2021-22 Sentinel Print Publication

the south lakes Sentinel South Lakes High School

11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston , VA

Volume 37, Issue 1 Spring 2022

Embracing diversity of thought

Ch-ch-ch-changes at South Lakes

Marc Goldstein Editor in Chief

Kirito Machida Staff Writer

Anyone who is not living under a rock knows about the political discourse in America. Everything is black or white, no gray. A look at the local political landscape may provide some insight. Northern Virginia leans towards the Democrats. In fact, a staggering 69.9% of Fairfax County voters are affiliated with the Democratic Party as of the 2020 Presidential Election.

In accordance with the surrounding area, South Lakes is overwhelmingly Democratic as the vast majority of students who express their political views lean to the left on the political spectrum.

All of these statistics and numbers mean very little, though. Only a select number of seniors can actually vote in elections, so realistically, this should mean nothing at the high school level. However, at South Lakes, there are multiple clubs that revolve around specific political interests of students. These clubs include Young Democrats, Young Republicans, as well as some other, more specific interest groups related to politics.

In unconscious coordination with the rest of the nation, there is a lot of scrutiny that comes with voicing one’s political views.

Regardless of which side of the spectrum is being expressed, there is seemingly always someone who is going to disagree with another’s views and likely judge them for it.

Madelyn Bobko, Co-President of the South Lakes Young Democrats Club, states, “In my experience, history classes are where people aren’t so enthusiastic to proclaim their views because they might be scrutinized by individuals of opposing ideologies. That isn’t really the attitude that is to be brought into the learning environment. I think people should be open to having dialogue with others across the political spectrum.”

While he stands on the other side of the political spectrum, Eric Panczyszyn, staff advisor of the South Lakes Young Republicans Club, describes a similar scene of being ostracized for voicing his political opinions.

“The biggest problem is that most people in this building think this way, and I think most times they have a problem with the discrimination that they, hypotheically, will receive from everybody else in the building because it’s predominantly liberal,” he explains.

He goes on to talk about how he feels as though students do not want to come out

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What’s Inside!

News..........................................2-4 Student Life .............................4-8 Sports .....................................9-11 Crossword .................................12

Image via CNN

Photo via USA Today and say that they align themselves with the Republican Party. “(You) look at Young Democrats and how they have around 90 members. Then (you) look at (us) and how we only have like four… That is certainly not representative of the school and how some people think,” Panczyszyn says.

In the classroom, it is a similar story.

Meghan Baumann, the advisor for the Young Democrats, goes into detail about how she views the political divide amongst students, “I also teach government. In my classes, I definitely notice some pretty strong divides in terms of students that would be more on the Republican side and students that are more on the Democratic side.

And that has come out more than once in debates and classroom discussions. It is really reflected with students gravitating towards peers who share their views, maintaining that level of comfort,” Baumann says.

South Lakes, like Chantilly, has had their school political climate tested in recent years. Posters for political clubs, specifically the Young Republicans, have been torn down and even defaced by students of other ideologies. The level of discourse that

exists among the students has really made it difficult for individuals to feel comfortable sharing their views. As Steven Brown, another advisor for the Young Republicans, explains, “We have, on numerous occasions, asked students if they were willing to join the club. Their response has been that they did not want to be put in that awkward position in front of their peers.”

The only remaining question for the South Lakes community is where to go from here.

There is no definitive answer about the next steps in creating a more politically acceptable environment for students.

However, as Madelyn says, “I think that we can make a community with room for both communities and for people to feel comfortable voicing their opinions. We just have to remove this stigma about vocalizing political views.” To some degree, that might not be too difficult to accomplish, but in practice, it is challenging. Like the rest of the country, the student body at South Lakes is incredibly diverse, and the struggle lies in the willingness to agree to disagree. Perhaps the answer is to remember the words of Stephen R. Covey, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.”

Admission controversy at Thomas Jefferson High School ...2 Social media’s effect on the Russia-Ukraine conflict ............5 Shaping perception: the toxic effects of media bias ..............6 Paperless in a pandemic ..........................................................7 Why I am struggling with my college decision .....................8 MGM Sportsbook opens at Nationals Park ..........................8 KJ Saunders’ athletic trifecta .................................................9 This year’s best moments in South Lakes sports ................10 Letter from the Editor ...........................................................12

Not only are South Lakes students back in-person for the 2021-2022 school year, there have been considerable changes that differ from pre-pandemic years. Changes have been made to the grading system, lunches, school calendar, and more.

Grading has changed from previous years. A few years ago, teachers were encouraged to use a rolling gradebook system. In addition, there is a move to incorporate the 4.0 grading scale. There are some departments piloting the new system as opposed to the traditional 100 point scale.

In addition to grade scale changes, FCPS changed from Blackboard to Schoology. While there are many opinions regarding Schoology and the decision to switch, it is definitely a change that is here to stay.

Another development was the introduction of Teacher Advisory during SS. Similar classes existed in past years like Emotional Intelligence (E.I.) and SOAR. Teacher advisory has combined their efforts. Lesson topics include SOAR concepts like health, proper conduct, and safety. It also informs students about mental health and awareness, like what was shared in E.I because advisory classes are separated by counselor, it is more efficient and convenient for counselors to meet with students.

Snow days, lunches, and the school calendar also have changes implemented. Now students have laptops and experience with online learning, only the first five days of snow will be time off from school, so once those few days are spent, students will spend school days in online classes learning from home. While some may not be happy about it, the alternative is extending the school year, which most students would oppose.

School lunches have been free this year, and while it may not go beyond this year, it has impacted students’ daily routine. Many students have taken advantage of this opportunity by grabbing lunches before school. They might be able to sleep just a little bit longer without the need to grab a bite to eat before leaving for school.

Lastly, Religious and Cultural Observance days (RCOs) have been added to the school calendar. While many students relish the extra time to complete work or catch up, it has led to some odd droughts of class content making some classes rush or cut their curriculum. Additionally, there have been RCOs where classes are barren and empty.

While opinions on them may differ among students, teachers, and parents, there is no doubt that life after the pandemic has brought about changes that are here to stay.

Not only are South Lakes students back in-person for the 2021-2022 school year, there have been considerable changes that differ from pre-pandemic years. Changes have been made to the grading system, lunches, school calendar, and more.

Grading has changed from previous years. A few years ago, teachers were encouraged to use a rolling gradebook system. In addition, there is a move to incorporate the 4.0 grading scale. There are some departments piloting the new system as opposed to the traditional 100 point scale.

In addition to grade scale changes, FCPS changed from Blackboard to Schoology. While there are many opinions regarding Schoology and the decision to switch, it is definitely a change that is here to stay.

Another development was the introduction of Teacher Advisory during SS. Similar classes existed in past years like Emotional Intelligence (E.I.) and SOAR. Teacher advisory has combined their efforts. Lesson topics include SOAR concepts like health, proper conduct, and safety.. It also informs students about mental health and awareness, like what was shared in E.I.. Because advisory classes are separated by counselor, it is more efficient and convenient for counselors to meet with students.

Snow days, lunches, and the school calendar also have changes implemented. Now students have laptops and experience with online learning, only the first five days of snow will be time off from school, so once those few days are spent, students will spend school days in online classes learning from home. While some may not be happy about it, the alternative is extending the school year, which most students would oppose.

School lunches have been free this year, and while it may not go beyond this year, it has impacted students’ daily routine. Many students have taken advantage of this opportunity by grabbing lunches before school. They might be able to sleep just a little bit longer without the need to grab a bite to eat before leaving for school.

Lastly, Religious and Cultural Observance days (RCOs) have been added to the school calendar. While many students relish the extra time to complete work or catch up, it has led to some odd droughts of class content making some classes rush or cut their curriculum. Additionally, there have been RCOs where classes are barren and empty.

While opinions on them may differ among students, teachers, and parents, there is no doubt that life after the pandemic has brought about changes that are here to stay.

News

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Editorial: Stuck in thicket: the nuances of intellectual property law on American drug pricing Taylor Anderson Asst. Editor in Chief

I have carried an EpiPen for as long as I can remember. At thirteen, embarrassed by my severe nut allergy, I longed for the day a pocket-sized EpiPen became a reality. But it was not just my self-esteem that wished for a new version of that lifesaving epinephrine, my mother facing a $250 copay at the pharmacy counter had a similar desire.

Over the summer of 2021, after discovering a fascination with the subject of intellectual property law, I came to realize why my EpiPen, and its price, wouldn’t shrink. Ultimately learning the US patent system, its power, and how it has enabled the US pharmaceutical industry to exploit its consumers. In 2016, a typical EpiPen worth only 10 dollars cost patients upwards of 600 dollars without insurance coverage: the infuriating result of current patent laws that allow EpiPen’s patent holder, Mylan, to maintain a monopoly over the product for up to 20 years.

FDA approval for cheaper, generic brand alternatives lagged, newer technologies were recalled, and the price tag on the dominating EpiPen skyrocketed. Beyond this, most insurance companies refused to cover the affordable alternatives, putting patients in an even tighter bind.

Illustrations by Taylor Anderson/The Sentinel But the EpiPen is just one example.

Similar life-saving medications such as insulin and Revlimid—a common cancer treatment— are still locked up in patent thickets leaving patients unable to afford the medications they need to survive.

Within the scope of domestic and international policy, the implementation of legislation relating to drug pricing which combats the abuse of patent holder privileges and encourages consumer accessibility within the market is ideal. To repair the dents in the everyday patient’s pocket.

In 2017, each of 12 top grossing drugs in the US amassed “125 patent applications filed and 71 granted patents” per drug.

Having remained on the market for over 15 years, accumulating more than 38 years worth of “attempted patent protection blocking generic competition,” according to a study by I-MAK. At almost two times the 20 year monopoly regulation intended under U.S patent law, these twelve drugs have seen a “68% price increase since 2021” leaving only one slightly reduced, the study deduces.

Filing an absurd amount of patents creates what is known as a patent thicket, and in this case, a patient’s nightmare. As the I-MAK study proved, big pharma compa-

nies overlap patents on pieces and parts of their unique, and sometimes extremely basic, life saving drugs. Placing 20 year holds on the applicators, injection methods, manufacturing method, etc. begin to create a ‘thicket’ competing companies must prod through.

Eliminating drug monopolies on Insulin and EpiPen with basic legislation is realistically easier said than done. Institute for Policy Innovation (IPI) lobbyist and resident scholar, Dr. Merril Matthews takes a contrary defensive approach, contrary to patent protective legislation proposed by Texas Republican Senator, John Cornryn, in relation to American drug companies.

