiles

Soccer

Sara Shenk

Age: 15 Position: Forward Why do you play soccer? I enjoy it and my family plays it What is your favorite part? Coming together as a team What is the hardest part? Being able to communicate on the field How long have you been playing soccer? 9 years What are your goals for this season? To win districts and go far in states What is your proudest moment in soccer? Anytime I score off Sydney’s assist Favorite movie? Easy A Favorite sports brand? Nike Favorite sports drink? Gatorade Favorite athlete? Lionel Messi Interview by Jack Adamek

Henry Gotay

Age: 15 Position: I play left midfield and sometimes forward Why did you decide to tryout for soccer? I tried out for soccer because of the other people on the team and I want to try and make myself better What is the hardest part? [The hardest part is] when you have to run and condition What is your favorite part? my favorite part is scoring How long have you been playing? I’ve been playing since I was five yearsold What are your ex pectations for the season? I want to try to win and make myself better Who do you look up to professionally? Ronaldinho Favorite Subject: History Favorite Sports Brand: Nike Favorite movie: The Pursuit of Happiness Interview by William Bleckley

difficult I just don’t enjoy it What’s your favorite thing about it? Being outside and playing matches with my friends What are your goals for the season? Move up the ladder when my shoulder recovers and also improve my serve Who is your role-model or hero? My mom and brother because they both played tennis during their life Do you have any pre-game or pre-race rituals? Pull myself up, and raise my self esteem. Also try to focus on winning the match and perfecting my technique How did you prepare for a game? I like to eat pasta and drink lots of water What are your plans for next year? Well I’m hoping my shoulder gets better and improve my technique *Waligora that has tried out for the tennis team this year, but has been very limited by an arm injury she suffered during a snow boarding accident. Interview by Kevin Franco

Jake McDaniel

Age: 15 Position: Midfield Why do you play soccer? I love the game and get to play with Emily, my sister What is your favorite part? Being with my teammates and whenever we score a goal. What is the hardest part? Coming back from a deficit How long have you been playing soccer? 11 years How did you prepare for the season? Well i was playing basketball so that’s how I stayed in shape What is your personal goal for the season? To score a goal What is your team goal for this season? To make it past regionals What is your proudest moment in soccer? When I score a goal or assist someone Favorite movie? Despicable Me Favorite sports brand? Adidas Favorite sports drink? Blue Gatorade Favorite athlete? Cristiano Ronaldo Interview by Ali Byrd

Age: 15 Grade: Freshman Sport: Track How long have you been playing/running/etc.? I started this sport in 6th grade. Why did you decide to start doing a sport? I have always been fast and love to compete What’s the hardest thing about it? Ladders What are your goals for the season? I am here to win What’s your proudest moment (in the sport)? When I won the 100 meter dash Do you have any pre-game or pre-race rituals? When I get nervous, I know that I am ready How did you prepare for the season? I don’t need to train, I just need to get into shape What’s your favorite thing about it? I like this sport for the competition Who is your role-model or hero? Xavi What is your favorite sports drink? Gatorade Interview by Austin Coffey

Tennis

Michelle Waligora

Age: 15 Grade: Freshmen Favorite sports drink: Gatorade Favorite sports Brand: Head for rackets How long have you been playing tennis? I have played tennis since I was 8 Why did you decide to continue doing sports in high school? Because it would be fun to hang out with my friends and do something that I love What’s the hardest thing about it? I really don’t like hitting overhands, it’s not

Sydney Knupp

Antoine Timbers Age: 15 Grade: freshman Why do you play tennis? because it’s fun for me What do you like about tennis? the whole game in general What did you do to prepare for this season? I’ve been playing nonstop for months What are your expectations for this season? I expect for all to win districts and states What are your expectations for yourself? I expect to at least make the team and get in the top 8 or 9 What is the hardest thing about tryouts? the cold Any pre-game rituals? listen to music Favorite sports brand: Head Favorite sports drink: Gatorade Favorite school subject: P.E. Looks up to professionally: Roger Federer Interview by Maggie Siciliano

