September Issue

B6: The Red Sea, tailgating, and football

The

A10: Drama dept. news B10: Paul Ryan rally

Newsstreak where every person has a story

Harrisonburg High School • 1001 Garbers Church Road • Harrisonburg, VA 22801 • 540.433.2651 • Volume XIC • Issue 2• September 28, 2012

Paul Ryan visits Shenandoah Valley Mary McMahan News Editor

Republican Vice Presidential nominee, Paul Ryan, made a quick pitstop in the valley Friday, Sept. 14. Supporters from all over the western part of Virginia attended Ryan’s speech. Even some republican supporters from Pennsylvania made the long journey to Harrisonburg. After the crowd waited for two hours, the campaign bus finally drove into the fairgrounds.

Karen Kwiatkoski, a former sixth congressional district GOP hopeful, led the prayer at the beginning of the rally. Kwiatkoski believes that the rally won’t have as much of an impact as the Obama appearance in 2008 had.

“We were in a much smaller area, so the number of people who came was smaller,” Kwiatkoski said. Despite this prediction, several arrived at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds in time for the start of the rally.

See RYAN on Page A2 Debate over Presidential candidates intensifies What do the candidates stand for? What do students think? We explore the pros and cons. A6

Paul Ryan generates excitement for all ages PHOTO BY PAUL HAIRSTON

ELECTION 2012. Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan, visited the Shenandoah Valley on September 14 at the Rockingham Country Fairgrounds. He spoke mainly about the economy and the EPA as he presented the Republican platform.

Celia Ehrenpreis Editor-in-Chief For 24 eager freshman, their high school experience will be like no other graduated class. These new students are members in the STEM academy (acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The program was introduced this year at HHS for interested science students.

The ninth graders were chosen after a long application process, that included an extensive essay,multiple problem solving questions, as well as teacher recommendations.

Once the students were selected, they attended a two day orientation before school started, that focused mainly on team

HHS wins Wells Fargo Cup second year running

building exercises. All students received personal laptops during orientation that they are to keep for the school year.

The necessity of the computers arises from the engineering portion of the curriculum, taught by Seth Stratford. They are vital because the majority of that class is online. Although STEM is Math and Science geared, English, taught by Sheila Antonnicola, is included in the four classes to help develop students’ writing, reading, and communication skills.

“I joined STEM because of my interests in science.

I wanted to learn more at a higher level. STEM classes have more integration[than regular freshmen classes].

In our science class, we’ll

See STEM on Page A2

Mia Karr Managing Editor

PHOTO BY SUKRITI ADHIKARI

WATCH YOUR FINGERS. Freshman Abner Johnson and A.k. Koyee work on their boat design for STEM Academy

Scheduling problems leave students without classes Gina Muan News editor Bright and early on the first day of school, HHS students poured into the building for the start of the new year. At the ring of the first bell, as students compared schedules, it quickly became evident that several issues were at hand.

“At least 25 schedule change forms were submitted per counselor the first week,” Veronica Ortiz, the guidance secretary, said. For the first few days, students were assigned to the auditorium for the blocks during which they didn’t have an actual class scheduled.

“There were no fewer than 60 kids left in the auditorium at the end of first block, Tuesday, Aug 21,” Ortiz said, “There must have been over 120 to begin with.”

Ortiz believes the problems this year are more extensive than in past years. “There

“At least 25 schedule change forms were submitted per counselor the first week,” Veronica Ortiz, Guidance Secretary were a only couple new classes added to the curriculum. The issues probably arose from the large number of new students,” Ortiz said.

“Over 100 arrived from outside the Harrisonburg area, coming in from all over the U.S. and different countries, Ortiz said.

The combination of both full year and semester courses this year makes matters confusing when it comes to putting students into the classes they need.

“Upperclassmen tend to be more picky

On the Web Updated sports scores for all seasonal sports an intramurals Feature package stories and extended coverage of print packages Advertising forms and information Breaking news from school community Video footage of sports Variety of reviews and blogs Poll of the week Picture of the day

Recent rally at Rockingham County Fairgrounds attracted Republican fans.

Check out their reactions to Ryan. B10

with their schedules,” Ortiz admitted, “usually because of all the APs they try to fit in.”

There are a few exceptions, though.

Christina Sellers, a senior, received a ‘virtually perfect’ schedule at registration, consisting of all five APs she signed up for as well as her electives.

On the other hand, junior Lillian Poirot wasn’t quite so lucky.

“I was signed up for English, but it didn’t fit in, so I ended up having three fourth blocks and no second block next semester. It’s probably going to have to be online,” Poirot said.

“It’s never an easy time of year. Students tend to get frustrated about not getting the classes they want, and anxious that they’re missing instruction time. I do my best to explain the process, but sometimes I’ve just got to say, ‘sorry, this block is full,’” Ortiz said.

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From his administrative work at other Virginia schools, principal Tracy Shaver knows that winning the Wells Fargo cup comes with a good deal of recognition. So, the spring before he came to HHS, he was excited to hear that his new school had won the award. He was even happier when HHS won the cup for the second year in a row this past spring.

“We have a lot of things to be really proud of,” Shaver said. The cup is a joint effort of many programs in the school.

Two Wells Fargo Cups- one for academics and one for athletics- are awarded to the top scoring high school in the A, AA, and AAA divisions.They are awarded by the Virginia High School League (VHSL) and sponsored by the Wells Fargo bank. HHS received the academic Wells Fargo Cup for the AA division, after scoring a total of 220 points. These points came from the Newsstreak, yearbook, and literary magazine (which all received Trophy Class rankings), the one-act play (which was state runnerup), the creative writing program, and the debate team (which won the state championship.) The total was 25 points above the nearest competitor.

“Our extracurricular programs have

See WELLS FARGO on Page A2

Components of the Wells Fargo Cup -Scholastic Bowl -Creative Writing -Theatre -Forensics -Debate -Newsspaper -Yearbook -Literary Magazine

Coming Up One Act and musical exclusives Fall sports coverage: football, volleyball, and more Homecoming dance reviews Presidential election preview International festival hits the ‘Burg Debate team trying to defend state championship VHSL fall championship workshop results for all media

September 28, 2012

The

Newsstreak

NEWS- A2

Dinapoli revamps class wars competition

News Briefs Dress Code Issues Students must follow the dress code this year. Clothing regulations can be found in the student handbook section of the HHS planars. Students who violate the dress code will be asked to change into a school provided outfit.

Schedule Changes Scheduling problems have been figured out by the guidance department.

The deadline to change a schedule has already ended. Guidance will not accept any requests.

Football Season Kicks Off HHS opens up the football season with a win against TA. The next scheduled home game will be September 21 at 7:00 p.m.

Prudential Spirit of Community Award Applications for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award are due November 6, 2012. Applicants are required to have taken part in community service after September 1. Applications should be turned into a school principal.

PROMISE Scholarship The proimse scholarship will be due March 1, 2013. The applicant must be 50% latino to qualify for the scholarship. The winners of the scholarship will attend a celebration at the Martin Chapel at Eastern Mennonite University from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on June 1, 2013.

PARKING PASSES AVAILABLE IN ATHLETIC OFFICE Students must purchase a parking pass. Warnings have already been issued by the athletic department.

Tickets will be given out if the student doesn’t have a parking pass.

FAFSA Students who need more information about financial aid for college should sign up to meet with their guidance counselor.

Red Sea Shirts Students who wish to purchase a red sea t-shirt should visit room 444.

Shirts are $10 and sweatshirts are $20.

Chicago Trip The Fine Arts department will be taking a trip to Chicago this spring. More information for fine art students will be available within the month.

Most Valuable Blue Streak Alex Hunter-Nichols was named “Most Valuable Bluestreak” at the Academic Excellence Ceremony. Katrina Sokolyuk and Robby Ross were runner-ups.

Red Sea Tailgate Tailgating takes place every home football game in the parking lot.

Come out and support your streak!

Bring $1 to cover the cost of food. See Robby Ross for more Red Sea details.

Brenna Cowardin Style Editor Ben DiNapoli, SCA president, is reviving the idea of Class Wars, an intramural competition, his sister, Emma DiNapoli, began two years ago. Class Wars is a full year of competition where students can earn points at a multitude school-related events.

Senior Alexis Grahan has been here four years and is excited about Class Wars.

“It’s a good idea,” Grahan said. “It’s a better way to get the school involved.”

“Getting the school involved” was exactly DiNapoli’s plan.

These activities include student attendance and school-related events.

“Class Wars emphasizes participation,” DiNapoli said. To get points, students must be present at school activities and functions. Junior Morgan Neary be-

lieves that “we need more people at sporting events so our fellow students can get support from the school.” This means not just showing up to Friday night football games or the musical this winter; students can earn points by going to band concerts, choir concerts, or even tennis matches. At these events, students receive chips, or tokens, that they must return to room 444 and put in their grades’ jar.

During Spirit Week before Homecoming, students who dress up to show their school spirit will be awarded points also. The SCA plans to hold three-on-three sports tournaments throughout the year as well, with games ranging from basketball to ultimate frisbee.

DiNapoli hopes to soon have a score tracker on the school’s website so students can see their class standings online. He also plans to announce chip counts the school day after an event during morning announce-

“[One purpose is] to get the [republican voters] base excited and get out there.”

The pledge of allegiance was led by Senator Mark Obenshain’s daughter, Tucker Obenshain, a student at JMU. One goal for Romney and Ryan, in the 2012 election is to attract younger voters.

U.S. Congressman Bob Goodlatte introduced the crowd to Paul Ryan in the sweltering heat. The rally was not only important for Ryan; Goodlatte is also campaigning to maintain his seat in the House of Representatives.

Ryan’s speech focused on the importance of electing Governor Mitt Romney as the next president of the U.S. during the rally. Some of key points for Romney’s election, highlighted by Ryan, included the deficit, Obama care, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and it’s affect on agriculture. The current state of the

The Skinny on Class Wars What is it?

A competition between the seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshman to raise the most spirit.

Who’s running it?

Our own SCA president, Ben DiNapoli, has recreated Class Wars.

Why should you participate?

If your grade wins you will receive some awesome prizes, like catered lunch from Outback Steakhouse, a movie in the auditorium, and a class trophie!

When Class Wars end?

Class Wars will end near the end of the school year, so hurry and raise some spirit!

Where can we raise spirit?

You can raise spirit at school during Homecoming week OR at a school related event.

How can you “raise spirit”?

All students can raise spirit by going to any school related event, pick up a token, then head to room 444 to drop them into a bin with your grade on it. This is how we count spirit.

Curriculum coaches ready to help teachers grow Margot Zahner- English

Tricia Cummings - Math

Heather Kimberlain - Science

Felicia Tran Staff Reporter

Ana Hunter-Nickels Photography Editor

Gina Muan News Editor

Q: What were you teaching before you got your new position?

A: “Eighth grade English at Thomas Harrison Middle School.”

Q: Do you miss teaching?

A: “Yes, I miss connecting with students.”

Q: What are the pros and cons of your job?

A: “A pro is I get to work with wonderful teachers and share and learn about effective instruction. A con is I have a different role and so far I have no classroom. Also, I don’t get to have that same connection with students.”

Q: Do you have to work Reading or Writing more than Grammar or Spelling before?

Poems or Short stories A: “No, about Free verse or Rhyming the same.

Mondays or Sundays Then again Curriculum coach or I thought I Teacher worked a lot Homework or at my old Classwork job.”

Q: What is the purpose of your position?

A: “I partner with teachers to help find the resources and strategies to the most effective teaching so all the students can be successful. I hope to help teachers help their students become better writers and readers.”

Q: Do you like being a instructional coach?

A: “I LOVE it.”

Q: Do you still teach some students?

A: “Not directly, but I can co-teach and help teachers with students so I would say sometimes.”

Q: What advice would you give to new students?

A: “I would say to teach to enjoy it, have a long-range plan at least five years, and to build relationships with students.”

Q: What do you miss about teaching?

A: “So far, what I miss about teaching is the opportunity to work directly with students, but it’s great to see so many former students here at HHS.”

Q: What are the pros and cons of you new job?

A: “Number one pro is that I get to be in a lot of different classes, and I’ve already met a good many students. Also, it’s just really fun to see teachers who are eager to get all the information they can get, and I love the people in the math department.

So, the fact that I get to work side by side with them it’s just enriching for me. [The] con is I’m not in the classroom with my own students all day long. Really, that’s the only con for me. I miss being in the classroom all day, but I’m really Algebra or Algebra 2 lucky I get to Instruction coach or be the the Teacher classroom one Tests or Quizzes block a day.”

Expressions or EquaQ: What do tions you do in your Multiple choice or Fill new job? in the blank A: “I can help Variables or Coeffiwrite a les- cients son plans for Students or Teachers teachers, and help them teach models.

I can video tape teachers. I can help them write their goals for the year. I can go in and observe another teacher and other teachers can observe me in my classroom.

I’ve helped write pacing guides. So, anything that teachers need support with I’m willing to do it.”

Q: What advice would you give a new teacher?

A: “I would say number one, make the students feel welcomed and cared for and respected. Everything else can be learned.

You can content and teaching strategies but number one is for the students to feel safe and trusted. Talk to other teachers if you’re struggling. If you’re feeling like you’re overwhelmed. I don’t know about other departments but in the math department everyone is there to support new teacher and other teacher.”

Q:What were you teaching before your promotion?

A: I taught fifth grade science and geography at THMS Q:What are the pros and cons of your new job?

A: The pros are: I get to be at three different schools. I have gotten to see many former students and catch up with them. I get to meet lots of teachers and be in lots of classrooms.

-cons-I don’t have my own class or classroom anymore.

Q: Are you helping teach Earth science or other classes?

Biology A: Part of my Chemistry or Biology role is to work Students or Teachers collaborative- Astronomy or Geology ly with teachHomework or ers, so I get to Classwork help with lots Multiple choice or Fill of different in the blanks things includ- Mornings or Evenings ing teaching Mondays or Sundays classes.

Q: What grades are you working with?

A: Mostly 9th right now...

Q: Do you have to work as much as you did in your old job?

A: I had different work in my classroom. I don’t know if I would quantify it as more or less.

