Saxon Scope Issue 4 by Aimee Cho

THE SAXON

SCOPE

Issue 4, Vol.48 January 2013 Langley High School 6520 Georgetown Pike

JANUARY 2013

ROSS RESCUE The Hero Behind the Victory Page 24 TRAGEDY HITS

HOME

Page 6

UNMASKING THE

FASHION

Page 14

IS LANGLEY

SAFE? Page 18

MEET THE VARSITY

PHOTO BY CATHY KIESS; DESIGN BY NA HE JEON

TO THE

WRESTLERS Page 22

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JANUARY 2013

IN THIS

ISSUE

THE SAXON

SCOPE

6 14 14 20

NEWS

Dear Saxons, T

PHOTO BY HARRIS LATEEF

he way we produce and receive news is changing. You can clutch that newspaper in your hands all you want, but the reality is that print media is becoming obsolete. That’s why at the Scope, we’re changing how we give Langley the news. Our website publishes the most current Langley happenings in real time, and as any student can tell you, being up-to-date is crucial for being involved at our school. We’re here to keep you “in the know” with everything that happens at Langley so you can be the cool kid at lunch. If the thought of reading any sort of article, be it in print or online, triggers your gag reflex, our site also features new multimedia like videos, photo slideshows, and interactive stories that are heavy on the graphics and light on the text. If that isn’t enough, the Scope has invaded social media (you can’t escape us). We’ve taken out the difficulty of typing out our website: all you have to do now is click on the Facebook or Twitter link, where you’re probably already scrolling through procrastinating. Essentially, the Scope has taken out all of the difficulty in keeping up with Langley news. You’re welcome.

ONLINE EXTRA Scan here for the rest of the letter

21 16

5 Relay for Life

Editors-in-Chief:

Aimee Cho Cathy Kiess

Executive Design Editor:

Na He Jeon

Executive News Editor:

Amirah Ahmad

News Editor:

Alex Krial

Executive Feature Editor:

Blair Purdy

Feature Editor:

Sara Guglielmo

Executive Sports Editor:

Emily Flessas

Sports Editor:

Lizzy Weingast

Executive Online Editor: Business Editors:

Riley Cosgrove

Harris LaTeef Katherine Rohloff Neeka Eghbali Graphic Designers: Brandon Arcari Brendan Coffey Gabrielle Wantula Haley Curtis Online Editor:

6 Democrats v. Libertarians: Copy Chief: The gun control debate

FEATURE

Copy Editors:

12 Stereotypes of Langley 14 Fashion show preview

OPINION 17 Senior superlatives

Senior Staff Writer:

Mana Afsari Li Chien Ellie Cross Shrey Dua Micaela Grassi Susie Kim Leila Raminpour Matt Smith Justin Speros Ben Cross Avani Hegde Daniel Levetown Cayhan Movaghari Billy Orme

Reporters:

Alex De Thier Ilene Goudarzi Abdullah Jamil Joey Malpica Chris Name Nate Shafer Daniel Stone Bijan Todd

20 Meet Varsity Girls’ Basketball Riley Cosgrove Executive Online Editor

Avani Hegde

Staff Writers:

18 Is Langley safe?

SPORTS

Veronica Smith Tyler Seckar

21 Dance team performs at the Orange Bowl Adviser:

Jennifer McAdams

The Saxon Scope serves students, faculty, and the Langley High School community. Editorials express the opinions of the editorial board. All by-lined editorials reflect the opinions of the reporters and/ or artists. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to submit material for publication. The Saxon Scope, under the directions of the advisor, reserves the right to withhold or edit material submitted for publication. The Saxon Scope will not print material found to be in poor taste or detrimental to one’s character. Names may be held upon request. Letters may be placed in the Saxon Scope box in the office or brought to room 114. The newspaper is published monthly. Newspaper reporting, typesetting, layout, photography, and computer graphics designs are done by the journalism classes at Langley High School, 6520 Georgetown Pike, McLean, Virginia 22101. (703)287-2797. FAX (703) 287-2797 or e-mail saxonscope2013@gmail.com & saxonscopeonline@gmail.com.

InDIaN INSPIRE

PHOTO COURTESY EZZY SRIRAM

group of children at the Lotus Home for Destitutes and Orphans in India crouch around a tablet, their tiny fingers swiping the screen to catapult a redbird into a wooden structure. Junior Ezzy Sriram stands above them, beaming. During winter break, Sriram travelled to India to visit family. Along the way, he dropped off seven tablets at hospitals on behalf of Youth Connect. Youth Connect, an extension of Langley nonprofit organization Youth Inspire, is a program created to donate tablets to underprivileged hospitals. By holding community fundraisers, Youth Connect purchased seven Klu Android tablets, about $100 per tablet.

he event that stresses hundreds of science students each year will be held on Jan. 24. Although around 150 Langley students will present their science fair project to their science class, only a fraction of them (about 22) will advance to the regional science fair.

Scan here to read about after school labs

PHOTO BY AMIRAH AHMAD

Ezzy Sriram (11) distributed tablet PCs to hospitals in the underprivileged areas of India during winter break.

ILENE GOUDARZI REPORTER ecently, the computer lab in room 195 has been opened every day after school until 4 pm to provide computer access to students. ”It varies from day to day, but we average about 5 to 10 students,” said English teacher and monitor Mr. Michael Barrs.

LI CHIEN SENIOR STAFF WRITER

he Langley Orchestra will be traveling to Rome on Jan. 27 for its annual performance trip. “I want to go see Pompeii and the Sistine Chapel. I’m annoyed we can’t take pictures inside, though,” said senior Omar Elsekkaki.

SCIENCE FAIR PREVIEW SHREY DUA REPORTER

Scan here to find out what Ezzy did in India

ORCHESTRA TO VISIT ITALY

SENIOR SAXON standouts

Scan here to read about orchestra’s trip to Italy

KATE FRASER Scan here to read about Science Fair

MONEY TO MALI NEEKA EGHBALI ONLINE EDITOR

hen Langley High School’s own French teacher went to Mali as a tourist back in 2011, she didn’t expect to adopt an entire family; but fate had other plans.

Scan here to read about Money to Mali

PHOTO BY TAYLOR SNYDER

MICAELA GRASSI REPORTER

ONLINE EXTRAS

Like magazines across the country, The Saxon Scope is expanding its coverage by tying in videos and other online content to the articles in the paper. Articles that have additional online content will have a QR code next to them. To use the QR codes in the Saxon Scope, follow these instructions: 1) Download one of the many QR code reader apps available on the App Store to your smartphone or tablet that is equipped with a camera. 2) Open the QR code reader app and hold your device’s camera up to the QR code. 3) The app should then take you to the story or video on www.saxonscope.com

AVANI HEGDE COPY EDITOR Seniors Cassidy Clark and Kate Fraser have both been given the honor of Senior of the Month as well as special privileges including the painted parking spots in the front of the parking lot. Kate Fraser is a human rights activist within the Gay Straight Alliance and she works backstage for the Saxon theater. “I hope that people find me funny and nice, at least,” said Fraser. “It’s awesome! I feel so honored,” she added upon receiving the honor.

CASSIDY CLARK

PHOTO BY TAYLOR SNYDER

NEWS BRIEFS

AFTER SCHOOL LABS

January 2013

PHOTO BY NA HE JEON

news

PHOTO COURTESY OF MADAME WEISER

“I’m very excited about it because it’s nice to know that I’ve been recognized for my good character, and the nice parking spot is a fantastic bonus,” said senior Cassidy Clark. Clark volunteers outside of school at a respite center for children with special needs called Jill’s House, earning him the title of Senior of the Month. “I would describe myself as honest. I have a hard time not telling the truth,” said Clark.

