th e
Viewpoint
Mountain View High School 2135 Mountain View Road Stafford, VA 22556 @mvtheviewpoint mvtheviewpoint@gmail.com
STUDENT NEWS Magazine MVHS VOLUME 8 ISSUe 6 June 2014
Check out our exclusive interview with the valedictorian, Kenny Nguyen, on page 18 and 19
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The Viewpoint June 2014 Volume 8 Issue 6 Editor in Chief
Megan Clark Assistant Editor in Chief
Sami Toal Social Media Editor
Lexi Stevens Copy Editor
Joshua Guillemette Adviser
Nicole Eshelman
Staff Writers
Erinn Black, Jonas Chechak, Nathan English, Ashley Friedl, Katie Jones, John Keppeler Front page picture taken by Erinn Black 2014 Free Lance-Star Best Overall Newspaper 2013 Free Lance-Star Best Overall Newspaper 2011 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist 2011, 2010 and 2009 Virginia High School League First Place Award Winner 2008 National Scholastic Press Association First Class Winner with Marks of Distinction in Writing and Editing
Mountain View High School 2135 Mountain View Rd. Stafford, VA 22556
@mvtheviewpoint
MVTheViewpoint
tHANKS It’s the time of year when everyone gets sentimental. The school year is on its last leg. Seniors are graduating. And the rest of us are one year closer. It’s mushy and exciting and nerve-wracking (and tear jerking). This time of year provides a platform for reflection. That’s exactly what’s about to happen. We’ve all had victories this year. Scoring your first varsity point. Finally getting an A on a test in that impossible class. Asking out that girl you’ve been crushing on all year. Publishing a newsmagazine. Battling sophomoreitis (Is that a thing?). Graduating. It’s important to celebrate victories, big and small. It’s also important to understand how you got there. Whatever was done, it probably didn’t happen alone. I’m writing this article as the Editor in Chief of the Free Lance-Star’s Best Overall Newspaper two years in a row (yay!). It’s pretty incredible, but my staff and I didn’t get here alone. It’s time to give thanks where thanks is due.
Thank you to all of our business whose advertising dollars made publishing possible. To our publishers, for making our ideas tangible. And here’s one for you: Thank you, thank you, thank you to our readers. You are the reason we do this. Thank you for grabbing The Viewpoint in the morning, for tweeting at us. Sending in your pictures, looking at our online issue. You validate us. As senior staff member John Keppeler said, “We are really making an expensive scrapbook.” Maybe that’s sort of true. We are documenting your memories, your town and your school. Thanks to everyone for your continuing support, so we can make The Viewpoint happen.
editor in chief
Graduation caps
Becky Clark
The Viewpoint is a cross-section of the news and opinions of the student body of Mountain View High School. It is a forum of expression published by aPrintis. Letters to the editor are welcome and should be submitted to rooms 303 or 307 or sent to mvtheviewpoint@gmail. com. Contact us through Facebook or Twitter.
MV The Viewpoint
Journalism I students and staff members pose with their awards from the Free Lance-Star contest May 22. The publication won first place. Josh Guillemette, Erinn Black, Sami Toal, Megan Clark, Cory Haley, Kayla Mason, Nathan English and Nico Villarreal.
Inside this issue . . 14
Are you team Chipolte, or team Moes? Hear the debate.
22
Getting excited for summer? Check out the new upcoming summer movies.
Seniors decorate their caps in preparation for graduation on June 14 to express their goals, motivation, or messages of thanks. Elby Burnett plans to attend James Madison University to study International Affairs and minor in Mandarin. Burnett plans to use her degree to pursue a career in the US military or government. She decided on a Star Wars theme to reflect a quote from Han Solo. Elby said that the quote shows how she feels about the doubts others can say when she tells them about her dreams.
Laura Lester plans to attend Germanna Community College this fall to prepare for Mary Washington’s nursing program. After two years at Germanna, Laura plans to transfer to the University of Mary Washington. Lester chose to study nursing because she likes to help people and she has helped take care of ill family members in the past. Laura designed her cap with her nursing aspirations in mind.
Will you miss The Viewpoint over the summer? No worries, we’re online! You can find a link to our online issue on the left side of the MV fusion page, or online at issuu.c om.
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n o s n e Dr. B ERVIEW @ INT STAFFORD COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT The Viewpoint sat down with Superintendent Dr. W. Bruce Benson to get to know the new administrator better. by Sami Toal
The Viewpoint: What do you like about Stafford County?
Dr. Bruce Benson: Everything. One
thing I really appreciate is the wide variety of opportunities we provide for our young people. I mean, if you look at the programs we have, it’s pretty amazing in terms of the scope of what we’re able to offer folks. I think it’s incredibly important for young people to try to experience as much as they possibly can in their public school education because you may never know how that will enhance your life at some point in the future.
VP: What’s something about you most people don’t know? BB: Well, I think people do know, I play a little guitar. I just played in a Drew Middle School talent show, a little Beatles number which I learned to play in high school. It’s one of those things where I’m not a musician. I can kind of play guitar, but both of my girls, when they got married, asked me to play at their wedding. My second oldest, when she got married, asked me to write a song for her first dance, but I attribute that to having the opportunity in high school to learn to play. VP: You mentioned in a “Free Lance-Star” interview that you run in Stafford Lakes and wear a T-shirt from all the schools. Have you worn Mountain View’s yet? BB: Yes, and my favorite is the long sleeve Mountain View track and field shirt that I got. It’s nice to get out there and wear our school colors and mascots.
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Erinn Black
VP: Who’s your biggest inspiration? BB: That’s a tough one. I’m going to say my wife. She’s more than my wife, she’s really my life partner, and I have great respect for what she does. She’s a nurse and everything she does for the family is incredible, and she certainty keeps me straight.
