The Loudoun Raider - February 2018

The Loudoun Raider

Volume 63 Issue 2 - February 2018

Loudoun County High School 415 Dry Mill Road SW- Leesburg, VA

What’s Inside Cafeteria food: a look at LCPS nutrition standards. Page 3

Fall musical “All Shook Up” thrills audiences. Page 9

Has football improved over the years? Page 10

Latin club discovers fun, community at state convention Alexis Huber Raider Staff Holding the eagle standard high above their heads, a procession of students led by their magistra Lynn Krepich makes their way into the convention center amid raucous cheering from the many other schools. This is the event they’ve been waiting for: The National Junior Classical League Latin Convention held in Richmond, Virginia.

For the next two days, they compete with many other schools in various competitions, ranging from academic tests to a miniature Olympics, to celebrate the classical spirit. Founded in 1936, the National Junior Classical League has been keeping this spirit alive by encouraging students across the United States, Canada, and Australia to participate in events such as this convention.

This year, the LCHS Latin Club attended the event for the second time.

Senior Isobel Suttie was one of the students to go this year and remembers her previous experience with the convention fondly.

“It was one of those experiences that you never really thought would be that fun,” Suttie explained, “but you go and you have the best time of your life.”

The convention also allowed

The attending members of the Latin club eagerly pose together inside the convention center before the official beginning of the events. Photo by Michael A. Krepich. members of the Latin club to interact with Latin students from other schools who share their passion for the language and culture.

“It changed my outlook,” Suttie continued. “It made me really realize how isolated we are in our Latin community up here and how big the Latin community in the state of Virginia really is.”

Krepich agreed with Suttie. “Even if you have passion, it will just heighten your passion for Latin and for learning, because you see all these kids throughout the state of Virginia that are excited about Latin.”

This excitement and passion extends to more than just upperclassmen, as Freshman

Cameron Suttie can attest. He attended the convention for the first time this year and was eager for the opportunity.

The younger Suttie said that his love for the Latin language was what made him decide to go to the convention this year, as well as a desire to meet more people with similar interests.

“I think I might meet a few people who like Latin and learn more about the language,” he said.

Another benefit of going to the Latin convention is the opportunity to compete and win awards in the many contests.

“A lot of [the students who attend] are thinking about colleges as well,”

said Krepich. “It looks good as a brag sheet for a college application: different places where you would win awards, that you’re going to place in a competition of this nature.”

This year, the Latin club brought six students, both upperclassmen and underclassmen alike, to the convention. Of those six students, two of them placed.

Sophomore Amy Fehr placed tenth in the Mosaics competition, in which she created her own mosaic artwork, and Freshman Andrew Abbott placed third in the Pentathlon, a competition dating back to ancient times that consists of five events varying in difficulty. The other students who competed may not have placed, but were still proud to represent LCHS and its Latin program.

“When [the attending students] hear their school’s name called out, there’s excitement there of representing Loudoun County High School, of being a participant in the Latin experience,” said Krepich.

In addition to the Latin convention, the Latin club’s activities include bimonthly visits to J. L. Simpson Middle School, as part of an ongoing partnership with their own Latin club and a planned trip to Greece over spring break.

New leadership hopes to bring Model UN to the international stage Elyse Kimball Raider Staff Since its formation in 2015, the Model United Nations club has provided students with the opportunity to simulate the real United Nations. Students attend conferences where they represent countries with the goal of solving world issues through committees.

Since the graduation of founding Secretary-General Aditi Bawa this past June, Model United Nations has continued to thrive with 20 current members under the leadership of Sofia Fagan. Fagan has had experience with other Model United Nations teams in the past.

“I first started Model United Nations when I was in school in Peru in seventh grade. The leaders of the club in Peru didn’t teach me anything, and they assigned me to a random country that I didn’t know with an issue that I knew nothing about, and I hated the experience so much that I actually quit the team,” said Fagan.

Fagan’s disappointing experiences at her old school didn’t stop her from joining the club at LCHS. “I decided to give it a second chance, because I don’t like to quit things without really trying them. I now consider that the best decision of my life, because now

I know that I want to go into the diplomatic field. It combines my love for the diplomatic world with my love of learning about global affairs,” said Fagan.

The Model United Nations team tries to attend at least one conference each month. The conferences are essentially a competition between international schools and schools in the Northern Virginia area, where each delegation represents a particular country and a specific issue.

At a recent conference, Fagan and Harrison Rands won an Honorable Mention for their representation of Norwegian policy in the topic of political

corruption, meaning that the administrator of the conference saw that they were skilled debaters on this particular issue. This was the club’s first win at any conference since its formation.

This year, the organization is planning on attending several collegiate conferences, including one at George Washington University, and many others in the Northern Virginia area.

“Next year, we are hoping to travel internationally to Montreal for the McGill Model United Nations Assembly and Istanbul for the Model United Nations Dutch Continued on page 5

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The Loudoun Raider

February 2018

Opinion New nutrition rules: are they really helping anyone?

Kayla Torrence-Johnson Raider Staff During the 2014 school year some new health regulations were put in place by the LCPS Nutrition Services based off the standards of the USDA. The new restrictions include that snacks sold at schools can’t be over one hundred calories, students can no longer host bake sales during school hours, and vendors cannot sell certain snacks during school hours. Despite the efforts to help students, these new rules have already started to negatively impact them.

