Dear McLean, The familiar academic rush at the end of a quarter awaits us all in the upcoming week. Free time may become a foreign concept, but here at The Highlander we’ve been working hard to make sure these pages will provide you with all of the stories and information you need to help get you through the beginning of year. Every new school year comes with a lot of changes. Make sure to take a look at our news section to stay updated. We cover many changes such as the FCPS calendar revisions, Harvest Fest replacements and the addition of a new administrative position. In A&E, check out “Highlander Highlights” for quick updates on the best music, books, movies and concerts to look out for in the coming months. In Features, we introduce a new regular spread: “Highlander of the Issue.” This month, we explore senior Lindsey Kircher’s combination of art and dance, which leaves her a force to be reckoned with. A huge portion of the student body participates in sports. Our Crossfire argues whether or not student athletes should be allowed to have lighter workloads. This month, we focus on the issue of cheating at McLean. The In-Depth explores the gray areas of cheating and takes a closer look at the new honor code. Whether an avid cheater or a strict honor code follower, make sure to take a look. As always, come to us with your critiques, complaints or approval. Until next issue, use thehighlandernews.com to stay informed. Sincerely, Hannah Menchel, Grace Murray & Andrea Delgado
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Letter from the Editors
Volume LIX • Issue 1 • October 2014 • McLean High School thehighlandernews.com • @MHSHighlander
Editors-in-Chief
Andrea Delgado & Hannah Menchel & Grace Murray Julia Al-Akkad & Nhi Nguyen & Maddy Witchey
Managing Editors Design Editor Head Photographer Photographer
Mark Mizusawa James Carver Tanya Ajalli
Advertising Manager
Tara Blackwell
Cartoonist
Anna Marie Garland
Section Editors News Editors
Andrew Opem & Melanie Pincus
Opinions Editors
David Kagan & Liam Zeya
Features Editors
Lucy Hopkins & Katie McGinn
A&E Editors
Ashwin Dasgupta & Sabrein Gharad
Sports Editors
Jake Barnett & Jessica Bulford
Reporters Lisa Bears Anjalie Chauhan Christine Cheon Aidan Clotworthy John Corvari Michael Davis Lila Duvall Monique Ford Nora Hashem Elena Ifarraguerri
Esme Khalid Veronica Kim Connor Koch Carlyn Kranking Brooke Lyons Sophie Mariam Dereck Marwa Ingrid Morse Sanskriti Neupane Eleanor Patrick Adviser
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
Evan Rapson Leena Raza Young In Seo Sam Silverman Aisha Singh Nora Smith Danielle Walker Jennifer Wang Bora Zaloshnja Catherine Zysk
Lindsay B. Benedict The Highlander is a public forum in which members of the school community can express themselves, discuss issues and exchange ideas. Printed by aPrintis. Advertising Policy: The Highlander sells ad space on each page of the paper except on the front cover, Opinions section and InDepth report. The staff reserves the right to reject any ads it deems libelous, obscene, disruptive or otherwise inappropriate.
To Submit a Letter to the Editors: Please e-mail it to thehighlanderstaff@gmail.com or bring it to room R133. The staff reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to laws concerning obscenity, libel, privacy and disruption of the school process. ‘12, ‘13, ‘14 NSPA First Class; ‘07 All-American; ‘06 Pacemaker Finalist; Hall of Fame
‘05, ‘07, ‘12, ‘13 CSPA Gold Medalist; ‘08 Silver Medalist
‘14 George H. Gallup Award
‘14 VHSL Trophy Class; ‘11, ‘12 1st Place Winner; VHSL Savedge Award