VP: Why did you decide to leave the science classroom to become an administrator? BB: Yeah, that’s tough, because I have to tell you that teaching is the best job I’ve ever had. I still consider myself as a teacher except I’m getting an opportunity to do it on a larger scale and on a different level. It’s important that I find ways to interact with young people. It is kind of the classic thing that people say, that if you do it right, you have an opportunity to influence what education looks like on a larger scale but only if it’s what other people want. I’ve had people ask me what I want to change or do differently here and part of what a good superintendent does is to listen to stakeholders in the community, whether it’s students, teachers, administrators, parents, business folks, and find out what it is we want for our schools and then try to help them figure out a way to get there. VP: What do you think your position of superintendent entails? BB: We have some immediate issues that need to
be addressed. One of the things that’s a challenge for us right now is our compensation of benefits model that needs some attention. The interesting thing about being superintendent is that you have an opportunity to influence lots of different parts of your organization, so the financial side is one of those, the policy side is another and what’s going on in our curriculum is a part of the job. Successful superintendents, I think, surround themselves with folks that don’t necessarily think like they do in order to have a broad perspective about where you should be going and are collaborative in your efforts. VP: Do you find it difficult to be a public figure? BB: I don’t know that it’s so much difficult. I think that it’s important that you make sure you reach out to folks as a part of your role in the organization and be visible and active in your community... I’ve been to 15 schools so far and hope to get to all of them before we break for the summer. I don’t want to just walk through, I want the opportunity to engage with folks so whether that means
Dr. Benson Fast Facts Previously Superintendent for: Accomack County
Erinn Black
Teaching Career: Taught high school science courses from 1983 to 1990 in Franklin County, Virginia
Erinn Black
Currently working on: Master degree in biology from the University of Nebraska Took position: April 1, 2014 Any pets? One dog Fastest marathon time? 3 hours 46 minutes
Erinn Black
Jock or nerd in high school? Worked on the school newspaper, played tennis, voted “Best all-around student” Erinn Black
participating in the talent show or reading to an elementary class, I like the opportunity to do something that’s a little bit more engaged. VP: I was talking to a teacher and he said he’d seen you at four events these past few weeks. How does this much activity characterize what you plan to do in Stafford County? BB: Well, I hope to be here for the long haul because one of the things that both our board and the Board of Supervisors has said is that we have not had a lot of continuity since 2002 or 2003. They had seven people one way or another in that senior leadership position. I want to be a part of what and who we are in our school division. I might show up and run with the cross-country team, which I have done before in previous jobs. VP: With so much activity around the county, do you have to make any sacrifices to do this? BB: I don’t really consider it a sacrifice. I think it’s kind of fun. I enjoy talking to people, and I enjoy watching the kinds of things that people have put together. Whether it’s art or music or an academic project, I wouldn’t consider it a sacrifice. One of the things that makes it easier for me is that my kids
are grown. VP: If you could tell the students of Stafford anything, what would you say? BB: Well, one of the things I find very attractive about the school system here is the many opportunities for you as students to engage in all kinds of different areas in our schools. So, whether it’s academic pursuit or career and technical, visual and performing arts, athletic opportunities or other kinds of extracurricular opportunities, try to extend the experience as much as you can because you don’t know what impact that might have on your future. Sometimes you hear people say, “Well, I’m not good at that.” Well, the way to get good at it is practicing it. “I’m not an artist, I can’t draw.” Well, if you practice it, you can draw. I think that’s true with just about anything. VP: I understand that the budget has been a contentious topic. What’s like entering a new job and already having to deal with such a prominent issue? BB: I don’t think there’s another superintendent in Virginia this year who did two budgets, with two school boards, with two Boards of Supervisors. I’ll tell you, it is a challenging place to be. Part of the
Children? Four grown children and three grandchildren with one more on the way challenge is that we had issues that are really not issues of the current year but really are issues from several years of decisions that have been made. We got to the point where there wasn’t any extra room in this budget other than to make some reductions in areas that pretty much nobody wanted to reduce. So, when I told folks, I said the easy thing for me probably would have been just to tell our school board, “I can’t come to Stafford until July 1st” and then let someone else make the decisions, but I would rather have had the opportunity to have some influence and then be in a position to help make it better afterwards, and we’re going to. VP: If you could tell the teachers of Stafford County anything, what would you tell them? BB: One of the things is that we’re very fortunate, regardless of other issues that are out there. Our teachers are committed to providing absolutely the best educational experiences for our young people.
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Best of the best Ever feel like your hard work goes unnoticed? Not for these MV All-Stars. Countless hours of hard work and dedication were appreciated and acknowledged by faculty and administrators who nominated these Wildcats. By Alex Harrington
Tammy Houk Assistant Principal of the Year for Stafford County
Cory Haley
The Viewpoint: What do you enjoy most about being an assistant principal? Tammy Houk: I tell everyone I have the greatest job on Earth. My favorite part is working with new teachers and the leadership team. I like to help other people see new things. VP: When you heard that you had won, what was your initial reaction? Wendy Drogo Administrative assistant of the year for Mountain View The Viewpoint: When you heard the news you won, what was your first reaction? Wendy Drogo: Surprise. I was very humbled,that among 30 others I was chosen.
VP: Since you were honored how has it changed your view on your job? TH: I think the announcement came at a good time. This is always a tough time. Time’s running out. It’s a stressful time. I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed, but when I heard the news it re-energized me to get through the rest of the year.
VP: You’ve worked for Stafford County Schools for 13 years, what has kept you going? WD: I have always loved working for the school system, Stafford County Public Schools is a great school system. The staff are all great. I enjoy and want to help others.
Cory Haley
VP: Has receiving this award made you realize the impact of your job? WD: Yes, I strive every day to make sure I have a good work ethic. Meghan Johnson Teacher of the year for Mountain View The Viewpoint: When you heard the news what was your reaction? Meghan Johnson: I was really thankful. I was thankful that I was nominated and was recognized for my work.
Cory Haley
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TH: I was in absolute shock. I had no idea I was nominated. Dr. Stemple put it at the end of an agenda. It just said special announcement. When I found out, it was a total shock.
VP: How has the award affected your outlook on your job? MJ: It’s made me realize that people are recognizing what I am doing, and it made me want to do well by them even more.
VP: Why the switch from college teacher to a high school teacher? MJ: When I moved to Stafford I was already certified for high school English, so I thought I might give it a try. Then when Dr. Stemple told me about the dual enrollment program, I was sold.
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Taylor Clark article by Lexi Stevens | photo by Erinn Black
Many seniors will graduate this June but one seems to have made a huge impact on many teachers and students. Senior Taylor Clark has attended Mountain View for four years, and she is now ready to start her plans for the future. After graduation she will not be returning as a post graduate but instead, she will attend an adult day program starting this summer. This program will get her involved in activities in the community such as going to the movies, going to the park, shopping, swimming at the YMCA and doing a job or two-folding bulletins at a church. In the program she will be working on skills for independence. Clark has also been nominated for the Outstanding Senior Award by her teachers. Lauren Puglia, Clark’s teacher said, “Taylor came into my class her sophomore year. I was told that I was not allowed to wear jewlery because she would rip it off, and she was very mean. Now, she is up moving around independently, her behaviors have changed immensely. Her social skills have also improved along with her life skills.” According to the people who have gotten to know Clark, she has been known to light up a room with her smile and attitude. Not only has Taylor made an impact in the classroom, but she has made an impact in the community. She has been involved in many activities: Prom, Homecoming, cheering at Special Olympics, the Polar Plunge, pep rallies and football games. Robbin Clark, Taylor’s mother said, “I definitely think that the favorite part of Taylor’s high school experience has been meeting all of the students and being included in all of the typical high school experiences. She absolutely loved being on the sidelines for homecoming. She was out of control at the prom! She loves music and dancing, so she was in her element. Also, she loves her teachers!” As Taylor walks across the stage in June, she will be missed by her classmates, teachers and many other who had the chance to get to know her. Robbin said, “This is quite an accomplishment for her and we are very proud of her. I will be a little sad because she loves coming to school each day-she will miss everyone terribly.”