Although backed by groups, including Patients for Affordable Drugs, Coalition for Affordable Prescription Drugs, and Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing, Dr. Matthews sees that due reparations to the current abuse-inducing patent system “overreaches and would limit the ability of pharmaceutical firms to develop and improve medicines.” Warning also that drastic measures would “bring medical innovation to a standstill” Dr. Matthews reasonably indicates how “more complicated diseases require more complicated drugs, which opens the door to multiple

Controversial bills passed and big bills left undecided Sofian Halibi Staff Writer

Photo via Bob Brown/AP

The Virginia General Assembly has adjourned following their 60-day session with numerous bills passed, but also some bigger legislation left for the future. The recently Republican-controlled House of Delegates and governorship used its power to curb Democratic priorities, while the Democraticcontrolled Senate used its own authority to stomp Republican issues. This divide in power saw a number of proposed legislation left undecided for a future special session, such as the fought-over tax cuts attempting to pass and the state budget which was fought over from both sides of the aisle, but failed to materialize a final budget.

One of the main reasons the two-year state budget failed to pass was because legislators were unable to craft an agreed-upon budget that incorporated the many tax cuts that Governor Glenn Youngkin advertised during his campaign. Mainly, Youngkin pursued a double to the standard deduction for personal income taxes and a complete cut to the grocery tax. While a version of the budget passed with both cuts, the Senate wanted to investigate how the standard-deduction would affect the state revenue.

However, the Senate was able to agree upon the cut to the grocery tax, but the 1% tax that goes straight into local governments will be maintained.

Other tax cuts include a statewide $1.2 billionax rebate for Virginians, $300 for individuals, and $600 for families. An additional cut to gasoline taxes was also proposed, but ultimately killed in the Senate (Washington Post).

Additionally, education was an important issue that the Assembly fought over.

One of Youngkin’s main appeals as governor was his promise to give parents greater freedom over their children’s education. Youngkin scored a victory ending mask mandates within schools and allowing parents to opt their children out of assignments with sexually explicit material. But Senate Democrats shot down proposals to expand charter schools and ban teaching critical race theory. However, both Republicans and Democrats were able to agree on the expansion of “lab schools,” which would see universities and colleges be partnered with K-12 schools, but funding for these schools hasn’t been set in stone.

Democrats proposed amendments to end obsolete wording against same-sex marriage and decades-old laws that prohibited felons from voting. Both of these amendments were killed by Republicans.

An interesting issue saw legislators attempt to “lure in” the Washington Commanders into Virginia with a new stadium. Bills proposed would offer bonds for the construction of the stadium, but they differed in the time frame for the construction and exactly how much of the money would go into the team and would have to be paid off.

The progressive “Marcus Alert” Law would see mental health professionals become more involved in mental health crises, lessening police involvement. The bill is named after Marcus-David Peters who was fatally shot after he charged an officer while he was under a mental health crisis.

The assembly also redefined cannabis within Virginia, defining marijuana as anything that contains more than 0.3% THC. Additionally, House Republicans blocked the Senate-backed attempt to quicken sales of legal recreational marijuana in Virginia.

The Virginia General Assembly was able to pass numerous bills regarding a wide variety of issues.

This session was made particularly interesting, as it was the first under Governor Youngkin and the first with a Republican-controlled House of Delegates.

The normally Democratic-controlled Richmond saw a number of issues from both sides of the aisle being fought over. While many compromises were made, the Assembly was unable to formalize the two-year state budget that will have to be left for a special session in the future.

patents.”

There is a lack of unopposed legislation that has truly broken up patent corruption in the United States. Yet this could be reversed by mimicking the health care policies of foreign countries, such as France, Germany and the United Kingdom, all of whom require price caps on medications and flaunt successful universal health care systems.

The ultimate goal should be to initially minimize the protection terms on patents down by at least fifteen years and allocate a portion of the US healthcare budget to subsidize those life saving medications locked up in patent thickets, while still incentivizing original innovation.

Though what is truly baffling, is in the absence of lobbyists and big pharma with political motivations, an alteration to this specific course of history is highly achievable with only the help of unbiased legal policy implemented to reach this ideal system. In the future I believe that every one of the severely allergic, the diabetic, or the cancer-fighting, will be able to approach their pharmacy counters without pressure on their shoulders if the patent system underwent even a miniscule amendment.

Photo via John MacDougall/Getty Images

Climate report warns of worsening of global warming Sarina Nayak Staff Writer By 2085, snow days could become a memory of the past while a month’s worth of temperatures higher than 100° Fahrenheit become the reality for Fairfax County residents.

The Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (FCOEEC) recently released a climate report as a part of their Resilient Fairfax initiative. The report detailed the county’s predictions for weather and climate in the upcoming years.

In a higher risk scenario, where we continue our current projections of fossil fuel emissions into the year 2050, the report predicted that we would have less than three days of snowfall.

And by 2085, the county might have less than one day of snowfall by that year.

Although there might be a decrease in winter precipitation, there will be an increase in rain and stormy weather. Additionally, the report describes that “very hot days at, or above, 90 degrees Fairenheit in Fairfax County are projected to rise significantly from 29 days per year today to more than 60 days per year in 2050”.

These alarming predictions are made due to high emission rates. Although some hoped emission rates would remain low after the beginning of the pandemic, in 2021, carbon emission rates increased by almost eight percent. In 2019, the United States emitted

6,558 million metric tons of greenhouse gases, according to the EPA. Simple activities like driving a car, running the lights too long, turning on the heater, and much more all release greenhouse gases into the environment. In 2017, transportation accounted for 14% of emission rates while electricity and heat production accounted for 27.5% of emission rates as reported by the NRDC. Additionally, industrial emissions account for more than one-fifth of the emission levels.

Even if efforts are made to be more conscious of our carbon footprints, global warming is still likely to worsen, just at a slower rate.

Slowing the rate requires full cooperation from individuals everywhere. The report details that the county should begin preparing for any scenario.

“Fairfax County is not immune to the effects of climate change and this report is a crucial piece of the puzzle as we prepare our community to be more resilient in the future,” commented Kambiz Agazi, Director of the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination.

Though the climate will see drastic changes within the next 50 years, it is still possible to slow this process down by being more environmentally conscious and making our best attempts to reduce our carbon footprints.

News

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The truth behind FCPS Religious and Cultural Observance days Brooke Snyder News Editor

On November 4th, Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs celebrate Diwali, rejoicing in the victory of light over darkness, as it is an important holiday for many Americans of Indian descent. Instead of closing school, FCPS deemed Diwali, and many other religious holidays, religious and cultural observance days. RCO Days allow students to exercise excused absences and restrict any new material from being taught in classrooms.

Virginia law states that each school system must provide 180 days or 990 hours of instruction.

If the county wants to consider having a day off, the holiday must have some secular justification, such as student and faculty absences that disrupt the progression of learning. The FCPS religious observance day calendar, which was newly approved by the school board last March, intended to have a fair balance between closure and honoring critical religious celebrations. In 2019, FCPS commissioned a Religious Observances Task Force to provide input on FCPS’s calendar. With their help FCPS proposed rules that state

tests, field trips, homecomings, and other events cannot be scheduled on any of the 15 religious and cultural observance days designated by the calendar. Many faithbased organizations have pushed back in response.

A large number of observance days “wound up creating more problems,” said Guila Franklin Siegel, associate director of Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington. Franklin is frustrated by these days because she feels that they are “continuing the dismissive treatment of minority students.” She argues that schools are always closed for the major Christian holidays, such as Christmas. The JCRC of Greater Washington sent a follow-up letter to the school board in October, voicing how the school system fails to accommodate the needs of many Jewish students.

Another example of poor planning was the decision to include the last day of Passover, rather than the first, as a religious observance day. FCPS failed to recognize that Jewish holidays begin the night before a holy day, creating conflicts for back-to-school nights and other events. Marcy Schwab, a JCRC board member, believes the school board “underestimates the diversity of the county, the

Admission controversy at Thomas Jefferson High School Dania Hernandez Staff Writer

Above: Photo via Mareta Creations of Thomas Jefferson High School

Recently, there have been protests advocating for the removal of merit-based admissions at Virginia state-chartered magnet school, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. The school was founded in 1985, and has since been known for its academic performance. Though as of late, it has failed to include diversity in its student body.

Students must pass a merit-based test in order to compete for a highly competitive spot at the school. Requirements as of 2021 included standardized tests, 3.5-4.0 gradepoint average, completion of specific math courses, and recommendations from teachers.

Alongside curricular requirements, there is a $100 attendance fee.

According to the Fairfax County Times, Federal Judge Claude Hilton “issued a 31-page ruling Fairfax County Public Schools violated the law by changing admission requirements [to reduce the number of Asian-American students enrolled]”. Emails were exchanged between the School Board and FCPS officials to argue otherwise: that the decision was not

meant to disadvantage the Asian-American students.

The Washington Post editorial board found the process to be ignorant towards race, gender, and national origin, and that it was “anachronistic”. They wrote that the entrance exam and fees were socioeconomic disadvantages to students. FCPS tried to improve and revise the merit method of the school.

TJ Alumni Action Group states that students should be allowed admission to the school regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background.

The student body of TJ is composed of 2.6% Hispanics, 1.7% Black, 0.9% disabled students, 2.4% free and reduced price lunch students. Whereas, The Fairfax County Student body is 25.9% Hispanic, 9.8% Black, 14.7% of students are disabled, and 29% of students have free and reduced priced lunch.

The percentage of Asian students who were admitted in the class of 2025, still align with the historical trends that were dating back at least 17 years prior. According to the WTOP, “Black and Hispanic students [were still] underrepresented within the student body.”

Under the new policies, Asian representation went from 73-54% whereas, Blacks went from one to seven percent and Hispanic students increased from three to 11%.

“The lack of diversity at [Thomas Jefferson] is a visible display of discrimination within Fairfax County Public Schools failing to educate students of colors such as AfricanAmercians to the same standard of white students,” stated Kofi Annan, the former NAACP Fairfax Chapter President. Since the high school is known for being advanced in both math and science, it would make sense for the admission standards to be higher.

Annan also stated, “Fairfax County has the power to even out the playing field and provide the opportunity to enroll Black students

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importance of those days, and the impact it has on our children.”

Farah Ahmad, who works with educational programming at the McLean Islamic Center, emphasized that the calendar does not reflect the shifting demographics in our country. Jew, Muslim, Hindu, and other minority populations have grown steadily in Fairfax County. “Actions speak louder than words,” Ahmad added, urging the school board to make changes to the calendar for the upcoming school year, including closing school on Eid. She feels that “Fairfax County needs to step up.”

After the controversy surrounding last year’s calendar, the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) asked schools to establish a calendar feedback committee with “broad representation”.

These committees will make sure to consist of staff, parents, and community members all with different backgrounds (such as Christian, Judaism, Muslim, and Hindu). Additionally, FCPS issued a survey to collect community feedback. VDOE’s new calendar will be in effect from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. A majority of all groups responded that they were satisfied with the calendar.

into TJ. Black scholars can [achieve anything] when provided with the [opportunity to do so].”