These new rules make students not want to eat healthy foods, affect students raising money for clubs and sports, and make them binge eat unhealthily at home.

School officials should consider how students prefer to eat before determining what can and can’t be sold in schools.

This will ruin funding for clubs and sports who once raised the majority of their funding from bake sales. Students will most likely eat whatever they want when they go home as well. This

is a major problem of the new rules. There are only so many ways that students can raise money for the clubs they are in.

“Students have definitely had to find new ways to fundraise, I’ve seen a lot of car washes, and raffles,” said principal Dr. Michelle Luttrell.

Usually teens eat whatever is available or appealing to them when they’re at home whether it’s healthy or not. As a teen myself, I can say that I’m never concerned about the nutrition labels on my food packaging. I’m usually more concerned with how good it looks.

“School nutrition isn’t appealing in general which is why I pack lunch rather than buying it,” said senior Jessica Kaufman. “I haven’t eaten a school lunch since middle school because back then I didn’t care what I put in my body.

I was just hungry,” said Kaufman.

Some students might not eat at school because they don’t find the food appetizing. Most people don’t eat things that look unappealing or healthy. According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, “You can lead kids to

broccoli, but you can’t make them eat.” Students appreciate the efforts to make foods healthy, but they don’t want to eat them because the food is not flavorful or good to them.

However, these new rules aren’t realistic at all. Though they are meant to help students to be healthy, food restriction is not the only way to do so. Simply by exercising you can be healthier and still eat the foods that are appetizing to you. You do not necessarily have to eat healthily to be a healthy person. According to fit WebMD, teens only need an hour of exercise a day to stay healthy. “Just because a food is one hundred calories or under doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy for you,” said Kaufman.

Most people don’t like the idea of people they don’t know telling them what they can and can’t put into their bodies. The USDA honestly has no reason to tell students what they can and can’t eat. If a student’s parents allow them to eat a specific way then that should be okay in terms of a school environment too.

JFK assasination: What really happened?

Abby Durrer Raider Staff On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, something that shook America to the core and brought fear into the nation.

Thirty years later, Congress enacted the JFK Assassination Records Collect Act of 1992, which stated that all records of the assassination be kept together in the National Archives and Records Administration.

Twenty-five years later most of these records have been released, but what records have been withheld? Should the public stick to their conspiracy theories, or trust these new records? And have these documents solved the mystery of JFK’s assassination, or just raised more questions about it?

Julia Knox, a senior at LCHS, weighed in on the subject. “I haven’t read the documents yet, but I definitely plan on it. It’s been a mystery for decades, and it’s going to be interesting learning new information that has been withheld. Personally, I believe that Russia had a hand in it. There’s

a lot of evidence that suggests it, and it’s the most plausible motive,” Knox said.

“I’m not one for conspiracies, but I don’t see any other possible explanation.”

Knox had a course with James Carr last year, during which she extensively studied the matter.

Jackson Fenner, another senior, expressed interest in the matter. “I don’t have any personal theories, but I’m easily swayed. I think it’s probable that it wasn’t Oswald himself.”

“I don’t think it’s a threat to national security. I think it’s good of the government to try to be more transparent. It’s in the past and isn’t really relevant now,” Fenner said.

“I think they waited so they wouldn’t fuel conspiracy theories.

If they released them as they happened, the public would be more invested in the documents, as it was an ongoing situation,” Fenner said.

Both Knox and Fenner have similar points. They both believe it was probable that Oswald wasn’t working alone, and that with time the event would begin to lose relevance.

James Carr, who teaches AP US History and Government led his classes in an activity last year which revolved around Kennedy’s assassination, and what the students believed truly happened.

“I haven’t had a chance to read the files yet. However, from reading articles about them they do not seem to point towards a conspiracy theory,” he said.

“I believe Oswald shot Kennedy.

When I was younger, I was a firm believer that someone shot from the grassy knoll. Now I am not so sure. I would think that someone would have said something if they were involved.

My favorite conspiracy theory is a relatively new one. It involves one of the secret service accidently shooting Kennedy with the last shot. This could also explain why government agencies are so reluctant to give up their information. I do not think we will ever truly know what happened,” Carr said.

“I definitely don’t think it was Russia. If it was, they would have sent a nuclear strike right after Kennedy’s assassination. Take out the chief, then take out the

The Loudoun Raider

Loudoun County High School 415 Dry Mill Rd., SW Leesburg, Virginia 20175

Editor-In-Chief Elyse Kimball Managing Editors Charles Coleman Logan Gibson Graphics Editor Kevin McIntyre News Editor Emma Wertz A&E Editor Elena Perales Op-Ed Editor Abby Durrer Social Media Editor Nicole Messner Sports Editor Natalie Villaflor Staff Rayn Horner Grace Klerekoper Fabianna Moreno Kayla Torrence-Johnson Alexis Huber Hannah O’Dea Robert Wertz Sally Stimpson Adviser Valerie Egger country.”

Instead of looking at facts, many people turn towards conspiracy theories for the truth, but all we can say about these conspiracy theories is exactly that: they’re conspiracies. Many people rely on social media to get all their information, which is not the most reliable source of information.

Fifty-four years have passed since Kennedy’s assassination, and many details are a national mystery.

