BX Connects Volume 2, Issue 2

BX CONNECTS

The Addams Family Page 1

Millbrook & the Midterms

Page 13

Frederick County Building Plans

Page 28

Athlete of the Month

Page 33

VOL 2 | ISSUE 2 Winter | 2018

We are more than just writing. We are Millbrook. We are BlueXpress.

Letter from the Editor This quarter has brought many stories and developments to Millbrook High School, from the annual Veterans Day program to every student in Frederick County receiving an email telling them to subscribe to the YouTuber Pewdiepie. To find the details about these events, please visit our website www.bluexpress.net. In the meantime, please enjoy our 2nd Quarter Magazine!

This issue aims to describe Millbrook’s community and its place in the world through what we call the Three M’s of Millbrook: the Musical, the Midterms, and Manual Labor, or community service. Our cover article details the production of the Drama Club’s annual musical, which was the Addams Family, while our two feature articles discuss Millbrook’s role in politics following the midterm election this November and community service in the Winchester area during the winter holiday season. We hope that this issue gives a more detailed picture of what it means to be a student at Millbrook High School.

Madison Lazenby, Editor-in-Chief of the BlueXpress

The Publications Team Editor-in-Chief

Madison Lazenby

Associate Editor

Carolynn Unger

Graphic Design Editor Matthew Bennett

Photography Editors Collin Boyer Steven Crowl

Multimedia Editor Alex Stone

Website Editor

Christian Hellwig

Art Team

Matthew Bennett Isabella Evernham

Reporting Team

Allie Corno Robert Huse Oscar Rodriguez Azrael Stavely Sophia Young

Photography Team

Ana Garcia Erin Stewart Rodriguez Karlie Franklin Kei Cortez Nicholas Warrick Zoe Crowl Hiley Justis Jose Rosales

Videography Team Drake Adcox Aidan McAlevy Trinity Myers Jake Upshaw

The Publishers Print Edition Published by Northern Virginia Daily www.nvdaily.com

Digital Publishing by aPrintis Inc. www.aprintis.com

Advisers

Cliff Campbell Maribeth Carmichael

Millbrook High School

251 First Woods Drive Winchester, VA 22603 540-545-2800 http://mhs.frederick.k12.va.us/home

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BX Connects with highlights from Second Quarter 2018

NEWS

23 | Getting Competitive

page 1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE IN-DEPTH

1 | The Addams Family

25 | NHS Induction

page 7

27 | Winter Spirit Week 28 | County Plans for Expansion

FEATURES

OPINIONS

11 | Holiday Volunteering

5 | Student Soundoff

13 | Students & the Midterms

7 | Take A Side

A&E

SPORTS 29 |Winter Season Starting Strong

19 | Greatest Showman

32 | Athlete Q&A

21 | Biopics

33 | Athlete of the Month

page 29

17 | BX Toons

page 13

10 | Midterms 2018

www.bluexpress.net THIS AND MORE ONLINE Keep up-to-date with news from this issue, on campus and around the community by visiting www.bluexpress.net on a regular basis.

On the Cover Senior Azariah Boyd sings “Pulled” as Wednesday Addams in the Millbrook Drama Club’s production of the Addams Family. Photo by Hannah Long and edited by Nick Warrick.

Our Goal The BX Connects intends to be a public forum for student expression and encourages all sides to voice their opinion. Staff members will honor Millbrook High School and its community and the journalistic profession by placing truth, accuracy and objectivity first.

Corrections, Comments and Clarifications Should an error occur inside this issue, go to www.bluexpress. net/corrections

The magazine for Millbrook High School Campus and Community

Article by | Oscar Rodriguez

L

ights, camera, action. This year’s musical production was The Addams Family based on the 1991 movie of the same name. The musical adapta-

Photos by | Nick Warrick and Kei Cortez

Wednesday Addams was played

by Azariah Boyd, a senior who has been involved in past plays. She wanted to join the play because she always watched the show as a kid.

She said, “Other kids would watch Sesame Street, or something on Cartoon Network., and I was like, ‘Addams Family!’” Wednesday’s love interest in the play was Lucas Beinekes, played by sophomore Logan Sandefur. He wanted to join the play because he enjoyed his experience from last year playing Prince Eric in “The Little Mermaid.” Mal and Alice Beineke are Lucas’s parents, played by Nathan Hershberger and Meghan McAndrew, both sophomores. They both have been in past plays such as Cinderella Kids at James Wood Middle School.

Wednesday’s mother is Morticia was played

by Madelynn Shores, a senior who has been in (From L-R) Logan Sandefur (10), Dennis McAndrew the school’s plays be(12), and Azariah Boyd (12) took on the roles of Lufore. She said about her cas, Fester, and Wednesday, respectively. acting career, “My first tion, written by Marshall Brickman real show and my first lead role was and Rick Elice, has a different plot, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors here but it still has the comedic genius of in 2016. The Addams Family is my the original movie. The musical has seventh show since then. I have also the iconic characters such as Wednes- played the Genie in Aladdin and His day Addams, though in the musical Wonderful Lamp at Winchester Little she is 18 years old. It also brings Theatre, and this past summer I was amazing song performances which a Performing Apprentice in Shenancapture the audience’s attention. doah Summer Music Theatre’s

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production of Mamma Mia!” Morticia’s husband, Gomez, was played by Brendon O’Donnell, a senior. He commented about his resume so far, “I’ve been singing since seventh grade, and I’ve been acting since eighth grade.

I’ve played the lead in Legally Blonde (Emmett) and now the lead in The Addams Family (Gomez). I’ve done a musical every year since eighth grade.”

As for the rest of the Addams Family household, Wednesday’s pesky little brother Pugsley was played by freshman Michael Bromley, who said, “It’s not your traditional musical, it’s more of a play on the traditional musical, now that I think about it. It makes fun of the cliches. It’s mostly just a ridiculous and morbid, but funny story and it’s heart touching as well. It teaches a lesson.” Grandma was played by Amari Smith-Shields, a sophomore with many plays under her belt who commented, “It’s a very fun and crazy musical, and there are some parts that are inappropriate, but it’s also really funny.” Fester was played by Dennis McAndrew who was in past plays such as The Little Mermaid in which he played King Triton.

He commented, “I hope people know that The Addams Family is one of the most fun shows and the cast this year were some of the best people that I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet.” The Addams Family’s butler Lurch, was played by Corbin Anderson, a senior, who has been in plays such as The Little Mermaid.

At the beginning of the play, we were introduced to the Addams Family and their graveyard full of relatives. The ancestors came out

from behind the curtains and they began singing When You’re an Addams. Wednesday, now 18 years old, has invited her crush, Lucas, over for dinner. But her family isn’t ‘normal’ like Lucas’s family, the Beinekes. She tells her dad, Gomez, about who is coming over for dinner and what the real reason is. Gomez is both happy and sad to see Wednesday growing up. Wednesday begs her father for one night of just normality.

Gomez agrees to this one night of being normal but Wednesday tells him that he cannot tell her mom, Morticia, for she would ruin the night.

Gomez is now conflicted. Gomez and Morticia’s relationship is based on zero lies, only telling the truth. But he also wants to do anything he can for his little girl Wednesday to make her happy. Once Wednesday leaves and Morticia is alone with Gomez, she can sense that something is fishy.

But he tells her that there is nothing to hide and runs off.

Wednesday and Pugsley are then seen having fun by hurting one another. Pugsley is sat in the electric chair and Wednesday keeps pushing the buttons. Even though its painful, Pugsley wants her to push the buttons again. Fester sees that Wednesday is worried about her dinner night with the Beinekes and he enlists the help of the ancestors to make it a ‘normal’ night. At first they hesitate but Fester blackmails them into doing it or else they wouldn’t be able to go back into their graves.

The Beinekes arrive at Central Park. They are searching for the Addams house and can’t seem to find it. Mal, Lucas’s dad, seemed skeptic

of the Addams family and was concerned to see that his son had fallen in love with an odd girl. Though Alice, Lucas’s mom who talks in poetry form, was excited and was ready to give them a chance. They found the Addams house and knocked on the door.

The Addams and the Beinkes finally meet for the first time.

Mal is suspicious and doesn’t fathom how The stage crew of the Addams Family. they can live their lives which is about not keeping secrets like this. But Alice in a marriage and if Gomez ever did, is excited and enjoys the difference. she’d kick him out.

Morticia, still suspicious of Gomez’s Pugsley is afraid that Wednesday behavior, takes Alice on a tour of the will forget about torturing him and house as does Gomez with Mal. Lucas they won’t be close anymore. He goes and Wednesday run off to her room. to Grandma and talks to her about Fester and the ancestors start singing how pestering the Beinekes are and “But Love” in hopes that it’ll be a normal night. The audience is swooned by the song and the heart touching lyrics.

Morticia and Alice go to her boudoir and reminisce on old baby photos of the family.

Alice asks Morticia how she and Gomez have such a strong relationship which Morticia replies with, “It’s because we have no secrets.” Morticia and the female ancestors Madelynn Shores (12) is carried by the ensemble during start to sing “Secrets” her solo number “Death is Just Around the Corner.”

BX CONNECTS | Pages 1 –2

how he hates that Wednesday has a boyfriend. Grandma tells him that it’s normal for people to grow up and fall in love but Pugsley doesn’t accept that. He goes into her stash of plants and herbs and finds a potion that will reveal someone’s true dark nature. He plans to slip it into Wednesday’s drink during the dinner.

At the dinner, they play a game called Full Disclosure and sing an upbeat song about it which the audience enjoyed. Full disclosure is a game where each person at the table has to confess something. Gomez is scared to play since he doesn’t want to tell Wednesday’s secret but Morticia is going to make him play it. Fester confesses his love for the moon. And Pugsley reveals just how much he doesn’t like Lucas. Pugsley slips the potion into the drink, thinking it was Wednesday’s turn though the cup ended up at Alice instead.