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Early Detection Sa ves Lives by Morgan Ocetnik and Emily Johnson
L
Morgan Ocetnik
ook around you. Cancer.org states that one in eight women will be diagnosed with an invasive cancer. Everyone needs someone because everyone, no matter who you are, goes through tough times. Maybe they’re struggling with grades and need someone to push them along. Maybe their family is hurting because their mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. The family of Special Ed teacher Donna deToll was in this situation just last year. Breast cancer was taking a toll on her family and she described it as absolutely devastating. In November of 2013, deToll went to get her yearly mammogram. In the same month, her doctors called back. She was diagnosed with a type of breast cancer called Ductal Carcinoma In Situ. When she and her family found out about the diagnosis, they were in complete devastation. Though, because deToll knew the importance of getting regular mammograms, her cancer was set at stage 0 and had not yet turned invasive. She said that when someone has cancer their cells grow more rapidly and are more aggressive, they starve out the healthy cells. DeToll’s cancer was also unable to be felt, she could have gone years without knowing she had it. She went through 33 treatments of radiation. The doctors were able to get it out without spreading to other places. When she and her family found out about deToll’s breast cancer, they were in complete devastation. The doctor had told them the bad news the day after Thanksgiving and they wanted to collapse. DeToll’s family questioned the cause of deToll’s cancer. It hadn’t run in her family, she didn’t smoke, drink, and she was in good shape. The only marker was having a child over 30. Her family was in distress and deToll was more afraid for her children’s sake. Learning more about breast cancer, and receiving support from others kept her going. DeToll says, “The mental part is more difficult than the physical part.” DeToll decided to let the staff at Mountain View High School know what she was going through. She chose to do this because she wanted women to get mammograms regularly for early detection. Many staff then went to get mammograms, after reading about her story, who didn’t get checked regularly. When the radiation ended she wanted to have a pink party to celebrate as she called it, “An early detection saves lives party.” Fifty-seven people showed up wearing pink, staff, family and friends. She even made up creative pink games for the party. deToll’s message to women that have not experienced breast cancer is “Number one is to live a healthy lifestyle as much as possible, refrain from any kind of smoking or excessive drinking, and perhaps not working out and eating right, those are the things you need to shy away from. You need to focus on being as healthy as you can possibly be.”
“I made a decision to speak to the staff because if it inspired even one woman to get a mammogram, then it would be worth it. ” -Donna deToll june 2014 l the viewpoint l 9
Discrimination by any other name
Affirmative Action
Prayer in meetings
One of the most bizarre stories in recent news involves LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling. Sterling was banned for life from the NBA and fined $2.5 million after a recording Donald Sterling of him telling his girlfriend to not bring black people to his games surfaced. In an interview a few weeks later, Sterling stated he had been “baited” into making the racially insensitive comments, but made more racist comments in the same interview. While almost everyone can agree that Sterling’s comments were entirely inappropriate, the question of his privacy must be brought into contention. The original recording was taken during a private conversation between Sterling and his girlfriend and is therefore a pretty grey area privacy-wise. There has been a lot of debate about whether Sterling’s punishment was too harsh for something he said privately, but it’s important to remember that the NBA is a business, and a racist rant is not good for business, no matter who said it or where. The fact that the recording may be an invasion of privacy and that it shouldn’t have been released don’t matter to the NBA, all that’s important is that it was released and the public is not happy about it. Personally, I think this whole issue is overblown. An old rich man said some racist comments that were probably perfectly acceptable back in the day and everyone gets up in arms. This should have blown over quickly, but because he’s the owner of a sports team, it hangs around for weeks, causes mass protests, and makes headlines almost daily. Let him take his punishment and move on to real issues.
By far the most divisive of the three issues is prayer in public meetings. The Supreme Court recently ruled 5-4 in favor of allowing the town of Greece, NY, to continue to open their town board meetings with a prayer after they had been challenged by an atheist and a Jew who felt that the practice was not appropriate. However, there are still many unresolved issues in this case that can be argued both ways. For example, one could argue that those of a faith not in accordance with the prayer can simply choose to not participate until it’s over. This can be countered with the fact that this type of prayer has been found unconstitutional in public schools even though nonadherents are not forced into participating. The town has said leaders of any faith are allowed to open the meetings, even mentioning the idea of having a Wiccan priestess offer invocations (cnn.com), but the town meeting prayers so far have been “overwhelmingly Christian in nature,” and the two times Hindu priests have opened sessions of Congress in 2000 and 2007, there has been enormous backlash from Christian organizations. So, it’s not looking good from the diversity standpoint. This decision also brings up bigger issues regarding religion and government. The Supreme Court is dealing with separation of church and state issues on a case-by-case basis, which often causes ruling to come into conflict with each other. Prayer being banned in school and the Greece case are perfect examples. If prayer cannot be held in public schools, even if non-believers don’t have to participate, shouldn’t the ruling for town meetings be the same? And if we cannot have public-sanctioned prayer, what happens to the Pledge of Allegiance, which still references the Christian deity? We still have “In God We Trust” on our currency, does that count as a violation of separation of church and state? Supreme Court cases involving religious freedom tread a fine line. The big question is where do one person’s rights end and another’s begin?
mctcampus
On April 23, the Supreme Court ruled 6-2 that Michigan’s ban on affirmative action was constitutional, allowing states to ban affirmative action through a referendum. Immediately, the backlash started, with a number of social justice groups speaking out against the decision. Shanti Driver, a lawyer from By Any Means Necessary: A Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, the plaintiff in the case, stated that affirmative action was the only way to fight “the presumption of black or Latino inferiority” (abcnews.go.com) and that the court’s decision was racist. Hold on, what? Accepting people into college based purely on merit instead of race is now racist? Is this Bizarro World? Is it Opposite Day? Affirmative Action was initially put into place in the ‘60s to help minorities due to the underlying bigotry still prevalent in society, but now it is doing the opposite. White students are being turned away because minorities are getting extra points on college applications purely because of the color of their skin. Overcompensating for past injustices by hurting another group is the wrong way to go about things. While it is true many minority groups were discriminated against in their attempts to gain access to higher education in the past, flipping that system on its head and discriminating against another group is just as bad. Racism is not a one-way street. That being said, the Supreme Court went about this case the right way. Instead of outright banning or forcing affirmative action upon states, they let each state decide whether to implement it. A rapid change in policy would cause massive outcry no matter which way the verdict went. Instead, the public can choose whether they want to keep affirmative action or not. Hopefully, they’ll choose to stop discrimination in college applications toward any group, no matter what their skin color is.
Racism in the NBA
Retraction: I wish to retract the statements made in my gun control article from March 2013, as my position on the issue has since changed. - Jonas Chechak 10 l the viewpoint l june 2014
commons.wikimedia.org
The Supreme Court and the NBA take on racism and religious liberty. by Jonas Chechak
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Love at first type @mvtheviewpoint
Twitter Direct Messages allow for a new kind of love story in a world full of increasing technology. by Sami Toal
We live in a society that’s dominated by extracurriculars and busy schedules. After school, the majority of people have to go to work, attend sports practice or participate in one or more of the numerous clubs and activities held after school. Then once home, a pile of homework in need of completion steals hours of time until it’s time for bed. In other words, life isn’t “That ‘70s Show.” Nights after school aren’t consistently spent in a friend’s basement, goofing off and saying funny things. Most nights are spent with a pile of homework and the familiar feeling of a breakdown. So how exactly am I, along with others, supposed to achieve that Donna and Eric type relationship? In this day and age, log onto Twitter. Sliding into someone’s Direct Messages is today’s equivalent of asking for someone’s number. A cute picture of a cat sent over the DMs is practically a marriage proposal. If a boy has the courage to see you, decides he likes what he sees and then message you on Twitter, he’s probably a keeper. In fact, I’m thinking of sending a screenplay to Nicholas Sparks about a recent relationship I’ve witnessed blossom, and it all started with the buzz of a cell phone. “Oh my goodness. Guess what.” I look over at my friend whose eyes are glued to her cell phone screen. “Someone just DMed me on Twitter!” When asked who, she says a name I’ve heard before but who I didn’t know personally. Someone I didn’t think she knew either. “Oh, well, we’ve never met before. He saw me during an SAT.” I asked what the message said. “Your pretty.” Just a hint, if you’re trying to impress a girl with your first greeting, maybe check on that grammar, and try not to sound so creepy. Either way, that’s romance. That right there is the next Nicholas Sparks screen play waiting to pull on the heart strings on millions. To be fair, busy schedules seem to hinder opportunities to find that high school sweetheart, and Twitter is fast, easy and effective. My friend and her Twitter bae have a date lined up for the future and it all started with a sighting similar to a lion spotting a limping gazelle. We live in a world filled with an abundance of technology and opportunities to connect in different ways. Twitter gives people the chance to connect with people they normally wouldn’t. That can be a good thing. According to Daily News, one-third of couples in the United States meet online. So, if meeting online or through a Twitter DM works for you, embrace it. It’s the 21st century and possibilities are endless. If people ask how you met, smile proudly and say, “He messaged me on Twitter.” Or just make something up. Who will know? So next time someone slides into your DMs, keep in mind that he could potentially be the Eric to your Donna. Or a huge creep, and you should probably watch out for that.