Baseball

Ben Hill

Age: 14 Grade: 9th Sport: Boys’ Baseball Position: Infield Favorite Sports Drink: Gatorade Favorite Professional Athlete: Brian Roberts, an infielder for the Baltimore Orioles (MLB) Favorite Movie: Grown Ups, a 2010 comedy film starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, Rob Schneider, and David Spade Favorite Sports Brand: Nike Favorite Academic Subject: Math How long have you been playing your sport? For all my life Why did you decide to do sports in high school? I enjoy it Why did you decide to start playing the sport? I like hitting home runs What is the hardest and your favorite thing about it? Hardest: Conditioning (running bases) Favorite: Throwing people out What are your goals for the season? To go undefeated and hit home runs What is your proudest moment in the sport? Hitting the game-winning run Who is a role model/hero in your life? My brother, Elisha How do you prepare for the season? I run and hit baseballs What is your plan for next year? To be better than I am now Interview by John Gomez Lemus

Kyle Templeton Age: 15 Grade: Freshman Position: Shortstop and pitcher Favorite Sports Drink: Gatorade Favorite Pro Athelete: Derek Jeter Favorite part of baseball: Planning strategy or defense How long have you been

Track Chris McAdam

Age: 15 Position: Distance runner Why did you join track? because I like running What makes you nervous? the meets make me nervous What are your goals for the season? my goal is to get faster on the mile What is something this sport has taught you? I don’t know How did you prepare for the season? by running cross country and indoor track Do you plan on doing this again next year? yes Favorite part about it? hanging out, being with friends Do you have a favorite athlete? no, not really Favorite sports drink: Water Favorite sports brand: Asics Interview by Jessica Jolicoeur

Age: 14 Grade: Freshmen Position: Long Distance How long have you been running? I’ve been running since 7th grade, I started in cross country Why did you decide to start doing a sport? I tried other sports but they weren’t for me, I tried out running and I like it a lot What’s the hardest thing about it? The breathing in running, its hard to keep at pace. Who is your role-model or

hero? My parents are the ones who really support me in the end, they inspire me to do more How did you prepare for the season? Before the season, I don’t really practice, I guess I just run. What is something this sport has taught you? It boosted my self confidence up a lot, and help me find other friends. Do you have any pre-game or pre-race rituals? Before I run I usually eat a small snack like crackers. Do you plan on doing it again next year? Yes, by then I will be way better Favorite Sports Drink: Gatorade Favorite Snack: Crackers Interview by Anthony Duong

Softball

Hannah Cash

Rachel Hottinger

playing? This will be my 11th season this spring Why did you decide to continue this sport in High School? I continued the sport because I want to make our team better Hardest part? Cooperating with others Favorite thing about it? Fielding ground balls Goals for this season? Achieving a winning record. Proudest moment? Throwing a perfect game. Something the sport has taught you? Patience Do you plan to do it next year? Yes Favorite movie? Shooter Favorite subject? P.E. Interview by Celia Ehrenpreis

Ashley Riley

Age: 14 Position: Catcher Why do you enjoy softball? It’s the first sport I got into and I’ve been playing ever since What are your goals for the season? Better at catching and hitting in front of crowds What makes you nervous? Hitting in front of crowds How long have you been playing softball? I first started playing in the fourth grade Why did you decide to continue playing through high school? I really enjoy playing this sport What the hardest thing about this sport? There are numerous things that are hard but the hardest is going to be hitting because there’s a different pitcher every time and all of them pitch differently so it’s hard to get used to Do you have any pregame rituals? No, not really How do you prepare for the season? I practice at home with my dad and sister Do you plan on playing again next year? Yes, because it’s my favorite sport and I enjoy playing it Favorite sports drink: Gatorade Favorite sports brand: Wilson (catcher’s glove) Favorite part of playing softball: Being able to play with the team Pro-Athlete Hero: Jenny Finch Interview by Megan Coverstone

Age:14 Grade: Freshman Position: Third Base How long have you been playing softball? I have been playing softball since the second grade What is the hardest thing about softball? The hardest thing is catching the softball What are your goals for the season? I don’t have any goals for this season How did you prepare for this season? To prepare, I practiced What is something that this sport has taught you? It has taught me teamwork Do you plan on playing softball next year? Yes, I plan on playing it again next year What is your favorite sports drink? I like to drink Gatorade What is your favorite professional athlete? Don’t have one What is your favorite sports brand? Adidas Interview by Emerson Bonga

Photos by Paulina Rendon, Maria Rose and Olivia McCarty.