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JANUARY 2013

rallying for THE relay

NEWS 5

Cancer fundraising event hits the ground running BRENDAN COFFEY REPORTER

uring the winter concert before holiday break, senior Rosie Mahoney asked everyone in the audience to raise their hands if they knew anyone with cancer. The stands rumbled as almost every hand went into the air. While a bit depressing, the question was raised to promote Relay for Life, an event created by the American Cancer Society which helps raise money for those with cancer. This year, Relay for Life will be arriving at Langley for the first time since the 1990s. In the 1990s, Langley was the first Northern Virginia high school to hold a Relay for Life. This year, the return of the program was inspired by the summer read, The Fault in Our Stars, according to sophomore Social Media Chair Harris LaTeef. The story of The Fault in Our Stars revolves around cancer and its impact on two cancer-inflicted teenagers who fall in love. Led by senior co-chairs Zack Dailey and Rosie Mahoney, Relay for Life involves spending 24 hours at the track with friends and family, where numerous ceremonies will be held to honor cancer survivors and spread awareness. “My favorite part of the event is definitely the fact that it transcends the general conception of a fundraiser,” said senior co-chair Zack Dailey. “While Relay focuses on a rather serious issue, the events are far from that. Everyone is playing games, cooking food, singing and just having an all-around great time with their friends and family.” Teams can be assembled by anyone and there is no minimum or maximum size. Freshman Maddy Nguyen, who is the leader of team RainBo, said, “My inspiration for making this team is my mom. This is the kind of thing she would do. She loved giving back to the community.” Teams must have at least one repre-

SAXON SPEAK “I’m participating in Relay for Life since my aunt died of cancer a few years ago.” - Honora Riley (9)

PHOTOS BY HARRIS LATEEF

Co-Captains Rosie Mahoney (12) and Zack Dailey (12) lead a Relay for Life interest meeting. sentative walking around the track at all times, because “cancer never sleeps,” according to the Relay for Life websites. When team members are not walking, they will fundraise for the American Cancer Society by selling food, crafts and other items. The fight to stop cancer will be brought to the Langley track on April 27-28, but the Relay for Life team is already helping students get informed and organized. Facebook pages, Twitter accounts and lunchtime information stands are just some of the steps the Langley committee is taking to spread the word. “Not only is taking part in a Relay a lot of fun, it also benefits cancer research, prevention, and support for patients,” said sophomore Harris LaTeef, Social Media Chair. Any questions can be dire cted to the Relay for Life of Langley and McLean Facebook Relay for Life will take place at Langley from page or to relaylangleyva@gmail.com. April 27-28.

“

Why are you participating in Relay for Life?

“Because I to aid a cause and those with cer.”

want good help can-

“Lots of my family and friends have had cancer and have been positively impacted by the American Cancer Society.’

-Anthony Verghese (10)

- Courtney Cuppernull (11)

”

“It’s for a really great cause and it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

- Melissa Aronson (12)

6 NEWS

JANUARY 2013

NEWS 7

NEWTOWN TRAGEDY HITS HOME

STUDENTS UP IN ARMS

HARRIS LATEEF ONLINE EDITOR

NA HE JEON AND BRENDAN COFFEY EXECUTIVE DESIGN EDITOR AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Democrats and Libertarians to debate gun rights

Langley guidance counselor visits alma mater, Sandy Hook Elementary School

he events that occurred in Newtown, Connecticut, on Dec. 14, 2012, affected many in the Langley community, but none more so than Ms. Jessica Omasta, a Langley guidance counselor. Ms. Omasta was born in Newtown, grew up there and attended the now nationally known Sandy Hook Elementary School. “My parents still live there and I graduated from Newtown High School,” said Ms. Omasta. When Ms. Omasta first heard the news about the shootings, where 20 students and six staff members were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School, she said, “I couldn’t believe it was at Sandy Hook. [Newtown is] a quintessential town, where you think nothing bad can happen.” Ms. Omasta’s mother has been teaching Child Development at nearby Danbury High School for the past 30 years. One of her former students, Lauren Rousseau, was a Sandy Hook teacher who was fatally shot. Another one of the victims, a first grader, lived four doors down from Ms. Omasta’s parents. “It would have been hard if it was at another elementary school, but knowing what the

classrooms look like…you can’t imagine the pain felt by the families,” she said. Ms. Omasta returned to Newtown for the holidays, less than three weeks after the tragedy. She visited her family and friends and saw the impromptu memorials that had sprung up all around Newtown. “It was overwhelming and emotional,” said Ms. Omasta. “There’s been an outpouring of kindness.” She said that for the citizens of Newtown, “coming together was natural.” “I was not expecting how present it [the tragedy] was going to be. It was everywhere,” she said. Streets in Newtown were lined with candles, posters, teddy bears, flowers and cards. One street had 26 Christmas trees in honor of the 26 victims. Students from Sandy Hook Elementary resumed school on Jan. 3 at a new school located a few miles outside of Newtown. Members of the community have started discussions on what to do with

the old school. “I think the idea of a permanent memorial is appropriate,” said Ms. Omasta. On how the Newtown tragedy could affect people who were involved, Langley psychologist Mr. Jason McBeth said, “Having that kind of initial relationship with a group of people who experience something tragic helps people get a different perspective than what they would normally have.” After the attack in Newtown, politicians and activists began debating gun control. Some have suggested that political discussions should be set aside until a grieving period has gone by. “My first reaction was ‘We’re grieving.’ However, when it doesn’t hit so close to home, you think about how you can fix it,” said Ms. Omasta. Reflecting on her trip home, Ms. Omasta said, “It was good to be back [in Newtown], but it’s good to be back here too. It makes you appreciate what you have.”

Clockwise from top left: Cynthia Ding (12), David Fouladi (9), Jenna Smith (12) and Mujtaba Wani (12) Left: An impromptu memorial honoring the 26 victims sits outside Sandy Hook Elementary.

ational parties, scholars, and the media have long debated whether or not the federal government should regulate guns. Now, two Langley students have stepped up to organize Langley’s own debate. Juniors Jiho Kim of the Young Democrats Club and Jack Baird of the Libertarian Club are coordinating the debate, which will take place on Thursday, Jan. 31 after school. Three members from each club – seniors Cynthia Ding, Mujtaba Wani, and Jenna Smith from the Democrats, and juniors Matt Anderson and Ben Parker and freshman David Fouladi from the Libertarians – will participate. “We were talking about the Newtown incident and gun control in our history class, and we got the idea of actually having a school debate” said Kim, who is in Ms.Shapiro’s 4th period AP US History class with Baird. Kim, secretary of the Young Democrats Club, which had went from door to door before the 2012 presidential election asking Fairfax County voters to support President Obama, was looking for new projects for the club after the election. “We’re a new club. I founded it this year. We mostly want to raise awareness of our club and party,” said Baird, president of the Libertarian Club. The Young Democrats think it is ridiculous that assault rifles are allowed. “One of the most fundamental purposes

Should the country increase gun control? Yes

28%

72%

*Poll out of 100 students of a government is to protects its people. If stronger gun laws can prevent even one death, then the government should create stronger gun laws,” said Wani, a Democrat debater. “We don’t care whether guns are good or bad. We think whatever the issue, the government should not interfere with individual lives. It’s a tyranny of the minority. People should be free,” said Baird. “People are free but they are not free to kill other people,” said Kim, who was listening to Baird’s argument. All students and teachers are welcome to attend the debate on Jan. 31.

tightening school security Administration enforces new measures to ensure student safety

PHOTO COURTESY OF MS. JESSICA OMASTA

I “It’s a quintessential town, where you think nothing bad can happen.” -Ms. Jessica Omasta

f you’ve already been diagnosed with senioritis and are prone to strolling in through the side doors, you may need to think of another route. As soon as the 7:20 bell chimes throughout the school and you’re not in the building, chances are you’ll be locked out. After the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, students and teachers around the country have felt an increased concern for safety. Here at Langley, administration has established new security measures to ensure further safety at the school. This includes locking all doors except the main entrance and back doors as soon as school begins. One side of the main gate will also be closed at all times, according to Mr. Mark Rogers, Langley’s Safety and Security Specialist. “We will do whatever we can to keep students safe,” said Mr. Rogers. “We really took the tragedy to heart.”

