The Viewpoint January 2013

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Viewpoint

STUDENT NEWSMAGAZINE OF MVHS VOLUME 7 ISSUE 3

#JanuaryIssue #soulthreads #movieoftheyear #MVimprov #cookingupsuccess #wildcatverbalcommits

Photos provided by MCT Campus, Victoria Conner and Emmy Reinwald

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The Viewpoint January 2013 Volume VII Issue 3 Editor in chief

Emmy Reinwald Assistant Editor in Chief

Kerry Reichhardt Business Manager

Ashley Friedl Opinion Editor

John Keppeler Entertainment Editor

Victoria Conner Student Life Editor

Lexi Stevens Advisor

Nicole Eshelman

The Viewpoint is a cross-section of the news and opinions of the student body of Mountain View High School. It is a forum of expression published by aprintis.

Editorials represent the views of the writers and are not necessarily the opinions of Mountain View High School, its administration or staff. Unsigned editorials represent the majority of the editorial board. Letters to the editor are welcome and should be submitted to rooms 303 or 307 or sent to mvtheviewpoint@gmail.com.

Staff Writers

Erinn Black, Jonas Chechak, Megan Clark, Nathan English, Sam Foltz, Paul King, Trevor Martin, Ellie Pharo, Sami Toal and Niyah White

2011 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist 2011, 2010 and 2009 Virginia High School League First Place Award Winner 2008 National Scholastic Press Association First Class Winner with Marks of Distinction in Writing and Editing

]

@mvtheviewpoint

Wanting change in the New Year Every New Year, people across the country say the same thing: “New Year, new me.” Let’s be honest, though; almost everyone makes resolutions, and almost no one follows through with them. Just because the clock strokes midnight, it doesn’t mean you’ll be a whole new you.

Work is required to change, but changes cannot happen overnight. Change occurs with patience and perseverance which requires more attention than just the first two weeks of 2013.

We’re all so worried about the biggest and the best, but that’s what’s keeping us from achieving the biggest and the best accomplishments. We keep trying to do too much.

Instead of making big, sweeping declarations, why not focus on changing the little things. A resolution to get fit and lose weight? Why not break it down and first work on eating a healthier lunch every day? Take small steps to change. You won’t fight the small changes as much as the big ones, so it will be easier to keep your resolutions.

Second semester is here, and for students who are in new classes, it provides an opportunity to change your school habits. Actually try to do your homework in these classes or be prepared with all your materials in class.

And for all the seniors, this is your last semester here. Why not try to make the little things better and leave Mountain View a better place.

The new year is here. Let’s take some baby steps and actually make the changes that everyone keeps tweeting about. editor in chief

#dailyviewpoint from January 17, 2013.

Make sure to follow us on Twitter and like our Facebook page. Every school day we’ll be posting the #dailyviewpoint, a photograph showing the everyday life of a Wildcat.

Inside this issue

...

05

Instead of cooking the Teacher of the Year dinner, Chef Baxter will be the one being honored for a change.

09

Senior athletes prepare for a change: college athletics.

10

Alexander Burlingame is changing what we think about the average knitter.

12

No need to change a classic.

Give old school Valentine’s gifts: mix tapes and chocolate. Find ideas to get you started.

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Cooking up success --------------------------------------

DENISE BAXTER Teacher of the Year

T

he big question was who would cook the

#CookingUpSuccess

january 2013 l the viewpoint l 5

photo taken by Jackie Blackadar

Teacher of the Year dinner if Chef Denise Baxter, was chosen for the honor?

When nominated, Baxter tried to not get her hopes up, “The pool of candidates was full of amazing teachers of all subjects who go above and beyond to give the highest quality teaching possible,” said Baxter. As a reaction to winning, Baxter felt overwhelmed and a rush excitement. In return her colleagues and friends sent letters that said the honor was well deserved.

Chef Baxter is not an ordinary teacher.