Q: What do you do in your new job?

A: I work collaboratively with teachers to improve instructional practices.

Q: What successes are you hoping to see in the first year of your job?

A: I hope to work with many different teachers and to facilitate collaboration among teachers in the same content areas.

Q: What advice would you give a new teacher?

A: Work closely with your mentor. Take advantage of the expertise and support of people around you. Don’t forget to take time for yourself.

Ryan presents GOP platform RYAN from A1

ments.

At the end of the year, all the chips will be counted up and the winning grade gets a class trophy, a catered lunch from Outback Steakhouse, and a to-be-announced movie in the auditorium. DiNapoli hopes future SCAs at HHS will continue Class Wars and make it a tradition by passing the class trophy between winning grades as the years go on.

The SCA hopes the competitive nature of high school students and the tantalizing prize of a steak dinner will boost school spirit.

David Loughran also predicts a rise in student participation at school-related events. “(Class wars) certainly can allow students to get caught up in the excitement and competition.” said Loughran.

DiNapoli is excited to see the outcome of Class Wars. “Different grades have different strengths,” DiNapoli said.

economy and the current size of the U.S. government are Romney and Ryan’s main focuses. “[Paul Ryan] was a good speaker [who] allowed me to see both sides of the spectrum,” senior Trevor Cockburn said.

The event was even a hot spot for new correspondents from major news stations like FOX News. Conservative FOX news contributor, Kate Obenshain, sister of state senator Mark Obenshain attended the event.

The Paul Ryan rally was expected to be important for the Valley this fall since Virginia has been named a “swing state” for this election after Virginia “went blue” in the 2008 presidential race.

“Republicans are going to take back every single inch of the valley,” Kate Obenshain said. “[One main purpose of the event] is for those independents who haven’t made up their mind,” said Kate Obenshain.

HHS going for three-peat with Wells Fargo Cup WELLS FARGO from A1 been strong. It’s a matter of those programs reaching a peak and performing at the highest level,” Athletic Director Darrell Wilson said. Wilson is in charge of the VHSL activities (both athletic and academic) that over 500 students participate in.

He and Shaver would both like to see even more students participate.

“I’ve been very impressed with the quality of sponsors we have. The students are phenomenal. I want to see more students continue to get involved,” Shaver said. He believes that students who participate in extracurricular activities are better at time management and organization, and generally have higher grades. Recruiting younger students is important too for both their personal growth and the growth of the teams. “[It’s about] building the team from the bottom up,” Wilson said. He wants to have

the upperclassmen continue to be leaders in their respective activities, while training and teaching underclassman who will become leaders in the years to come.

Wilson got to watch first hand what goes on with an academic team when he accompanied the debate team to their state competition, and was impressed with the amount of preparation that was required.

“Whenever the community at large gets attention drawn to positive things about our academics... it’s a good thing,” debate coach Peter Norment said. He adds that negative things about the school system are often the issues highlighted in the news.

“It’s nice to be recognized for the achievement. It means a lot to us as a school. It’s something the teams work hard for,” Wilson said, describing his reaction to winning the cup.

Shaver put it more simply, “I was thrilled.”

STEM program beginning this year for HHS freshmen STEM from A1 have Algebra 2 concepts during the lesson,” freshman STEM member Malcolm McGee said.

There has been controversy over whether or not STEM would interfere with freshmen’s elective choices. This is partially true, although it does not conflict with extracurricular activities.

“I wanted to take the debate elective, but it would not fit with STEM and band. I have not had a problem with [the program] intervening with marching band,

but we’ll see,” McGee said. “[I think the best part about STEM] is it’s collaboration. For example, the students read the novel A Night to Remember which deals with the sinking of the Titanic, we then, in engineering did a boat design to help tie the two together. For the science part of that project students will learn about buoyancy and test their boats in water,” Stratford said.

The STEM Academy was cofounded by Mathematics and Science teachers Geoffrey Estes and Andrew Jackson.

“[The founding] was really a collaborative effort, no one person came up with the idea,” Jackson said. Once the idea was formulated it was refined, and then passed by the school board.

STEM academy is not only run by the HHS faculty, it has an advisory board comprised of community members interested in the success of young students.

The board does everything from offering their opinions of the curriculum, to evaluating the inner workings of the program, and it’s benefits. Freshman Karan Chal-

ishajar was drawn to the STEM program because of the engineering component.

“I really like the fact that the subjects relate. In elementary and middle school, they never did,” Chalishajar said.

The program is designed for students to build upon their knowledge throughout high school, therefore it is a four-year program. If a student feels they are no longer experiencing success from the academy, they are allowed to leave at the end of a grade.Classes are considered

honors, although that is subject to change if supervisors feel a class is either too easy or too hard. STEM students are not able to apply to Massanutten Regional Governor’s School due to conflicting schedules.

“There are definitely things we will tweak for next year, such as the pacing of the classes, and making sure everyone is keeping up. Up until this point, we’ve had very positive feedback [about the program],” Stratford said.

September 28, 2012

The

Newsstreak

NEWS- A3

Publications receive high rankings Newsstreak named All-American Yearbook receives gold medal from Columbia

Sydney Knupp Staff reporter Many monumental events have occurred in the last 89 years. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched a total of 17 Apollo missions from 1963-1972. Although there were only six successful Apollo missions, the United States achieved great accomplishments from around the 1960s and beyond landing on the moon on July 20, 1969.

This success story is similar to that of our eighty-nine year old HHS paper, The Newsstreak. Over the years the Newsstreak has become well known, spreading its literary wings not only here in Harrisonburg, but across the nation as well.

Newsstreak is the only nationally known paper in our district, although Waynesboro High School does have a newspaper, it hasn’t reached the national acclaim that our newspaper has achieved. All four other schools in the county do not create or publish a newspaper.

Fifteen years ago, Valerie Kibler came on board as adviser to the Newsstreak.

Kibler’s staffs have won numerous awards throughout her tenure at HHS, while she was helping the paper reach its fullest potential and pushing students to always do their best.

In 2010, Kibler was recognized for her outstanding work, by winning the National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year Award. This award is seen as an “Emmy Award” in high school journalism.

This amazing accomplishment launched our paper to an even big-

ger and better award-winning arena in the 2011-2012 school year.

The Newsstreak won first place with four marks of distinction in the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) making it an AllAmerican publication.

Our online edition of Newsstreak achieved first place with two marks of distinction in the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA).

Combined, both the online edition and the print edition earned the Gold medal ranking with AllColombian honors for essentials from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

Newsstreak also received the George H. Gallup award, the highest honor given by the Quill and Scroll International Journalism Honor Society.

Nineteen students have been named as finalists in the Virginia High School League’s 2012 Writing/Design/Photography competition. They will find out where they ranked in the top five when they attend the regional championship workshop on Oct. 1 in Fredericksburg, VA. In order to further their journalism skills, staff members travel to multiple journalism workshops and conventions throughout the course of the year. These include the Virginia High School League fall championship workshop in Fredericksburg, VA, The fall national convention in San Antonio, TX, the spring national convention in San Francisco, CA and the spring regional convention in Columbia, SC. HHS also hosts the Virginia jDay in April for journalism students and advisers from around the state.

John Earle Staff Reporter The Yearbook here at HHS is one of several award winning programs. Aside from being a great program to be part of, it has received multiple distinctions.

“The Yearbook has won a gold medal at the Columbia Scholastic Press Association,” adviser Mary Strickler said. “This school year, the Yearbook’s theme is Capture, where the goal is to ‘capture’ everyone doing something interesting.”

“Buy the yearbook because it’s really good and there are 60 kids hard at work taking pictures and submitting pictures.

[We’re] focusing on putting more people in the yearbook instead of the same old. Over the summer the yearbook staff went to two camps,” Strickler said. “[We] won the same awards as last year but [are] also getting the Colonel Savedge Award.

That’s for seven years of excellence. No one get’s it twice except for the big Northern Virginia schools so this year we feel special,” Strickler said.

In an age when many publications are ending their tenure, Strickler feels like the yearbook is one of the most important publications a school has.“[If it ended] I would be sad, because the yearbook allows you to really bond with your children and get to know them on a personal lev-

el. Since each class has a different personality,” Strickler said.

“The cool thing about the yearbook is that we now put video in it and readers can download a free app on their smartphones or iPads called a QR code reader. There are videos of the halftime show, the marching band, top plays of football, videos of broadcast, and the Newsstreak app of the day,” Strickler said.

Working with the TAJ staff is rewarding for Strickler.

“Part of the problem with winning is that you don’t get a yearbook the student body wants. It’s more about making a yearbook that the students want than winning awards,” Strickler said.

Imprint lit mag continues to earn awards Sam Imeson Staff reporter HHS has very strong scholastic media programs. Imprint is the school’s literary magazine. It got its start in 2008 and has become a very decorated program with all of the awards they have won.

Every year since Imprint began in 2008, they have won multiple staff and individual awards.

2008 and 2009 were their least productive years as they only won eight awards combined.

In the following three years, though, they have garnered 37 awards.

The magazine as a whole wins awards when it is evaluated by independent judges from various evaluation services offered by scholastic publication organizations such as the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the National Scholastic Press Association, the Southern Interscholastic Press Association and the Virginia High School League.

Individual students can also win awards. In 2008, 2010, 2011 the magazine won trophy class from the Virginia High School League. In 2009 the magazine won a first place, the ranking just below trophy class.

Some of the individual awards that a student can win are best drawing, painting, 3-D art, prose spread and best cover.

Imprint competes at a state level with the VHSL and at the national level with CSPA and NSPA. Imprint magazine is not free to the students and staff. It usually runs about $3 and is student-made and student-edited.

Richard Morrell is the faculty adviser for Imprint.

“We want the magazine to reflect the student body. We want more people to submit personal writings. With a school this big we should have at least a hundred people submitting work,” Morrell said.

Imprint magazine comes out in the late spring.

Submissions can be made to Morrell in room 465.

JROTC members grow leadership skills Colonel Roy McCutcheon Guest reporter

PHOTO BY PAYWAND SOFY TOP: JROTC student cadets participate in a team-building exercise of tug-of-war at pre-school leadership camp.

PHOTO BY JOSE ELLEDGE TOP: JROTC cadet squads perform a drill involving carrying a stretcher with a teammate to practice for possible scenarios.

One week before summer vacation ended, 17 cadets joined Colonel McCutcheon and Command Sergeant Major Wilder for the first ever, two-day leader camp where cadets experienced hours of leadership and rigorous work outs.

The point of the camp was so the cadets could prepare to take on the responsibility of running the Blue Streak Battalion. The cadets were watched and chosen for the right position to successfully run the battalion.

C/COL Maxi Medeiros received the position of Battalion Commander. Alongside him is the Command Sergeant Major, C/ CSM Fernanda Gonzalez, Executive Officer, C/LTC Cecilia Valdez, Honor Guard Commander, C/LTC Alexis Day, and the S3, C/LTC Maggie Zheng to successfully run the battalion as they are the “Top Five,” the most elite and experienced cadets in the battalion.

The cadets participated in a team building exercise, “The Olympics,” where they were divided into three teams and competed in different events such as one minute max push-ups and curl ups, an individual mile run, tug of war, individual and team sprints and mile runs. The three teams commanded by C/COL Maxi Medeiros, C/ CSM Fernanda Gonzalez, and C/LTC Cecilia Valdez all ended in a tie with 23 points.

On Sept. 7, 31 cadets departed from HHS for Brethren Woods to participate at Leader Camp where the cadets were trained to be leaders in the Blue Streak Battalion chain-of-command and endure hours of techniques in drill and ceremony.

The cadets were again divided into three squads, each commanded by the C/CSM Fernanda Gonzalez, C/LTC Cecilia Valdez, and C/LTC Alexis Day. The cadets competed in various activities including drill, one minute max pushup and curl ups, team mile runs and sprints.

All the cadets had time to bond with one another and meet the “Top Five” as they competed with one another. In the end, second squad, led by C/LTC Cecilia Valdez took home first place followed by C/

LTC Alexis Day’s squad and lastly, C/CSM Fernanda Gonzalez’s squad.

On Thursday, Sept. 13, the Blue Streak Battalion joined Colonel McCutcheon and Command Sergeant Major Wilder in the first ever JCLC and Leader Camp Awards Ceremony where the cadets were recognized for their achievements during the camps they attended.

JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) is a week-long camp during the summer at Fort Pickett, Virginia, where ten HHS cadets joined 500 other cadets to participate in JCLC Eagle.

There, they were split up into three companies: Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie to compete as they were all trying to be the Honor Company.

The cadets had the chance to experience rappelling, water-borne obstacles, drownproofing, the Leadership Reaction Course and many more activities with their platoon and squad. In the end, C/1LT Kevin Orengo and C/1SG Nicholas Dean were members of the Honor Company as Charlie Company was victorious. C/LTC Cecilia Valdez received the Special Recognition trophy for Bravo Company and medal at the JCLC Awards Ceremony as well as C/ LTC Alexis Day. All JCLC participants received JCLC Arc, Rappelling Arc, Orienteering Arc, RECONDO Arc, JCLC Eagle Pin, Senior Army Instructor Leadership Ribbon, Proficiency Ribbon, Orienteering Ribbon, Adventure Training Ribbon, Commendation Ribbon, JCLC Ribbon, Hiking Ribbon, and Rappelling Ribbon.

Other cadets also got recognized for their achievements at the Leader Camps.

For the Team Builder Camp, C/CSM Fernanda Gonzalez got the Highest Graduate Medal and C/LTC Maggie Zheng took home the “Guts and Glory” medal for her attitude at the “Olympics.”

For the Leader Camp, the Highest Graduate Medal went to C/SGT Abby Westfall with the runner ups, C/SGT Karla Gonzalez and C/SGT Maria Medeiros. C/SGT Anna Zheng also got the “Guts and Glory” Medal for her attitude at the “Olympics” as well.

All the cadets that participated in the Leader Camps received Leadership Arcs and Hiking Ribbons for their participation.

AP scores once again above average as compared to state, national averages Isaac Falk Op-ed reporter AP scores have been released and HHS has once again performed above average.

Teaching an AP course requires you to teach a college level course to high school students, students who are years younger than the average college student.