When Alice drank it, she revealed that her marriage was loveless and it made her sad. Wednesday then reveals that she and Lucas are going to get married which Lucas accepts.

Mal, completely embarrassed and enraged tries to leave with his family but Fester can’t let that happen. He enlists the help of the ancestors to start a storm to trap everyone inside the house. Both families are upset at one another and Lucas and Wednesday get into a fight in which Wednesday doesn’t know if their relationship is good for each other. Morticia, saddened that her daughter wouldn’t talk to her about Lucas, sings “Just Around the Corner”. She sings about death being very close and she dreams about it, while the audience giggles at the thought about From Top to Bottom: Brendon O’Donnel (12), it. It made death seem not as Madelynn Shores (12), Azariah Boyd (12), morbid as it is. and Meghan McAndrew (10), Logan Sandefur (10), and Nathan Hershberger (10). www.bluexpress.net

Fester sings “The Moon and Me” while the ancestors ooh and ahh in the background. In the song, he sings about loving the moon from far away and that he’ll never stop loving the moon. Gomez talks to Wednesday about how he is happy to see Wednesday in love but also sad because she’s growing up. After this, Wednesday still doesn’t know if she should stay together with Lucas as they are both different.

Lucas wants to show Wednesday that they are meant for each other so he blindfolds her and tells her to shoot an arrow at an apple on top of his head.

Wednesday is hesitant but Lucas is persistence and starts singing “Crazier Than You”, as an ode to their love full of fun and happiness. Wednesday shoots the arrow and hits the apple. This makes both of their trust grow and they understand each other better. Mal and Alice talk about their past romance and how fun Mal used to be. Mal, who wants to be a better husband agrees that he wants their relationship to be stronger.

They sing “Crazier Than You” and they dance all over the stage.

Gomez begs Morticia for forgiveness and that he wants a dance with her. He sings “Live Before We Die” and has a tango dance with her. The tango he has been waiting for all night. In the finale, Fester gets on a rocket and shoots himself all the way on to the moon. Then Pugsley reveals that he had slipped a potion in the drinks and he had caused all of this mess. But instead of being angry, they thanked him for it because it brought them all closer together. The ensemble comes out sings “When You’re An Addams” once again, bringing the play full circle. Then the cast bowed, the lights turned off, the curtains closed and the audience gave a standing ovation.

After the play had ended, everyone went to the commons to meet the cast.

Children with their parents were ecstatic to meet Morticia and ran to them with giggles. The cast met with the audience, giving the musical a more personal touch. It was a night of laughter and joy. The musical was more than just comedy and singing, but also about love, relationships and growing up. It was enjoyable for everyone, adults and children.

Mr. Bracken, French teacher, was the director of the Addams Family this year. His ambitions for the theater started from a young age. In seventh grade he started theatre and worked backstage.

Once in ninth grade, he got his lead role as Aladdin which got him nominated for an Isaac Award. His theatre career grew more from that. Though, his passion is for French, he said, “I decided that I wanted to teach French because when I was in high school I realized that I was good at French when I took a year off during my junior year, then took French 3 as a senior. I was one of the best students in that class and I had gone a whole year without any language instruction, so it really jumped out to me that I had an ear for language.”

Mr. Bracken graduated from Penn State University in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in World Languages Education. When he came to Millbrook for the French teacher position, they let him know that the drama director position was open and he quickly accepted it. “I thought it was neat to have both the

opportunity to teach French during the day, then be the drama director after school.”

Mr. Bracken and Mr. Kelly worked together to choose which musical they were going to perform and they

His favorite part of being a director is “getting to work with students” that he doesn’t usually see on a normal basis. He added, “It’s a different type of student. A student that isn’t taking French but has an interest in theater.” He enjoyed directing and called it a “wonderful experience” and added, “I couldn’t have asked for anything better. The talent was amazing on stage, in the pit, the ensemble and the crew were fantastic.”

Mr. Kelly, the choir director, played a major role in the musical. He helped students with their vocals. He said, “I think high school students in general just need a reminder on how to sing appropriately at all times. It wasn’t that anyone sang unhealthy, but just a reminder on how they need to sing.” He has been involved in plays since his first year here. He commented, “It’s like what I’ve always done, whether it’s been director or the music director, I’ve always been involved because I know the students here want a musical.”

He found it difficult at times to manage class and the musical. Though, the overall experience was enjoyable. He said, “I liked the show a lot and I like the genre. I like how it was more of a pop-rock genre because it’s’ different from what we have done before.” He will be working on future musicals as well.

The Addams Family music was a success for everyone involved. The next theatre production this Spring will be the Peter and the Starcatcher.

“It’s not your traditional musical, it’s more of a play on the traditional musical, now that I think about it. It makes fun of the cliches.”

- Michael Bromley, 9th Grade eventually decided on The Addams Family. This was Mr. Bracken’s first musical to ever direct, while Mr. Kelly has worked on past musicals and plays. Though new to musicals, Mr. Bracken said, “I felt very supported

“The musical was more than just comedy and singing, but also about love, relationships and growing up.”

- Oscar Rodriguez, 11th Grade

by Mr. Kelly, Mr. Asbury, the Millbrook administrators and the other staff members.” This support made directing the musical much easier and he also said, “to work with the talent onstage made the process very easy.”

BX CONNECTS | Pages 3 –4

Student Soundoff: Interviews by | Oscar Rodriguez

Photos by | Hiley Justis

BlueXpress Reporter Oscar Rodriguez asked students about their opinions on the results of the 2018 Midterm Elections, which resulted in Jennifer Wexton (D) defeating Barbara Comstock (R) in VA-10, where Millbrook resides.

Their answers are as follows:

“I don’t know. I’m in 9th grade. Am I supposed to know about the midterms?”

- Ricardo Garcia, 9th Grade

Subject not pictured per request.

“Personally I can’t vote because I’m not of age yet, but I do agree with the results. Especially around the area in Winchester. I drove around a lot of neighborhoods and saw support for Wexton (D) instead of Comstock (R). So I personally am happy with the results.”

- Tatiana Torez, 10th Grade

“I’m personally glad that the Democrats won.

I think it’ll be good for the House to have a Republican president and then have a Democratic house.”

- Maz Walzer, 10th Grade

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The Midterms “I don’t know much about the midterms, but Wexton won and she’s a Democrat, so I guess I like her.”

- Sofia Guerra, 9th Grade

“Yes, I’m happy with how the election turned out.

I’m glad Virginia is blue and that we have a woman in Congress. I think that it sucked that Texas is still red.”

- Azrael Stavely, 11th Grade

“I wasn’t surprised. All the polls indicated that the Democrats were going to take the House and the Republicans were going to keep the Senate.

It was fairly obvious given the landscape of it.

But I mean, the Republicans, the map was vastly skewed in their favor. So I wasn’t at all surprised.”

- Rogrickk Reschini, 11th Grade BX CONNECTS | Pages 5 –6

Take a Side:

New High School?

Best to Build

A

Opinion by | Azrael Stavely fourth high school is being built in the Frederick County school district and it is estimated to be fully built and running by 2020. As a person who went to a school where class sizes were only 6-12 students, in my opinion, I learned better in that environment. It was easier to grasp what my teachers were talking about when we could be more hands-on throughout our units and if students were having trouble, the teacher was able to stop and thoroughly explain it to them. For many students, one on one learning with their teacher has proven to be beneficial to their education, however, it is very hard to get that in a class with thirty-plus students who also need their teachers help.

A study done by “BROOKINGS” (brookings.edu) proved this to an extent. They went to a school in Tennessee and reduced classes to fifteen to twenty students by taking 7 students out of each classroom. Their research concluded there were positive impacts in the student’s learning experience because it was “found to increase student achievement by an amount equivalent to about 3 additional months of schooling four years later.” Adding a fourth high school to the growing population in Frederick County is going to be very beneficial.

There are 4,181 high school students currently going to one of the three schools in Frederick County.

Millbrook has a population of 1,342.

In my three years at Millbrook, I have noticed class sizes range anywhere from fifteen students to thir-

www.bluexpress.net

Photo by | Erin Stewart Rodriguez ty. When looking at my grades from my smaller classes, I definitely see a difference, especially when it comes to science and math. If students are confused about something in their class, they should not have to be told to wait and then have their teacher forget that they ever raised their hand. I believe that this new school will make that possible.

All students deserve a learning environment where they will actually be able to learn. This new school will cut class sizes drastically in all of the schools and will create a great learning environment for the students. Some of the already operating schools have had to purchase trailers that sit outside of the school

to have class in because there are no available classrooms to conduct those classes in. By adding a new school, this could be avoided and changed.

This also creates more jobs for teachers and construction workers in the Frederick County area. The unemployment rate in Frederick County has gone down significantly in the past few years, but according to economic data, there is still 2.4% of the Frederick County population that is unemployed according to FRED (Federal Reserve Of St. Louis.) This new school will be beneficial for the people living in the county and benefit their families and children too.

Better Stay Small

W

Opinion by | Robert Huse ith the anticipated addition of a new high school by the year 2023, Frederick County will really be stirring the pot. The addition of this new high school has been carefully thoughtout over the past 15 years. After many revisions, ideas, and failures to pass a budget, Frederick County School Board has settled upon the creation of a new fourth high school as their top priority. This has been the easy way out for them to avoid fixing and improving the current security, safety, and educational flaws of the other outdated high schools.

The addition of this new high school will only further bury the archaic chalkboards of James Wood High, or the resource-strapped art rooms of Millbrook.