june 2014 l the viewpoint l 13
or
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MVHS students choose between Moe’s, an old favorite, or the Chipotle coming soon to Stafford Marketplace in Fall of 2014. by Eleanor Reichhardt and Lily Cowper
Getting a Chipotle burrito is a treat for most students at Mountain View, “[I prefer] Chipotle, I guess since I don’t go there very often. Moe’s is just right since the closest restaurant is in Central Park. Now, it will only be a short there. It’s kind of a toss-up.” She said, “I think [business at Moe’s] will definitely drive to Stafford marketplace, because in addition to Moe’s Southwest Grill, get slower as soon as the Chipotle first opens, but then it might level out.” a new Chipotle restaurant is being built. It is expected to be up and running However, not all students were in favor of the restaurant. Senior Hunter by the first week of October. Lewis said that she’s hoping people will get tired of Chipotle, since they’ll be Parris Phelps, of P.A. Phelps consulting services, is the civil engineer of going there all the time. the project, meaning he designs the site and deals with the functionality of “I think there’s a lot of people that like Moe’s more than Chipotle,” said junior things like a sanitary sewer, clean water and plants around the building. Indigo Ballister. Ballister also criticized that Chipotle doesn’t serve ground “It took them three years to bring it to fruition,” he said. “They came to me beef while Moe’s does. and said, ‘Let’s make it happen.’” So what’s the difference between the two that allows people to pick a Several blogs were made to support bringing a Chipotle to Stafford favorite? before the project began, but they didn’t have much to do with the producMoe’s ingredients differ only slightly from Chipotle’s. Moe’s has ground beef, tion of the new restaurant. “It goes much beyond just people wanting stuff,” steak, pulled pork or tofu. Chipotle has chicken, steak, barabacoa or carnitas. said Phelps. H&R Retail were the ones who Moe’s doesn’t have any option of brown rice, but decided what location was the best for the Chipotle has the choice of white or brown rice. new restaurant. Chipotle over all has 10 ingredients, while Moe’s Phelps said that he thinks there will has 32. of students prefer Chipotle be maybe one more Chipotle to come to Moe’s layout looks a lot like Cici’s Pizza, but Stafford County. “I can’t let the cat all the also similar to Chipotle in that they have a bar of students prefer Moe’s way out of the bag yet,” he added. of ingredients to choose from. Construction started May 5 and the Senior Jessica Johnson said, “I like the design of students will go to Chibuilding will be turned over to the tenants of Chipotle better, the rustic look, but Moe’s sometime in September. is nice too.” She prefers Moe’s over Chipotle. “I potle more often before the “Typically construction should be don’t go on Mondays,” she said. new restaurant around nine or ten months, but this will be Mondays are Moe’s Mondays where the up in five,” Phelps confirmed. customer can get a burrito for only $5. Johnof students will go to ChipotThe builders didn’t run into many probson said, “[The line] is super long. It’s like 30 le more often after the new lems during construction, only some slight minutes to go through. Chipotle’s line is a little restaurant problems with something in the ground. shorter, but I’d rather have Moe’s. I like the food, “Like everything,” he said, “it gets resolved and it comes with chips.” A Moe’s burrito comes and we keep moving forward.” Though, the with free chips and the amount is unlimited, but rain from the beginning of May did delay the at Chipotle, to buy chips and guacamole together start of the project. He said, “If it rains like this again, we won’t be able to costs around $3. work on the building pad.” Greg Margheim, the Assistant Principal for Athletics and Activities, said that The county staff worked well with P.A. Phelps Consulting services. They he’s never been to Chipotle when it was crowded, but has been to a crowded were “very cooperative,” as put by Phelps. Phelps also said, “Overall, I give Moe’s and said that the line moved slowly. Both Margheim and counseling the county an A+ for their ability to help us get this done.” secretary, Sarah Tadelle, said that they prefer Chipotle, and that in their There will be a grand opening for the restaurant when it’s completely experience the line at Chipotle is generally smaller than at Moe’s. Tadelle said, finished. “I understand it’s going to be big,” Phelps revealed. “I like that at Chipotle I can fax in my order or email it, and Moe’s doesn’t have A poll taken by 100 students at Mountain View told us that 70% said they that option.” would switch their business from Moe’s to Chipotle once the new restaurant Chipotle.com has an “order now” feature that allows you to choose a restauis open. “It will probably be a split decision kind of thing,” said senior Drew rant to order from and choose your ingredients online. After sending the order Deramus. “Half of the people will go to one [restaurant] and half of the form in, you can skip the line at the restaurant and pick up your food. people will go to the other.” There are definitely some mixed opinions around the school but overall, 67% of students prefer Chipotle over Moe’s. Senior Nicole Spreeman said, many students and teachers appreciate the new restaurant being built in Stafford Marketplace in addition to Moe’s being there.