Despite Fairfax County having a diverse student body, the county has said that the new admission policies were intended to be race-neutral. FCPS wanted to increase the quantity of Black and Hispanic students attending TJ; they have stated that they had no intent of harming the Asian-American population. John Foster, an FCPS lawyer, said that the county will consider an appeal of the judge’s ruling.

Above: Photo via Brookfield Properties of Reston Wegmans’ proposal

Welcoming Wegmans to Reston in 2022 Arik Weizman Staff Writer

The Reston community will enjoy the perks of shopping at Wegmans grocery store. Construction is currently underway and is expected to be completed this summer. Wegmans will be located at Halley Rise, near the new Reston Metro Station.

Covid on the home turf: fighting the spread Samia Akter Staff Writer

Fairfax County has faced a high number of cases in the first few months of 2022.

However, as time has gone by, the number of cases have gone down. In a matter of just three months, Fairfax County went from one of the worst times of the virus outbreak, to one of the best.

From March of 2020 all the way to the beginning of December 2021, cases in Fairfax County did not exceed 800 on a daily average. Towards the end of December, there were already 1,000 new cases. The numbers gradually decreased to 600 per day in February 2022, and they have continued to decrease.

Vaccinations have been available for everyone over the age of five for a couple of months now. Of people ages five and up, 81% of them are fully vaccinated in Fairfax County, while ages 65 and up are 86% vaccinated. As of March 2022, a total of 2,211,928 doses have been given to the residents of Fairfax County.

Booster shots are just another dose of the current vaccine. The original two doses a person gets when they get vaccinated wear off slowly. Waning immunity occurs, where the protection against Covid-19 decreases over time. Someone who has a weak immune system is advised to get the booster shot.

Currently, individuals who are ages 12 and up are recommended to get their booster dose.

Covid has been around for a little over two years now, and is still continuing to impact everyone’s daily routine. Simple things like getting the first two doses of the vaccine, isolation for months, and going virtual, were tough for many people, but as days go by, it’s getting easier to move forward, knowing that Covid still exists.

Reston lacks a gourmet supermarket. Trader Joes comes close, but it is too small and its location is not as convenient to the Metro Station. There are other stores many Restonians rely on for their groceries, but their products are typically more expensive, especially with the current rate of inflation.

Since Wegmans offers shoppers an upscale shopping experience, it has created a more competitive market.

They carry gourmet items as well as everyday items priced competitively.

Wegmans is a great company to work for as it ranked second only behind Google according to a study done by Fortune magazine.

They pay well and offer excellent benefits and flexible schedules.

Grocery shopping is not what it used to be, and thanks to Wegmans it’s a much more enjoyable experience!

News/Student Life

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Changing the grading system Sophia Paradowski Staff Writer

From as early as kindergarten, students are given marks on their behavior, aptitude, and ability to work, intended to motivate them into doing the best they can. While these measurements are helpful in gauging how well a student is grasping a topic, these grades can also become something to fear. It’s no longer about the content, it’s about getting 100%.

South Lakes’ current grading system puts emphasis on completing what is assigned, and students do just that. They study what they think will be on the test and finish the work that has the biggest impact on their grade. Learning is secondary. It becomes about memorization and spitting out facts.

“Whether or not I’m planning on grading an assignment is not something I would ever, ever tell the students. If you tell them that, a lot of kids will be like, ‘I don’t even have to bother doing this.’ It might be something that’s really valuable for the learning, but they’re only going to do it if they know they’re going to get some kind of grade for it,” Chemistry teacher Mr. Leitch explained.

FCPS’ system can also negatively impact students’ self-worth, as grades become a marker of how “smart” someone is and if their work is subjectively good. Getting a low grade convinces a student that what they did wasn’t enough, even if they spent hours perfecting their assignment.

“The grading system sometimes lowers my self-esteem if I feel like I did really well on something but then I get a grade that I don’t expect, and it makes me feel

Photo via Getty Images bad about myself, even though it shouldn’t determine your self-worth,” Sophomore Sophia Pick stated.

While we can’t completely eliminate grades, changing the system could be a step in the right direction. For example, using a method similar to the IB 7.0 scale or 4.0 system school-wide could help address the problems our current grading system has.

Students are graded using a scale from 1-7 (where both a 6 and 7 are within the “A” range) or the 4.0 system that utilizes detailed, specific criteria to determine a score. The students can remain motivated to complete assignments and have more opportunities for success. Widening the range for “A”s and “B”s would alleviate some of the pressure on students and allow them to focus on understanding material. The rubric, which lists exactly what a teacher is looking for and how an assignment should look, will not only improve students’ comprehension of assignments, but also give them feedback on what they could improve on if they got a lower score.

“I like the 4.0 a little bit better, because it holds students accountable for completing

Everything to know about cryptocurrency Ryan Ertlschweiger Staff Writer

Photo via NurPhoto via Getty Images In 2009, Satoshi Nakamoto created Bitcoin, which is undoubtedly the largest and most influential cryptocurrency ever.

This digital currency was the first of its kind and was especially unique due to the fact that it’s not reliant on a central authority, like a government or bank, to uphold or maintain the value. Since the introduction of Bitcoin, many other cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum and Litecoin, have also been created. As of March 2022, there are over 18,000 cryptocurrencies, however most of these have little to no following or trade volume. With the steady rise in cryptocurrency, more and more people want to get involved with crypto. However lots of people seem apprehensive about investing in Bitcoin due to safety concerns of these digital currencies. People’s skepticism also stems from their lack of knowledge surrounding Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and the stock market in general.

Apart from trying to make a profit, thereare many different reasons to put money into cryptocurrencies, one of which being avoiding inflation. Inflation is a natural process where the increase of a money supply decreases the value of the currency. For example, the U.S. dollar has seen a 15.4% inflation rate since 2016. In simpler terms, 85 cents today is equivalent to 1.00 dollar in 2016. While this rate of inflation may not seem significant, this discrepancy over six years becomes much larger over the course of multiple decades. As it has been seen in countries like Venezuela, hyperinflation can financially cripple a country’s economy. The reason Bitcoin isn’t affected by inflation is because when Bitcoin was created, Nakamoto set a cap of 21 million Bitcoin in order to prevent the possibility of inflation. Currently, around 19 million Bitcoin are currently in circulation, with 2 million still left to be mined.

When it comes to the safety concerns surrounding Bitcoin, or more specifically cryptocurrencies, blockchain is the safety net put in place to eliminate any fraudulent activities. The MIT Technology Review described the use of blockchain as, “The whole point of using a blockchain is to let people - in particular, people who don’t trust another - share valuable data in a secure , tamperproof way”. The first decentralized blockchain was introduced in 2008, just a year before Nakamoto introduced Bitcoin. A somewhat comparable analogy to the blockchain is a simple Google Doc. In a blockchain, similar to a single Google Doc with public access, all purchases, sellings, or other transactions

their work, but at the same time it allows them to come back and complete things when they don’t turn them in. Also, most colleges grade by that 4.0 standard, so once you start getting toward the later grades it’s good that you understand how grades are going to be calculated when you move onto the next step,” Mr Leitch continued.

Even a small change to the type of assignments students are given could help improve kids’ relationship with grades.

More hands-on, project based learning could give students the time they need to understand a topic, learn, and ask questions without feeling rushed or worried that one test day will determine their grade.

Projects, compared to tests and quizzes, give a more accurate representation of what a student can do since they’re given the time and materials to learn and create themselves. Rather than having one, forty question exam that only indicates a student can study, assigning projects teaches them to problem solve, manage their time, and work independently while still displaying how much they know about their topic.

Students also have different learning styles that can impact their grades and how beneficial a specific assignment is for them.

According to Bay Atlantic University, one model “identifies four types of learners: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and reading/ writing.” A student who is a kinesthetic learner enjoys hands-on activities and understands concepts best when they practice themselves, and therefore might struggle with a topic if their only way of receiving new information is through articles or readings. Similarly, reading learners could have trouble understanding concepts if they have to learn through discussion and talking things out. These obstacles could negatively affect students’ grades, even if they’re trying their best to grasp the material. Assigning a wide

can be seen in real time in the same place by everyone watching. This 24/7 surveillance of the blockchain creates a safe and secure environment for the average person, and yields no advantages or loopholes to cheat or hack the system.

From the hype surrounding crypto, the amplified inflation in the U.S., and the fraudulent preventative safety nets, buying Bitcoin or other larger-scale cryptocurrencies wouldn’t be a bad investment, even if someone doesn’t have background knowledge on the subject. All in all, the crypto market isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and hopefully this broad insight into the history and current state of crypto allows people to be more comfortable with the idea of investing in cryptocurrency in the future.

Bow Tie Cinemas leaves Reston Town Center

Photo via Fairfax Now

Paige Paulikonis Staff Writer

4 variety of projects that target different learning styles could be beneficial to students who feel they can’t understand a unit no matter how much effort they put into studying.

“As teachers, we need to focus on figuring out what actually motivates kids.

Instead of having everything lumped on grades, we could maybe have some project-based outcomes or things that don’t necessarily get those grades, but still deliver the content,” Mr. Leitch suggested.

Whichever system FCPS chooses also needs to be implemented in all classes.

Having three different grading structures in seven courses makes it hard for students to adjust and understand how each of their teachers are grading. Deciding on one school-wide scale would explain exactly how kids are being evaluated and what they need to do in order to get the best grade possible.

A world without grades entirely seems out of the question, and to some extent it is.

Colleges need GPAs to be submitted and school boards would have to figure out a way to keep students engaged. Currently, grades are the driving force behind most students’ best work and need to succeed.

“Right now the entire focus that the world has is on grades, so do I think that there is a way to have a successful school and education without them? Yes. But so much has to change with the way we as a culture think before we even think about going there,” Mr. Leitch concluded.

South Lakes’ grading system motivates students to complete work, but it doesn’t motivate them to learn. Education has become something on the side, the added benefit of getting an “A,” not the purpose, and teaches students to fear failure.

Making a change is integral to getting kids’ focus back on education and mending their relationship with academic progress.

The famous Bow Tie Cinemas in Reston Town Center plans to close in May, and have not renewed its lease this year. The Bow Tie Cinemas has been a main attraction for those who visit the Reston area ever since replacing the Rave Cinema in 2011. The theater was shut down during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic before reopening on Memorial Day Weekend.

The theater’s regulars have noticed delayed showings and maintenance issues. However, the exact cause for the closure is unknown. The theater was able to attract a wider area of people, including Loudon County residents, due to the diverse selection of movies shown, such as mainstream hits, art films, documentaries and foreign language films.