Jay Blair is a new AP US history teacher who has just finished his first year teaching the subject. Blair has seen the distribution of scores in his class, and though they were not ideal in his eyes, he was pleased regardless. His class average was above the national average, and his class had a higher percentage of four and fives than the national average.

But he believes there is still room for improvement.

“We, had, a bigger number of twos than I would like see,” Blair said. To try to maximize his students’ performance, Blair is making alterations to his curriculum.

“Truth be told, I am always thinking about making alterations in the curriculum of every single class I teach.” Alterations such as the inclusion of released AP exam questions in chapter tests, to help students familiarize themselves with the format. He will also focus on ensuring every student participates in independent study, study outside of the classroom.

AP biology teacher Mac Bair is very pleased with the results, and for good reason. Bair’s class average was the highest of the science AP programs in HHS. His class performed to his expectations, and he believes the scores represented the class well.

Bair believed the rigor of his class ensured students would know the content in order

to get the grade they desired. Then that knowledge would carry over into the exam.

Regardless, Bair will make alterations to his curriculum, but not only to maximize potential. The official AP Biology exam will have additional content for the 2012-2013 school year, and Bair is compensating for the additions.

With 44% of his class getting a five, and a 7.14 percent increase in the mean score from the prior year, AP US Government teacher Kris Vass had one of the best AP showings in the school.

“You have to set the bar high with an AP course, and make students reach for it,” Vass said. Vass ensures his class is prepared for the exam by having high expectations for his students.

But Vass concedes there are unique challenges to teaching AP Government.

“It’s hard to motivate seniors some-

times,” Vass said. In response to the senioritis, Vass tries to motivate his students by getting them to be politically active.

Every nine weeks he demands a project involving government be completed. Vass just wants seniors to get engaged in their government, whether that participation is volunteering at a local political office, reading political documents, or even riding with the police.

All three teachers agreed on one thing.

The teachers may have taught the content, but the students were the real stars of the exam. The students were the ones who put in the effort to learn the content, to perform to the best of their ability.

“The kids in the AP classes are some of the smartest, most motivated, students in the school,” Vass said.

September 28, 2012

The

Newsstreak

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The

Newsstreak Newsstreak

Are students ready for career choices in eighth grade?

The Harrisonburg High School Newsstreak The Policy The Newsstreak is published by the students of Harrisonburg High School every month. Reproduction of any material from the newspaper is prohibited without the written permission from the editorial board. Advertising rates are available upon request.

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

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

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

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

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.

Staff Reporters: Mark Duda, Maggie Siciliano, Ben DiNapoli, Mia Karr, Katrina Sokolyuk, Anthony Duong, John Earle, Max Johnson, Isabelle Burden, Julexus Cappell, Bryndal Fulginiti, Victoria Giron, Ana HunterNickels, Gypsy Torgerson, Gina Muan, Kerri Hofacker, Kendall Bailey, Josh Byrd, Austin Swift, Valerio Aleman, TJ Kirkland, Jr., Ellie Plass, Felicia Tran, Brenna Cowardin, Luke Gibson, Isaac Falk, Sukriti Adhikari, Chelsea Arnott, Lindsay Plume, Karim Rawls, Josh Storella, Lybeth Vega-Lopez, Anthony Walton, Sydney Knupp, Alexis Dickerson, Nishat Jamil, Marilyn Gallardo, Paul Hairston, Sam Imeson, Anna Wyatt, Faith Runnells and Mary McMahan.

Professional Affiliations The Newsstreak participates as a member of several journalistic evaluation services including the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA-2010 Gold Evaluation and 2005 & 2009 Silver Crown Winner), Quill&Scroll Journalism Honor Society (2012 Gallup Award), National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) All-American, the Virginia High School League, Inc. Trophy Class Award, and the Southern Interscholastic Press Association All Southern Ranking and 2010 Scroggins Award winner. 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 year marks the incipient year of the student in an academy class will actually want HHS STEM academy, and with it, a marked to be there, supporting a better learning enchange in educational philosophy at HHS. The vironment that might not be found in a genSTEM academy is the first subject academy eral class. In addition, for the students who planned, but not the last. A fine arts academy do actually know beyond a shadow of a doubt is planned for the future, and others are not that they want to study the subject of their out of the question. academy, the academies will supply earlier Until now, HHS has always encouraged and more exposure than would be available broad-based education for its students, but otherwise. the planned subject academies threaten to On the other hand, it is unlikely the acadchange that. Encouraging the brightest stu- emies will actually foster better overall school dents to focus on one particular subject area performance in students. According to reearly in high school will limit their exposure search done on similar subject academies in to other areas, areas they might not have other high schools by MDRC, the primary known they enjoyed, or known to even exist. benefit of the academies is an increase in Many high school kids don’t really know what graduation rates among enrolled students. they are interested Standardized test in by senior year, scores and grades let alone the eighth outside of the acadegrade. The general mies were not higher The unsigned staff editorial appears in each issue and reflects trend of colleges among academy stuthe majority opinion of the Newsstreak Staff Editorial Board. and universities is dents than the overall The Editorial Board is comprised of all editors-in-chief, page to have students student population. editors, advertising managers, photographers and selected freshman journalism students. In no way does our opinion redeclare a major afEven the graduation flect that of the school system or the administration. rate at HHS is unter their sophomore likely to show sigyear, and even then nificant gain, because plenty change their After much discussion about the pros and cons of the academies are all minds. academic academies, the board voted 15-3 that selective, and the stuThat is not to say, high school students weren’t really ready to comdents in them would however, that acadmit to a subject area at such a young age. almost certainly grademies will not have uate anyway. their benefits. Every

WHAT WE THINK

THE ACTUAL VOTE

ART BY GINA MUAN

Wake up slackers! It’s time to get crackin’ Isaac Falk Opinion Editor So now that we’ve begun to hit our full stride, it’s time for you to learn what it means to not be lazy giraffes. Summer break may have ended only a month ago, but that is no excuse for being a procrastinating beaver. If you want your life to not be a spiral of agony between oases of despair, then stay up to date on your work.

But fear not, for I am here to help guide you, for I am the guru of not procrastinating. Ex-

cept for Newsstreak, this entire piece should’ve been written two weeks ago.

To start off, get started. Do whatever it takes to get yourself motivated to get cracking on your homework. If that means dangling a carrot in front of your head, that will work. The faster you get your homework done, the faster you can get back to watching Hannah Montana or whatever your mind comes up with.

If you put your work off until later, you’ll find yourself doing algebra at 12:30 a.m. while all

your friends are out playing hopscotch.

Don’t be afraid to get ahead.

I’ve already finished advanced molecular gastronomy, and that class doesn’t even begin for another five years. If you get ahead now you get some flex room to slack off later. The more you do now, the less you have to do later, and the less you have to do later, the more you can do later, unless you have more to do now, which results in having more to do later, unless it’s a blue moon. Got it?

Take time off if you need it,

don’t constantly be working. If you need to take a quick tai chi break, go for it. Constantly working stresses your body and mind, and before you know it, you are running shirtless through downtown screaming about chimpanzees stealing your iced coffee.

Let’s try to avoid that. Don’t overburden yourself and you can retain your sanity, unlike poor Charles.

Whenever you get overburden just remember what Sir John Maynard Keynes said, “In the long run we are all dead.” So

Steps to procrastination help you through school

The editors and staff Editors-in-Chief: Print - Mark Duda, Celia Ehrenpreis Online - Maggie Siciliano, Ben DiNapoli Managing Editor: Mia Karr Advertising Managers : Austin Coffey and Bryndal Fulginiti Photographers: Ana Hunter Nickels, Sukriti Adhikari

Op/Ed NEWS - A5

The Mia Perspective

Mia Karr

If you think procrastination is “putting something off” you would be wrong. Well, technically you would be right, but you would be missing a very crucial part of the equation- actively putting something off.

Doing something right before it is due because you are ridiculously busy is not procrastination. That is called high school.

No, procrastination takes some effort.

I got my learner’s permit at the very end of August and I turn sixteen on Oct 29. Every time I thought about how I should study, I thought about how dreadfully boring it would be and lacked motivation to get started.

Here are the steps that helped me successfully procrastinate this task for four months.

1. Note that given task needs to be completed sometime far in the future. As in, not tomorrow.

Console yourself with this fact and try to forget about the assignment/project/mission.

2. Whenever you find yourself thinking about how much you need to get this thing done, get really busy doing things you would not ever, in any circumstance, need to do. The Internet

Tips to avoid procrastination Mary McMahan News Editor

We must all be born with procrastination, because we all suffer from it. What is procrastination exactly?

Procrastination is what I call a hidden excuse not to do any homework. We all want to say that we have other things to do, or we are too tired, but really, we are just procrastinating. If there’s something out there that is more entertaining than homework, then we are going to stop working on our calculus homework and go do it.

There are multiple ways to avoid procrastination, but they take a lot of effort, concentration, and dedication.

Tip 1: When typing up a paper, don’t have Facebook and Twitter open on different tabs.

Tip 2: Try working in some place that is quiet and away from all distractions like televisions and computers.

Tip 3: Put your phone on silent, or just put it somewhere out of reach. Only use it if you need to look up something for your homework, of if you need to ask a friend about a school or homework related topic.

Tip 4: Determine a homework schedule. a.k.a. set aside a certain time of the day that you will work on your homework non-stop. That way, you’ll be more motivated to finish everything, but still have enough time to just relax.

Tip 5: Don’t be a procrastinator. A little is okay sometimes, but eventually you will fall behind, and your stress level will skyrocket. Be a good student and do your work on time.

Tip 6: Reward yourself with something when you complete a task. Create a list of things to do, and as you cross something off your list, go reward yourself. Make sure the time spent on rewards doesn’t add up to more than the time spent on task.

I must say that I do enjoy procrastinating a little.

When I get home for school, I don’t like to start homework right away, even though I know that I should dive right into it. However, if we find that perfect balance between school work and leisure, we are sure to ride successfully through our school work.

is a helpful tool for this. Actually spending lots of time on the Internet is required for procrastination.

3. Try to outsmart yourself with clever reasons why waiting to do this task makes sense. For example, “If I wait until the night before the test to read the whole book it will be fresh in my mind!”

4. Realize that you really have to get this thing done and start freaking out. Go into an intense spiral of guilt where you question everything from your ability to complete basic tasks to your worth as a human being and have to turn to chocolate for solace.

Vow that you will never, ever, ever procrastinate this much again.

5. Repeat.

Well, that might just be me.

Honestly I am not that good at this whole procrastination thing

because I am usually too busy.

However, when I do make an effort to procrastinate I find myself asking why I am doing it. The obvious answer is to avoid something I really do not want to do, so I can be happy at that momentbut I am not really happy at that moment because I am thinking of what I should be doing. Until I finally got my permit, I would have moments of spastic unhappiness whenever it came up in my mind, and, as you can see, I spent a lot of energy procrastinating that I could have been spending doing things that actually make me happy.

In the end, my opinion is that procrastination is not worth the energy- but if you ever find yourself needing to do it, I hope you will take my helpful how-to guide to heart.

FEELING OPINIONATED? Write a letter to the editor!

Let us know what we are doing well, doing poorly, or not doing at all.

Drop ‘em off in room 444

September 28, 2012

The

Newsstreak

The Future of Voting

OP/ED A6

As the fall elections grow closer, the importance of becoming involved in local, state and national elections is even more prominent. Here, columnists look at the issues on both sides of the aisle to help you in the decision-making process.

Romney key to bright future Obama is making progress

Joshua Byrd Style Editor This November, voters will decide the future of America forever. The question facing voters is who is best suited to run this great country we call America: Mitt Romney or President Obama. In my opinion, Mitt Romney isn’t a good choice. He is the best choice. From his private sector experience to him saving the winter Olympics, Mitt Romney has enough experience to qualify him for presidency.

He is a person who understands the economy and knows how to create jobs. We need that now, with or 8.2% unemployment rate and stagnating economy.

Romney has already planned out his first day of presidency. Part of this plan is to repeal Obamacare and allow states to pass healthcare laws that benefit the individual state. Also, he wants to allow the people of the U.S. to purchase health insurance across state lines. It is no guarantee that it will lower prices, but if insurance companies want to stay in business, they will lower their prices.

To create jobs, you need to put money in the pockets of the job creators which lowers taxes for everyone. If the job creators have more money in their pockets, they are going to invest it in their businesses. If consumers have more money in their pockets, they will spend more. If businesses see that their products are being bought, they will create more jobs to deal with the demand.

It is one big cycle, but if the U.S. wants to be competitive in global markets, we have to lower our corporate tax rate. Right now, the U.S. has one of the biggest corpo-

rate tax rates in the whole world at 35%.

We have no chance in a global market if we punish businesses for being successful.

Mitt Romney also has said he will eliminate the death tax and so many more taxes like the AMT tax.

Another issue is our presence in the middle east and supporting our allies.

Instead of turning our back on Israel, we need to tell Iran that we stand with Israel and will support them in any decision they make. If they get attacked, we need to be there. Just like when we were attacked on 9/11 and all of NATO came to our side.

Due to budget cuts, our military could be shrunk to a military that was about the same as pre-WWII. Ronald Reagan said once we should have peace through strength. Which means have a strong, big military that will intimidate any terrorist group.

To prove the Mitt Romney’s plan works, let look at states within our nation. In Virginia, for example, Governor Bob McDonnell went into office with a deficit left by Governor Tim Kaine. He cut spending, didn’t raise taxes, and Virginia now has a surplus. In New Jersey, Governor Chris Christie faced a similar situation when he went into office. Yet he cut taxes, balanced the state budget, and now has over a $500 million surplus. This goes to show Mitt Romney’s plan can work.

In August, Mitt Romney announced his running mate. His pick is the House budget committee chairman and native Wisconsinite Paul Ryan. Once Ryan entered the fray, so did Medicare. Ryan has proposed a plan to fix Medicare so it will not bankrupt America. He has gotten criticism from the Democrats, but that is to be expected. I ask this, “Where is the Democrats’ plan to fix Medicare?”

During this election, many things are going to be discussed, but taxes, jobs and the healthcare system are going to be most important. This election is so important, the future of our nation depends on this election.