The current generation of high schoolers in our county have been exposed to the effects of building a new school building already. The addition of Greenwood MIll Elementary in 2009 rezoned almost all the current elementary schools in the county. I know for me, that event was very difficult, as I lost connection with many friends and felt unfairly zoned from those who lived close to me.

This new high school will create a very large generation of middle schoolers, and current high schoolers, separating once more. The cycle of constantly building new schools and letting parents and children deal with the lack of consistent learning is not something any county should be proud of.

This new school will only further the inequality of education in our county. This discrimination is based upon on the location of student’s home. How would it feel that whether you live in a suburb, or a more rural area, it determines if your child get to get to go to the brand new SAFEST high school? Who decides who gets to get the best education?

There is already an obvious, and

differential, connotation between the high schools in Frederick County. Imagine what the addition of a brand new, state of the art, “mega school” will do to our county’s pre existing biases. Our school board should be more proactive in updating, expanding, and maintaining the current buildings. Not only to expand the amount of seats, but to upkeep with the 180 school days of use in each building.

There is most definitely an issue with student density in this county, but to run away and construct another unmaintained school is not ideal.

Each time they bring in another portable classroom, FCPS opens another can of worms. Our area is expanding and growing in population, but if we want to upkeep a quality education we must not let schools fall behind in the modern standards of the 21st century. This will be a large taxpayer cost for all, regardless of the route our county takes. Unfortunately, as

a nation, we do not value education as much as other countries. These taxes are often seen as a burden, but we need to start valuing the future generation’s education.

Those on our school board have not attended class for over 30 years.

They may visit, but they are not teachers or students living and working in these conditions every day. A new school would brings jobs and heavily increase the amount of students we could bring in, but would we be taking care of those students and staff? To tackle the overpopulation of students, Frederick County should shift their focus to QUALITY of education over quantity. An ultramodern academy would lay our already outdated high schools to rest.

Photo by | Erin Stewart Rodriguez

BX CONNECTS | Pages 7 –8

www.bluexpress.net

Midterms 2018 was a Good Thing Opinion by | Allie Corno

T

he Midterm Election of 2018 was a fulfilling event for many around our country. Many who were eligible to vote exercised their right proudly. Although I cannot vote yet, I was pleased to hear about the turnout at the polls.

Prior to Tuesday, November 6, everyone from social media influencers to average people in the streets were openly expressing and talking about the midterms.

Taylor Swift recently shared on Instagram that she was less reluctant to express her political views, stating that she did not agree with Republican Marsha Blackburn, who was running to be Tennessee Senator.

Swift said, “I would like to continue voting for women in office,” but added that she was not voting for Blackburn because she did not agree with the way Blackburn had voted in the past or what she was doing.

Swift said, “I cannot vote for someone who will not be willing to fight for dignity for ALL Americans, no matter their skin color, gender or who they love. She voted against equal pay for women. She voted against the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which attempts to protect women from domestic violence, stalking, and date rape. She believed businesses have a right to refuse service to gay couples. She also believed they should not have the right to marry.” I agree with Swift for speaking out on her platform stating what she believes. Take her as an example as a way to voice opinion. She stated the facts with respect, while using her freedom of speech.

On the morning of Tuesday, November 6, Republicans had control of the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. After the midterm votes were in, Americans learned that the Democrats had majority control of the House.

This restored more of a balance which is important, especially when making decisions that include making new laws, fair rights and pay to all, equal representation, and more. Democrats really made a comeback with some states turning blue and shedding their red.

This year’s election was very different from past elections, particularly in the sheer number of people, especially young people, who voted. The message of the importance of voting and being a good American citizen reached the younger

crowd which was also good to see. Some of the states that had a higher number of youth voters included Georgia, Chicago, Nevada, and Florida.

Midterms in Virginia have always leaned from Democratic to Republican and back every few election cycles. According to The Washington Post, many people wonder if Virginia is a purple state, then said, “Commentators still call Virginia a swing or “purple” state. Is that right? A state whose last Republican U.S. senator was elected in 2002, last GOP governor in 2009 and last Republican presidential candidate was in 2004 seems rather blue.

Virginia over the past few decades has transitioned from solid red to blue,” said Jennifer Rubin of The Washington Post.

It is important to stay up-to-date with recent actions regarding politics. People from young adults to older adults are encouraged to go out and vote whenever there is an election. It is important to teach children, from all over the country, to learn the importance of voting and fulfilling their civic responsibility.

Women in government saw great success which was good to see. Hopefully in future years more and more women will be elected into the government. Things should be in balance and it is only the fair way to contribute more new ideas on politics. Records have been broken for the number of women candidates for governor, U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. Some of these outstanding women included Democrats Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, who have become the first Muslim women elected to Congress.

Women are making history.

Every vote counts and matters. We must focus on getting the attention of citizens who are eager to vote and to give reasons why people who don’t vote should.

CNN said the midterms were highly anticipated with a lot on the line like new rights and laws, such as what we as a country should do about gun violence.

This ultimately contributed to an incredibly high turnout at the polls and a lot of media coverage.

Lucky for us, this country is a democracy and therefore we who are eligible get to vote on what we want to see in our government, from the local level all the way to the national government. I feel very lucky that we can express our voices.

Meet the Staff

Steven Crowl Co-Photo Editor

S

teven Crowl is a senior and in his second year as a BlueXpress staff member. He is one of the main photographers alongside Collin Boyer. Steven’s hobbies include: photography, playing guitar, playing around with technology, and playing video games. His life goal is to become a Cyber Security Analyst and not live life alone. Steven’s main purpose in journalism is to spread his knowledge of photography to the upcoming photographers who will take over for the BlueXpress in the future. He will be doing everything in his power to set a good example to those that wish to become one of BlueXpress’ finest photographers for when he takes his leave this year.

BX CONNECTS | Pages 9 –10

Millbrook Clubs Volunteer During the Holiday Season Article by | Sophia Young

M

illbrook is home to many clubs which provide volunteer work for the community. Recently, the Millbrook chapter of Key Club did holiday themed activities for the community. Many of these activities were meant to benefit people who couldn’t provide food and gifts during the giving season.

During the month of December, students, parents, and teachers spent time gathering Christmas ¨meals¨ for families in the school district (mainly for Millbrook and Redbud Run Elementary) who didn’t have the money to afford the meal themselves. The students spent time after school at a meeting one day decorating boxes that these meals would be placed in and then distributed to the selected families. Some of the boxes consisted of decorations of snowmen, snowflakes, and presents, while others were of Santa, popular movies/shows, and more.

Once all the boxes were decorated completely and all the food was collected, club members began separating the food into boxes. The holiday meal consisted of brownies, turkey, dressing, yams, and green

beans. This activity was both fun and helpful for many of the students and is an annual volunteer activity that Key Club participates in.

Another Key Club activity is the Kiwanis Christmas Wrapping Party held on December 11 this year. It is an annual event as well. This event was for students to come together to wrap gifts for young, elementary-aged students in the district whose families could not provide for them themselves. Students started by collecting the gifts that were unloaded from a truck outside and brought them inside to wrap.

The gifts were divided between the schools that had students receiving gifts. Students and other volunteers were divided into groups of four at tables prepared with tape, varieties of Christmas wrapping paper, stickers, and more.

When it came time to wrap all the gift, there was a wide range of gifts being wrapped, including Barbie dolls, socks, Legos, basketballs, shoes, and doll houses. Pizza and refreshments were provided, and all of the presents were wrapped in less than an hour.

On December 12, another Key

Club event, the Kiwanis Christmas Party was held so that the presents wrapped the prior day could be given to the kids. Students left school during lunch periods to help out at the event. The environment of the party consisted of a banquet-looking lunch offered to all who were there, a table designated for Millbrook students near the stage, and all the kids students would be giving presents to.

Once everyone finished eating, students were given the names of a school in groups of two. Names of the school and the students receiving gifts were called and the two students who had the name of that school assisted the students if they needed help carrying their presents back to their seats. Every child got the opportunity to take a picture with Santa and his elves, and many were so excited they needed no help carrying their presents back to their seats.

After the party was over, students helped load their presents into the busses parked outside. Many students stayed longer to help out and socialize before returning back to school.

“Every child got the opportunity to take a picture with Santa and his elves, and many were so excited they needed no help carrying their presents back to their seats.”

- Sophia Young, 11th Grade www.bluexpress.net

Above: Photo provided by | Sophia Young Right: The Christmas tree at the Key Club hosted gift give away event. Photo provided by | Karli Schildknecht Below: Photo provided by | Sophia Young

BX CONNECTS | Pages 11 –12

Talking to students who voted for the first time

M

Article by | Azrael Stavely

any seniors voted in the midterm election that took place on November 6, taking a stance for what they believe in. They got to contribute to society and to make true change for the first time in their

adult lives. Midterm elections take place halfway through the president’s term. There are many elections that occur during this time, such as open House of Representative seats, sheriff races, mayoral races, and open Senate seats. Many students have very strong political opinions, but are too young to vote, so instead they have been canvassing for candidates, getting their friends to vote and posting on social media trying to get people to vote. According to the website, fairvote.com, only 40% of voters have turned up for midterm elections in past years. Many of those students who are unable to vote wanted change because they believe that these elections hold the answer to how their futures will be shaped and want the candidate that will do good for their future to win the race.

The Young Republicans and Young Democrats have been doing what they can to strengthen voter turnout for the Midterms as well. Both of these groups have been getting their members to canvas for candidates as well as participating in their local political scenes. The Young Republicans is led by senior Abigail Varricchio, who serves as President.

She said, “We had been canvassing with the congresswoman’s [Comstock] campaign to get other people out motivated to vote since a lot of our members are under 18 they are not old enough to.”

Varricchio shared who the club helped through the campaign season. “We all really just campaigned with Hiley Justis, president of Millbrook Young DemBarbara because we didn’t ocrats. Photo by | Steven Crowl

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really associate with Corey Stewart.