With the release of these files, hopes are high that this tragedy will finally be solved. No matter what you believe, or you who you blame, this event struck fear into the hearts of many, and threw conspiracies into the air. Fifty-four years later, has the mystery been solved, or is there still information that we do not know?

The Loudoun Raider

February 2018

Raider Rundown

Nutrition restrictions guide student choices during school day

Nicole Messner Raider Staff Did you know that snack items above 200 calories and entrees above 350 calories are not allowed to be sold in Loudoun County Public Schools? What about that foods sold must contain less than 35% sugar?

In July 2014, Loudoun County Public Schools put in place new guidelines on nutrition standards.

These rules include all kinds of restrictions on amounts of sodium, calories, fats, and sugars that are allowed to be sold within the school.

These rules were implemented to help promote healthier lifestyles among the students by making sure that schools and organizations

within it are not allowed to sell “unhealthy” foods.

Principal Michelle Luttrell said, “these rules were put in place based on trending health guidelines

by Michelle Obama through the Obama Administration to combat childhood obesity.”

Luttrell said she feels these rules are unlikely to make a difference to children in the schools. “One selection from the vending machine, in my opinion, is not going to be the deal breaker because the kids are going to eat whatever they want to eat when they’re not at school,” said Luttrell.

It is now a law that vending machines in the school must be closed from midnight to thirty

minutes after the school day is over. “I believe it is an act of good faith that as a school, we should provide and offer nutritious foods, but in the grand scheme of things is it really going to help? I don’t know.”

Luttrell also has concerns for various clubs fundraising throughout the school but sees that there will end up being a positive outcome. “People were accustomed to selling food before and after school, but it just forces us to be more creative with our fundraising methods,” said Luttrell.

The Student Council Association at our school previously used food sales for fundraising. “It makes it very hard to raise money for SCA

without food sales,” said senior Cosette Jones.

Jones has been in the student council for three years and the organization has become good at compromising with the rules.

“We now organize events such as penny wars and powderpuff to fundraise for SCA,” said Jones.

Although she feels that rules can be a burden to students, teachers, and organizations throughout the school, they are adopted from research-based US nutritional guidelines.

Above: New healthier choices have been available to students since 2014. Raider Staff Photographer: Kevin McIntyre

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February 2018

The Loudoun Raider

Hutson celebrates Native American culture at the Red Hoop powwow Sally Stimpson Raider Staff On October 27, Katherine Hutson sat in school surrounded by books and white walls. The next day on October 28, she was immersed in the vibrant colors, feathers, delicious traditional Native American cuisine and drum group that celebrated Cherokee, Lakota, and other indigenous cultures as part of the Red Hoop powwow in West Virginia at Shepherd University.

A Native American powwow is a public gathering of indigenous people celebrating their culture and heritage. Powwows generally include dancing, drum groups, traditional foods, crafts, books, music, and more. These events are held with the purpose of educating the public about authentic Native American culture.

Hutson first became involved in powwows after her adopted son Reed Brown Jr. asked her to help put one together. She received her adopted son through a Hunka ceremony, the adoption of relatives.

“In Lakota culture, once you adopt someone they are considered the same as blood relatives,”said Hutson.

centered around Indians.

Powwows can be traced back to the late 1800’s when dances such as the “Grass” or “Omaha” dance became popularized on reservations. Over the years, these dances evolved into inter-tribal events with dance contests and crafts. From these gatherings, the Native American powwow was born.

Being involved in powwows and Sundance, one of the sacred ceremonies of the Lakota, have Reed Brown, Jr. and his wife participate in the “apple dance.” The helped strengthen Hutson as apple dance is one of the inter-tribal dances in which everyone, including a teacher and person. “I think audience members, can participate. The last couple to remain holding prejudice and discrimination are the their apple is the winner. Photo by Robert G. Shaw. result of a lack of understanding, so these events are a wonderful way Five years later, Hutson has newspaper reporter who seemed been the secretary, treasurer, very surprised when I told him how to bring unity to the community and fundraiser for the Red Hoop poor most Indian reservations are,” and bridge the cultural gap,” said Hutson. powwow while also being involved said Hutson.

Powwows have provided Hutson Hutson hopes to dismiss the myth in press releases and promotions, with a unique opportunity to and has even made the food for the that all Indian reservations are doing come together with people of all ceremony. fine. In fact she mentioned that backgrounds and join in dancing, the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation “I think it is very important singing, creating, and making new for people to attend these events in South Dakota is the poorest friendships. In a time when society county in America. If the public because most people don’t know seems quite divided, powwows attended events such as powwows, much about Native American provide a safe place for people culture or have misconceptions they would have the opportunity to come together and learn more and stereotypes due to Hollywood to educate themselves on Native about the rich heritage of Native movies. For example, I was American culture and dissolve Americans. the stereotypes and impressions interviewed last year by a

Government classes practice democracy using mock sessions Kevin McIntyre Raider Staff The history students of Monica Gill had two opportunities to embark on a fun, learning-filled experience while learning about society’s issues and how to properly debate. First, the students represent either the House of Representatives or the Senate. They sign bills, come up with repeals and other tasks of such nature that have entwined learning with mock trials or “sessions,” the official term used when applying the curriculum in this way.

According to Gill, the students have fun and are willing to participate during the whole event, which is a must when getting teens to understand the importance of the US Government.