It is sad to see Bow Tie Cinemas close, but exciting to see what is to come.

Luckily, a new theater plans to open in Reston Town Center.

Sapna Yathraj, a spokesperson for Boston Properties stated that they “completed a lease with a new theater operator late last year.” The company has not released any other information and declined to speak on the name of the new theater.

Student Life

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Crumbl Book review: These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong Cookies Emily Conway Staff Writer coming to Reston Sean Cacares Staff Writer

These Violent Delights is a Young Adult Historical Fantasy novel by Chloe Gong set in Shanghai in the 1920’s, right after The Great War. Juliette Cai, the heir to the formidable Scarlet Gang, returns from America eager to prove her worth and ruthlessness as the first female heir to the Scarlet Gang. Due to Juliette’s catastrophic romance that caused her to be sent away to America, her loyalty and devotion are always questioned by her family. In order to keep the Scarlet Gang in control of Shanghai, Juliette

has to show that she is a strong and cunning leader who will do whatever it takes to keep the Scarlet Gang, and herself, in power.

However, when a mysterious sickness causes her people to tear out their own throats, Juliette has no choice but to team up with Roma Montagov, the heir to the Scarlet Gang’s sworn enemies: the White Flowers. While the Russian White Flowers are newcomers to the city, they hold a great amount of power and respect that rivals the Scarlet Gang.

Working with the White Flowers won’t be easy, because falling in love with Roma Montagov is what got Juliette banished to America, and the reason why her loyalty will always be in doubt.

Social media’s effect on the Russia-Ukraine conflict

Although, Roma never got over Juliette either, and working together again is complicated as they try to unravel the mystery.

I first got my copy of These Violent Delights from Owlcrate, a book subscription box, back in December of 2020. I absolutely loved this book, from the Romeo and Juliette references to the amazing side characters. The characters are with a lot of moral and ethical complexity that’s typically hard to pull off.

These Violent Delights offer the consequences of Western imperialism, queer representation and plenty of morally grey characters. It was interesting to read a book that shines a light on a seldom-depicted setting in history. It represents

how much influence Western imperialism had on Asian cities and civilizations.

Shanghai was often called the “Paris of the East”, and for good reason. Shanghai was pulled in many different directions as a result of different historical events happening all around the city such as the Opium wars, rise of communism, rivalries between the English and the French, which is excellently represented in this book.

The sequel to These Violent Delights, Our Violent Ends, is also an extremely good book that might just be better than the first one. As one of my favorite series, I can confidently say that this series is definitely worth reading.

Living in a virtual reality Emmalina Sjapeki Staff Writer

Photo via Fairfax Now It’s official, Crumbl Cookies is open at Plaza America!

They were supposed to open January 16th but experienced delays due to supply chain issues, but the new opening date was March 18th. Crumbl Cookies first rose to fame in February of 2021, when one of their weekly flavors TikToks reached over 1 million views.

Since then, they have been increasing in popularity every week with many creators filming food reviews on the cookies. Cookies are made from scratch in the store and then are sold onsite or delivered.

Crumbl Cookies started in Utah by two cousins, Jason McGowan and Sawyer Hemsley. Their gourmet cookies come in over 60 different flavors with a few of the best being Churro, Super Galaxy Brownie, Key Lime, and S’mores. The Reston location will be operated by professional baker and local resident Natalie Paukstys. Natalie works alongside her husband, Dovy, and was neighbors with Jason McGowan. She also operates the Leesburg location. She had first tried Crumbl four years ago and watched the brand blossom nationwide. In her interview with FFXNow, Pauksty said, “When we eventually settled in our forever home here in Virginia, we knew we had to take part in bringing Crumbl here.”

Students at South Lakes are ecstatic and are counting down the days until opening day. “I go to Crumbl every other month or so with my friends as a hangout at the Vienna location. The new Reston location will be much closer to everybody making the commute much easier and accessible for my friends,” said senior Brandon Baumgartner.

Crumbl is ever-increasing in popularity and is planning to open more locations nationwide. Currently, Crumbl has 263 locations across 36 states in the US. The Reston location is sure to receive lots of attention and customers in the coming weeks.

Photo via Medium

Amany Nassar Staff Writer When Russia declared war on Ukraine, thousands of videos and pictures were posted on social media platforms of Russian attacks in Ukraine; many of them were fake. The internet does not care whether something is true or false, it is all about what can get the most clicks, likes, and shares.

A video was posted on Facebook with the caption “Just crazy footage of a Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29 shooting down an enemy Su-35 fighter jet. Glory to Ukraine,”. The video was viewed millions of times after being reposted on YouTube and Twitter. A couple of days later, fact-checkers from multiple news corporations such as CNN and USA Today identified the video from the video game “Digital Combat Simulator World”. The spokesperson for the company also confirmed that the footage was from the game. This leads to the question of how many people take the time to fact-check videos, articles, and pictures. Zignal Labs found that 86% of social media users do not check news spotted on social media.

This number is alarming especially during a time of war.

The problem of misinformation is not just on social media, but the majority of people only read article headlines. The Washington Post found that 70% of Americans only read article headlines while Chartbeat conducted a survey in which they found that 55% of readers read articles for 15 seconds or less.

Article headlines are meant to draw readers in and exaggerate the news to get clicks. Relying on article headlines alone is another way misinformation is spread.

Social media is influencing how people view Russia’s attacks on Ukraine, and the Kremlin has begun to use this to their advantage. The Kremlin has started paying Russian TikTokers and other social media creators to spread pro-Kremlin propaganda. In response, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube have begun to slow down their services in Russia. The goal is to make them more

Photo via Getty Images

frustrating to use to stop the propaganda coming out of the country. They have even banned Russian content on their platforms. TikTok has not stopped its services in Russia, and has become an easy way to spread misinformation.

NewsGuard found that after searching generic terms related to the conflict, like “Ukraine” or “Donbas”, the search results displayed multiple videos containing disinformation in its top 20 results.TikTok has banned its live streaming services in Russia, but that does not stop the spread of misinformation on its platform. Russian propaganda continues to be posted on the platform.

The White House has acknowledged the misinformation being spread on different social media platforms regarding the ongoing war and has briefed 30 TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter creators on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary, briefed the creators with an overview of the latest in Ukraine and took questions from the attendees. “As the Russian government has begun paying TikTok creators to produce pro-Kremlin propaganda, briefings like these are a critical tool to ensure that creators can have their questions answered and can provide accurate information to their followers,” a White House official said.

Disinformation and misinformation run rampant all over social media platforms, especially during this time of war. The Kremlin has silenced any independent news outlets in the country while the foreign media has also been blocked in Russia. Access to social media has also been cut off to most Russians. Russia is isolating itself while spreading propaganda all over the internet. It is important to fact-check the videos, pictures, and articles that appear on these platforms. Check where the posts are coming from, and check to see if any credible organizations or news sources have fact-checked it. Keep in mind that propaganda can be anywhere and everywhere.

In the 60s it was heroin, in the 80s it was crack, and at the turn of the century it was marijuana. This generation’s drug of choice is the internet. There has been a drastic shift in how people utilize the ever changing landscape of the web. In this new world, people no longer see the internet as a tool.

Instead, it is a way of life.

During the pandemic, social media apps experienced a jump in membership across all demographics, but it remains true that the most influential users are teens. Of all age groups, teenagers spend the most amount of time on social media, and this can have significant negative effects on their mental health.

Often, social media use can lead to feelings of anxiety as users compare themselves to an idealized version of someone else.

Social media can even alter the way our brains work, changing the way we receive the chemicals that allow us to feel joy. Many users can become fixated on the quick and easy entertainment that social media apps can provide.

As the world turned to virtual solutions after the havoc caused

by COVID-19, a primary form of escape from the stress of the outside world became social media.

Students spent so much time online during the pandemic, in fact, that the repercussions may have bled into the outside world.

The increased use of the internet may have negatively affected the social and emotional development of children and teenagers.

As the pandemic relegated people to the home, many children and teenagers missed out on extracurricular activities, limiting social interaction and physical exercise.

Instead, they spent more time online, where social media apps and entertainment sites increase

feelings of social isolation. The amount of time spent on screens can lead to permanent eye damage, and since 1971, nearsightedness has nearly doubled in the U.S. While social media caters to teens, people of all age groups are guilty of spending too much time on apps. Case in point: the age of the average Facebook user in the U.S. is around 40 years old. Since so many people enjoy the benefits of neverending content and hardly anyone actually reads the Terms and Conditions, it is easy for companies to take advantage of users and get away with loose privacy laws or other abuses. In the age of the internet, it’s far too easy to become addicted to the quickly accessible entertainment at the tips of our fingers, but we may look back at this era of loosely regulated web use and privacy laws the same way we look back at the loosely regulated medical treatments of our past: with shock and dismay at the unhealthy practices our ancestors relied on.

Even so, the internet has provided many benefits to people around the globe. There is a vast amount of knowledge on the internet, which is beneficial for conducting research and sourcing information. People are more connected than ever, and can strengthen relationships that they have developed in the real world or connect with those who live in different places. Social media can help people practice digital literacy and critical media consumption, as people have to sort through unreliable sources everyday. Social media allows students and workers to talk to their teachers or employers via email, and can help people practice networking for future opportunities. For those who are artistically inclined, content creation is now a viable career path that people can pursue. Perhaps most important, news can be shared immediately, and injustices can quickly be broadcasted to a large audience via social media.

The effect that the internet will have on mental wellbeing remains to be seen, and the full consequences will likely be experienced as this generation matures. Nevertheless, the internet isn’t going anywhere, and all we can hope for is that it is in wise hands.

Student Life

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Some things never change: South Lakes comes full circle Chloe Baker Co Student Life Editor South Lakes High School first opened its doors in 1978. While that may seem like a long time ago, not much has changed over the 44 years that it has been educating the students of Reston. Of course, there have been physical changes such as the addition of the 600’s wing, and no longer having four cafeterias or colored carpets in the subschools. However, a strong sense of community remains.

South Lakes’ very own principal, Ms. Kimberly Retzer, attended South Lakes as a student from 1985-89. She also served as senior class president.

“Student government took up a lot of my time, and I was also involved in S.A.D.D. ‘Students Against Drunk Driving.’ We had a large chapter back then,” she said. Homecoming was her favorite event and continues to be the most popular event of the year.

“People would color their hair, paint their faces, and dress up for Spirit Week. I remember building and riding on my 10th grade Homecoming Parade float. We used chicken wire and napkins to decorate it,” she says. Geometry teacher, Ms. Kellye Young, who also attended South Lakes as a student, adds that “the excitement surrounding Homecoming has always been there.

It’s my favorite week of the school year, and I had ‘Homecoming withdrawals’ when I was in college.”