Her classroom is her kitchen where students dish up meals for the Wildcat Cafe and learn the ropes of the cooking industry . “I am amazed a 17- year- old who takes my class learns so much as to what is needed in the cooking industry.

It is a wonderful accomplishment to achieve at such a young age,” Baxter remarked.

With nine of Baxter’s students now attending the Culinary Arts Institute of America, known as the Harvard of Culinary Arts, she says her teaching is opening up doors for her students that could lead to amazing opportunities. Baxter added, “I enjoy what I teach because I see my students grow and be more confident in a skill they are passionate about.”

In Baxter’s eight years of teaching, she has learned the key to success is dedication and commitment. “I don’t ever not finish a job even if it’s 10:00 at night.”

It’s a faculty joke that Chef’s car is first to arrive and last to leave the school parking lot.

With the dream of owning her own restaurant, teaching culinary art became the perfect match. “ The Wildcat Cafe is like my little own restaurant without the long hours and a little more, my customers always ask me what my special ingredient is, I say it’s made with love.”

- Lexi Stevens

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Nathan English Oh Deary Me! Sophomore Shadrach Newsome and freshman Danny Yauss play Four Square, where situations change as players move around the stage.

Nathan English

Nathan English

Contestant #1, introduce yourself. In The Dating Game, sophomore Grace Gross must guess the quirks of the contestants playing. Junior Matea Linic introduces the contestants; freshman Miles Jarvis, junior Andrew Hodge, and junior Will Herbst.

May I take your order? Freshman Danny Yauss and sophomores Hunter Madden and Rachel Bellamy play Cafe of the Dead, where players have to guess what dead celebrity they are.

Putting The "M-V" in Improv

#mvimprov

8 l the viewpont l january 2013

16 members.

“Last year we lost so many good ones,” said drama teacher Jeanne Carter. “I was terrified for this year.

But the group I got, they pick stuff up so quickly, and they’re really creative. I have some really creative ninth graders. “ Carter, who has been teaching improvisation and drama since Mountain View opened, sees the improv team as an opportunity for the creativity and dramatic skills of the students to flourish.

“It’s pretty remarkable,” she said, “when you see the growth in their creativity and how sharp and fast they get things and come up with things. It’s really something that’s amazing to watch.”

The new members signaled the return of many older games that had not been played onstage for a long time.

“We had to take some games out because the ideas got really stale,” said junior Will Herbst. “but we have new styles of comedy in the games.”

These new styles of comedy include people who specialize in facial expressions or people who specialize in making wild and crazy movements onstage.

Last year about 85 people tried

out for the team. This year the number dropped to about 30, but the quality of people exceeded expectations of teachers and former members.

“Every time, there’s definitely the kids that shine. Usually the people who try out are definitely funny people. I never recall a year where we had to pick the bare minimum because there was nobody available,” Herbst said.

While new games are introduced often, members try to find games they excel in for maximum success.

“We like to put them in games where they’re strongest,” says junior Andrew Hodge.

He said his favorite game is Foreign Movie. “It’s fun to translate people when it doesn’t make sense what they’re saying.”

Newer members are mentored by older members in order for them for develop their improvisation skills.

“Last year was my first year, and I felt like the new kid just learning,” Herbst said, “and now I’m teaching the newer kids.”

The team will continue to hold shows throughout the year, keeping the spirit of on-the-spot acting alive for new audiences.

-Nathan English

Nathan English

Where can you be a snake charmer one second and in a whale’s stomach the next?

Or perhaps work in a Shamwow factory as it’s flooding?

With the Improv team, all of these are possible and occur on a regular basis as team members take makeit-up-as-you-go-along acting to new levels of hilarity and entertainment.

“The first improv show, I was actually kind of nervous, but when I got onstage I was okay,” said freshman Myles Jarvis, a new member of the team.

The most recent improv show was December 19, with members performing a variety of games including Chain Murder, where members have to communicate information similar to Telephone, and Party Quirks, where members have certain odd traits for people to guess.

