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the Wednesday, February 13, 2002 Volume #47 Issue 9

ANNANDALE H IGH SCHOOL

Informing the Atoms since 1954

h t t p : / / w w w. f c p s . k 1 2 . v a . u s / A n n a n d a l e H S / A B l a s t / 2 0 0 2

4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003 703.642.4229

Gov. classes hear Rep. Davis speak Elective fair Students’ questions answered

by Rob Payne Staff Writer

Republican Congressman Tom Davis spoke in the auditorium on Feb. 11. to groups of government students in his annual address. Davis, who spoke to the students during the R5 and W6 Flexes, began by introducing himself and telling about his roots in Northern Virginia. After, background information on himself, Davis conducted the rest of the session by answering students’ questions.

Rep. Davis represents the 11th Congressional District in Northern Virginia and is currently serving in his third term as a congressman.

When asked about how he votes in legislation, Davis replied, “I always vote first according to the wishes of my District, then my conscience and lastly the party.”

JENNY BEAM

Virginia Representative Tom Davis speaks to a student after the assembly. Davis spoke to government students on Mon. during R5 and W6 Flex.

Throughout the session, Davis addressed a wide variety of issues. Some of these included campaign finance reform, the pending budget in Congress, abortion, Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Affirmative Action, and the Enron scandal.

“I feel that its important for students to know their

congressman,” said government teacher Mary Ann Richardson. “Students need to realize that their Congressman is a real, live person that they can talk to and give ideas to.”

Touching on the campaign finance reform legislation— which is working it’s way through Congress this

week—Davis told students that the legislation in its current form would not effectively accomplish its original intention. “I believe that the legislation would give more influence to the interest groups rather than limit the influence. It would restrict the ability of parties to donate funds to candidate,

making it harder for challengers to run against incumbents,” said Davis. “I feel that when you weaken the political parties, which have helped to stabilize the government over the past 200 years, a you will weaken the whole system.”

“I thought he answered my questions pretty well,” said senior Allison Brennan.

“He seemed to explain the campaign finance reform bill pretty well.”

Davis went on to to tell students that he would vote against the current bill.

“I thought he was pretty personable,” said senior Allison Prosch. “He did for the most part answer the questions pretty well, but it seemed like he went off on tangents sometimes and promoted himself as being a ‘good guy.’”

Another topic that sparked questions regarded the restriction of personal freedoms in the aftermath of Sept. 11. Davis spoke at length regarding this issue and seemed to satisfy all the students’ questions.

“Six months ago, before September 11, I would have been extremely reluctant to

SARAH SHERMAN

Senior Mick Wurzer jams during the Guitar Concert on Feb. 11.

Guitar concert rocks school

by Morgan McEvilly Staff Writer

This year’s first Guitar Club concert was held on Feb. 11. It was held in the auditorium and began at 7:30 p.m. Roughly 65 parents, relatives and friends came to watch this performance.

All the participants were lined up on the stage to perform. The first song the group performed was “Chanson Russe,” a piece written by an anonymous artist. Guitar teacher Russell Key joined in on the next song, Fernando Sor’s “Etude.” Some rearranging was done because of the students’ different musical parts. The concert continued with songs Pieter Can der Staak’s “Reflexions” and Robert

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Schumann’s “Humming Song.”

Young Hoon Lee then performed a solo: “The Spanish Romance” by an anonymous artist. Senior Mick Wurzer and junior Nick Walters also performed solos.

Senior Brian Chafin and juniors Michael Cormier and Robert Morgenthaler performed a song together that was described by sophomore Sara Binkley to be “very sensual.”

Key believed that the concert went well. For some of the students it was their first time ever performing. “I was pleased how well everyone did.

It was a lot of the students’ first time ever to perform and “Guitar” con’t on p. 4

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard the multiple announcements during lunches advertising various Valentine’s Day fundraisers. Many classes and organizations use Valentine’s Day to raise money.

For the past few years, the Chorus Department has raised money selling Singing Valentines. This year, there are 17 different songs to choose from including “Lean on Me,” “You Are So Beautiful,” and “When I Fall In Love.” Two of the 17 songs will be sung by the Women’s Ensemble and Annandale Singers, while the remainder of the songs will be

by Shin-hyung Ahn Staff Writer

Junior Ally Reina has a lot on her mind as she sits listening to teacher Mary Ann Richardson explaining A.P. Government to the students sitting in her room.

She already knows what classes she’ll be taking next year, with all of her required courses and one elective: Psychology. She doesn’t have much room in her schedule to change things, just a change in a course to IB or Honors.

Like Reina, the presentations offered during the Elective Fair will decide whether students take one of the many higher level classes offered at AHS. “I don’t know if I want to be in IB English next year, so I want to find out the amount of workload,” said sophomore Nadia Siles.

The elective fair allows students to “sample” a class he or she might take next year. It helps students “learn more about the classes; and we’ll learn more about the teachers that are teaching it,” said sophomore Kimiko Yerick.

Students go to a presentation to see if a certain course holds interest for them.

“I don’t know what I want to be, so I want to see if I’m interested in business,” said Siles, who will go to a business course presentation.

Others want to take a course to help with future goals. “I want to help people with their emotional problems,” said sophomore Ji-young Kim, who showed an interest in Psychology.

Teachers have been working hard, preparing to attract students into a class. Some use the prospect of a hard course on a high school transcript, telling students

“Davis” con’t on p. 4

Clubs make Valentine’s sales

by Katharine Kishiyama Staff Writer

held today

“Elective” con’t on p. 5

Audiences to taste Desserts

by Wala’a Elbarasse and Monica Price Staff Writer and On-line Editor

sung by chorus volunteers.

Singing Valentines cost only t$3, and the recipient will receive a heart-shaped card with a personalized message.

This year, The Future Business Leaders of America decided to participate in the Valentine’s Day festivities.

The FBLA raised money selling buttons with a photograph of the sender on it or an icon. The buttons also cost $3 and come with a card.

“We’d like to sell about 60 or so buttons,” said FBLA sponsor Jennifer Stansbury.

All profits will go to support the FBLA’s spring regional conference in March.

The highly anticipated annual Broadway Desserts will open Fri., Feb. 22 and run through Sun., Feb. 24 at Northern Virginia Community College.

Thirty-five traditional and contemporary Broadway acts will be featured by students in the Choral Department.

Although evening performances have sold out, tickets are still available for matinee showings.

Broadway Desserts has been going on six years through the choral and drama department. The name originates from the audience being served desserts and refreshments before and during intermission, all while listening to Broadway tunes.

Last year the popular acts raised about $800 to $900. “The money we raise we use for the choral department uniforms, equipment, music, district festival, and for all-state fee,” said

Vicki Farish

Carleen Dixon

Choral Director Carleen Dixon.

Due to time constraints, Dixon took 74 audition pieces down to 35 finals.

“One of the different things about this year is that we have a very enthusiastic freshman class,” said Dixon.

Initially, Broadway Desserts began in the cafeteria. However, the catchy Broadway music attracted more viewers. As a result, Broadway “Desserts” con’t on p. 6

“Heart” con’t on p. 6

Black History Month activities educate

by Alejandro Salinas Staff Writer

LINDA FAIRALL

Children’s play entertains Seniors Sarah Paterson as the Cheshire Cat and Emily Useem as the Queen of Hearts entertain a young audience member after their on Feb. 9 performance of Alice in Wonderland. The annual children’s play was held last Thurs., Fri. and Sat. See story on p. 7.

The AHS Black History Committee has organized a series of events and activities with the goal of increasing student awareness of African American contributions. This year’s events are diverse, including a Historically Black Colleges and Universities panel, a Black History Bowl and an African Bead Shop.

The Black History Bowl will test participants’ black history knowledge in areas such as science, entertainment and history.

“The purpose of the Black History Bowl is to help students understand some of

ANDREW MENEGAT

Members of the Historically Black College Panel receive questions.

the contributions that African Americans have made to the development of the country,” said English teacher Augustine Twyman.

As an incentive for participants, awards will be

granted. The winning team will receive $100 for their class bank as well as an additional amount for the winners. the monetary income “Month” con’t on p. 4

hat’s inside

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12 The idea of year-round schooling is gaining popularity. Find out just what it is, and how it has worked at other schools.

13 Ah, the 80s. Take a look at what high school life was like back in the day.

Explore how grades have become the end-all in many students’ lives. Also, check out comparisons of our grade systems to those in other counties.

17 The Swim Team recently broke numerous school records and ranked high in the regional competition. Check out the details.

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Wednesday, February 13, 2002

The Dissenting Opinion STUDENT RESPECT — When students are expected to complete all the requirements of high level courses, they should be given the respect to be trusted with their work.

MISTAKES — Mistakes are unavoidable in the stress of completing a multi-source research paper. Students shouldn’t be disciplined for minor accidents.

English teacher Jacquie Foote collects an assignment from her class.

This time, the students must elucidate the coming of age of the main character in The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane, a topic covered ad infinitum by past students and Internet sites.

Because she usually assigns the same papers on well-known books year after year, she has reason to worry about the authenticity of her students work. Like many English and social studies teachers school-wide, Foote has spent hours on past assignments checking her students papers for plagiarism. However, thanks to AHS’s subscription to the plagiarism-detecting program, PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ANDREW MENEGAT Juniors Lindsey Grant and Chris Rauer are now required to submit their A.P. History essays to TurnItIn.com.

Turnitin.com, Foote can now rest For the first essay, the two worked together to help set up their student accounts. The new program will save assured that she will know exactly what teachers hours of checking student’s work for plagiarism, but must be used with caution. papers were plagiarized without spending hours checking the papers a fair price considering the time and Consequently, the administration herself. energy it will save teachers. should be commended for its efforts to Cheating in high school has reached Turnitin.com will help eliminate the halt one type of cheating: plagiarism. shocking levels of innovation in recent unfair advantage that dishonest Last December, AHS joined many other years. Students have become bolder in students hold. According to the U.S. schools across the country by subscribtheir risks, and technology has assisted News and World Report poll, as posted ing to Turnitin.com, an on-line company their efforts. The Internet increasingly on TurnItIn.com’s website, “80% of that checks student work for plagiarism. provides all sorts of cheating aids. college-bound students admit to cheating When a teacher decides to use Vocabulary, guide sheet and test on schoolwork,” and 95% of them go Turnitin.com for an assignment, answers are easily accessible in a undetected. College-bound students who students will submit their papers to the number of different plagiarize for a better grade are quite website instead of the websites. Some even simply stealing a scholarship or a college teacher, using an THE A-BLAST STAFF EDITORIAL specialize in providing admittance spot from a more deserving assigned password.

The administration made a college essays for a student.

The program will take good decision in subscribing to price. And, just as Furthermore, a good portion of about 24 hours to TurnItIn.com dishonorable, parents plagiarism is completely unintentional. check the paper for and older siblings are As Principal Don Clausen explains, plagiarism and then providing far too much Turnitin.com will help, “keep honest kids forward the paper to “assistance” in students’ No Yes honest.” In the stress of collecting the teacher. The work. sources for a paper, forgetting to cite an teacher will receive a 17 36 AP and IB classes idea or quotation may easily be an color-coded report are increasing the work honest mistake. analyzing each load among high school students.

So far, 31 teachers have signed up to student’s work that includes the Likewise, stressed-to-the-limit kids feel use Turnitin.com. The school was right percentage of plagiarism in the paper. that honor is costing them the top to spend the money for this timesaving, Each time a paper is submitted into the grades and the more competitive college honor-promoting program. Hopefully, program, its contents are added to admittances. Though students who more teachers will utilize the many Turnitin.com’s database, thus younger resort to these measures or parents who benefits that Turnitin.com has to offer. siblings and friends will be unable to write their sons and daughters college turn in someone else’s work. essays feel it’s what they have to do to Staff editorial written by Editorials According to Principal Don Clausen, stay competitive, this sort of behavior is Editor Katie Clark subscription to the program costs the stealing from other students. school $1,000 for unlimited use. This is

According to a U.S. News and World Report poll, “80% of collegebound students admit to cheating on school work,” and 95% of them go undetected.

A FLAWED PROGRAM — TurnItIn.com will make mistakes— sometimes accusing innocent students of plagiarism. Teachers should use it only as a tool to catch cheaters, not forgetting commonsense and good judgement.

Measures must be taken to make churches safe for children

by Kristie Moore Atomic Athletics Editor

After thirty-four years of sexual assault and abuse, father John Geoghan is finally behind bars under conviction last month of indecent assault on a 10-year-old boy. Documents uncovered by The Boston Globe suggested that the archdiocese of Boston had covered up his crimes since the beginning, and his case has led calls for the resignation of Boston’s influential Archbishop Cardinal Bernard Law. It is time for the Catholic Church to take a strong stand on the issue of pedophiliac priests. Cardinal Bernard Law should be dismissed from the Church and held partially responsible for the actions of John Geoghan because he failed to report them to law enforcement.

What has outraged the public is that high officials in the Boston archdiocese, including Cardinal Bernard Law, were aware of Geoghan’s behavior for years, yet they still allowed him to remain a priest often assigned to work with children. Now at the age of 66, John Geoghan is being accused of sexually assaulting around 130 boys over his career of being a parish priest in the Boston area.

By the time Law arrived in Boston in 1984, Geoghan had already been abusing children for 22 years. Within the year, Law transferred Geoghan to St. Julia’s parish without informing parishioners about his past. After abusing three more children there, he was removed for treatment for his pedophilia and was returned to St. Julia’s after being determined by physicians as “fit to resume the priesthood.” Once again, he preyed on and raped more children until in 1994 when he was put on leave and finally, in 1998 he was removed from the priesthood as the first civil suits and criminal charges were filed against him.

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It is obvious that there is a serious problem when there are several cases like this around the country and the Catholic Church has a separate account to pay money to the victims of sexual abuse to avoid public scandal.

In 1992 in Fall River, Massachusetts, James Porter was convicted of molesting 28 boys and the archdiocese settled for millions in civil suits. It has estimated that they have paid off victims of at least 70 pedophile priests in the past 10 years totaling around a billion dollars.

Recently, Cardinal Law has taken steps to deal with reported incidents of abuse. He now has a review board of priests, lawyers, psychiatrists and social workers that look into allegations of sexual abuse. The victims are offered treatment and offenders are removed from active service. This newly-enacted system will prevent someone like John Geoghan from abusing his position, but it does not get Law off the hook for permitting Geoghan to continue to practice while placing children in potential danger.

Archbishop Cardinal Bernard Law is now coming forward and repeatedly apologizing for those who have been sexually abused. As for the status of Geoghan, he is sitting in jail on his earlier conviction and is waiting to go on trial later this month for rape.

The Catholic Church has basically treated these issues as a matter of “sin,” as moral lapse and clearly didn’t recognize these actions as a crime.

They instead relied on physicians who stated that Geoghan has been “cured and rehabilitated.”

Archbishop Cardinal should resign his position in the church even if only to prove that the Catholic Church is serious about fixing this huge problem. He should also be partially held accountable for what happened to those boys. Law should have turned Geoghan into the police and been stripped of his collar as soon as the first accusations started surfacing.

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Sugimura’s spectacular swim team service

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Science teacher Gannon Sugimura provides service to AHS beyond the chemistry classes he teaches. Every Friday night to as late as 10:30 p.m. he can be found volunteering as a referee at AHS swim meets. These competitions take many volunteers to pull off, and it’s great that faculty like Sugimura are there to answer the call of duty.

Roth’s career speakers spark student interest

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TurnItIn.com: a valuable tool for everyone

Career center specialist Robin Roth has organized a guest speaker program in which professionals deliver presentations during Flex. The sessions have been well attended and provide students with some insight into future possible careers. Future speakers include NBC weatherman Clay Anderson, USA journalist Haya El Nasser and nationally known “Father of the Internet” Vint Cerf.

Administration tries to nail students with tardies

Editors in Chief Managing Editor News Editors Academics Editors Editorials Editors In-Depth Editors Features Editors Atomic Articles Editor Profiles Editors Cultures Editors Sports Editors

Last Thursday, icy and slick road conditions made the morning commute to school a hazardous and slow process.

At 7:30, the administration interrupted class to make an announcement urging all teachers to send students who were late down to the office to get a tardy pass. Actions such as these cause one to wonder whether the administration is there to help students or just out to get them.

Zero tolerance for “Zero Tolerance” Virginia schools’ policy of zero tolerances for “weapons” reflects an epidemic loss of common sense. A middle school boy was suspended when his mother packed his birthday lunch with a plastic spork. A high school boy was suspended for five days for defending himself against an attacker. And, worst of all, a Loudon County eighth grader was taken out of school after he took a knife away from a friend who was considering suicide. Virginia schools need to ditch zero tolerance and come up with punishments that fit the “crime.”

Entertainment Editors Atomic Athletics Editors

“No, drivers should use their own discretion.

They know the risks involved if they’re too distracted [using cell phones].”

— Molly Jepsen freshman

“I think [so] because it would help reduce accidents.”

— Elizabeth Gill sophomore

“[Instead of a law],I think people should start using headsets as opposed to using cell phones while driving.”

— Shakara LeCount sophomore

“It should [only] be illegal when entering or exiting an interstate highway.”

— Abdul Mahmoud junior

“Yes, for the hand held phones because most people do not have the ability to steer at the same time.”

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Wednesday February 13, 2002

David Covucci Shant Shahrigian Chris Hogeboom Reid Edwards Philippe Podhorecki Hayley Fletcher Hana Ngyuen Katie Clark Andrew Satten Heather Downen Rebecca Sample Young-Zi Byun Sarah Kelman Chae-Wha Park Denice Miller Richie McCormack Martha Amoaka Cameron Kynes Chris Bagot Ryan Croft Jessica Reyes Mike Mahn Kristie Moore

Gallup Award Quill and Scroll International Honor Society 2000-2001

Should laws be passed that make it illegal to talk on a cell phone when driving?

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the Annandale High School 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, Virginia 22003 Volume # 47 Issue 9

tomic reactions

—Shawn Hearn assistant principal

(703) 642-4229 email: ahsablast@aol.com website: www.fpcs.k12.va.us /AnnandaleHS/ABlast/2002 fax: 642-4197

Rebecca Kraushaar Abby Segall Weekend Editors John Bernhardt Caroline Friedman On-line Editors Monica Price Leah Selim Business Ryan Teichler Advertising Manager Crystan Blanco Copy Editor Katie Stanton Photography Editor Jenny Beam Photographers: Sean Sullivan, Andrew Menegat, Sarah Sherman, Linda Fairall Staff Writers: Junaid Shams, Paul Gleason, Saman Hussain, Rachel Jones, Maggie Owner, Evan Ashe, Sam Molavi, Annette Bouadi, Rob Payne, Walaa Elbarasse, Aminah Kakeh, ShinHyung Ahn, Kyle Smeallie, Lauren Sterlacci, Morgan McEvilly, Mohammad Edris Qarghah, Laura Hollowell, Sara Bizer, Jared Smith, Katharine Kishiyama, Kathy Saupp, N’hawa Tangula Principal Don Clausen Adviser Alan Weintraut Arts Editors

Trophy Class Virginia High School League 2000-2001

All American National Scholastic Press Association 2000-2001

Published every three weeks, The A-Blast is an award winning, newspaper that strives to inform, educate, and entertain the student body and community. The A-Blast will not print any material that is obscene or libelous; or that which substantially disrupts the school day or invades an individual’s right to privacy. Unsigned editorials represent the staff opinions which solely represent the opinion of the newspaper staff. The A-Blast is an independent, open forum for discussion which is printed at the Springfield Plant of The Washington Post. Signed letters to the editor of 250 words or less may be submitted to room 225 or mailed to the school. The A-Blast reserves the right to refuse advertisements. All submissions become property of The A-Blast Copyright, 2002.

editorials

It’s time to revise affirmative action

Let's use college acceptance programs as a start to revise the program

Although I started my college applications later than I should have, by winter break ` most of them were in the mail. I found the experience to be about as laborious as graduates before me had described, but I also found there to be Shant Shahrigian an additional negative Co-Editor in Chief overtone. By question nine or ten on every application that I filled out, I was dismayed to be asked what my “Ethnic Origin” is.

Falling under the category of “White Non-Hispanic,” I know that this will not play to my favor.

There is no doubt that the initial purpose of affirmative action was noble. However, the fact that it has come to operate to the detriment of student interest— white and non-white alike— is reprehensible. Although the groups that affirmative action programs aid no doubt suffered wrongs in the past, fourty years of implementation of the program has changed American racial attitudes for the better. Virginia should follow in the footsteps of California and refuse to grant preferential treatment to any group. The first step towards this is to change affirmative action programs so that they no longer grant preferential treatment in the college application process.

The concept of affirmative action began in March 1961 when President John F. Kennedy signed the document to establish the President’s committee on Equal Employment Opportunity, Executive Order 10925. The goal of the Committee was to end discrimination by the federal government and its contractors. The phrase for which the concept in question has come to be known comes from a part of the order which stipulated that every federal contract include the phrase, “The contractor will take affirmative action, to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during their employment, without regard to race, lthough the groups creed, color, or national that affirmative action origin.” programs aid suffered Today’s version of wrongs in the past, over half affirmative action is a a century of implementation distorted revision of Kennedy’s goal. Instead of of the program has changed casting aside the menAmerican racial attitudes tioned factors as irrelevant for the better. in the hiring and other processes, laws passed since 1961 have created an atmosphere in which race does matter. Until the government restores affirmative action to its original purpose, states like California will have to take the lead and do so individually. California’s state constitution stipulates that no consideration one way or the other be granted a person from any group.