The volunteer work and community service that South Lakes students participate in is just another aspect of what it means to be a Seahawk. This was the case then, and it’s still the case today.

Canned food drives and various other fundraisers have taken place every year. Mrs. Retzer explained, “The idea that we work, live, play, and serve in Reston has always been important to us, but especially the service element. We’ve always looked out for each other. The idea that our school is very much a community has never changed,” Retzer said.

Since its founding, the Reston community has seen a lot of growth and change. The million dollar houses by the lake and affordable housing have always coexisted, but the economic divide has continued to stretch over the years. When Mrs. Retzer was a student, the percentage of non-white students was around 15% to 20%, but now, South Lakes is a majority minority school. “Our diversity is much greater now. We’ve always had it, but it was different back then. That being said, we were much more diverse than other schools in our area,” Retzer explained.

When English teacher, and former South Lakes student Mrs. Dawn Garcia moved to Reston, the diversity is what stood out to her. “I came to South Lakes after living in a predominantly white area. It was really refreshing to come to a hub of diversity, and it felt nice to be around so many different types of people. It was and is a welcoming environment for all,” she said.

Mrs. Retzer has had countless positive experiences over her years as a student and as a principal at South Lakes, but the thing she is most proud of is the “We Are” wall. “It is such a bold statement about what is most important to us, and the fact that our goal is to make everyone feel accepted,” she says. Mrs. Retzer takes it personally when students do not feel accepted at South Lakes, and prioritizes making all who work and attend school feel welcome. The South Lakes community’s foundation was built by people from all different walks of life, and “being around people who aren’t like you is a life lesson,” she adds.

Change can be scary, but in truth, it’s the only constant in life. While the South Lakes building continues to change with new artwork, clubs, teachers, students, and everything in between, the sense of community and family is something that no physical change will ever undo.

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ESOL Department getting back on track Rione Marie Tecson Staff Writer The ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) Department are classes for students who need extra help with English.

Although it is separated from regular classes, ESOL students have the same lessons and receive the same credits as any other high school student. The main difference between the classes is that the teachers have to modify the lessons in order for the students to comprehend and understand the lessons better.

When COVID-19 came and schools had to transition to virtual classes, it became hard for the teachers to build connections with their students. There were many factors like students having no internet, quiet space, and teachers couldn’t interact with them as they usually would be able to in a traditional setting. Since learning English is part of their class, they couldn’t practice or interact with each other as much as they would, compared to face to face learning, which affected their progression. During this time, they also couldn’t use the language and hear it as much as they would’ve so that was a setback for the

Pictures are worth the wait... even if it is a few weeks

students and teachers.

The beneficial thing about being in ESOL is that you have a better chance of getting closer to your teacher and they won’t have over 100 students that they need to help.

Most times, ESOL students have the same teachers throughout high school so they can easily approach them and ask for support when needed. Because of the small classes, it’s easier to have a stronger bond with your classmates and teachers even with the language barrier. “We are very much a family because the students have some of the same teachers for multiple years and as an ESOL

team, we share the same students so we really get to know the students as individuals in a way that you might not if you have 30 students in a room four times a day,” ESOL teacher Ms. Nobles said.

ESOL classes are no different than regular classes and everyone learns the same thing.

The main difference between the two is that ESOL classes have to be changed in order for the students to understand what is being taught. COVID-19 may have affected students’ learning while classes were virtual, but the ESOL department is back on track.

Shaping perception: the toxic effects of media bias Veronika Owen Staff Writer

Photo of Senior Wall being painted via Bella Piazza

Chloe Baker Co Student Life Editor Open any teens cell phone and you will find thousands of photos sitting in camera rolls. Any moment of life can be documented within seconds to capture something that will eventually become a memory. Looking back at these photos can invoke nostalgia and happiness. The simple click of a button, revealing the image, sparks instant gratification; it is a feeling that humans often yearn for, and take for granted.

Now, imagine what it would be like if people couldn’t see their photos seconds after they were taken. What if they had to wait weeks to see them, but instead, these photos from special moments brought even more joy to them than the average cell phone snap?

The disposable camera is a box camera meant for one time use. First produced in 1949 by Photo-Pac, the ones that are the most popular now are Fujifilm or Kodak branded. The camera is simple yet effective, and makes for a fun keepsake. To take a photo, simply wind it up, open the flash, and then click to capture the photo. After the camera is full of pictures, it can be taken to a convenience store and they will develop it. This can take anywhere from ten days to a month. The wait is worth it, and proves there is joy in slowing down the process of taking photos, as it makes them more valuable.

Senior Bella Piazza grew up with film photography in her life from a young age, but it wasn’t until the recent rise in popularity that she took it upon herself to learn about the art. “I love get-

ting the photos back and seeing all of the captured memories. I hang up my favorite prints on my wall as well,” Bella says. While there are many positive aspects to the disposable camera, it is far from perfect. “I hate how you just never know how it’ll turn out, especially if the camera has no flash”. What’s the most ideal setting for a disposable photo?

“Usually sunny days, beach pictures, or just the outside in general are great for film photos,” Bella explains.

The evolution of photography is one aspect that is particularly fascinating. Despite the access we have to digital photography, film photography creates a feeling like no other. “The phone camera is obviously nice to have all the time, but I feel that disposable/film cameras capture a moment more permanently and more meaningfully than your phone can,” Bella adds.

“I like not seeing the photos after I take them because it makes me excited, and makes me feel like I’ve captured the moment in real time,” says senior Nicole Strauss. Teens will often take so much time critiquing physical appearance in photos, but film photography removes the emphasis on having to look a certain way, because people are unable to see how they look immediately after it is taken.

For many teens looking for a new hobby, or simply another item to carry around, a disposable camera and photography is one of the trendiest avenues to pursue. The photos taken are like a reward once developed, and it is a great way to capture memories during high school!

The number of people who rely on social media for sourcing news is higher than ever. These sources of information come by that influence and form our belief, and in some instances, very strong beliefs.

Recognizing how our perceptions are shaped by the media and how to filter out the noise can assure viewers are informed, rather than manipulated.

The amount of people sourcing news from social media increased 10% from 2016 to 2018, according to Pew Research Center. In 2019, they reported over 80% of Americans get their news from a digital device of some sort.

Interestingly enough, 72% of Americans believe that traditional news is fake or otherwise biased, despite so many getting their news from social media. According to Allsides, Media bias is where news outlets present their information in a way to reinforce certain viewpoints, preferences, or ideologies.

The news outlets report with a slant to one side of the political spectrum or the other, instead of reporting objectively with facts only.

Not all bias is bad. Opinion pieces can influence our perspective by providing analysis stemming from a variety of viewpoints. However, when bias is not disclosed, news sources are manipulating readers to support their own agenda.

People are aware of this phenomenon, but if they doubt the validity of their news outlets, why do they keep coming back to them?

This backwards phenomenon can be traced to something referred to as motivated reasoning. Motivated reasoning is where the subconscious mind and predetermined beliefs shape and warp information consumption. It sorts information into “good” and “bad” evidence.

Everyone wants to be proven right, and whether people realize it or not, even the way they process information is inhibited by this state of mind. Evidence that doesn’t support your beliefs is suppressed, so you still consider yourself correct despite evidence opposing it. Think about when you’re watching your favorite football team play a game.

When the referee gives a yellow flag to the other team, you cheer, but when it’s against your team, suddenly the ref is wrong; the call wasn’t correct, and they’re unfit for their position.

With so much information available instantaneously, it’s important that we recognize media bias and how our own beliefs influence our media consumption. Media outlets use “spin”, unclear and exaggerated language to dramatize a story.

There’s less of an emphasis on facts and more on sensationalism; a reader’s view and judgment is clouded and a person’s unable to come to a conclusion about a story.

Some examples of “spin words” are words like crucial, major, offensive, among others. Being on the lookout for these problematic words can hint if an article is trying to manipulate your opinion.

Unsubstantiated Claims are claims that authors make without supporting evidence either in a headline or in the actual article.

All claims need to be supported by evidence, but in these situations, authors overlook the evidence and jump straight to the conclusion.

There are some cases where whole media outlets publish made up stories or fake news. For example they might say that the president is unable to perform his/her duty, but never provide evidence of political failures in the past. Looking for evidence and backing up claims in an article is a good way to spot these unsubstantiated claims.

Bias by omission is just as dangerous in that it also leaves out important evidence. In this instance, media outlets ignore all evidence supporting a different viewpoint, distorting the reader’s ability to interpret facts and events.

Perhaps an article would say that global warming is fake and provide evidence that cities around the world hit the highest snowfall on record. What they wouldn’t include is that the temperatures are actually warmer than the year prior, with just more precipitation. Check multiple news outlets with all sorts of views. There will certainly be differences in what types of stories different outlets cover.

As important as it is to spot media bias, it’s just as important (if not more so) to see our own biases.

Even if we’re reading the most center spectrum article we can find, our own beliefs will still filter the information we choose to remember and forget. There is good news.

If we recognize our tendencies to favor certain viewpoints, we can counter that by looking at sources that are opposite and using critical thinking to play “devil’s advocate”; trying to come at an argument from the other side.

Bias is everywhere. Our media, our peers and especially ourselves.

What we all have in common is that bias is a very human trait, and we can’t get rid of it, but we can recognize it and counter it. Through these means, we can soften our beliefs by recognizing each other, bringing our world a bit closer together

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Paperless in a pandemic

Student Life

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Emmalina Sjapeki Staff Writer

The world has transformed so much in the past few years that at times it feels as though we are living in a dystopia. Aside from countries suffering death tolls in the millions and worldwide debates on everything from vaccines to stimulus checks, the pandemic has drastically changed and advanced technology. In the early days of quarantine, countries imposed lockdown restrictions, and as the virus spread, governments and health experts deemed it safer to stay at home for work and school.

Searching for connection in a newly isolated world, people turned to the internet.

With lockdown orders and severe restrictions rolling out in early spring of 2020, students and workers were introduced to the new frontier: remote, online classrooms and offices. To prevent the spread of the airborne virus, employers moved their employees online. Online video communication service Zoom in particular had 300 million users in April 2020, up from 10 million in 2019. This new online office remained in place for the majority of workers since the pandemic began, with notable expectations for those deemed “essential workers” such as grocery store cashiers and public transportation employees. Even now, as the country loosens restrictions, there may still be some remnants of the virtual world left. Many businesses are accepting the hybrid model, where employees spend part of their week in the office, and part of it working remotely. It cuts down on

Photo via Reston Now/FCPSOn/YouTube commute time, and the companies have less costs to worry about as fewer people are using the buildings. However, the new online system could result in companies with stagnant communication and collaboration, as seeing someone through a camera is much different than seeing them face to face.

For students, the choice is much clearer.