His rhetoric was a little harsh and we wanted to not deal with that as much. We worked with James Wood and Sherando’s Young Republicans as well as Handley’s. We all ended up collaborating to get to recruit all of our volunteers for the candidates.

We also had a meeting where we discussed issues and how we can help other people become informed.

I think it’s important to vote because it’s the one way that you can put your foot down and tell people what you’re thinking. It has an effect rather than just saying how you feel.”

Varricchio was also voting for her first time this year. “It felt really awesome in the voting booth. For once I was like ‘wow I’m not just advocating for this, I can actually do it.’

I started working for Congresswoman Comstock in 2016, my freshman year, and then it just kind of carried through until yesterday (Nov 6). I voted for Barbara Comstock because as a young woman I felt that she represented me and how I felt about so many things. I don’t want to go on forever, but I would like to mention her Young Women’s Leadership program. I graduated from it and I just think its so awesome that she’s out there inspiring women, giving them avenues, and she’s not just saying ‘I support women.’ She actually enables women to do other things and she works on the science and technology committee to get more women in STEM. It’s just amazing. I liked how she stood up to Trump in 2016 when she did call for him to step down after the ‘grabbing’ comments came out.

She had her own direction and she didn’t really rely on the Republican party platform to win.”

However, Varricchio stated that she voted Democrat when it came to the senate race. “I didn’t vote for Corey

Stewart. I voted for Tim Kaine simply because because his rhetoric was a little harsh.” Varricchio explained, “Even if your candidate wins or loses, as long as you got out there and that’s why, even though the voter turnout did not necessarily go in my candidate’s favor, I still thought it was awesome how many people showed up to vote. I just think it’s great how many people finally recognize how important it is.”

Senior Hiley Justis is the President of the Young Democrats and she stated that they have been getting their members to work with Winchester Indivisible as well as the Winchester Young Dems. “We had a lot of seniors last year and because they left, we don’t have very many seniors this year that are of voting age.

We all did our best through social media and through word of mouth to get students/people to vote. Since we are not allowed to advertise on the announcements or throughout the school, we have a hard time getting people informed about our club and informed about anything having to do with politics.” Justis said that a lot of people in the MHS Young Dems canvassed and phone banked through this election. “We worked through organizations like Indivisible Winchester and the Winchester Young Dems calling voters and informing them about the upcoming election and where they can vote.” Justis explained that members of the Handley, Sherando, James Wood, and Clarke County Young Dems all came together through the Winchester Young Dems to help Democratic candidates Tims Kaine and Jennifer Wexton in their campaigns.

Justis currently cannot vote, but has very strong political views and participates heavily in her local Democratic organizations. Although she

cannot vote, she does what she can for what we believe in, even if we to make a change. “If I were able to cannot vote yet. We should still voice vote, I would have voted for Jennifer our opinions.”

Wexton because I believe in what she Many students have been stands for in most cases. I don’t like campaigning for their candidates Barbara Comstock’s stance on things throughout the nation because they like gun control/reform, on women’s are unable to vote themselves. These right, LGBT rights. I just don’t agree with what she stands for so I would have voted for Wexton.” Justis also said, “I would also vote for Tim Kaine because after meeting him a few times, I can see that he is a great person and I agree with him very much, if not with everything he says.”

Justis also talked about what topic she is most passionate about when it comes to politics.

“A lot of things that I am most passionate about or involved with, have to do with me or are related to me being a student, a woman, also me being a part of the LGBT community. I am very passionate about LGBT rights, as well as women’s health, specifically abortion, which I believe should be legal.

If its not legal it will happen either way so we should have safe way for women to access that.” Justis added, “Like I said, me being a student, I am very passionate about gun reform because I think it is very important for us to regulate something like that because that’s the only way we can keep our students safe.”

Justis also added that even though a student is under 18, there are still ways to make a change. “I urge everyone to get active in their local political scenes because we are the upcoming generation of leaders Abigail Varricchio, president of Millbrook Young and we need to take a stance Republicans. Photo by | Steven Crowl

BX CONNECTS | Pages 13 –14

Meet the Staff

Allie Corno Associate Busincess Manager

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lexandra Corno, who goes by Allie, is currently a sophomore at Millbrook High School. This school year has been her first year in the Journalism class and as a writer. Allie is really enjoying this class along with trying new things involving writing, social media, and interacting with others working for the BlueXpress. Allie has learned new things to improve her writing and interviewing skills and hopes to improve even more in the future. Her other activities include Taekwondo, which she participated in for several year, and Spirit Club in her freshman year. In the near future Allie hopes to do community work, and get a job to help pay for college.

After graduating, Allie would like to attend community college, then graduate from a four year college. Many good things are in store for her future!

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students want to help spread the message that even though you are unable to vote, there are still ways to make a change in your nation. “Even if you can’t vote, you can still voice your opinions and influence people who are able to vote,” Justis stated. The average percent for voter turnout is 40% during the midterm elections, but on November 6, it spiked to 49% across the nation according to fivethirtyeight. com. These students advocated for people to vote and they also canvassed for the candidate that they personally favored.

They linked up with their local political organizations and fought for change in theirs states and their nation.

However, one reason there was a spike in the voter turnout was because there was a new generation of voters who wanted their voices to be heard. Senior Claire Lympus was one of these students who wanted her voice to be heard in this election and exercised her right to vote for the first time in her life. ¨Generally speaking, it’s our Constitutional right and it’s something that we need to do to voice our opinions and to strike change in our government because clearly, some things I might not agree with, are things that I need somebody to represent me to voice those opinions.” Lympus said that she voted for Jennifer Wexton in the midterm. ¨I voted for her because honestly I just agree with her on most points, not on all, but on most. I don’t really agree with Barbara Comstock, not to say that she wasn’t a good candidate, but she didn’t really have the same belief systems as me.” Many people believe that every voter should educate themselves on all the politicians and their beliefs before voting. ¨I educated myself on all the candidates. My parents watch the news every morning every day, so I am pretty knowledgeable, though not fluent, but I know what’s going.” Lympus said that the ability of keeping people/ students safe is very important to her and that it was something she really thought about when choosing who to vote for.

“Because there is a big scare now of all the mass shootings, like the recent one, literally a day or so ago (Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting.) It’s just really scary and I want to make sure everyone is okay.”

Lympus explained that her first time voting was a great experience. ¨I gave the women my drivers license and the women literally stood up, jumped, and screamed, ‘Our first time voter!’ I think my vote means something, as far as this election goes I thought it was a fair game.”

Daniel Hernandez was another senior who decided to vote in this election. “I think it’s very important to vote because

it’s everyone’s way of contributing to society and it’s something that gives us more of a voice in our country. I educated myself on all of the candidates before voting, but I would rather not say who I voted for.

When it comes to politics I am very passionate about things that will influence me later on in life, like college, affordable education.” Hernandez said that voting was a great and new experience for him although the line was super long.

Senior Madison Lazenby was another student who was eligible to vote this year.

“I think that as an eighteen year old, being a part of the youngest age group that is able to vote, that I should exercise that right to vote because I feel like in general the different generations have different viewpoints and different values, so if the younger generations wants to have their voices to be heard in the government, we need to exercise our right to vote because that is honestly the easiest way to do that because not everybody is able to go out and protest or go to a march. Whereas there is a polling station in every town in every city of the United States.” Lazenby added, “I voted for Tim Kaine and Jennifer Wexton. I definitely have always really liked Tim Kaine for sure. I was introduced to him when he was with Hillary Clinton running as her VP nominee and I’ve always really agreed with his philosophy on things and I kind of definitely knew I didn’t want to go with Corey Stewart.”

Lazenby added her opinions on Jennifer as well, “With Jennifer Wexton, I just definitely liked her because she was very in line with my own personal views on gun control and about getting things done. I tried to educate myself on all of the candidates before going to vote. I probably could have done a better job, but I definitely did with the primary election because this election was important. I knew I really needed to choose for the primaries because all of the candidates were so good. Currently, I am mainly focused on gun control and women’s rights when thinking about which topics are most important to me. As well as the healthcare sphere issues. It felt amazing and great to vote. I was with my mom and my dad and I was happy that I could do that with them. It was a whole family thing.” Many people feel as if their vote doesn’t matter, but Lazenby feels differently. “If everyone feels that way, nothing would get done.

When looking at the numbers you can see that in some cases there are only a few thousand vote difference, especially when looking at the midterm election numbers with Comstock and Wexton.”

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Advertising and patron dollars help support MHS’s newspaper and journalism program. Dollars generated are used to offset the cost of print production, assist with conference attendance, and various purchases made to help keep our program current. You are helping us become an integral part of our community. Patron level is determined by the following scale: Friends $5; Bronze $10; Silver $15; Gold $25; Blue $50 and Xpress $100+.

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Friend Sponsor Nanette Sipe Jacob Spinks The Evernhams Matthew Bennett Dawn Buehler Emily Carper Bill & Nancy Cowden Mrs. Joyce Young Scott Lewis

Pioneer Pride Since 2003 BX CONNECTS | Pages 15 –16

Art by | Matthew Bennett

Art by | Isabella Evernham

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Cartoon Division Getting Spooky

Meet the Staff

Cartoonists: Matthew Bennett, Isabella Evernham and Kimberly Valladares

Isabella Evernham Artist

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sabella Evernham is a sophomore and this is her first year being apart of the BlueXpress staff. Isabella hopes to one day achieve her life goal of publishing a written book. At Millbrook, she is also apart of the Drama club, Latin club, and has been apart of a few musicals at Millbrook High School. Outside the BlueXpress, she can be found listening to music, specifically Broadway musicals, Panic! At The Disco and any other type of rock and emo music. She also enjoys doodling on blank homework papers and writing whatever comes to mind. At the BlueXpress, she works with graphics and draws cartoons and panels for the BlueXpress website and magazine using the Photoshop application. Isabella has enjoyed her journey on the 2018-2019 BlueXpress Staff and is ready to see where the future of the BlueXpress takes her.