Not only is affirmative action merely a treatment of the symptom and not the cause of a problem— that which causes disadvantaged groups to be disadvantaged in the first place— but it is clearly unfair as well. For example, the University of Virginia gives clear preference to black applicants. In a study on admission practices at the institution, the Center for Equal Opportunity found that in 1999, and controlling for test scores, high school ranks, legacy and other factors, black students were 111.11 times more likely to be admitted than any other student.

Affirmative action policy is clearly in need of revision.

The best solution to amend the unfair situation it creates in the admission process is to return to Kennedy’s initial idea. Until then, students such as myself will have to leave question nine or ten on their college applications unanswered.

Shantsense

By Chae-Wha Park and Andrew Satten

‘In God We Trust’ in our schools

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interview executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State Barry Lynn said “This is taking a kind of captive audience of school children and

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“In God We Trust” was signed into law as our national motto in 1951. The motto also appears on our national currency.

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Two years ago the Virginia State Legislature passed the controversial “Moment of Silence” law. Politicians are now trying to bolster support for another misguided attempt at legislating morality through a bill that would require all public schools to post “In God We Trust” as well as another measure aimed at giving schools the option of displaying a poster that features the Ten Commandments.

These legislative maneuvers of imposing religion in public schools are blatant violations of our revered principle of separation of church and state and must be abolished.

The “In God We Trust” bill sponsored by Delegate Robert Marshall (RPrince William) was approved by the Courts of Justice Committee and most recently the Education Committee by a vote of 15-7. The bill will now go to the state Senate for a vote that will take place sometime within the next month. Last year, the Senate defeated a similar bill.

Though this national motto is displayed on our currency and coins, promoting it to school children and directly influencing their religious beliefs is of a different magnitude. In an Education Week on the Web

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Morality legislation attempt is unconstitutional

compelling them to read religious doctrines in school.”

Proponents of the bill claim that it promotes morals, a sense of unity and patriotism. In the wake of Sept. 11, it is evident that our nation is not having problems finding methods to promote national pride. Students are already bombarded by patriotism on a

Andrew Satten Editorials Editor

daily basis, whether it be driving on a highway in which every other car bears an American flag or turning on the T.V.... to watch the Olympics, an event that has apparently become a celebration of the United States.

Further, patriotism is more than a motto, a concept that some Virginian politicians are having trouble grasping. A.P. United States History teacher Eleanor Shumaker believes that, “Schools should teach morality, but posting a sign on the wall will not do anything.”

A 1971 supreme court case Lemon v. Kurtzman established the Lemon Test to help legislate the doctrine of separation of church and state with regards to our schools. The test, which has been used for over three decades as a guide for such cases, outlaws school legislation that “Fosters excessive entanglements between church and state.” As much as politicians would like to believe that this legislation is going to have monumental impact on instilling patriotism in students, their primary argument for its passing, it will not, therefore making it an “excessive” effort.

If parents feel that their children’s education will be profoundly improved

by attending a school with religious doctrines posted on the wall, then send them to a private school. Foreign people with strong religious roots have come to our nation for centuries because they realize the value of a government that refrains from involving itself in religion based legislation. Unfortunately, the value of this principle is being lost on many of our ungrateful citizens.

Though most of the over 2,000 religions that are found in our nation refer to some supreme being as God, legislative attempts of this nature have proven to carry predominantly Christian support, minority groups have voiced opposition. It is imperative that Christianity does not influence our government any more than any other religion. Though the vast majority of Virginia school children believe in God, the purpose of the First Amendment is to protect the minority no matter how small. Why are Muslims, for example, not equally entitled to having “In Allah We Trust” and the Five Pillars of Islam posted in

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f parents feel that their children’s education will be profoundly improved by attending a school with religious doctrines posted on the wall, then send them to a private school.

our schools?

This bill could even prove detrimental toward our national unity, creating dissension and conflict between different religious and ethnic groups represented in our schools. Even if passed, what would this legislation accomplish? Posting these doctrines in our schools will not have a radical positive influence on our education system, as can be seen from the results of the moment of silence policy, but rather is just another senseless attempt that is wasting our tax payers money and our legislators time when their are more pressing issue at stake.

“You can’t legislate morality,” said Shumaker. “Where will it stop?”

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School patriotism bill debated REASONING — The bill’s sponsor Delegate James O’brien (R-Clifton) believes that the legislation is appropriate in an effort to promote patriotism in our students after the events of Sept. 11.

Other delegates cited that our education system’s focus on multi-culturalism has detracted from patriotic and nationalist teachings.

SING IT — One of the elements of the bill deals with educating students on the lyrics and tone of patriotic songs including “America, the Beautiful,” “The National Anthem” and “The Battle Hymm of the Republic.”

STARS AND STRIPES — An option is provided to school districts of displaying the American flag in every building of school facilities.

CONTROVERSY — A clause of the bill advises teachers to compare the United States against “societies’ and cultures’ lacking of such freedoms.” Many members of the committee were averse to the notion, but were defeated in a close vote on removing the clause from the bill.

VOTING — The House of Delegates’ Education Committee unanimously approved the bill last Wed. and it is now being sent to the House floor for consideration

WTC American flag worthy of Olympic recognition The IOC should not have contested the recognition of the tragedy of Sept. 11

by Chris Hogeboom Managing Editor

The 2002 Winter Olympic games got underway in Salt Lake City, Utah amidst a patriotic ceremony that included a 45-minute tribute to the victims and their families of Sept. 11. The most moving period of the ceremony came when an honor guard, including members of the New York Port Authority entered Rice-Eccles Stadium barring the “Ground Zero” flag recovered from the ruble of the World Trade Center. Until a few days before the games began the International Olympic Committee did not want the flag to be present at the winter games.

IOC Director General Francois Carrard was reported as saying, “These games are held in the United States and we have deep respect and sympathy for everything that has happened since Sept. 11. But let’s not forget the games are a universal event.” However, the World Trade Center held people from all over the world and that the terrorist

attacks that brought the two buildings down had a universal effect.

The IOC refused to allow the flag to be carried because Olympic rules bar any political demonstrations during the opening parade. Mike Moran, a spokesman for the U.S.. committee, said the coordinating commission of the IOC was worried that carrying the flag could set a precedent. “If we were to do this here, there would be nations at every Olympics that would want to do something special about their country.

When the flag was recovered, three days after the attacks, it was covered in ash and dust, had 12 stars missing and two large tears through the red and white stripes. The flag was turned over to a National Guard Colonel for a proper ceremonial destruction. A label on the flag showed that it belonged to the Port Authority, so he turned it over to the Port Authority Police Department. Several members of the Port Authority Police

Department have become the flag’s caretakers and have taken it to dozens of their comrade’s funerals and memorial services. The flag was also flown over Yankee Stadium during the World Series and during the Superbowl It is a shame to see that an international organization such as the IOC would not immediately want to support the flying of a flag that represents the tragic deaths of thousands of people from dozens of countries. If it has not been for strong objection from the U.S. athletes, the flag would not have been flown at all. The IOC reversed its initial decision not to the fly the flag.

“It is a misunderstanding that the IOC objected to the presence of a very sacred flag, the Ground Zero flag,” said Carrard.

“The Olympic movement around the world has expressed its sympathy for the victims of Sept. 11 in many ways since that tragic day. Showing the flag in this respect is just one more way,” said Anita DeFrantz, senior U.S. IOC member.

The attacks of Sept. 11 took the lives of citizens from over eighty different countries. Displaying the Ground Zero flag was important not as a political demonstration but as recognition of a global tragedy.

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Black college panel answers students questions “Month,” from pg. 1 will receive $100 for their class bank as well as an additional amount for the winners. the monetary income for the prizes will be provided by the PTSA. Teachers interested in attending the competition should sign up with history teacher Joel Jepson for the first flex on Feb. 26.

The African Bead Workshop will be held today in room 255 from 2:10-3:30 and spacing will be limited, so all students interested are urged to be prompt.

During this workshop, students interested in art will have the chance to create their own necklace. All materials, supplies and instructions will be provided by the sponsor Jan Hochstein.

“I’ve always done bead work, and my daughter went to Ghana last year and brought back some really nice beads, some of them antiques. I’m going to share them with the kids,” said Hochstein.

Samuel L. Jackson, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the infamous Sean “P. Diddy” Combs are all famous alumni and members of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Graduates from Hampton, Morehouse, Morris Brown, North Carolina Central University and other HBCUs visited AHS on Feb. 6 to inform students about their experiences and why a HBCU can be a great place to receive higher education.

Students learned about the academic and social aspects

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List of Students Who Have Received Atoms Pride TShirts For November, December, January (as of 2/12/02)

of a HBCU as well as financial aid programs and scholarships offered. “I attended the meeting because I really need information on colleges,” said junior Sarrah Jallon.

Since their inception in 1857, HBCU’s goal has been to educate African Americans who were denied acceptance in segregated colleges.

Guitar club holds Braddock concert Principal dies “Guitar,” from pg. 1 there was some nervousness, but all went well,” said Key. The students had been preparing for this concert in class for roughly six to eight weeks. “It takes a while to learn all the music,” said Key. All the students that performed in the concert are in the Guitar 3 classes.

In addition to the guitar class, there is a guitar club that anyone can join. However, about half the guitar class is in the Guitar Club, which was invented to make more playing time for truly dedicated musicians and for people that wanted more time to play together. This club is not only for guitar players it is open to many percussion instruments.

Kee’s general reaction to the concert was that “It showed the breath of styles between classical and a more modern style”. Another Guitar Club member Katie Wipf believes that “the concert did not showcase the true talent that the students have.” The concert finished up at 8 with Kee giving a forecast of future Guitar Club events.

The next guitar ensemble Kee is organizing is going to be May 6.

“It showed the breath of styles between classical and a more modern style”.

Katie Clark and Andrew Satten Editorials Editors

The principal of Braddock Elementary School, Janet Zschoche, died this Sunday after a year long struggle Jan Zschoche with colon cancer.

She was at Braddock for three years after transferring from the Terrace Center in Burke where she was the Assistant Principal.

Those who knew her remember her activity in the community, including the great efforts she took to unite the population of the Braddock neighborhoods.

Zschoche left behind a husband, two children and three grandchildren.

Cynthia Botzin will resume as the acting principal.

“She brought so much care and love to all the Braddock families and children,” said head secretary Janice Price.

“Everybody loved her, the kids loved her, the staff...there are no words to tell you about Jan.” Zscoche was 63 years of age at the time of her death.

ANDREW MENEGAT

History teacher Jonathan York and Virginia Rep. Tom Davis exchange their views on Virginia’s political scene.

Tom Davis speaks to students “Davis,” from pg. 1 restrict any personal freedoms of the individual.

Yet, the world has changed and if it means inconveniencing someone by restricting some of their personal freedoms but prevents

another terrorist attacks, then I feel it would be worth it. It is a delicate balance between the security we need and infringing to far upon the rights of individual,” said Davis. “Ultimately, the courts will be the final mediator.”

Grand Opening!!

Mountain Kim Martial Arts

Mountain Kim Martial Arts is continuing its 29 years of service in the Northern Virginia area with the Grand Opening of our new school in the Ravensworth/Safeway Shopping Center at Braddock Road and 495. We offer a wide-ranging curriculum, with classes to suit everyone in the family. Also be sure to ask about our popular After School Martial Arts Program for your child. All of our programs develop self-confidence, discipline, respect and physical fitness. In addition, you will develop strong self-defense skills and most importantly, you’ll have a great time!

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Abubakar, Majid-Majid Adams, Kendra Aguilera-Artega, Ariana Ahmed, Ahmed Amoak, Juliana Appleton, John Appleton, John Arias, Jessica Asamoa, Kojo Aultman, Stephen Bangali, Joseph Bartnek, Melanie Beam, Kelly Benjamin, Jason Betz, Brandon Blau, David Blell, Hadiza Boateng, Maame Brassard, April Briggs, Danielle Calhoun, C.K. Canady, Jasmine Canales, Guillermo Charuenpornpanichkul, Piti Chavez-Rodiquez, Miguel Cherinet, Yarid Conteh, Muna Coronel, Jose Dale, Donald Daley, Laura Davila, Damian Davila, Melisa Davis, Ra Anna Dawson, John Deibes, Christine Diaz-Castillo, Jose Dinh, Monica Dinh, Monica Doung, Anne Dulo, Nick Ealy, Tamisha Edwards, Bryan Elias, Atallah Fagot, Emilie Farrar, Jonathan Fletcher, Hayley Foley, Frank Fox, Kevin Frankel, Scott Freeman, Natalie Freiden, Sergio Gab Allah, Gab-Allah, Sharif Garcia, MariaGibson, Christina Gill, Elizabeth Grandon, Kevin Green, Shelley Guevara, Renato Guzman, Dennis Hagglar, Joseph Hand, Courtney Hanidias, Erit Hashi, Adna Henry, Christopher Hill, A.J. Hussain, Asad Hussein, Abdul Hussein, Rukiya Huynh, Khang Hyde, L.J. Johnson, Travis Kelly, Laura Khan, Areed Khan, Sherabeel Kim, Samuel Klunk, Justin Lazo, Julie Le, Diem Le, Viet LeCount, ShakaraLee, Har-Sung Li, Ying Llano, Grover Quiroz Lujan Salvatierra, Alexandra Manana, Paul Mansur, Mimi Marroquin, CarmenMartin, Donald Martin, Jason Max Ruth, Jan McQuaid, Lindsay Mekonnen, Kerkalem Meneses, Bricheet Miller, Katharine Miller, Kathleen Misner, Blaine Mohamed, Patinam Mohamud, Ahmed Moya, Ariel Mrad, Rita Murphy, Nicole Nguyen, Carol Nguyen, Carol Nguyen, Dung Nguyen, Phuong Osman, Mariam Paebeco, Sergio Pak, Enoch Patterson, Sarah Continued on pg. 7

ANDREW MENEGAT

Senior Maame Boateng looks on at the Historically Black Colleges and Universities panel from last week. Representatives from several historically black colleges, including Morehouse, paid a visit to AHS.

According to Linda Pierce, graduate of an HBCU, it’s the family environment that sets HBCUs apart from other colleges.

“We come together as a family, we support each other through the good, the bad and the ugly, and once we graduate we give back socially, emotionally financially,” said Pierce.

With the panelists up close and personal, students got to experience what classes at HBCUs are like. Jokes between the guests and the students helped to achieve a more personal atmosphere. “What we attempted to achieve was to get kids to learn more about HBCU and also to become interested in HBCU,” said sponsor and organizer Bristol Martin III, Geosystems teacher.

HBCUs offer excellent academic programs in many different fields: business, science and architecture programs rank among the nation’s best. About 50% of the country’s black college graduates are educated at an HBCU. Contrary to myths, HBCUs are highly competitive and disciplined schools with a soaring academic reputation.

Enrollment is open to anyone interested, regardless of race or origin.

Other important Black History Month events include the Oratory Contest, Daily Facts in the morning announcements, display cases, and “Positivity,” a presentation combining song, dance and poetry. This event, organized by Kerry Richardson, will be held on March 4.

We are located at 5230-B Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22151 (703) 321-0300

Mountain Kim Martial Arts

6 weeks of lessons and FREE uniform

by Junaid Shams Staff Writer

What are “Computer Compressions Algorithms?” Junior Greg Karch can tell you because he created the award winning science fair project this year at the school-wide annual science fair. On Feb. 1, over 140 students entered the fair competing in ten different categories: Environmental Science, Behavior Science, Engineering, Medicine/Health, Earth/Space Science, Computer Science, Botany, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

The science fair started at 12:40 in the cafeteria and ended at 4:15. Students first signed in, and set up their projects on different tables, based on their categories. But after that, it was a race to get judges to see their projects so they could leave. “It was very interesting to see the other projects,” said Keris KrennHrubec, who won honorable mention in the Earth/ Science category.

The main objective for the students was not only to show off their projects to other students, but also to get their projects evaluated by two judges. This was part of their Honors and IB syllabus. They varied from “Does Air Pressure Affect the Bounce of a Basketball?” to “Do Students with More Honor/IB classes have a Higher GPA?” This project won honorable

ANDREW MENEGAT

Senior Keith White explains his project to a judge at the science fair.

mention, which was done by freshman Sara Fargo and sophomore Mahlet Girma.

Other winners included freshman Andrew Gisch and junior Preston Gisch, who both won first place in their respective categories. “I’m glad I’m going back to the regionals this year because I had a great time last year” said Gisch. While Gisch

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Students compete in Science Fair

did his project on “Droplet Impact Experiments”, brother Andrew did his on, “Engineering Problems Cup Holder’s Design.” Gisch said, “I think it’s great to win the science fair as a freshman because it will help me for college.”

Eight first place awards were given to students who will now go on to the Regional Science Fair. There were also three second place, seven third place, and 17 honorable mention award winners. Behavioral Science, Chemistry, and Biology categories did not receive any first, second, or third place winners. However, they did receive several honorable mention winners.

The Naval Research also gave awards. These awards were given to Richard McCormack, Joshua Buzzell, Kyle Smeallie, Charles Dickinson, Matthew Wiest, Mohammed Qarghah, and Greg Karch.

The first place winners were Lindsay Barker (Environmental Science), Despina Kiaoulis, Christine Sabotta, Leigh Castaldo, Andrew Gisch, Zarrin Chua (Engineering), April Brassard, Eshani Chhikara (Medicine/Health), Kevin O’Campo (Computer Science), and Preston Gisch (Physics).

The grand-prize winner was Greg Karch.

News Briefs

Elective Fair introduces new courses Students take VLT

“Elective,” from pg. 1 Teacher Cadet instructor Virginia Crowley relies on posters and word of mouth, hoping that peer influence will convince students to sign up. “I’ve asked the kids to help me put them [the posters] around,” said Crowley. “Pictures of students always draws somebody’s attention.”

Some teachers rely on the information given during an elective fair session, talking to students and handing out information sheets. “We’re going to give verbal information and going to give each one a sheet which has a breakdown of the classes,” said teacher Alfred Martin, who will be teaching IB Computer Science next year.

“A lot [of the new courses] are the IB courses.”

“It’s not overly hard. It’s hard in a sense that it’s the first course that they have to use their mind as opposed to memorizing and saying it back. Once they get over that hurdle of ‘I can think for myself now,’ it’s interesting to see the light bulbs come over peoples’ faces,” said Martin.

Next year, IB History: Topics in Twentieth Century World History, Ceramics 1, and IB Theory of Knowledge will be offered.

“A lot [of the new courses] are the IB courses,” said Guidance Director Steve Sengstack. “A lot of them are the second level of IBs. We started the first level this year, so next year the second level is new to us. Any class course that we offer new next year, that we didn’t offer this year, we submit to the cluster office so that they know what we’re doing.”

The new IB courses coming in will

Every week for four or more hours Deena Razik copies files or does other clerical work at the Library of Arab Leagues while everyone else is in school. She interns at the library in Washington D.C. as part of the Political Science class.

Her aunt, an employee of the Arab Library, helped her get the internship position. She wanted the internship because she wanted to understand the Arab culture. “It's a good experience to get in through with the Arab culture," said Razik.

Razik is part of David Bellis' Political Science class, which requires students to participate in political internships during the third and fourth quarter. Interns do not attend their R7 or W8 political science class.

There are about 50 seniors who partake in political internships for the class.

Although four hours per week is the

minimum, interns are encouraged to do extra hours for the experience. Students choose where they want to intern, and this year students are working with Republican congressman Tom Davis, the Egyptian Embassy, the State Department, NOVACO Shelter for Domestic Abuse and many other organizations.

The class is more involved than just the internship. "I took political science because I like to debate political issues. We have a first hand look at politics in the real world and not necessary what we have been taught," said senior Maame Boatange.

Internships must meet certain criteria.

Besides having to be political, there must be a sponsor who will supervise the student, and the job has to be unpaid. The students have to find the position themselves, even if families arrange most. "Although students do not have a dress code, they are encouraged to make a

Be a part of AHS history!

SEAN SULLIVAN

Science teacher Tom Pratuch advises junior Josh Buzzell. Pratuch will teach Theory of Knowledge next year, a new elective course.

replace the AP courses with a couple of differences between them, making Annandale adjust to the new program.

good impression," said Bellis.

Bellis hopes students "get real life political experience" from the various internships. To prepare for the internships, students study various political theories in their first semester. "Hopefully they can put the theories into practice" while at their internships, said Bellis.

Razik likes the internship because of the experiences it gives for future jobs. The internship helps her prepare for college.

The internship is the only grade that political science students receive during the second semester since they do not attend regular class. Interns have to keep journals about their activities and what they do at the job. The journals are graded along with class discussions, which are held during flex. The political sponsor of the intern also grades the students on their performance at the intern

Pink Posey Florist Make Valentine’s Day special

Support the class of 2004 and buy a personalize a brick.