Already, public schools across the nation have returned their students to an in-person learning environment after nearly two years of complaints from students, parents, and teachers alike. It has been a concern iterated throughout the pandemic: for kids and teens, who are still developing, online learning could stunt their social and emotional development. Many children found it hard to focus online, and teachers felt disconnected from their students.

Nevertheless, a return to in-person schooling may have come too late. Parents, disillusioned with the quality of public schools after a year of online learning, are pulling their children out in droves.

Mrs. Winter’s senior send off Paige Paulikonis Staff Writer

Photo via Amany Nassar/The Sentinel

Sending off the seniors is always a bittersweet experience. For Mrs. Winter, it is a feeling of accomplishment as she is able to witness the class planning their next steps in life. She feels a great pride, but also a sense of sadness as she “will miss them immensely but will take this experience with her, and will never forget them.” Working at South Lakes has been such a joy for her, meeting so many brilliant people and beliefs. “No school compares to South Lakes,” she concludes.

Mrs. Winter is an assistant principal at South Lakes High School, more specifically, she works with the Class of 2022.

She has worked at South Lakes for seven years. Mrs. Winter admires all aspects of the school. She thoroughly enjoys working with the student body and faculty, believing that it is the most rewarding part of her job.

Mrs. Winter considers her biggest accomplishment as assistant principal to be

receiving AP (Assistant Principal) 2 status, a nomination given to highly esteemed administrators. “This process was rigorous and demanded a lot of effort and thoughtful reflection,” said Mrs. Winter. Additionally, her ability to master the nuances associated with school discipline was something she was proud of being able to accomplish.

Throughout her career at South Lakes, she has most adamantly valued the ability to “act with consistency to ensure fairness”.

Mrs. Winter has had a long career in Fairfax County and has previous experience in other middle and high schools. She says that South Lakes is “one of the most supportive and inclusive communities to ever be privileged to be a part of.” Throughout her years working with the Class of 2022, Mrs. Winter has formed strong bonds with the class. However, when the Covid-19 pandemic struck, she, as well as many others, was faced with difficulties. She remembers one moment that will stick with her forever.

She was at a football game, seeing faces covered by masks for the first time after quarantine and virtual school. She recollects how “One of the starkest memories I have from recent memory is when a student came up to me at a football game. This was the first one since the start of in person school this year. The student said, ‘I wish I could hug you right now.’ It was just something that I will not forget any time soon.” It was a difficult moment not being able to do what used to be considered normal. Now, she is “so thankful to be able to see the students’ faces in person and to be back in the building.”

Students across the nation are leaving public schools, with 1.5 million students missing from enrollment in 2021. In Fairfax County, enrollment in public schools was down 5.4%, with 10,000 fewer students enrolled. There was a 40% increase in the number of people who quit their jobs in public education in 2021, with almost one million people leaving the field.

Regardless of how detrimental online learning may seem, the internet is still a primary tool for students. FCPS has decided to implement virtual days after five snow days, a system unheard of before the pandemic. Students complete many paperless assignments on Google Docs and receive information about their school and courses through Schoology. Textbooks are a thing of the past, and FCPS gives each student their own laptop, deemed a necessity for learning. Spending eight hours a day in an online classroom and then completing homework or finding entertainment online destroyed the REM cycle of kids and teens, at a time where a healthy

amount of sleep is essential for brain and body development. But even in-person schooling has contributed to this issue, and as more students stare at the computer for lessons, they could experience common consequences like eye strain, headaches, and back or neck pain. The impact of the pandemic and the internet on the public school system is only just beginning.

The two short years of the pandemic drastically increased the amount of time people spent on the internet, and illuminated flaws that may have taken longer to see had the world not all been collectively forced onto the web. Schools and workplaces shifted on their axis; in the future, certain companies may never return to the office, and paper may become a thing of the past. It remains to be seen how the internet will affect the next generation as they navigate a complex sociopolitical landscape, environmental concerns, and their day to day lives, but it is certain that our reliance on technology will not change anytime soon.

Photo via Marshall Platt/The Sentinel

Kabul Kabob keeps customers coming back for more Marshall Platt Staff Writer Kabul is the capital city of Afghanistan, which explains the name and influence for the menu. Afghanistan is known for its products made of wheat, maize, barley, rice, milk, yogurt and whey! Prior to this review, I’ve only had naan, a soft flatbread that’s slightly puffy. It’s warm and fresh but slightly chewy, which only makes it more enjoyable.

When trying the lamb gyro, I noticed the way the lamb was processed before being put into the sandwich added a lot to the texture! The lamb was cut into thin, circular portions that then got stacked with fat placed in between. The pieces are then cooked, and are assembled into the sandwich. Let me tell you, the gyro was magical! I liked the flatbread that seemed to melt in my mouth, but I loved the lamb

and the sauce the most. The robust lamb with its garlic and salty flavors reached a perfect middle ground when combined with the mellow tzatziki. These aspects cement the dish as my favorite on the menu. Although with hardy portions, all the food is sure to please.

It takes the owner roughly three hours to prepare all their ingredients, about an hour upon arrival to the location to set up, and he’ll often serve for three or more hours.

Owning a food truck is no small commitment, with this dedication and care, it’s no wonder the food hits the spot like it does.

So, while you’re out and about the Reston area, keep an eye out for a food truck or a sign. Support small businesses that provide great food at great prices!

Student Life/Sports

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Why I’m struggling with my college decision

Brooke Snyder News Editor

I didn’t realize when I entered my senior year, everyone would be talking about college. The concept of college always seemed so far away to me; the pandemic and online school made my senior year come around faster than I ever anticipated. The beginning of senior year is primarily focused on the future, graduation, and college. Although it has been my favorite school year, constantly thinking about the future is overwhelming. As I started my senior year, I did not know much about where I wanted to go to college. I discovered the importance of applying to many schools, in a variety of locations. And while it seems like a daunting task, there are three primary factors to keep in mind when applying to college.

It’s no secret that college is expensive. We have to pay for tuition, books, room, board, among other fees. Would it be worth putting yourself in debt just to go to your dream school? This is something that I’ve struggled with. My top choice schools were out of state, with tuition almost three times that of the Virginia schools. I had to decide whether it would be worth going or not. I also received a scholarship from a school that would pay for most of my tuition, but even with the scholarship money, it wasn’t the right choice for me. The final option would be to go to Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC), as it is the best option for saving money, and it also has an excellent reputation, but that also means living at home and passing on the opportunity to experience a new town or city.

Another crucial factor is location. I never realized how much schools vary. There are big schools, small schools, city schools, or some that are centered around the school and considered college towns. I wanted to go to a school that wasn’t too big but wasn’t less than five or six thousand undergraduate students. I have been searching for a happy medium, a school that can feel homey but not too small or big enough to experience student life. The idea of Virginia Tech was appealing, but when I visited the campus, it was large and divided into many different parts. The divide and disconnect did not fit what I was looking for. The undergraduate population of over 30,000 would be too much. I also don’t want to go to college in a place where there is no city life. I don’t want to drive 30 minutes to reach a grocery store. The best fit for me is a college town, not in the middle of nowhere, but not in a chaotic city.

The final consideration in my decision is the one that probably affected me the most. I have worked very hard in high school, challenging myself and maintaining a solid GPA. I used to have the mindset that I had to go to the most challenging college I got into, as it was supposedly the best for my education. It took me a long time to realize that a good education is available at almost any college. At the end of the day, everyone receives the same diploma and will be offered the same opportunity.

As a senior, college is all my peers talk about. Many want to protect their reputation and brag about the colleges they got into, rather than admit that they may not go to the college that supposedly provides the best education. But I am not a follower—the idea of following what is popular among peers or attending college at the same place my parents did, does not sit well with me.

There is much to consider since it’s an important decision that will impact my future. It is not a decision that can realistically be made in one day; it is a process that is different for every individual. I know that I have more time to decide, and I have faith that it will all work out. I have learned over the past few months that although it is a stressor, it’s something to be excited about. I am ready to move on to the next chapter of my life. I must admit that I am still not sure where I want to go, but I have narrowed it down to a few options, and I plan to figure it all out soon.

BetMGM Sportsbook opens at Nationals Park Andrew Stahl Co Sports Editor In early January of this year, BetMGM Sportsbook, a sports betting company, opened a location at Nationals Park. Sports betting has taken over the sports world the last couple of years, affecting the way that fans watch the games. This BetMGM Sportsbook location will be the first in the sports world to be at a professional stadium.

The sportsbook location will certainly top any sports betting location that is currently in the Washington DC area. Its state of the art facilities along with location, will quickly become popular amongst the locals and tourists. Some other, older, sports betting locations in the city are the Caesars Sportsbook in Chinatown, and Grand Central in Adams Morgan. In addition, there are bars and local restaurants that offer betting as well. With the new location now open at Nationals Park, BetMGM Sportsbook is the place to be for die hard sports fans looking to place bets, something that has grown in popularity in recent years.

Going inside of the Sportsbook at Nationals park, people will find the up-to-date betting screens and scores of ongoing games. According to a press release by the MLB, they stated that there are “4,000 square feet of wall-to-wall screens.” Along with the screens surrounding the area, there are six betting windows, 17 kiosks, and a 40 foot bar. Even with all of the equipment available to place bets, people are still able to use the Sportsbook app to place

8 bets. All of the kiosks and betting windows located around the Center Field Gatesare just additional ways to increase the demand and opportunity to place bets.

The location is right in the middle of the city, so parking could be an issue. The Washington Nationals organization released a statement regarding parking during days of an event held at Nats Park. They said that “no parking will be provided for guests of the Sportsbook during days that events are to be held at Nationals Park, including Nationals games and other non-game day events.” Fans who wish to place bets during a Nationals baseball game will have to pay for parking. This is a major factor that could affect the popularity of the Sportsbook. However, with the popularity of betting increasing, it should not become too much of a problem.

Like all things, there are people who are going to love the fact that there is a location to place live bets, and then there are those who will oppose it. When the Nationals announced on Twitter of the plans, one fan commented “This makes me sick and sad. So disappointing that you are creating an environment where gambling is pervasive in a place that we want to be family friendly.” The comments section is filled with negative remarks about the announcement. One fan commented “I am not against gambling. I would have preferred a restaurant.” On social media, there are very few positive comments about the gambling site on online social media. However, there have been positive reviews as well, illustrating the divisive nature of sports gambling.

Anyone who wishes to visit the Sportsbook please note that customers must be 21 years or older, and must bring a photo ID to enter and place bets. The Sportsbook is now currently open at Nationals Park and open for business.

Photo via Hansi Lo Wang/NPR

More than one way to get educated: normalizing college alternatives Luke Cavey & Madeline Miller Staff Writers College is an expectation for many high school students. The questions of “Which colleges will I get into” and “Which colleges can I afford” loom over the heads of many. But what if there was an alternative that allows the same career opportunities, minus the stress and fees that go along with college? That is where Praxis comes into play.