Who do you want, someone with a proven business record or a president whose policies haven’t really helped the nation in the past three years?

Ellie Pruett-Fiederlein Staff Reporter I am ten months too young to ever vote for Barack Obama, and I am livid.

Living in one of the most contested states in a presidential election that, for the first time in my life, genuinely carries weight for me, there is nothing I’d rather do but whine that my vote doesn’t matter, but cast a ballot anyway. Instead, in this situation, I really am voiceless.

But let me explain why this means so much to me and why, given the chance, I would vote without hesitation for President Obama.

I will be the among first to admit that Obama is not perfect. But his administration has accomplished some remarkable things during this first term, especially given the hostile political environment they’ve been forced to work in.

Since this is my article, I’m allowed to be a little self-centered. Here’s a little sampling of how Obama’s policy has affected my world.

I believe it wrong to deny anyone access to healthcare, no matter how much it may cost. I think human lives are generally worth a great deal more than money. Under the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”), some of my previously uninsured family members will now be covered. In addition, I can now stay on my parents’ healthcare plan until I hit 26.

I also believe it’s wrong to continue spending billions of dollars fighting a war with no clear end, one that is killing U.S. soldiers and Afghan citizens alike. Obama has already disposed of Osama Bin Laden, and has a plan to withdraw our soldiers from Afghanistan by 2014. With so many Americans concerned about the deficit, it only makes sense to me to cut back on mil-

itary spending, since that is where most of our debt comes from. Paul Ryan’s plan however calls for cuts to almost everything but the military.

(When it comes to the issue of balancing the budget, I am appalled at the Ryan plan. I don’t see how slashing practically all social services, but not military spending, and lowering taxes for the top few percent helps anyone (except, well, the top few percent...). These are the agencies that help individual Americans who are struggling, and generally improve the quality of American life. I believe protecting our own well-being, on an individual level, is more important than trying to pay back a debt that has already been spiralling out of control for years. It’s not going to happen anytime soon. But anyway. I digress.)

I believe that any two people who love each other should have the right to get married, to use the common phrase. I believe that, in a way, it is something of a human right. Obama recently voiced a similar opinion. He has already ended the twisted “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, a major step forward for LGBT rights, and I am fairly certain that if he is re-elected, he will fight to make marriage equality a reality in the U.S., a nation that prides itself on having “liberty and justice for all”.

On a somewhat similar note, I believe that no person is “illegal”. This is especially the case for immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children, and had no say in the matter. Although I’m not a Dreamer, I know kids, hardworking students in my high school, who are, and thus strongly support the Dream Act. Obama has always supported the Act, and I’m convinced that he will continue to fight to see it passed.

I also believe that going to college should not mean that I, or any other student, should be left bogged down in debt.

Obama has been pushing for college loan forgiveness, which would make it easier for thousands of families, like mine, to afford to send their kids to school.

Although these are just a few of the issues being considered in the upcoming election, Obama’s positions on them is enough to tell me that I want to see him in office for another four years. If Romney is elected, we risk losing what progress we made during Obama’s first term.

Never in my life have I more desperately wanted to be 18.

The Basics: The Republican Platform vs. the Democratic Platform

Republican Views on...

Democratic Views on...

Abortion: Republicans believe life begins at con-

ception, therefore abortion is murder.

Abortion: Democrats believe a woman has the right to choose to abort a fetus.

only be between a man and a woman.

tween any two people.

Marriage: Republicans believe marriage can

Marriage: Democrats believe marriage can be be-

economy.

Taxes: Democrats believe in middle class tax cuts, and upper class tax increases.

the indivigual mandate.

vigual mandate.

the president’s plan to extend educational aid to the children of illegal immigrants.

ship to children of illegal immigrants who gone through the American education system.

Taxes: Republicans believe in a trickle-down Health care: Republicans are not in favor of Immigration: Republicans are not in favor of Gun Regulation: Republicans do not want

Health care: Democrats are in favor of the indiImmigration: Democrats want to extend citizenGun Regulation: Democrats believe in higher

greater gun regulation.

gun regulation.

lation of business.

of business.

Regulation: Republicans believe in the de-regu-

Regulation: Democrats believe in the regulation

Good News in the World

Bad News in the World

New Map of Human Genome Released: This is one step forward in understanding human genetics and solving genetic conditions.

Hurricane Isaac hits Gulf of Mexico: Hurricane Isaac hit the south-eastern United States, prompting fears the levees will break again in New Orleans. Luckily New Orleans was spared, but parts of the coast were flooded by Isaac.

Paralympics 2012 Held in London: The paralympics are a great way to celebrate our extraordinary handicapped athletes.

Mars Rover Continues to Collect Data: Weeks after its succesful touchdown, Mars rover Curiosity continues to send back scientific information like the composition of Mar’s atmosphere.

North Korea Accepts South Korean Aid: The North Korean people are in need of aid after a tropical cyclone leaves an estimated 21,000 homeless, and South Korea is willing to aid.

Dispute over Okinawa Escalates: Chinese citizens landed on the disputed island of Okinawa, provoking Japanese outrage. The island has long been a source of conflict for China and Japan.

US Envoy Killed in Libya: Libyan militamen attacked the US consulate, killing a US envoy.

Neil Armstrong Dies: Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon, died August 25th. He died from complications after a surgery on his arteries.

September 28, 2012

The

Newsstreak

STYLE A7

Homecoming through the years

Sophisticated Royalty. Homecoming Queen of 1963 reigns over the dance floor.

Photo courtesy of the 1963 yearbook.

What a smile! Homecoming Queen of 1975 graciously accepts her crown.

Photo courtesy of the 1975 yearbook.

Ah, the romance! Students of 1975 enjoy a slow song at homecoming.

In the first few years of homecoming celebration, students showed up in the gym after the “big game” and danced without the buffet tables or complimentary gifts. Photo courtesy of the 1975 yearbook.

Fondest Memories. A gentleman escorted his date onto the dance floor.

Photo courtesy of the 1975 yearbook.

Congratulations! A friend congratulates the Queen of homecoming 2004. Photo courtesy of the 2004 yearbook.

Clap your hands! Students of 2004 enjoy a good song.

Photos courtesy of the 2004 yearbook.

Club 1001. Students pack the dance floor at last year’s homecoming. Neon sunglasses, a complimentary gift, were handed out at the door. Photo courtesy of Mary Strickler.

Are you going to homecoming with a date or friends?

9th grade

6 with dates

24 going with friends

10th grade

6 with dates

24 going with friends

11th grade

4 with dates

12th grade

4 with with 8 going friends dates

24 going with friends

100 people were surveyed for this poll. Infographic by Ellie Plass

SCA prepares for homecoming

Isabelle Burden Feature Editor Homecoming will be held the week of Oct. 15-20 and the SCA is working hard to prepare for the dance that Saturday night.

Homecoming weekend not only includes the dance, but also the homecoming pep rally and the football game against Spotswood.

Junior, Shane Burke is excited about the game. He plays varsity football and is ready for that Friday night.

“It’s going to be awesome,” Burke said.

“We get to wear our new jerseys and we are all going to be looking really good.

Spotswood’s going to be intimidated.”

The cheerleading squad is in charge of organizing the homecoming pep rally.

A lot of exciting activities will have to be packed into that tiny, 30-minute slot. Senior, Nancy Carrie Logan is the captain of the cheerleading squad and can’t wait for the pep rally.

“It’s going to be awesome!” Logan said.

Spirit days spark involvement in HHS sudents Luke Gibson Staff Reporter Oct. 15 marks the start of HHS’s annual spirit week and though from an outside view it might seem bizarre, the student body is more than excited for what this year may have in store.

“I like to see the whole student body get involved. It really helps us get hyped for the game [at the end of the week],” senior SCA reporter Sam St. Ours said.

For those unaccustomed to the whole tradition of go-

ing wild in the name of HHS, here’s what to expect: Throughout the whole week of Oct.15-19, you can expect to see more than several different ways of students expressing their spirit, with the fabled homecoming game being the primary focus.

Dress up day themes enjoyed in previous years have included decades day, country day and of course the most spirited of all, blue and white day.

“Just seeing all of the Red Sea t-shirts on one day was really great [last year],” senior

Robby Ross said. Ross is another key player in keeping up the school spirit throughout the week.

This year’s themes include crazy hat day, sophistication day and athletic day, but many students already had arrangements in mind long before they’d been decided.

“I’ve geared up my Moses costume, and I’m gonna try and tailgate on a random day not even for a game,” Ross said.

“You give me anything school related and I’ll be excited about it.”

Whether a student is a recent addition to the school or

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regular participant, it’s a great way to get involved and become an important part of HHS. “If you’re a new kid, you might be scared that you’ll be different from the rest of the students, but during [spirit week] everybody can be different, everybody can be festive.

You can get rid of any nerves and just have fun,” St. Ours said, providing some encouraging advice for those who may be more hesitant to join in.

“It’s a great way to get involved with the school and meet new people. If you have to be in school, why not enjoy it?” Ross said.

Dress for the dance is semi-formal and tickets are $15 per person. Tickets will go on sale in room 444 the first week of Oct. Out of school guests are allowed to attend, but they must fill out a permission form which can also be picked up in room 444. Eighth graders are not permitted at the dance which will run from 8-11:30 p.m.

Hall decorating competition between the classes will also be an activity that will take place during spirit week. All students can be involved with this and should talk to their class officers or sponsors to find out more information.

September 28, 2012

The

iTunes top 10 has something for everyone Ellie Plass Staff Reporter 10. The tenth most popular song on iTunes is “Everybody Talks” by Neon Trees.

The lyrics are catchy, the rhythm’s upbeat. What more could you want?

9. Next up is Carly Rae Jepsen, with the infamous “Call Me Maybe”. Yea, it’s still on the top ten.

8. Cher Lloyd comes in at number eight with “Want U Back”. What with the grunts every other verse, the song’s a little out there, but still pretty fun.

7. Making the list at number seven is a Top Ten newbie, at least to my knowledge.

Phillip Phillips’ “Home” is a refreshing break from all the electronic sounds usually on the top ten. The real guitar and singer’s slight accent make it a little more relatable, at least for me.

6. And, here we are. Justin Bieber. You knew that you couldn’t make it through an article about the top ten without seeing his name, didn’t you? What i got from his newest song “As Long As You Love Me”, was that maybe the Biebs is actually starting to grow up a little. A rap from Big Sean adds to his song’s popularity.

5. “Good Time” is next on the list, and it’s exactly what you would expect from Carly Rae (again!) and Owl city. Syn-

thetic, pop, it’s not for everyone.

4. The next song isn’t exactly a favorite of mine. I can’t help but cringe at Flo Rida’s lyrics in his latest, “Whistle”.

3. And now, from those who brought you “We are Young”, “Some Nights”. It’s pretty similar to their last song, so if you loved Fun. before, i’d recommend it .

2. Coming in at number two is the ever-popular Maroon 5’s “One Night”.

1. And finally, the number one song on iTunes is Taylor Swift’s “We are Never Getting Back Together”. The bubbly song is classic Taylor, making this a sure favorite for any of her fans.

There you have it, the iTunes top ten. Whether it’s pop, country, rap, or maybe all three, there’s got to be one song on the list you like.

Whether you’d admit it or not.

Bloc Party - “Four” album review

Newsstreak

STYLE A8

New comedy hits air Faith Runnells Staff Reporter Guys With Kids is an upcoming NBC comedy premiering on September 26, 2012.

This show stars Anthony Anderson, Jesse Bradford, and Zach Cregger as three men in their 30’s raising their kids on their own. This show will most likely appeal to adults instead of kids and teenagers.

Guys with Kids is produced and created by Jimmy Fallon, the host of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Fallon is an actor, comedian, and musician. He has appeared in several films over the

Revolution hopes to up NBCs ratings Gypsy Torgerson Staff Reporter Revolution, a new television series on NBC, premiered on September 17th. Revolution shows what would happen if a massive EMP, electromagnetic pulse, hit the continent of North America. An EMP is a high-intensity burst of electromagnetic energy caused by the rapid acceleration of charged particles. If a large enough EMP hit the continent it would send the United States back into the 18th century. This would result in no cars, phones, or internet, making communication difficult.

Revolution is being produced by producer J.J. Abrams and

If you know, indie-rock, you’ll know Bloc Party. Now, the London based band has finally returned from the dead and have even released a new album to prove it. After their self-imposed hiatus starting back in 2009, they’ve come together again to release ‘Four’. As the title suggests, this is their fourth studio album.

If you were a fan of their first release ‘Silent Alarm’ then prepare to have mixed emotions, “Four” is quite simply Bloc Party doing what they do best, experimenting. They do a great job at it too, but don’t expect anything like a remake of their debut. Despite this, there are definitely a few connections that can be made.

On the track Octopus, an energetic guitar jitter accompanied by singer Kele Okereke’s unique vocals can only make one think of the band’s raw beginnings.

I couldn’t help but grin while listening to the opening track So He Begins To Lie, its notable rock riff is so familiar but incredibly fresh at the same time. The rise and fall of verse-to-chorus-verse-

come so great is still there too.

With Four, it’s a new so und that keeps in mind everything we’ve loved about previous albums simultaneously. The frantic pace and erupting vocals on the track 3x3 is a great example of this, while another called Real Talk is more mellow, reflective and in complete contrast, but it still has that distinguished Bloc Party style. There seems to be a Rock-influenced sound that is more prominent here than in past releases, however this is still something that most fans will enjoy.

The drawback of having such a variety of styles in a single album is that the track list sounds quite unorganized and jumpy, as opposed to the steady flow we may be used to. Though this does not affect the feel of the songs themselves, there is a feeling of incompleteness that one can’t help but pick up on. Nonetheless, I found this to be an insightful and freshfeeling album that the band have not tried to cheat the listener out of. Bloc Party are glad to be back, and the feeling is certainly mutual.

takes place 15 years after an EMP hits the continent. Many people are skeptical about Revolution because it seems unlikely that an EMP would take out the whole continent. People also think it’s a rip off of The Hunger Games as well as S M Stirling’s Dies the Fire. Producer J.J. Abrams leads the show into a future where militias and warlords rule society.