The Newsstreak

March 25, 2011

Competition.

Michael Johnson- Sports B8

Athletes are constantly competing for the coveted top spots on sports teams--whether it is a relay in track, or a starting position in baseball. Here we will take a look at how teams operate through competition.

Girl’s and boy’s tennis teams looking good this year Heather Hunter Feature Editor

It is five o’clock on a chilly Tuesday evening and as the girls tennis team wraps up their practice, the boy’s team can be seen practicing on the other side of the court. This years girls team is young, featuring several sophomores, juniors, and one freshman in the top six. “We only have one senior returning from the top six,” co-head coach Laurie Miller said. Senior Sarah Grace currently holds the top seed. “She is a seasoned player, quite developed, and pretty competitive,” Miller said, describing her as “Something to watch.” According to Miller the team’s main goal is to improve skill level. Number two on the ladder is sophomore Gina Muan who has been playing tennis for three years. Her personal goal is to win at least half of her matches by, “practicing outside of [tennis] practice and being more aggressive,” Muan said. The rising top players to watch will be Muan, and sophomores Maggie Siciliano and Sarah Rose, who were in the top six last

year and will be -with hard work- moving up. On the boy’s side of the court, coach Fainter leads the guys in a doubles drill where the boys competitively play each other in pairs, The winner of three rounds stays, loser drops to the back of the line. The drill moves quickly and the players have to be on their toes when Fainter tosses the ball into play. Unlike the girls team, the boys top six have older players and more experience, with two returning seniors, three juniors, and one sopho- Good Forehand! Antoine Timbers works on his foremore in the top six. hand at tennis practice. Photo by Paulina Rendon. The teams overall goal is to “do really well and hopefully compete at the regional and district level,” for this season will be Measel who has a “good forehand” and “solid backhand”, juhead coach Justin Fainter said. Number one on the ladder, senior Scott nior Jack Burden who has a “good forehand Measell’s personal goal is to “win regionals and keeps the ball in play”, and junior Ford for singles and doubles” with his doubles Hatfield who is overall “really athletic,” according to Miller. partner senior Justin L’ecuyer. The top three male athletes to watch out

Baseball players reflect on past, prepare for upcoming season

Senior Luke Rodeffer How long have you been playing? Since 8th grade. What do you like most about it? Playing baseball is relaxing. What are you looking forward to? Asucessful season.

Junior Brady Cockerham How long have you been playing? Since I was 6 years old. What do you like most about it? It is a team effort. What are you looking forward to? I think we could be good, go far, and win districts.

Senior Zack Dean How long have you been playing? Since I was 5 years old. What do you like most about it? It is laid back and fun. What are you looking forward to most? This is my last year of high school baseball.

Senior Jake Johnson How long have you been playing? Since I was 7. What do you like about it? Being with the team, the guys are fun. What are you looking forward to? Hopefully winning lots of games.

Sophomore Bryce Baughman How long have you been playing? My entire life. What do you like about it? The mental side of the game, psyching the pitcher out. What are you looking forward to? Being good.

This or That: Sprinter Akia Morris 55 or 100 Adidas or Nike Gatorade or Powerade Science or Math Football or Basketball

Blocks or Standing Core or Weights Vanilla or Chocolate Juice or Milk McDonalds or Burger King

Serve! Sophomore Amin Kraimeche hits a serve during practice. Photo by Paulina Rendon.

Softball team has high hopes for the season Nahla Abdul Staff Reporter

new season begins, and the softball season takes off, adding a thrill to the lives of the athletes. The words ‘running, throwing, hitting, stretching, batting, and bunting’ are redefinied as the softball players of HHS practice. “We run a lap or two to just get warmed up,then we stretch, throw balls, bat, and practice at our field positions,” sophomore Suma Haji said. She has played on the team since her freshman year. She is a right fielder and enjoys her position and just being able to play softball with a team. It might be the same routine and same key players on the team, but there have been some changes. A new coach , Suzie Bocock, has entered the softball field with our ladies. “I’ve known Bocock for a long time. She keeps things fun and laid back,” sophomore Kerri Hofacker said. Hofacker started playing softball when she was seven, been on the travel team, and played Junior Varsity in eighth grade, and moved on to varsity in ninth grade. Hofacker’s brother Bob Hofacker also helps the team now. The team also plans to hold a charity fund supporting breast cancer victim. “We want to order and sell sweatshirts that say ‘Save second base’. It’ll be cute, and the money will go towards a cancer victim,” senior Sonia Barzjani said. The team hopes it achieves its goals this season, and that they will have fun. “Just being on the team and being able to improve your skills is fun,” Haji said. Hofacker also hopes to advance the team into a new level. “Our goal is to become more as a team and win more games than we did last year,” Hofacker said.