67% 33% 51% 70%
14 l the viewpoint l june 2014
Transformation Tuesday
Katelyn Smith
Bradley St. Amor
Alexis Wood
Grace Mathews
Briget McGregor
Amber Polly
Steven Dvornick
Hunter Lewis
Jessica Sumaria
Freshmen to Seniors: The ODYSSEY Finally, senior year has arrived and all we have to say is thank goodness for puberty. It has become a trend every Tuesday that we look through our most memorable photos and compare them to our current selves, seeing how weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve changed physically, mentally and emotionally. Take a second and think about how much you have changed as youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re made your way through Mountain View. by Ashley Friedl and Lexi Stevens Photos were submited to @mvtheviewpoint june 2014 l the viewpoint l15
ie Ell
The road to success
aro Ph
Where will you go? By Chrissi Carter, Connor Cox, Lexi D’Amico and Ashley Friedl
Virginia Commonwealth University: Ashley Ackley Anneliese Bull Michael Digiacomo Nathan English Lindsey Griffin Justin Hall Shika Nyamador Fallon O’Connor Armanni Patterson Samantha Quaye Kayla Robey Old Dominion University: Lauren Arvai Trevor Burzynski Shelby Clutter Mallory Davis Jason Greenwell Amanada Horran Cierra McKinney Alexis Stevens Jared Swan Baylor University: Justin Brock Jordan and Casey Walker Bowie State University: Jasmine Lee Bowling Green State University:Brittany Hrach Bridgewater College: Rachel Flood and Grayson Mathews Brigham Young University: Provo: Gina Henrie Catholic University of America: Morgan Hrabsky Christoper Newport University: Torii Masinsin, Colton Muller, Bradley St. Amour and Morgan Wellman College of William and Mary: Sarah Belton, Laini Boyd, Bailey McCarthy and Emily White Colorado State University: Anja Witeacre Drexel University: Vincent Quarles ECPI University: Joshua Fox Elon University: Caitlin MiddleKauff George Mason University: Joseph Bessette, Carri Marcolini, Sofia Ramsel, Mally Torres and Miriam Trepatschko Germanna Community College: Molly Hample, Kevin Nicely and Michelle Prickett Hampton University: Christina Carter, Brianna Hines and Reina Ransom Hiram College: Robert Alling Johns Hopkins University: John Del Toro Kennesaw State University: Alexis WIlliams Longwood University: Meagan Dilda, Simhran Patel, Tiffani Phillips, Alesa Sumpter and Justin Thornton Louisana State University: Kristen Jacques Mount St. Mary’s University: Mary McCormick New Tribes Bible Institute: Madison Lucas North Carolina- Wesleyan College: Lucia Davids North Carolina State University: Trevor Jenkins Ohio State University: Mason Madeline Penn State-Altoona: Bailey Bauckman Radford University: Mary Crowell, Jessica Johnson, Victoria Leeks and Tyle Proffitt
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University of Mary Washington: Samuel Barss Marina Castro-Meirelles Caitlin Colie Ashley Friedl Colleen Hope James Madison University: Alexandra Arvai Ashton Banglesdorf Bridget Brown Lauren Burnett Maggie Cherry Eric Driscoll Virginia Tech: Catheryn Castelli Alisa Chance Yui Clifford Annie Davis Jessica King Kelsey Krum
Morgan LaRowe Dorian Peele Hunter Renard Nicole Spreeman Rachael Wiczalkowski Taylor Williams Alexander Hansen Sarah Houk Hunter Lewis Rachel MacAfee Sean Morgan Audrey Mowry
Alvaro Mendoza Caleb Minger Jennifer Pickle Amber Scites Andrew Shiraishi Katelyn Smith Zachary Yacone
Randolph-Macon University: Aaron Headly and Connor Maenz Roanoke College: Hannah Shipp Sewanee, The University of the South: Madison Bunderson Slippery Rock University: Kyla Calhoun Sweet Briar College: Katie Leaver The Culinary Institute of America-Hyde Park: Camile Unruh Texas A & M University: Tiffani Uresti Towson University: Morgan Lowry Univeristy of Kansas: Ryan Lutzkanin University of Nevada: Victoria Jarrett University of Virginia: Kendalyn Feaster, Alyssa Ngheim, Jasmin Nguyen, Kenny Nguyen and Jessica Park University of Virginia-Wise: Lauren Donahue Virginia Milititary Institute: Joshua Goldsmith, Matthew Kenkel and John Keppeler Westminster College: Whitney Ingraham West Virginia State University: Quinton Gray
Spring Movies Reviewed
Go watch the Winter Soldier! Captain’s orders!
by Nico Villarreal
MCT Campus
“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is the newest movie adventure Marvel has cranked out for the star-spangled Avenger. The film Stars Chris Evans as Steve Rogers , Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanov and Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson. “The Winter Soldier” is a brilliant action movie and only a slightly less good comic book adaptation. The action scenes are innovative and captivating and sure to make you lean back in your seats in awe, shock and surprise. Ironically enough, the most repetitive fights are between the Captain and the Winter Soldier, whereas some of the best action scenes of the movie center around the Falcon, Nick Fury and the Black Widow. Throughout all the scenes, not just the action ones, solid directing and performances are executed. At one point there is a narrated summary of the last movie, but the way they did it in-universe made it not feel intrusive or drag the watcher out of the experience, something many summations fail at. I did get the feeling that Johansson had a cold, though, as her voice didn’t sound quite right. There are a few grievances that in a normal action movie I would easily pardon, but this isn’t just a normal action movie. This is a Marvel comic book adaptation. The first villain monologue in the movie was pretty cliché, some of the twists were predictable and the climax battle was long-winded toward the end. One of the most interesting points the movie made is its social commentary. Shield, which The Captain works for, is a massive government agency, and is making weapons capable of destroying terrorist threats before they start, possibly at the expense of freedom. What happens to these weapons over the course of the movie and the Captain’s brief monologue about them serve to pose questions about the militarization of America. The only problem is that they didn’t go far enough into this theme, which really does deserve to be explored. Still, “The Winter Soldier” sports a great story with interesting characters that may measure up to be better than the first Captain America movie.
Transcendence uploads surprise, nuance and suspense into our consciousness
MCT Campus
When all is said and done, “Transcendence” is a movie that slapped away all my expectations like a cold splash of nanobot saturated water to the face. The movie tells the story of scientist Will Caster (Johnny Depp) who works in Artificial Intelligence, and his wife Evelyn Caster(Rebecca Hall) works with him and dreams of changing the world. When Will is attacked by anti-technology terrorists, Evelyn decides to save her husband by uploading his consciousness into a computer. Besides Depp, the movie boasts Morgan Freeman as a celebrity actor, but they’re just two parts of a talented cast. Things were a bit slow at first. The characters felt bland, and Morgan Freeman was criminally under utilized. But the plot all but made up for it. Every twist and turn produced an eerie, suspenseful ambiance. The viewer knows from the start that something is going to go catastrophically wrong, but they just don’t know how. Throughout the movie, questions will be brought to the watchers’ minds, questions the movie answers in clever, nuanced ways. However, even the plot has its problems. It’s never explained how the terrorist group knows certain
things, or why certain assumptions are made. Granted, these things were necessary to move the plot forward, but they’re also some lazy short-cuts on the writer’s part. Where “Transcendence” really excels is taking the clichés and staples of its genre and turning them on their head. The biggest themes center around the fears of technology, and how they are really just fears of the unknown. When this theme finally comes to a head, so does
the biggest twist in the movie, one that is executed near brilliantly. I won’t spoil it, but I will say without shame that tears were shed. In hindsight, it does feel as though the initiation of the apocalypse we see at the beginning was a bit of an overreaction, and the ending downplays its significance. With a star studded cast, clever twists and original ending, you should go out and see this movie before computers take over the world. june 2014 l the viewpoint l 17
THE VALEDICTORIAN
Interview Kenny Nguyen
FAR BEYOND KNOWLEDGE
People do not easily see the valedictorian as more than just an accomplished student. Find out what is behind the academic success and inside the true self of 2014’s valedictorian. by Katie Jones “It was a goal for me to do my best, not to particularly be valedictorian,” Kenny Nguyen said. “In doing my best, for personal reasons, there was a lot of pressure. Not pressure, really, but motivation.” Nguyen said that he plans to attend the University of Virginia to pursue engineering, but he hasn’t decided what type yet. What is Nguyen’s greatest strength? “He stays focused. He knows what he wants. He’s set goals for himself and he is determined to achieve them. His modesty is another strength,” IB English teacher Greg Feducia said. “He is a teacher’s dream student because he takes criticism well and applies it. He betters himself through criticism,” Feducia said. Many students compete to be valedictorian for its advantages. Nguyen said, “I’d say the [advantages] would be having an upper hand when applying to colleges and getting scholarships.” He continued, “It would be disappointing if you were valedictorian and then suddenly you weren’t anymore.” Being valedictorian doesn’t nessessarily mean a student is perfect. Feducia said Nguyen’s greatest weakness is his perfectionism. He continued, “He’s a perfectionist, so I think that makes a person second-guess himself. What’s interesting about Kenny is he has a sense of humor, so I think that plays off of his perfectionism.” French teacher Susan Steska added that he is a quiet, serious student. She said, “Sometimes I wonder why he doesn’t let out enough.” However, Nguyen has set himself apart from other valedictorians. Feducia said, “There’s a sense of humility and I think he appreciates what he learns and the education he’s getting.” Feducia said he was not surprised at all that Nguyen is valedictorian, “No, not surprised at all. He is a hard worker and dedicated to his studies.” Steska said, “He’s remarkably bright; a very nice, respectful kid. He has a gift for languages. He’s also very disciplined. He does everything on time and thouroughly. He’s not easily distracted.” Giving a speech is difficult for many students, even valedictorians. “I haven’t decided [on my speech] but people have given me weird suggestions,” Nguyen said. He said he will practice his speech once or twice and added, “I feel excited but at the same time nervous. I’m excited because there are few opportunities for people like me to have the chance to speak to such a large crowed,” Nguyen said. Everyone is looking forward to the end of the school year, even the valedictorian, “High school isn’t over yet, but yes, I’ll be glad when it’s over. I think once I finish AP and IB exams, I’ll feel more relaxed,” Nguyen said. In both academics and Pokémon (a time-consumming hobby), Nguyen agreed that he was competetive. Nguyen said, “I don’t really know [what makes Pokemon fun]. I have people I play with so that makes it fun. I really don’t know how to describe it; I’ve played since I was little.” Would Nguyen rather be Pokémon Elite Four Champion or Valedictorian? “That’s a tough question. I guess being Elite Four Champion is more fun.”