Praxis is an online database that matches a person to a full-time paid internship for a job that best suits them. By not requiring a payment or degree, Praxis is open to anybody looking for a career.

In order to apply, a person must complete the application that can be found on the Praxis website.

For the application, a person lists their contact information and responds to interview questions asked by Praxis. The questions let Praxis know whether or not the person would be a good fit for this process. Once completed, Praxis will email the applicant letting them know whether or not they’ve moved on to the second round. This process is short, effective, and a great alternative for people who may not find college as the best fit.

Throughout the four years of high school, the assumption of many is that a young adult will continue their education towards a college degree. This path is the most talked about, as well as the most common path to take. There are countless benefits that go along

with a college degree; however, this path may not be the best option for those who may struggle to afford college tuition. Many students end up with significant debt and are met with the challenge of paying that debt as they enter the workforce. Although it is not commonly discussed, this is not an uncommon position to be in. With national student debt rising, there are more discussions about alternatives to traditional education.

According to a CNBC article published in 2020, 56% of students in college say they would not be able to afford college with their current income. In addition to those students, 7% of college students had to unenroll and begin a full-time career. The cost of tuition is a primary concern, but certainly not the only concern and people need alternatives that will give them the necessary skill sets to succeed.

“I’m unapologetically opposed to the mind-bending, utterly indefensible skyrocketing cost of tuition,” TV Host Michael Rowe says.

With new platforms similar to Praxis, there are new opportunities being presented for those who don’t see college as a viable option. As more light is shed on the non-college approach to a career, there is an added respect for those who choose to go in that direction with greater opportunities to achieve success.

Photo via Curly W Live

Sports

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Below: Photo via Matthew Mitrani (@mm_snips/Instagram)

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Above: Photo via Marc Goldstein/The Sentinel

Triple threat: KJ Saunders’ athletics trifecta Marc Goldstein Editor in Chief

Athletics are so synonymous with life. In most cases, it takes a team of individuals united under one goal to truly accomplish anything substantial. The idea of family is recurring in the same manner.

Teams act like microcosms of families and allow for athletes to flourish when it is done properly. For Kenneth “KJ” Saunders, he has found that, and more in his first year as a Seahawk. KJ is a three sport athlete, playing for the South Lakes football, basketball and baseball teams. His journey to this juncture has been long and arduous, but one he wouldn’t trade for the world.

KJ is a self described “island kid”. He grew up in the Bahamas before moving to Hialeah, Florida, a city that is neighboring Miami. He moved from the Bahamas to Hialeah, an action that forced him to reclassify his high school eligibility to the Class of 2023. KJ came to Virginia in a random way, though. He chose to attend a Virginia Tech football camp and stayed in the state for a while. After playing some AAU basketball with South Lakes basketball assistant coach Herb Lansdowne, he decided he wanted to make the Northern Virginia area his home. The only problem was that he would have to reclassify again, making him technically a sophomore even though he turns 18 this spring.

Regardless of how long and difficult the entire journey to South Lakes has been for KJ, he thinks it has paid massive dividends. “I felt the embrace of this community so quickly. All of the parents care for you even if (you) are not their kid. If you don’t have enough money on a road trip or something like that, they will help you out,” he explains. He has flourished in the new environment, even if there was a small culture shock compared to the warm, tropical weather near the Equator. “I just remember my first time playing in the cold weather. It is so different from anything else from where I’m from,” KJ jokes.

The biggest thing that draws people to KJ, both on and off the field or court, is his passion and charismatic attitude. “I just want to approach everyday with a positive attitude. I have seen people go through life unhappily, and that is something I want to avoid. I feel like I am so lucky, so there is a reason for me to be upset,” he elaborates. At no point during his time at South Lakes has KJ had anything but positive things to say concerning his move to the area.

One thing, though, that means more than any accolades on the playing field is his family. He credits both his parents for getting him to this point, saying, “I would not be here without my mom and dad. They, along with my extended family, have been so supportive of me and have helped me so much along the way. I just can’t thank them enough.” One of his biggest motivations, among being thrust into immortality, is to ensure that his family will be taken care of financially. He wants to get to the point where he is making enough money that his loved ones will not have to struggle or wonder if they will have enough to make certain payments.

As much as he loves his actual family, his South Lakes family is a close second. He has felt so welcomed by the entire community and explains that it is so rare. “Some places I have played, there isn’t the same passion by the students and the city. I think that is what makes South Lakes unique because there isn’t another school in Reston, so everyone really gets behind us,” he details. That passion and infatuation comes from a motivation to uplift everyone around him and to be as successful as possible.

That being said, playing in each of the three seasons during the school year is no easy task, let alone doing so in one’s first year in the area. KJ has, at times, struggled with balancing his school work with having practice and games almost everyday after school. He appreciates all of the staff members at South Lakes for helping him as best they can and having his best interests at heart. “At the beginning of the year, it was really tough to get into the flow of everything, but I think I have done a good job of balancing my school work and having sports,” he adds.

Over the next few years, KJ will be able to grow in three sports. As a safety and wide receiver on the gridiron to being a guard on the hardwood to being on the diamond, he is bound to find great success. While he says that he thinks his future lies in football, he wants to continue to play each of the three sports in unison for as long as possible. He explains, “I think they help with different skills in other sports. Being able to move horizontally in basketball helps in football.” He relishes in his role as a Swiss army knife across each of his three sports that he participates in during the school year, making his mark in many different manners.

Sports

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This year’s best moments in South Lakes sports Jack Lotz Co Sports Editor

It has been a fantastic year for South Lakes sports. The Seahawks produced a number of All-district and Regional teams for different sports across the year. Prior to spring sports starting, here is the list of best moments for South Lakes athletics so far this year.

Starting off with the Girls Field Hockey team, who had a fantastic season, going 14-7 and making the Regional tournament. The Seahawks started their season off strong with a 6-0 win over their cross town rival, the Herndon Hornets. The Field Hockey team then went on an impressive run winning 10 of their 12 games. They then went onto the District Tournament, beating Centreville and Oakton before losing to Madison.

Regardless, the Seahawks made the Regional Tournament, but unfortunately lost in the Regional Championship to Yorktown. This was a tremendous season for the South Lakes Girls Varsity Field Hockey team as they proved to be a difficult team to stop throughout their season.

Next up, is the football team who beat Westfield for the first time in school history. Westfield has always been one of the best schools in Northern Virginia for years, but the Seahawks beat the powerhouse Bulldogs with a score of 20-19. South Lakes had an up and down season, losing their first two games then winning their next two. The Seahawks finished the season 6-6, but the highlight of their season was the one-point win over Westfield for the first time in their history.

Another great moment for

Photo via Matthew Mitrani (@mm_snips/Instagram)

South Lakes sports this season was the Seahawks Gymnastics team qualifying for States. The South Lakes Gymnasts team won Regionals and finished 4th in Virginia. The Seahawks were headlined by sophomore gymnast Abby Anderson. She won 1st place as the Northern Region Champion and placed 7th all around at States.

The South Lakes Boys Basketball team was a dominant force all season long, finishing the year with the record of 24-3.

The Seahawks started the same five seniors throughout the year and had excellent depth in every position. The Seahawks only suffered two losses in the regular season to the hands of James Madison and Stone Bridge. They then continued to win the District and Regional championships.

South Lakes Hype Squad making noise

Madeline Miller

Staff Writer

The South Lakes High School Hype Squad is the heart of the student cheering section at all the sports games as well as at other school events! It is what gets students pumped up and full of school spirit

Photo via JT Schissler (@jts.flicks/Instagram)

ready to cheer on their team, but what is behind all of the hype?

Although everyone knows of the hype squad, not many people know about them. Have you ever been at a football or

South Lakes then beat Fairfax in the State quarterfinals but lost to Hayfield in the semifinals who then went onto win the state championship.

And finally, the best moment in South Lakes sports this year is the Boys Track and Field team winning States in the 4x200 and 4x800 and going to Nationals in New York. These Seahawks dominated all year long, winning districts and regionals to make states. The girls track and field team also made states and finished fifth.

This has been a fantastic year so far for South Lakes sports as multiple teams won Regionals and Districts, and States. Way to go Seahawks!

basketball game, looked to your right and seen some students waving a flag or banging a drum? Well if you have, then you’ve seen the hype squad. The hype squad has been a part of South Lakes for a long time, and definitely comes with its traditions.

“I really like the paddle and the drum. The flag is pretty sick, it’s all beat up and duct taped together. It’s been here for fifteen years.” Hype squad leader Nate Owen says.

These items have been in the SLHS hype squad for many years.

Many students rely on the hype squad to know when to cheer, what to cheer, what things to wear, and if a game has gotten

Top: South Lakes Boy’s Soccer prepares for a game early in the season (Photo via Matthew Mitrani/@ mm_snips/Instagram) Middle: South Lakes Boy’s Lacrosse takes the field (Photo via matthew mitrani/@mm_snips/Instagram) Bottom: South Lakes Track & Field’s Jillian Howard runs her leg of the relay (Photo via Lifetouch photography)

canceled. Although the hype squad is a fun, exciting group, there is definitely responsibility that comes with it.

“You have to bring energy, even if the team is losing, it can get difficult if there is a bad play or something.” Nate explains.“It’s not pressure, it’s more like, ‘how can we bounce back and keep people engaged’.”

Due to the influence that the hype squad has on the energy of the game, it’s important for them to be able to bounce back from a bad play, even a loss.

Although Covid seems to have changed just about everything, the hype squad has seemed to find a way to not let it affect

their routines, besides the spontaneous game cancellations. They are able to continue just as they did in 2019.

“Because we’re outside, it doesn’t really matter. We can still do our own thing and if someone is sick, then they don’t come.”

Nate adds. Luckily, students are still allowed to show support to the South Lakes teams, and carry on past traditions.

SLHS games are an imperative way to bring all grade levels together, and it would not be nearly as fun without the hype squad’s energy.

Sports

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2022 NBA MVP frontrunners

illustration by Samantha Elbouez/Morning Consult

Photo via Issac Baldizon/Getty Images

regain his crown. He is having a season that could get him right back to the top. Averaging 29.9 PPG, 11.6 RPG, and 5.8 APG, Antetokounmpo’s size, athleticism, and playmaking has never been seen before. Coming off a year where Antetokounmpo won the NBA Finals, winning the MVP this year would be the cherry on top.

Ja Morant The frontrunner for the Most Improved Player (MIP), Morant is still having a MVP-caliber season at only 22 years old.

