Print Edition 6.3 - May 2023

Raising Voices for Change

Meridian Students Speak Out

Kaylah Curley

It seems like every day there is a new headline in the news that channels frustration throughout the entire Meridian student body.

From the civil rights movement to the anti-war protests of the 1960s and 70s, student activism has been a driving force for community and global change. Fast forward to the present day, same school, different name, students continue to fight for change.

Over the past school year, whether individually or through an organized event, students around

Meridian have taken part in all different types of activism, from strikes, protests, to walkouts and more. One atribute they have in common is that they call for change.

Regardless of ones’ stance on the issue in question, student voices are fundamental to our society today. Students around the United States have organized to demand change, sending clear messages to those in power.

Fighting for change within and around our community has built solidarity among students. Meridian students have created a sense of shared purpose and build networks

to further their goals. This desire for change has inspired students like senior Elijah Pelton, who has been a prevalent member of the Meridian Students Demand Action club, among various other advocacy groups.

Most recently, Pelton, along with the Meridian Gun Prevention club, was involved in organizing the school strike that took place on March 31. “We are not scared to fight for change to secure regulations on gun control. Students and teachers deserve to feel safe in their classrooms,” the club said. Over 180 students from both Mary Ellen Henderson and Meridian partici-

pated in the strike.

Student activism continues to be a potent force for change. With the rise of social media and mass communication, student groups around the community organize efficiently and effectively to address issues that matter to them. Whether it’s fighting for environmental justice, advocating for marginalized communities, or pushing for firearm control, student activists lead the charge to instill change.

Student led groups and clubs have created a centralized entrepot for passion and opportunity. “Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Don’t

be afraid to get yelled at,” Pelton said. “Pick a topic you know about, whether through previous research or life experience … Here at MHS, there are so many clubs and organizations, you can definitely find something that you are passionate about.”

By thinking globally and acting locally, Meridian students are doing their part to make the community a better and safer place.

“If you start with change in your city, state, or county, someone else WILL notice.”

Senior Sara Rollins poses for the camera, showing off her shirt displaying the words “GUNS KILL.” (Photo by Rachel Grooms)

The Lasso Meridian High School

121 Mustang Alley, Falls Church, VA 22043

703-248-5500

www.meridianlasso.org

Mission Statement: The Lasso and its staff strive to inform their readers through accurate and factual reports, where information has been thoroughly gathered and verified; serve as an educational laboratory experience for those on staff; be accurate, fair, and impartial in its coverage of issues that affect the school community; not avoid publishing a story solely on the basis of possible dissent or controversy; cover the total school population as effectively and accurately as possible; report all issues in a legal, objective, accurate and ethical manner, in accordance with the Canons of Professional Journalism developed by the Society for Professional Journalists.

Editor-in-Chief

Stella Turner

Managing Editors

Clara Kasik

Isabel Costa

Public Relations Editor

Elizabeth Creed

News Editors

Kaylah Curley

Sophia Borghesani

Features Editors

Abby Crespin

Molly Moore

Opinions Editor

Preston Lieu

Staff Writers & Contributors

Sofia Braverman

Tessa Dunn

Anna Goldenberg

Rachel Grooms

Sasha Kasher

Tessa Kassoff

Madison Keelen

Victor Kidwell

Elbetel Kiros

Sara Meade

Kylie Moffatt

Ben Mossburg

Cailyn Murphy

Amity Pratt

Mara Statie

Vedika Thapliya

Arianna Vargas

The Class of 2023 has been a high achieving bunch since the start. Although small in comparison to other classes, our impact has been monumental. From our show-stopping leads in plays and musicals to our six college sports commits, our students excel at all of their passions. As the group responsible for building GIVE Day up from a small TJ club to a service organization that stretches across the entire school system with hundreds of members, this class has no lack of dedication.

The Class of 2023 has endured a multitude of transition periods and name changes since elementary school. We’ve escaped the bars on the windows in the TJ trailers, endured fires and floods in the MEH gym and survived everything about the old GMHS. As the last grade to ever attend school in the old GM building, we have developed a level of appreciation for each of the schools we have passed through. We are the liaison between the peeling floors and rotting ceiling tiles in George Mason and the pristine hallways and monumental staircases of Meridian.