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Erinn Black
june 2014 l the viewpoint l 19
My personality results by Ashley Friedl
Jostens
ISTJ... These four letters were bestowed to me by the Myers-Briggs Personality Test. The test told me I’m the inspector, which basically means I am loyal, faithful and dependable. So, apparently, I am a dog? Myers-Briggs Personality Test can tell you all about yourself in 72 questions. Feeling curious, I looked up which Disney character I would be with my test results and I was given Zazu. In the Harry Potter world, my results said I was Snape, and the Marvel site said I am the Black Widow. Most off the others I failed to mention were loser characters like Caleb from “Divergent”, or Stanis from “Game of Thrones”. You can see why I was displeased. Supposedly, ISTJ means I’m an introvert, meaning I keep to myself. I think that’s a load of malarkey. I am a very outgoing person when I feel like it. Those are the key words, “when I feel like it”. A person’s results will almost never be the same because people’s moods change depending on how the feel. So what do you know Myer Briggs?! I’m not crazy like Rick from “The Walking Dead”. I should be Katniss Everdeen, not Gale! As you can see, these results have left me bewildered. I do not approve of their test. People can be anything they want, no matter what the results say. My name is Ashley Friedl and I am quiet, loud, sarcastic, caring, loyal, and some times, very obnoxious. So go chomp on an apple! On a side note, I want to thank my friends and family for all the support they have given me through high school. My twins! You guys have been the best friends I could have ever asked for. High school wouldn’t have been the same without those friends who were always easy to laugh with, as well as easy to laugh at. Color guard shaped my life, and taught me how to be proud of myself while also getting over my stage fright. Finally, thank you to my new friend who I have known for about 14 months. You have made the world a bit brighter. I look forward to going to college and living my life to the fullest. And I hope to keep my closest friends close throughout college and the rest of my life.
Mary Arvai
Love ^ Ashley Fr ied l
Senior Columns The Viewpoint’s seniors reflect on their high school years If you are reading this by Lexi Stevens
Dana Ramsey
If you are reading this, I have graduated. I am moving on and building the road to my future. Before I leave, I would like to thank all the people who have touched my heart along the way. These people have either left footprints along the way or are still by my side while I start this wonderful journey called life. First, I would like to thank the two adults that have taught me everything I need to know about growing up even though they wish I never would. Without them I would be lost and confused. They have always supported me with all the vast dreams I have had. Secondly, I would like to thank a girl who I spent countless nights of squeezing in a twin size bed while trying not to touch the back of your knees. The time that I spent with you opened my eyes to what having a best friend felt like. I’m happy that in these past few months of senior year we have mended our relationship. I hope you achieve all the goals you want in college and in the rest of your life; but whatever you do in life don’t forget about us. Thirdly, I would like to thank my best friend. Ever since I was one years old my heart has been complete becuase of your loving friendship. Along the years we have grown in seperate lives but we have never fallen apart. You have become more of a long lost sister to me. Best of luck in your senior year I will always love you no mater the distance between us. Lastly, a very special thank you goes to a boy. A boy that in most cases would have left a while ago, but chose to stay even when things got tough. I have many special memories becuase of you being in my life, I couldnt see my life without them. I hope that we will make many more along the years. I want to thank you because you have made me so happy even in our situation. Most people thought we would not make it but we did! Now, these are not all the people I would thank for getting me where I am today. If I did, this article would be the whole magazine. Just know, if you are reading this, I am thankful for supporting me everyday and leaving a footprint on my life.
Debbie Pfeil
20 l the viewpoint l june 2014
Weird is Good by John Keppeler
Angie Tomayko
Aaron Spicer
In the past four years I’ve been called a lot of things; tall, goofy, cool, uncool, sweet, mean, stupid, smart, good-looking and ugly. But if I had to choose one word that I’ve been called the most it would be weird. It’s not necessarily a bad thing and when I stop to take a look in the mirror I can see why people think that. I’m 6 foot 4, 200 pounds, 18 years old, I still play Pokemon, and I prefer to hang out with my 14 year old brother than people my age. But I like weird. I like being a little different than everyone around me. I think all of us do to some extent. We like to be our own person with our own unique thoughts and feelings. Weird is good. I’ve grown up more than I wanted to in my time at Mountain View and learned a great deal about life and people, although I came to learn about the core subjects. I’d also like to extend a “thank you” to all of the teachers mentors who have brought me out of my shell, showed me the world and have helped me grow up. Mountain View has been good to me for the past four years, and it’s going to be hard leaving home for college, but I think I’m ready. I’m attending Virginia Military Institute next year and I know that most of you reading this see “Institute” and freak out. I realized that having a normal college experience wasn’t going to be enough for the real world and that I needed to reach a little higher to be successful. Its not going to be easy, but it will make me a better person and give me people I can trust with my life, for the rest of my life. Life is going to suck first and I will probably do more push-ups than I would care to, but I think it will be worth it in the end. As my high school years come to a close and a new chapter of my life is starting, I realize what is important in life. Its being happy. Be happy with what you have and if you aren’t, change what is making you unhappy. As Van Wilder once said, “Don’t take life too seriously; you’ll never get out alive.”