Tracy Spiridakos stars as Charlie Matheson, the main character, who is searching for her little brother in the television series. In 2009 Spiridakos starred as Becky Richards in the Canadian television series. Spiridakos’s character is headstrong, daring, and curious in the new world J.J. Abrams has created.

America Idol runner-up releases album

Felicia Tran to-chorus layout that they’ve be- Staff Reporter

Luke Gibson Staff Reporter

duration of his acting career, but is best-known for his performances on Saturday Night Live from 1998-2004. When asked about the show, freshman Sophia Hartman said, “I’m not sure if I’ll watch it. It’s not really my type but I’m sure it will be good for people who like that kind of show.”

It’s hard to say if this show will actually be as funny as NBC claims. As of now the network has only released one trailer showing the guys sitting in a restaurant with their babies strapped onto their stomachs and making jokes. I guess we will all just have to see when the big premiere day comes!

You may know David Archuleta as former runner-up on the hit show American Idol and from his hit single Crush. Well, now he’s back! His new album Begin covers songs from Christina Auguilera’s Beautiful to True Colors by Cyndi Lauper. His cover of Beautiful was simply stunning and one of my favorite covers of this song.

Although I don’t think he or anyone could top Auguilera’s original. True Colors was probably my favorite cover on the album, just because the way he sang it made my smile and made me a little bit giddy inside.

Angel by Sarah Mclachan another cover by him was nice, but it didn’t have as emotion as the original. Now his cover of Somewhere Only We know was almost as good as the original and he added his own flare by making it more acoustic. I got to say my favorite song from this album was the song co-written by him, Broken. It had so much passion and soul to it that I couldn’t help but have goosebumps on my arms and fall a little bit in love with

Sylvia’s Pets Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

him even more.

Here’s a quote from Broken: I still try to love, but I’m in my place Where doing what’s right is so wrong I think this quote is trying to say that he still is trying to look for love but in his life right now and he finds that love and to him it seems right but in the end it feels wrong in his gut.

I think the type of people who would like his music is the kind of people who like listening to soul/ pop but I would say to keep an open mind to the covers and try and not to compare as the great singers that had wrote those songs otherwise you will hate the covers and won’t think of him trying to add his own flare to these great songs.

Honestly, I can’t wait to go home and buy this album on Itunes. I give this album 4 out of 5 stars because although he did some great covers and wrote an awesome song I just felt like he was missing that one thing in most of his songs which was emotion and he didn’t feel passionate for most of his songs.

What’s

HOT

Homecoming A night where you dress up, have an awesome time and party all night.

Fall Movies 1.) Breaking Dawn 2.) 2016 3.) The Hobbit

iPhone 5 Apple annouced that they will release a new iPhone.

The tech world is going nuts.

Cookout The milkshakes are so good.

The food is delicious. The interior is a ski lodge.

Live! with Kellly and Michael After a year of hosting Live! on her own, Kelly Ripa finally announced her new host, Michael Strahan.

Fall TV line-up beginning The last week of September marks the return of our favorite shows and the advent of some new prospects.

What’s

NOT

Princess Kate Photos of her topless inside her vacation home have led the royal family to file an injunction to have the pictures removed.

Tests No one likes getting one back with a big “F” on top.

Also the stress of studying is extremely taxing.

Political Ads We get it. You want us to vote for you. Leave us alone!

Prince Harry Questionable photos of him partying in Las Vegas.

Miley Cyrus’s Haircut She looks like Draco Malfoy

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September 28, 2012

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MILLER, EARLE, & SHANKS, PLLC

Sherry Burcham Anderson

5K Run and Walk

October 13, 2012 9:00am Skyline Middle School and Linda Lane

Entry Fee: $25 for adults $15 for children 12 and under (includes Fun-Run) - Entries received before Sept. 28 will receive a race T-shirt. Race t-shirt not guaranteed after this date.

- Registration will take place at: Skyline Middle School Saturday, October 13, 2012 7:30-8:30 a.m.

- Packet Pickup/PreRegistration: Preregistered participants may pick up their packets on Friday, October 12 at Skyline Middle School from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Race registrations will also be taken at this time.

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Mail entry form and check to: Harrisonburg Education Foundation One Court Square Harrisonburg, VA 22801

ADS A9

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September 28, 2012

The

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STYLE - A10

Drama Drama Drama

Drama department announces Thoroughly Modern Millie as this year’s musical production

Austin Coffey Advertising Manager So far, this school year has been packaged with nothing but new. New binders, new textbooks, new classes, and much much more. However, there is nothing that can quite compare to the renewed excitement that comes with the release of this year’s spring musical. Having announced the theme for this year’s musical at the annual potluck for the drama department, musical director Stan Swartz is prepared for yet another year of performing.

“Each musical has its own flavor, theme or feel. I have never done a musical set in the 1920’s before, which will make the music and choreography a little different than the musicals we have performed in the past,” Swartz said.

Looking back on the previous years, with musicals like How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Les Miserables, Harrisonburg High School has achieved nothing but excellence in their drama and music department. The department plans on doing nothing differently with this year’s highly anticipated spring play, Thoroughly Modern Millie.

“Thoroughly Modern Millie, is based on a 1964 Julie Andrews film and has been highly rewritten. Its about this fun silly girl going to New York in hopes of achieving her dreams, and the complications she

faces in achieving this dream,” Swartz said.

Opening in the Marquis Theatre on April 18, 2002, Thoroughly Modern Millie was nominated for 11 Tony Awards and won six of those nominated including best book of a musical, best choreography, and best orchestration. Featuring upbeat music and a massive amount of dancing, this year’s musical hopes to drastically pull away from Les Miserables’ theme set last year.

“I’m always looking for different styles, and last year had a real serious theme.

This year, I was looking for a [more fun], brainless musical... Truthfully, it is pure nonsense, full of totally silly stuff,” Swartz said.

“Singers will enjoy learning the music from Thoroughly Modern Millie. The melodies are fun and up-tempo, and the choreography will enhance the singers on the stage,” choral director Bethany Houff said.

This being said, Thoroughly Modern Millie is not expected to be the easiest of tasks to consummate. Throughout the years, the expectations for set ideas and designs-- not to mention the amount of higher level choreography needed to sustain the performance level of Harrisonburg High School’s drama department-have steadliy grown.

In addition to designs and technical needs, the students being the actors is a main essential to this musical, and Swartz

“I’ve never heard of it, and although I know a lot of people who are kind of pessimistic about it, I’m sure Mr. Swartz will do a good job like he has before.”

-Andy King, 9

QR Magic

Scan with your smart phone to view Paul Hairston’s video ‘HHS Drama Potluck’ which provides a look at the musical dinner, the anouncement, and actors’ expectations for the new dramatic year.

Katrina Sokolyuk Style/Entertainment Editor

PHOTO BY ANA HUNTER-NICKELS

TRIPPING DOWN MEMORY LANE. Senior Sam St. Ours and freshman Josh Byrd look at pictures from past musicals before the musical announcement potluck.

“[I] don’t really know much a bout it, but I think it’s going to be fun and upbeat.”

-Jack Adamek, 11

“I think it’s really exciting; there’s a lot of dancing, and I’m not very good at dancing... but it sounds fun!””

-Kirsten Fergueson, 12

SHE’S A MODERN Thoroughly Modern Millie tells the story of a small-town girl who comes to New York City to marry for money instead of love-- a thoroughly modern aim in 1922.

Swartz takes care to organize, find perfect costume pieces

“What are your thoughts on the musical this year?”

“I’m SUPER excited for a show where we get to tap dance. It’s going to be so much fun.

-Rachael Cavoto, 10

is in search of talents that run up and down the scale.

“Ideally, I am looking for a student who has it all: one who can sing, dance and act.

Part of what we do on stage is training kids. The musical is very much a learning experience for the students,” Swartz said.

With the many perfected musicals and plays Swartz has put on in the previous years, it is difficult to think of the stage as a place of learning. But in perfecting his plays, Swartz is literally etching out the characters as he sees them, yet all at the same time integrating an overall presence of joy for the students which, according to Swartz, is something that cannot be experienced inside an everyday classroom.

“The show is pure fun and I hope that the students embrace the joy through this musical,” Houff said.

When it comes to putting on a drama production, students work hard to put memorize lines and choreography, and volunteers labor over set designs. Each component is essential to a successful production, but the real icing on the cake is the costumes.

Harrisonburg’s costume closet harbors thousands of costume and prop pieces, each piece tucked away and extensively organized. With the help of sophomore Phoebe Copeland who has been with him since her freshman year, Drama Mamas, and his classes, drama teacher and musical director Stan Swartz keeps track and takes care of the massive amounts of costume pieces.

“Costumes are organized differently according to our needs, [and] there are often many subdivisions,” Swartz said. “For example, shoes are first separated by male/ female, then by style or function, then by style or function, then by color or size.”

Men’s pants are mostly subdividedby waist size, there are other division that are divided instead by style- such as knickers.

Some costumes are divided by the specific show they were made for, such as Beauty and the Beast, and others by time

era such as the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. “Part of the problem with keeping the costumes is that it takes someone with the knowledge of historical styles and costume experience to know where the item needs [to be stored],” Swartz said.

Each show has unique costume problems that require extensive research, or weeks of work, or hours on the internet to locate whatever is needed. Costumes are found at garage sales, thrift stores and regular stores, and eBay. Many of the costumes seen on stage are made by Drama Mamas.

“Even when I am on vacation, I usually take a quick run through the local thrift shop looking for [items],” Swartz said.

Some of the cheaper costumes only last a show or two. Others can last for ten or more. Swartz is constantly on a slow sorting rotation to eliminate items that are unwearable, no longer needed or are deemed not appropriate. These costumes are taken to one of the local charity thrift shops.

Although Swartz puts massive amounts of time into finding costumes, he does not have any specific favorites.

“I like whatever expresses the characters and works for the show,” Swartz said.

“Costumes I’ve specifically designed or ones I both designed and constructed are nice to see again.”

PHOTO BY ANA HUNTER-NICKELS

READY TO GO. Costumes hang in the costume room, ready for another year of drama productions.

PHOTO BY ANA HUNTER-NICKELS

ALL EARS. Students and parents anxiously sit and listen while drama teacher and musical director Stan Swartz announces Thoroughly Modern Millie as this year’s musical production.

PHOTO BY ANA HUNTER-NICKELS

COSTUMES UPON COSTUMES. Racks of costume dresses in one of the many costume closets located throughout the school.

Actors confident about Elephant’s Graveyard, fall one act Luke Gibson Staff Reporter The time of year is approaching once again where HHS’s finest must come together for the fall One Act play. The question on everyone’s minds: Can they be just as successful as last year?

“I think Mr. Swartz is certainly capable of [topping last year’s success]. He’ll choose a play that’s certainly capable of it-- it’s more a question of having a cast as unified as we did last year,” senior Sam St. Ours said.

Assistant director Phil Saunders has been involved in the One Act process for a year and a half.

“I think we have a really strong group this year. Last year we came so close, it gave us a little taste of what [winning] could be

“Last year we came so close, it gave us a little taste of what [winning] could be like. That’s what is putting a fire underneath everyone to try harder and push to a whole other level this year.”

Phil Saunders, Assistant Director

like. That’s what is putting a fire underneath everyone to try harder and push to a whole other level this year,” Saunders said. “I try to get on the students’ level and figure out where they’re coming from. When it comes to approaching a character, I help the kids personalize theirs, relating to their character in a way someone else might not.”

This year’s play will be Elephant’s Graveyard, the true tale of a travelling circus visiting a small town in Tennessee, ultimately ending in disaster. Auditions were held on Sept. 5, and after much tension and waiting, everyone turned out to be cast. Many agree that being a part of one act is hard work, but certainly pays off. “[One act] is a lot of practice, which is really nice. Having rehearsal every day

means you can enhance your skills a lot,” St. Ours said.

HHS will also have home advantage for the first leg of the process, hosting the VHSL AA District Theatre Competition on Oct. 20.

“I don’t think there is any added pressure [from hosting], as long as we stay in the mindset to be the best that we can be,” Saunders said.

“We’ve proven before to be one of the top schools in the state, so as long as we keep our heads in the game, we’ll be fine.”

If all goes well, the competition will continue until Oct. 26-28 at the Virginia Theatre Association Annual Conference in Reston, VA. While the cast may also be feeling the pressure from competing, Saunders gave some advice on how to keep calm and controlled.

“The biggest thing is to just have fun. It can be so easy to be overwhelmed and intimidated by the whole process. Yes, it’s a competition, but you’re there doing something you love, so have fun.”

September 28, 2012

The

Newsstreak

Leaving a Legacy

1930: HUGH DANIEL O’DONELL. English Teacher’ Shelia Antonnicola’s grandather attended HHS alsmost a century ago.

FEATURE- B1

For some students,teachers, being a Blue Streak is in their blood.

1956: HUGH “DANNY” O’DONELL II. Danny O’Donnell played varsity football, basketball, and baseball.

IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY. Giancarlo Antonnicola’s parents met at HHS, and were later married. Giancarlo is following in his mother’s footsteps by attending HHS.

Four generations of family attend HHS Kendall Bailey Sports Editor

M

ost students have older siblings or a parent that went to HHS, but there is one English teacher who has had four generations of her family attend.

Sheila Antonnicola explains her Blue Streak family tree.

“My grandfather, father, and I went to this school, and now my son, [Giancarlo Antonnicola] is a senior here,” Antonnicola said. The time period of the Antonnicola family that went to HHS reaches beyond any other alumni.

“My grandfather on my dad’s side graduated in 1930, and my dad graduated in 1956 as a varsity three sport ath-

lete; [football, basketball, and baseball],” Antonnicola said.

Another surprising twist in the family tree is that hergreat uncle is Claude Warren.

The field house adjacent to our football field was dedicated to Claude Warren in honor of his outstanding contributions to the Athletic Department.

Warren coached football, basketball, baseball and track for over 30 years before he earned the title of Athletic Director.

It was obvious that the men in Sheila Antonnicola’s family had made a name for themselves throughout this school.

Why did she decided to follow in their footsteps and become an English teacher here?