Alexis Huber, a senior and member of Gill’s class declared she would recommend taking her class to

underclassmen or people who are stuck wondering if they should take AP. “I learned how hard it is to get a law changed or passed, a lot of roadblocks to go through just to have them vetoed.”

A few bills she and her classmates attempted to pass included “Keep America Safe Act” which stated that the bill

would allow the government to put surveillance on civilians without warrant, an oil act, and a bill raising the minimum wage. Alexis seemed impressed with the event as she stated it was a unique activity and way better than taking notes.

Gill has been hosting mock congress for 20 years. “I like doing this because in order for kids to

learn, they need to personally do it.

It’s better for them to experience then just saying it to them.” The second opportunity they get is traveling to a college to take part in a more in-depth trial. Gill plans a yearly trip to Patrick Henry College, less than 30 minutes Continued on page 5

The Loudoun Raider

February 2018

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LCHS students and staff grow beards for “No shave November” Emma Wertz and Grace Klerkoper Raider Staff To raise awareness about men that are battling cancer, men around the Loudoun County High School community participated in no-shave November.

Throughout the month of November, students and staff grew mustaches and beards.

Senior Matthias Serrano and Physical Education and Health teacher Tony Rayburn participated for fun this year.

Serrano said, “A family friend had prostate cancer, and I wanted to support him. It’s important to raise awareness about this disease.”

Rayburn was not planning on participating this year; however, when asked by the Raider Staff

if he was going to take part, he changed his mind.

In past years, students and staff have had a contest through the Cure Club, on who could go the longest without shaving.

This contest provided an opportunity to raise money for the St. Jude Children’s Research Center. The Cure Club plans to bring back this contest next year to raise money to donate towards cancer research centers.

Although students and faculty participated for fun this November, it still brought awareness for men battling cancer.

Raider Staff Cartoonist: Alexis Huber.

MODEL UN continued from page 1 Conference of Istanbul,” said Fagan.

Fagan has had the opportunity to participate in other Model United Nations conferences outside of the LCHS club that she has found to be extremely rewarding.

“I was selected out of a group of delegates from all over the country that applied to attend Georgetown Model United Nations Institute this summer.

I was chosen to administer a conference on the illicit trade of small arms, and it was such an amazing experience because they gave me the leadership position that I really wanted. The whole

experience made me much more passionate about Model United Nations as a whole,” said Fagan.

English teacher Jana Wagoner has been sponsoring the club since its formation in 2015 and has seen first-hand how Fagan has impacted the club.

“Sofia has really jumped into it and gotten a lot of opportunities for the students that are very exciting. She’s doing a really great job as Secretary-General,” said Wagoner.

Model United Nations is always accepting new members who are interested in expanding their diplomatic minds.

GOV’T continued from page 4 away.

This year, students on the trip participated in the impeachment of a president. The trip was held on December 12 and 13, and each class goes during those days to explore the world of democracy.

“I learned how in depth you have to be to accomplish tasks.

They gave us minimum info and we had to ask questions and use subpoenas to get information,” said Ethan Cravens, a student who participated on the trip.

He said they used subpoenas to get intricate details and saw it in a new perspective. “I would definitely do it again if I could.”

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February 2018

Meme Monday

On Monday, students were challenged to dress as an Internet meme. SeniorCady Rombach (above left), imitates a popular vine video. Emily Herbut (above right) a senior, recreates the well-known Snapchat dancing hotdog.

Denim Thursday

Andersen Vaughan, Krishna Tejo, Jensen Robberstad (left), Nicholas Maskalenko and Caleb Alexander (right) show their school spirit by dressing in all denim clothing.

Opposite Tu

Above: Friends Alex Appel, AJ Mullan, Rithwik Patel, and James Deprospero display school spirit by wearing contrasting colors.

On Opposite Day, students dressed as opposites with a partner or a group.

Right: Spanish teacher, Amy Sibley took on the Opposite Day challenge solo, dressed as a basketball player o her right. Sibley is known among students and facul tion in each spirit day.

LCHS’ 2017 Winter Pep Ra

During the winter pep rally students participated in holiday themed games, such as relay races, on Friday, December 15. Classes challen niors winning it all. Junior Nate Rexroad and seniors Paige Zeidman and Jackson Gearhart (top two and bottom left) competed in a wrapped oddly shaped objects as presents, ran across the gym, unwrapped the gift, and ran back for the next person on their team to go raced across the gym on a scooter towards a basketball. This relay race included students using plungers to push themselves across the were wrestlers, and dribbling a basketball, all of these in representation of the winter sports. To conclude the pep rally, Vice Principal M a Raider holiday story to send the students off before the two week break.

uesday

on her right side and a referee on lty for her enthusiastic participa-

ally

nged other classes, with the sea relay race. In this relay, students o. Antonio Tarrega (bottom middle) gym, doing body rolls like they Mark Patterson (farthest right) read

Wake Up Wednesday

February 2018

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Lorelei Villaflor, Suzie DiLorenzo, Noelle Sanders, Mike Pontechelli (left) represent the sophomore class as they rolled out of bed for Wake Up Wednesday. Students dressed in pajamas and brought pillows and blankets to class. Some students probably used these items to actually take naps during class. Asia Jones, Karen Alcon, and Bahar Tavakoli (right) share their excitement for Wake Up Wednesday while posing in their pajamas.