“I really love that there’s a lot of audience interaction, and I like the atmosphere a lot. It’s very relaxed,” said sophomore Hunter Madden.

“It’s not a show where you had to rehearse or anything.”

After losing so many seniors considered essential members, the future of the team was uncertain, but this year the team is almost double the size of previous years at

Destined to Roast. In the game Take It Back, junior Andrew Hodge and freshman Juliana Jones act out being stuck in a cannibal stew-pot.

ask

The verbally committed athlete

With National Signing Day on February 6, two student-athletes tell why their decision of which school to sign with is unique. by Emmy Reinwald

Daesean Hamilton Penn State University Football Even though his season ended with a broken collarbone, Hamilton was still named Commonwealth District Offensive Player of the Year with more than 1,000 receiving yards this season.

After receiving scholarship offers from numerous Division I schools ranging from Virginia Tech to Illinois, Hamilton announced in December that he plans to play for Penn State University in the fall. The football program is under probation from the NCAA and still has a three-year ban on attending bowl games as well as a reduction in scholarships.

The Viewpoint: What are your feelings about not being eligible to play in a bowl game until your senior year?

Daesean Hamilton: It’s not that big of a deal to me. On the bright side, I can come home for Christmas.

TV: What was it about Penn State that made you want to play there?

DH: I liked the opportunity that I had opportunities there for me after college football. I also really liked the football community there.

TV: Was there ever a time when you thought maybe Penn State wasn’t the right decision for you?

DH: I had a little bit of doubt with the bowl bans abd then when I read that the coach was maybe going to leave, but those speculations were cleared up.

TV: This year was head coach Bill O’Brien’s first year at Penn State, how did he try to

convince you to attend?

DH: He didn’t really try to sell me anything, just told me where he could see me playing, how I could play early in college, and my educational future.

TV: You made your decision during your official visit to Penn State, what was it about the visit that influenced your decision?

DH: I think getting an in-depth view of the school and getting to know the coaches and players.

TV: Before your visit, was any other college the front runner?

DH: I couldn’t say that any of them were a front runner, but I liked Duke, Wake Forest, Miami and Virginia Tech.

Sam Boney

Virginia Military Institute Soccer On the varsity soccer team since freshman year, Boney has led the team as a center midfielder. With soccer season approaching, the senior is expected to play a key role in the Wildcats’ season. A regular on All-District teams in high school, Boney will be attending Virginia Military institute next year to play for the Keydets.

The Viewpoint: VMI is definitely not your run-of-the-mill college. Why did you decide to attend?

Sam Boney: I was looking at the Naval Academy and the Air Force Academy, but I didn’t know if I wanted to go into the military or not. VMI lets you choose once you’re there and once you kind of get a feel of the military lifestyle, and then you can see if that’s what you want to do. #Wildcatverbalcommits

TV: How did the fact that VMI is a military academy affect your decision?

SB: I definitely thought I wanted to go into the military, but I wasn’t positive. It was one of the top schools in the country, and I really liked the coach and the team so I liked it.

TV: What were your hesitations about attending VMI? SB: For one, there’s a lot of guys, and naturally that’s scary because we’re going to be doing a lot of physically demanding exercises. It’s extremely rigorous academically, and it’s very challenging to be physically and mentally ready at all times, and that in itself is scary.

TV: Did you notice any differences between how VMI recruiting you and how other colleges did?

SB: Not really, how I reacted to them was

different. My response was different as opposed to non-military schools.

TV: Did you talk with girls who are currently on the team? How did their experiences affect your decision?

SB: I talked to a couple of them because a few of them play for my club. They had nothing but good things to say. They said that the first year’s hard, but after that it’s completely rewarding and they love it. I haven’t talked to anyone who didn’t love it.

TV: What differences have you noticed between VMI’s team and other collegiate-level teams?

SB: I haven’t really gone and watched any other teams practice, and I’ve only watched them play a couple games, but honestly they’re not very good. I’m hoping to make an impact once I’m there.