Freshman Minh Pham was appreciative of the new measures. “They definitely make me feel safer. It’s nice to know that some bad guy can’t just barge into our school with a gun,” she said. While the new measures may be worthwhile, they also can also be an inconvenience. “It’s kind of awkward for teachers such as myself who park in the middle of the day and have to walk all the way around the building to get in,” said ESOL teacher Ms. Maria Beldon. Senior Bradley Yuan added, “Once, I came to school late and the door was locked, so I had to walk all the way around to get inside.” Ms. Jessica Omasta, Langley counselor and former Newtown resident, pointed out that preventing crime is difficult because it’s hard to predict another person’s actions. “I think the locked doors could stop a random person walking by without a plan, but if someone has a plan to do something,

they’re gonna do something,” she said. Although tragedies in the past have instigated new security policies at Langley, many have gradually faded away. Mr. Rogers said he does not believe that is the case this time. “Every time something happens, it does have a direct effect here,” he said. “This will probably be more permanent than in the past. I can’t imagine us going back to how we were before after what happened.” Do you feel safe at school?

Yes

38%

62%

*Poll out of 100 students

POLLS BY JOEY MALPICA; PHOTOS BY AIMEE CHO

HALEY CURTIS AND SUSIE KIM GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND REPORTER

BYTHE NUMBERS

‘CALCU-LOST’ NO MORE BLAIR PURDY EXECUTIVE FEATURE EDITOR

SARA GUGLIELMO FEATURE EDITOR

reshman Ananya Hegde stares at the com- have IEPs or do not have access to a computer, trying to complete her Algebra 2 puter will be receiving a print textbook,” said homework with her online textbook. Between Ms. Pamela Douglass, the chair of Langley’s getting distracted with the other open tabs on math department. If a student wants a print a her computer, and having to go back and forth textbook, he must request one from his math between the computer and her piece of paper, teacher. Many students are pleased with the hours pass until she finally completes her math news because they feel that print textbooks are homework. This problem, however, will soon go more straightforward and learning-friendly. “I like the idea of having away for many Langley a print textbook because they students. “Students who participate in Many parents, sports or do not have access to are easier to use. The online textbook is too much work teachers, and students a computer will be receiving a with all the zooming you must were shocked this year print textbook.” do,” said junior Sara Moinian. when they received on-Ms. Pamela Douglass line textbooks for math. A number of stu After both pardents have more than one ents and students complained about the new online textbook and find the online textchange, Fairfax County Public Schools reversed book for math extremely tricky to utilize. “Print textbooks for math are a its decision, according to a virtual newsletter for FCPS families. good idea because online textbooks are more The county has negotiated a deal with suited for humanities classes,” said junior the textbook manufacturer in which additional Cory Cox. While Fairfax County is issuing print textbooks will be bought and provided for students. Langley has ordered additional text- print math textbooks, they say that they are books, but print textbooks will only be available still preparing students for the 21st century to certain students. and will continue using online textbooks in “Students who participate in sports, other subjects.

ith FCPS’ growing initiative to accommodate a larger portion of student needs, next year’s KELSEY ROOK upperclassmen will now have regular Calculus as a new course option. Langley is one of just two high schools, along with W.T. Woodson, in Fairfax County that will be piloting the class for the 20132014 school year. “We’re offering it as a course for those students who would like to continue on in math but not necessarily at an AP level,” said Ms. Sonya Williams, Langley’s Director of Student Services. “It allows them to keep going without as much pressure.” In previous years, Langley has offered just two possibilities--Calculus AB and Calculus BC--for students wishing to pursue Calculus. Both are Advanced Placement college level courses. Senior Ashley Ryan, who is currently enrolled in AP Calculus AB, believes that those two choices were enough. “I would have still taken AP Calculus in order to get the boost to my GPA and to get college credit,” she said. Junior Calculus student Amelia Sugianto agreed. “What was the point of advancing ahead in math by taking Algebra in eighth grade, just to take a regular course later on?” she said However, benefits of the new course are of interest to some current Pre-Calculus students, such as sophomore Hassan Chaudary. “It would be a good idea because people who don’t want an AP math course would have a second option,” he said. Student Services said they expect that students will fill at least one class period of regular Calculus next year.

234 110 171 63 students currently in pre-calc

students currently in pre-calc honors

PHOTO BY BLAIR PURDY

8 NEWS JANUARY 2013

students currently in ap calc ab

students currently in ap calc bc

‘insta-grammar’ ENGLISH TEACHER MIXES SOCIAL MEDIA WITH LEARNING M

Teacher of the Year SARA GUGLIELMO FEATURE EDITOR

s. Bonafide is grading quiz after quiz when she comes upon a series of artistic doodles and the first thing that comes to her mind; I have to “Insta” this. After posting the picture of the doodles to Instagram, she sees a comment from the artist, who thinks it’s hilarious. Recently announced Langley Teacher of the Year, Ms. Jennifer Bonafide got nominated by her students in part because of her unique teaching style, in which she utilizes social media. Ms. Bonafide is an avid user of Instagram (jmbonafide). She is known to post pictures of delicious food, on which she posts pictures of delicious food, her dog Brady and her fashion. She also makes friendly comments on students’ photos, saying things like “Happy Birthday! I love your dress.” Students love her use of Instagram because it allows them to know the real Ms. Bonafide. “I love following Ms. Bonafide on Instagram because she is awesome and it is cool to know a teacher outside the confinements of

JANUARY 2013

NEWS 9

school,” said senior Rosie Mahoney. Ms. Bonafide recently got a Twitter account (JMB0107) as well, which she also uses to communicate with students. Her tweets seem to intrigue and inspire her students. “I love her use of Twitter. I always throw her a quick retweet,” said senior Drew Armstrong. Ms. Bonafide began using social media sites when her students told her about the advantages of participating Scan here to read in social media. She recognizes that it gets her students about Langley to invest more time and effort into her English class. “Using Instagram and Twitter takes English outside of the classroom, which allows students to better connect with the material,” she said. While there are many advantages to using social media, she realizes the risks they entail. “I am very careful about what I put up on my accounts,” she said. Both of her accounts are on set to private so she can approve who follows her. She also does not post many pictures of her private life.

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feature

January 2013

Out and In

What’s hot and what’s not in 2013 Words with Friends Redskins Jay-Z and Beyonce Taco Bell Ugg Boots Romney Call Me Maybe iPhone 4s Facebook Wii Snooki Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber Muploads J. Lo Ice Cream Any other news magazine

Snapchat Capitals Kim and Kanye Chipotle Combat Boots Obama Gangnam Style iPhone 5 Twitter Xbox 360 Kinect Honey Boo Boo Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher Instagram One Direction Froyo Saxon Scope

LIST COMPILED FROM SURVEY OF LANGLEY STUDENTS DESIGN BY GABY WANTULA

12 FEATURE

JANUARY 2013

FEATURE 13

Jock

Kaelin Testa The jock wants to look ready to jump in a pickup game of basketball at any moment, so they rarely deviate from sweats, baggy shorts, and sweatshirts. Simplicity and minimal effort is critical for the jock because they’re probably still exhausted from a long game the day before or staying up late rotating the players on their Fantasy Football team. That’s not to say the jock doesn’t make an effort: he still has to select an appropriate sports-related t-shirt, sweat pants, and sneakers. And if it’s cold, the jock has to worry about choosing a sweatshirt to compliment the ensemble as well (so many tough choices).