Purchased bricks will be as the

While students at AHS looked to fulfill their needed requirements for graduation, those who needed to complete the VLT (Virginia Literacy Test) had a chance to do so from Feb. 4 through 12. The tests were taken in order for the ESL students to get the required passing score, which they needed in order to graduate. Only juniors and seniors take this particular test, which consists of a total of four days. Two days are given for the math testing, one for reading and another for writing.

Out of the entire student body, 70 students took the reading comprehension test, 40 took the math test and 64 took the writing.

The most difficult task for the students taking this test is that they have to comprehend everything in English. Until your Paul Litwinetz junior or senior year, the school doesn’t feel the students are capable of passing a VLT, which is why only those grades 11 and 12 take them.

Each test taken has a different approach. The math is all multiple choice, reading is filling in the blanks, writing test takers are given a topic and graded for content, grammar and spelling.

The reading section provides the students with 11 passages with words missing, and they are given words to fill in the blanks. For the math test, they are given approximately 80 multiple-choice questions.

Guidance Counselor and Test Coordinator Paul Litwinetz said, “One of the biggest concerns I have is about how the upperclassman don’t take the SOLs seriously because it doesn’t impact them personally, but it does affect our school when our scores come out.”

DONNA GROVES Framer Wood Framing and Matting

walkway outside the jock lobby postconstruction.

(703) 941 - 7465 7857 - A- Heritage Dr. Annandale, Va, 22003

For more info stop by rm. 143 or email us at AHSClassof2004@hotmail.com

(703) 429 - 4118

SENIORS! eat fresh.

Finding a great sandwich has never been easier!

” t I e v a H ta t o G We’re “

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6920-K Bradlick Road Annandale, VA 22003 (703) 354-0202

BOWL

by Lauren Sterlacci Staff Writer

Political Science students explore internships Rachel Jones Staff Writer

NATIONAL SCIENCE

Senior class t-shirts will be on sale Wednesday Feb. 13 through Friday the 15. See class officers for order forms pick up one at the Only $10!orAttendance Office.

sizes S - XL

Due to the tragedies of Sept. 11, the annual National Math Convention was cancelled, and as an alternative, the AHS Math Honor Society participated in the National Science Bowl. A few months ago, Math Teacher Carol Rychlik administered a small multiple choice quiz consisting of questions in math and science. The four top scoring students selected to represent AHS were: juniors Richard McCormack, Elaine Filadelfo, Warren Dekker and senior Walter Fedrowitz. Thomas Jefferson High School received first place in the competition. The event, sponsored by the Department of Energy took place on Feb. 9 in Newport News at the Jefferson National Accelerator Facility. Rychlik accompanied the team of four students to Science Bowl.

NHS ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS National Honor Society sponsors Meghan Hall and Sarah Hrobowski are now beginning to accept new members that fit the eligibility requirements. Any senior with a seventh semester GPA above a 3.5 will be considered for induction. To find ways to apply and other information about the club visit the web at www.fcps.edu/ annandalehs/ studentactivities/nhs/ election.html

CLAUSEN EXPRESSES CONCERN In response to the recent trash can fires, Principal Donald Clausen has requested a stronger enforcement of rules in order to minimize the amount of interruptions as the result of unplanned fire alarms: 1. Lock your door at the tardy ball.

2. Students who are tardy to class must get a pass from the attendance office.

3. Do not send students out of class for any reason the first ten minutes of class.

4. If a student is sent out of your class they must have a pass with a time and date.

In addition to Clausen’s request for more stringent policies, covers have been placed on all of the fire alarms in order to prevent false alarms.

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Do you think the construction is a distraction?

“No, but I have friends who did.

We’re thinking about giving a Singing Valentine to a teacher.”

Katharine Perry freshman

DECA goes to Disney

Students seek match in survey

DECA students take annual trip to Disney World, learn new techniques in marketing

“Valentines” from pg. 1

by Kyle Smeallie Staff Writer

What is PIE? Is it a warm, crisp, homemade pastry? To a DECA student who recently went on the Disney World Trip, PIE is Performance Image Exposure.

Jan. 25 the DECA Club went on its annual Walt Disney World trip to participate in the Career Connections seminar.

At Disney, the club visited the many parks and heard speakers talk about different job opportunities.

The AHS DECA (District Education Clubs of America) Chapter left at 6:30 a.m. for Orlando, Florida. 18 hours later, the club arrived at its destination.

On Saturday, the club visited MGM Studios and talked for three hours with a Disney representative to find out what career would fit their goals. Then students were allowed to spend time in the park, with rides such as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, and the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.

Another popular attraction was the was the MGM Studios Backlot Tours, which was DECA member Jeannine Frank’s favorite ride. “I really liked the Backlot Tours because I got to be in it,” said Frank.

Frank, who plans to attend the trip next year, also enjoyed meeting new people from other schools. Frank and her partner Tracie Hiatt especially liked learning new marketing techniques.

Sunday was a day to enjoy the parks for DECA Students.

They visited Animal Kingdom and Disney Village. “We had the whole day to ourselves, and I had a lot of fun. It was Disney World, how could I not have fun?” said sophomore DECA member Michael Perucci.

In the morning of Monday Jan. 27, the DECA club visited Epcot. One of the featured attractions at Epcot is the Test Track, an automotive testing track simulator with bumpy terrain and hair-pin turns. After the DECA members went on the ride, they went to a pavilion where they met with the Vice President of the General Motors sponsored ride.

Although students were scheduled to speak to him for only an hour, they spoke about many topics such as the remaking the Cadillac or the discontinuing the Oldsmobile for two and a half hours. After the seminar, everyone received a small test track car.

COURTESY JEN HENDRICKSON

DECA students enjoy their time at Dinsey World. Students took an 18hour trip down to Florida where they visited the sites around Orlando.

On Monday afternoon, the club visited the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex, which holds year round sporting events. There they talked to the manager of sports programming about how to get a prestigious job. The club then ate at the “NFL Experience” Restaurant.

The final day that DECA was in Walt Disney World they traveled to Universal Studios in Orlando. After eating at the NBA City Live Restaurant, they listened to a presentation by a trading manager at Universal Studios. He spoke about how the restaurant helps the NBA to market and their future plans for expansion.

The last park that was visited was Adventure Island, which has attractions such as the 125 foot tall, jet propulsioned Incredible Hulk Coaster and the Dueling Dragon Coaster.

At 9:00 a.m. the fun came to an end and the students came back to an unseasonably warm Virginia. “Going to Disney is a great trip, it’s so fun to do every year,” said club sponsor Jen Hendrickson.

Valentine’s Day is also a great opportunity for classes to raise money for Prom. This year, the class of 2002 had the senior privilege of selling compatibility tests, which were taken earlier this school year in students’ English classes. The seniors are selling the results during all lunches for three dollars. “So far the fundraiser has been very successful. As of Tuesday, we have made about $700,” said senior class president Helen Houff.

The class of 2003 is also selling red and white carnations on the 14th during all lunches for one dollar. This year is the second year that the clas of 2003 has sold flowers. “Last year they sold out quickly so we’re very optimistic that they will sell out this year,” said the class of 2003 co-sponser Mark Cascio.

“First of all, all fundrasing credit has to go to Ms. Hutson and the students, but we expect it to be lucrative becuase it’s accessable and extremely reasonably priced,” said Cascio.

Last Wednesday, the sophomores began selling candy grams. They only cost $1 and the recipient will receive a heart-shaped card and a bag of candy containing two Hersey kisses and two Hersey hugs. “So far we have made $15, but we’re aiming to make $75,” said sophomore vice president Miranda Brackett.

CHAE-WHA PARK

Freshman Diana Hollingsworth purchases her compatibility test during lunch. This was just one of the things AHS organizations were selling during lunch periods.

Broadway Singers Choral Department gets busy “Desserts”, from pg. 1

“Not yet, but I’m going to get a Singing Valentine for my girlfriend.”

Scott Rodden sophomore

“I’m excited and I have high expectations for the show ” — Nikki Ogunnaike junior

“I will. I was thinking of getting a Singing Valentine for a really close friend of mine.”

Alexia Tapia junior

“No, I didn’t buy anything, everyday is Valentine’s Day with my wife.”

Scott Hambrick psychology teacher

Desserts had to move to a bigger location, Northern Virginia Community College.

This year, two student directors, Stephanie Glotfelty and Bayla Whitten, (also featured performers) will be coordinating the event.

Junior Michael Weinberg, a three year veteran of the program, will be performing four pieces, including a solo.

“The solo that I am doing would show me off the most. I have done a solo for each three years and every year it gets better,” said Weinberg.

Junior Nikki Ogunnaike is also one of the featured performers with three different pieces to be performed in this years Broadway Desserts.

“I’m excited and I have high expectations for the show because most of the tickets have been sold out, I’m really looking forward to it,” said Ogunnaike.

“I think I have practiced enough to feel comfortable with what I am performing,” said Ogunnaike.

Additionally, during the matinee performance, middle school students from Holmes and Poe’s choral department.

They will be featured in the opening and closing of the perormance.

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Chorus holds District Chorus auditions, will serve Dessert on Broadway

By Laura Hollowell Staff Writer

During the next three weeks, the choral department will be very busy with upcoming events.

As a tradition, selected students in choral classes will be performing chosen love and friendship songs to sing on Valentine’s Day. The performing students will get out of class an hour before the end of class to travel around to different classrooms performing their selected song.

For a small price of $3, students can pay for the choral department to serenade their friend or significant other with a favorite song from a list that the choral department has choosen to sing.

“I love singing,” said junior Bayla Whitten. “So it makes it even better when I get to sing to people on Valentine’s Day and help make their day more special.”

On Feb. 12, juniors and seniors in the choral program attended All State auditions, held at school. The students competed for a limited number of spots,

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PTSA Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Library

Grils’ Varsity B-ball v. T.C. Williams, Home, 8:00 p.m.

Boys’ Varisty B-ball v.T.C> Williams, Away, 8:00 p.m.

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Broadway Desserts at NOVA Drama Dept. trip to NY

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Annandale High School Calendar of Events

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They will sing the pieces they have been working on for months in a mock Festival atmosphere.

“It’s great to have the middle schools come and perform at Annandale,” said sophomore Kelly Harbison, “You get to see everyone from your old middle school, and feel a lot older since you are now in high school.”

This year, the choral department has had the largest percentage of selected students from all of the schools in the district who tried out to make district chorus.

To tryout, the student is given a piece of a song before the tryouts to practice.

After performing the piece, the student is then given another piece of music to sightread during the tryout.

The choral student is graded by unbiased judges and, if selected, are then placed into one of two choirs, the male and female choir; SATB, or the all girl choir: SSAA. Last Friday, students who were selected for district chorus were excused from all classes to travel to West Potomac High School and practice their music for the District concert with selected students from the rest of the district high schools.

The yearly concert was held at West Potomac High School last Saturday, Feb. 9.

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but like in past years, many students from AHS are expected to make it. The actual All-State concert will be held in Bristol, Virginia.

Broadway Desserts, an annual production where members of the choral department showcase their talent in Broadway repertoire, will be performed this year at Nova Arts Center.

The students choose their own group of singers and what song they wish sing.

Then, after much practice, the students audition for Ms. Dixon, and she makes her final selections for who gets to perform.

During the acts of the performances, the audience is served drinks and desserts by volunteer waiters.

The times of the performances are as follows: Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 23, at 2 p.m. matinee performance, and 7:30 p.m.

The matinee performance on Saturday also includes acts from both Holmes and Poe Middle School choirs.

“It [Broadway Desserts] is always a lot of fun,” said senior Ayobamidele Odejimi, “This year will be even more special because it will be my last year performing.”

The annual Pyramid Concert, on March 7, gives both Poe and Holmes choirs a chance to perform in a real auditorium before their Festival competition.

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District Band Festival at Stuart, 10 a.m., free admittance

Cap and Gown Pictures held in the Old Gym Lobby all-day.

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Winter Sports Banquet, 6 p.m. for Dinner

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Choral Pyramid concert at 7:00 p.m.

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—Compiled by Atomic Agenda Editor Chae-Wha Park

news

Students tutor around the community

by Andrew Satten and Lauren Sterlacci Editorials Editor and Staff Writer

Several IB students have recently started a new tutoring program at Weyanoke Elementary. This new program is just another tutoring program offered at AHS. The program joins the National Honor Society (NHS) one as well as another offered through the Key Club.

Students trying to achieve the IB diploma need CAS (Creative Action Service) hours. This new tutoring group is aimed at helping the IB diploma students get the required amount of hours necessary. Over the period of two years, they need to have successfully completed 150 hours of community service of some kind in each of the above areas.

AHS students go to Weyanoke Elementary 5-10 minutes before school lets out on Fridays. From about 2:10-2:40 they get with their assigned tutoree and tutor them with whatever material they have requested help.

The NHS program, established during the second quarter has already experienced success, thanks to the efforts of National Honor Society sponsors Sarah Hrobowski and Meghan Hall and wrestling coach James Carayiannis. Not one wrestler was academically ineligible for the last meet; an accomplishment that Carayiannis feels can be directly attributed to the outstanding efforts of NHS tutors.

Carayiannis was amazed at the response of NHS tutors towards the call for help, “I thought it was very touching.”

After head wrestling coach Will Stravino, along with Carayiannis and the rest of the coaching staff, began to assess their athlete’s grades and the mandatory study hall sessions after school, they realized that greater action needed to be taken to target the kids who were having academic troubles.

Around the same time, the wrestling coaches received emails from the NHS sponsors about how the organization was in dire need for students who needed tutoring so NHS members could meet their two hour tutoring requirement. “It provides our members with tutoring opportunities to fulfill their hours and

PHILIPPE PODHORECKI

Third Graders Alex Sanchez and Jon Carlos Gonzales Guzman look through a book with junior Elizabeth Tran. Tran is part of the tutoring program recently started at Weyanoke Elementary school. Tutors volunteer fridays after school for 40 minutes.

also reaches out to students who are in need of help,” said NHS vice president Lara Bellingham.

Carayiannis proceeded to pitch the tutoring coalition plan to members of the club through a stirring pep talk, complete with his own real life college experience in which he received some academic assistance from a friend and the lifelong impact it has had on him.

Great enthusiasm was shown concerning the plan from NHS members who desperately needed hours, as well as from the wrestlers who welcomed the extra help. “It’s rewarding to know that I can help them improve their GPA and stay on the team,” said NHS tutor senior David Fishman.

“Everybody [the wrestlers] wanted the help; we just needed

to bridge the gap. Part of the problem was when dealing with peers, it’s difficult to ask another peer for help,” said Carayiannis.

After initial plans were in place, Hrobrowski, Hall and the NHS officers met to organize the the logistics of the tutoring campaign as well as to appropriately match wrestler with NHS member. Within days, a host of tutors were present at the after school study sessions, and the numbers have not dwindled since the launch of the program.

“The NHS members got involved without us having to drag them into it. It’s a great way for them to get involved with the non-academic side of the school,” said Hall. Carayiannis believes that the success of this partnership will set a precedence for future tutoring attempts and has already begun to collaborate with other coaches, including football coach Dick Adams, on plans to institute a similar program at the start of next year.

“It was good for everybody,” said Carayiannis, and he reaffirmed that it could never have been achieved without the outstanding effort displayed by the NHS and its sponsors.

Along with the NHS, other extracurricular activities and programs for tutoring have begun throughout AHS. The Key Club, which is administered by history teacher Jacqueline Sabine, has started to tutor students at Braddock Elementary every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:15-4:15.

They tutor students from grades 1-5 on subjects such as English, spelling, math, science and history. About an average of seven key clubbers attend these tutoring sessions. They are not assigned to a particular student each time but are given the chance to work with the 15-20 kids who are there randomly.

All students in each program are surely benefiting from the help they are providing. Junior Liz Tran said, “I have really enjoyed helping these students and I can tell this will be a fun experience. It’s nice to know that my tutoring has helped someone else’s life.”

F.A.S.T Club hosts pro-soccer player, shares experiences “I don’t think you’re ever too goaled, too vulnerable, or too anything.”

—Jennifer Grubb Pro Soccer Player

by Hayley Fletcher Academics Editor

Pro-soccer player Jennifer Grubb, defender of the Washington D.C. Freedom, visited AHS during Flex on Feb. 7 to speak to all girl athletes interested in hearing her comment on the importance of women’s athletics.

Though the evacuation of the school, due to a bathroom fire, delayed the event, there was an overall enjoyment of her attendance.

The main points of her address included commitment and dedication, leadership, on and off the field, teamwork and cooperation, time management and how to deal with failure.

She included stories and favorite quotes that encouraged the listeners.

Grubb said, “I don’t think you’re ever too goaled, too vulnerable, or too anything.” She explained that she, as a soccer player and person, never stopped having dreams. While she grew up, she never thought there would be a professional soccer league. “I realized that if you work hard enough and long enough, that someday your dreams will come true. You’re never too old to have dreams,” said Grubb.

Grubb talked about how fortunate she really was even through the hard times of temporarily quitting as well as injuries.

Grubb said, “I get to wake up and do something I love, 360 days out of the

CHRIS HOGEBOOM

Washington Freedom defender Jennifer Grubb talks to female atheletes

year I’m happy I’m doing what I’m doing.”

Girl’s Soccer Coach AHS Marc Cascio attended the event and said, “It’s very rare to get that straight forward of information from anyone, let alone a four-time All Americana. What she said, and the things she exhibited are beneficial to anybody.”

As a high school student, she applied to many high-ranking universities including Stanford and Harvard.

She eventually attended the College

of Notre Dame on a full sport scholarship to play soccer and continued her soccer career until this day.

There are always failures in life, according to Grubb, and it comes with having dreams.

She has personally experienced many “failures” including injury and she temporarily quit soccer; however, after being inspired and influenced by many factors, including the movie Love for Basketball, she decided to return to soccer and play professionally.

Grubb is currently a defender on the Washington DC Freedom Pro Soccer Team.

She grew up in the Chicago area and was a highly educated high school student with a weighted GPA of 4.6, as well as a four-sport athlete, not to mention a four-time All American.

She discussed her experiences through life and sports along with her aspect and views on women’s athletics.

“Once you got used to her monotone voice, the stuff she said was meaningful.

I was impressed by her choices of colleges and stuff,” said Jeannine Frank, junior.

Junior Torrie Higgins was the primary organizer of this event, along with help and support from Cindy Hook.

The two envisioned having an assembly that promoted women’s athletics for the National Women in Sports Day on Wednesday, Feb. 6.

“We’d been trying to arrange a

speaker since the beginning of January.

It was difficult because we had no budget,” said Hook. “We had essentially given up hope,” said Hook in regards to the lack of speaker availabilities, “until Torrie had come into my room on Wednesday.”

Higgins ended up calling Jen Grubb the day before the planned assembly, in hope that she would accept her proposition.

Higgins said, “Her brother contacted me over the summer and he got to know me and he seemed nice. So, when Jen was a possible speaker, I decided to contact John in hope to put in a good word.”

John Grubb did “put in a good word” because he emailed Higgins with Jennifer’s cell phone number.

Some more than others appreciated her attendance while participating with casual questions along with educated questions. ”It was really neat that she was so willing to come on such short notice and what she had to say was very meaningful to me,” said Stone.

This event was also an attempt to promote the FAST Club (Female Athletes Stronger Together), that is designed to encourage and support the continued participation in sports for athletic women.

The first FAST Club meeting is today Wednesday February 13 at 2:15 in the Upstairs Gym.

Alice in Wonderland brings joy to school, children

by Katie Stanton Copy Editor

On Feb. 7, 8 and 9 the drama department presented this year’s children’s play, Alice in Wonderland. Posters went up around the school and tickets went on sale the preceding week for the 7:00 showings.

Alice, starring sophomore Ashley Lippolis as Alice and senior Sarah Paterson as the Cheshire Cat, is a story about a young girl who accidentally stumbles upon a magic world when she follows a white rabbit through a rabbit hole. Studentdirected by Elizabeth Dere, the AHS production was full of color and humor, making it an enjoyable production for all.

“I thought there was a lot of enthusiasm, it was funny, it was fun and it looked like everybody had a great time doing it,” said Sid Jaffe, 54, who came to the last night of the show.

“Tweedledee and Tweedledum were just cute as could be,” said Vicki Farish, the play’s producer and AHS’s drama

teacher. “The tea party was cute, the court scene. I don’t know if I can pick a favorite, but up there in the running is certainly Tweedledee and Tweedledum.”

Much of the play was admittedly ad-libbed by the characters, but it only made the play better.

The Queen of Hearts, played by senior Emily Useem, was notably different on each night, but she was well played throughout.

The backstage work on Alice was simple but effective, often with one or two colorful set pieces making a scene.

There was good lighting and sound effects as well, albeit some minor problems here and there, which are understandable in any kind of production.

Altogether, the children’s play was thought of by all as a success.

“My favorite scene was at the end when it was over,” said Jaffe. “Because watching everybody come together is really what it’s all about.”

Allison

Helen Rivas, You have made me so happy these past years.

I love you so much & I'll always be yours.

Love, Mario Benderos

Jean Tamara Karla

Saghi Leslie

ALL BEST FRIENDS FOREVER! Love always and forever, Cupid

Jose, Happy Valentine's Day, baby! I love you!