Across starkly different buildings, our grade has shown respect for the facilities we have been so fortunate to call home. These unique experiences and the memories of our

times together have only served to unite our small class throughout our entire K-12 experience.

There is no doubt that this is a group that will be successful. Our class is full of passion and dedication and has a willingness to pursue that which does not come easily, including the grueling battle for our senior privileges. The legacy of the Class of 2023 reflects memories from the past and the promises of the future.

By Preston Lieu

Affirmative action.

A controversial piece of legislation that has dictated millions of student’s college admissions and has found itself in the hands of the Supreme Court. Many expect the conservative majority to strike down the practice when they decide the case in June.

Also known as positive action, affirmative action seeks to reverse historical trends of discrimination among minority groups,

creating an environmentwhere equal employment opportunity can prevail. The term was initiated by President Lyndon Johnson, who wanted to improve opportunities for African Americans to combat discriminatory policies in the 1960s.

However, the turning point took place after the assassination of Dr. Martin Lurther King Jr. in 1968, with students pushing colleges to be more represen-

tative of American society. Harvard was the first college to act, announcing a commitment to enroll a substantially higher percentage of Black students

The Supreme Court will hold a decision on the constitutionality of affirmative action in midJune, with many expecting the legislation to be overturned given the Supreme Court’s conservative majority. (Photo courtesy of Raw Pixel)

“As a Hispano-German student, I’m both prodiversity and equality. In the affirmative action conversation, it’s important to discern equality and equity, and with the college admissions game, I believe income plays a larger role than race. I’ve been blessed with various opportunities throughout my life and it’s ultimately those opportunities that got me either admitted or waitlisted to the majority of the schools I applied to,” senior John Hanson Doebel said.

“It is complicated, but I definitely support affirmative action. I don’t think it should just apply to someone because they are a minority however. I think when a person has had to overcome certain circumstances like race, socioeconomic status, gender, or simply lack certain educational opportunities that everyone else has access to, they should be given deeper consideration. I think the possible overturning of affirmative action is disappointing. Maybe affirma-

tive action isn’t fair, but it’s also a step to fixing the past and continuous systemic racism, discrimination, and poverty in the United States,” senior Zoe Clement said.

than in the past, less than four weeks after Dr. King’s death.

Since then, the majority of colleges have incorporated affirmative action policies in their admissions process to increase diversity among their students and give every applicant equal opportunity to education and employment.

For some, affirmative action acts as a vital tool to provide all Americans with equal opportunity. For

others, affirmative action is unconstitutional legislation that reinforces pernicious stereotypes and harms certain minority groups.

In light of the potential overturning of affirmative action in the next month, The Lasso sought out senior opinions on the hotlycontested topic and the decision that will be held in June.

Affirmative Action: Affirm or Deny? FOR AGAINST

“I think affirmative action is definitely necessary for combating systemic racism, but right now it’s sort of faulty because it negatively affects some people it shouldn’t affect. I think that I definitely understand why it’s being overturned, but I hope most colleges will opt to replace it with more of a class-based affirmative action program. While affirmative action didn’t really impact my college experience, I know some other people who are definitely frustrated with their college application

experience as a result of affirmative action,” Jia Park (12) said.

“When affirmative action crosses my mind, I tend to connect it with racial issues around the nation. In my opinion, it does not matter what race you are, what your background is, or where you come from ... If you show great signs of commitment in your field, you are more than capable. I definitely think affirmative action should be abolished,” senior Miles Pierre said.

Isabel Costa

Senior Reflects One Year After Evacuating Ukraine

By Molly Moore and Abby Crespin

In February 2022, Russia launched a full scale invasion of Ukraine and began the Russo-Ukrainian War and sent shockwaves across the world. While the combat itself has been contained within Russian and Ukrainian borders, the impact has stretched across the globe, including to the City of Falls Church. The Lasso met with senior Alen Bean, whose family was forced to leave Ukraine at the start of the War.

What was Ukraine like be-

fore you evacuated?

“I lived in Kyiv, Ukraine for five years and really enjoyed my life there. I had never lived in Europe before and it was extremely interesting to experience a city so intertwined with history and culture. Kyiv is a beautiful city filled with greenery, beautiful architecture, a vibrant city life and extremely friendly people. I ended up in Kyiv because both my parents worked for the U.S Embassy.”