RILEY COSGROVE & LI CHIEN EXECUTIVE ONLINE EDITOR & COPY EDITOR

ou can tell a lot about a person by the way they dress and the music they listen to. Are they a hipster, decked out in oversize sweaters and large eyeglasses? Maybe they’re a jock, rocking the athletic garb and jamming out to pump-up music. Or maybe they’re a prep, perfectly coordinating the day’s outfit well in advance. Whether you want to see where you fit in, or you want advice on what to buy and listen to, here are our profiles of the most common types of people you’ll meet at Langley.

Prep

Kyle Dear The Langley prep’s main goal is to simultaneously appear ready for a Ralph Lauren advertisement as well as a horseback riding lesson. They often will spend more time selecting their daily ensembles than on their homework and, if they’re really hardcore, will have a color-coded closet and always perfectly shined leather loafers.

Shops Dick’s Sporting Goods, Modell’s, Lids, Footlocker Where you can find them: Any basketball court, foot-

ball field, lacrosse field, soccer field, or just field in general. The jock is probably there watching or playing a sport. Or, the jock is sitting in the comfort of their own home watching or tweeting about a sport.

Shops: Ralph Lauren, J. Crew Where you can find them: Playing golf

Most likely listening to: Rap, because the jock

and Nantucket/Martha’s Vineyard in the summer. Most likely listening to: Whatever is popular. Preps take special care in their music and they’re always up to date with whatever is new and hip at the moment.

needs to be pumped up at all times. They need to have a beat so they can walk with swag.

Such as... Drake, Kanye West, Eminem, Childish Gambino

Such as... Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Macklemore, Mac Miller

Indie Hipster Spotting an indie hipster in the jungle that is Langley is like spotting a leopard in the actual jungle. In a habitat full of preppy chameleons who change style based on every new trend, the hipster leopard has a fixed fashion sense. You can spot them by their typical ensemble of large-frame eyeglasses (if they’re really hardcore, the glasses will be sans prescription, because 20/20 eyesight is too mainstream), oversize sweaters, and scarves. Some species of hipster wear homemade jewelry or sentimental trinkets, especially thumb rings (because the other fingers are also too mainstream).

Shops: Thrift shops, Retail stores, Anthropologie or Urban Outfitters if looking for a conformist outfit Where you can find them: Art Museums toting a Polaroid camera and a leather-bound journal for observations. May or may not be carrying an iced coffee from a hole in the wall café.

Most likely listening to: a band or artist you’ve never heard of with a quirky name that doesn’t immediately make sense but the hipster has an analysis of the name and its meaning.

Such as... City and Colour, Neutral Milk Hotel, The XX

Fashionable Nicole Dunne

The simply fashionable at Langley are sort of a hybrid breed of prep and hipster. They’re not overt preps nor are they understated brooding hipsters, but a combination of the two. The fashionable don’t have a distinct style: they dabble in multiple stereotypes. One might call them the Renaissance men and women of Langley—these people are just good at taking on every different look. One day they’re preppy, the next they’re hipster, and then they’re a little bit grungy. For them, finding what will match with their pants may be one of the toughest decisions in the history of man.

Shops: Urban Outfitters, H&M, Zara Where you can find them: Probably at the mall or the bank, because keeping up with four different styles requires a

lot of different wardrobes and visiting a lot of different stores. Most likely listening to: Indie bands that have become popular. Hipsters probably listened to these bands at one point until they became too mainstream Such as... Gotye, Ed Sheeran, Fun

LAYOUT BY NA HE JEON

Luke McLindon

14 FEATURE

JANUARY 2013

FEATURE 15

unmasking the runway T

he music is blaring, the crowd is cheering, and here comes another model strutting. She looks awfully familiar--or does she? The mask on her face conceals her identity. The Langley Fashion Department will be hosting its annual fashion show on Feb. 2 at 7 pm in the Langley auditorium. The theme is “Masquerade the Runway: Concealed on the Catwalk.” Most of the models will be wearing fancy, decorative masks. “Our theme is really unique so our decorations are going to be exceptional and unexpected,” said junior Caroline Mannon, one of two fashion show directors. Top row: Trends to watch for include vests, sweaters, florals and scarves.

Dina Garai (10)

ONLINE EXTRA

Scan here to read an opinion on trends

The fashion department has been planning the show since the beginning of the year. To pick the theme, students in Advanced Fashion each made a presentation for their own theme idea. The class listened to the presentations, narrowed them down to a few options and took a vote. The show will be divided into scenes, with a different trend presented in each scene. “One of the hardest parts was finding what direction we wanted to go in with the trends,” said senior Elizabeth Regan, the other show co-director. In the coming weeks until the show, the fashion students will be picking out their outfits, re-

hearsing their dances and helping with decorations. “We stay after school and have practices for about two hours, two to three times a week,” said senior Selma Pulak. As always, the fashion girls are on a mission to advertise, advertise, advertise. This year, they are using social media as much as possible. They have a Facebook page (Langley Fashion Show) and a Twitter (@lhsfashionshow), and have been posting pictures of the trends in the show. Posters advertising the show will bombard the halls in the weeks leading up to the show. “There will be high energy, fun trends, and

a great atmosphere at the show,” said fashion teacher Ms. Tricia Poythress. Some of the highlights of the show will be the student design scene, the teachers’ children scene and the prom dress scene. A new addition will be video and visuals at the beginning of the show. “The audience should expect a really fun night full of lots of cheering,” said Mannon. Many Langley students are already making plans to see the show. “The fashion show is awesome. I am so excited to see it,” said junior Ava Shomaker. Tickets will be sold for $10 at lunch and $15 at the door. Bottom row, left to right: Dina Garai (10) and Sahar Ghamary (10) pose at practice. Amelia Shuler (11) rehearses her walk down the runway Emma Schindler (10) and Caroline McGranahan (10) strike a pose. Shana Cave (9) adjusts her hair during practice

Alex Grieco (10)

PHOTOS BY HARRIS LATEEF; DESIGN BY HALEY CURTIS AND NA HE JEON

SARA GUGLIELMO FEATURE EDITOR

16 FEATURE

JANUARY 2013

HUMAN HALLMARKS ASSOCIATION: EXECUTIVE NEWS EDITOR & COPY EDITOR

will make some feel special and make their t the Forestville Elementary Talent Show day,” said junior Rachel Myers. in 2007, now-junior Shomin Mathur “If the Human Hallmarks sang to sang “It Ends Tonight” by the All-American me I would be shocked but flattered,” added Rejects in front of an audience for the first junior Alisha Luthra. time. All he could think about was subduing Despite singthe nerves inside him. He ing for six years now nailed it. “There was this inexplicable and and being nationally Since then, burning desire inside me to someranked, Mathur recalls Mathur has been singing in how help society.” the exact moment he national competitions and -Shomin Mathur (11) was inspired to help shows. However, just this give back through Huyear, Mathur found a way man Hallmarks. As a current member of the to combine his love for singing with charity National Foundation for the Advancement through the Human Hallmarks Association. in Young Arts program, he once received an Human Hallmarks perform email asking for volunteers to be a part of choreographed sing-a-grams to celebrate the national choir that sang for charity for birthdays, team victories or thanks to teachtwo nights. ers. This group of Langley students sing songs out of a list of previously chosen songs during either pep rallies, assemblies, lunch or Saxon Time to anyone that is requested. One song is priced at $10 while two songs, including one original serenade, are $25. All proceeds go to Our Military Kids in McLean, Virginia. With such an unprecedented organization, students are ecstatic to see the group in action. “I think it’s great because it

“The organization didn’t even compensate themselves for all their hard work and trouble,” said Mathur. All profits from the show were donated to charity. “They were the creators of happiness. They had this power, beneath their very finger tips to change lives. I found myself wanting that power ever so badly,” added Mathur. Currently, members of the Human Hallmarks are waiting for emails and requests for scheduled singing grams. Contact them at: humanhallmarks@gmail.com.