“After I graduated from James Madison University in 1980, I was offered a temporary

position in the English department, and when the main teacher left, I was given the job permanently,” Antonnicola said.

As she started her second year as a teacher at HHS, Sheila (known as O’Donnell back then) met her future husband, Maurizio Antonnicola, back when he was the geography teacher.

The two married after several years and have continued her family tradition by raising their son in Harrisonburg.

So what are the major changes (besides switching buildings) the high school had undergone since she attended?

“The biggest alterations I noticed once I came back to teach were the school dances,” Antonnicola explains “We didn’t listen to hard-core rap like

the students do now-a-days, we had disco and a lot of rock music at our homecomings and proms,” Antonnicola said.

Other than the two major dances, winter and spring formals were just as popular as homecoming and prom. “ We didn’t have as much to entertain us as your generation does, so we planned dances regularly because it was the funnest thing to do around town.”

There’s no doubt that the English teacher’s family roots reach deep into the soil of the HHS foundation.

Four generations and over 80 years later, Antonnicola’s family members have had a building on the grounds named after them, numerous teachers, and are responsible for many star athletes.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHEILA ANTONNICOLA

HOMETOWN PRIDE. Sheila Antonnicola returned to her alma mater after graduating from James Madison University.

Mom,daughter share love of track Celia Ehrenpreis Editor-in-cheif The phrase “It runs in the family” has never been more fitting than in reference to the Morris clan. Senior Akia Morris is following in her mother Colleen Morris’ footsteps not only by attending the same high school as her, but also by being an integral member of the HHS Track and Field program.

“We both love track. [Akia and I] both do the 100 and 200 meter dashes, as well as the 4x4 and 4x2 relays. We also had the same coach, Gary Bugg, who

now coaches part time,” Colleen Morris said.

Although Colleen Morris has not lived in Harrisonburg her whole life, she did in fact attend Spotswood Elementary School, and Thomas Harrison Middle School, while Akia Morris went to Stone Spring and Thomas Harrison Middle School.

After a short stint in Louisa county, Colleen Morris returned to work in the attendance office at Stone Spring Elementary School and then HHS, with former high school friend and blue streak Kathy Grogg.

“She came back for me,” Grogg jokes with a smile. Akia

is not the only daughter who did track in high school, Ashley Morris, Akia’s sister was also a member of the track and field team.

“All three of us did long jump.

I loved track and field when I was at HHS and now she’s doing it, Akia is keeping the legacy alive.

She has already beat both of my school records, that I had [while attending HHS] in the 100 and the 200 as well as a couple of old relays,” Colleen Morris said.

Akia placed twelfth in the 200 meters with a time of 25.97 at the state meet this past spring.

Logan follows in parent’s footsteps Josh Byrd Style Editor

From 395 South High Street to Garbers Church Road, HHS has stood for over 100 years.

Many generations of people have walked through the doors of HHS This school has changed over time. Certain programs have expanded and more classes are offered. When Senior Nancy Carrie Logan’s mom, Debbie Logan, was on the dance team it was then called the drill team. It was the same concept, just a different title.

Senior Nancy Carrie Logan is following in both of her parent’s and her father’s parent’s footsteps by attending HHS; three generations of Streaks/Blue Demons.

Her father graduated with the class of 1970. Now Nancy Carrie will be joining her family as an HHS grad of the class of 2013.

Her parents, like many others, gave her advice about going into high school. The advice they gave her was to get involved in all you can.

“Get involved in musicals and school spirit,” Nancy Carrie Logan said, agreeing with her parents.

Her mother, Debbie Logan was part of the class of 1973.

“U.S. Government was my favorite class,” Debbie Logan said. “Buhl was [my favorite teacher].” (Buhl taught U.S. Government and HIstory.)

As for Nancy Carrie Logan, her favorite class is theater and her favorite teachers are Stan Swartz and Bethany Houff.

SCHOOL SPIRIT! Debbie Logan (right) was on the drill team when she attended HHS.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AKIA MORRIS

A FAMILY AFFAIR. The Morris family: Rodney, Colin (in front), Coleen, Ashely and Akia, at Ashley’s graduation. Both mom and the two sisters were members of the track and field team.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NANCY CARRIE LOGAN

TWO GENERATIONS OF STREAKS! Danny Logan was class of 1970.

HHS Math teacher Bill Turner has taught many parent-child duos over the years.

Q: How long have you been teaching?

A: In total? 43 years.

Q: How many of those years were you teaching at HHS? A: It’s 2012 now, so 28 years.

Q: How often do you come across a student who is the child of a former student?

A: …More times than I’ve realized.

Q: What is your initial reaction when you realize this?

A: ‘I’ve been doing this a long time!’

Q: Do you have any interesting stories about meeting an old student’s child?

A: They know more stories about me, than I do about them.

Q: Do you ever get to meet the parents again?

A: Yes. During Parent-Teacher conferences, we talk and reminisce.

Q: How long does it take to realize you are teaching an old student’s child?

A: Before the school year starts, I look over my list of students. I would see their last name and that is when I make the connection. There have been times when I didn’t make the connection.

But I can tell who their parents were by the characteristics they show in class.

Q: Do any students’ parents come to mind?

A: I coached Kerri Hofacker’s dad in football at another school. I coached her brother, too.

Q: Would you like to mention any of your past students?

A: I’ve actually taught Mrs. Kibler. I’ve also taught Mr. Hook, Mrs. Hook who teaches Spanish, Mr. Long, Mr. Kurtz, and Mr. Rudman.

Interview by Nishat Jamil

September 28, 2012

The

Newsstreak

FEATURE - B2

Dance & Company

We offer serious classical and contemporary training from youth to adult in a positive and progressive program of study. Performance opportunities are provided through annual spring concert performances, informal showings and student participation in the dance center's repertory youth performance companies. Classes are offered year-round in ballet, modern, tap, jazz, musical stage, hip-hop, and Irish step dance.

Shop (540) 289-6600 Cell (540) 478-3533 10279 McGaheysville Road McGaheysville, VA 22840 John Nyman

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Call: 540-434-0340

Get Your Homecoming Shoes at Ruby Red Shoe Boutique and get

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HHS

September 28, 2012

The

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FEATURE- B3

LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

Community college is one strong option for future education Brenna Cowardin Style Editor

A

s students graduate from high school, they have to take life by the horns and decide what to do with their educational career. More and more students are considering community colleges as a valid option for their higher learning.

Many students choose community colleges for financial reasons, but community colleges are also known for not turning students away. Students take the necessary placement tests and are put into the classes that suit their needs and educational levels.

Two-year degree programs, like the Blue Ridge Police Academy, available at community colleges allow young adults to go straight into the workforce once their education is finished.

Guidance counselor, Tim Meyers advocates for a higher education to help young adults in the work-

force.

“Factories are more likely to hire if the workers are already trained,” Meyers said.

Community colleges also partner with local businesses or organizations.

For instance, graduates of the radiology program at Blue Ridge learn at Rockingham Memorial Hospital to help prepare them for their future careers.

“When students realize that the job market is the way it is, they choose to go to college,” Meyers said.

Students who finish two years at a community college are also guaranteed admissions to more than 30 four-year colleges in the state. That is if they do their work and maintain a specific GPA. These colleges include (but are not limited to) William and Mary, VCU, UVA and Virginia Tech. Many other esteemed universities also appear on that list.

According to the American Association of Community Colleges, as of Jan.

BRCC Quick Facts - Enrollment is 4,983 students 2012, a total of 1,132 community colleges are in operation in the U.S. and 23 of those are in Virginia.

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Relations for Virginia’s Community Colleges, Jeffrey Kraus is proud of the community colleges in Virginia.

“The sky’s the limit for Virginia’s community colleges,” Kraus said. “Reasons for choosing a community college are as numerous and diverse as the students we serve.”

Community college tuition is approximately a third the price of an average four-year college. Classes are smaller and many students enjoy the opportunity to stay at home while in college.

Community colleges are connected to federal finan-

cial programs like other four-year colleges. Other scholarships are available onsite at the colleges themselves as well.

According to the American Association of Community Colleges, 42 percent of students at community colleges are the first generation in their family to attend college.

Many young adults are beginning to understand the importance of a college education. The National Center for Education Statistics has documented a 38 percent increase in enrollment rates from 1999 to 2009 and predict a nine percent rise in students under 25 in the next seven years. With a college degree of any sort, it becomes much easier for young adults to find work.

- In-state cost per year is $11,798

- tuition: $3,345

- off campus room

and board: $6500

- books: $1,200

- fees: $753

- Out-of-state cost per year is $17,546

- tuition: $8,643

- off campus room and board: $6500

- books: $1,200

- fees: $1,203

- Average financial aid per student is $1,385 - Annual Aid given is $1,314,856 - Costs per credit hour - in-state: $112

Planning for your future:

Five seniors share their journeys Throughout this year, we will be following select seniors as they prepare to graduate from high school. Each of these people will be featured on www.newsstreak. com as they go through the steps required to enter college, the work force, the military or other post-high school avenues.

An athletic perspective TAYLOR GROGG

Faith Runnells Staff Reporter

A dramatic perspective NANCY CARRIE LOGAN Max Johnson Staff Reporter

Grogg’s plans for the future include possibly playi g h ing volleyball school again in colgradulege. ation “I think it’d TAYLOR GROGG is coming up for be cool to play many of the seniors here at HHS. Post in college, but I’m really not high school plans, whether sure yet,” Grogg said.

College is expensive, no it is college, military, or work, help shape their lives matter where you go. Grogg into what they eventually explains that she wants to would like to do as an adult. find work during her time Senior Taylor Grogg, at school to become more a two-sport athlete and independant.

“Not like a career, but bright student here at HHS just something small so I who plans on attending college after she graduates. have some stability,” Grogg Although she is not sure said. “Then I’ll look into exactly where she’d like to something more careergo, she knows she would like.”

A lot of seniors, includprefer a smaller school.

She would also like to stay ing Grogg are still unsure of their exact plans for afaround the area.

Grogg is currently the ter high school, but they libero of the HHS volley- have a whole semester to ball team. The libero is the figure it out. They’ll all be player in volleyball with more sure of their plans by a different colored jersey the time the big graduation who can play in any spot on day comes! the back row.

The diner was opened in 1987 after Ellen’s Cafe was f you want to closed, and bebe successful came the first in music and 1950s themed theatre, the NANCY CARRIE restaurant in best place to be LOGAN New York. It is New York City.

After high school, that is is considered to be a breedexactly where senior Nancy ing ground for singers and Carrie Logan is planning to many of the singing waitstaff have gone on to have go.

She plans to attend the thriving careers on BroadNew York Conservatory way and American Idol.

While working at the for Dramatic Arts, a small two-year co-ed training diner, Logan also wants to conservatory for actors try out for Broadway every wanting to act on film, tele- day that she can, which will vision or on stage. Annu- hopefully get her a singing ally, NYCA receives about part of some kind.

The thing with Broadway 450 applications and out of these, 70 percent will be ac- is that it is a hard business cepted. Tuition is between to be successful in. Millions $25,000-$30,000, in-state of people are trying to do and out, and 85 percent of the same thing as Logan, students will receive finan- but that isn’t stopping her at all. cial aid.

“I have been told I need Logan is planning to work at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, a a back up plan, more than 1950s retro-themed diner once, but I don’t need one. with a singing waitstaff, I’m not stopping until my to keep a steady income. name is in lights,” Logan said.

A musical perspective TREVOR COCKBURN

A scientific perspective PREMAL PATEL

H

Mary McMahan News Editor

on attending James Madison University to study muu s i c sic education. isn’t C o c k b u r n ’s exactly GPA exceeds everyTREVOR the JMU adone’s calling. Only a COCKBURN missions rehandful of people are quirement. He bestowed with musical talents whether it’s singing, plans to focus on the high composing, or playing an school or college level of music education, but may instrument.

Senior Trevor Cockburn start out as a middle school has been playing the eu- band director and work his phonium since sixth grade. way up.

In addition to being a He’s been inspired greatly by the performances of music ed major, he is conprofessional euphonium sidering joining the Marchplayers Glenn Van Looy ing Royal Dukes, one of the largest marching bands in and David Childs.

“My love for music, JMU the country.

“I’ve always wanted to Brass Band, and playing the be part of a group that size euphonium have persuaded me into majoring in music and have a lot of fun playeducation,” Cockburn said. ing the music,” Cockburn Unlike most seniors said.

Cockburn believes that who are still trying to decide on where to apply for James Madison University college, Cockburn plans will be a perfect fit for him and his knack for music.

M

I

Ellie Pruett-Fiederlein Staff Reporter

W

ith a Grade Point Average of 4.5, Premal Patel is currently sitting number one atop the HHS class of 2012.

A student at Massanutten Regional Governor’s School for Environmental Science, Patel’s main academic interests are math and science. After graduating from HHS, he plans to attend a four-year college, and then go on to medical school. In the end, he says his goal is to become a cardiac surgeon.

Patel has not decided with one hundred percent certainty which university he will most likely be attending, but has a pretty good idea.

“Hopefully I will be going

to UVA,” P a t e l said. “But I guess my ideal school is MIT.” PREMAL PATEL Patel, who is currently taking several AP math and science classes, is not only interested in medicine, but in all areas of science.

“I want to be pre-med, but maybe study physics as well. Basically, I just want to go into science,” Patel said.

With regard to his career goals, Patel says he is particularly drawn to medicine because of his overall life goal.

“My plan in life is to help people out,” Patel said. “Being a doctor and performing heart surgery is one way to do that.”

- out-of state: 288

Infographic by Sydney Little

A worldly perspective MADELINE CULBRETH Isaac Falk Op/Ed Editor

Washington, and American.

Another key factor is locas Decemtion. ber looms, “I’d really many lolike to be in cal seniors MADELINE DC,” Culbreth have been preparCULBRETH said. ing for the journey As for prepthat is college. But this is no ordinary journey, they arations, Madeline has cannot simply stock up on been working for roughly dried meats and hit the Or- two to three hours a week during the summer on her egon trail for a brief stint.

College preparations applications. By now, she typically begin years before has finished her common the applicant becomes a se- app, except for tweaks nior. Senior Madeline Cul- and alterations she makes breth has been preparing weekly, and has a rough for years now, and is ready draft of her essay in the to begin the final part of works.