What’s the difference between verbally committing and signing?

What is National Signing Day? It’s the first day a studentathlete can sign the National Letter of Intent. For most sports, it is the first Wednesday of February. This year, it falls on February 6.

What is the National Letter of Intent?

By signing this legal document, the student-athlete agrees to attend a certain university for a year, and the university agrees to provide financial aid to the student-athlete.

It does not, however, guarantee student-athletes admission into the university as the studentathlete still must apply.

Other universities are prohibited from recruiting student-athletes who have signed the National Letter of Intent.

If a student-athlete backs out and instead attends a different school, he or she loses a whole year of eligibility.

What is a verbal commitment?

According to the NCAA, a verbal commitment is a non-binding agreement from the studentathlete to attend and play for a university.

This can happen any time and is not regulated by the NCAA. Although a school may have offered a student-athlete before his or her verbal commitment, verbally committing does not mean that the scholarship has been officially accepted or given.

In most sports, the verbal commitment also acts as a way for a university to protect its prospect from being recruited to another school.

As a courtesy, most coaches do not continue to pursue athletes who have verbally committed to a university. Athletes can, and some do, back out of verbal commitments in each sport across the country.

In layman’s terms: Signing means entering a legal agreement with a school to attend and play there, while verbally committing is an informal decision to attend and play.

Source: NCAA.org

january 2013 l the viewpoint l 9

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‘Les Miserables’

‘Argo’

A musical has not won the Oscar for best picture in over ten years, but this story has many critis thinking this could be the film to break the cyle.

About 20 minutes into the movie I realized that no, this is not like “High School Musical” and yes, they will be singing every single line for the next two hours. But still, It was a beautifully shot movie since the director focuses greatly on the faces of the actors to show the intensity of emotion throughout the film.

The film follows Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) through his life as he works to raise Cossette (Amanda Seyfried) while running from the law for breaking his parole. Hathaway, who plays Fantine, is a favorite for a best supporting actress Oscar and shows that she is actually a very talented singer as well as a versatile actress. She is only actually on screen for a small amount of the movie but she really makes her presence known, even shaving her head for the role. The duo of Sasha Baron Cohen (“Bruno”) and Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix in “Harry Potter”) create great comic relief and make every scene they are in more interesting.

Overall, this film is sure to make you feel a full range of emotions, but if you don’t like musicals, don’t go because even though it is beautiful music, it is still a whole lot of music to handle.

-Victoria Conner cinemasalem.com

mrwillwong.com

One does not need to be a history buff to enjoy this drama based on the true story of a CIA operation during the Iran hostage crisis. Ben Affleck stars as Tony Mendez and also directs the film.

The movie begins with fast-paced action—the takeover of the U.S. Embassy— but the real suspense comes from worry about whether or not Mendez will be able to sneak six Americans out of Iran.

Viewers connect with Affleck’s character who is genuinely dedicated to saving the six, yet it is Alan Arkin and John Goodman who play Hollywood insiders Lester Siegel, movie producer, and John Chambers, make-up artist, respectfully, who shine. The actors bring comic relief which provides bright spots for the audience in this otherwise dark film.

Affleck, as a director, did not shy away from showing the true horrors occurring in Iran at the time: mock executions of the hostages, public hangings and riots in the plaza.

Although the plot is fictionalized from the real CIA operation, the film included many details about the Iran hostage crisis and political environment in Iran which allows the audience to fully understand the danger the six Americans were in as well as the fear they felt. The film’s ability to do so is why it has been nominated by the Academy and became well known by audiences.

-Emmy Reinwald

The Road to the Oscars

ellie pharo

With one of the most important nights in Hollywood coming up on February 24, these four films are looking to win the most sought after award of the year, the Oscar for Best Picture. Four very different genres create these very different films. Watch to see who comes out on top. ear y e h oft

Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” looks beyond the Gettysburg Address and places a rousing spin on the political process behind the conception of the 13th amendment.