How did evacuation affect you and your family?

“Evacuation came as a

shock. I think everyone was surprised about the evacuation, especially after living there for five years. Previously we had never experienced any signs that the war was expanding. The evacuation period was very difficult. I had 3 days to say goodbye to my best friends, my soccer team, and leave the country with my one suitcase. I evacuated first to Sarajevo, Bosnia, where I lived near my mom’s family... While in Sarajevo, I finished my junior year online with my Kyiv school, then moved to Falls Church.”

Reflecting one year later, how did leaving Ukraine impact you as a person?

“It has definitely made me appreciate the moments I have in life and although war is occuring far away, the impact of it is greater than you might think. It has also enlightened me about the idea of peace and the importance

of maintaining it.”

How does the ongoing war affect you, due to your connection to the country?

“The War has definitely been life changing. I’m constantly in touch with classmates, former teachers and teammates talking about the war. It’s still extremely difficult to look at pictures of cities that I used to travel to for soccer games that now lay in ruins. I’m always keeping up to date with the war and I will

until it is over. I’m extremely proud of how Ukraine has fought back against Russia’s aggression and hope that victory will come soon.”

What would you tell yourself one year ago as you were leaving Ukraine?

“One thing I would say to myself is that life is very fragile, things can change very quickly and people die. You have to be grateful for what you have in the moment.”

Meet This Year’s Athletic Commits

By Rachel Grooms

Tai Bhalla

“I’ve always loved this game and nothing stood in front of it,” senior Tai Bhalla said. Bhalla will play Division I soccer at Longwood University next fall. He has dreamed of playing professional soccer since age four. “It’s the sport I grew up with and what I was surrounded with.” Through an extensive process of attending recruitment camps, reaching out to coaches and visiting schools, he achieved a major milestone on the way toward his goal. Bhalla’s advice for aspiring collegiate athletes is to focus on balancing school and sports and to “make as many connections as you can.”

Peyton Jones

“I never debated quitting,” senior Peyton Jones said, and is committed to play basketball at Rochester University. Jones has been playing basketball since first grade, and credits her success to the support she recieved from her mother and brother. By reaching out to schools, attending camps and participating in showcases, she sparked coaches’ interests. Along the way, Jones encountered struggles to balance schoolwork and basketball but is grateful to her teachers, teammates, and friends for helping her balance both obligations. She advises that prospective college athletes work hard both on and off the court, and that rejection and setbacks are bound to happen. “It is important to stay dedicated to your sport while also maintaining good grades and being a well rounded individual.”

Senior Tai Bhalla surrounded by his family and coach as he signs to play soccer at Longwood University. (photo courtesy of Tai Bhalla)

Senior Peyton Jones announces her commitment to Rochester University. (Photo courtesy of Peyton Jones)

Senior Alen Bean evacuted Ukraine last year, leaving behind his friends, school, soccer team, and home of five years. (Photo courtesy of Alen Bean)

Kyiv, Ukraine stands before Russian invasion in early 2022. Senior Alen Bean’s parents worked for the U.S. Embassy before the War. (Photo courtesy of Alen Bean)

Commitments Continued

Elizabeth Creed

“I’ve considered playing in college since at least middle school, it’s always been a goal and dream of mine,” Elizabeth Creed said. Creed is a senior committed to playing basketball at Christopher Newport University. She started playing basketball age six, long before she contemplated collegiate athletics, and looks to her dad for encouragement and brothers as role models. By attending many camps and recruiting events throughout high school, she had learn how to prioritize both basketball and academics. “It’s difficult, but I also feel like the busyness of the season forces me to keep a more structured schedule and stay on top of my work.” She stressed that good grades and connections with coaches are essential in order to get recruited. “If you want to be recruited you have to promote yourself, reach out to schools, and have really good grades.”