Karen

Career Center Visitors During the Month of February, volunteers will visit AHS during Flex periods. They will talk to students about their job to help students decide what to do when they enter the job market.

Feb. 15— R1: Caterer/Sina Molavi W8: Software Engineer/ Bob Jennings Feb. 20— R3: Weatherman/Clay Anderson (NBC 4) W2: Preschool Director/ Darcy Jennings Feb. 22— R5: Robotics Engineer/ Michael Toscano Feb. 26— R7: Airline Pilot/Pat Skeldon W6: USA Today Journalist/ Haya El Nasser Feb. 28— W2: Father of the Internet/ Vint Cerf R1: Photographic Journalist/Darr Beiser

ATOMIC PRIDE RECIPIENTS (CONT’D) Perez, Hilda Peyton, Michael Peyton, NickPham-Nguyen, PaulPilgrim, Herbie Podhorecki, Philippe Quiroga, LouisRaja, Atiqa Razjouan, Faezeh Rehman, Abdul Reyes, Jason Reyes, Jason Sabotta, Christine Salamanca-Espinoza, Sergio Sambrana, Carolina Sample, Rebecca Sanchez, Julie Sanchez, Julie Sanders, Allison Schwind, Elizabeth Sciullo, Anna Shadyac,Coury Shammas, Jacob Sharifniazi, Anahita Sharigian, Shant Sharin-Sharin Silvia, ClaudiaSinaudi, Saurabh Sindi, Tearoush Smock, David Sola, Mandy Solohy, Yasmine Stehr, NicoleSuddarth, AmyTadesse, Samuel Tetteh, Lilian Trau-Tieu, Hong-An Triqueros-Zepeda, Vacarro, Pete Vaccaro, Andrew Vandereijk, Christine Vanderheuval, Kurt Varela, Carlos Vega, Zoraya Velasco, Gustavo .

Wade, Justin Wardere, Shamso Welling, Katherine Welsh, Mary Alana Willis, Austin Wise, Spencer Witkowski, Ryan Yates, Noah

CHRIS HOGEBOOM

Sophomore Ashley Lippolis gets her make-up on before the performance of Alice in Wonderland.

Aubrey, You my "homie G dawg master funk daddy P!" I love ya. Have a happy Valentine's Day. -- Alana

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Wednesday, February 13, 2002 Hey JV Cheerleaders, Thanks for a great season. I love you girls! Good luck next season!

Love always, Aubrey (Patrick Triangle Fish)

Enrique, Thanks for being special.

Will you be my Valentine?

Love, Julie

Doo Sung, I hope we can celebrate Valentine's Day together. I'll always be here for you.

—Your Secret Admirer

Oscar & Abby: Best friends forever!

Love, Morgan

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Love is in the air

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Wednesday, February 13, 2002

With Valentine’s Day tomorrow, new couples are popping up all over, and long-time pairs

Celebrity Couples

are feeling closer than ever. This day often

BRAD PITT AND JENNIFER ANISTON Status: Married Summer of 2001 Kids: None

brings stress to coupled teens who don’t know what to buy each other . Single teens,

DAVID ARQUETTE AND COURTNEY COX ARQUETTE Status: Married June 12th, 1999 Kids: None

on the other hand, tend to loathe the affec-

FREDDIE PRINZE, JR. AND SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR Status: Engaged April 13, 2001 Kids: None

tion-laden day and resent the happiness of

TOM CRUISE AND PENELOPE CRUZ Status: Dating after meeting on the set of “Vanilla Sky” Kids: None

their coupled peers. In any case, thanks to the approach of Valentine’s Day, love is in the

WILL SMITH AND JADA PINKETT SMITH Status: Married January 1st, 1997 Kids: Jaden and Willow MELANIE GRIFFITH AND ANTONIO BANDERAS Status: Married May, 1996 Kids: Stella

air.

Senior Sarah Paterson and junior Patrick Giannico have been dating for a year. “We met while performing in M.A.S.H last year. “Sarah cut her lip and I tended to it, and there was a spark then that just grew,” said Giannico.

ANDRE AGASSI AND STEFFI GRAF Status: Married October 22nd, 2001 Kids: None, but expecting VICTORIA “POSH SPICE” ADAMS AND DAVID BECKHAM Status: Married July 4th, 1999 Kids: Brooklyn BRITNEY SPEARS AND JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE Status: Publicly dating since 2000 Kids: None ANGELINA JOLIE AND BILLY BOB THORTON Status: Married May 5th, 2000 Kids: None

Sophomores Andy Winters and Cynthia Horning have been together for two months. They met through mutual friends at the mall and Winters said he finds “everything about Cynthia attractive.”

Seniors Shareese Suggs and Darrius Adams have been dating for two years. Though Suggs and Adams both play sports, they are still able to spend their Friday nights together: Adams plays varsity basketball and Suggs cheers at his games as a varsity cheerleader.

REESE WITHERSPOON AND RYAN PHILLIPE Status: Married June 5th, 1999 Kids: Ava

Junior Rachael Ackard and sophomore Michael Burris have been together for almost nine months. They are just one of the many couples that are not in the same grade, but still manage to spend plenty of time together in and out of school.

CATHERINE ZETAJONES AND MICHAEL DOUGLAS Status: Married November 18th, 2000 Kids: Dylan GOLDIE HAWN AND KURT RUSSELL Status: Dating since 1983 Kids: Wyatt MICHELLE PFEIFFER AND DAVID E. KELLEY Status: Married November 13th, 1993 Kids: Claudia (who was adopted) and John ANNETTE BENNING AND WARREN BEATTY Status: Married March 12th, 1992 Kids: Kathlyn, Ben, Isabel, and Ella

Junior Marwa Rafiq and senior Robert Harvey are rarely seen apart during the school day. Together for two years now, they are one of the longerrunning couples at school.

Seniors Carlos Varela and Laura Barnes have been dating for eight months and, like many couples, the two share a locker. When asked what they did on their first date, Barnes said, “We saw the movie Angel Eyes. We both thought it was horrible, but we still had fun just being together.”

MADONNA AND GUY RITCHIE Status: Married December 22nd, 2000 Kids: Rocco

s

napshots

Sophmore Will Stroud and senior Christina Fisher have been together for nine months. Stroud looks on as Fisher flips through her photography portfolio. Photography is just one common interest the two share.

Amy, If you were a booger, I’d pick you first. Much Love (more) Matt

Gina aka Jenn: We go back to the beginning of the year & you bring me so much joy.

Let's make it official tonight. My place lol.

Love, Darnell aka Yama

To my precious Sarah,

Cassie

Holcomb,

Will you be my Valentine?

Forever yours, Cameron.

I have never been happier since the one year ago we met. I love you and will always be yours. *Muah* Love, Poohie.

To all my "lovely" people in pds.

R3, R5, R7, W6 & W8. Thank you for giving me a reason to come to work. Hugs, Mrs. K. Richardson

It’s been the best year of my life. Thank you and I love you Erin.

Love always, Johnny

—All Photos By Linda Fairall

Erik: Even though I make you play the girl radio, I hope you’re as glad as I am that there is no more retardedness.

Love, Kathy

Michelle F. I've liked you for a long time and I think about you constantly. I hope you have a happy Valentines.

Your secret Admirer

by Annette Boudai Staff Writer

Black History Month is a time to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of African Americans. During this time, the lives and contributions of many great African Americans are highlighted, however, there are some praiseworthy African Americans whose contributions to American society hasvewent unnoticed.

ROY WILKINS AND WHITNEY YOUNG Both Whitney and Wilkins worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the Civil Rights Movement of the late ’50s and early ’60s. Wilkins the NAACP’s executive director in 1955, collaborated with Dr. King and other civil rights leaders to defend the Rosa Parks’ case and won. He also fought for African American’s admission in southern universities like the University of Alabama. He chaired the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, Peace and Freedom and many more organizations formed to stop discrimination throughout the country.

Young, was a zealous man who longed for an increase in “black civil rights through more established, traditional channels.” He served on a variety of committees like, the Rockefeller Foundation, Urban Coalition, the Urban Institute and many others.

Dr. King, Whitney, and Wilkins joined forces and formed a group that fought for racial equality for African Americans.

They called themselves the Committee of Racial Equality (CORE). They adopted nonviolence acts, which gave a new approach to the Civil Rights Movement, and they fought against segregation in the southern states.

RALPH BUNCHE He was the first black person to receive a Nobel Peace Prize. In high school, although he was the class valedictorian, he was barred from the honor society because of his race. After high school, Bunche attended the University of California in 1927 and entered Harvard University in 1934, where he was the first African American to earn a Ph. D. in government and international relations.

He joined the Office of BUNCHE Strategic Services for research on Africa and other colonial areas. He also supplied advice on dependent territories for the U.S. representatives and helped draft the trusteeship provisions of the UN charter. He received a Nobel Peace Prize for his peace mediations for the UN. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy bestowed upon him the nation’s highest civilian award, the Medal of Freedom.

JOSEPHINE BAKER Baker, a jazz singer, used her personal experiences to fight discrimination against blacks in restaurants and nightclubs.

As a known singer in the U.S., she was barred from singing in many nightclubs because of her skin color. Therefore, she moved to France, where the people were more accepting of music and her race, and she became the first black woman to achieve international stardom. She later adopted 12 children of different races and nationalities to show that interracial harmony was possible. When she died, the French gave her a state funeral as a war hero.

IDA B. WELLS Wells was an antilynching crusader, journalist and an advocate for BAKER racial justice and women’s suffrage. In 1887, on her way to Memphis, Tennessee, she sat in the white section of the train. When she refused to move

Freddie, I love you more!

Love, Ashleigh

from her seat, she was thrown out of the train. She eventually sued the railroad company. She later wrote scathing editorials denouncing local whites for lynching black men ostensibly to protect the sanctity of white womanhood, but actually to eliminate them as a economic competitors. And because of her fervor to end racial discrimination and sexual inequality, she played a pivotal role in the development of a local and national network of black WELLS women’s clubs. She was the president of the Ida B. Club and the founder of Negro Fellowship League and the Alpha Suffrage Club of Chicago.

She worked with a colleague to block the establishment of segregated public school in Chicago.

DR. CHARLES DREW, KEITH BLACK, AND JOHN NORMAN African-American doctors have developed innovative medicine, techniques, and treatments that have prolonged and bettered the lives of many people. Drew, Black and Norman are among a few of these doctors.

Born in 1904, Dr. Charles Drew developed the standard procedures to separate and ship large quantities of plasma from whole blood. He later served as the first director of the Red Cross blood bank and he fought a decision by American Red Cross to segregate blood between Africans Americans and Caucasians. Dr. Charles Drew was considered one of the greatest African American doctors in America.

Dr. Keith Black is the head of a multi-million-dollar tumor institute at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and has developed a large number of treatments for brain tumors. Time magazine named him the best of about 50 brain tumor surgeons in the world, and he performs an average of 250 brain surgeries per year.

In 1975, after experimenting on calves, Dr. John Norman became the first person to implant an artificial heart into a human.

THE 54TH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY African Americans have also contributed to the nation’s military. The 54th Massachusetts Infantry was the first black unit to join the Union forces in the Civil War. It was given the challenge of leading the assault on a confederate fort located on an island near Charleston, N.C. Although the unsuccessful attack resulted in heavy casualties, the courageous act of one member of the unit brought a widespread attention to the unit.

After the unit’s leader was wounded, Sgt. William H. Carney risked his life to take the flag and lead the troops to the parapet, upon which he CARNEY planted the colors. When the soldiers were given orders to retreat, Carney took the flag again while facing fire before falling back. He was severely wounded, but he survived to become the first African American to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on May 23, 1900.

Black History Month gives everyone the opportunity to reflect on the achievements of African Americans; these are only a few of the people who should be praised for their contributions to society. They fought against racial discrimination, developed innovative techniques to combat human diseases, and fought for this country. Although they are not as widely known as other African American leaders, their contribution to this nation deserves to be praised.

Mark You’ve been a good friend & I owe yo. Thanks for being there when I needed you. I don’t know what I’d do w/o you!

Love ya lots. -Alana

BLACK HISTORY MONTH QUIZ

1. Which former slave and noted abolitionist edited and published The North Star, an abolitionist newspaper?

A. Phillis Wheatley B. Benjamin Banneker C. Frederick Douglass

2. The 15th Amendment, which granted African Americans the right to vote, was passed on which date?

A. February 3, 1870 B. July 14, 1889 C. November 19, 1910 3. Which civil rights activist gained notoriety in the late nineteenth century for her scathing editorials denouncing racial injustice?

A. Sojourner Truth B. Zora Neale Hurston C. Ida B. Wells

TIMELINE

4. Which landmark Supreme Court case represented an important victory for the civil rights movement in 1954?

A. Plessy vs. Ferguson B. Dred Scott vs. Sandford C. Brown vs. the Board of Education of Topeka 5. Who is generally considered the mother of the civil rights movement?

A. Harriet Tubman B. Susan B. Anthony C. Rosa Parks

1562 — First African slaves brought to what is now the United States.

1793 — U.S. Congress passes first Fugitive Slave Law 1831 — Nat Turner and 75 fellow slaves in Southampton County, Virginia, rebel, killing at least 57 whites.

1849 — Harriet Tubman escapes from slavery and begins work with Underground Railroad.

1857 — U.S. Supreme Court issues the Dred Scott decision, declaring that African Americans are not citizens.

6. Which of the following propelled Martin Luther King, Jr. to national prominence as leader of the civil rights movement?

A. He led the boycott (1955-56) by African Americans in Montgomery, Alabama, against the segregated city bus lines.

B. He organized the massive March on Washington (1963), at which he gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

C. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (1964) for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance.

7. On June 11, 1963, President Kennedy ordered the National Guard to ensure the enrollment of two African Americans students, Vivian Malone and James Hood, at which university?

A. University of Mississippi B. University of Chicago C. University of Alabama 8. The Nation Rainbow Coalition, a political organization uniting various minority groups, was formed in 1986 by which African-American political leader?

A. General Colin Powell B. Louis Farrakhan C. Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. Answers: 1.C 2.A 3.C 4.C 5.C 6.A 7.C 8.C

Lizzie,

Natalie,

You make me complete.

Thanks for being a great friend.

You couldn’t make me happier.

Have a great Valentine’s day.

Thank you.

cultures

Black history’s unsung heroes

Love, Joan.

Geondie

1861 — Start of the American Civil War. Some 208,000 African American soldiers fight with the Union Army.

1863 — President Lincoln signs Emancipation Proclamation, freeing slaves in rebel states.

1865 - Civil War ends... Slavery outlawed by 13th Amendment...

Ku Klux Klan founded.

1868 — Congress passes 14th Amendment, granting blacks equal citizenship and civil rights.

1896 — Supreme Court, in Plessy v. Ferguson, allows “separate but equal” facilities.

1909 — The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is founded.

1954 — In Brown v. Board of Education, U.S. Supreme Court says segregated schools are unconstitutional, overturning Plessy v. Ferguson.

1955 — Rosa Parks is arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, for refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white man, setting off a bus boycott led by Martin Luther King Jr. 1963 — Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his “I Have a Dream” speech during the “March on Washington.”

1964 — Congress passes the Civil Rights Act of 1964, eliminating the last of the socalled “Jim Crow” laws, which permitted segregation in public places such as schools, parks and theaters.

1965 — Rev. Martin Luther King leads a march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Just three years later, he is assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee.

1967 — Thurgood Marshall becomes the first black Supreme Court justice.

1977— Alex Haley’s book Roots, tracing his family back to Africa and slave times, becomes a hugely popular television program.

1984 — Jesse Jackson is the first serious black contender for the U.S. presidency.

To all my friends: I know you love me!

Karen

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone at AHSespecially the attendance office.

-CAM

Kenan, your smile cheers me up. I like you as more than a friend and I hope you feel the same the way.

-with love

Dearest Billy, You’ve always encouraged me, helped me and loved me. I thank you for that, & I definately cherish it. Good luck in the future & don’t forget that I’ll always be here for you. I love you!

2001 — Gen. Colin Powell becomes first African American secretary of state.

SOURCE: THE WASHINGTON POST

Love always, Julie Anne

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Buy that special someone a carnation!

Satten’s Beginning Swim and Tennis

Want to make a difference?

Wednesday, February 13, 2002

Lessons for children

Join Students for Social Justice tomorrow in Mr. Weiss’ room (rm. 216)

The class of 2003 will be selling carnations for $1 each on February 14th during all lunches.

Call Andrew Satten for more info: 323-7359

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That

Wednesday, February 13, 2002

Some things never change: here’s what’s still around from the ’80s

The legendary music group U2 was hot in the ’80s; the band has maintained its popularity to this day.

Converse shoes are classic—they have been around since the late 1970s and were popular casual shoes in the ’80s They are still worn as athletic, cheerleading, or casual shoes.

by Sarah Bizer and Saman Hussain Staff Writers

You are walking down the hallway and look up to greet a group of punks straight out of a rock band with mohawks. Billy Idol blazes out of their Walkmans as they approach you. This isn’t a scene from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, this is AHS at its peak during the 1980s.

During this time, the school went through its most revolutionary changes. Fashion, music, hairstyles and even racial demographics were dramatically altered in the ’80s.

“In the 1970s, girls had to wear skirts or dresses and boys had to wear slacks... during the middle of my freshman year, the biggest change in the girls’ dress code occurred, which allowed Hook us to wear slacks [but] no jeans,” said math teacher Cindy Hook, who attended AHS from 1969 to1973.

Hook was quite surprised to come back to her alma mater in 1984 as a teacher and note the various changes the school had undergone. “By the time I came back as a teacher, when the ’80s started, the school had become extremely casual,” said Hook.

“Now people were wearing jeans and hats...things we had never

8

been allowed to wear.”

Curriculum changes were also evident since the ’80s. Ever heard of classes like American Civilization, Economics and Earth Science? Probably not, but these and many other now extinct classes were offered to students over ten years ago.

Hook classifies the ’80s as “the psychedelic age, where really wild stuff was in.” Surprisingly, the fashions of the ’80s are making a comeback. Flares, plaids, and platforms in boisterous colors are now back in style.

Contrary to today’s contemporary pop culture, New Wave, punk rock and pop were all part of the ’80s music scene.

“We didn't have much of the rap back then which is predominant now...we had more of the heavy metal and disco,” said Physical Education teacher Dick Adams, who attended AHS from 1971 to 1975. The racial makeup of Annandale was significantly altered by the merger with Thomas Jefferson High School, when the nearby school became a magnet school for science and technology in 1985. The underclass student body of Jefferson was then relocated to AHS, resulting in notable changes. More students holding a variety of different cultural background then began to attend AHS. “The merger with Jefferson marked the beginning of a massive influx of diversity at Annandale,” said English

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teacher, Nancy Grim, who came here to teach following the merger. Students at AHS proved their distinguished quality of acceptance and tolerance of other students and “worked very hard to blend the T.J. students in their crowd,” said Grim.

However, other former students felt that cliques within AHS were still dominant.

“During my years at Annandale there were three main groups: the punk rockers, the freaks and the jocks. I was a jock,” said special education teacher Mike Scott, who graduated from AHS in 1988.

“There have always been stereotypes, I think there are fewer now. Back then there were more obvious lines,” said Hook.

“Everyone looked alike and there weren’t many ways to be different.”

AHS has experienced no significant architectural changes, although prior to the merger with Jefferson, crowding naturally became a problem.

“Today’s crowding is nothing compared to what it was back then,” said Grim. “We’re talking totally crammed, with no trailers outside.”

Trailers were added to accommodate the extra students.

One area that is no longer a part of the school was Adams the teachers-

PHOTO FROM ANTENNA YEARBOOK

In this photo from the 1985 Antenna yearbook, students smile and sport outfits for “Tacky Tourist at the Beach” spirit day. ‘80s students seemed to show more enthusiasm for spirit days than students these days.

only smoking room. “There used to be a faculty smoking room where all the teachers got together and smoked... it smelled really bad around that area,” said Scott.

Spanish teacher Debra Estes, an AHS graduate who attended from 1976 to1980, noticed other differences. “School spirit isn't the same, and life in general has changed,” said Estes. “Sometimes makes me sad because when I went to Annandale, everyone was really involved and their lives revolved around school.”

Life indeed has changed and the community in general now

offers a variety of other out-ofschool activities .

“Now a lot of kids just get in here, and you have fewer kids who grew up in this community their entire life and they have other things going on,” said Adams.

There is no doubt that the school has changed over the past decade or two and will continue undergoing this evolution.

“The school has continuously changed and will continue to change, but one thing's pretty constant: people at Annandale have always been people who cared about doing the best job they could for students,” said Hook.

What ever happened to...

The ’80s at AHS symbolized a sense of increased school spirit and a lack of diversity

Back in the ’80s, students actually used to attend the soc hops. This 1988 photo shows a packed gym, quite different from today’s dances.

Trailers were supplements for overly crowded classrooms back then as well as they are now.

Live bands at homecoming?

Back in 1988, the student band Medussa played local venues and even made an appearance in the school gym.

A student from the class of ’88 demonstrates the total ’80s look: flat-top mega mullet, snazzy jacket and a skinny tie.