Tacky Sweater Friday

Chase Briles and Tim Bukovsky (left) Matthew Martwinkski, Isobel Suttie, Kylie Bowers, Alex Brun (right) are few of the many students who participated dressed in their Christmas sweaters and Santa hats. With Spirit Week leading up to winter break, many students found themselves in the holiday spirit.

Winter Concert

Students throughout the muscial programs within Loudoun County High showcased their talents to celebrate the then upcoming winter break,including Alex Lopez (right) on saxaphone, members of the gutair ensemble, and show choir.

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February 2018

Drabbles Logan Gibson Raider Staff

Elf on the Shelf plays role in spirit week LCHS started a new competition among students during spirit week: the Elf on the Shelf search.

A large version of the classic Elf on the Shelf was hidden around the school and the first grade to find it earned points toward the spirit week competition.

The SCA wanted a fresh new game for students to get involved with.

Senior Isabella Wylie was one

The Loudoun Raider

of the students who found the elf.

She was walking to the black box so she had to go behind the stage, where she found the elf.

“I wasn’t really looking for it but it was fun to find it and get points for the class,” Wylie said.

Harden takes over as security officer As many students are aware, Melissa Burrows has stepped down from her position as security officer and former principal secretary Jessica Harden has taken her place.

Harden has a degree in criminal deemed the best for the position. justice and has extensive military experience. She has been shadowing Flu prevalent, hyped Burrows for about four years.

This year many people are She says that, “this position has concerned about the flu outbreak. always been my goal. I’ve always The flu is affecting every state in planned to transition into this the US except Hawaii and affects position, but there’s only been one roughly six percent of Americans. position for security officer and Despite rising concerns, this year’s Mrs. Burrows has always filled it flu is only a moderate outbreak. and has done a fantastic job. If there According to Donald G. McNeil was a chance to fill the position or Jr., a science and health reporter take on a second position I was to specializing in plagues and fill it,” said Harden. pestilences from the New York Harden applied for the job times, “H3N2 (this year’s flu) is the accordingly, was interviewed along most dangerous of the four seasonal with many other candidates, and was flu strains, but it is not new nor uniquely lethal.”

On the topic of lethality, McNeil also states that although it may seem lethal, “the deaths of a few apparently healthy people ...have been widely publicized...

As of now, the mortality rate for victims under age 18, a bellwether CDC category, is well below that seen in the 201415 season.”

Perhaps news sites are exploiting the 100 year anniversary of the deadly 1918 flu.

According to LCHS school nurse Shannon Nerantzis the reason why this flu is affecting more people is because they mis-predicted the type of flu, so all of the vaccines don’t really work.

Nerantzis said, “I am sending at least 1-2 students home a day with suspected flu symptoms, but this outbreak is pretty regular.”

This flu isn’t this crazy mega flu; it’s just hyped up due to news websites. There is nothing to worry about beyond the ordinary.

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The Loudoun Raider

February 2018

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Arts & Entertainment

LCHS’ fall musical “All Shook Up” is a production to remember

Robert Wertz Raider Staff This fall, the LCHS Drama department put on a production of “All Shook Up,” a musical dedicated to Elvis Presley’s love songs. The drama department has a musical every fall and puts on a play every spring.

Junior Taryn Smithson played Lorraine, a 16 year old hopeless romantic who falls in love with a boy out of her social status.

“I found it challenging trying to become in tune with her circumstances in the time period, being it’s from the 1950s. To overcome that, I researched and watched movies and plays that represented what Lorraine’s life might’ve been like,” Smithson said.

“This experience has had a huge impact on my point of view and was a great learning experience.” Smithson was also the choreographer of the show, where she had the opportunity to

Senior Warren Spears and sophomore Kate Manson played Jim and Sylvia in the musical production. Both have been very active in the LCHS Drama Department over the years. Raider Staff Photographer: Audrey Chadwick. teach the performers the dances.

She said, “it was an extremely rewarding and educational experience.”

Smithson hopes the audience had fun with them onstage because, “the musical is so high energy and filled with so much laughter and love. Participating in drama makes me a more well rounded student. I gain important

Artist of the Issue: Adrik Bagdasarian Elyse Kimball Raider Staff From piano, to guitar, to bass, to percussion, to music production, senior Adrik Bagdasarian is well-versed in almost all aspects of music. Starting his career at the age of seven, he drew inspiration from bands such as Coldplay when it came to their piano style. As he got older, he chose to take music courses in school to help further his abilities.

“I’ve taken mainly classical guitar and through that I’ve learned a lot about music theory and what goes behind composing music,” said Bagdasarian.

Bagdasarian specializes in large range of music, including alternative and R&B. He chose to put his music on SoundCloud, which allows artists to upload, record, promote, and

share their originally-created music.

“I think SoundCloud is easy to use because you can upload whatever you want to it. I think there’s a negative misconception behind it because nowadays anyone can do stuff on there, but there’s a wide range of artists that haven’t been discovered yet and it gives them an opportunity to get there music out there,” said Bagdasarian.

Bagdasarian is able to record his music at his home, as he has a studio in his basement. The amount of time it takes to fully make a finished song varies.“If I’m inspired by something it can take me a few hours to make a song, but then other songs can take a whole week,” said Bagdasarian. Bagdasiarn hopes to pursue music production in college and as a career.