Competition for boys distance team is a close race Jake Durden

Staff Reporter

t the beginning of outdoor track season, competition is brewing for the four coveted spots in the boy’s 4x800 meter relay. “The team needs six to eight runners who can potentially compete in the relay,” coach David Loughran said. “We are not just interested in the top four because we may want to send some of our faster runners into individual events to score team points.” By not using the energy of all four members of the “A-team”, the top runners are able to compete in individual events and the team has more opportunities to score. This opens up several spots for other runners to rise. “At the end of the indoor track season, our ‘A-team’ David consisted of Keith Thomas, Loughran, Nevin Heckman, Gabriel track coach Morey, and William Imeson,” Loughran said. “There are a slew of potential contributors to the 4x800; two that come to mind are Abe Alvarado and Mark Duda.” Because of the 800 meter’s precarious length between sprinting and distance running, a special test is needed to predict a runner’s time in a competition. “It is impossible to run 800 meters at full speed the entire time,” Loughran said. “Because of this we have to use a special test developed by a Russian scientist: the Kosmin test.” In the Kosmin test, runnners sprint at full speed for 60 seconds, recover for three minutes, and then sprint for 60 more seconds. The total distance traveled is plugged into a complex mathematical formula and the result is the predicted 800-meter time. “The Kosmin test not only tells us who our top runners are for the 800-meter, but it also

“We are not just interested in the top four because we may want to send some of our faster runners into individual events to score team points.”

Schedules Girl’s Tennis Track Saturday 3/26 Coed Classic @ HHS TBA Wednesday 4/6 @ Broadway TBA Saturday 4/9 @ Turner Ashby Inv. TBA Wednesday 4/13 @ Turner Ashby TBA Saturday 4/16 @ Judges Track Classic (Scrimmage) TBA Wednesday 4/27 @ Rockbridge TBA

Tuesday 3/15 vs. Rockbridge 4:30 PM Tuesday 3/22 vs. Waynesboro 5:00 PM Thursday 3/24 @ Rockbridge 4:30 PM Friday 3/25 @ Robert E Lee 4:30 PM Tuesday 4/5 vs. EMHS 4:00 PM Friday 4/8 @ Spotswood 4:30 PM Tuesday 4/12 @ Fort Defiance 4:30 PM Friday 4/15 vs. Turner Ashby 4:30 PM

Keeping the pace. The boys distance team runs 1200 meter reps on the track. The first challenging workout of the season took place on March 14th. Based on the speed shown in the Kosmin test, each runner is given their own pace to run the workouts. Junior Nevin Heckman and Senior Keith Thomas lead the pack. Photo by Maria Rose.

allows me to place the runners into appropriate training groups based on their times.” The track team is counting on the other distance runners to rise to the challenge if the team is to succeed in postseason meets and contend for the region and state championship.

Got a free evening? Come support your Streaks!

Boy’s Tennis

Tuesday 3/15 @ Rockbridge 4:30 PM Tuesday 3/22 @ Waynesboro 5:00 PM Thursday 3/24 vs. Rockbridge 4:30 PM Friday 3/25 vs. Robert E Lee 4:30 PM Monday 4/4 @ EMHS 4:00 PM Friday 4/8 vs. Spotswood 4:30 PM Tuesday 4/12 vs. Fort Defiance 4:30 PM Friday 4/15 @ Turner Ashby 4:30 PM Thursday 4/21 @ Spotswood 4:30 PM Tuesday 4/26 @ Broadway 4:30 PM