Does anyone else miss boys wearing short shorts? Here, the guys of the ’83 track team proudly wear theirs.

Two class of ’85 students sport the New Wave look, complete with dangling earrings, asymmetrical hair and off-the-shoulder tops.

The frisbee club was so enthusiastic that it even played in the snow.

Many people have eaten and worked at Fuddruckers in the ’80s, which still provides good quality food and service to this day.

Where did Elvis Costello go? Back in ’84, the singer was so popular that students created a mural in his honor.

Sadie Hawkins dances were all the rage.

Girls asked guys to the dance, and couples dressed up in hillbilly gear while they got their grooves on.

In the 1985 school-wide talent show, the Shake-N-Break Kids breakdancing group made its debut. Check out those old-school threads!

A student from the class of ’83 shows some love for The Clash, a British punk band that was quintessential ’80s.

Before the school had competitive lacrosse teams, students played in clubs for fun.

PHOTOS FROM ANTENNA YEARBOOKS

The best of the ’80s:

f

eatures

Celebrities • • • • • • • • • • •

Patrick Swayze Arnold Schwarzeneger Jennifer Grey Jane Fonda Tom Cruise Brooke Shields Kirk Cameron Michael J. Fox Chevy Chase Bill Murray Molly Ringwald

TV Shows

• • • • • • • • • • •

Cheers Family Ties Growing Pains The Cosby Show M*A*S*H Miami Vice Who’s the Boss?

Dallas Alf Hill Street Blues The Smurfs

Movies • ET • Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi • Ferris Bueller’s Day Off • Batman • Sixteen Candles • Ghostbusters • Beverly Hills Cop • Back to the Future • Pretty in Pink • Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom • Dirty Dancing • Fast Times at Ridgemont High • The Breakfast Club

Music Groups

That ’80s Show That ’80s Show, the Fox spinoff of its surprise hit That ’70s Show, airs on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. The plot tracks the lives and coming-of-age of a group of teens. It revolves around

• • • • • • • • • • • •

U2 Wham!

The Police Duran Duran Fleetwood Mac Madonna Journey Cyndi Lauper INXS Aerosmith Depeche Mode Poison

the central character Corey (Glenn Howerton), who is a clerk at a record store.

Focusing on such elements of the ’80s as materialism, punk culture and bad hair, it serves as a nostalgic social commentary of the decade that everyone loves to hate.

academics

MAKING THE GRADE Students strive in the classroom to improve grades

by Kathy Saupp Staff Writer

“Homework? What homework?” It’s 15 minutes before your R7 class and you just realized that you totally forgot to do that grammar worksheet. Frantically searching through the dark chasm of your backpack, you retrieve the unfinished, crumpled mass that you vaguely recall cramming into the back of your math book in the final seconds before the bell.

Flattening it out as best you can on the lunch table, you are horrified to see your classmates’ worksheets neatly and thoroughly completed. If you don’t turn it in, you’ll get a zero. Your chances for an “A” will be nonexistent. What do you do? Suck it up and face the consequences for your own carelessness? Or spend the rest of C lunch looking for a sympathetic classmate to help you scribble down enough to get credit?

Here is where many of us encounter a moral dilemma. In school today, the pressure to achieve the highest letter grade possible in class weighs heavily on many of our minds. Every morning in the dim hallways and dispersed among the foodladen trays at lunch are students with their notebooks open, frantically scrambling to find the answers to an assignment due next class.

“When someone forgets to do their work, they usually look for someone who has it so they can get the answers,” said junior Torrie Higgins. “Getting credit for a small assignment like that can really make or break your grade.” This is where the question arises: is the quest for the highest letter grade outweighing t h e value of a good education?

“Many students today are conditioned to believe that the letter grade is what matters, but learning is the most important,” said English teacher Pam Feil. One day all students will need to support themselves with what they have learned, there won’t always be someone to cheat from.” Especially now, as students are receiving the second quarter report card in their mailbox, those little letters are on everybody’s mind.

HANA NGUYEN Students feel pressures Junior Liz Tran participates from all sides to have the attentively during her IB Math highest possible levels of Methods class. “I feel that it benefits my learning as well as the rest of the achievement. “I feel the class when I ask questions.” pressure mostly from my

parents and teachers,” said sophomore Julie Bowes. “Parents always want you to do well, and the teachers want to see that their work has paid off.” For some students, the pressure can be intense. “I know some kids who are like ‘I don’t have an A, my dad’s going to kill me,’” said junior Richard White. “But not me, I’m pretty apathetic towards school. I say ‘I wish I had an A’ and forget about it.”

But is apathetic the way to be? As opposed to those who ‘do or die’ for the A, many know that while letter grades are a deciding factor for most every student, they do not always reflect the intelligence of a student as accurately as they should. “Letter grades don’t necessarily reflect an accurate level of achievement, some of us try really hard but may just not test well,” said Higgins.

Indeed, many students have learned that effort and success are two very different things, and don’t necessarily go hand in hand. “Measuring intelligence by letter grades and tests is wrong, it shouldn’t be how much homework you turn in, because anyone can do that. It’s how much you know that really matters,” said White.

In the end, only the students can know if they are really getting all they can out of their education, or just going through the motions to get the grade, pass and move along. “Knowing that I’ve done my best is the most important, because if I study and don’t get an “A” I still know I’ve done my very best. But the “A” is always nice,” said Higgins. Indeed, what drives many students is their own personal satisfaction. “I could get an A on something simple and know that I didn’t really try that hard,” said Bowes. “But if I try my best I know it, and feel the best about it.”

As students move along in high school and the days of college applications and thoughts of the future loom on the horizon, pressures mount and the importance of letter grades is reaffirmed. However, this pressure to score high can have a positive effect on a students’ efforts. “Whenever I think about my future, I think about how I should be getting good grades now, and I want to work harder.” said White.

Like it or not, letter grades are the most significant outcome of our education. “I feel pressure to get good grades because I know that they are a factor in determining what college you attend. I want to go to a good school, so I work hard to perform well.” said Higgins. And it’s true.

When it comes to college acceptance, what is on paper counts. The GPA, all the quarter grades, exam grades, and final grades on the college transcript are part of what

Grading the grading policy

by Sarah Sherman Photographer

In all Fairfax County Public Schools, there is a set percentage that equals a certain grade. With little or no change over the past 10 years, the current grading system serves FCPS middle through high schools. The advantages and disadvantages of having this policy are sometimes obscure, especially when other counties vary in their grading policies.

This policy is only set in FCPS but several other counties in Virginia have similar grading policies as well.

“I think [FCPS grading policy] is fair because it is just the right

c

olleges take that into consideration in comparing the student to another student from, for example, Arlington County, where the policy has a wider margin. I don’t think, in terms of colleges, it hurts the student from Fairfax…

—Susan Taylor Guidance Counselor

margin. A margin between something like 90-100 is too big,” said junior Nikki Ogunnaike. “Maybe a little bigger, like 93-100, would be a little better.”

Many students in each county have different views on the current policies, which is decided upon at the beginning of each year by school board members.

Each year, Virginia Public School Board officials get to work creating standards for public county schools to follow, or at least be in range of their regulations. The Board produces “Standards of Quality,” basic benchmarks that every school district has to stand by (or be around) so that the student can meet certain requirements (i.e., each student must know their multiplication tables by the 3rd grade). It is then up to the county school boards to come up with regulations to meet the Virginia School Board mandates.

However, it is not totally up to adults. Every election year, a student (usually a senior from Thomas

Jefferson High School) is chosen to sit B means they have done above as a member on the board. While the average, or good. The rest of the student is permitted to sit in all the grades, C, D and E (instead of F) go as sessions, participate in functions, and follows: fair, poor, and failing. Each speak at will, he or she is a nonvoting school, however, is free to set their own member of the board. Therefore, the percentage policy, and it’s student has no say in voting usually the teachers who matters such as create their own percentgrade ages. For example, policies. teachers at Yorktown high For the school go by the following year of policy: 100-90 = A, 89-80 2001-2002, = B, 79-70 = C, 69-60 = the student D, and 59 and below = E member is (failing).

Matthew “I think its good for Wansley, a the Arlington county T.J. Senior. students’ grades In surbecause it’s easier to rounding get the same grade as counties, the a Farifax student, grading policy is and hurts Farifax very similar, students’ that usually off by perform well but is only a few points. a point away from In Prince an A,” said William County, for Yorktown sophotm .h ry example, the ps/galle more Chris Cisaro. a.us/ma .v x a if grading policy much a .f www.co “In Arlington their grade would be resembles that of an A, but in Fairfax it would be a B+.”

Fairfax County, only off by a few This is also the first year that points. (100-93 = A, 92-90 = B+, etc.)

Arlington County Schools are using a The middle schools and high schools in computer grading program called Prince William have many of the same “Easy Grade Pro,” in which all the programs and activities as Fairfax calculating of a students grade is done does as well. in the program. The teacher sets the Alexandria City and Fairfax weight of the grade, and the computer County are nearly identical in their computes everything else. grading policies, except for the fact Many AHS students believe the that Alexandria City does not use the grading policy is more strict than other extra system in their grading. (100-94 counties because it takes more points = A, 93-84 = B, 83-74 = C, etc.) to get a higher grade. Several students Loudon County schools stress the are worried that because their grading plus and minus system in their may be more strenuous, they’ll have a grading policy. Their policy (100-98 = tougher time getting into college.

A+, 97-93 = A, 92-90 = B+, 89-85 = B, “On every college transcript, the 84-82 = C+, 81-77 = C, 76-74 = D+, 73FCPS grading policy is explained,” 70 = D, 69-below = F), according to the Loudon County Public Schools website, said guidance counselor Susan Taylor.

“Colleges take that into consideration individual differences reflect and rates in comparing the student to another of learning and reflect the students student from, for example, Arlington abilities, progress, and areas of County, where the policy has a wider improvement. margin. I don’t think, in terms of In Arlington County schools, there colleges, it hurts the student from is a somewhat different case. Instead Fairfax, seeing as many colleges are of a county-wide percentage grading familiar with the fact that our policy policy, there are only set expectations has a smaller margin.” for each grade. For example, an A in Arlington County means the student has done an excellent or superior job. A

Spotlight Student KATHY SAUPP

makes you either appropriate or inadequate for enrollment.

This and other factors is what drives students to make the grade. “For many students it is a double sided issue, because they need to get the high letter grades to get accepted to a good college, but still need to appreciate the fact that learning, putting something new in their brains, has its own rewards,” said Feil.

While many students feel content with the knowledge that they are receiving the best possible education and filling their brains with valuable new material, for others the grade system helps keep their studies focused. “I am a competitive person, so I always want to do my best, and really show that I have. Grades give me a goal to strive for, and keep me motivated,” said Higgins.

While they can cause unnecessary stress, competition, and year round pressure, grades are an important part of the school process, and without them, many students wouldn’t have much direction. “Whether it’s a sticker in third grade, a letter grade in high school, or a salary raise later on in life, all humans need a reward for a job well done,” said Feil.

Total number of students’ earned grades for 1st and 2nd quarter (It reflects the total A’s, B’s, C’s, etc. for the entire school) First Quarter

5061

5,000

Second Quarter 4477

4,000

4052 3667 3472

3,000

3315

2,000 1822 1976 1610

2139

1,000

A B C D F Other interesting facts…

School-Wide Average GPA: 1st quarter 2.678 2nd quarter 2.518 Source: Guidance

Number of Students on A/B Honor Roll: 1st quarter 383 2nd quarter 358 CREATED BY HAYLEY FLETCHER

The Academic Letter The Academic Letter is given to students at the end of sophomore and junior year who have a cumulative GPA of 3.85 or higher. Once the Letter is received, the Academic Star is the next achievement. The Academic Letter and Pin is larger than the Varsity with an emblem that resembles an oil lamp, often called the “lamp of learning.” The Student Recognition Committee, run by Debbie Estes and Susan Taylor, organizes who receives the Academic Letters.

They also organize the ice cream socials, A-B Honor Roll, and the showcase in the main lobby, with the help of volunteers like Winnie Mitchell, guidance secretary.

Name: Holly Popal, senior Recipient of Academic Letter and Star Current GPA: 4.14 Classes: AP Journalism, AP Biology, Government, AP Calculus AB, AP Spanish, Photography 2, Political Science Favorite Class: AP Journalism Other Activities: National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, SGA Class of 2002 Senator Job: Gap (in Tysons Corner Mall) Study Habits: “I just focus… I’d rather miss out on social activities than pay for it the night before.”

College: Currently undecided.

Applied to 8 schools with a good range of dream schools (like UCLA and Georgetown) and safety schools.

Quote: “I used to think I got good grades for my parents, but as I matured I realized they meant more to me… I used to stress out a lot, but senior year, I’ve realized that trying your hardest is most important, and getting an A isn’t always the most important.”

Special Someone: “I don’t have a boyfriend, but I’m taking applications, for a Prom date too!”

aBlast

the

Wednesday, February 13, 2002

To all AHS book-lovers, From your Library Staff

David Tran, I love you and I promise.

Love always, Jenny

Rachel, Be Mine!

Love, The Sunshine Lionking

To Nary, You are my bestest friend.

Thanks for everything!

Love, Bonita.

13

14 Dance Fusion:

too hot to handle

aBlast

the

Wednesday February 13, 2002 MOVIES THAT MAKE YOU WANT TO STAND UP AND DANCE

In Center Stage (2000), a group of young dancers have to practice hard to be accepted in the ballet world.

by Abby Segall Arts Editor

“Beyonce can you handle this...I don’t think you can handle this,” begins the Destiny’s Child song Bootilicious at a dance team practice at Gold’s Gym. A few dancers move to the music, but the team hasn’t worked out the entire song yet. No matter what the song or the choreography, dance team can handle it.

“It’s a challenge, but it’s a good kind of challenge,” said sophomore Justine Bui. Freshman Marcella Zeballos joined the team because she heard about it and looked like fun. “I saw them doing jumps and flips and decided I wanted to do it.”

Dance team is a good way to make new friends and bond.

There is no junior varsity or varsity competition. “We do a lot of team bonding activities,” said sophomore Co-Captain Janet Partlow.

“It’s just like a bunch of friends dancing together,” said junior Meagan Ogletree. “It’s a lot of fun.”

Dance team, like most AHS sports have to pay for equipment and dues. Cheerleaders have to pay for their shoes and shirts, football

players have to pay for their cleats, and baseball players have to pay for their own gloves. It comes with every team that there is money to spend.

As well as using money for uniforms, the dance team pays to go to Gold’s Gym because there is no space for them at school in the winter. In total it costs $200 to be on the team.

What about dance team as a school sponsored sport? Partlow and Ogletree expect to become school sponsored eventually because “it took the cheerleaders a while to get it,” said Partlow.

Sophomore Mahlet Girma thinks that it is understandable that dance team is not school sponsored since it is not in the schools budget.

“I’m just happy that we’re here and because we actually get to have a team,” said Bui. However, Atomic Dance Fusion has many different views when it comes to school sponsoring.

Bui thinks they will become school sponsored because they’re doing a good job at showing they can follow the rules.

“Dance team follows all the county guidelines and regulations for athletes,” said

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JANET PARTLOW

Atomic dance Fusion poses for their winter photo at Gold’s Gym where they practice three days a week.

team sponsor, Kathy Partlow. “It’s only been recently that cheerleading was recognized as a sport, so we are hoping it will happen for dance, too.”

Atomic Dance Fusion considers dance a challenging sport.

“Dance is just as much of a sport as cheerleading, if not more,” said Girma.

Meagan Ogletree thinks it’s good to recognize it as a letter.

Something that most of the team agrees on is that the most challenging dance of the year was the competition dance performed on Feb. 2. “We didn’t have a lot of time and there is more technique,” said Bui. “There are so many leaps and turns which other schools didn’t do,” said Ogletree.

The competition took place at Brockpoint High School in Stafford. Out of 16 schools, Atomic Dance Fusion came in fourth place.

First, second and third place were taken by Paul VI, James Madison and Chantilly High Schools.

Atomic Dance Fusion also won the Rock Star Award. This was made up for them because of their outstanding makeup worn.

“How you look is very important,” said Ogletree.

For more information on dance team look at their website at www.atomicdancefusion.com. The dancers last game will be on Friday and they will perform a medley of all their previous performances.

Freshman pointed in the right direction Role Model: Senior Heidi Kershaw, a fellow dancer Favorite Song: “Stuck in the moment” by U2 Favorite ice cream: Vanilla If had a chance to be on a reality show, which would it be: “I don’t really like reality TV. If I had to be on one it would be Change of Heart because it’s so funny.”

Save the Last Dance (2001) is about a girl who’s life dream is to be a dancer. After her mother dies, she doesn’t feel like she can follow her dreams.

It takes her new-found friend to make her realize she must follow her dreams.

Pets: Two cats: Booker and Maggie Siblings: Senior Blaine Misner Change one thing about yourself: To be taller Favorite board game: Clue

The letter of acceptance arrived in the mail on Tuesday, Jan. 22. Emma Misner tore open the envelope, and the first word immediately caught her attention: “Congratulations.”

She didn’t get into Virginia Tech or James Madison University. With only five and a half months of high school under her belt, the freshman is too young to worry about that. However, Misner isn’t too young to worry about a serious ballet career. This summer she will be attending the Virginia School of Arts in Lynchburg.

“I was so excited because she represents the team,” said sophomore Justine Bui, Misner’s dance teammate. “We’re so proud of her.”

Misner has been to other summer camps for dance before, but none as serious or prestigious as the VSA. “She talked to all of her dancing buddies and found out about this one,” said Misner’s mother, Julie Misner.

On Sunday, Jan. 13 Misner drove to Richmond to audition. “It was really hectic because there were all these little kids running around while I performed,” said Minser. The actual audition itself wasn’t hard at all. “I barely burned a sweat,” said Misner.

Not only was Misner accepted into the six-week summer program, but she was also accepted into the dance high school in Lynchburg. However, she plans to stay at AHS and continue performing with dance team and taking private lessons.

Just this year she switched dance studios. “She’s on a professional track now,” said her mother, Julie Misner. Misner has gone

PHOTO PROVIDED BY EMMA MISNER

A Pittsburgh women holds a job as an exotic dancer, but wants to get into ballet school in the classic, Flashdance (1983).

by Rebecca Kraushaar Arts Editor

ATOMS WHO MATTER Emma Misner

to Swan Ballet at Pickett Shopping Center, but now she goes to Arlington Center for Dance. “Emma has an awful lot of talent and [her old studio] wasn’t challenging enough,” said Julie Misner.

She began at Swan when she was in second grade. Her first year there, she danced as a party guest in The Nutcracker. “It was her dream to dance the role of Clara,” said Julie Misner. When she was in eighth grade her dream came true.

“Blaine and I went to see her as Clara,” said senior Heidi Kershaw.

Kershaw danced with Misner for one year at Swan. “She has a lot of stage presence.

Let’s say that ten dancers were on stage wearing the same costume and doing the same step. There’s just something about her that draws your eyes to her so that you can’t look at anyone else,” said Kershaw.

On top of dance classes, Misner goes to dance team practice once a week. “I was really happy to hear that she was branching out [and doing dance team],” said Kershaw. “The more different types of dance you do, the better.”

Ballet, however, remains the love of her life. “My mom got me into it and it has become my personality,” said Misner. When she was only a toddler, Misner’s mom danced with her. “It’s in her blood, “ said Julie Misner. “She took to it like a duck in water.”

Despite a schedule that includes Pre-IB English, Misner is able to balance it all. “It’s a challenge, and I like a challenge,” said Misner. “It’s all worth it.”

Flex your creative side with dance classes after school AHS students take dance classes in their free time Dirty Dancing (1987) is about a naive girl who falls in love with the dance instructor at her summer country club. This was a very popular ‘80s movie because of the original plot and great dancing.

by Maggie Owner Staff Writer

Ever imagine yourself gliding across a stage, with an audience of people watching in awe? Many students at AHS fulfill this dream by taking dance classes in the area. Most students began when they were young and decided to continue. Dance classes are a great way to meet new people, have fun and get a workout.

There are hundreds of forms of dance, ranging from Hip-Hop in New York, Ballet in Eastern Europe, Salsa in Latin America, and square dance in Texas.

Some students at AHS take private lessons to improve their dance skills. Most children who decide they want to dance, begin when they are in elementary school.

Ballet or tap is the choice of most young

Happy Valentine’s Day, Denice!

i

enjoy it and my friends think it is cool.

—Colin Agnew sophomore

Felker has not joined the dance team because her competitions might have a conflicting schedule. Though, she is thinking about trying out next year.

Dance is not all twirling and tutus.

Dancing can be a grueling work out. Dancers have to train long and hard to warm up their muscles. They must practice constantly to seep their skills and top physical condition.

Dancers muscles have to be flexible so they can easily bend and maneuver. “[Dancing] is

Kathy, Will you be my Valentine?

Erik.

Preston,

They say “A hug is worth 1,000 words,

I love you! Happy Valentine’s

but a friend is worth 1,000 more.” To all

day! Where’s sprinkles?

my friends at A.H.S, I hope you know

a

rts

Singing in the Rain ( 1952) is one of the most loved musicals of all time. The songs and dances replace dialogue during moments of romance and happiness.

people.