Senior Columns Lost in America by Nathan English
Nathan English
In my time at Mountain View High School, I have seen many strange and wondrous things and learned a great deal. A few chief lessons stood out in particular: l People are more interested in trying to circumvent the system than gaining knowledge. l People would rather play on their smartphones than take up positions on issues that matter. However, they love using their smartphones to take up issues that don’t matter.People feel alone and unwanted if they don’t get to plaster online every useless thought they have and every bad picture they take. l People are growing up more and more with an ingrained sense of entitlement. l Basically, people are terrible. If our generation is the future of America, then we’re in even more sorry shape than we thought. We all grow up thinking that we are a unique individual with infinite potential and we’re all going to go out and change the world for the better. The harsh reality is the majority of us are morons with nothing to bring to the table and our lives will never amount to any sort of significance to the world at large. I’m not trying to say I’m above this, though. As of this writing, I’m finishing a year with the best grades of my entire school career, I’m attending Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall and I’ve just about finished my attainment of Eagle Scout. I’m planning to study pre-law and hopefully become an attorney. I’ve achieved some goals, abandoned some goals and spent a lot of time just having fun. Will all of this guide me toward making a significant positive impact? As much as I’d like to think I’m going to work my way up through the judicial system, become a judge and set ground-breaking precedents that will influence public policy for the better, that is probably not going to happen. As cliché as it seems to say, none of us will ever escape the rat-race routine we’re expected to fulfil. Go to school. Get a job. Pay your taxes. Retire. Die. Have fun being free. Every advance in technology has only made us lazier and more apathetic. Objectively speaking, the internet is probably the greatest achievement of mankind’s history due to the ease of sharing information, but we use it to look at pictures of cats, complain to our friends, take quizzes to see what Mean Girls character we are and download Don’t Touch the White Tile or whatever the game of choice is today. In this age where a wealth of information is available at your fingertips and ignorance is a choice, there’s too many people making the wrong choice. If you’re reading this, most likely, you are part of the problem. Hell, I wrote this, and I am part of the problem. I spend more time playing on my iPhone than I probably should, and I can’t claim to be 100% informed on every issue in the country. But isn’t it fun being part of the problem? Perhaps I’m too cynical. This is something like my sixth piece of writing I’ve done this year to talk about how society is terrible and we’re all doomed for one reason or another. Perhaps I need to be more forward-thinking, more progressive and more open to the possibility of a bright, happy future. It sounds nice, but it’s kind of hard to think that way amidst the bombardment of idiocy that is modern America. Maybe someday we can all fix ourselves and learn to not be so imbecilic. Until then, I leave you with the immortal words of Pink Floyd: “Welcome, my son. Welcome to the machine. What did you dream? It’s alright, we told you what to dream.”
june 2014 l the viewpoint l 21
Summer is coming
And with the summer comes the possibility of great new blockbuster films. Here are a few you might want to see with friends when you’re not having fun in the sun. by Nathan English
22 Jump Street Release: June 13 Starring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube
comingsoon.net
In 2012 “21 Jump Street,” a humorous undercover cop satire based on an ‘80s television show, was very well received by critics and audiences alike. For this sequel, the same writers and directors are behind the production, all of the key actors from the original (such as Hill, Tatum, Ice Cube, Dave Franco and Nick Offerman) are reprising their roles. The plot has graduated from undercover operations in high school to undercover operations in college, but hopefully fans will be just as entertained this time around.
Transformers: Age of Extinction Release: June 27 Starring: Mark Wahlberg
comingsoon.net
Michael Bay’s “Transformers” movies have garnered a mixed critical reception for their length, overblown special effects and perceived racist humor, but since 2009’s “Dark of the Moon” is the seventh highest grossing film of all time, apparently somebody liked them. This fourth installment in the series features a new cast and fan-favorite Transformers not seen before in the live-action films: the Dinobots. With official trailers out for viewing, fans can expect to see more of the CGI-heavy action that has become Bay’s trademark.
Guardians of the Galaxy Release: August 1 Starring: Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Zoe Saldana
comingsoon.net
While you’re waiting for “Avengers: Age of Ultron” in 2015, see a different sort of movie from Marvel’s vast universe: “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Based on a series of comics that started in 2008, the plot revolves around a series of galactic criminal misfits who must band together to fight against Ronan, general to infamous Marvel supervillian Thanos. The trailers already out are showing the film to be a unique and unusual departure from Marvel’s usual shtick. Whether audiences will be thrilled remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure -- this will most likely be the best film ever to feature an alien raccoon.
Sin City: A Dame to kill for Release: August 22 Starring: Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
june 2014 l the viewpoint l 22
comingsoon.net
“Sin City.” released in 2005, was a groundbreaking film for graphic novel adaptations due to its highly stylish neo-noir violence and strict loyalty to the source comics. This sequel combines two more of the novel stories with two new stories, with Robert Rodriguez of Machete and Spy Kids fame and author of the novels Frank Miller both returning to the directing chair. Featuring an enormous ensemble cast, with series newcomers including Eva Green, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ray Liotta, the film has the potential to be a dark, extreme and visually vivid time to satisfy both casual movie-goers and fans of the comics.
Summer soundtrack
100 MV Students were polled about their favorite and least favorite songs on the radio, and the results may surprise you.
by Elizabeth Ougnitch and Callie Walker “We Can’t Stop” Miley Cyrus “Timber” Kesha & Pitbull “All of me” John Legend “Talk Dirty” Jason Derulo
24% 34%
“Hey Brother” Avicii
26% 44%
“Say Something” A Great Big World
31% 31%
“Up Down” T-Pain “Drunk in love”” Beyoncé
38% 31%
“Loyal” Chris Brown “Happy” Pharrell
31% 62% 24% 28%
“Dark Horse” Katy Perry
“Wake Me Up’ Avicii
24% 38%
“Blurred Lines” Robin Thicke “Turn Down For What” DJ Snake & Lil John
31% 24%
“Royal“ Lorde “Human” Christina Perri
burntwice.com
Song you don’t want to hear Overplayed and overrated
20%
20%
Songs you suggested to listen to: “Partition”- Beyoncé “Summer”- Calvin Harris “I Can’t Stop”- Flux Pavilion “Stoner”- Young Thug “Fancy”- Iggy Azalea “Work”- Iggy Azalea “Twerk”- Miley Cyrus
“Ain’t It Fun”- Paramore “Awwsome”- Shy Glizzy “Who Do You Love”- YG ft. Drake “I’m The Man”- Aloe Blacc “Lolly”- Justin Bieber “Stay High”- Tove Lo
3% “Royal”Lorde
7% “Wake Me Up”- Avicii
3%
“Hey Brother”- Avicii
10%
“Turn Down For What”- DJ Snake & Lil John
“Loyal”- Chris Brown
3% “Dark Horse”- Katy Perry
7%
“Happy”- Pharrell
10% “Drunk in Love”- Beyoncé
3%
“We Can’t Stop”- Miley Cyrus
14%
“Up Down”T-pain
“Timber”- Kesha
“Blurred Lines”- Robin Thicke
14%
Songs you suggested not to listen to: “Friday”- Rebecca Black “The Fox- Ylyvis “Gangnam Style”- Psy “Gas Pedal”- Sage The Gemini “Mirrors”- Justin Timbrlake “Just Give Me A Reason”- P!nk
“I’m the Man”- Aloe Blacc “Call Me Maybe”- Carly Rae Jepsen “Roar”- Katy Perry
june 2014 l the viewpoint l 23
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Any advice? “Work extremely hard in college, but don’t forget to enjoy it.”