Art by | Isabella Evernham

Art by | Matthew Bennett

BX CONNECTS | Pages 17 –18

carolynn unger reviews

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he movie musical The Greatest Showman arrived in theaters December 8, 2017. From the same musical minds behind the soundtrack of the Oscar-winning film La La Land, the writers also created songs for this family film. Although The Greatest Showman did not receive raving critic reviews, fans adored the story as well as the tone of the songs performed. Since then, mainstream artists have done their own renditions of the famous songs.

Image by | Kimberly Valladeres

The Greatest Show - Panic! At the Disco The first track is, of course, the opening and closing number of the film. Performing this cover is rock band Panic! At the Disco, who is known for popular anthems such as “This is Gospel” and “I Write Sins Not Tragedies”. Lead singer Brendon Urie uses his classic rock vocals in this anthem, while keeping the same upbeat tone from the original. The chords in the very beginning are similar to some of other Panic! Songs, most notably “Death of a Bachelor” along with Urie hitting high notes throughout the track. However, what was so special in the original was that the whole ensemble participated and the energy flows through the music, while this is mainly a solo.

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A Million Dreams and A Million Dreams (Reprise) - P!nk and Willow Sage Hart “A Million Dreams” is about two star-crossed lovers planning their future together from when they were kids up until they are full-grown adults. Instead of having a duet, the cover is sung by pop artist P!nk as a solo. P!nk is able to establish her strong vocals while keeping the lighthearted feeling of the piece that was originally brought to life by Hugh Jackman and Michelle Williams.

There was also a special feature in the reprise version of the song, with P!nk’s daughter Willow Sage Hart. The little girl brought the feeling of childlike wonder to the piece, continuing the cycle of dreaming from parent to child.

Come Alive - Years & Years and

Jess Glynne Bringing a very pop approach to another ensemble piece, band Years & Years performs this energetic track along with singer Jess Glynne. The group also adds more of their electropop genre with Jess’ R&B tone. There is definitely some autotune, but the band as well as the British pop singer bring the same meaning, that people should think more broadly and see things in a more open horizon.

The Other Side - MAX & Ty Dolla $ign One duet in The Greatest Showman, features the character P.T. Barnum trying to convince famous playwright Phillip Carlyle to join the show, with Carlyle’s rebuttal before coming to a compromise. The whole song brings a comic relief to the film as well as a

blossoming of a true friendship between these two men. Portuguese singer MAX pairs up with rapper Ty Dolla $ign to perform this union piece. The music remains the same, all that is different is the voices, who keep the same playfulness and wit as the original.

Never Enough - Kelly Clarkson Originally sung by former The Voice contestant Loren Allred, this cover is performed by current The Voice coach and Grammy winner Kelly Clarkson. The American Idol winner presents the raw emotion that is shown in this piece. The feeling that even if you had all the riches and all the fame in the world, it means nothing if love is not a part of it. Clarkson’s powerhouse vocals gives a tribute while also making it her own.

This Is Me (The Reimagined Remix) - Keala Settle, Kesha & Missy Elliott Perhaps the most popular song on the album, “This Is Me” is performed by pop singer Kesha, rapper Missy Elliott, and of course the voice behind the original, Keala Settle. The cover is a combination of Keala’s traditional Broadway style, Kesha’s pop vocals, and Missy Elliott adding her own lyrics of encouragement such as, “You can put your mind to do whatever you want to do, just tell yourself that you capable, too.” These women represented the message of self-love and not letting the world change who you are based on how you look or act.

Rewrite The Stars - James Arthur and Anne-Marie English singer-songwriters James Arthur and Anne-Marie perform this classic duet from the soundtrack. Originally performed by Zac Efron and Zendaya, it tells the story of Phillip and Anne, two star-crossed lovers who are separated by society in that time period simply because of class status and race. Phillip has hope that he and Anne could be together, while Anne tries to bring him to reality, despite her equal affection for him. They eventually come together, but in the end Anne tells him that the harsh reality is just too strong. James Arthur and Anne-Marie portray similar chemistry in the duet and their voices blend well together. However, the instrumental has more of an electro pop sound, which can be a bit distracting to the raw emotion of the piece.

Tightrope - Sara Bareilles Sara Bareilles is a singer-songwriter most popular for “Brave” and “Gravity”.

She is also well-known for writing the score for Tony nominated musical Waitress and for the role of Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.

While many of her songs are upbeat, she

has also written several moving ballads as well as performed several acoustic covers with just her piano and soothing voice. She uses the same mood with “Tightrope”, originally sung by Michelle Williams. Bareilles finds a way to make the piece her own while sticking to the theme of the original, with the same innocence and slight desperation of Charity’s point of view in her love story.

From Now On - Zac Brown Band Adding a country twist to this musical album, this Georgia band performs one of the most unifying ensemble tracks on the album. The lyrics as well as the blending of voices in the original make it a feel-good family song, with P.T. finding his ambition with the help of the performers. With Zac Brown’s vocals, the harmonizing, and the uplifting instrumentals, the cover stays true with the feel-good tone and the warm embrace of family and togetherness.

The Greatest Show - Pentatonix Known for their covers as well as original music, acapella group Pentatonix performed a second cover for the opening act. The blending of voices as well as vocal instrumentals is very balanced and they keep the same energy. Due to the group’s close relationship and their shared love of music portrays the same unity and shred love of performing from the film. Making music together and bringing happiness to their audience is one of the most important roles in the aspect of conquering their fears and becoming a family.

Come Alive - Craig Davis The second cover to this song is performed by R&B singer-songwriter Craig Davis, famous for “Waking Away” and “Rise & Fall”. Similar to the cover from Years & Years and Jess Glynne, it had a very upbeat and almost 80’s sound to it, with a slight mix of hip hop. His voice is very refreshing and keeps the same energy as the original with the ensemble cast.

This Is Me - Kesha Although she was on the remix with Keala Settle and Missy Elliott, Kesha managed to hold her own and made a solo track. Kesha’s version was extremely fitting due to what she endured that same year with coming out about her abuse from her manager Dr. Luke and the lawsuit placed on him. This was also around the same time when she released her single “Praying” on her album Rainbow. “This Is Me” fits Kesha now because she is finally letting herself to show her true self as well as the music and image she wants to release. Her story and her power is all portrayed in the piece, making it an emotional story of becoming who you really are after suffering.

Meet the Staff

Jake Upshaw Videographer

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ake Upshaw is a senior, who was born in Winchester. This is his first year at Millbrook as well as in journalism. Jake has worked in film before, doing a year of a film studies elective while at school in Hong Kong. Having copy and pasted his bio to this spotlight he is now at a loss to find a single detail of his life to share. His job thus far has been mostly practical work and getting things on camera, as well as wrangling his peers to attempt to get things done on time. He has enjoyed his time at BlueXpress and would take this opportunity to encourage any underclassmen reading this to sign up for BlueXpress next year. Students can find a fit anywhere in the numerous departments from art to writing to videography.

BX CONNECTS | Pages 19 –20

oscar rodriguez reviews

“Hidden Figures,” “I, Tonya,” “the Butler,” & More!

Image provided by Aubrey Gemignani on Flickr, taken at NASA.

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biopic is a biographical movie, usually a film about a real life event or person.

These types of movies have gotten more popular in recent years, but why? I believe it’s because people are interested in seeing the past more than the present. The present at this moment is a tumtulous era where we are seeing political drama on the news everyday. We are seeing America being split in half over politics and some people don’t want

to see it.

People watch biopics for many different reasons. Some watch these films to learn about the past and what happened. Others watch and make these films to inspire people, such as “Hidden Figures,” a movie about three African-American women working at NASA and the obstacles they had to fight. This movie, though obviously set in the past, resonated with the present-day audience. Peter Debruge from Vari-

ety said, “‘Hidden Figures’ is empowerment cinema at its most populist, and one only wishes that the film had existed at the time it depicts.”

“Hidden Figures” resonated greatly with the present African-American audience, which feels tension with the police over wrongful shootings. In the movie, viewers see these strong African-American women battling racist and sexist times, and they went above and beyond. They literally sent men into space. “Hid-

Octavia Spencer, star of Hidden Figures, shakes the hand of Katherine Johnson, the subject of the film.

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den Figures” was an inspiring biopic that touched the hearts of anyone who watched it.

Not all biopics are uplifting. Some may just tell a story. Movies such as “I, Tonya,” talks about the 1994 Nancy Kerrigan scandal, where Tonya Harding’s husband conspired to injure Nancy so that she would be unable to perform the triple axel during a competition. During this time, many people believed Tonya to be a co-conspirator against Nancy and made Tonya a social pariah where she couldn’t do the thing she loved. In the movie, it explained the facts of what happened, the before and after of Tonya Harding’s life, and what led up to that moment.

The “I, Tonya” biopic touches on subjects such as marital abuse and the competitivity in sports. It talks about how women were seen during this time and how people saw her not as a victim, but as the issue. They did not see her as the talented woman who was hit by her husband, forced into a competitive culture since childhood. They saw her as the jealous, scared women who with her husband, hurt another women on the same stage so she could get what you want.

The biopic tells viewers the truth and explains it very well.

Many popular biopics at this time are about equality and battling obstacles to reach it. That theme of equality is much needed during a tumultuous time such as now. Movements such as #MeToo, Black Lives Matter and March For Our Lives, are about fighting for equality and the betterness for the current state of society. One day, these movements will have movies made about them for future generations and those generations will continue on what we are currently fighting for.