Spielberg is an Oscar nominee for Best Director alongside Daniel Day-Lewis, nominated for Best Actor.

Lewis’ portrayal of a tall, gangly and heroic President Lincoln won him a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama. Sally Field’s performance as Mary Todd Lincoln displays an emotionally unstable first lady who struggles to keep her composure as she stands behind the president.

In the film, Mary Todd is portrayed as one of the president’s many burdens as well as a source of encouragement. On screen, these two qualities were highlighted in order to balance her famous psychotic episodes recorded in history books. Field gave a strong performance that revitalized an infamous White House resident and this is why she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress Oscar.

Lincoln is for history buffs who search for a vibrant perspective on the Civil War with all its components as opposed to the lackluster biographies on the History Channel. From the issue of slavery to the presdent’s personal life, this two and a half hour movie delves outside the White House and onto the battlefield to not only show the conflicts within the passage of the 13th amendment but also the split of the country that came with it.

-Niyah White january 2013l the viewpoint l 11 freepresshouston.com

If you’re in for some blood-splattered western fun, “Django Unchained” is the film of choice.

Directed by Quentin Tarantino, the movie tells the story of the freed slave Django (Jamie Foxx) as he and his bounty hunter friend (Christoph Waltz) hunt people down and attempt to rescue Django’s wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington).

The movie has the distinctive style Tarantino is known for – it’s loud, violent and outrageous, but well-shot, well-acted, colorful and extremely fun to watch.

The leading actors, Foxx, Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio as slave-owner Calvin Candie and Samuel L. Jackson as head slave Stephen, are all superb in their roles. Waltz won a best supporting actor Golden Globe and is nominated for an Oscar. The desert cinematography is spot-on and gives the movie a truly authentic visual look for the time period.

The movie is, however, very brutal in both its action scenes and depictions of slavery. It emphasizes the cruelty of slavery during the time period and sugar-coats nothing, with a certain racial slur being used many times throughout the film. However, this makes the revenge theme of the film much more effective. The exciting shoot-out scenes feature cartoon like geysers of blood spraying from victims. This is certainly not a movie for the squeamish viewer.

However, the film combines all the ingredients of great acting, great visuals and bombastic action to make a fun movie experience that entertains for all of its almost three hour running time.

-Nathan English

‘Lincoln’

aieno.com

‘Django Unchained’

vie o m #

#MVhelpsSHES

HELPING SANDY HOOK After the tragedy on December 14 at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, many have wanted to reach out to the families and friends of the victims, as well as the Newtown community.

From memorial donations to Facebook support, there are easy and meaningful ways to help out.

Here are four ideas to get you started. by Kerry Reichhardt 1 Send an Evergram

Facebook Support 3 Join the “RIP Sandy Hook Elementary

Support the Newtown community by sending an Evergram over the internet. An Evergram can be sent in the form of text, audio or video and will be directed at the Sandy Hook community and those directly affected by the loss.

Anyone interested should visit this site to send their Evergram http://www. evergram.com/events/our-brokenhearts-2542/

School Children” page on Facebook to show your sympathy electronically to those that have been affected by the tragedy.

Although it’s one step removed, online support can be a big help and comfort to the family of the victims.

4 Memorial Donations

2 Buy a Bracelet

mctcampus.com

Show your support: wear a string bracelet made by students of Mountain View.

These green and white bracelets (in honor of the SHES colors) cost $1 and the proceeds go to the Newtown Memorial Fund. Donations go toward creating memorials for the victims, providing for the victims famlilies’ needs and creating scholarships in the name of the victims.

If you’re interested, visit the IB room.

One day after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary, this small memorial was put up to honor the victims of the shooting.

Instead of sending money to a national fund, some of the victims’ families have requested that money be donated to specific causes in the name of their child.