Michelle Felker is one of the few who stuck with dancing. She is on her 14th year with private dance lessons. She said she enjoys dance lessons because, “I could get away from everything; it relieves stress.”

Love always, Anne

just how amazing you all are. I do. xoxo Liz T.

a lot of fun and a great source of exercise,” said Meg Stoltz who has been dancing for 14 years.

Arlington Center for Dance holds an annual performance of the Nutcracker. Stoltz performed in the recital six consecutive years.

The Virginia Performing Arts Company holds yearly recitals and company competition every three months.

Although the stereotype may be that only women take dance lessons, there are many men professional dancers. More young men are also starting to take dance lessons privately.

Sophomore Colin Agnew has been training with a personal teacher for approximately eight months. He is learning a Peruvian style of dance called the Marinera. “I enjoy it and my friends think it is cool,” said Agnew. He got involved in dancing when one of his sisters’ friends needed a dance partner.

Agnew has two competitions coming up in May, one in Virginia and one in San Francisco.

Other AHS students such as sophomore

Ashley, Happy Valentine’s Day. I hope you have a wonderful day.

Emily Miller are considering taking private dance lessons. “I really enjoy dancing and I want to learn some new moves, said Miller.

Hip Hop and Jazz are the forms of dance which interest her the most. Miller is contemplating joining the Wakefield Recreation Center to take classes.

Dance is often incorporated into other forms of performing arts. The spring musical of “Hello Dolly” will include several dancing numbers. It is not unusual for the lead actors or actresses to have had private dance lessons. “I enjoy doing drama and theater, I have been in all the past musicals,” said Felker.

It is possible to make your dreams of dancing on stage come true, whether you are male or female. There are several places in our area to sign up for beginning, intermediate or advance dance. These places have classes for many types of dance. Dancing is a classic art that proves to be a great workout.

Jenny, Me & you together ‘til the end of time.

I love you...I promise.

I love ya sis!

-Alana.

Elizabeth, (Schwinee) Love you forever!

SMS

Happy

Valentine’s

to everyone at A.H.S! You brighten up my days!

Donald L. Clausen, Principal

profiles

Three freshmen close season in friendship Making the jump up was not exactly what Muchmore and Frece expected. “I was happy but sad about Girls varsity basketball this year leaving JV because we had a lot of has been blessed with the young fun. Plus there were a lot of freshtalents of three new freshmen girls men on JV so it was a more comfortwho are aggressive, well-skilled and able atmosphere,” said Frece. Upon ready for the challenge. leaving JV, Frece and Muchmore The three girls, Samantha were also abandoning the leadership Muchmore, who plays backup as a status that they withheld on JV as small forward; Nakia Williams, a well as the athletic supremacy and starting second guard and small overall skill advantage. forward; and Stephanie Frece who is There was a lot of apprehension a starting point guard; have and undeniable nervousness that brilliantly graced the court with hovered over the heads of the their talent. The overwhelming unexpecting freshmen. “I was sort of nature of making the “big leagues,” anxious and nervous at the same their first go round is more than trying on their levels of confidence as time. Varsity is the big time in high school, and I kept well as their ability to remain in wondering, ‘Oh my God, check. They must retain a reasonable perspective and demeanor while what’s gonna happen... what’s gonna happen if I still playing the game to their screw up?” said greatest potential.

The decision to move the two girls Muchmore. The apprehension she felt was notable up to the varsity level was a difficult ANDREW MENEGAT during her first varsity choice for both Coach Lori Barb and game versus West Freshmen Stephanie Frece, Samanth Muchmore and Nakia Williams participated in the fall and summer league Coach Micky Frece. “One reason we preparation for the regular season. Playing together brought the three closer.

Potomac. “I was scared kept them on JV was to give them and shaking and everyone the opportunity to play at the JV knew it,” said Muchmore. Howlevel and gradually increase to despite the increased competitive However, despite this, “As teamever, her game did not reflect her varsity level,” said Barb. “But we no nature, was how coordinated and mates we are equal as anything, and feelings; her performance as a small longer have that luxury. We do not unified the girls were. “The team we back each other up,” said forward illustrated great ability. have a strong enough program to let takes complete team work, Muchmore.

“Once you start playing, your them stay at a certain level. If the everyones has to do their job. I am Most noteworthy to the three confidence moves up,” said player displays any kind of talent we just a contributor,” said Nakia. girls was the way the senior varsity Muchmore.

“You are working harder basically have to place them on Nakia’s talent is notable when you players stepped up as leaders and so your confidence builds.” varsity.” Despite the jump, the two watch her play, but she emphasized encouraged their peers to treat the Surprisingly, all three players girls are that they function as a team well, or newcomers with respect and were not interacting nothing can be achieved despite her encouragement. They wanted the intimidated by well with the contribution. girls to feel as comfortable as the older girls older players “I am happy on the team, in fact possible.

“At first, the coaches were on the team.

“I t’ has been kind and are we consider ourselves a family since really nice.

We are freshmen and was accepted gradually of challenging we go through it all together,” said they said we make ‘freshmen pretty well,” increasing Williams. “Even in the huddles we for us. There is mistakes,’ we just had to learn from said Williams. their skill. say family.” Such harmony and unity them,” said Frece. “But as we “They did not no room for trial and “It has among the students seems shocking developed the skills required on tease me. I just error. We are supbeen kind of since competition, especially in varsity, we got the same treatment had to do the Samantha Muchmore challenging sports, has been escalating. Howposed to know our as everyone else.”

Freshman ‘freshman for us,” said ever, the girls appeared more Since Nakia was on Varsity from stuff. jobs,’ like Muchmore. comfortable and confident since they the beginning of the season, she was having to get “There is no had participated with the other put to the test by herself. However, the basketballs room for trial players in a league outside school. “I she too recognized the equality factor and hanging and error, we are supposed to know played fall and summer league with that Coaches Barb and Frece up the uniforms.

But overall we are our stuff.” all the other players so they are implemented.

“The coaches did push like one big happy family.” Frece and There was a lot of pressure on pretty much used to me. But there me and test me in the beginning to Muchmore had a similar experience, both Frece and Muchmore. They was a big change in competition and be sure that I could handle how however, they were confronted with were supposed to make the adjustintensity after moving up,” said ‘hardcore’ varsity can be,” said more scrutiny from their Varsity ment as well as retain the same skill Frece.

Williams.

The coaches really just teammates as well as the players left level while improving. “On JV, my Overall it has been a competitive wanted to ensure that the players behind on JV. confidence was really high. When I season for all three girls and they were given equal treatment and as a “During our first game, some of was brought up to varsity my appear to have a bright future. Their result, “they blended in very easily,” the players noticed that I got more confidence went straight to the skill and early experience on varsity said Barb. “Nakia is a talented game time then they did, so they got ground,” said Frece. Muchmore and will certainly be an asset to the player, she is a swing player, she can aggravated, they were like, “Why Frece were moved up to varsity team’s overall performance. play point guard as well as guard.” should she, the ‘new girl,’ be getting further into the season, while The main thing the players more minutes then I am?

She is only Williams started on varsity following noticed upon joining the team, a freshman,’” said Muchmore. team tryouts.

by Aminah Kakeh Staff Writer

i

Student named All Star actor in Play Festival AHS representative at T.C. makes Best Actors’ list The most that I remember of the One-Act Play festival was the floor of T.C. Williams.

Their front lobby is carpeted, and the hallways are a nice, neutral greenish color... good for meditation, and soothing if stared at intently right before a performance. It is most likely because of this floor that our performance of “The Actor’s Nightmare,” went so well. And, thus, why I ended up being in the “All-Star Cast.”

“The All-Star Cast” is a somewhat dubious honor... basically the judges pick out the five or six best actors at

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By Tom Berck 123456789012345678901234567890121 123456789012345678901234567890121 the festival, they stand and are clapped at, and they sit back down. It was one of the greatest feelings I’ve ever had, and I wouldn’t trade it for all the soothing green floors in the world. Of course, I didn’t win the Best Actor plaque, but it wouldn’t have seemed right if the girl that did win it had walked away empty-handed.

What was strangest was the idea of actually represent-

To my Booboo, I just wanna lay a wet one right on ya!

Muah -Bonita

ing my school in a competition. As a drama student I’m used to playing second fiddle to the athletic department, and never really experienced the general encouragement of the school populace.

We drama students are used to being not only overlooks, but sometimes even ridiculed by the rest of the school... it’s why we’re so tightly knit. Thus, it was

completely surreal to have people— normal people— come up to me and tell me, “Good luck!”

All in all it was quite an experince... the kind of experience that should not be traded for anything. The kind of experience that is far more valuable that a day of actual school. A truly mind-expanding and zen-like experience that will (most likely) never be replaced or forgotten.

toms who matter

Hadiza Blell Grade: 12 Hobbies: Reading, Talking on the phone, and painting.

Special deed: Helped out with the Annandale Christian Community for Action Party for homeless children.

Quote: “It was fun to see them happy and to make them smile. We gave the kids presents because their parents could not afford it.”

Nhu Phan Grade: 12 Hobbies: Reading, shopping, sleeping, writing poems.

Special Deed: Tutors an ESL student.

Quote: “I learned that coming to a new country is hard.

I connected with her. It is rewarding to know you can help someone learn something new.”

Hanh Le Sanding the back of the Queen’s throne, senior Tom Berck works backstage for Alice in Wonderland and committed to a role in the Short Play Festival.“I loved the script for the play festival.

I’ve been looking forward to it for a year.”

DENICE MILLER

Sarah, Leah, Talia, Justine, You are a beautiful woman.

I’m so deeply in love with you.

Love your man

a

Lindsay, Linda, Kara, Yukari & Heather N, will y’all be my Valentines?

Please?

Dorsa, Life without you is a life not worth living.

Love Kitty.

Grade: 12 Hobbies: Talking on the phone, reading, exercising, surfing the net.

Special deed: Volunteers at Cherrydale Health Center Quote: “From this experience I want to major in medicine. I realize that when my parents are older I will be resonsible for them. I don’t want them to feel alone and lonley.”

Love, xoxo

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Tracie,

Happy Valentine’s to AHS students, Faculty & Staff. From the AHS PTSA

Oh my Tracie

Thank you, Sister Wendy. ~ Mr. N

I love your gracie & your beautiful facie. My Tracie, oh my Tracie.

Love, your Secret Admirer

Have a great and safe Valentine’s Day. From Mr. Giles, senior class sponsor.

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Wednesday, February 13, 2002

BOYS BASKETBALL PATRIOT DISTRICT STANDINGS Hayfield 19-0 10-0 T.C. Williams 12-7 8-2 Lake Braddock 12-7 7-3 West Springfield 9-10 5-6

Wrestlers prep for regionals

by Jared Smith Staff Writer

The wresting team wrapped up the Patriot District tournament last Saturday, finishing 5th overall with 101.5 points. The Atoms had three first place finishers and three others finishing in the top 4.

Junior Miguel Mamani placed first in the 135 lbs. weight class. “I wrestled real hard and at the end it paid off,” said Mamani. In addition to Mamani, senior Andrew Marful placed first in the 145 lbs. weight class.

In the afternoon match, senior Tony Cavalero stole the first place finish from the jaws of defeat. Tony was down 5-3 with only 0:05 seconds left when he got a last second take down to tie the score up at five, going into overtime. In overtime the referee called Cavalero’s opponent for stalling and Tony got the victory in OT 6-5.

“It was great,” said Cavalero, “the greatest match I ever wrestled in my career.” In addition to the three first place finishers, junior Ehab Awadallah finished 2nd, and seniors Jegs Peralta and Preston McNeil both finished 4th.

“The guys did a great job,” said Head Coach Will Stravino. “The older guys wrestled with heart, both Miguel and Tony defeated wrestlers that beat them earlier in the year and they really stepped up to get the victory. We look forward to use this determination to advance to regionals and then on to states.”

Assistant Coach Keith Shoulders was also happy with the effort, “This tournament was a step in the right direction for our program. We are proud of the guys in the finals and the gamers really stepped up in the finals.”

The Atoms will send six wrestlers to regionals: Miguel Mamani, Andrew Marful, Tony Cavalero, Ehab Awadallah, Jegs Peralta and Preston McNeil, the top four wrestlers in each weight class. The regional tournament will be held at Robinson High School Feb. 14-16. As for the district, tournament Hayfield finished first with 232.5 points, Robinson 2nd with 199 points, West Potomac third with 106 points, West Springfield 4th with 104 points, Annandale 5th with 101.5 points, Lake Braddock 6th with 56 points, and T.C. Williams 7th with 32.5 points.

Prior to the district tournament, Pack the Pit featured senior night on Jan. 30 against Yorktown. The seniors ended their regular season with a quality performance getting the win, 43-19. Three of the Atoms’ four senior regional qualifiers, Tony Cavalero, Preston McNeill and Andrew Marful, took the victory and helped contribute to the overall win.

“It was a good way to end the season,” said Stravino, “The seniors wrestled hard, and I hope we can carry this momentum into the district tournament.”

ANDREW MENEGAT

Jegs Peralta grapples with an opponent in practice.

Annandale 9-11 3-8 Robinson 4-15 2-8 West Potomac 2-14 1-10

GIRLS BASKETBALL PATRIOT DISTRICT STANDINGS West Springfield 16-2 10-0 Hayfield 14-5 7-3 Lake Braddock 12-6 6-3 Robinson 6-6 3-3 Annandale 3-9 1-6 West Potomac 3-14 1-8 T.C. Williams 4-14 1-10

UPCOMING EVENTS Boys Basketball Fri at TC Williams Varsity @ 8 JV @ 5:45 Frosh @ 4:30 Wrestling Regionals Saturday at Robinson Swim State Meet Freedom Center Manasass Saturday

Renovations render lockers unusable

by David Covucci Editor in Chief

In the midst of the school-wide renovation, the athletic department had remained relatively unscathed. However, the most recent phase has started to tear down the jock lobby. The all-male B locker room, which is adjacent to the weight room entrance, has been completely gutted. Lockers have been torn down and removed and the entire room is under construction, rendering it unusable.

The locker rooms were chosen to be taken down and rebuilt now by the construction company. They felt the impact would be least felt if it was done during the spring season. They will continue to renovate them throughout the summer and the locker rooms should be ready for the start of fall sports next school year.

“We tried to find a time that wouldn’t impact everyone,” said Assistant Principal Brandon Cooley.

“We’ve all had to adapt.”

Adjustments have been made to the locker room arrangements to accommodate construction. Boys Soccer has been moved into the A Locker Room, the locker room next to the snack bar, and is sharing it with Baseball and Boys Tennis. Boys Lacrosse, which previously used Locker Room B, will move into the locker room below the upstairs gym and room with the Boy’s Track Team.

“It’s definitely different, putting teams together,”

Winter Track Regionals at GMU Girls Basketball Fri vs. TC Williams Varsity @ 8 JV @ 5:45 Frosh @ 4:30

DAVID COVUCCI

The former B locker room has been completely torn apart.

said lacrosse coach Bill Maglisceau. “It could be a positive, with kids getting to know each other, but it might be a negative, since kids won’t have the as much space as normal. However, we just have to deal with it, there’s nothing we can do.”

All girls’ sports will remain in the same locker rooms that they used last year.

“It’s okay that we won’t have a locker room,” said

junior Ehab Awadallah. “It might be rough, but in the end, it will be an improvement since the locker rooms will be so nice.

Some students, however, griped about the circumstances. “I think the school should have planned it more wisely,” said freshman Evan Rowland.

The continuing construction has also led to the replacement of the game-field lights. Now, 50 -oot high cement poles are strewn across the field, waiting for the old lights to be taken down.

“We won’t have the same problem with these lights as we will with the ones around the track field,” said Director of Student Activities Angelo Hilios.

Once the old lights are removed, the poles

“It is definitely different, putting teams together. It could be positive, but it might be negative”

Track team runs to a strong performance in districts Thonnie Grisby (high jump), Doug McClellan (500 meters), Jon Caicedo (shot put), junior Robert Edwards (55 meter hurdles), sophomores The winter track team continued its strong Caroline Cherney (55 meter dash), Lauren season at districts this past weekend. With this Edwards (1000 meters), Kendra Adams (shot strong showing, the team had 16 different people put), and freshman Dawit Legasse (3200 meters). qualify for regionals.

The 4x200 relay team also has qualified for “Overall, we were very regionals despite their pleased with both the boys disappointing performance and girls teams. They both at districts, in which they verall, we were very pleased with did very well and some even were expected to do very got personal bests,” said both the boys and girls teams. well.

Coach Mike Brown. “We’re Next for the team is They both did very well and some sending a substantial regionals, which is this even got personal bests amount of athletes to the Saturday at Episcopal regional meet, and we’re —Mike Brown High School. very happy with that.”

Head Coach “We expect to do well at The team had many top regionals,” said senior 3 finishes, including the Chris Greer. “We hope to boys 4x400 and 4x800 relays. Senior Moh have many people qualify for states and even Williams placed second in the 55-meter hurdles, some for nationals.” junior Afua Amponseh finished first in the 55Seniors David Blau and Williams both agreed, meter hurdles and second in the 55-meter dash. saying that they hoped to place in the top six Sophomore Elizabeth Gill also got second place in places in states. the pole vault. All of these athletes qualified for “We’re hoping to have a number of students regionals. qualify for states,” said Brown, “but if not we Williams also qualified in the 55-meter dash. hope to have a lot of students get their personal Other regional qualifiers included seniors best times.”

by David Marin Staff Writer

o

SEAN SULLIVAN

Junior Lauren Edwards, sophomore Kevin Judson and junior Andrew Vacarro run around the track

Atomic Athletics: An update of Freshmen and JV sports

JV Wrestling

Frosh Boys Basketball

Frosh Girls Basketball

Coaches: Clifton Carter, Nikki Wood

Coaches: Craig Hamilton, Rod Cambell

Coaches: Frank Hill, KW Williams

Coaches: Amy Lipicky, Nora Mahn

Key Players: Everyone

Record: 1-14 Key Players: Amy Merrill and Amanda Sheaffer

Key Players: All healthy players

Record: 12-3

Captain: Megan Berry

Result of Last Game: Last Wednesday at Hayfield vs.

Robinson, Colonial Forge, West Potomac, and West Springfield

Captains: Chris Flowers and Robel Abraham Result of Last Game: 47-43 win over Hayfield

Captains: Rotating captains

Key Player: Ana Rosa Alvarez

Next Game: Friday at T.C. Williams at 5:45 p.m.

Next Game: Friday at T.C. Williams at 4:30 p.m.

Coach’s Quote: “I expect them to play hard against T.C. Williams. We have a chance for a winning record,” said Coach Craig Hamiltonn

Coach’s Quote: “This is the greatest bunch of kids that I’ve had the chance to work with and coach since I’ve been here,” said Coach Hilln

Coach’s Quote: “The kids got a lot out of it [wrestling]. In two to three years these kids are going to have the experience to be awesome,” said Coach Caryiannis.

s

JV Boys Basketball

Coaches: Paul Kehrer, Jamie Caryiannis

Next Game: season completed

ports

JV Girls Basketball

Dear Reid, If I had to pick one person in this world to laugh with, it would be you Love, Jimbo

Result of Last Game: loss to Hayfield Next Game: 6 p.m. Friday vs.

T.C. Williams Coach’s Quote: “Our team is not the most talented, but there isn’t another team out there that works as hard as our ladies,” said Coach Carter.

Weintraut, I wish I could have spent four years with you. But this one has been super special -Sam Molavi

Result of Last Game: 67-51 win over Hayfield

Honey Dew Head, You rock my world!

Love, Kat

Result of Last Game: 21-54 loss to Hayfield Next Game: 4:45 p.m. Friday vs. T.C. Williams Coach’s Quote: “The girls are working really hard, but they don’t seem to be accomplishing their goals for the second half of the season,” said Coach Mahn.

Elga, No one can understand the feelings I have for you, honey. Our love is the strongest ever.

Love, Tommy

by Rob Payne Staff Writer

Exploding through the district meet and flying through regionals, the swim team will be sending seven athletes to the Virgnina AAA State Championship Feb. 15-16.

Finishing out the regular season with a 6-1 record for the boys and a 4-3 record for the girls, the team headed into districts with high aspirations. The Patriot District Championship was held on Feb. 1-2. Both the boys and girls teams finished strong. The boys finished second behind rival Robinson, and the girls teamened up fourth.

There were several highlights of the district meet, including a new district record of 1:57:34 set by the boys 200-yard medley relay consisting of senior Matt Wolff, junior Andy Pelenberg, senior John Merrill and freshman John Kreitler. Wolff set a new district record in the 200-yard individual relay with a time of 1:57.34. Senior William Freeman, Wolff, Pelenberg and Kreitler set yet another new district record in the 400-yard freestyle relay with a time of 3:19.34.

Finishing her undefeated district season, senior Yukari Nakamura won the district championship in diving.

Moving on to the Northern Region Championship this past weekend, the boys team rocked the region with a second place finish and set several new records.