Biopics may seem like something small that it won’t affect our lives, but they can inspire a whole generation of people to see the past and change the future. Movies such as “Hidden Figures”, “12 Years A Slave” and Lee Daniels’ “The Butler,” show the current generation that the world is much different now, but that we can still continue to fight against racism and preach about equality and acceptance, through movies and arts as well, and that message will reach people’s minds and hearts.

“I believe it’s because people are interested in seeing the past more than the present. The present at this moment is a tumtulous era where we are seeing political drama on the news everyday.”

- Oscar Rodriguez, 10th Grade

BX CONNECTS | Pages 21 –22

Millbrook Clubs Gets Comp Band Wins Superior Article by | Oscar Rodriguez

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he Millbrook band went to assessments last weekend at Princeton High School. Aidan McAlevy, a junior in the marching band and wind ensemble, attended and was surprised with the result. “Honestly, we didn’t think we’d do that well. It wasn’t one of our better performances and we thought they were very generous with their rating. We didn’t expect a Superior.” Though it may have been a surprise, they were relieved and joyous to learn about their Superior rating. McA-

levy believes there is always room for improvement and they will be working better on their opener introduction.

The band director, Mr. Jamie Tucker said, “It was always the goal to get a superior rating.

But we [myself, the students] weren’t pleased with the performance. We thought we could’ve done better. So to receive that rating was a surprise, but we welcomed it.” He hopes the band will improve for their next show and is excited to see their progress.

Yearbook Wins 1st Class in 1st Year

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Article by | Carolynn Unger n Saturday, October 20, the yearbook and journalism staffs traveled to Harrisonburg High School for the annual Virginia High School League Media Championships. While there, students were able to go to different workshops to learn more about what goes into writing, photography, broadcast, and design as well as earn awards for their selective categories.

Last year’s yearbook received a First Class ranking, meaning they earned an A on grading standards. Along with the award came feedback on what was excellent and what needs improvement for the current yearbook.

Staff member Hannah Long attended the event on behalf of the yearbook staff and enjoyed all the different classes students could attend. “It was amazing to go and hear new ideas and ways to make a yearbook. I know the

staff brought back lots of new ideas for this year’s yearbook.”

Hannah said that constructing a yearbook is a lot of work and it takes up the majority of the school year. “We have to think of new ideas to make books different and better than the year before.” Her favorite part about working in yearbook is capturing the general school environment and meeting those who enjoy their activities.

She described the yearbook as being, “the scrapbook of the school. It’s possible in 10 years that Snapchat will not be popular so we hold memories of how much we all use it, as well as who got ‘most likely to be late to their own wedding.’ These are moments from high school that will be looked back on and hopefully laughed about.”

Hannah Long, Editor-in-Chief of the Yearbook, at the VHSL Conference in Harrisonburg with the winning yearbook. Photo by | Steven Crowl

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The Millbrook Band performing during a football game. Photo by | Nick Warrick

petitive at VHSL

Meet the Staff

Drama Clubs’s One Act Play: Winning Comes in Different Forms

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Article by | Sophia Young illbrook students Carolynn Unger, Kassidy Fox, Dyani Wright, and Tharan Sinnathamby participated in a “competition for a one act play that would last 10-30 minutes, and could be a small or large cast.” The Pioneers placed 4th, but with limited time to rehearse and many students taking part in the musical production, the performance Millbrook gave was “fantastic.”

The Virginia High School League competition consisted of four schools, leading to the first and second place finishers moving on to regionals, the others going home with feedback to improve on and learn from. There was also a best actress and best actor award, neither won by a Millbrook student. The Pioneers did, however, take home Honorable mention awards, won by Fox and Wright for their roles as Sierra and Shelby, the “mean

girls” in the Popular selection Millbrook performed.

“Character development and memorizing lines” were a challenge in the limited timespan, as Millbrook had a school production of The Addams Family, coming up and very little practice time.

The play itself was considered “cliche”

by Unger and Wright, but was “relevant to the time period we are in with those who believe they need to change in order to fit in and be relevant to others.”

Expectations to use in the future would be for the students to “put in all the individual time that they can” whether it be memorizing lines, practicing movements, or doing anything they can to connect better with the cast members and actors/ actresses to better relationships as well as the production itself.

Nick Warrick Photographer

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ollin currently resides as the head photographer of journalism. From starting out with no experience in his first year to leading in his third, he’s come a long way. Collin works at the local Panera bread and likes to play guitar in his band. He hopes to one day become a teacher of some sort. However his dream job is being a professional guitar player alongside his band X-Ray Cat. His band has to be his longest commitment with photography being his hobby. Collin hopes that one day photography will be a larger part of his life. Collin recently has picked up building his own PC as a hobby and wants to continue to pursue this hobby.

Photography wasn’t always a subject Collin found himself fond of, but he slowly ended up growing into it. Being the somber age of 17, he has a lot of high hopes for the future.

(From L-R) Carolynn Unger (12), Brooke Sciarrino (11), Kayla Kephart (10), Cassidy Fox (10), and Dyani Wright (12) rehearse the one-act play “Popular.” Photo provided by | Mr. Zachary Bracken

BX CONNECTS | Pages 23 –24

Meet the Staff

Future World-Changers: National Honor Society Ind

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Article by | Sophia Young

Sophia Young Writer

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ophia Young is a junior and a first year member of the BlueXpress Staff.

She loves writing and making scrapbooks for teams she loves–her favorites being the Nationals and Capitals. She also works as a scorekeeper for the local Winchester Royals, and there was an article written about her in the summer of 2018, which is currently posted in the Washington Nationals’ Park. She will almost always be seen at D.C. team events, specifically the Nationals baseball team. Her future dream is to work for the team and travel with them. She plans on majoring in Sports Management, so her dream career is becoming even more likely with a possible internship over the 2019 Summer and other events throughout the year.

Sophia is an honor roll student who is a member of the Millbrook Chapters of the National Honor Society, DECA, and Key Club, volunteering much of her time to different things in the community.

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he National Honor Society is a nationwide organization created to recognize students who demonstrate qualities of leadership, scholarship, character, and service.

Millbrook held their annual induction ceremony on Wednesday, November 14 in the auditorium. The ceremony consisted of parents, inductees, and current members, along with principal, Mrs. Joanne Altendorf, and the advisor, Mr. Garrett Hammer.

The night started with an introduction and welcome, followed with brief speeches by each member who holds an officer position. For the National Honor Society quality of service was explained by secretary Madison Lazenby, character by treasurer Daniel Croyle, scholarship by vice president Aaron Ringer, and leadership by president Kaycee Cox-Philyaw.

The current members prior to the ceremony were Ryan Baer, Hope Baker, Parker Bloodworth, Kaitlyn Booth, Hunter Bowman, Cody Clark, Catherine Compton, president Cox-Philyaw, treasurer Daniel Croyle, Angus Derrick, Ava Derrick, Ali Devart, Mary Duncan, Sophia Edlich, Olivia Escalante, Evelyn Esslinger, Timothy Fairbanks, Megan Farmer, Kayla Foreman, Lindsay Gardiner, Brad Hambrick, Kaylee Hannah, Jacob Hansborough, Hope Hawthorne, John Houser, Sara Huggett, Joanne Keenan, Juliette King, Abigail Koeller, secretary Lazenby, Airryonna Lively, Madeline Lloyd, Claire Lympus, Kaitlynn Maggard, Alylloly Mata, Gabrielle

Mendez, Emily Muldowney, Daniel Orth, Erin Parker, Thomas Parks, Jordan Reid, Elizabeth Reyes, Rachel Riemer, Madison Rinard, vice-president Ringer, Keona Robinson, Adriana Sauntry, Karli Schildknecht, Hilary Share, Justin Sharp, Colby Sherwood, Madelynn Shores, Tharan Sinnathamby, Kristen Smith, Tarek Talley, Yiwei Tang, Isaiah Tomalesky, Mitanshi Trivedi, Carolynn Unger, Abigail Varricchio, and Chris Ann Walker.

The 2018 inductees into NHS were Nicole Adams, Owen Arnold, Emma Badnek, Elise Baker, Blake Berry, Madison Bollinger, Katie Borland, Ellie Bowman, Marisa Bringhurst, Ethan Buckner, Michael Buza, Lauren Campbell, Christina Carroll, Madison Chandler, Nicholas Clippinger, Emme Crosen, Josh Dalton, Aleni DeHaven, Andrew Dennard, Shayla Forrest, Gabriella Gabany, Renee Garneau, Maura George, Jeimmi Gómez Castillo, Alison Hauck, Mikaela Henning, Miakayla Hooder, Alexander Hromiak, Robert Huse, Ghandia Hutchinson, Victoria Johnson, Kylee Kennerly, Jeffrey Ketron, Cooper Lawhorn, Caitlyn Lawson, Emily Magee, Jessica Marks, Nicole Meyer, Sarah Morehart, Giovanni Morris, Ashleigh Nail, Bendon O´Donnell, Mikayla Ockerman, Anna Ovando, Logan Piotter, Alec Price, Sarah Purdy, Rodge Reschini, Hunter Rugen, Silas Schroer, Jackson Science, Ashley Seminaro, Charles Shepley, Stephanie Smith, Sarah Somers, Keren Sorto Arellano, Glennae Tennett, Stephen Topham, Diana Torres, William Van Meter, Sandra Vazquez, Ronald

“ I felt honored to be a part of such an organization like this and to take the time to admire my capabilities that brought me to the NHS.” - Glennae Tennett, 11th Grade

ducts New Members Velasquez, Jordan Walter, Jake Wang, Michael Wang, Jordan Weir, Emily Winans, Anna Zaman, and Sophia Young.