Sara Rollins Josh Wattles

“My recruitment process was long, frustrating and rewarding,” senior Sara Rollins said. Rollins is committed to play Division I softball at Coastal Carolina University. Rollins joined Arlington Little League Softball at age seven and views it as the “best decision of [her] life!” Her admiration for the sport came not only from the game, but the connections she gained. “Softball has always been my favorite sport to play, but what makes it really special is the teammates and the community you build on a team.” The adversity she faced as a student athlete and through the recruitment process taught her how to overcome challenges and prepared her well for college. “Keep getting your name out there, keep up your grades, and push yourself as hard as you can.”

“The most challenging part of the recruitment process was making the final decision on where I wanted to be for the next four years of my life,” senior Josh Wattles said. Wattles is committed to play football at Franklin and Marshall College. He initially joined football his freshman year to make friends at a new school, and until last October, his goal was to play baseball in college. However, he recieved more interest from football coaches than baseball coaches. Despite the demands of competing as a two sport varsity athlete, Wattles was able to balance both sports and school. “I think it was actually easier keeping up with schoolwork in season because I had a very tight schedule, so after football practice I would go home and do homework at the same time every day.”

Grace Crum

“My initial goal was to become a college athlete, but actually in another sport, volleyball, funny enough,” senior Grace Crum said. Crum has been an active athlete all throughout her high school career, and discovered her passion and potential in track in her junior year. “I realized track was something I couldn’t imagine not doing for the next four years of my life,” she said. Crum experienced difficulties during the recruitment process given her late start, but is now motivated and excited to attend Georgia Tech. “My biggest piece of advice for student athletes set on being recruited is don’t give up.”

Senior Elizabeth Creed looks towards the basket as she prepares to shoot. (Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Creed)

Senior Sara Rollins in action (Photo courtesy of Sara Rollins)]

Senior Josh Wattles focused on competing for the Mustangs. (Photo courtesy of Josh Wattles)

Senior Grace Crum poses with her Georgia Tech flag to announce her commitment. (Photo courtesy of Grace Crum)

Music, media and memories: spotlighting seniors in the arts

By Victor Kidwell

Isabel Pierce and Matthew Bloss-Baum are both members of Meridian’s theater program and the Chamber Singers Ensemble. “Theater at school is always something to look forward to at the end of the day,” Pierce said, who is committed to Connecticut College. “Morning choir is one of my favorite ways to start the day—it’s amazing to be able to wake up and sing” Bloss-Baum said. He will be attending Fordham College in the fall.

Abigail O’Regan, who’s committed to VCU, has been enrolled in art classes since her freshman year. “It’s a community of artists, and I’ve been able to meet so many different people with different art styles.”

Diwata Penaranda and Brielle Collins have been vital contributers to Meridian’s visual arts programs. “I found a family in choir and theater, and I’m so happy to find a place where people had similar interests,” Penaranda said. Collins echoed this, and said that art was a “creative outlet” for her. Collins is headed to Wellesley, and Penaranda to the University of Ottawa. (Photo by Victor Kidwell)

Brandon Werbel has played clarinet in the wind ensemble since his freshman year. “The biggest thing about this band is the sense of community and family. I have been working to keep that sense of camaraderie, and I really hope it continues after me.” Werbel is headed to UVA next year.

Hana Saldate has been playing flute in Meridian’s band since her freshman year and singing since her junior year. “My junior year, [band instructor] Ms. West asked me to sing in the Jazz Band. I was really nervous since I hadn’t sung in front of a crowd before, but it gave me the opportunity to feel comfortable to sing in front of an audience and grow as an artist.” Saldate will attend New York University next year. (photo courtesy of Isabella Baskins)

Daniel Fried participates in IB music and plays percussion for the wind ensemble. “Music and band is really nothing without the community,” Fried said. He will attend Rensselaer College in New York. (Photo by Carol Sly)

Virmani is an IB music student and a member of the Meridian Jazz Band. “Ms. West really encouraged me to grow my skills as a producer, especially through establishing the Music Tech Lab.” Virmani plans to study at John Hopkins University and continue producing music.