The boys 200-yard medley relay—consisting of Wolff,

Pelenberg, Merrill and Kreitle—took first place in the region and set a new Northern Region record with an All-American Consideration time of 1:37.98. Kreitler took first in the 50-yard freestyle, with a new school record with a time of 21.85 seconds. He also placed third in the 100-yard freestyle with a school record time of 48.06. Placing second in the 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard butterfly, Wolff set a new school record in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 52.86. Pelenberg finished in fourth place in the 100-yard breaststroke, just shy of breaking the new district record that he previously set this season. Merrill qualified for states by placing sixth in the region in the 100-yard butterfly.

Freeman joined Wolff, Pelenberg and Kreitler in establishing a new school record in the 400-yard freestyle relay with an outstanding time of 3:16.98, placing second.

Not disappointing anyone, the girls team finished 13th in the region and is sending five girls to the state championship meet. Senior Yukari Nakamura finished second in the region. “I think that Yukari is the second best diver in the state,” said head coach Bruce Fisher.

Seniors Mary Gunderson and Alison Sanders, sophomore Sarah Bizer and freshman Tiffany Wattenburger swam both the 200-yard medley relay and 200-yard freestyle relay. In the 200-medley relay the girls clocked a time enabling them to be considered for an All-American standing.

“I think that the boys have the potential to place in

sports

Atoms 2nd in region, states next

Spotlight Athlete

Stars of Winter sports ANDREW MENEGAT

Senior Alison Sanders takes a dip during a recent practice.

the top five teams in the state,” said Fisher. “If the boys swim as well as they did `at regionals, then they should be in good shape at states.”

Boys basketball wraps up regular season at T.C. Zormelo.

However, Zormelo and the rest of the team still have a chance to prove In the jampacked gymnasium themselves as they shift their focus last Fri., Senior Night, the boys to accomplishing their biggest goal, basketball team suffered an winning the district tournament. agonizing loss to Senior Ryan the high-powered Witkowski Hayfield Hawks by his could have been my last has a great a score of 65-52. game playing in this gym and it’s attitude The game was a about their back and forth just really upsetting. I almost felt upcoming battle for the first like crying. challenge. three quarters “I’m with the Atoms —Justin Zormelo confident in senior only down two my teampoints at the start mates and of the fourth. myself to put together a perforBut, some lapses in the Atoms mance in the tournament.

We’ve offense caused costly turnovers already shown we can beat the best that inevitably led to their defeat. teams in the region and I think we With the majority of the team will step up to the plate again and comprised of seniors, this loss was take home a banner,” said especially unbearable.

Witkowski.

“This could have been my last Very impressive wins against game playing in this gym and it’s some of the region’s best, such as just really upsetting. I almost felt Centreville, Robinson, and Langley, like crying,” said senior Justin

by Sam Molavi Staff Writer

t

LINDA FAIRALL

The team huddles before last week’s match-up against the #1 team in the state, Hayfield. The Atoms fell 65-52.

Senior Night and T.C. Next for Girls

by Kristie Moore Atomic Athletics Editor

As the end of the regular season draws to a close, girls basketball looks to go into the district tournament with a winFriday at home against the T.C. Williams Titans.

Last Friday, despite a hard effort throughout the entire game, the Atoms lost 46-68 to the Hayfield Hawks.

Senior Erin Gaston scored the first points of the game off of a foul called on the Hawks. Throughout the remainder of the first quarter, the Atoms had frequent sequences of tight passes, and along with the help of Gaston, pulled ahead of Hayfield 11-8.

Within the first minute of the second quarter, the Hawks tied the

score at 11. They continued to pull further ahead through most of the quarter until Gaston once again put the Atoms into the lead. However, they were unsuccessful maintaining it, and were down by five at the half with a score of 23-28.

Whatever the Atoms seemed to do, Hayfield was right there, doing it a little bit better. At the end of the third quarter, the Atoms were still behind 32-50. During the fourth quarter, Gaston committed her fourth personal foul, putting her in foul trouble. After that, it all seemed to go downhill for the Atoms, with more turnovers and fouls. The Hawks were able to capitalize on those valuable mistakes and turn them into points, increasing their lead.

“We played great in the first

half,” said Head Coach Lori Barb.

“They’re a more experienced team and they capitalized on our mistakes. We couldn’t turn their mistakes to our advantage.”

This Friday night, the Atoms face-off against the Titans, which they previously beat 71-60. Being their last home game, it makes it a special night for five girls. Before the tip-off of the game, seniors Cindy-Kate Calhoun, Erin Gaston, Megan Nelson, Catherine OwusuSakyi and Natalie Parcell will be recognized for their contributions that they have made to the Basketball program over their four years at AHS. “This is my last year for everything,” said Owusu-Sakyi. “I’m really going to miss [basketball].”

could prove that the Atoms can hang with their rival district opponents. A cursory glance at their 9-11 record makes it seem that the boys are mediocre, but those affiliated with the team will tell you otherwise.

“Overall I feel this season was a success. I’m very proud of this team and the way we work and I know only good things will come in districts,” said senior Ewart Renner.

Coach Patrick Hughes agrees with Renner’s outlook. “We lost a few games that we should have won, but we also beat some really good teams. I know we will show up to play because our goal was to succeed in the district tournament and the kids have that on their minds,” Hughes said.

The boys desperately want to put all they have gained from this year into winning the district title. They have the strength and determination to achieve their ultimate goal.

One more game remains in the regular season this Friday at T.C. Williams at 8 p.m.

A Look back in time . . .

A blast from the Atoms’ illustrious sports past.

Senior William Freeman carries a 3.8 GPA and is a positive contributor to the swim team.

Name: William Freeman Grade: 12 Sport: Swim Position (s): 100 Fly, 50 Free, 100 Free Notable Achievements: made state cut as junior, placed second in Districts this year (100 Free) Personal: Willy carries a 3.8 GPA and is a member in NHS, LHS and Mu Alpha Theta. In his spare time, he volunteers at NOVA hospital.

Samantha Muchmore made the varsity basketball team as a freshman.

Name: Samantha Muchmore Grade: 9 Sport: Girls varsity basketball Position (s): Small forward Notable Achievements: She ran varsity cross country this past fall Personal: Samantha works as a lifeguard in the summer.

COURTESY ANTENNA YEARBOOK

Year: 1985 The yearbook caption reads: “Just before his match, David Ryan receives a few last words of advice from Coach Adams.”

Awards ceremony for NBA, AHS and others

by Ryan Croft Sports Editor

The Chicago Bulls are in last place? The Grizzlies left Canada, eh? The Clippers aren’t the worst team in the NBA? The greatest player in the history of the game is on the Wizards (sorry ladies, he’s still married). Let’s face it, the NBA is a whole new ball game this season. Now that the All-Star Break has passed, it is time to acknowledge who would win what if the season were to end tomorrow (plus a few miscellaneous awards).

Most Valuable Player this season goes to Michael Jordan of the Washington Wizards. Before Mike: bottom dwellers in the East and a laughing stock of the NBA. After Mike: Popeye Jones and Tyrone Nesby are not on 10-day contracts and the Wiz are sitting pretty at 5th place in the East. It’s a classic example of one guy making the people around him better.

Most Valuable player: Michael Jordan, Rookie of the Year: Pau Gasol, Brother tandem of the year: Chris and Brandon Flowers.

Big sis & lil' Laura: Thanks for keeping me sane, though we've had our share of craziness...buying "shirts," peef & bork, staring at smiles, wearing seatbelts...you guys are HUGE friends!

-- Elaine

Rookie of the Year: Pau Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies. Wait a minute, are there really Grizzlies in Memphis Tennessee? Any who, this 7-foot Spaniard is a real gladiator under the boards. The big man leads all rookies in all almost all major

roft’s olor ommentary

C

with Ryan Croft categories: scoring (17.4 ppg), rebounds (8.8 rpg), FG % (53%) and blocks (2.37 bpg). Hands down, Gasol the best rookie out there.

Coach of the Year: Byron Scott, New Jersey Nets. Last season the boys out of Dirty Jersey finished 2656. This season they are #1 in the East, thanks in part to the arrival of Jason Kidd, the resurgence of some veteran players and the instant impact of rookie Richard Jefferson.

Hey Shant, Can you say my name in a valentine ad?

However, there’s only one ball on the court at a time and Scott is the glue that keeps the team together. In just his second season coaching, he has managed to bring his team to a championship caliber level.

Most improved player: Steve Nash, Dallas Mavericks.

This Canadian is something to talk aboot. Over the past five seasons, Nash has improved his points per game average and this year he was selected to the prestigious Western All-Star squad. His hustle and scoring ability has lifted the Mavs to the 2nd seed in the West and the third best record in the NBA. And now, the important awards . ..

Winter Sports Coach of the Year: Bruce Fisher, Swim. The swim team finished second in the District and 2nd in the Region. An all-time state record was broken and the team broke a startling six school records this year. If all goes well, the Atoms have a chance to win the

Sergio, thanks for always being there for me. Sharing my life with you has been a wonderful experience. I hope there are many more years to come. My love for you grows each day. I love you, sweetheart.

Love, Ashley

state.

Winter Sports MVPs: Jay Athey (leading scorer for varsity basketball), Erin Gaston (Towsonbound girls basketball player), Tony Cavalero (171-lb. Patriot District champion), Matt Wolff (1st Team All-Region swimmer), Yukari Nakamura (2nd best diver in the region), Afua Amponseh (qualified for state meet in 55m dash and 55m hurdles).

Sports Editor of the Year: Chris Bagot, Annandale High School Newspaper, Tahe A-Blast. His hard work and dedication is evident in the work he does. He is an all-round good kid.

Coach Maglisceau’s pick for the NBA Finals: New York Knicks or the Boys Freshman Basketball Team. Well, the Knicks are the laughing stock of the East and the Michael Jordan will always own Madison Square Garden. Maybe you should try rooting for the Yankees.

And for the freshman team, after defeating Hayfield last week, the sky’s the limit.

Happy Valentine's to my wonderful colleagues in guidance. Susan Taylor

Sophomore Matt Hubacher has adapted this season on the JV squad.

Name: Matt Hubacher Grade: 10 Sport: Boys JV Basketball Position (s): small forward Notable Achievements: varsity soccer player Sports Editors’ Quote: “He is a real joker and an all-round good kid.”

Personal: Hubacher carries a 3.2 GPA and he enjoys snowboarding and carrying on, especially in the Canadian province of Quebec.

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On the Jump’s twisted romance

by Shant Shahrigian Co-Editor in Chief

Why spend $6 or more on a movie you know will be at best mediocre when, for a pittance more, you can enjoy one of the nation’s premiere cultural venues? Even if you are no theater afficionado, you ought to take advantage of the Arena Stage’s FiveTwentyFive program, which allows students to take in a play for just $10.

The Stage’s latest show, John Glore’s On the Jump, the quintessential romantic comedy.

Filled with the humorous misunderstandings and miscommunications typical of the genre, the play takes the audience on a ride through

Dining out on Valentine’s Day: Restaurant Picks

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L’AUBERGE CHEZ FRANCOIS Location: 332 Springvale Road Great Falls, VA 22066 Phone: (703)7593800

down-to-earth and Colleen finds in him an easy friend. She even wins over the Wheatcroft’s Forrester (John Dow) butler, skeptical, upright.

Strong as Colleen’s character is, though, the only part of the play that lacks is the final development of her character—or the lack thereof. While Albert III undergoes something of a coming of age during which he conquers his neuroses, Colleen has no similar experience.

Though her character yearns for maturation, the script never fufills this void. There is no doubt that Colleen is a nice, decent person, but her long inability to tell Albert III and his grandparents the truth indicates a lack of strength of character. Without addressing Colleen’s flaw, the climax lacked all the punch that it could have had.

The script may be slightly lacking, but, as always at this theater, stage direction was not.

Director Wendy C. Goldber makes clever use of the stage, which is surrounded on all four sides by roughly 800 seats. The PLAY RATING center of this veritable ON THE JUMP colliseum opens and closes to change the setting when appropriate. For example, the floor rises in parts to create the effect of a A hilariously romantic bridge and also opens to comedy elevate a coffee shop bar onto the stage.

In spite of its minor flaws, On the Jump is a highly entertaining play the likes of which typical movie fare can hardly compare. Being able to see a performance acted out just feet in front of you adds to the exhiliration of the theater, and even if romantic comedies are not quite your bag, this play is worth checking out.

On the Jump runs until Feb. 17. Tickets are available at (202) 488-4377 or at www.arenastage.org.

A

The perfect Birthday Girl: Nicole Kidman

by Alejandro Salinas Staff Writer

The recently emancipated Nicole Kidman is doing better than ever. Not only is she one of Hollywood’s most promising stars, with recent hits like Moulin Rouge and The Others, she is also seriously considering a music career, which is a fascinating idea since we can’t get MOVIE RATING enough of her lately.

BIRTHDAY GIRL In her latest movie Birthday Girl, Kidman plays a mail-order bride and also sings a duet with Robbie Williams for Despite good acting the movie soundtrack. the story has flaws The song, a remake of Frank Sinatra’s “Something Stupid”, evokes nostalgic feelings and has a classic romantic tone, which could not differ more from the movie. With a series of unexpected, yet interesting, twists and turns every 10 minutes, Birthday Girl delivers an original, dark, romantic comedy with some elements of a thriller.

The story is definitely peculiar. John (Ben Chaplin), a banker, decides to order a Russian bride through the Internet to put an end to his solitude. The “lucky” bride turns out to be a pale, shabby but overall attractive woman named Nadia (Nicole Kidman). John is dazzled

by Nadia’s beauty, but things are not always what they appear to be. Nadia turns out to be a chain-smoker who pukes every once in a while.

The strangeness of the story is what gives Birthday Girl its edge. The communication and

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H o r o s c o p e s

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ntertainment

Price: Expensive Dress: Jacket and tie Payment: American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Cash, Diners Club, and Discover Hours: Tues.-Sat 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Sun. 1:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ARENA STAGE

Actress Holly Twyford as Dorie in On the Jump acts out her scene during the play.

the development of a romance between two young kindred spirits: sweet, naive Colleen Ferguson (Andrea Anders) and haunted, poetic Albert Wheatcroft III (David Barlow).

After Colleen is jilted by her husband just hours after their wedding, she happens upon a bridge from which she decides to jump. When Albert, who is also there to take his own life, sees Colleen, he is so surprised that he slips off the bridge and into the body of water below it.

Wearing the coat that Albert discarded before his fall and the wedding ring that her husband gave her, Colleen finds and approaches his grandparents to inform them of Albert’s fate.

In the process, Albert’s grandmother Arabella (Victoria Boothby) comes to the conclusion that Colleen must be Albert’s wife and, in spite of Colleen’s protests, insists that she stay with her and her wealthy husband, Albert I (Bernie Passeltiner), in their luxurious home.

At her roommate Dorie’s (Holly Twyford) urging, Colleen grudgingly accepts the role of Albert ‘s widow. Opportunistic as her character is, Twyford somehow manages to portray Dorie as kind, too, and the result is a character as charming as those in the rest of the cast.

And that is one of the play’s greatest strengths. Although it runs a bit long at almost two-and-a-half hours, On the Jump is kept running by a delightful cast of characters. The only unsvory role comes in the form of Ellen O’Connell (Naomi Jacobson), Albert III’s former landlady. But even her malice and willingness to exploit come off as more comical than anything else.

The Wheatcrofts and Colleen develop a fondness for each other during Colleen’s stay, a feeling which stems from both the respective parties’ prior loneliness as well as their disregard for each other’s difference of social class. Though he owns the successful Wheatcroft stocking line, Albert I remains

trust issues are all depicted with such realism that you can easily identify with the character’s situation.

On one hand we have the shy, loser John, whose last relationship ended with the death of his girlfriend, and on the other we have the enigmatic, sexy and deceiving Nadia who hides a dark secret from her past.

Once they start living together and interact, unusual things start to occur.

Although her profile Ben Chaplin and Nicole Kidman during a scene in Birthday Girl. says the contrary, they never leave. This event triggers the Nadia knows no English at all. This becomes a development of the whole story. serious problem for inhibited John, who Birthday Girl is not flawless. The movie purchased a bride to have someone to love and fails in its constant transition from a comedy to communicate with. a thriller, and the only true funny moments are Despite of all his attempts to return her, the provided by the truculent cousins. There is an “From Russia with love” agency won’t return absolute lack of chemistry between Kidman and his calls. Just when it seems that things Chaplin, and some occuring events aren’t between them could only get worse, Nadia realistic. discovers John’s obsession with porno. To However in the end, Birthday Girl succeeds.

John’s surprise, not only is Nadia amused by Not only as an original dark comedy, but as a his habits, but she finds them alluring. As they movie that is not afraid of taking risks and explore their sexuality, the relationship takes a breaking old cliches. Nicole Kidman is its more serious end emotional tone. absolute star despite her looks, proving that not All happiness ends on Nadia’s birthday, only is she a great actress, but one who is not when they receive the unexpected visit of afraid of taking darker and less glamourous Nadia’s “cousins”. Once the “cousins” move in, roles.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20FEBRUARY 18 Hook a Gemini for this romantic month and you’ll never want to go fishing again. You’re guaranteed a great time and you’ll never be lacking in conversation.

Cancer

June 21-July 22

Your deeply sensitive nature is beginning to show through your tough defensive exterior.

However, expose that side for Valentine s Day and expect a new love interest.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22DECEMBER 21 Your fiery aura has made you passionate and optimistic. Start looking for an Aries to be your Valentine; you have the same interests and you can talk about them for hours.

GEMINI

MAY 21-JUNE 20

Although your quick mind gives you little patience, work on slowing down and looking deeper. Once you do, you’ll have a more relaxed time experiencing life’s pleasures.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23NOVEMBER 21 Your “love life” potential for month comes down to how you handle your obstinate, possessive and jealous traits. Tone down your emotionally intense nature.

TAURUS

this

APRIL 20-MAY 20

When opportunity knocks, answer the door. Although you dream of and long lasting a secure relationship, put your cautious nature to the side and follow your heart.

hee and Sung Ho are

Antenna Angels, The A-Blast

celebrating Valentine’s Day

will always be jealous, just

together~yay!!

like the pauper always dreams of being king.

—Ms. H

Life may seem overwhelming lately, but don’t give up. It’s your nature to keep a balance between yin and yang. Once you can find this moderation, things will begin to look up.

ARIES

Feb. 14, 2002 First time Sae

Let’s have fun!!

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23OCTOBER 22

MARCH 21-APRIL 19

For the time being your impulsive and independent, however you’re tolerance level is low. Remember that people are people, their words aren’t always meant to anger you.

VIRGO AUGUST 23-SEPTEMBER 22 Your “powerful dressing” allows you to be the center of attention. Just watch your tendency to be impulsive and you won’t get yourself into trouble.

My IB darlings, With sugar of connotations & similes of affection, I’m not trying to be ironic when saying keep striving for perfection..

I’m proud of your effort & accomplishments.

-Ms. Holmes

Local bands get noticed at AHS

by Saman Hussain and Wala’a Elbarasse Staff Writers

Take a couple of friends, a love for music, and a proclivity towards following the 26 footsteps of your musical role model and what do you get?

Divine Solz and Anglswept, two conspicuous self motivated bands that strive to stand out among the rest of the teenage population with dreams of becoming famous.

With a blend of rap, R&B and hip hop, the amateur band Divine Solz prepares to kick off its daily morning practice in the upstairs gym.

Sophomore Gloria Manana leads the show, jabbing her hands as a flow of impromptu rap escapes her lips: “You betta get our autographs while we still ‘n da 70-3 / We are D-I-V-I-N-E / Daz why we holdin it down inda A-Blast with rap ‘n r&b / We sing SOUL coz w’ beautiful / Peace ‘n love ya’ll, fa sho!”

Junior Monica Ortiz and sophomore Monica Ortiz Somaly Ry take the queue and began break dancing. The two have been doing it for quite a while, and they smoothly coordinate their arm and leg movements, harmoniously breaking in impressive speeds.

The “True Divaz,” as they call themselves, recently formed a band and since then have come up with a collection of fresh and original lyrics, most of which Ortiz, the lead singer and pianist, composed. “We talk more about real life stuff, like brushing your teeth in the morning, putting your shoes on, everyday stuff,” said the band’s other pianist and guitarist, Ry. The “Divaz” are quite levelheaded in their approach towards the future of their music.

“We’re not trying to be rich and famous, we’re just trying to show everyone our talent and get it recognized,” said Manana.

Recently, their music has been noticed by Felicidad Hunt, sponsor of the Filament.

“She’s hooking us up with all these studios in Maryland and D.C and one in Virginia,” said Manana excitedly. “She’s going to give us a professional sounds so that we can be heard.

And she’s going to get us a copyright so that nobody can steal our lyrics.”

As r&b, rap and hiphop progress forward, rock seems stagnant these days; recycled words blare through reused beats. But Anglswept, a band formed by AHS students, senior Jason Fletcher and junior Joseph Cox, breaks the mold of conventional rock.

“I wouldn’t give our music just one genre because I think labels are really stupid for categorizing music,” said Cox. But both agreed that their music is grind core, a fast paced type of metal.

Cox, the band’s guitarist, has been playing for about three years. Fletcher has been playing the drums for eleven years.