The inductee ceremony commenced with each inductee having their name announced. On staged, there was a table with five candles that students lit with another candle. After each student returned to their seat, the National Honor Society pledge was stated and the induction concluded with some final messages.

One of the inductees, Gleanae Tennett, had her own views on the experience of making the National Honor Society, what it meant to her, and how the induction went. “I enjoyed the process and the ceremony itself. They did a good job recognizing each new member, including those who could not attend. I felt honored to be a part of such an organization like this and to take the time to admire my capabilities that brought me to the NHS. My main concern was falling on stage, but I didn’t, so that’s great. My parents were very proud to experience the ceremony with me and it was a great way for my family to come together and celebrate my accomplishments as an individual. I also found it most cherishing being inducted along with several other amazing people who I congratulated, and I enjoyed celebrating

the moment with all of us together in a group.”

A parent of an inductee, Kevin Nina, said, “The NHS induction ceremony was a great ceremony to attend. It was nice to see the school put together an event in support of the students and their accomplishments. The ceremony was a way for family members to feel proud of their students and that was evident throughout the night. The refreshments afterwards was a nice touch as well. Overall, it was a great experience and was very touching to see students rewarded for their hard work.”

The National Honor Society Induction Ceremony was an event that recognized the accomplishments of the selected students who met the requirements to make the esteemed organization.

NHS inductee Glennae Tennet with her certificate. Photo provided by | Glennae Tennet

Photo provided by | Mitanshi Trivedi

BX CONNECTS | Pages 25 –26

SCA’s Winter Spirit Week Gets Cozy

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Article by | Allie Corno

he week before the big winter break is an exciting one. Two weeks of no school and no stress is something students, teachers, and staff look forward to every year. This year Millbrook held a Winter Spirit Week leading up to the break, leaving 2018 and going into 2019 with some festive spirit popping up around the school. The Monday prior to break was cozy/pajama day, Tuesday was Snow White-out, and the last day, Wednesday, was ugly sweater/sock day. Many people around school took part in this.

On Monday, students wore comfy clothing, sweatpants and there were even some people wearing warm onesies. On Tuesday, the halls were filled with everything from white shoes, scarves, pants, shirts, or sweatshirts.

Finally on Wednesday many students came to school dressed in their ugliest sweaters, some festive and some even homemade.

This event is a yearly event for many schools and makes for a nice break after a long semester of hard work. Millbrook is able to have fun activites that everyone can participate in thanks to the SCA officers.

Millbrook’s SCA officers include Lauren Rudolph, sophomore, Hope Hawthorne, senior, Ellie Bowman, junior, and Lyddie Esslinger, freshman. The SCA representatives are Destini Baylor and Maggie Mannerino, sophomores, Rachel Reimer, senior, Kyrese Kham, junior, and Kelci Smith, freshman. For each grade level, faculty sponsors help the representatives and officers.

The teachers and officers chose what they thought many people would participate in and want. With each officer being in their position for a few months, they feel they have learned more about their roles and how they can represent the rest of the school. At an SCA forum, they discussed what spirit days would be for the few days before break.

Photo by | Jose Rosales

Photo by | Nick Warrick

Photo by | Jose Rosales

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Frederick County: Building Small Schools

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Article by | Carolynn Unger here has been discussion of Frederick County. The School Board a new high school in Fredhas recognized the lack of chemistry erick County for some time labs, especially at James Wood High now. The idea was first School, which limits the number of brought to attention in November, students taking the course. “If we 2004. However, it seems as though were to build Millbrook High School we are at the same place as we were again, we would build it a little 15 years ago when the Frederick differently,” said Dr. Orndorff. “We’re County School Board requested for a a learning organization. Because the fourth high school in the 2005-2010 world is different, and it’s moving at Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). a faster pace.”

There has also been a trend of buildFrederick County currently has ing schools that need new additions 40 outdoor classrooms. Mr. Edwards shortly after they open. Dr. Albert explained that in April of 2017, the Orndorff (Assistant Superintendent Board of Supervisors did not grant for Administration), Mr. Wayne Lee funding for the construction of the (Coordinator of Planning and Defourth high school that was offered velopment), and Mr. Steve Edwards in December of 2016. The motion (Coordinator of Policy and Commuinvolved $9.2 million to create 400 nications) graciously accepted an classroom seats. “As a result of that invitation to come to Millbrook to action, the School Board reviewed discuss these issues. Specific questhe preliminary assessment of a tions were sent prior to their visit possible addition at Millbrook High and upon arrival, Mr. Edwards had School. The assessment determined, written answers to the questions for in rough and very preliminary terms, quick reference. that the most capacity that would be It quickly became apparent that gained by constructing an addition progress has been made in building at Millbrook with a total project cost a new high school. Money was being of $9.2 million would be 245 seats.” appropriated for looking at possible The result of this was the Board of sites and approximate capacity has Supervisors making a decision to been discussed. But the opening make the construction of the fourth dates are repeatedly postponed. high school a second priority on the Steve Edwards stated that it is due 2019-2023 CIP. This is the not the to the enrollment process. “The first time the Board of Supervisors School Board updates its Capital impacted renovations and additions Improvement Plan annually and to schools due to the lack of funding examines a variety of data, including enrollment projections, to help inform its decisions regarding the priority and timing of projects.”

This is also seen in the economic changes in the Winchester community, with new jobs being offered from Amazon and Navy Federal Credit Union. According to Wayne Lee, there is a lack of high paying jobs and a growth of mid to low paying jobs, which effects the development projections. There is also the discussion of adding on to security after the events at Parkland. Dr. Orndorff also stated that the School Board has requested 1.3 million dollars Photo by | Nick Warrick to continue security throughout

requested. As Mr. Edwards stated, “The CIP is a statement of need and not a budget. Projects currently listed in the CIP are currently not funded.”

The School Board requested funding to fit 600 students in the developing of Jordan Springs Elementary School, but the Board of Supervisors only provided enough for 500. Then there was a request for replacing Aylor Middle School to fit 900 students, but again it was denied by the Board and will fit less than requested. And finally there was a request of $7.5 million to renovate/add to Armel Elementary School, but the Board was once again not willing to provide funding.

Overall the School Board office is learning based on past building structures. The School Board also discusses plans with members of the community to get feedback on what they want for Frederick County schools. These members include students, staff, parents, business leaders, architects and even senior citizens to discuss ways to improve Frederick County buildings. “A school is a community center,” said Mr. Edwards. “It’s for the students that it serves, but it is a community center and so from that the community benefits.”

BX CONNECTS | Pages 27 –28

Photo by | Collin Boyer

Millbrook swimming competitors ready to launch into the water.

Swimming Towards Improvement Article by | Sophia Young The girls swim and dive team consists of 8 freshman, 7 sophomores, and 2 seniors. The 8 freshman on the team are Lydia Esslinger, Mariah Garneau, Cailey Johnson, Taylor Powell, Avery Sigler, Tara Soden, Kennedy Walker, and Olivia Webster. The 7 sophomores are Elizabeth Bucher, Samantha Burgess, Mia Ford, Darrison Haftarczyk, Addison Hillyard, Avery Ours, and Emma Shipp. Finally, there are 2 seniors, Kristen Smith and Catherina Compton. The head coach of the team is Priscilla Elliott.

There are a few meets left before the close of the regular season into the district tournament. So far, the Pioneers have a team record of 6-6-0.

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The first meet was on November 30 at the Manassas Park Community Center against Kettle Run High School, where the Pioneers took tough loss, 170-100, and also took a 152-92 win against William Monroe.

At Jim Barnett Park, the Pioneers faced Fauquier and Manassas Park, where they lost 46-43 and won 58-31 against the two schools. The final meet was a quad meet. This quad meet was also at Jim Barnett Park, and the Pioneers started strong beating John Handley 115-58 and James Wood 115-96. Sherando managed to take the sweep away from Millbrook with a 247-115 win, ending the meet for Millbrook.

After the midseason district tour-

nament, Millbrook lost to Loudoun County, 111-57, and Park View (Sterling), 94-66 at Ida Lee Park.

The next meet scheduled was at Jim Barnett Park where the Pioneers fell to Sherando by the score of 121-43 and then beat Culpeper County 9070. Their most recent meet was at the Central Park Aquatics Center in Manassas, Virginia, where the Pioneers once again took one loss, 65-29 vs. Brentsville District, and a win, 60-33 facing Liberty.

The rest of the schedule for the Pioneers before the district tournament consists of Turner Ashby, Broadway, and East Rockingham at Bridgewater College and John Handley at Jim Barnett Park.

with a 98-59 loss to Sherando High School, but an uplifting win against Culpeper County, 74-63, immediately following. Before the close of the second half into the district tournament, at the Central Park Aquatics Center in Manassas, Millbrook lost to Brentsville District 64-29, and then beat Liberty 54-10, ending the regular season with a win.

The Millbrook High School Pioneers boys swim and dive team is made up of 3 freshman, 4 sophomores, and 2 juniors. The 3 freshman members of the team are Henry Grigsby, Aidan Post, and Ricardo Serpa. The coach of the team is also Priscilla Elliott.

The Pioneer’s boys swim and dive team is overall 5-8-0. Their first meet of the season was at Manassas Park Community College, where the Pioneers loss 66-94 to Kettle Run and beat William Monroe 133-35. At Jim Barnett Park, the Pioneers split again with a 52-38 vs. Fauquier, and a 50-43 win against Manassas

Park High School. Next, there was a quad meet at Jim Barnett where Millbrook beat John Handley 108-78, lost to James Wood 158-108, and lost to Sherando 150-108, before the close of the first half of the season into the second half after the district tournament (the first one).