Felix Zywicki plays flute for the Meridian Wind Ensemble. “After my freshman year, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue playing with the band, but after COVID, I realized how lucky I really was.” (Photo by Carol Sly)

(Photo by Carol Sly)

(Photo by Victor Kidwell)

Kaethan

(Photo by Victor Kidwell)

(Photo by Carol Sly)

‘Girls Who Code’ Shapes Young Women in STEM

By Molly Moore

In this year’s graduating class, the percentage of women pursing STEM majors from Meridian reached a record high of 57%, according to the Advanced Program Club. Comparatively, in the Class of 2019, women made up only 38% of graduates planning to major in STEM. This progression among Meridian students reflects a nationwide diversification of fields formally considered out of reach for women. Based on data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), women made up 45% of students majoring in STEM in 2020, compared to 40% in 2010. While the trend of women considering STEM fields, not only at Meridian but nationwide, has been positive, many women are still deterred from entering STEM due to gender barriers. Even senior Victoria Lam, CoFounder of Meridian’s chapter of Girls Who Code and prospective computer science major, was anxious about taking AP Com-

Girls Who Code Co-Founder and senior Victoria Lam teaches text based coding to young girls at Oak Street Elementary during a Febuary meeting. (Photo via @gwc.at.meridian)

puter Science A her sophomore year. Lam knew she would be an outsider as she viewed computer science a male-dominated discipline.

“It was scary going into a field where I already knew there weren’t going to be a lot of girls. Growing up there wasn’t a lot of talk about going into computer

science, and it was just one of those fields where I knew there were going to be a lot of guys.”

Lam was only one of four girls in her computer science class that year, however, she was encapsulated by its logical nature, rather than blunt memorization in constrast to her other classes.

Similar to Lam, Alexis Niemi,

fellow Co-Founder of Girls Who Code, recalled struggling to find a sense of community in her class due to the lack of women.

“I decided to try AP Computer Science, which was incredibly isolating. I was used to being the only girl in the room.”

Lam and Niemi started Meridian’s chapter of Girls Who Code in 2020 with the goal of teaching young girls at Oak Street Elementary how to code and encourage them to feel confident and empowered in the STEM field. They wanted to provide girls with a community in a field that can easily feel isolating.

Members of Girls Who Code visit Oak Street every two weeks after school to hold meetings with the elementary schoolers. They teach block coding and text based coding while also familiarizing the girls with problem solving, logic and collaboration skills.

“It is really cute to listen to them collaborate together and

Ms. Love: Loving and Leaving

Success in teaching requires effort and dedication, as exemplified by English teacher Ms. Shannon Love, who is concluding her career in education this year.

Ms. Love was inspired to become a teacher in her early years. “I wanted to become a teacher since I was in about 2nd grade, but didn’t decide on the level or subject until I was in high school and had two phenomenal AP English teachers.”

Ms. Love attended Siena College in Albany, NY on a swimming scholarship, and earned a Bachelor’s in English. She then spent five years teaching at Joseph A. Foran High School in Milford, Connecticut. She subsequently made the decision to take a teaching job at Meridian High School during the 2020-2021 school year after completing her

Master’s in Education from the University of New England.

Ms. Love noted that her teaching style has shifted over the years, and has included incorporating a daily schedule into her class. “Maintaining student engagement is super important, so I try to relate the content to my students or the real world as much as possible, while also making sure we’re practicing basic skills like analyzing and writing.”

Ms. Love affirmed that those who put forward their best effort and seek assistance are far more likely to succeed. “If you don’t do anything, your teacher can’t help you. If you at least try to do the assignment, even if you don’t understand it, your teacher can help you with what you got wrong.”

Ms. Love noted that one of the most important components of her job was forming relationships with her students. “They are the reason I stayed in the profession for so long ... For a lot of my career, I taught freshmen and seniors, so it was fun to have the same students again in 12th grade and get to see how much they changed.”

Throughout her teaching career, Ms. Love has cherished her relationships with students. Some students have reached out to express that she prepared them well for a college literature or writing course. “It’s humbling to realize that I had an impact, no matter how small, on a person, especial-

ly because a lot of the time the students don’t realize just how much of an impact they have on their teachers.”

While much of Ms. Love’s teaching journey has been smooth, she has navigated several obstacles over the course of her career, including changing technology. “With how readily available information is (i.e. Shmoop, Sparknotes, etc.) and the rise of AI technology, it’s also been tough to make sure students are actually submitting their own work,” Ms. Love said.