Averaging 27.4 PPG 6.7 APG and 5.7 RPG, Morant has been a major reason the Grizzlies have made such a big jump from last season. The Grizzlies are near the top of the West. Ja Morant has quickly become a fan favorite around the league because of his athleticism and style of play.

Even if he doesn’t win the award this season, he definitely is on the right track to win one in the

future.

Luka Doncic One of the best young players in the league, Doncic is looking to win his first MVP. Averaging 28.4 PPG, 9.1 RPG, and 8.7 APG, Doncic is also very close to averaging a triple double. Ever since coming into the league in 2018, Doncic has gotten better and better and is certainly looking like he will be a face of the NBA for years to come. The major thing holding back his chance though, is the Mavericks record. The Mavericks are the fourth seed in the West, something that would kill MVP chances for the players.

With one of the closest MVP races seen in a long time, any one of these five players could win as well as many others. NIkola Jokic and Joel Embiid look like the two favorites but anything could happen with the MVP voters.

Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball season recap Andrew Tunley

Staff Writer

As the 2021-2022 college basketball season has come to an end, the Virginia Tech Hokies have ended yet another successful season, finishing 23-13. While a first-round departure in the NCAA Tournament might be disappointing, their season was nevertheless successful after earning their first ACC Tournament Title in team history.

The Hokies started their season 5-0, in part due to their stifling defense, which held their opponents to less than 60 points. Two straight losses to ranked opponents had the Hokies at 6-2 before narrowly defeating Maryland, 62-58. Early on, the Hokies were led by fifth-year senior Keve Aluma, leading the team in scoring nearly every game. After taking the next two of four, conference play saw the team sitting at an 8-4 record. There would not be great news for the Hokies in the next stretch of play, as they started conference play 2-7 and

States faced with conundrum regarding Transgender athletes Marc Goldstein Editor in Chief

Dylan Walsh Staff Writer

With the NBA regular season concluding, one of the biggest discussions coming up in the NBA world is the awards and who is going to win them. The biggest of those awards is the MVP. This year, there is no clear frontrunner with many people having amazing seasons. The five players this year that have a chance are Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokunmpo, Ja Morant, and Luka Doncic. *All stats are accurate as of 4/21* NIkola Jokic One of the favorites for MVP, NIkola Jokic, is looking to win the MVP for a second straight year. Averaging 27.1 points per game (PPG) 13.8 rebounds per game (RPG) and 7.9 assists per game (APG), his stats definitely look like MVP stats. One of the best playmaking big men the NBA has ever seen, he is very close to averaging a triple double, something only Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson have ever done. The one thing that could keep him from winning though, is the Nuggets are the sixth seed in the West standings. Most MVPs usually are on teams that are a top four seed.

If the voters can look past the record, Jokic should be in good shape to win.

Joel Embiid Another center having an amazing year, Joel Embiid is looking to be the first 76er to win MVP since Allen Iverson in 2000. Averaging 30.6 PPG, 11.7 RPG and 1.5 blocks per game (BPG), Embiid is having a more traditional, but still dominant, season for a big man. Embiid also is on one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, which could get him a slight edge over Jokic.

Giannis Antetokounmpo A former 2x MVP, Giannis Antetokunmpo, is looking to

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dropping to 10-10 overall, including a crucial rivalry loss to the University of Virginia.

Sitting at 10-10 and coming off of a 3-game losing streak, the season did not look promising for the Hokies. Many fans became worried that another promising season would end before it even started. From here, the team would need to earn more solid wins for a chance at a postseason, and that’s exactly what they did.

Virginia Tech ended the season 9-2, including a revenge victory over The University of Virginia, 62-53.

Even with a strong end to the regular season, the Hokies would still need to make some noise in the ACC Tournament to earn a spot in March Madness. The Hokies faced Clemson in the first round, and after a hard-fought 40 minutes, the game was deadlocked. Trailing by 2 in overtime with one shot left, Darius Maddox hit a buzzer-beating 3

to send Virginia Tech to the next round.

Playing second-seeded Notre Dame, a strong first half was enough to push them ahead of the Fighting Irish, 87-80. They met the North Carolina Tar Heels in the semifinals, one of the hottest teams in the nation and coming off of a 6-game win streak.

Maddox, who hit the game winner versus Clemson, came off the bench to score 20 points and lead the Hokies to the ACC Final, where they would play top seeded Duke, ranked #7in the country.

In a game where many people thought they had little chance to win, they earned their first ACC Tournament title with a 82-67 victory, achieving an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Even after falling to the University of Texas in the first round, Virginia Tech’s season was nothing short of historic to their standards. A notable mid-season turnaround followed by their first ACC Title in team history, the Hokies will end the 2021-2022 season with their heads held high.

Youth sports are the grassroots of athletics as participants are given an opportunity to learn skills and teamwork that are so intracal to long term success, both in the sport and in life.

However, some states have created barriers to these opportunities.

Transgender athletes in 11 states are now facing some harsh realities. These transgender individuals, mostly females who were born as males, are now banned from competing in their sports.

Some states have made it so athletes are unable to participate due to the “biological differences” that separate males and females in terms of athletic ability and physicality.

Some argue that these “biological differences” create an uneven playing field, thus forfiting things like scholarships, awards and even victories from individuals who are cisgender. Some suggest that if the country is committing to equality, then athletes, regardless of their gender at birth, should be allowed to play.

In the past year, multiple judges and justices have ruled in favor of transgender athletes’ eligibility to play in high school sports. Seemingly, as the country has continued to develop socially, there has been a silent addi-

tion to one of the most sacred amendments in the Constitution.

The five First Amendment Freedoms have seen a merge with the 19th Amendment. The 19th Amendment grants rights to vote as well as lawful protection for people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

People who identify as transgender or transitioning are protected as members of society, which is cited in many recent of the court cases.

The scrutiny these laws have received have sparked an important debate in the country: are transgender people truly given a fair chance in society. After Iowa governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill that restricted the eligibility of transgender women in high school sports, the amount of scruity received was significant, but there was a lot of support for this legislation. Notably, many representatives in DC have voiced endorsements for the restriction citing “competitive advantage” created by allowing an individual that was born as a male to compete in female sports. Reynolds cited “basic human biology,” continuing by saying, “Forcing females to compete against males is the opposite of inclusivity and it’s absolutely unfair.”

Even though some states are passing these laws, the issue has not been settled. The federal government has made it clear publically that they will reprimand states who pass and enact these laws to include economic sanctions.

For many transgender athletes, they are put in an awkward position, something the Democrats want to eliminate. Much like other issues such as abortion rights, people on each side of the issue believe there is one solution to the issue.

Photo via USA TODAY SPORTS

The Sentinel

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Over the course of the school year, everything has been building towards this moment. With you, our reader, picking up this copy of Reflecting on the entire school year and organizing the creation of this newspaper The South Lakes Sentinel, leafing through it and appreciating student journalism in its finest form.

For my four years, I have had the privilege to learn, grow and, most importantly, fail. As I am writing this, I am thinking about my journey to this point. I remember being a freshman, unable to find my place in the larger pool that is high school. Journalism proved to be that niche that would become my passion. I hope that, if nothing else, I am remembered as someone who inspired at least one person to pursue journalism. It is an industry that needs young, passionate people to revolutionize the industry.

I want to start this letter to the readers by giving my thanks. First and foremost, to our readers - thank you. To those who make it possible for us to expand our platform and continue to support us through every small change we stuPhoto via Joel Myrick dent newspapers undergo, I want to give my complete, and utter

Letter from the Editors

Advisor: Lisa Trigiano Editor in Chief: Marc Goldstein Asst. Editor in Chief: Taylor Anderson

appreciation. And to our wonderful advisor, Ms. Lisa Trigiano who has been a prominent figure of support, stability and honesty, I thank you. After overseeing The Sentinel as it has undergone its greatest and lowest feats, year after year she has left the power and responsibility to the Sentinel staff. . Thank you Ms. T for leaving it to us, for graciously standing by this newspaper’s soul objective: for the students, by the students. The next, and largest, group of people I would like to thank are the students who have worked so hard to make this all possible. I know that I can be annoyingly overbearing when managing this process, but it was only in the best interest of the paper and our Sentinel family.

Everyone who contributed to this great project makes me confident in the direction of The Sentinel itself. And if I may say so, our final product has turned out quite incredibly. I want to thank all of the Editors and my Assistant Editor in Chief, Taylor Anderson. Taylor and I have become a great team and I could not do this without

her help managing the website,advertising endeavors, and editing articles..

I am proud of the work I put in, though. I believe that hard work pays off and this is tangible evidence of my toiling being worthwhile. I was able to teach myself, as well as some other aspiring journalists, how to use InDesign and put together a newspaper.

This entire school year has proven more difficult than anticipated..

Juggling two seperate journalism classes it became very clear that I would have my work cut out for me.Nonetheless, with the help of Ms. T, I figured out the best way to motivate and manage. As soon as I became Editor in Chief of the Sentinel, I made it my ultimate goal to print our name larger than life, or rather, across the pages you hold in your hand. With great pride and joy, from our grasp to yours, I present the South Lakes Sentinel student newspaper.

-Marc Goldstein Editor in Chief, The South Lakes Sentinel

Word Search!

Greetings to our lovely readers and local news junkies!

I will keep this short and bittersweet. As I take my final bow with this incredible newspaper and the South Lakes journalism program, I would like to share my appreciation. Firstly, a grande shout out to Ms. T, who has stuck with me for four years now, with a smile on her face, and to Marc, my talented partner in crime who has put up with me through various Sentinel endeavors. Thank you kindly to our readers, for giving our entire Sentinel staff an opportunity to share a part of their beautiful minds with you as they see their work published in print. This program means so much to us here at The Sentinel, and I would like to thank you for making it happen, not only for me, but for the rising journalists that will continue the legacy of this paper in the future, and run with it. We appreciate your interest in our student newspaper and granting it a moment of your day. From me to you, Bon Appetit.

Sincerely, Taylor

The Sentinel Staff:

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Student Life Editors: Chloe Baker Camilla Wynes Sports Editors: Jack Lotz Drew Stahl Staff Writers: Samia Akter Toleen Alhussaini Ethan Beckett Sean Caceres Luke Cavey Emily Conway Fatima Daoud

Jaidyn Edwards Ryan Ertlschweiger Leah Flectcher Heidi Gilman Alexander Grover Sofian Halibi Dania Hernandez Dareen Khoshnaw Richard Lovett Kirito Machida Sara Maslouhi Ashleigh McAdam Madeline Miller Amany Nassar

Sarina Nayak Veronika Owen Sophia Paradowski Paige Paulikonis Marshall Platt Hannah Siraj Emmalina Sjapeki Stephanie South Rione Marie Tecson Andrew Tunley Stephanie Urias-Canales Dylan Walsh Arik Weizman Aidan Wyatt