She has enlisted the aid her application. She must submit her past four years of recent HHS graduate, of high school condensed now Cornell freshman, into a document that will Howard Zuo to help her in be checked over by a college her essay.

“He said just talk about admissions officer.

But before Madeline can my school experience and embark, she must decide made me kind of ramble on a destination. She will on,” Culbreth said.

In addition, she has takhave to decide on a place where she will spend the en the SAT’s and plans on next four years of her life, retaking them, as well as the SAT subjects tests, this at the least.

She has a list of criteria fall.

As for her plans for the college must meet, crithe far future, Madeline teria such as: Whether or not the school was her par- is interested in a politient’s alma matter, whether cal science major. She is the school is state or pri- particularly interested in vate, whether the school Middle-Eastern policy, in supported the major of her which she hopes to pursue choice, and whether the a career. The political scicampus was appealing to ence theme fits well into her selection of colleges, her.

The list of schools that especially those in close vimeet one or more of the cinity of D.C. Madeline still excriteria are: Georgetown pects more in the coming University (her top choice), William and Mary, the Uni- months. She will have to versity of Virginia, Wake submit her application and Forest University, Mary wait.

A

Trade schools help prepare kids for careers after school John Earle Staff Reporter

I

s college really worth all the money it costs to attend? Ivy League universities like Yale, Princeton or Harvard are not the only colleges out there.

Smaller and even local schools like Eastern Mennonite, Bridgewater, or JMU are perfectly acceptable. Community college is also a cost effective option.

Many people can’t afford to go to college, so they start working after high school.

“You can save a lot of money by going to a twoyear college or community college and then transferring into a four year school,” assistant principal Mike Eye said

Another option for students is trade school.

Eye tries to explain a trade school to students.

“A trade school is different from a community college. A trade school is based on a topic like a diesel college,” Eye said.

Trade schools are specifically designed for one particular job, more like job-training than pursuing a higher education. “(What type of college you go to) depends on what kind of education you want after high school,” Eye said.

“Trade school is a good option for those planning to go straight into the workforce after high school; however, those who wish to further their education should look to community colleges and universities.”

September 28, 2012

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September 28, 2012

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SPORTS B6

PHOTO BY ANA HUNTER-NICKELS

KICK OFF! The Red Sea kicked off the 2012-13 home schedule with a win over T.A. With a unique schedule for this year, the next home contest isn’t until Oct. 5 against Broadway. Kick-off will be at 7:30 p.m.

Red Sea back in full force this fall Austin Coffey Staff reporter

PHOTO BY ANA HUNTER-NICKELS

GO BIG RED (SEA)! The HHS student section came out in full force for the first home game against Turner Ashby on August 24. The football team beat their cross town rival 13-7 in the season opener.

Nixon gets nod as starting QB

Max Johnson Staff Reporter

Harrisonburg has a strong quarterback resume which has included the likes of Ben Sarver, Jake Johnson and Jake Durden.

Finishing every regular season with winning records, every quarterback with the exception of Durden won the district title in all their years as quarterback.

All three quarterbacks were over six feet tall and about the average size for a high school quarterback.

This year, the Streaks started their summer practices and had no idea who their starting quarterback would be for the upcoming season. As practices got more heated, Ryan Nixon was showing up with a desire to take over the helm as quarterback and coaches began to see a starting

quarterback in the 5’8’’ junior.

Nixon has many different abilities than the former quarterbacks. Nixon has a strong arm, but compared to all of Harrisonburg’s former quarterbacks, his throwing power isn’t quite as strong as his predecessors. He cannot throw a ball 65+ yards like Durden and Johnson could.

This could be a big part of being a quarterback, but with second year coach Thurman’s killer spread offense, Nixon’s mobility and ability to escape the pocket and deliver a throw, or get 15 yards on foot, he will keep defenses guessing left and right. He is hoping to lead the Streaks to yet another successful season. It can be a lot of pressure for a junior, but he feels like he can handle it.

“I like to run, but I don’t mind staying in the pocket and taking a hit either. Trust me, if I see a hole and know I can get a gain of yards, I am going to take it, and I am going to take the hit to,” Nixon said.

Nephew of NFL player now with Streaks

T.J. Kirkland Staff Reporter

delphia Eagles.

Akeem’s nephew Keenan Jordan played for Harrisonburg’s cross-town rival Turner Ashby, but now suits up as a Blue Streak.

“I’m glad to be a part of Harrisonburg’s football team, it’ll be a good season,” Keenan said.

During the summer, Keenan moved to HHS and immediately started to go to offseason workouts with the football team.

Keenan has also built chemistry between the players and community.

HHS football alumnus Akeem Jordan was a successful running-back and linebacker during his high school career. While in high school, Akeem was named the Virginia AA Player of the Year and lead his team to win the state title.

Akeem went on to win a national championship with James Madison University and now plays in the National Football League for the Phila-

Throughout practices, coaches took notice of Keenan’s ability to run the ball and play in the secondary.

“I’m glad he’s (Keenan) on the team. He fits into the program and helps us win games,” HHS head coach Chris Thurman said.’’

Keenan has become a key player to the HHS football team and is looking to make an impact throughout the season. Teammates and coaches have embraced Keenan’s arrival and the HHS football team adds another weapon to their arsenal.

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Along with the thousands of other things on your mind as the school season starts up again, there is nothing quite like the chill of excitement that races down your spine on game day.

Before the game, there is nothing but fun and games, from tailgates with family and friends, to cornhole tournaments in the parking lot. There truly isn’t much that compares to kicking back at school for the evening.

In the stands, your heart keeps time with the marching band, while your whole body tenses with anticipation of the collisions of the players on the field.

But through the exciting atmosphere, there is always one thing that stands out beyond the rest: the Red Sea. Whether it is seen as a large, luminescent red dot from a distance, or a mob of excited and somewhat crazed students showing some school spirit while hyped up on Redbull, it has always been famous and

feared for the excitement it generates.

“The Red Sea is an environment full of tradition and swagger that separates us from the other teams in our district. We are the best student section in the Valley District,” junior Travis May said.

The one thing that the Red Sea provides during the course of our football games is a sense of pride within the student body.

The pride of not only our school or football team, but the pride of the spirit that lies underneath. This pride energizes students to continue to come to the games, making the games enjoyable for the players, students and fans alike.

“The Red Sea motivates me knowing that my brother along with a long list of other people earned their right to be a part of the student section for one of the best academic and athletic schools in the district, region, and state. And I feel as a student at HHS I need to keep this tradition and family alive and running at the highest level possible for our parents, faculty, fans, and most importantly our players,” May said.

Schedule of events: VARSITY FOOTBALL Oct 5 H vs Broadway Oct 12 A vs Fort Defiance Oct 19 H Spotswood (Homecoming) Oct 26 H Liberty (Bedford) Nov 2 H Waynesboro VARSITY Oct 2 A Oct 4 H Oct 13 H Oct 16 H Oct 18 A Oct 20 A Oct 23 H Oct 25 A

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September 28, 2012

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SPORTS - B7

Wilson pushes for academic excellence

Sukriti Adhikari Staff Reporter

PHOTO BY SUKRITI ADHIKARI

GO TEAM. Coaches Myrons Haskins (front) and Bryant Vennable (back) coach the football team’s defensive squad from the sideline.

New coaches join football staff Kendall Bailey Sports Editor Every new sport season brings new players, new expectations, and sometimes, new coaches. The varsity football team welcomed two new coaches this year; Bryant Vennable and Myron Haskins.

Each coach has his own story for how they came to join the Harrisonburg family. For Vennable, it was a reward for his hard work at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina.

“Thurman was [Haskins] and my football coach in high school, and he promised me that if I succeeded in college, he would help me find a job.” Sure enough, as soon as Vennable spun his graduation hat into the air, Thurman was waiting for him with a position as an assistant football coach.

For Haskins, his story

differs slightly. He played defensive tackle and defensive end at the University of Virginia at Wise. Once he graduated, he coached for another high school football team for several years. After his previous high school won the state championship last year, he moved on to join Harrisonburg athletics.

Even though both of the newcomers had little prior experience in coaching, neither was nervous about coming into the job.

“Instead of being anxious, I was looking forward to our first game so I could see the players put everything I taught them into action,” Vennable said.

These additions to the team are expected to benefit the players defensively as well as offensively. Vennable has the position of one of the defensive back coaches.

“I played both corner

and safety in college, so I have a lot of experience to teach from,” Vennable said.

Thurman explained why he picked these two men out of the hundreds of players he had coached in his lifetime.

“Because of their expert coaching they received as younger men, they could relate to the kids and [Haskins and Vennable] both have exceptional knowledge of the game,” Thurman said.

Thurman coached both of the men in their high school years at Gretna High school.

Even though Thurman was used to having the two men as his players, he had no problem with them switching positions to stand with him on the sidelines.

“I don’t find it weird that they’re fellow coaches instead of players, I’m just glad that they’ve already

played for me, so they know what to expect and what to pass on,” Thurman said.

The countless number of personalities on the team have already provided Vennable and Haskin’s with great memories.

“Getting to know the kids and watching them get better as they grow up is priceless,” Haskins said.

For Vennable and Haskins, working with the boys is a reward within itself.

“I want to share my knowledge of the game with everyone to help them all get better,” Vennable says.

These newcomers have several tricks up their sleeves to make our football team successful this year. Both Haskins and Vennable hope to coach the defensive line and offense to perfection this season.

“My first game as a coach meant a lot to me,” Vennable said.

Former college players now coaching teams Kendall Bailey Sports Editor As the HHS varsity and JV volleyball teams start off their season, several new assistant coaches accompany them. Faculty member Hannah Bowman had immediate interest in the team when she was offered a position as an English 11 teacher.

“Volleyball has always been a huge part of my life, and I missed it. I wanted to get to know students outside of the classroom,” Bowman said.

JV head coach Jessica Life was looking for a partner to act as her aggressive side; someone that would condition the girls on the team to success. Her wish was granted when the Thomas Harrison Middle School sign language interpreter, Laurie Kraus, was willing to take on that role.

“I hadn’t touched a volleyball in years, and since I’d gotten a new job with the Harrisonburg schools, I thought I’d help out,” Kraus said.

These two new coaches have had plenty of experience in the sport. Bowman played for Prince Edward High School as their setter before getting a scholarship to Colby College in Maine to play as the libero, the main defensive passer who wears a different color jersey and can continually rotate across the back row.

Coach Kraus, or ‘Coach K’, played on the volleyball team for her middle school, high school, and a club team in college.

With the introduction of the newcomer for JV, several changes have been made. Sophomore Krishna Goradia speaks for her team when she says the new workouts are demanding.

“She conditions us until we get a drill right, she makes us work harder and tougher, and is always giving us advice,” Goradia said. Goradia’s claim is no over exaggeration. The JV volleyball team can be seen running laps, completing set after set of push-ups, and multiple other exercises throughout their practices.

“I’m good with the basics to help them get better. [The team] has a lot of talent, but it’s just new. That’s why I’m here, to help them improve it,” Kraus said.

For the varsity team, Bowman is the perfect 12th player to a team of 11. Her professional-level passing skills and hustle makes her the perfect role model for the team.

“The girl’s are used to having a male coach [Head Coach Andy Thompson], so I think it’s nice to have a coach that

PHOTO BY SUKRITI ADHIKARI

WHAT’S NEXT? New assistant varisty volleyball coach Hannah Bowman discusses the rotation with head coach Andy Thompson. understands them more on a girl-to-girl level. I understand the dynamics of a girls’ team, and that helps us,” Bowman said.

Even though both coaches have jobs with Harrisonburg schools, there were other motives that made them want to join the team.

“I’m young at heart, so I love being around kids, and a high school sports team just seemed perfect,” Kraus said.

For Bowman, she wanted to improve her connection with her potential students.

“I wanted to spend time with my students on a more casual level, to get to know them better,” Bowman said.

Darrell Wilson, the HHS Athletic Director, has been working in the athletic department since last year, and has already helped at least 50 students academically. As a director of all athletics, he also has to make sure that the athletes have the required GPA that they need in order to play and practice.

Our school only allows athletes to participate in the games and practices if their GPA is 2.0 or above.

Wilson is informed about the students grades through Student Info, a database that has all the necessary information and grades for every student. After looking over the student information, he starts his process by talking to guidance counselors and teachers. He also keeps tabs on students’ daily assignments.

Sophomore Jordan Dove elaborates on how Wilson has helped him.

“My football coach helped me out, but [Mr. Wilson] said that if we did not have a better GPA then we could not participate,” Dove said.

Although keeping daily tabs on high schoolers may seem unnecessary and a little over the top, the teachers are doing it for the students’ benefits.

“Some students see it as enforcement, I see it as resource [guidance],” Wilson said.

Even though his job requires him to help struggling students, he is still willing to help the students even if it were not required or mandatory.

“Yes, absolutely, because it is the right thing to do. You are in high school to be a student; that is your first priority. No matter what kind of athlete you are, you have to get a good academic base,” Wilson said.

Wilson agreed that balancing school and sports can be pretty complicated, but students should always try to make it work. The faculty and staff are always available to answer any questions.

“First priority of students is being a student, if a student is not able to balance their academics and their athletics, then it will not work,” Wilson said.

Cross country teams enjoy unique coaches Kerri Hofacker Sports Editor The HHS cross country coaches got into coaching because it was a sport they participated in when they were in high school.

Instead of coaching a team of the same gender, their roles have switched. David Loughran is now the head coach of the HHS girls’ team, while Lauren Jefferson coaches the boys’ team.

Loughran didn’t really make a choice to coach girls instead of boys.

“When I moved up from [Thomas Harrison], it was the only open position.

Since then, with the help of Coach Bugg, I’ve made the program my own,” Loughran said.

Coach Jefferson had a similar response. “I moved up from Thomas Harrison and it was the only open spot, and I wanted to coach a team,” Jefferson said.

Some people might view this arrangement as weird, but runners from each team disagreed.

“It’s cool to have [Loughran] as a coach. He listens to really weird music and blasts it all the time.