Baseball

Tuesday 3/8 Scr. @ Central 4:00 PM Saturday 3/12 Scr. vs. Luray 1:00 PM Tuesday 3/22 @ Waynesboro 5:30 PM Friday 3/25 vs. Robert E Lee 5:30 PM Friday 4/1 @ Fort Defiance 5:30 PM Saturday 4/9 @ Central DH 10:30 AM Monday 4/11 @ Wilson 5:30 PM Tuesday 4/12 vs. Fort Defiance 7:00 PM Friday 4/15 vs. Turner Ashby 7:00 PM Thursday 4/21 @ Spotswood 7:30 PM Tuesday 4/26 vs. Waynesboro 7:00 PM Friday 4/29 @ Robert E Lee 5:30 PM

The Newsstreak

March 25, 2011

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Lauren Martin- Ads - B9

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Celia Ehrenpreis- Sports B10

The Newsstreak

March 25, 2011

he Big East reigns supreme in the ranks of college basketball. At week's end, the conference boasted eight teams in the ESPN/USA Today Top 25 Poll. Only two teams are currently in the Top 10, Pittsburgh and Notre Dame, but that is a result of the teams beating each other up. On any given night, teams that are favored to win can be upset, even by the lower teams in the 16-team conference. The Big East managed to get 11 teams into the field of 68, setting a record for the most teams produced by ione conference in the NCAA Tournament. Those teams are Pittsburgh, Notre Dame, Louisville, Syracuse, St. Johns, Connecticut, Georgetown, Villanova, West Virginia, Marquette, and Cincinnatti. Any of the these teams have the potential to get into the tournament and make a run to the Final Four in Houston, Texas. In my bracket, I have nine of the eleven teams winning their first round game (Villanova and Cincinnatti are the odd ones out), six advancing to the Sweet 16, two to the Final Four, and one to the National Championship Game. This is bold, but if I had to pick one Big East team to go the distance it would be St. Johns because they are one of the most experienced teams in the country. Out of 15 players on their roster, 10 of them are seniors. To be successful you have to have a leader. Dwight Hardy, a 6'2 196 lb guard, is garnering attention for National Player of the Year. First year coach Steve Lavin has turned the program around 180 degrees. Life has returned to Madison Square Garden, the home arena of the St. Johns Red Storm. The Red Storm got off to a slow start to begin the season, but are currently ranked 15th in the country with a record of 19-9. Six of their wins have come against teams that were ranked inside the Top 15 in the country when they beat them. Other Big East teams that have potential to make a magical run in the NCAA tournament are Pittsburgh and Syracuse. Pittsburgh has a star player in guard Brad Wanamaker and is a smart, disciplined, veteran-laden team. Syracuse is long and athletic, plays a zone defense and is coached by the legendary Jim Boeheim. Connecticut is a wild card team. Kemba Walker, a junior guard put on one of the best week-long shows in Big East history. He propeled the Huskies to a Big East title at MSG after leading them to an unprecedented five wins in five days. He scored scored a remarkable 130 points over the five games, smashing the previous record by 46. The 9th-seeded Huskies knocked off Depaul and then four ranked teams (Georgetown, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, and Louisville) en route to the claiming the championship. Walker amazed the whole country, none more then when he hit a game-winning stepback jumper, making a Pittsburgh defender fall down in the process. Don’t get me wrong, Connecticut is great, but the team struggles if Walker has an offnight. I question whether they can make a deep run in the Big Dance because they heavily rely on one person. The other teams in the Big East are good, such as West Viginia and Louisville, but I doubt they are mentally and physically tough enough to win six games in a row and hoist the trophy on April 4.

Run! Freshmen Celia Ehrenpreis crosses the finish line after a tough 1200m workout. Photo by Maria Rose

staff reporter

he first day of tryouts is a nerve wracking experience. Athletes must showcase their talent in front of the judgmental eyes of their coaches and their peers. The first week of spring sports tryouts started the week of February 28 and ended March 7 (due to a one day delay from snow.) Because of inclement weather, most sports teams had to have tryouts indoors. For junior Evan Shank, the soccer tryouts were not too demanding. “You should always do your best during tryouts and give a good impression for the rest of the season,” Shank said. “But I’ve made the team for the last two years so I wasn’t too worried.” The soccer team was evaluated on standard requirements so the coaches can get an idea of the potential they have for the upcoming season. The coaches watch the athletes play and get to know what type of player they are. The soccer players showed their footwork and defense, many trying to show off their skills and start the season on a high note. During tryouts, they play keep away; one team tries to keep the the ball away from another so the coaches can see their skill. “We had to do a lot of the tryouts in the gym because it rained a lot that week,” Shank said. “But it was better than last year when we had all of that snow and had stay inside forever.” The baseball and softball teams were forced to hold tryouts in-