To combat this, she admitted, “I actually don’t use technology a whole lot in my classroom because I want to hear my students’ original thoughts rather than the first website they clicked on after googling the answer. I want my students to be able to critically think and analyze, not just look up the answer.”

Teaching virtually during the COVID-19 Pandemic was another defining moment in Ms. Love’s career. “A lot of students struggled to adjust to virtual learning, then struggled to readjust to in-person learning. It has been tough to balance those needs with academic needs, like curriculum pacing, grading, and standardized test preparation.”

Moreover, Ms. Love said that, “The value of actually learning is overshadowed by numerical grades. Students care more about the number than the content, and that can be really

frustrating.”

She encourages her students to take accountability for their learning, and prioritizes teaching them real-life skills in addition to content. “There’s so much out there to learn, but not developing that mindset at a young age is going to catch up with you later in life.”

Ms. Love plans to embark on a new path this summer. “I honestly do not plan to stay engaged with the teaching profession, with the exception of maintaining

learn from one another, which is something I didn’t always have growing up,” Niemi said.

Moreover, Girls Who Code has become a safe community for young girls at Oak Street to foster an interest in computer science and support their classmates.

“It is really sweet that they all support each other, are there for each other and have this adorable little community that I didn’t have,” Niemi continued.

As Meridian students continue to reflect the nationwide increasing of women in STEM, Lam and Niemi hope that young girls won’t feel out of place in their computer science classes and percieve computer science as a field not constrained by gender or other demographics.

“We need more women in STEM, specifically computer science … hopefully they will continue to pursue computer science if they are into it.”

the friendships I have established with my coworkers at Meridian and at my previous school in Connecticut.”

As Ms. Love’s teaching career comes to a close, she reflected on all she has learned. “Ask for help when you need it. Get to know your students as more than just ‘students.’ Don’t be offended if a student doesn’t want to let you get to know them or doesn’t like you. Don’t sacrifice your personal life for your job -- teacher burnout is real.”

Ms. Love walks along the beach, joined by her dog, Finn. (photo courtesy of Ms. Shannon Love)

Sophia Borghesani

Ms. Love poses for her yearly school portrait. She plans to begin a new career path after this school year. (Photo courtesy of Ms. Shannon Love)

Former Lasso Co-Editor in Chief Offers Advice to Seniors

By Abby Crespin

As the Class of 2023 prepares to embark on their next journey, many plan to attend college or university. To aid this process, the Lasso sat down with former Co-Editor in Chief and current VA Tech student, Sam Mostow (22’) who offered advice to graduating seniors to help ease their transition.

How are you liking college?

“College is good! I like it a lot here, [Virginia Tech] is a good place.”

How does college life differ from high school?

“It's a lot less structured. You pick when your classes are. I only have one class on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.”

How did you realize that you wanted the large atmosphere of a big school?

“It was just something I had never had before, and I love Meridian. I’m grateful I got the small school experience, but I think after doing that I wanted a new atmosphere.”

How has it been transitioning from a small school and FC, to a larger community?

“I like it a lot, I always knew I wanted to go to a state school. Everyone has different preferences, but I like my big school. It’s definitely a different atmosphere, but an atmosphere that I had been hoping for.”

What college advice do you have for the graduating senior class?

“The best piece of advice I got was from [former Lasso advisor] Ms. Litzen, she said “don’t make any judgments until Thanksgiving.” The first couple months are gonna be parts that are great and parts that suck. So just kind of letting the process all playout helps a lot.”

What advice would you give to your older self, from where you are now?

“Treat myself with a little more grace.”

How well do you know the Class of 2023?

DOWN:

1. Best football comeback

2. Works at Mike’s

4. Boys lacrosse goalie

6. Cheer captain

8. Granola girl

9. Admin of Stangs Hype

12. Tallest student in the grade

ACROSS:

3. Ginger genius

5. Long-locked member of the Robotics team

6. Early morning swimmer

7. Jazz vocalist

10. Class SCA vice president

11. Spiderman

13. Best facial hair

First names are used for all clues.

Former Co-Editor and chief Sam Mostow pictured at the New York ANN Men’s basketball game. Sam currently attends Virginia Tech, and will be the Sports Editor for the Colegiate Times, Virginia Tech’s school newspaper. (Photo courtesy of Sam Mostow)