Visit the site below for more details on the places you can send money, including Autism Speaks and funds that send money towards the planting of trees in Israel. http://whiteplains.patch.com/articles/ how-you-can-help-memorial-donationsfor-sandy-hook-victims-af70009f

Newtown tragedy brings gun violence issues to light Let me first say that I send my condolences to the people affected by the recent shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. However, I feel that this tragedy is overshadowing

by Jonas Chechak the larger problem of gun violence in this country.

Unfortunately, shootings happen daily in the US, some even more violent than this one. If we want to lessen or even eradicate gun violence in the US, we have to view this tragedy as a part of a larger problem; we must work to stop gun violence in all areas.

There are many ways we can reduce violence in the US, the first of which being gun control.

I’m not saying ban guns completely, as many people enjoy hunting and target shooting, or own

12 l the viewpoint l january 2013

weapons for self-defence. However, civilians do not need to own military-grade, automatic weapons.

These weapons are made purely for killing as many people as possible in the shortest amount of time and are often used in mass shooting such as the ones in Aurora, Colorado, and Newtown, Connecticut.

Banning or more strictly regulating gun show sales and private sales of firearms can also help stop guns getting into the wrong hands.

Unfortunately, many legislators and Americans in general will fight any form of gun control, so this solution could make the population even angrier.

Mental health laws would reduce violence in the US, especially since many of the last mass shootings have been perpetrated by those considered mentally unstable or insane.

People who seem mentally unstable should not under any circumstances - be allowed to purchase or own firearms, let alone military-grade weapons. Men-

tal health screenings could also help determine which individuals could be considered dangerous to society, and these screenings should be instituted as a part of an annual doctor’s check up or in schools. By making sure individuals with a high chance of harming others are unable to obtain the weapons to do so, we can hopefully prevent future violence.

The last thing we can do is to make sure we work to prevent gun violence overall, not just in schools.

Gun violence is an epidemic in America, and media coverage and focus should not only be on one part of it. While many recent mass shootings have been in schools, some, like the Aurora, Colorado, theater shooting, were not.

The Sandy Hook tragedy should spur a movement to stop things like this in the future, hopefully allowing us to eradicate gun violence in every area of American society.

Journey to

#journeytoindia

India

Senior Anna Poss talks about her mission trip to an Indian orphanage over winter break. By Niyah White The Viewpoint: Did you have any unique experiences while you were there?

Anna Poss: Yes, we drove around the city to a Buddhist temple.

TV: What was that like?

AP: It was interesting. We went to a Hindu temple a couple days before, and it [the Buddhist temple]wasn’t anything like that. The Buddhist temple was really simple, one big open room with a religious idol in the middle of the room.

Everyone inside the temple was sectioned off in different areas of the room praying, and there was a timeline of pictures on the wall of an influential Buddhist – but it wasn’t the Buddha.”

TV: What about the Hindu temple?

AP: The other one, the Hindu temple we went to, was for the monkey god. It was kind of strange because it was like a town of temples where you walked in and walked up all of these stairs. Then there’s a temple to your left, a temple in front of you and five other temples surrounding you.

It was kind of sad at the same time as it was being interesting and a really good experience. At one point there was a stone doll that they adorned with gold fabric. They gave their time, money and everything they had into this idol thinking that it was going to save them or give them fulfilment. It was really sad seeing people bow down and cry over this idol.

TV: Do you have plans for further involvement with their organizations in the future?

AP: I definitely want to get involved with them. I’m thinking about starting a clothing drive to send to the kids because right now only 20 to 25 of their kids are sponsored out of 70. If all of their kids were sponsored, then the organization would be able to move forward toward building on their land. However, because only 20 of the kids are sponsored, all of their money is going toward providing for the kids, like supplying

by Anna Poss

TV: Did you bond with any of the kids in particular?

AP: Yes, it’s a Christian ministry, so they have the Bible college and some of the Bible college girls are really cool. Most of the girls speak English because the orphanage teaches them English. It’s easier to talk to them and get to know them.