doors as well. When the teams go indoors they must use lighter balls so as to not damage the floors. The baseball players showed their ability to hit a pitched ball, field ground balls, and throw both long and short distance. The baseball team also ran the 60 yard dash, while the softball team ran a mile. With only 13 varsity spots available the competition to make the team is always fierce. The outdoor track team does not host a tryout. All students who want to work hard and improve are welcome to join. The team is constantly looking for more boys and girls to throw shot and disc, pole vault, jump, run distance, or sprints. The first day of practice is a light practice where future athJunior soc- track letes get an idea of what they will be doing for the cer player rest of the season. Many boys and girls went with the pole vault coach, Tim Beierle, to find out if Evan they may have a talent for vaulting. Coach Gary Shenk Bugg watches the students during practice for a few days and selects a few kids to try jumping or hurdling. The varieties of sport offer many students the opportunity to compete. The boys tennis team had already gathered many times for winter condition. The hopeful boys would meet coach Justin Fainter after school and do push ups and run, working on their stamina. The boys had to run the hill behind the tennis courts several times in a matter or minutes to complete the workout. The actual tryout week was delayed a few days because of rain but the team has now been chosen and they are ready to begin regular practices.

“...do your best during tryouts and give a good impression for the rest of the season.”

Kraimeche’s previous experience helps in tennis tryouts Michael Johnson sports editor

hile spring sports gear up, tryouts are happening. Each spring sports team is choosing their team to try and make the best team they can. Junior Zakary Kraimeche is one of these athletes who are trying out for the tennis team. He has been playing tennis for about four years now. “Tennis is the most fun sport I have ever played. I have played soccer and basketball which are also fun, but there is just something about tennis that makes it extra fun to me,” Kraimeche said. An average tryout day for tennis consists of first warming up. They jog around the the courts twice and then stretch. They then go into warm up hitting. After this, they

do drills and various games. One game is called “King of the Court”, where there is a king on one side of the court. People play the king until they beat him to three points. Once someone beats the king, they become king. Another game that they play is called Defender. The team breaks up into two teams. The game is played on two courts with one team one each court. Each team sends one player over to the opposing team. The player plays until he loses which is when the opponent gets three points on the player. Whichever team runs out of

people first, loses. The losing team has to either run two hills or do ab work and the winning team has to either do half of what the losers do or nothing. “Tryouts are going well. I have nothing to worry about because I was on the team last year and was in the top six, so I was basically guaranteed a spot. However, if there were some really good freshman that were trying out and the competition got tense, I might have cause to worry,” Kraimeche said. “When I was a freshSwing! Junior Zakary Krai- man I was worried because meche hits a ball during the competition was tough.” tennis tryouts. Kraimeche is HHS’s seventh seed. Photo by Paulina Rendon.

To play or not to play? It is an age old dilemma- should students get off the couch and join a sports team, or enjoy a season off? Six students and athletes give their reasoning for or against playing sports.

For:

Byrd predicts Big East success

William Imeson

Against:

eter’s et eeves

Athletes try to make a “good impression” during tryouts

Freshman Sydney Knupp “The main reason I stick with soccer is that I have played [soccer] since I was five. I really enjoy hanging out with my friends on the team outside of games and practice too.”

Junior Dakota Hassler “I was getting bored of playing baseball. And getting ready for the upcoming fall football season seem like a better use of my time.”

Sophomore Ebonee Strother “I like playing soccer because it keeps me in shape and I’m always moving and active. I like that we get to continuously play. We rarely stop. I’ve also been playing since I was little.”

Senior Pavel Makayed “I really like track and field, especially pole vault. Pole vaulting is my favorite since I get to go really high in the air. It’s intense and dangerous.”

Somophore Sarah Kaylor “I was planning on doing track because I wanted to get in shape for summer, but it’s a big time commitment and I like watching my friends play in other sports.”

Robby Ross, sophomore “I like playing soccer, but I’m taking a year off. I need to have a year without any injuries. I got hurt all the time last year. Also, not enough friends convinced me to do it. I’ll be back next year, though.”