Millbrook didn’t start the second half the way they intended, with a sweep at Ida Lee Park, losing first to Loudoun County, 114-49, and then again to Park View (Sterling) 89-70. The following meet was at Jim Barnett Park once, and the Pioneers’ struggles continued

Article by | Robert Huse Millbrook’s Lady Pioneers are working toward another season of success this winter. Because they qualified for the state playoffs last year, the Varsity Girls Basketball team hope to break the mold again.

This year’s new team is excelling in comparison to previous year’s teams.

Alison Hauck, a junior on the team, remarked on how the 2017-18 team consisted of many seniors who were outstanding players, but with only a few minute losses, the team shows their power to adapt and overcome.

This years recruitment brought out freshman players such as Lauren Bartlett, Jenna McClung, Avery O’Roke, and Sofia Lertora. With it being Lauren Bartlett’s first year on Millbrook’s team, she expressed the current line up has “some good posts who get rebounds, and then good backups. Plus amazing shooters!”

Overall, she is pleased to see her team’s success at many of the games and it keeps her motivated to keep trying her best. Her favorite moment

off the court was shared with junior, Emily McGee. Both talking of their close bond with one another and the ability to come Photo by | Erin Stewart Rodriguez together when it is most important. The comradery Coach Green commented on how the for the team is another reason why season has had a great start, but not McGee has played on the team since forgetting to mention that the chamher freshman year. pionships are still many months McGee told us that this year’s away. “The girls are playing hard team is “really good at sharing the and working well,” as well as having ball and getting it up court-- espeall the potential of becoming state cially hitting cutters.” Before every champs, Coach Green agrees. With game, McGee talks of how the team high hopes of going into next year likes to listen to old pop hits to get with a state championship, McGee their energy flowing. The ladies’ is “looking forward to our new team energy continues onto the court as and trying to get to states again.” they constantly play hard and try to Everyone really enjoys the idea of improve where they can every game. running the gauntlet and bringing Bartlett says she has been working Millbrook home a trophy this year. on “going for layups and shooting Even if we are unsuccessful this better,” while McGee admits she is year, both Bartlett and McGee agree working on her defense. that next year’s team can only get Last year, our Lady Pioneers better and “even with the new playexperienced a similar fate as they ers coming,” Bartlett knows that “we are currently experiencing this year. will all still work together.”

Girls Basketball’s Return After State Win

BX CONNECTS | Pages 29 –30

Girls Cross Country State Proud

Article by | Carolynn Unger The Girls Cross Country team placed third in the state championship with 87 points, the highest the girls have ever placed at states. After a successful season, the team is hanging up their running shoes and some are preparing for indoor track this coming winter season. Seniors Madeline Lloyd, Emily Muldowney, and Kaycee Cox-Philyaw described their experiences and challenges during the race.

Kaycee kept herself calm as well as making sure freshman wouldn’t get too nervous during their first time at states. “It was a great experience, it always is,” said Kaycee. “It was nice to be able to lead our freshman through their first state meet and it was great to be back with all of the seniors for our final XC race together.” Kaycee felt that this year was the best out of the past three years. Although the weather conditions were a bit harsh,33 degrees at start time, the team managed to pull through. Despite the win for the team, Kaycee described some disappointment at her efforts. “I placed

22nd which is the highest I’ve ever placed at XC states, but it’s not what I had in mind. I was looking to do a whole lot better not only in this race, but in the rest of the season as well. I wasn’t training as hard as I should’ve been for what I wanted to achieve.”

Madeline Lloyd felt more relaxed compared to previous meets. “There is no pressure to qualify for another race here ‘at the end of the line’ Photo provided by | Kaycee Cox-Philyaw .However it is very exciting and an and do better in races.” honor to race at states because it is Emily Muldowney’s mentality at the top of everyone’s list in terms going into states was to have fun. of their high school careers. Overall “I knew this was going to be my last I just wanted to have one more good race and I didn’t want to spend time race, stay calm, relaxed, and have worrying about it. My goal was to fun.” Individually, Madeline placed enjoy being with my teammates and 20th out of 104 in a time of 19:59, make one last great memory. “Alher third personal fastest time. This though she did not reach her goal of year Madeline felt that the team beating her personal time, she was really came together as a unit. “This still satisfied with her results.“As a was the first year that we went team we were shooting for first or mostly injury-free as a team, which second, but we still reached the pohelped us because we have so much dium in third place.Even though we talent on the team and we act like fell short I was still proud because a family. Everyone was so dedicated this year;everyone wanted to succeed of our tough competition.

Article by | Azrael Stavely Millbrook’s wrestling team has competed in multiple tournaments this winter and in turn, been successful. A dual tournament took place on December 7th and 8th at Sherando High School where the Millbrook team won against Briar Woods (51-26), Dinwiddie (60-21), Centreville (48-27), and Briar Woods again (48-30). Jeff Holmes, coach of the team, expresses how the team has been doing, in addition to how the tournament on the seventh went. “We took 9th as a team this past weekend at the Andrew Kenney Tournament. We started in a tough pool. The two teams we wrestled and lost too ended up being in the finals. Luck of the draw, I guess.”

Coach Holmes highlights a few of the wrestlers that performed well in their matches at the tournament.

“I have some tough individuals Jonathan Ochoa is 10-0 at 120 lbs, Lukas Guerrero is 8-2 at 145, Daniel VanAmburg is 8-1 at 152 and Daniel Flores is 8-2 at 220. Also, Josue Ortiz wrestling 113 is a freshman, as well as a first year wrestler, and is having a lot of success he is currently 6-3.”

Freshman wrestling Matthew Topham shares that the team is, “doing pretty good so far. We had a few champions in the first tournament.” He goes onto state that his most memorable moment of the season so far was getting to know

Wrestling Leaves Competition Tapped Out

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his teammates better at the last long tournament they had. Topham states that his goal for the team is to get their stamina up to avoid exhaustion during the six minute matches. Junior wrestler, Cody Glover has been wrestling since 8th grade and states that his role model to wrestle is his father because he wrestled when he was in high school. Glover expands on his early success in the season and how he is fighting to get back to that place. He goes on to conclude, “the wrestling team is a brotherhood and we will continue pushing each other to be the best we can be by the end of the season.”

Athlete Q&A Article by | Sophia Young Photos by | Zoe Crowl

Athletes photos from L - R appear in same order as in article.

Mallory Taylor ~ Basketball How is the season going so far?

“Great! We are working hard and maintaining momentum from the state championship win last year. We have room for improvement, but overall, I feel like we are working very well as a team.”

What do you look forward to the most?

“I look forward to seeing how far we go. I aim to improve.”

How can you or the team improve?

“I want to earn more time and make a difference going forward.”

Catherine Compton ~ Swim How is the season going so far?

“So far we have had our ups and downs, but we have improved.”

What do you look forward to the most?

“I look forward to seeing where we go in the district tournament.”

How can you or the team improve?

“I want to practice individually more and work harder for the team at meets.”

Desiree Blowe ~ Indoor Track How is the season going so far?

“I have improved since my first year and plan on getting even better this year.”

What do you look forward to the most?

“I look forward to seeing how far I’ve come, and how far we have all come.”

How can you or the team improve?

“We could take practice more seriously and work more individually.”

Shoaib Zamani ~ Swim How is the season going so far?

“The team is doing well, but we need to get to out peak and win more matches.”

What do you look forward to the most?

“I look forward for next year and how I can get better and get my hand raised more.”

How can you or the team improve?

“Train nonstop, no off days, and eat the correct foods.

Also sleeping and drinking water. Individually, I can eat food and drink, but some of my teammates can’t.”

BX CONNECTS | Pages 31 –32

Millbrook Volleyball Player Named Frederick County Athlete of the Month Abigail Koeller talks Leadership, Academics, and Volunteering Article by | Robert Huse Abigail Koeller, a Millbrook senior, is Frederick County Public School’s Student Athlete of the month for November 2018. She has been recognized for this award because of her incredible skills as a volleyball player and her hard work in school and in our community. Her background in volleyball started 7th grade when she began to fall in love with the sport. She started playing travel volleyball and has continued every year since.

Koeller, while perfecting the perfect serve, worked hard on her academics as well. She has managed to earn a 4.05 GPA by taking advanced placement classes and excelling in all fields. She is currently 7th out of the 325 student class of 2019. This focus on education is important to her because she knows it will help her achieve what she wishes to do in

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the future. Her outstanding grade point average has helped her land a spot in the National Honors Society, a group that performs service in the community. Her list of accomplishments does not end there; she is a part of the All-A Honor Roll and is a recipient of many All-Academic Awards.

In addition to her academic and athletic success, Koeller is a mentor to students at Red Bud Elementary School and in her youth group. It is common to see Koeller in a position of leadership and guidance. Recognition is very important for a person’s endurance and seeing as Abigail is the recipient of the Pioneer Spirit Award, everything is falling into place for her.

She found out about her recognition when her coach called her one night. Koeller believes that her

Abigail Koeller, an outside hitter for the volleyball team. Photo by | Zoe Crowl leadership on the team, as captain for two years, was a contributing factor to receiving this award. She even goes on to remark, “I know that a lot of the underclassmen have reached out to me and told me that they appreciate me always helping them out during practice to improve on their skills.” Koeller said that her significant role on the team, as captain, was the most important thing she has done. Koeller has been further recognised by many postseason awards throughout her years of playing.

Koeller has kept a close relationship with the volleyball head coach, Carla Milton. After years of knowing Koeller, Milton expresses, “Abigail gives everything she has in both practices and matches, she cares about those around her. Abigail is always smiling and willing to anyone on the court and off the court.

She is very encouraging to all.” Her future will be boosted by her abilities in both volleyball and her studies, but is mostly unknown to Abigail at the moment. She plans on attending college but has not decided anything, commitment wise, for volleyball. Koeller will be successful in her future no matter what college she attends.

BX CONNECTS | Pages 33 –34

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From the Archives Winter Photo Album