ONLINE EXTRA

Scan here for a video of the Human Hallmarks

Top: The Human Hallmark Association performs “Happy Birthday.” Left: The singing group poses for a creative group shot with all the members. Middle: Shomin Mathur (11), founder of Human Hallmark Association. Right: Ellen Sensiba (12), Brian Nui (12), and Andrew Jones (12).

PHOTOS BY AMIRAH AHMAD

AMIRAH AHMAD AND AVANI HEGDE

PHOTO BY LEILA RAMINPOUR

Unconventional club sings for charity

opinion

January 2013

Eye of the beholder

Should senior superlatives be allowed?

RILEY COSGROVE & CAYHAN MOVAGHARI EXECUTIVE ONLINE EDITOR & REPORTER

f you’re looking for something to validate your high school experience, look no further than the senior superlatives. Some say they’re shallow and superficial. As the two most shallow and superficial people in our respective grades, we beg to differ (and also would like to campaign for these superlatives to be added to the list next year). Superlatives weren’t created with malicious intent. They aren’t in our yearbook to make people feel bad about themselves or jealous of their peers. They’re in our yearbook to celebrate the exceptionally unique people we have at Langley. Whether the winners are exceptionally unique because of their personalities or their superior genetic combinations, they deserve to be recognized. We know what some of you are thinking. Why promote a glorified popularity contest and publish it in our school yearbook? The answer is simple: survival of the fittest. We, as a school, can’t remove superlatives because we’re afraid of a little healthy competition. Through senior superlatives, students learn valuable life skills, such as campaigning, shameless self-promotion, and how to accept defeat. meaningful for me is winning a senior superlative. There isn’t a superlative for everyone, For me, (Cayhan) I unfortunately we realize that. But maybe those people just aren’t wasted my freshman year campaigning for Best “fit” enough. You have to mold yourself into one of Looking (and that plastic surgery was expensive). the available superlatives beginning your freshman So, I had to change strategy and proyear in order to be competitive for a superlative. mote myself for Most Spirited. I’ve commit And even if you make it on the ballot, ted to going to all Langley sporting events and you have to gain the aforementioned skill of shame- going all out for spirit days for the rest of my less self-promotion to get people to vote for you. time at Langley: be it a freshman game or var For example, take the superlative Best sity, I’ll be there in green, gold, black, or white. Dressed. In order to win, I (Riley) had to both It’s been tough at the away games, but clear out my bank account every two weeks and I still have another two years to go. Consider never wear sweat pants. The whole week of vot- this my formal announcement of my candidaing, I put together my best outfits to gain votes. cy, and feel free to start the nominations now. Is it sad that I really wanted to win Best Dressed? Even though they may not be meaning Perhaps it is. But I was looking for a ful to those of you with deeper personalities than way to make my high school experience meaning- us, beauty (and a superlative) is in the eye of the ful. Since I’m about as shallow as a rain puddle, beholder.

2 3

1. Lucy Gunter and Josh Briggs demonstrate why they won “Most Spirited” by throwing baby powder into the air, as they’ve often done at white-out games. 2. “Most Artistic” went to Bre Della Corna and Charlie Weir. Earlier this year, Della Corna decorated the “Seniors of the Month” parking space. Weir is in AP Art. 3. Seniors Zack Dailey and Eliza Campbell won “Class Sweethearts.” They have been dating for a little over 18 months. 4. Divita Vohra and Alfred Lam were dubbed “Most Musical.” Lam is in choir while Vohra usually sings at talent shows and pep rallies.

18 OPINION

JANUARY 2013

too much security, or not enough?

Students debate the implementation of new security measures at Langley SHREY DUA COPY EDITOR

wenty-six. That is the number of people who died in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. As this incident was so tragic and unexpected, I’m surprised it hasn’t made more of an impact on our school. There have been some changes, such as the new security post in the front of the parking lot, and the policy of locking all the school doors after 7:20. However, if a dangerous person wanted to get into the school, it wouldn’t be that hard. There are still three doors that remain unlocked during the day and the “security checkpoint,” which is basically a narrowed entryway into the parking lot with a sign that says “Security Checkpoint,” doesn’t do Everyone seems to have acknowlmuch to stop people from getting in or out of the school. edged that the incident was sad, In fact, most but they don’t believe something students are still able like this could happen to them. to walk out of school and roam the parking lot without interference from teachers. Sandy Hook was in a normal town just like Great Falls or McLean, which is what made the incident so scary, yet we are still living under a false sense of security. Everyone seems to have acknowledged that the incident was sad, but they don’t believe something like this could happen to them. Some people are even annoyed with the new security measures. Just because we live in a relatively affluent, crime-free area doesn’t mean there aren’t any insane people who could lose it at any moment and go on a shooting spree. These shootings are unexpected, which is why it is important to anticipate them and be ready just in case. I hope we won’t have to experience a shooting ourselves in order to realize the importance of security. I’m not saying that there should be metal detectors at the entrance of the school, or police guarding the doors and parking lot, but after what happened there should be some major changes to our security. I definitely think it is good that Langley is making some efforts to increase security; and while it may slightly decrease the freedom of the students, it also limits the likelihood of a potential threat.

SAXONSPEAK

“

veryone knows about the horrific massacre that took place at Sandy Hook Elementary school. It was a completely unwarranted, unprecedented and terrifying event that changed the lives of many families forever. It was a sign to many to increase school security, which I truly believe in, but locking all the doors to the school is simply not the way to ensure safety. I understand the effect the killings had on people, and believe there should be extra measures taken to ensure safety. However, when I am running late to gym class from the trailers, having to run all the way back around the school to find Having to run all the way back an open door is an unpleasant experience to say the least. I around the school to find an open can think of many different door is an unpleasant experience ways to increase security without hindering students’ to say the least. ability to enter the school. Back in my middle school days, I recall walking down the hall during class to get a drink of water, and in the middle of a completely deserted hallway was a perfectly placed police officer that instilled a sense of safety in almost any situation. He made sure no one trespassed and stopped all forms of horseplay and bullying, all without limiting the students in any way. Even further back than middle school, in elementary school, they had the bizarre and amazing technological feat that was “automated doors.” A visitor would go up to the door and press a button so that the person at the front office could take a look, make sure that no one suspicious was entering, and open the door. It was magical. I might not understand the full difficulty of adding these features to the school but, in my eyes, it seems considerably easier for the students than just locking them out. For me, I feel that, while security measures should be taken for the safety of the students, ease of use is an important part for all students and faculty.

Do you feel safe at school?

“Yes, because I’m not really worried about it.”

“I’m not worried because we have good security, and our teachers make us feel safe.”