It’s really fun,” Eberly said.

Senior Amin Kraimeche has similar feelings about

Jefferson.

“She’s been my coach since middle school so I’m used to having her as my coach. She interacts with us really well, too, so that’s helpful as well,” Kraimeche said.

Loughran doesn’t find it difficult to coach girls, “There are times when I have to step back and let them be girls, but I’ve become more sympathetic and nurturing to them,” Loughran said.

Jefferson said she doesn’t see how coaching the boys’ differs.

“There really isn’t a difference in how you coach boys and girls, the difference is in how you present the information,” Jefferson said.

“I enjoy every day with [the girls]. I’m impressed with their ability to care for each other like sisters, maintain good grades, stay drama free, and they’re not afraid to be themselves,” Loughran said.

Coach Jefferson said that her favorite part about coaching is watching the team improve.

“I like to see the boys improve from season to season, and even in a single season, you can see someone make improvements as well,” Jefferson said.

JOIN THE RED SEA NEXT HOME GAME OCT 5

PHOTO BY SUKRITI ADHIKARI

LISTEN UP. Head JV Coach Jessica Life and assistant coach Laurie Kraus show JV players how to play defense.

BUY YOUR BEANIES, TSHIRTS AND HOODIES IN ROOM 444

September 28, 2012

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SPORTS - B8

First year seniors adjust to new teams Kerri Hofacker Sports Editor By the time most people reach their senior year, they’ve decided what sports teams they want to be on and what other activities they want to do. This isn’t the case with all seniors though. There are a special few who decided they want to try something new for their last year.

When Erin Goodstein started her senior year, she decided that she wanted to try Friday Night Band.

“I really like everyone in band and I realized I wanted to try it before I graduated,” Goodstein said.

It’s not uncommon for people to switch up their interests in high school. Ambar Gonza-

lez made the decision to try out for the girls cross country team this year.

“I like the adrenaline that running gives me and running is something that I enjoy doing,” Gonzalez said.

Senior Bianca Solis wanted to try volleyball for the first time. After talking to a few of the other seniors, she decided to show up on the first day of tryouts.

“I’ve always been interested in volleyball, but I just never went to the tryouts. I like learning how to play better, and if I would have joined a sport sooner, it would have been volleyball,” Solis said.

All of these seniors agreed that joining something at their age is challenging.

“It’s really hard to come on as a first-year senior. I have to

Young golfer leads Streaks Anthony Duong Sports Editor

catch up on a lot. [Marching] moves so fast that it’s hard to get a grip on everything,” Goodstein said.

Gonzalez agreed that it’s difficult, but she has a little help to ease some of that stress.

“It’s kind of hard, but the girls are great. They’re teaching me news things, which helps a lot, and they aren’t leaving me behind which is good,” Gonzalez said.

Solis also said that playing for the first time as a senior is difficult, but she enjoys it anyway.

“Yeah, it’s difficult. Especially when everyone else has already been on the team and are more experienced than me.

I really wish I would’ve started earlier though, because I really like it now,” Solis said.

Even though it might be

hard at times, they all seem to enjoy doing what they’re doing.

“Of course I enjoy it. My favorite part is when we actually play during practice and do fun drills. It’s also a lot of fun just being with the girls,” Solis said.

“I think my favorite part is the meets, and just being with the team. We’re really united, like a family,” Gonzalez said.

“I like encouraging the girls and supporting them. It’s a lot of fun when Coach Thompson lets me play with the team during practice because I get to hit and stuff,” Chepelyuk said.

It might not be common to see a senior tryout for a new sport in their last year of high school, but it does happen. It might even be a little scary for them, but they all agree that it was worth trying something new.

Basketball open gyms begin way to make sure schools were following the rules.

Now the rules are simplified and fair to everyBeginning last year, one,” Bayer said. coaches and their athSince Joyner won a letes can meet and state title with his forpractice whenever they mer team at Bruton High BILL BAYER want throughout the year.

School, there are high expectations Newly hired basketball coach- for him coming into this season. es, Scott Joyner and Bill Bayer, Joyner begins working with playhave taken full advantage of this ers who were a part of a team that freedom. Joyner started holding went 4-18 last season. summer workouts in July. He has A lot of people are looking foralready worked on some defensive ward to seeing how Joyner and the presses (Joyner’s whole coaching Streaks do this year. scheme focuses on defense) and “The kids are very excited to play has even put in some offensive for [Joyner],” Durmount Perry, the plays.

JV coach said.

Bayer started workouts in SepPerry will be coaching a very tember and has a similar defensive skilled JV team that will be led by mentality. The extra three to four eight sophomores and five returnmonths will allow the new coaches ing players. to get to know their players more Joyner and the varsity team quickly. have five returning players and two Former head basketball coach returning starters. The team is goKevin Tysinger would have loved ing to rely heavily on the seniors to have the opportunity to work and their leadership. with his players year round.

After only graduating one se“We were always on a time nior, the girls team will also be recrunch,” Tysinger said. “With the lying on senior leadership. new rule in place, you can now get All the buzz about the new way ahead.” coaches has even got teachers and Bill Bayer, the new girls basket- staff excited. ball coach, is very happy about the “I’m really looking forward to new rule change that allows him to seeing some great D out there this work with the girls sooner. year,” sports marketing teacher “I think the new rule makes a lot Mallory Cromer said. of sense. In the past, there was no

Sam Imeson Staff Reporter

Expectations are elevated when it comes to this year’s golf players for HHS. Junior Kyle Templeton started to play golf throughout middle school, almost instantly golfers around the state started to take notice of his skill. In Templeton’s short high school career, he is already known for his impressive talent and work ethic.

As a freshman, Templeton led Harrisonburg to a district title and finished a mere three shots behind the winner for the District Player of the Year award. Templeton hopes to lead the Harrisonburg team to more titles this year.

“We’re just going to try to play the best golf our team can,” Templeton said.

Not only is Templeton looking to do great in golf, but strives to step up to the next level.

For college choices, Templeton is already interested in East Carolina University (ECU) or the University of Georgia (UGA). This summer, Templeton was listed as the 10th best high school golfer in Virginia.

“It’s all about creating memories and having fun at the end,” Templeton said.

Golf had created a friendship between HHS juniors Kyle Templeton and Ryan Phillips since elementary schools. Both have participated in youth golf tournaments when they were younger and plan to keep competing together throughout high school.

“Team chemistry is a very strong, especially when you have a teammate that’s been with you since elementary school,” Phillips said.

These two members, along with the other players on the team are looking forward to making a name and win another district title this year.

Sports Briefs CROSS COUNTRY PLACES IN FIRST MEET The girls cross country team placed second behind the Spotswood Trailblazers. The Lady Navy will run again at the Burtner Farm course on Oct. 24.

STREAKS FIGHT HARD IN LOSS The volleyball team lost to James River Knights again, but the ladies kept it close this time. Both teams were fighting for every point, but the Knights pulled out the victory in the fifth set. Taylor Grogg led with 16 assists, and Vickie Hurtado-Cardoso had 24 digs.

RED SEA T-SHIRTS ON SALE NOW Join the best student pep section in the Valley! Red Sea t-shirts are available now in room 444 for $10 each.

Sweatshirts and beanies will be available as cold weather approaches. The SCA has requested that we pack the student section with as many students as we can possibly get. Start your Friday night fun with Red Sea tailgating prior to the game in the student parking lot. Bring $1 for food.

STREAKS FALL TO FORT The varsity volleyball team lost, 1-3, to Fort Defiance High School on Sept 11. After going down two sets early, the ladies rallied back to make it 1-2, but they couldn’t push any further.

The team was led by Taylor Grogg who had 21 service points with 2 aces. Sarah Rose added six kills for the Streaks’ offense.

LADY STREAKS STRUGGLE The varsity volleyball team lost to Spotswood on Sept 12, 0-3. Kendall Bailey led the Streaks with 14 service points and two aces, while Kara Simmons added six kills, and Taylor Grogg added 12 assists.

GOLF TEES OFF NIGHT TOURNAMENT The golf team is having a glow-in-thedark golf tournament on Sept 24 at the Heritage Oaks Golf Course. The first round begins at 5, with a dinner break at 7, then the second round tees off at 8.

FOOTBALL GETS FIRST LOSS The Streaks traveled to Winchester to take on the Millbrook Pioneers on Sept 14. The Pioneers blocked an extra point by the Streaks, and drove down the field to score a touchdown of their own. The Pioneers clinched the victory, 34-33.

EMU turf league attracts off-season soccer athletes Salar Haji Staff Reporter The EMU League is a turf soccer league, owned by Mark Sweigart which allows local citizens to create a team and choose players for their specific group. The money collected goes towards the referees and turf field maintenance. Each player must sign an insurance document, which states that the Turf League is not responsible for any injuries. Each team requires a minimum of 11 players.

During a game, there are seven players on the field, including the goalie. There

also must be at least three subs waiting on the side lines. Games are held every day from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Each game is about an hour long, with 25 minute halves and a three minute half-time.

The high school’s turf team is a mix between many of Harrisonburg’s soccer members, along with several students who don’t play on the school’s team. Senior Zach Baxter has played on the school’s team for the past several years and recently took up playing turf.

“It’s the funnest thing, to be able to play with friends and enjoy the game,” Baxter said.

The league has three divisions. First division is the most difficult to participate in, second division is the middle ground, and third division is the least demanding of the three. Each team competes to be top eight in their division.

Rules of the turf league are simple; a participant is not allowed to play on more than one team. If so, that team would be removed from the league and that player will also be removed from his/her previous team.

Every game, the team captain is in charge of making sure all players have their current year SVASL t-shirts. If not, players

will not be allowed to participate. Goalies must also wear their SVASL t-shirts under their goalie shirts. The rules are very strict, and there are no exceptions to the rules.

Most importantly, both teams must be even. If the opposing team is down a player or two, either the other team must drop the same amount of players or they will be forced to forfeit. Two forfeits in the season means that team may not compete in the playoffs.

If you are interested in joining the EMU turf league, sign up online at bluesombrero.com. Each player must contribute $80 to recieve a jersey and a spot on their team.

September 28, 2012

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September 28, 2012

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Paul Ryan visits the

Shenandoah Valley Mark Duda Editor-in-Chief

EVEN THE FOOD IS REPUBLICAN! All of the vendors at the rally sported these “I built this!” signs, echoing the Republican rallying cry against an out of context quote from President Obama. (below)

PICKIN’ AND GRINNIN”. A local bluegrass band was hired to entertain the crowd prior to Ryan’s arrival. Their music was lined with themes of Christianity and love.

ALL PHOTOS BY PAUL HAIRSTON

Buttons upon buttons. Vendors arrived early to the rally to set out their wares. Buttons were only one of the items being sold. T-shirts were popular, especially anything with an American flag.

HATS OFF TO RYAN. One vendor even wore a baseball cap with a Mitt Romney doll attached to the top of it. Multiple vendors had all sorts of unique items for Romney/Ryan fans to purchase

BOWING OUR HEADS IN PRAYER. Rally-goers join together in a prayer lead by Commonwealth Attorney Marsha Garst.

SPIRITED ATTIRE. Attendees at the rally sport their loudest clothing for the event. Polos with American (or Confederate) flags were popular.

Paul Ryan visited the Rockingham County Fairgrounds on Sept. 14. The vice presidential candidate, hailed by some as the “ideas man” of the Republican Party, drew a crowd of local residents interested in hearing him talk about the issues pertaining to the upcoming election. However, many didn’t expect the eventful and somewhat bizarre atmosphere of a Republican party rally.

The fairgrounds setting was a far cry from the location of then Presidential nominee Barack Obama’s visit to Harrisonburg in 2008- the JMU Convocation center. Instead of the arena-like atmosphere of the Convo, the fairgrounds fostered a more laid-back character. From the crowd’s view, a massive American flag flew (or dangled, it wasn’t very windy) in the background, supported by a very outof-place looking crane. Behind the flag, a suspiciously conveniently located tractor drove back and forth in the same spot for several hours, adding to the rustic American image that the rally attempted to appeal to.

If the setting was different from the Obama 2008 rally, the difference between the attendees of the two rallies was like that of two different species. Two primary groups made up the early arrivers at the rally- merchandise sellers and old order Mennonites. The merchants, with stands decorated in patriotic red, white, and blue, lined the only path into the rally leading from the parking lot, forcing attendees to at least take a glance over at the “NObama!” and “Stop Socialism” buttons. The Mennonites, on the other hand, inexplicably early to the event, stood politely and talked in hushed voices to one another.

As the day rolled on, and more and more people rolled into the event, odd clothing choices abounded. For every collared shirt and pair of loafers, a tshirt with both a Confederate flag and a Constitution quote could be found. One man wore a Mitt Romney doll strapped to his head. Local interest groups passed out baseball hats, sporting pro-coal messages, to members of the crowd.

Lindsay Halling, a HHS senior, attended the rally for a number of reasons, including for the experience of seeing a vice presidential nominee in person.

“I wanted to hear more about Paul Ryan, as well as get more involved in politics,” Halling said, with an admission. “I also sort of wanted credit for AP Government... let’s be honest.”

Fellow senior Gabe Hoak noticed the grandiose decor of the rally.

“It feels kind of manufactured and over the top, the way everything is set up, with the hay barrels and the American flags everywhere,” Hoak said.

The event started with an introduction by Delegate Tony Wilt, followed by Tucker Obenshain, 2009 HHS alumnus and daughter of state Senator Mark Obenshain, leading the crowd in the pledge of allegiance.

The Christian undertones of the event were obvious all day long. Lyrics from the bluegrass band that entertained the crowd prior to the event included “Trust Jesus. He’ll guide you. No, he won’t deny you. Trust in the savior every day.” These undertones came to an apex with Commonwealth Attorney Marsha Garst leading the crowd in a group prayer that lasted several minutes, and was “sort of gratuitous” according to Hoak.

“I think she might have been killing time, Ryan was pretty late,” Hoak said.

Paul Ryan’s bus pulled up to the stage sometime around 3:15, an hour and fifteen minutes after he was scheduled to appear. Ryan spoke for thirteen minutes on topics ranging from agriculture to business, although he mostly avoided social issues.

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