Adrik Bagdasarian working in the studio, producing and writing an orignial song. Check out his SoundCloud at www.soundcloud.com/adrikb.

Photo courtesy of Adrik Bagdasarian.

memorization and work ethic skills that I wouldn’t get from a classroom. Drama is also a blast because you create a close knit family. Putting together a show takes a lot but with these incredible people I know we will get the job done and create a fantastic show.”

Junior Delaney Van Dyke, the co-director of the musical, spoke about the difficulty of putting on

a production of this magnitude.

“A show of this size is difficult because of the number of moving parts. While the scenery on stage looks minimal, on the other side there is so much more. It’s all one big puzzle, a lot of work goes into it but the end of the rehearsal period you know you’ve put together a great show that people are going to enjoy,” VanDyke explained.

Van Dyke enjoys drama because it allows her to have a creative outlet, and has given her many opportunities to grow as a person and develop her directing and leadership skills.

Beth Williams, an English teacher here at County, said, “It was hands down the best high school musical production I have seen. It was lively and upbeat. The amount of talent that was showcased that night was incredible. Very talented actors, singers, dancers, stage crew, directors. Everything was so well done.”

“Coco” adds a new layer of depth to traditional children’s movies Elena Perales Raider Staff Celebratory aspects of Mexican culture are brought to animated life by the new Disney film Coco. This family-friendly movie shares the events, food, rituals, and traditions that occur on Dia de los Muertos, the day of the dead. This Hispanic celebration is well-represented by avoiding typical stereotypes, providing an authentic storyline, and highlighting one specific family’s beliefs and customs.

The main character, Miguel Rivera, travels through the Land of the Dead to follow the buried roots of his unspoken musical background. There are specific values important to the Rivera family, but music is not one of them. However, Miguel is not stopped to follow his dream of becoming a musician. Visiting the spirits of his ancestors, Miguel takes a trip with a plethora of adventure and realization.

Miguel’s journey begins with him walking across the bridge of golden petals with his ancestors.

From the Land of the Living to the Land of the Dead, this scene

conveyed a sense of warmth and welcome from Miguel’s loved ones. This scene was also one of the most visually pleasing shots in the whole movie. The dimensions of depth and color made this animation specific and eyecatching.

The visual aspects of this film were phenomenal. The vibrant illustrations of each character left a positive and joyful resonated feeling with the viewer.

The characters themselves not only orchestrated a visually pleasing effect, but also the architecture and designs within the Land of the Day. The colors and glow of each character, walking street, building, brought life to the dead.

This movie is an appealing film for people of all ages.

It’s sensation of family connectedness is a continuous feeling throughout the film. The love presented within the Rivera family, along with the captivating visual effects gave a special twist to an already unique storyline.

Raider Staff Cartoonist: Alexis Huber.

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February 2018

The Loudoun Raider

Sports LCHS football can’t help running-back to success Natalie Villaflor Raider Staff The 2017 season marked a monumental achievement for the Loudoun County varsity football team as they put a trophy in the case for winning this year’s district championship game against a local rival, Heritage, for the first time in 21 years.

Under head coach Tony Rayburn, the Raiders turned their previous 3-7 record to a winning 7-3. Coach Rayburn attributed some of this success to the senior members of the team.

“We had a real good group of seniors and everyone for the most part stayed committed to the weight room and during the season I think we improved, which I think is important. I think the kids just grew up and learned how to finish games, and we had good leadership,” Rayburn said.

Senior player Adam Huewe compared this season to previous years by valuing the role of leadership on the team, saying, “This season as a team has been a lot different than the past two years.

We had strong leadership on the team that helped push the younger guys to keep improving.”

With 19 years of experience, Steven Williams has been coaching the Raiders for the past five seasons, and praised the team for its unity.

“This year’s team had more success on the field in terms of wins and losses. However, that was the result of other differences. This year’s team seemed to be more unified. There were fewer cliques on the team. Not everyone got along, but everyone had the same

goal in mind and were on the same page,” Williams said.

Williams coached when Tuscarora was a main rival, and has enjoyed seeing the how the rivalry has changed between schools as the years have passed.

“It was always a battle to see who was best in Leesburg.

Tuscarora has moved up a division and Heritage has become a consistent playoff contender. I would say that Heritage is by far our biggest rival right now. This year’s game was for a share of the district title and a playoff birth.

Hopefully it will continue to mean a lot,” said Williams.

In addition to the Raiders’ 2017 win, the Raiders’ win against Heritage in 2014 holds sentimental value for Williams.

“We beat them on the road 43-41. The Raider Riot stormed onto the field to celebrate with the team. That was a satisfying moment. That team had suffered a lot of bad defeats that season but never quit. Ending the season with an upset over our biggest rivals made the season for us. The picture of the scoreboard and the

kids on the field is still my Twitter background to this day,” Williams said.

The 2017 season is one of many that have not only raised the standards of LCHS football, but have been under the provision of some of Loudoun County’s finest.

Todd Hill, a Health and PE teacher here at County, was the head coach of the football team from 2007-2014. His reign as coach brought two straight playoff wins against Woodgrove and Tuscarora in 2012 that led the team to the regional championship game against Briar Woods.

“The team played thirteen games that year and was the regional runner-up. It’s the furthest the football team has ever gone in a season since the program started in the 1950’s,” Hill said.