“No because these elementary schools and colleges seemed safe and anything can happen.”

- Cameron Taylor (9)

- Nicole Schwien (10)

- Evan Anthony (11)

”

“Yes, because they lock all the doors now.”

- Meghan Stowell (12)

PHOTO BY AIMEE CHO

AVANI HEGDE COPY EDITOR

JANUARY 2013

OPINION 19

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

et me begin by clarifying the views expressed in this letter are solely my own; I do not write on behalf of the Leadership class nor its teachers nor its student participants. There is an appropriate venue for sensational, provocative writing. That venue is not a high school magazine. I am of the belief that the role of The Saxon Scope is to inform and to entertain, and the former in greater measure than the latter. When this role is confounded, and the provision of entertainment takes priority over the provision of information, this balance must be restored. After all, The Saxon Scope is a publication sponsored by the student body and its parents. Rather than inform your readers of any substantial news, your publication continually strains to find incendiary stories designed to incite the student body to discord. While I realize that an upstanding, affluent school such as Langley is by no means the hub of newsworthy occurrence, this is no justification for what I have come to call the “fabrication of news.” To be specific, an article that appeared in the November issue of your publication, namely, “Talk, Talk, Talk-Long winded announcements amuse some, irk others” (page 5), was incomplete, if not intentionally misleading. The article’s critique of the daily

morning announcements gave the illusion of impartiality, but fell short of achieving the status of an unbiased, informative news piece altogether. First, the issue of your misrepresentation of the “High School Game Day” special--let me be frank: this program did not exceed the five-minute time frame allocated to the announcements each morning as your publication claimed. Furthermore, the article implied that the program is a regular installment that will repeatedly detract from class time over the course of an extended period. This is wholly inaccurate. The program aired once to garner support for that night’s Langley-Mclean football game, a rivalry celebrated in the community. Admittedly, few of our shows have exceeded the five-minute limit. To those critics raising consequent complaints (based on the article I assume you are among them), I pose the following question: What would you have us do? The daily agenda of the announcements is already at a bare minimum. Would you have us remove the Pledge of Allegiance? Perhaps the Moment of Silence? Our job is merely to read the announcements given to us by the teachers of the school, who often flood our show with unnecessary notifications in the hopes of gaining support for their respective clubs, fundraisers or whatever the case may be.

This is a concept I felt I made perfectly clear to the reporter responsible for the article, Li Chien, during our interview. Much to my dismay, there was no trace of this explanation in the article whatever--only a fragment of my quote taken out of context. Perhaps I am being petulant, but I think not. This is not the first article unduly attacking the Leadership class (see Alex De Thier’s article on the Spirit Video in a previous issue). It seems this article was the latest incident in your publication’s continued abandonment of reporting real news in favor of sensationalist, pseudo-controversial issues. My only request is that in the future, your publication avoids unwarranted criticism of the Leadership organization, a class that works ceaselessly towards the unification of the school rather than its division. Besides, articles detailing students’ popular YouTube videos of silly cats are far more riveting. A concerned student,

Antonin J. Scalia

SAXON SCOPE RESPONDS

PHOTO BY NA HE JEON

JT Meyer (11), Billy Orme (11) and AJ Scalia (12) co-hosted a special edition of the morning announcements.

he Saxon Scope strives to produce a student magazine that students will actually read. Therefore, we try to make our stories informative and entertaining. It is never our intention to “incite the student body” nor do we “fabricate news.” Regarding the specific issue of the length of the morning announcements, we reported that some student and teacher sources were frustrated at the length of the program. In no way do we see this article as attacking the leadership class. In addition, you pointed out that reporter Alex De Thier published an article in a previous issue, expressing his dislike of the homecoming spirit video. However, we would like to remind readers that directly next to that article was a second, extremely positive one by senior staff writer Leila Raminpour, declaring how much she liked the spirit video. The articles were packaged side-by-side as part of our monthly “pro-con,” in which we debate both sides of issues at Langley. Finally, we’d also like to declare our affinity for videos of silly cats on YouTube as riveting indeed.

January 2013

REACHING with a CATHY KIESS & OLIVIA SALAMONE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & STAFF WRITER

he varsity girls basketball team may be the only team at Langley where sounding like a sheep is as normal as signaling for a pass. When senior Selma Pulak makes a good move, the girls call out her nickname “Ma.” They have fast breaks and three point shots, but in addition, the girls basketball team has character “I make puns on ‘Ma’ all the time; my greatest achievement has been getting Coach Bates to subliminally call Selma ‘Ma,” said senior Jessica Stewart. “Selma is the feisty one,” joked senior Jaclyn Detweiler. All jokes aside, when it’s time for practice the girls don’t miss their mark. As soon as the main gym doors open, they shrug off their warm-ups revealing coordinating black and gold uniforms and begin stretching. Head Coach Amanda Bates runs a smooth practice, with the help of assistant coaches Megan Kelly, Courtney Carroll and Rachel Martin. After a short explanation of the drill, the team jumps into action. The rhythmic sounds of the dribbling basketballs and the squeak of shoes on the wood floor are all that is heard once the clock starts. The drill ends and there is silence as they organize in another formation; the buzzer sounds and they start again, faces wrought in determination. During drills players face off one-on-one as their teammates shout out words of encouragement. A row of high fives awaits them as

sports

R A O R

they rotate and a new pair begins the drill. Although the drills change, the team continues its traditions. During the anthem, the girls hold each other’s jerseys with one hand over their hearts. They even get a little superstitious; after winning a game, they try to replicate the outfits worn: pre-wrap, socks and all. “No matter how much talent we have, these girls give 110% every game. I love their work-ethic and determination to make themselves better,” said Assistant Coach Kelly. The team is composed of eight seniors, three sophomores and two freshmen. “We’ve known each other for so long, we’ve become like a family,” said Pulak. Another favorite nickname among the team is ‘Sass-master Becky’ referring to senior Becky Powell. Last year the girls incorporated Powell’s name into as many songs as they could. “Selma and Becky are like our muses,” said Kleinknecht. Sophomore Lauren Meyer summed up her experience on the team. “We’re insane--we’re crazy.” 1. Becky Powell (12) in a game against Thomas Jefferson High School. 2. Jessica Stewart (12) tries to block a basket. 3. Kaelin Testa (12) performs a lay-up.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LIFETOUCH

JANUARY 2013

The unseen masterpiece

SPORTS 21

Langley dance team performs at Orange Bowl, receives

he Orange Bowl, famous for its amazing matchups and storied tradition has seen some of the biggest names--and the best halftime shows-in sports. This year, when it came time for the big show, the Langley varsity dance team took center stage alongside country music star Jake Owen. “We were really excited to get such a great opportunity like this. While dancing in front of Langley is hard, dancing out there was just another level,” said sophomore dancer Kylie Davidson. The game, between Florida State and Northern Illinois, had an 8:30 start time on New Year’s Day in front of a crowd of over 78,000 fans at Sun Life Stadium in Florida. “We didn’t really have any problem with pumping the team up, they were all self-motivated and there was a lot of energy before we went on,” said senior team

captains Amy Welch and Emily Gurian. Langley students sat down in front of the TV on New Year’s night to watch their beloved dance team perform. Viewers waited for the performance to begin; sitting through commercials, commentator analysis and interviews, only to realize the dance team would not be televised at all. “The bowl coordinators told everyone we were going to get eight minutes of airtime, but in reality Scan here for they only televised 30 The Langley dance team, along with numerous a video of the seconds of our actual other high school teams, performs at the Discover performance dance,” said Welch. Orange Bowl. They danced to country singer Jake “Obviously as a Langley Owen’s live singing. student, you are going to be disappointed,” said freshman student Ejaj Rahman. “It’s unfortunate that everyone here Amidst rumors of various channels didn’t get to see us, but regardless it was an that aired the performance for only a short unforgettable experience that I’ll think back to period of time, it came as no surprise or for the rest of my life,” said sophomore dancer Ali worry to the returning team members. Burke.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LANGLEY DANCE TEAM

BEN CROSS AND TAYLOR SNYDER STAFF WRITER AND REPORTER

ONLINE EXTRA

4:43 on the mile, and 2:05 on an 800-meter relay: sophomore Brian Reilly has run both of these. “Brian is our best distance runner, no doubt about it. He gives 100% effort during practice, and it shows because his times drop with each meet,” said Mr. Joshua Culver, head varsity track and field coach.