Stemming from varied influences, Cox found music as a way to express himself. “Suffocation is one main inspiration,” said Cox. Fletcher attributes his main interest in the guitar to Mike Portnay’s music from Dream Theater and Dillinger Escape Plan. College students Carl and Erin Elliot finish the ensemble, playing the guitar and bass, respectively.

The band is strictly basement at the moment but they have recorded songs on a digital mixer, and are hoping to record a demo and start performing.

“We are trying to write stuff that normally people wouldn’t think about, or things we do think about but wouldn’t dare to write about,” said Fletcher. “We’re not afraid to go all out.”

PISCES FEBRUARY 19MARCH 20 You can live in your fantasy land and be truthful with yourself. Use your intuition and don’t be misled. Stay independent, it will get you farther than clinging to people.

LEO

JULY 23-AUGUST 22

Leo and Aries together make a heavenly match. Together you are an unstoppable team. However, all that raw power can get out of control. Be warned.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22JANUARY 19 Your usual workaholic, playaholic nature is draining your energy. Be wise and use you energy on tasks you wish to accomplish to further your goals, not hobbies.

Rachel, Be Mine!

Love, The Sunshine Lionking

entertainment

Top 5 TV shows teens aren’t watching

by Mike Mahn Entertainment Editor

1. SCRUBS Scrubs is a hilarious sitcom that depicts a quirky medical intern and his stress-filled and surreal environment of the ER. The show follows the central character, John Dorian, and his co-workers inside the hospital. The characters encounter many shenanigans while working long shifts with the overthe-hill doctors that do not want anything to do with the young interns.

The odd relationships illustrated with in Scrubs provide many riotous scenes of laughter. Each episode presents many memorable, irreverent moments. As Dorian seeks approval from both the senior doctors and his peers, hysterical scenes are created when he gets stuck in the middle.

(Tuesdays 9:30 p.m., NBC) 2. BECKER Becker, another sitcom, portrays the relationships between Dr. John Becker and his five main friends.

Becker is an angry and hypocritical doctor who always seems to be on a rant about something. He smokes and never exercises, yet he advises his patients to do otherwise. Meanwhile, Ted Danson as Becker his friends, who he meets either at work or a local deli are on tirades on how romance and the world can be unfair. Possibly the best character of the show is the aging self-proclaimed Casanova, Bob, who speaks in third-person and gets turned down by a woman at least once an episode.

This show works because the interactions and relationships between the six characters are of the most eccentric and hilarious combinations on air in primetime. Each episode will give enough banter to keep you laughing and thinking of how messed-up our society can be.

(Mondays 9:30 p.m., CBS) 3. FAMILY GUY Family Guy is an intelligent but irreverent primetime cartoon which shows the life of a New England family and their lovable town of Quahog. Peter, the archetypical cartoon paterfamilias (extremely overweight with a wife who is too good for him), is a dysfunctional husband and father who always finds a way to get himself in some sort of trouble.

His three kids, Meg, Chris and Stewie, portray very diverse personalities and are exemplary examples of sibling rivals.

Meg is in high school and is blatantly nerdy but never quits trying to belong in the popular clique. Chris, a little slow, has trouble adapting to adolescence. Then there is Stewie, a one year old with an intellect that surpasses those of every member of the community and who occasionally attempts world domination. But the best character on the show is Quagmire, who used to be a lady’s man but now faces constant sexual frustration while muttering his catch phrase “Giggidy Giggidy Giggidy.”

Family Guy consistently gives hilarious episodes along with occasional intelligent prose.

(Thursdays 8:00 p.m., FOX) 4. GROUNDED FOR LIFE Grounded For Life is another sitcom that expresses the troubles of being young parents under constant criticism from a grandfather, a pot-head brother and three annoying kids.

Lilly, the oldest child is constantly screaming and complaining

I Am your average Sam

by Kathy Saupp Staff Writer

“They said that Yoko wanted John to change, and you can hear it on the White Album, they said you could hear it on the White Album.”

So states Sam, the simple, loving, mentally retarded main character in the new movie I am Sam. As the movie opens, change is a theme that is becoming evident in Sam’s life. Left to care for his young daughter, Lucy, by a deserting wife, problems arise when Lucy begins to surpass Sam’s mental capabilities.

When it becomes obvious to them that Sam does not have the capabilities it takes to raise an older child into adolescence, Social Services takes Lucy away to a more healthy living environment. Sam, whose life revolved around his simple, uncondi-

Sam touching a monitor with the face of his daughter who he may not be able to parent.

tional love for his child, is distraught.

Enter Rita—a stressed out, high maintenance, sugar addicted lawyer who has forgotten how to love, letting her hectic work schedule cause her to neglect her husband and son. Offering to work Sam’s custody case pro bono, Rita (played by Michelle Pfeiffer) allows her chaotic lifestyle to be influenced by Sam’s simple, pure feelings and actions.

Three of the interns in the insane hospital depicted in Scrubs.

about her trivial love life and her relationship with her parents. The next youngest son, Jimmy, bases his whole life around messing with his brother’s head and trying to act like an adult. The youngest child, Henry, is very immature which results in silly and hysterical comments.

Ultimately this sitcom is original and uproarious, especially when compared to the other shows that arr shown nowadays.

(Wednesdays 8:30 p.m., FOX)

5. JUST SHOOT ME Set in the headquarters of a fictitious fashion magazine, Blush, creative and simplistic Just Shoot Me depicts the relationships of the owner, his assistant, his daughter, his favorite photographer, and an over-the-hill fashion consultant.

For the most part, the story has nothing to do with fashion or the magazine but simply their lives. This is the only sitcom David Spade has done, but his role in it always proves to be sidesplitting with laughter. Everyone else plays sidekick to his character, but complements him superbly.

(Thursdays 9:30 p.m., NBC)

A Walk to be enjoyed

Sam, not knowing or MOVIE RATING I Am Sam understanding these daily complications, is a candid, pure influence to Rita. From him, she learns the power of genuine emotion. Rita and all Heart warming with good comic relief the others that come in contact and quite with Sam during his battle to enjoyable. win his daughter begin to question and reevaluate their own lives when they see the power of simple love.

I am Sam is a movie that exceeds expectations.

Expecting the candy-coated tear jerker that the previews and reviews seemed to suggest, it was a surprise (and a relief) to see from the beginning I am Sam was something quite different, because Sam is a very different person.

As expected, the viewer’s attention is first attracted to the main character through his peculiar quirks and eccentric actions. However, as the movie wears on, you are watching less just to see “what Sam will do next” and more because the refreshing purity of Sam’s simple life is something that many movies, and real people, lack today.

I am Sam is not without its humor, which is a big factor in saving it from the ranks of other tragically heartwarming movies. Sam and his posse of best friends add simple-minded diversion to the drama unfolding over the custody of Lucy, as well as enforce the theme of dedicated togetherness.

Sam’s on-screen actions prove that intellectual capability has no effect on one’s ability to love. The more Rita is influenced by Sam’s loving and trusting ways, the more her complicated life looks painfully meaningless when it is compared to his, of honest emotion. Rita’s strained relationship with her bitter and neglected child shows just how different her outlook on life is.

What makes I am Sam so unique is the subtle lessons it impresses, both on the internal characters and the viewers. While Sam is encouraging change and introspection in his on-screen counterparts, he is really affecting the little bit of ‘complicated Rita’ that we have in all of us.

by Lauren Sterlacci Staff Writer

B

faith in me. She MOVIE RATING makes me want A Walk To Remember to be different.

Better.”

After all of the vulgar A sweet teen love crudities of the story but not very typical modern original, with decent teenage movie, performances. here is one that looks closely, pays attention and sees that not all teenagers are as bad as Hollywood portrays them. It’s that first half of the movie — the coming of age for both main characters—that shines, filling the screen with wistful optimism, puppy love and some occasionally smart dialogue. It injects some sideline entertainment by having West’s Landon try to earn the respect of Peter Coyote, who plays Jamie’s dad and the local minister.

While some of the teenage movie cliches are there, A Walk to Remember has a freshness and sincerity that can wind its way into many viewers’ hearts.

B

A Walk to Remember is a love story so sweet, sincere and positive that it sneaks past the defenses built up in this age of irony. The talented singer Mandy Moore, a natural beauty in both face and manner, stars as Jamie Sullivan, an outsider at school who is laughed at because she stands apart and has values. Luckily for Moore, in her first starring role, her flaws are microscopic as she slides easily into one of the more interesting teen roles in recent adolescent films.

The story begins predictably enough. Landon (Shane West), a young teen sowing his oats through his high school years, is forced to take on charity work after orchestrating a stupid stunt that nearly paralyzes a kid. While mopping up hallways and tutoring youngsters, he comes across Jamie Sullivan (Moore), an innocent kind-hearted girl with religion at her core. As part of his punishment, Landon must join the Drama Club in order to more spend his time more productively.

While spending all this time with Jamie, he begins to see how truly astounding she is. At first, the two are cynical combatants, then friends, and then inseparable romantics, stricken by love. The pace gives West and Moore the opportunity to grow into their roles and each other. By the time he’s winning her over, helping her accomplish wonderful moments on her “life’s to-do list,” the audience is really pulling for them to enjoy the wonder of their affections. When Mandy Moore and Shane West’s characters fall Landon speaks to Jamie’s father in love in this touching teen movie. about dating her, he says, “Jamie has

Maximo, frustration and lack of fun to the max Maximo is a platformer, paranormal videogame for the Playstation 2. However, the interesting style does not make up for the gameplay and visuals.

by Philippe Podhorecki News Editor

Best defined as a 3D Ghosts N’ Goblins, Capcom’s latest game, Maximo, takes the Ghosts mold and puts it in 3D. Though not a true sequel, it is clear that it has been influenced by it.

Maximo has glaring faults that need to be mentioned.

It’s a platformer without the exploration. Though the developers did a great job of making the game jump to another dimension, they forgot that great platformers, such as Super Mario 64, allow free-roaming throughout a large world. Maximo’s levels are all extremely linear with few paths that allow for exploration. This makes the game very short, and not fun.

Walking from point A to B is basically all that the game consists of. The game does, however, tell you what percentage of the game you have completed and what percentage you have mastered.

The percentage that comes up after each level is complete; mastering the game consists of doing everything in all the

Nick Schwind, To that special guy in my life.

SMS

levels. There are not any truly worthwhile extras that reward you for all the work, and I mean a lot of work.

Game difficulty is enraging. Enemies seem to deplete three full life bars in just a few hits. Fake treasure chests are planted throughout the levels; avoiding their GAME RATING Maximo devastatiing attack in time is only possible if you assume that all chests are bad and For mediocre run before the graphics, short story, and infuriating thing opens. difficulty even for Other enemies, the best videogame such as the large players.

Abominable Snowman-looking ones, can attack you once, knock you on your back, and as you try to recover, they hurt you again. Learning their patterns and mastering them takes time, time that most will not want to spend and will likely turn the game off far before learning how to. At the end of the long levels, most last around 10 to 20

To John, You’re great to be with. I hope this thing we have goes on.

D-

New releases on video and DVD:

minutes depending upon skill-level and whether you wander, a barrage of enemies await that can easily ruin the entire level. Checkpoints are few and far between towards the end of the 5 world, 30 level game.

Coins are used to buy health, armor (health bars), and mystery objects. But most importantly, they pay to save your game. This is possibly the worst part of the game. Making the game difficult can be fun, if you aren’t forced to redo hours of work. Coins should be spent getting armor, not allowing you to saved your hard-earned progress so that you can turn off the system. Continues come in the form of red tokens that are rare and can barely be found and earned. Also, as you use more continues, more tokens are required.

Maximo’s unimportant story is just the basic save the girl from the evil king.

The game is not entirely bad, but whenever the game truly picks up and gets to be somewhat enjoyable, something terrible happens that nullifies everything. Rent the game to see if it’s your style, otherwise pass.

Johnny, This past year with you has been the best! Love you so much!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Love Always, Erin

HEARTS IN ATLANTIS Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Hope Davis Director: Scott Hicks Wierd drama about a young widow whose son befriends a kind but mysterious stranger boarding in the same house.

(PG-13)

DON’T SAY A WORD Starring: Michael Douglas, Famke Janssen Director: Gary Fleder High-tension flick about a wealthy psychiatrist’s search for his daughter, who has been kidnapped.

Famous for its line “I’ll never tell.”

(R) HARDBALL Starring: Keanu Reeves, Diane Lane Director: Brian Robbins A man of Chicago tries to coach a little-league baseball team. The team grows and he grows as a person. Not as good as Point Break, The Matrix, or either Bill and Ted movies.

(PG)

aBlast

the

Elizabeth, Happy Valentine’s Day! Love, Mike

Wednesday, February 13, 2002

19

20 a

the

Blast

Wednesday, February 13, 2002

UPCOMING CONCERTS

Boy Scouts participate in weekend activities

by Caroline Friedman and Maggie Owner Weekend editor and Staff writer

Continuing the tradition of his father and brother, senior Tony Cavalero has reached the highest level in Boy Scouts, the Eagle Scout. “[Boy Scouts] has taught me a

i

am grateful for everything I’ve learned through Boy Scouts. It will help me in the future and the title of Eagle Scout is very well respected.

John McDowell

—Senior

• • • •

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whole bunch. It has taught me leadership and responsibility,” said Cavalero. “The 12 points of the Scout Law are a great guide to life.”

Cavalero is Lodge Secretary, which puts him in charge of about 3,500 scouts in the Metro area.

Boy Scouts is not just for young boys, as Cavalero has demonstrated.

Many other students are involved in Boy Scouts, including senior John McDowell. He has learned how to lead and how to be a better person from Scouts.

“I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned through Boy Scouts. It will help me in the future, and the title of Eagle Scout is very well respected,” said McDowell.

Scouts must complete a service project in order to become an Eagle Scout. Cavalero put up neighborhood watch signs for the Fairfax County Police Department. “It means a lot to be an Eagle Scout. It is the peak of Scouting and the highest honor. I am very proud of it,” said Cavalero.

Sophomore Ian McLeland was planning on collecting computers and giving them to an Indian reservation for his Eagle Scout project. However, he could not find a reservation that wanted the computers. He is now

trying to think of another service project to do. Other projects include planting trees or flowers in public places or collecting canned food for a homeless shelter.

February 8 is celebrated as the birthday of the Boy Scouts of America.

William D. Boyce founded the Boy Scouts of America when he was assisted by a British Scout in Great Britain. The Order of the Arrow was added to Boy Scouts in 1922. The Order of the Arrow is meant to recognize Scouts who best represent the characteristics of scouts, such as service, camping and leadership.

Every year since 1937 the Boy Scouts have held a national jamboree where scouts can demonstrate their commitment to scouting. The jamboree encompasses physical activity and nature events. Some activities include obstacle courses, archery and canoeing. There are about 52,580 troops in the United States, many of which attend this annual event.

Boy Scouts often go camping, sometimes as much as once a month, on the weekend. They participate in activities in order to earn their 12 required merit badges, but there are 21 merit badges total. Some of the badges are citizenship on different community levels, communications, environmental science, first aid, cycling, hiking or swimming, personal management, and family life. The activities to earn the badges are where Boy Scouts learn some of their lifelong lessons. These are also what the Boy Scouts participate in on weekends.

Being a Boy Scout is an incomparable experience, with values instilled for a lifetime. Boy Scouts are highly regarded because of their leadership and responsibility. Boy Scouts is a widely respected organization and men wear the name Eagle Scout with pride and dignity. The Boy Scouts at AHS enjoy doing their service projects and have great weekends with friends, the outdoors and the community.

John Bernhardt

B

Fuddrucker’s lives up to it’s “world famous” reputation

• • • •

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weekend

JAMES BROWN February 25 9:30 Club $50 info available at www.930.com

Girl Scouts help community

by Caroline Friedman and Maggie Owner Weekend editor and Staff writer

Girl Scouts participate in community service and camping trips

The Do-Si-Do is not only a dance, but a peanut buttery Girl Scout cookie, too.

Just mention the popular Thin Mints, traditional Trefoils or the delicious Samoas and you can get a crowd raving about their favorites. Even so, Girl Scouts is not just about selling cookies.

This organization has a long history of being devoted to volunteering and womanhood.

Sophomore Cameron Wells, currently a Senior Girl Scout member, has been involved since the second grade. She has continued to participate because “we do a lot of fun things and you meet a lot of cool people,” including rock climbing, camping and various types of service projects. The lessons she has learned she believes will help her throughout life. “I have learned different life skills such as leadership and helping my community,” said Wells.

Another Senior Girl Scout is sophomore Carolyn Ichter. She has learned, “to be more responsible, respectful and to learn life skills.” Like many other Scouts, she enjoys working on the service projects that the troops must perform in order to obtain certain patches.

When a Girl Scout reaches the position of Senior, they are given the choice of performing her final project in order to receive their Gold Award.

The Gold Award represents outstanding leadership, hard work, dedication and personal achievement and is the highest honor in Girls Scouts. Each girl has to select a service project to organize and carry out.

Ichter, for instance, is proposing to organize a dance for senior citizens to earn her Gold Award. Tenatively, the dance is planned for spring of next year and she hopes to hold it at Sleepy Hollow Nursing Home. The dance will have many variations of music, but it will be mainly oldies. “I want to have music and decorations that will remind them of their childhood,” said Ichter of the dance.

The spirit of Girl Scouts is carried on throughout adulthood. Business teacher Monica Bentley helps her stepdaughters with Girl Scouts.

“I help them sell cookies every year by selling them to faculty at the [high] school,” said Bentley. Bentley thinks that Girl Scouts is very important in helping girls grow and learn. “At a young age it teaches kids through service projects. It teaches them good values and how to be a good person. The service projects teach how to treat others, treat your community and character education,” said Bentley.

Juliette Gordon Low founded Girl Scouts in 1912. She wanted to create an organization to bring girls out of their sheltered homes and into their communities and nature. In 1963 four more levels were added to the orginal Daisies: Brownie, Junior, Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts.

Girl Scouts is where girls are taught values and responsibility that they can apply throughout life. Joining a troop offers many new experiences for the weekend, such as camping and service projects. The Girl Scouts at our school enjoy doing the service projects, especially the Gold Award. Ichter and Wells are just two Girl Scouts doing projects to earn their top honors in Scouts.

ernhardt’s ites

Weekend Editor

• • • •

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAROLYN ICHTER

Sophomore Carolyn Ichter (second from right), who poses for a photo with her Girl Scout troop is a Senior Girl Scout planning on getting her Gold Award.

When discussing where to go for some fast food with your friends, you name the usual: McDonald’s, Wendy’s or Burger King. However, Fuddrucker’s, located in the heart of Annandale, has always been known for their “world famous” hamburgers.

When you enter the restaurant, ’50s style decorations cover the walls. As soon as you enter, cashiers take your order and give you a pager that flashes and vibrates when your order is ready.

Nine different types of burgers compliment the menu. These choices range from the Portobello Mushroom Burger with Swiss cheese and horseradish sauce to the Hot Rocks Burger, which includes bacon, BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese.

Garden burgers and the portobello burger provide options for vegetarians.

Employee’s make a wide variety of possible toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, onion, pickles and condiments available so customers can create their own burgers.

The Fuddrucker’s kid’s menu features quite a deal.

A burger, fries, drink and cookie is offered for only

$3.65. Even though this is labeled as a “kid’s meal,” satisfying portions make it quite filling for the price.

For those who want something other than a burger, Fuddrucker’s offers chicken tenders, shrimp and salads.

However, Fuddrucker’s doesn’t excel in these other foods, and getting a type of burger is the best bet. If you like to experiment with other options, meals and sides are priced affordably.

Fuddrucker’s displays classic desserts which can be bought at a separate stand. If you order a shake or malt, you can sit on a bar stool and watch the employee whip up the creamy beverage the old-fashioned way.

The cookies are excellent and chocolate brownies are delicious as well.

If you like entertainment while you dine, then a dinner at Fuddrucker’s on either Monday or Wednesday would suit you best. On Monday, Teddy the Clown graces the customers with his presence and on Wednesday, Capaso the Magician appears.

Fuddrucker’s opened in 1980 in San Antonio, Texas, and since then has blossomed into a international chain. A few years ago, Fuddrucker’s changed its style to their present day theme which is similar to the decor of Jukebox Diner.

Fuddrucker’s hangs Beatles and Elvis Presley memorabilia on the walls and a soda fountain is located near the entrance to enhance the ’50s theme.

If you’re looking for variety, Fuddrucker’s is not the place to go. Fudd’s is a place where you know what you’re going to get before you go: a burger. But it lives up to the reputation of having “the world’s greatest hamburgers.”

JOHN BERNHARDT

A customer waits while an employee gets his dessert order.

Fuddrucker’s sells cookies, brownies and milkshakes at the dessert stand.

RESTAURANT RATING FUDDRUCKER’S

A

Although there is not a lot of variety on the menu, Fuddruker’s has fast service and the best burgers around.

Thomas, I’m sorry for recent events.

I still love you. ~You know who

I love Annandale H.S. Glad to be back.

Love, Mrs. Chmura

Drewbert, Give me some lobster! Love, Caitlin

It’s been the best year of my life. Thank you & I love Erin.

Love always, Johnny