The team ended that season ranked as one of the Top Ten AA schools in the state with a record of 10-3 and one game shy of the state playoffs.

Hill attributes the Raiders’ success to the team’s mutual drive and commitment to strive for the highest level of success, as well

Audrey Chadwick Raider Staff In October, head varsity football coach Tony Rayburn was awarded the 2017 Coach of The Year Award for varsity football in the Dulles District.

He was awarded this for his exceptional work with the players on the team this season.

Rayburn was a head football coach for 14 years before becoming a coach at County. He has been head coaching football for two years now at LCHS. When asked about his best accomplishments and memories

Rayburn said, “My best memories coaching was being able to see the hard work shown at the camp at RMC in July and winning the Heritage versus Loudoun County football game.”

Rayburn enjoys his position as head coach and the values he teaches his young athletes.

“The important part of being a coach to me is having the chance to make the people around you better, whether it’s your assistants or your players,” said Rayburn.

He believes it is important to be a good role model to his players.

“In coaching young athletes, I enjoy helping them develop into ‘good people’ overall and improve as players to help them meet their potential,” said Rayburn.

Senior athlete on the team since Rayburn began coaching, Zac Beal commented on Rayburn’s influence on him by saying, “He always kept the team motivated and told us how

The varsity football team waits on the sidelies during the 2017 Homecoming game. LCHS won the game against Dominion High School with a score of 30-14. Raider Staff Photographer: Charles Coleman.

as the support the surrounding community brings to every game.

“I believe the players and coaches are very committed to giving their absolute best. It’s certainly natural for anyone to want to be successful, but to put so much time, effort, and commitment into playing a high school sport like football is a huge undertaking. The support from the student body, and community has always been tremendous. There may have been years where the team struggled, but the support was always there, win or lose,” said Hill.

The 2017 season district win was reminiscent of Hill’s favorite memory in 2008.

“Watching the student-body storm the field and congratulate the team and coaches when we upset Heritage the last game of the regular season in 2008 to make the playoffs. It was my second year coaching at County and the program had not been in the playoffs I believe since the 1990’s,” Hill said.

As this year’s season ended and seniors said goodbye to LCHS football, Coach Rayburn set the standard for the next years, hoping to maintain the same success that they’ve experienced in the past.

“We had our banquet the other night and we challenged the younger group. The seniors set a higher bar for everybody else.

Although we lost some players, we also have some good players coming back, and the challenge is to get in the weight room and keep working even more and try to maintain success, which is sometimes harder than the first time.”

Rayburn named Dulles District Coach of the Year

good we could be if we executed correctly. He made sure everyone on the team was trying their best and always gave us the tools necessary to win,” noting that Rayburn’s strong impact on his players earned him this award.

The Loudoun Raider

Athlete of the Issue: Morgann Harden

Morgann Harden dribbles in the main gym. Raider Staff Photographer: Robert Wertz.

Hannah O’Dea Raider Staff Junior Morgann Harden has been playing basketball since she was in seventh grade. Harden has been exposed to the sport at a young age because her dad and sisters played the sport. Harden’s dad inspired her to play because he played professional basketball in Europe and he knew what it took succeed.

Harden played for her middle school team and now is a member of the varsity basketball team. Coach Matthew Prince said that Harden leads by example. “She always has a smile on her face and she is a great teammate and picks up her teammates and never criticizes anyone.” Harden’s work ethic can be described as going “above and beyond.”

“Last year the girls got off Saturday practice, and Harden would come in every Saturday and take 300 shots to really try to improve her game. She does extra conditioning on Wednesday after practice with a private trainer, so she really does go above and beyond to try to add some extra style to her game,” Prince stated.

She has also progressed greatly in the sport. Her mother, Jessica Harden stated that, “Her confidence has grown tremendously every year. Even if you just look at her stats, they just get better and better.”

Her mother is also pleased with Harden’s ethics in sports. “She’s always willing to do what the coaches need no matter what she thinks if it is the right way or the wrong way.”

One of Harden’s goals this year is for her team to make it to states.

Harden stated, “I would love to win states especially because it is my last year with Natalie Villaflor and Julia Ng. I think this is definitely the year that we can do that.”

February 2018

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Coach Mackey becomes head coach at alma mater Fabiana Moreno Raider Staff In September, Olivia Mackey took on the role of head coach of Loudoun County’s girls soccer team. After several applications, the 2010 county graduate saw the opening and couldn’t pass it up.

Ever since she graduated she’s wanted to come back to County to become a teacher and to hopefully coach. “I had a great high school experience here, I love this school and what it represents. I want to help students have the same experience I did,” said Mackey.

Since Mackey is a recent graduate her former teachers are now her colleagues. “I enjoy working with the teachers that I had when I went here. Knowing them and having their support made the transition here at the beginning a lot easier and has made my working experience here a lot more fun. It’s also neat because they knew me as a 14 to

18-year-old kid, and now they get to see me as a young adult and working professional.

Coach Mackey is a PE teacher here at LCHS and has been coaching the girls’ JV soccer team for two years.

Having a background in soccer has positively impacted her ability to coach. “Growing up with different coaches has transformed me into the coach and teacher I am today,” she said. Mackey has been playing soccer for about 20 years and played collegiate soccer at Elon University.