There was one girl named Ruth and even though there was a language barrier - her knowing a little of English, and I knew only ten phrases in Hindi - we still got along really well.

photo provided

TV: Did you have any humbling experiences?

AP: On Christmas, they celebrate Christmas a little differently.

They open all of their presents on Christmas Eve and then, on Christmas Day, they wear all of their new clothes, and they do this big performance that’s kind of like a talent show. They’ll do skits and choreograph dances.

On Christmas Eve, when they were opening their presents, they were so overjoyed with what they got. We got to wrap their presents which was part of the way we got to help them.

What they got were things like shampoo - basic toiletries - like a new toothbrush, toothpaste, three pairs of clothes, random hair accessories and donated toys that were completely not age appropriate, like a baby doll for a 13-year-old, but they were still so happy.

It was very humbling because this year I didn’t get what I wanted even though I liked what I got. They’re thankful for being able to wash their hair that day or brush their teeth, and I was upset that I didn’t get a book.

food.

TV: Would you do anything differently if you go back?

AP: I was talking to one of the owners and she told me about a medical team that comes after the Christmas team. I told her that I could cut hair, and she said that I could come and cut hair because they never get haircuts. When they do it’s more of them cutting each other’s hair. Really, I would do anything they needed me to do. I loved being there.”

january 2013 l the viewpoint l 13

Adding a little bit of {soul} to knitting Senior Alexander Burlingame explains how he got into knitting and why he started Soul Threads, a charity which donates hand-knitted hats to cancer patients. by Lexi Stevens The Viewpoint: What is the purpose of Soul Threads?

Alexander Burlingame: We knit beanies of all different styles and colors, and then send them to cancer patients that are going through chemotherapy.

TV: How long does it take to knit a hat? When do you find the time?

AB: It takes me anywhere between 45 to 90 minutes.

I knit them during class, while I’m watching television or at track meets.

TV: How did you come up with the idea for Soul Threads?

AB: One of my teammates and friends, Ben Sorensen, taught himself how to knit and then taught me. I had an idea to sell the hats, but I wanted to give them to charity.

TV: Where did the name come from?

AB: I debated over a couple names from a list. I really wanted it to be deep and reflect the meaning behind it--I wanted to touch people.

TV: What is the goal of Soul Threads?

AB: The main goal of Soul Threads is to reach out to the community and give back in a tangible way. Our motto is “knitting needs” because we believe that in such a dark time in someone’s life that everyone needs some hope, some love. It’s our goal to do just that.

TV: Who knits the hats?

AB: Ben, Ryan Glavy, Kevin Watts, Emmy Reinwald, Vince Sannicolas and myself. My teammates on the cross country and track teams normally.

TV: Who do you sent the hats to?

AB: I work through local organizations that do things like this. Any way they can get to people who need them. I contact different charities that can distribute them.

TV: What have you found most surprising about starting your own charity?

AB: The reaction of other people that I’ve motivated to do good for others.

#SoulThreads

14 l the viewpoint l december 2012

TV: What kind of response have you gotten from the community?

AB: People and random families that have been affected by cancer are touched because they are so acquainted with the disease.

TV: Who has been influential in your charity?

AB: I read a book by Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS, called “Start Something that Matters.” I come from a Christian family, and I wanted to bless people because I know what it’s like to be blessed.

TV: Who has helped you the most?

AB: Ben because it was originally his idea, and he was the one who took the time to teach me how to do it.

TV: Who has helped you the most?

AB: Ben because it was originally his idea, and he taught me how to do it.

lexi stevens

} {

TV: And what’s most satisfying?

AB: Probably knowing the implications of knitting a hat are far more reaching than I would have ever thought.

TV: How are you financing your charity?

AB: I’m selling hats by word of mouth. They’re $10, and you can pick pattern and style.

5 sports Starting next year, there will be more opportunities for state championships, less traveling and new opponents.

Albemarle and Orange High Schools will move out of Mountain View’s district, decreasing driving time for athletes. Most would agree a welcome change.