What advice do you have for graduating seniors?
photography and page by Joshua Guillemette
“Work hard. Love what you do.” Diana VanFleet English Teacher
“Don’t ignore your studies, but also take advantage as many opportunities. Go abroad. Study something you’re interested in.” Susan Steska French Teacher
Seth Thompson Physics Teacher
“Realize; live in the moment. This is your opportunity to find out what you want to do in life and take it seriously. This is the time to sit down and think about your decision. It’s up to you, and it’s an important time in your life. Be willing to step out there and make the most of what you can.”
“Be smart in your first year in college. Don’t stray too far from your morals. Remember to think through everything you do.” Abigail Murray AP Goverment Teacher
James Hodges Math Teacher
“Choose the path that you think success lies, not the path others think you should choose.”
Mark Hughes Art Teacher
Doug Armstrong Band Teacher Cory Haley
Cessy Mallory PE Teacher
“Never lose control, because some one else might take it. Also, just have fun.”
“Enjoy the last few weeks here at school because you’ll never see your classmates again.”
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The music experience
Music teachers recommended students to talk about their experiences in band, orchestra, and choir. by Hailey Bullis and Cory Haley
Madason Syrus Percussion Ensemble “I was in marching band since I was a freshman, my freshman year I was on keyboards. My sophomore year everyone told me I could not play the drum I wanted to, so I worked as hard as I could to prove everyone wrong, then I got the drum I wanted to, for the past three years.” 26 l the viewpoint l june 2014
Hannah Shipp Choral Mix “I’m a professional student right now, but it helps my selfesteem a lot. I am not a very outgoing kind of person. With all the opportunities that chorus presents, I just feel like I can be myself a little bit more and not have to worry about how people are judging me, or looking at me. It’s more a basis of equals, rather than a competition.”
Alec Youngson Symphonic Band Y “All these events I’ve been in have really just taken it so that I’m not as unsure of myself, not as self-aware of how I do. I’m more confident, more outgoing. Before I used to really be in a shell, as they say, and you grow out of your shell. “
Bridget Brown Wind Ensemble “I came here freshman year and I didn’t know anyone. When I got into band, it was like home. Everyone welcomed me. I was just some completely outside person and I had a ton of friends by then. Mr. Armstrong teaches so many things to us that are life lessons and we take that into our other classes and into interviews.”
Bryanna Mueller Madrigals “It’s filled with a bunch of different people, chorus especially; and we all kind of come together through singing, and the one thing we all focus on in chorus is how ‘When you sing together your heart beats together.’ So that’s kind of like a living thing. Chorus has just helped me kind of find my place and help me figure out what I’m best at.”
Cory Haley
Brock Jordan Jazz Choir “I got a lot of new friends out of it for sure and just having to prepare for auditions has really let me grow in confidence. So now I’m more confident as a person, to speak out or sing out and do something that I know I can do really well, versus being nervous about it and being scared I’ll mess up.”
Caitlin Colie Concert Orchestra “If you’re having troubles in school, you can go to them and be like ‘Oh this happened,’ because you’re all connected and you all play together. There’s a lot of friends you can keep track of instead of changing every class, you don’t see the same people, but you see the same people in orchestra.”
John Del Toro Women’s/mens Choir “I feel that chorus really tries to distress you at the end of the day; on top of that it is allowed me to be a better communicator, in terms of working with other people. Frankly I’m able to connect more with others and be able to work as a unit with people in my sections. “
Chris Tillman Chamber Orchestra “Music classes are always generally fun classes and they give people an opportunity express their feelings through music. When they’re frustrated through other classes with tests, they can go to music class and have a home.”
Noah Jones Jazz Band “I do a lot of out of school band stuff, a lot of rock bands, rap rock/ grudge band I guess, whatever you call it right now. I also play a lot of blues and folk music too on the side. It’s one thing to play, and one thing to understand it.”
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Lucas Brown refused to have his picture taken for this article.
Lucas Brown Basketball Hood College
Garrett Bullin Wrestling St. Andrews University
Madison Bunderson Soccer Sewanee University of The South
Janson Doyle Lauren Donahue Lacrosse Lacrosse University of Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College at Wise Slippery Rock University Club
Billy Decker Soccer Newberry College
Greg Hoffman Football Ferrum College
Lia Kelly Soccer Frostburg State University
John Keppeler Soccer Virginia Military Institute
Gordon Collins Football University of Richmond
Quinton Gray Football West Virginia State University
Morgan LaRowe Field Hockey University of Mary Washington
hit the next level And hit it hard. Goodbye high school, hello college. Senior student athletes prepare to compete at the collegiate level. Athletes, you are back down at the bottom of the totem pole. Start unknown. Finish unforgettable. by Erinn Black 30 l the viewpoint l june 2014
Morgan Lowry Field Hockey Towson University
Bridget McGregor Soccer James Madison University Club
Cory Ohlin Lacrosse Northern Virginia Community College
Melanie Lytle Soccer Pfeiffer University
Sean Morgan Baseball James Madison University
Abby Poff Soccer Lynchburg College
Grayson Mathews Soccer Bridgewater College
Meshala Morton Track Hampton University
Russell Ramsey Wrestling Coker College
Bailey McCarthy Field Hockey College of William and Mary
Sam Natkin Soccer Ferrum College
David Slupek Baseball University of Mary Washington
Thank you Greg Margheim and Mindy Planakis for your support through the year through advertising and press privileges.
Matthew Spencer Soccer University of Mary Washington
Jared Swan Wrestling Old Dominion University
Jenna Tomayko Soccer Longwood University june 2013 l the viewpoint l 31
Staff Page
The masterminds behind The Viewpoint
Megan Clark, Junior
“ I think she thinks I think she’s dumb ... because I think she’s dumb.”
Sami Toal, Junior
Josh Guillemette, Junior
Nathan English, Senior
John Keppeler, Senior
Erinn Black, Junior
Jonas Chechak, Junior
“If you want to know the way to my heart, it’s through The Viewpoint.”
“We’re really just making a super expensive scrapbook.”
Katie Jones, Junior
“I hate it. I like being just a box.”
“Wait ... you want me to give him another arm?”
Josh: “I like cookies.”
Erinn: “I like to look at them.”
Lexi Stevens, Senior
“It smells like feet in here, and I feel like it’s John.”
“Today was exciting. We haven’t had a good fire since, like, 4th grade.”
“Facial tattoos help you get jobs.”
Ashley Friedl , Senior
“Oo! Luke Bryant! I like it when he tells me to shake it.”
What you probably don’t know about The Viewpoint staff: Megan yells at her computer. She talks to it and “accidentally” drops parts of it, too. There’s a wall of attractive men in the lab, carefully and democratically ranked. Some men close to the top are there because their inclusion makes us laugh. If someone makes you food for your birthday, make sure you eat it before Ashley gets to it (sorry, Katie). We stress eat $1 Giant brand cookies on late night. There’s actually only 10 of us. If you don’t follow us back on Twitter, we unfollow you (#nofreerides). About 200 hours go into each issue. Photojournalism and Journalism are two separate, and very different, classes. There are three different types of black used in this magazine. There are seven Staffords in the country. The magazine has accidentally been sent to two of them before arriving here. We sell $1200+ in advertising each issue. We go to midnight movie premiers as a group. “Write it down!” means you’ve said something stupid or clever, and it’s going on the quote wall. Ashley has the most quotes. When the answer to a question is “Viv,” we understand a whole unspoken dialogue. We love and will miss our seniors. Best of luck, stay in touch, and GOYA, John, Lexi, Nathan and Ashley.
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