Mackey is excited for this upcoming season, coaching an already well developed team and putting her own spin on it.

“I know what they are going through. Not long ago I was in their shoes.”

Mackey’s goal for this season is to take this well-developed team and further improve and

hone in on their talents and personalized skills and win another state championship.

Jillian Bowers, a senior, has been playing on the girls’ varsity team her whole high school career. “I love that she herself was a part of Loudoun County High School Girls Varsity Team and she understands us as she knows about DGS,” Bowers said. DGS is a secret abbreviation that has been passed down through generations of players to build team unity.

Bowers has won two consecutive state titles and is very excited for this upcoming season. “I think her being a coach is a fresh start for our team. We have had Coach Kirk for almost 15 years and while it’s sad to see him go, I’m glad we are getting someone just as experienced and someone who has been a part of this program for a while,” Bowers said.

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February 2018

The Loudoun Raider

End Zone

Beyond discipline: a glimpse into the lives of Loudoun’s leadership Muriel Heanue Michelle Luttrell Mark Patterson Rick Brown Assistant Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal Principal How long have you been in an admin position?

10 years.

Did you always plan to be an adminstrator?

I originally planned on being a teacher. As a teacher, I got into some other leadership roles such as the activity coordinator, SCA sponsor, NHS sponsor, and senior class sponsor. Doing all those things and seeing the different aspects of the school got me interested in administration.

What is your most memorable experience with a student?

Every time a student comes back who has graduated and, especially if there had been times we’d had some difficulties, but they come back and they basically say, “gosh some of the things that you told me actually stuck with me and I took to heart and made me a better person.”

Why did you go into education?

I didn’t originally plan to go into education. Actually education is my second career. I originally worked in the government but I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher.

What position did you work in? I can’t exactly tell you, but I can say that I worked in foreign service.

Do you have any passions outside of school?

Yes, my family. I have a 16-yearold son. I personally am a gardner.

Orchids are a hobby of mine.

Anyone who visits my office usually sees some orchids in there.

That’s my stress relief.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

Whenever I really need to relax I go back and I read a series of mystery novels called “Detective Nero Wolfe.” There’s about 70 of them and I’ve probably read each one multiple times.

How long have you been an administrator?

24 years.

Did you always plan to be an adminstrator?

I originally wanted to be a coach and a teacher, and that was it.

Which subject did you teach?

Health and physical education, and I coached football at Muscleman High School in West Virginia for 14 years before I came to Loudoun County.

What is your most memorable experience with a student?

When I see a kid that struggled in high school and then was able to make it and graduate and then end up having a successful life, that’s always great. But when the student comes back and you see how much they’ve changed and matured, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.

Why did you go into education?

Believe it or not, I used to be a high school athlete and I was lucky enough to be able to go to a school and play ball. And when you’re in high school and playing sports, some of the most influential people are your coaches, so I just went in that direction. I coached for 14 or 15 years. But that’s what led me into teaching.

Do you have any passions outside of school?

My passion is watching my little grandkids grow, and I used to love watching my kids when they played sports, traveling to games.

My daughter was a college softball player and traveled around. You know those are the things you love, watching your kids play.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I watch soap operas; I watch “General Hospital” everyday.

Years as an administrator: 18 years.

Before becoming LCHS’ vice principal: Muriel Heanue originally went into education as a teacher of the deaf for pre-school and middle school students. She then switched to work in cross-categorical Special Ed with kids who have learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, or physical issues.

Then in 1995 she worked in general Special Ed, until she became an administrator in 1999.

Reason for becoming an educator: “I believe I was programmed in my DNA to become a teacher,” explained Heanue. “I never ever wanted to do anything else.” Even when she was a little girl she knew that teaching was the career for her.

Most memorable experience in her career: About five years ago a student came to her during the summer.

While she expected him to give her something to sign for a job or school he said he had something to talk to her about. “I came to thank you because I know I skipped a lot of classes, but you came to me and told me that I was hurting myself and that you were not going to give up on me, and I’ve gotten into college, I’m very excited, and I owe it all to you,” said this boy.

“That made me cry,” said Heanue.

Her passions outside the building: Heanue is a lover of reading, and a huge fan of the Tudor period. She also loves 1970’s music so if you ever see her in the hall, you can have a nice chat about Earth, Wind, and Fire, which is, as she states, “my group.”

Fun Fact: Heanue is a Loudoun County native, and graduated from LCHS.

Years as an administrator: 11 years.

Before becoming principal of LCHS: Luttrell taught Dance, Health Education, and Drivers Education.

She has worked at Stone Bridge High School as a teacher, and Freedom High School as an assistant principal.

Reason for becoming an educator: Luttrell went into education because she loves learning and enjoys working with kids.

“I was an athlete, the whole relationship I had with my coaches, made me want to have that experience and be that person for someone else.”

Most memorable experience in her career: While she was working as an assistant principal at freedom there was a family that had several generations of kids going through that school. After working with this family for a while they asked Luttrell to be their contact point to the school, and the only person who work with their family. “The most memorable piece is connecting with a family to a point where they truly knew I was going to be there for their kids.”

Her passions outside the building: As a working mother of a fouryear old, her passion has mostly become her son.

Fun Fact: “I love ballroom dancing, so maybe somewhere down the road I can get back into it,” Luttrell said.