ROCKING ROOKIES 6 7

Freshman Lindsay Van Houten’s dedication has paid off with a spot on the girls varsity squad as a freshman. “No matter how much I yell at her, she’ll bounce right back up. She’s mentally strong for sure,” said Varsity Head Coach.

‘s

Meet the winter season’s underclassman stars REPORTING BY MANA AFSARI, NAHAL DANESH, SUSIE KIM, DANIEL LEVETOWN, SABIR HATHIRAMANI, HALEY CURTIS PHOTOS BY LIFETOUCH, HARRIS LATEEF AND CATHY KIESS

Freshman standout Morgan Kuligowski currently runs alongside some of the top upperclassmen in long distance track events. Varsity Track and Field Head Coach Joshua Culver said, “She’s on track to go to states as a freshman, which is really impressive.”

Langley Saxons Swim and Dive team’s standout underclassman is sophomore Garrett Walsh. “His natural talents and abilities in multiple strokes and distances allow us to enter him in a number of events to best support his team,” said Coach Ryan Jackson.

Freshman Yani Porter is the newest member of the varsity gymnastics team. “She is an excellent new addition to our team,” said junior Katie Altman.

Freshman Paige Galiani started her basketball career playing “Around the World” with her dad. “Besides her talent and ability, Paige brings a lot of winning experience. She’s always had a winning mindset,” said varsity head coach Ms. Amanda Bates.

Sophomore Andrew Hayman is “the vocal leader of the team, and a huge socializer in the locker room,” according to senior teammate Justin Galiani.

22 SPORTS

JANUARY 2013

EMILY FLESSAS AND CAYHAN MOVAGHARI EXECUTIVE SPORTS EDITOR AND REPORTER

They practice in a room so hot that by the end, their t-shirts are drenched with sweat. On competition days, they dress up, but they also avoid eating because they need to weigh in to the lowest weight class possible. They are the Langley boys varsity wrestling team, and they’re about to take on districts Feb. 1.

ALEX LABELLE, 12 zach regen, 12 3rd year Varsity Weight: 126 lbs Years wrestling before Langley: 3 Ideal pregame meal: Banana and bagel Favorite part of the team: The camaraderie Dream school: West Point

stephen thorsen, 9

2nd year Varsity Weight: 138 lbs Years wrestling before Langley: 2 Ideal pregame meal: Subway Favorite part of the team: Going to the tournaments Dream school: VMI

alex pratte, 11

3rd year Varsity Weight: 145 lbs Years wrestling before Langley: 4 Ideal pregame meal: Water Favorite part of the team: The wrestling Dream school: MIT

tate dulany, 12

4th year Varsity Weight: 220 lbs 1st year Varsity Years wrestling Weight: 120 lbs before Langley: 8 Years wrestling Ideal pregame meal: before Langley: 0 Ideal pregame meal: We don’t eat Favorite part of the Subway team: Team showers. Favorite part of the team: Going to Just kidding, the friends I’ve made tournaments Dream school: Uni- Dream school: Ferrum College versity of Florida

ali ebadi, 10

1st year Varsity Weight: 195 lbs Years wrestling before Langley: 0 Ideal pregame meal: Subway Favorite part of the team: The trips Dream school: Virginia Tech

chris hyatt, 12

3rd year Varsity Weight: 160 lbs Years wrestling before Langley: 1 Ideal pregame meal: Trail mix/power bar Favorite part of the team: Any dual meet that comes down to the last fight Dream school: Don’t have one

will chapman, 12 MajiD 1st year Varsity zarkesh,12 Weight: 170 lbs Years wrestling before Langley: 0 Ideal pregame meal: Fried chicken Favorite part of the team: Tate Dream school: Hampton-Sydney

1st year Varsity Weight: 152 lbs Years wrestling before Langley: 0 Ideal pregame meal: Tossed salad Favorite part of the team: Ground game Dream school: NOVA

Khoi tran, 10

alex baradari,

1st year Varsity 12 Weight: 113 lbs 125 year Varsity Years wrestling Weight: 295 lbs before Langley: 0 Years wrestling Ideal pregame meal: before Langley: 0 Clementines Ideal pregame meal: Favorite part of the Pizza team: Traveling Favorite part of the Dream school: Don’t team: Going on the have one trips Dream school: Hamilton College

jacob adams,11 devan jones, 9 3rd year Varsity Weight: 132 lbs Years wrestling before Langley: 6 Ideal pregame meal: Water Favorite part of the team: Going to tournaments Dream school: Virginia Tech

1st year Varsity Weight: 106 lbs Years wrestling before Langley: 4 Ideal pregame meal: Glitter Favorite part of the team: Bonding with my forest elves Dream school: Wake Forest

NEW YEAR, NEW COACH

JANUARY 2013

SPORTS 23

THE WOMEN’S VARSITY SOCCER TEAM WELCOMES NEW HEAD COACH SABIR HATHIRAMANI & DANIEL LEVETOWN REPORTERS approach and a ‘never say die’ attitude. “Supporters will see ‘one team,’ etermined, encouraging and confident whether it is on the field during training, games, are the three strengths of new varsity or amongst Saxon hallways,” said Coach Blake. The Lady Saxons’ long term goals women’s soccer head coach, Mr. Billy Blake. A high school coach for over ten this season include a district championship years in both Ohio and Virginia, Blake came title, and making a deep play-off run with to Langley because “it is a model academic and the intent to make the VHSL state finals. Other components to come throughout athletic institution in the northern region.” the season include effective Blake is “Supporters will see ‘one team,’ player development for “honored to join a whether it is on the field during train- younger players, multiple staff of coaches that are ing, games, or amongst Saxon hall- players recognized as top performers in academics, experts in their particular ways.” athletics and sportsmanship sport,” such as JV coach -Coach Billy Blake at the District, Region, and and first varsity assistant State level, and of course, Ms. Jessica Corsey. Coaches Corsey and Blake hope to establishing a team identity. Coach Blake has already received many use the pre-season to make every interested member effectively prepared to be successful positive remarks from future players. “He seems in tryouts. “This initiative will help build very competitive and nice. I am looking forward the foundation for ‘identity,’” he said. to the season,” said freshman Anna Blankinship. “He’s detail oriented,” added junior In order to successfully accomplish this, Blake will incorporate Ali Cochran. “However, I will miss not doing some key factors to help the team stand out. anything in practice.” With high expectations and This includes a superior work an experienced coach, the Saxon women have a ethic, model sportsmanship, a collective great season ahead.