Colonial Forge, Riverbend and Stafford High Schools will also move out of MV’s district while Potomac and Freedom High Schools in Prince William will join.

These changes are good. Right? by John Keppeler

Most impacted by vhsl changes

1

BASEBALL

Number of State Champions: 6 Player’s Response “I don’t like the increase in state championships.

I think it makes them less valuable, and I don’t think you will have to work as hard to earn it.

I also dislike rival schools moving out of the district because those rivalries make competition more fun.

Overall, I don’t like the changes because it makes high school sports less competitive and fun.” -David Slupek

2

WRESTLING

Number of State Champions: 6 Player’s Response: “Well, I think they’re all right. It’s going to make the competition a lot easier, but yet some parts will be hard.”

-Jared Swan

3

SOFTBALL

Number of State Champions: 6 Player’s Response: “I think it gives us a wider range of competition instead of playing the same teams like we

always do. We’ve basically grown up with the people from Colonial Forge since middle school.

I’m a fan [of the change] because of the different competition, and it changes it up.” -Amber Scites

4

BASKETBALL

Number of State Champions: 6 Player’s Response: “In the past our varsity team has been pretty successful, and I don’t think the district change is necessary. Anyone can beat anyone on any given night.

I think winning state champions will be easier, but our teams will still have to work just as hard.”

-Bianca Dittman

5

FIELD HOCKEY

Number of State Champions: 6 Coach’s Response: “I think it’s definitely going to be different as far as our district outlook. We no longer have to play Stafford or Colonial Forge, but we can still play them if we want to.

I like it because we can play outside of the district with teams we aren’t used to. I also think not having to travel to Albemarle or Orange will be better for our athletes.”

-Pattie Sullivan

wisegeek.com

josefbrandenburg.com

#vhslchanges

january 2013 l the viewpoint l 15

BEST

Music

#tothebeatofmyheart

Valentine’s

To the beat of my heart Regardless of what type of music you like, a mix tape is always a sweet and thoughtful gift for your friends or loved one on Valentine’s Day. Here are our picks for your Valentine’s Day playlist. by Megan Clark

Ellie Pharo

Valentine's Day 2013

One Direction(2012)

This sweet pop song made girls swoon for One Direction so with any luck, it’ll work for you too!

City and Colour (2011) covered by

Maroon 5 (2009)

The Beatles (1963/1964)

Ben G. King (1986)

The Beatles were experts in writing love ballads, and these songs are no exception.

Ne-Yo (2012)

Rihanna (2012) Christinia Perri (2012)

A Thousand Years creates a mood of everlasting love-the ideal mood for Valentine’s Day.

the Lumineers

(2012)

“I belong with you, you belong with me, you’re my sweetheart” are the lyrics.

The perfect love song.

Love is like a box of chocolates...

sheys.com

Valentine’s Day HERSHEY’S Miniatures Chocolate Bars offer a variety of chocolates and a prices that’s easy on your wallet. Each miniature chocolate also includes a sweet note inside of it. (18.5 oz is a sweet deal, $7.95)

www.her

mct campus

walmart.com w

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ditu s

16 l the viewpoint l january 2013

ww .lin

This Lindt HELLO Heart Tin holds 10 heart-shaped chocolates that will make anyone’s heart swoon. ($10.00)

Mrs. Fields Classic Heart Tin with 60 Nibblers is a great choice for those who aren’t chocolate lovers. (60 count $33.99).

Ghirardelli Dark & Raspberry Squares Gift Bag-33 countthese chocolates are not only a delicious twist on a regular chocolate square with their raspberry filling, but they also scream Happy Valentine’s Day because of their packaging.( 33 count gift bag, $15.00)

www.ghirardelli.com

Hershey’s new e Cacao Reserve lin ooc ch y tin es tur fea late truffles in a tin and chocolate bars of different types.

Although this line is on the pricey side for Hershey, one will find these d quite satisfying an worth the money. r (Full-size Nibby ba for $1.99)