Infographic by Celia Ehrenpreis

Spring sports tryouts: a mini photo essay

Nice arm! Senior Sam Obenshain warms up at baseball practice. Photo by Paulina Rendon.

Time! Coach David Loughran takes the time of freshman Sydney Little’s 12oom. Photo by Maria Rose.

Serve! Junior Andy Shisler works on his serves at tennis practice. Photo by Paulina Rendon.

Focus. Amin Kraimeche keeps his eye on the ball at tennis practice. Photo by Paulina Rendon.

Throw. The baseball team practice throwing progressions as a warm up to get arms and fundamentals sound. Photo by Paulina Rendon. Listen. Coach David Loughran explains the 1200m workout to the distance team. Photo by Maria Rose.

Observing the field. Coach Nathan Black watches senior Shane McMahan practice a throwing progression at baseball tryouts. Photo by Paulina Rendon.

The Newsstreak

March 25, 2011

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David loughran:Coach

The Newsstreak

Maria Rose - photo essay B12

Getting to know

What do students and teachers really care about? Take a look!

The other side

Alex Hunter: rock star Loughran analyzes the impact of a workout on the boys distance team, and explains its benefits. Aside from teaching English, he works as head coach of the girls cross-country team, as well as the indoor and outdoor boys and girls teams. Photos by Maria Rose. Sophomore Alex Hunter plays with the Wolfe Street Tower at a concert hosted at Adona Music. If one were to make an analogy of the band Wolfe Street Tower to any object, Hunter would recommend a sandwich. And not just any sandwich. “It’d be the most delicious, tasty sandwich you could imagine,” Hunter, the band’s front singer and guitarist described. “If we were a sandwich, you’d eat us.” Photos by Maria Rose.

Loughran gives a rundown of what to expect as the boys and girls distance teams prepare to run. The team ran sets of 1200 meters as their workout

Loughran demonstrates a stretching technique to the girls distance team.

Loughran explains the week’s plan to the track team. Their schedule varies according to meets and the season’s progress.

As coach, Loughran’s responsibilities include designing workouts to fit the athletes, as well as challenging them just enough to help them become faster and stronger athletes. He tailors each workout to match the best ability of the athletes.

Wolfe Street Tower’s genre draws on classic rock influences, such as Pink Floyd or blues-style music. Wolfe Street Tower has roughly half their set list as covers of popular songs, with the second half as originals. (Photo below.)

Junior Abe Alvarado and freshman Celia Ehrenpreis pace sets of 100 meters for their workout as Loughran calls out times. Athletes must meet times as part of the workout.

Melissa McDuffee: artist

Senior Tyler Shenk is another member of the band. “Tyler made it all happen,” Hunter said, drawing another analogy to a different type of food. “It’s like we were uncooked tofu when we were apart, and then he brought us together and now we’re boiling. Tyler turned up the burner.” (Photo above.)

Singgih Nugraha, an exchange volunteer who stays with an HHS family, is a guitarist on the band and has played on Indonesian television. (Photo to the right.)

McDuffee’s finished product. “I call her... Beach Body.” Photos by Paulina Rendon

Senior Melissa McDuffee’s favorite past time is painting. She ‘discovered’ paint when she was a freshman in high school, and she hasn’t stopped ever since. “Painting is just another way of making my life a little bit better,” she said. McDuffee has been using the same paint book for the past four years. Her goal is to get beeter at painting and to just have fun with life. McDuffee will get the chance to improve her skill with her scholarship to Virginia Intermot College next year.

“I really love the way I used color in this one,” said McDuffee. “That’s another reason I love painting so much. It’s like taking the rainbow for yourself and just having fun with it.”

“We don’t really emulate a band,” Shenk said of their performance style. “We all have people that we look up to, but when we’re performing, it all pulls together and we get into it.”

Paul hairston: movie director

“My parents bought me this really cool paint case a couple years ago,” said senior Melissa McDuffee. “They’ve always been really supportive of me, even when I get paint all over my clothes.”

Sophomore Paul Hairston is writing, directing, and filming his own movie. He recently invested in a Canon Rebel EOS T3i camera to do the filming with. Hairston has enlisted several of his friends to star in his production.

“Most of the time, I have no idea what I’m going to paint. I just sit down, put on my paint shirt and put down anything that goes through my mind,” said McDuffee.