COURTESY OF: BERECRUITED.COM

Newly appointed Head Coach Mr. Billy Blake is the Director of Blake’s High Performance Soccer Academy.

out of the abyss

AFTER MONTHS OF WAITING, HOCKEY FANS REJOICE AFTER NHL RETURN

BIJAN TODD to play in other leagues REPORTER around the world, often ne hundred and thirteen: the number of days in their home countries. Many high-profile the National Hockey League (NHL) lockout lasted, and my level of anger on a scale of 1 to players, including Alex 10. All that time, I wondered if an Ovechkin, signed contracts agreement would be made, or if there with teams in Europe. However, there’s would even be a 2012-2013 season. On Jan. 6, the hockey gods answered no need to worry, as all my prayers. The NHL and the National Hockey of these contracts have League Players Association (NHLPA) reached “out clauses,” meaning the a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) players knew when signing the contracts, they w h i c h a n s w e re d I’m angry that NHL owners and the could continue to everyone’s Commissioner acted so sense- play in the NHL as soon as the lockout burning lessly. They could have ended the ended. question: an avid While the hockey lockout was going on, the Langley hockey team will this lockout after a few meetings, but As continued its season. Capitals fan myself, happen instead acted selfishly. my emotions are again? mixed over the whole situation. actually accomplishing a deal and pleasing fans. Thanks On the other hand, I’m also excited I’m angry that NHL owners to the the Commissioner acted so that the dreadful nights of not being able to watch CBA, we won’t have to worry about and another lockout for at least eight years. senselessly for well over three months. the Caps crush their opponents are finally over. In the end, we can all finally let out a The sides also agreed to split hockey- They could’ve ended the lockout after sigh of relief at the fact that it’s all settled. The ice few meetings, but instead acted related revenue 50/50 over the duration of a the ten years (which they could’ve done on selfishly and unnecessarily prolonged it. is being prepared, that stands are being filled, and They were more concerned about most importantly, hockey is being played. the first day of the lockout, but I digress.) Many of the NHL players went securing their positions and salaries, than PHOTO COURTESY OF HAYLEY STERLING

24 SPORTS JANUARY 2013

rOSS “THE BOSS” cAllaghan

CAYHAN TALKS SPORTS

Q&A with Langley’s newest basketball phenom

PHOTOS BY HARRIS LATEEF AND CATHY KIESS

PHOTO BY ALEX DE THIER

CAYHAN MOVAGAHARI STAFF WRITER

Far left and top right: Ross Callaghan (11) in a recent game against South Lakes High. Bottom right: Callaghan high fives teammate Nicky Guglielmo (12).

ith five seconds left in the McLean vs. Langley game and Langley down by two, jeers came from the McLean stands and Langley students looked away from the court. Just as Langley had accepted defeat, junior Ross Callaghan came through with a three point shot that won Langley the game and bragging rights over McLean. Callaghan sat down with us to answer all our burning questions. Saxon Scope: When did you start playing basketball? Ross Callaghan: Second grade SS: How long have you played on varsity? RC: This is my second year. SS: What’s your nickname? RC: Robot Ross. SS: Who is your basketball idol? RC: Derrick Rose and Gary Payton SS: What do you get in your Chipotle burrito? RC: Chicken, cheese and lettuce. SS: If you could play for any university which would it be? RC: Georgetown.

ONLINE EXTRA Scan here for a video interview with Ross

SS: If you could play for any NBA team which would it be? RC: Charlotte Bobcats. SS: What is your favorite warm-up song? RC: “Everyday” by Chief Keef. SS: What is your most memorable game? RC: Definitely the first McLean game this season. SS: Who is most responsible for your success? RC: My old AAU coach, Coach Dudley, because he is the one who always told me to work hard. SS: What is your favorite inspirational quote? RC: ”I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” - Michael Jordan SS: How would you classify yourself on the court? RC: Playmaker because I like setting my team up for easy scores. SS: What is your favorite subject or class? RC: AP Chemistry with Ms. Puhlick. SS: What is your favorite movie of all time? RC: Four Brothers.

t’s that time of the year again. You can smell it in the air and hear it in the cheer. It’s time for the Super Bowl. How many events can say they relate to all people of a great nation? I have your answer, its one. The Super Bowl is a fun time to kick back with family and watch the big game. Whether you’re in it for the halftime show or the funny commercials there’s something for everyone. Now past the atmosphere and the festivities there is a game going on, but not just any game, a battle to become world champion, the pinnacle of football and really all sports as a whole. Once you hoist that Lombardi trophy, a world of opportunity opens. The high grossing contracts, the million dollar endorsement it all is yours, but first you have to win. Now if you have fallen off the face of the earth and don’t know who’s playing I’ll tell you: it’s the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens. This matchup is really something special. Not only do you have two great teams battling for a championship, you also have two brothers coaching against each other. John Harbaugh of the Ravens and Jim Harbaugh of the 9ers both made it to the conference championships last year and in the end both fell short. This year, they finally made it. The proclaimed Harbowl is perhaps the biggest single event to take place within a family. Now with all the raw emotion going on and it being Ray Lewis’s final game in the NFL, I’ll cut to the chase. As I predicted half way through the regular season (check the second issue of the Saxon Scope or our website www. saxonscope.com), the 49ers will beat the Ravens in the Super Bowl by a margin of 10 points. The shift from Alex Smith to Colin Kapernick will prove prosperous for the 49ers, solidifying the fact that Jim Harbaugh is a football genius because he’s a dual threat. When facing a mobile quarterback like RGIII in the regular season, the Ravens defense has struggled. This will remain the case on Feb. 3, where the 9ers will propel themselves to a 24-14 victory in a defensive battle. I predicted these two teams in early December, and I feel just as confident now that the San Francisco 49ers will be go home as Super Bowl champions. You heard it here first sports fans.

patrons Patrons are those who donate $75 or more to support the Saxon Scope.

How to become a patron:

[1] Visit www.saxonscope.com [2] Go the Subscription Forms tab [3] Download the form and print it out [4] Fill out the form [5] Mail the subscription form along with a check made out to Langley High School to The Saxon Scope

The Saxon Scope Supports Community Spotlight Lost Dog and Rescue Foundation Looking to save a life? This nonprofit animal rescue foundation has been saving the lives of thousands of animals since 2001. Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation’s (LDCRF) main goal is to save dogs and cats in overcrowded shelters from euthanasia and put them into loving homes. Lost Dog and Cat rescue is always asking for the help of volunteers to help at adoption events at Petsmarts and Petcos in the Metro-DC and Northern Virginia Areas. LDCRF is accepting any kind of donations and is always encouraging the adoption of their cats and dogs.

Want more information? Learn about volunteering, donating, or adopting by going on www.lostdogrescue. org or call (703).295.DOGS The Saxon Scope is dedicated to improving our local community. Every issue, we will highlight a worthwhile local charity.

25 A special thanks to:

Platinum $250: • • • • • • •

The LaTeef Family The Malpede Family The Mushtaq Family The Shaw Family The Rainey Family The Weingast Family The Welch Family

Gold $200: • • • • • •

The Aulisi Family The Bollinger Family The Dotson Family The Krial Family The Talalay/Mora Family The Todd Family

Silver $100: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The Albright Family The Arcari Family The Bailey Family The Cho Family The Curtis Family The Dareikia Family The Deese Family The Egbahli Family The Flessas Family The Guglielmo Family The Hielbrunn Family The Hodge Family The Jewett Family The Kashani Family The Kiess Family The Masters Family The McCausland Family The Nimick Family The Tucker Family

Bronze $75: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The Abravanel Family The Bucy Family The Chien Family The Davis Family The Devlin Family The Galiani Family The Gray Family The Grems Family The Haupti Family The Kearney Family The Mahoney Family The McAuliffe Family The Novak Family The Officer Family The Osgood Family The Pungnello Family The Rohloff Family The Sasser Family The Smith Family The Sterling Family

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