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the Wednesday September 19, 2001 Volume #47 Issue 2

ANNANDALE H IGH SCHOOL

Informing the Atoms since 1954

4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003 703.642.4229

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 1

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National tragedy felt at AHS Terrorist attacks strike close to home

by Reid Edwards and Shant Shahrigian News Editor and Co-Editor in Chief

What distinguishes us as Northern Virginians is our connection with the nation’s capital; many of our parents work for the federal government or for a part of the private sector located in Washington, D.C. The Pentagon is less than 15 miles away from AHS. So last week’s attack was particularly poignant for us; questions that ran through our minds were very different from those of students who live elsewhere—where are my mom and dad? are they near the Pentagon? will there be another attack... near us?

At first, only a couple of us had an inkling of what was going on. But by lunch time, most everyone knew that something was happening at the World Trade Center. If we couldn’t watch the attacks during class, we were eventually filled in once we got home.

A majority of the teachers at AHS put their lesson plans on hold, allowing students to watch television footage of hijacked planes flying into the nation’s most prominent buildings. For many students and faculty members, this caused great emotional distress, and for a few it could mean the loss of a loved one.

Fairfax County Public Schools remained open for the remainder of the day as a safety measure; students later learned that that afternoon’s afterschool activities would be canceled.

That evening, Fairfax County Public Schools declared that all schools would be closed on Wednesday.

When students returned to school on Thursday it was business as usual, aside from a speech delivered by Principal Donald Clausen concerning the terrorist attacks. Clausen addressed the cultural unity that exists within AHS, and stated that it should by no means be disrupted by terrorist attacks that may have been perpetrated by radical adherents of the Islamic faith. The speech was followed by a moment of silence shared by the entire school.

Many students wore a black ribbon in remembrance of the many American’s who lost their lives, and still others patriotically displayed red, white and blue on their clothing or backpacks.

Athletic practices and other after school activities resumed last Thursday, but all performances and competitions scheduled from then until yesterday were either postponed or canceled.

Taking in a calamity

SHANT SHAHRIGIAN

SHANT SHAHRIGIAN

DAVID COVUCCI

LEFT: Joel Jepson’s history students watch the events unfold. TOP RIGHT: In the absence of a classroom television, accounting students in Jennifer Stansbury’s W6 class resort to watching CNN.com headlines on the overhead projector. BOTTOM RIGHT: Students in Bob Lamons’s Geosystems class focus intently on the television. Many teachers opted to allow their students to watch the news during class, while others chose to proceed with their scheduled class plans.

VHSL changes all after school activities

by John Bernhardt Weekend Editor

As a result of terrorists attacks on America, the Virginia High School League postponed all school-related events, which include sports games and theater arts performances. The postponements included football, cross country, girls tennis, volleyball, field hockey and golf matches. However, practices began again on Thursday when students returned to school. “I thought is was a good decision to have practice,” said Publio Agrafas. “It help take people’s minds off the tragedy.”

The postponement of Friday night football match up versus Herndon, left students looking elsewhere for Friday night entertainment. Junior Victoria Dinh said, “I went to my

REID EDWARDS

Flag still at half-mast, the tennis team took the court last Thursday after a required hiatus. Athletic competitions across the county resumed yesterday.

Tennis faces its next opponent at Hayfield on Sept. 25.

grandma’s house instead of going to the game. I was planning for a

whole group of my friends to go to the [football] game, but we

just ended up going bowling,” said sophomore Amanda Sheaffer. Others went to movies or hung out with their friends for the evening.

Due to the canceled events, many teams’ plans were affected.

Travel plans were also affected when the tragedy struck. An away cross country meet over the weekend was canceled, which the team had been training hard for. “It gave people time to think about more important things, and be with their family,” said cross country Coach Robert Christie, who agreed with the decision to cancel the Virginia Tech Invitational and a meet versus West Springfield, West Potomac, and Lake Braddock at South Run. Sophomore Chris Flowers said, “It’s not appropriate to be “Activities” con’t on p. 4

Groups raise funds, hopes for rescuers

by Shant Shahrigian Co-Editor in Chief

Like many members of the AHS community, parent Cherrie Welch felt, in her words, “helpless” after learning about the terrorist attacks which had just disfigured her country. Wanting to do something to help, Welsh and a friend from Alabama came up with the idea of holding car washes in their respective states to raise funds to donate to the Red Cross.

What started as a small project has become a nationwide endeavor which has earned support from Congress and celebrity for Welch.

Last Saturday, the car wash was put on

by over 60 chorus students. The endeavor raised roughly $4,400.

Welch’s daughter, freshman Alana Welsh, was later interviewed by local radio station WTOP. When Edelman Public Relations Worldwide heard Welch’s story, aired at 5 a.m., they contacted the Welch family and put their support behind what they eventually turned into a nationwide campaign.

The firm contacted the Red Cross and media corporations throughout the nation.

Since then, Cherrie Welch has spoken to reporters from every local news station, as well as a CNN producer and representatives “Funds” con’t on p. 4

around the nation College Heights Herald Bowling Green, Ky.

The San Francisco Examiner San Francisco

COURTESY CARLEEN DIXON

Chorus students senior Kristen Burke and junior Courtney Theiberger attempt to attract attention for the car wash.

DAVID COVUCCI

Seniors in Jonathan York’s W6 history class watch as the day’s events unfold before their eyes.

Teachers face tough decision as news breaks

by Rebecca Sample In-Depth Editor

As the nation was thrown into tumult and despair at approximately 8:45 a.m. last Tues., students were sitting in W6 Flex, virtually unaware of the catastrophe occurring in their nation.

Journalism teacher Alan Weintraut was on the Internet during the first Flex when the news appeared on the screen, and he immediately turned on the television and called his students to watch the events unravel. “I turned it on because this may be the definitive news of our generation,” said Weintraut.

“A typical high school student is mature enough to handle the situation.”

Weintraut allowed his

students to watch the coverage throughout the day, postponing his planned lesson. “In traumatic times like these, no one is going to worry about verbs and grammar,” said Weintraut.

As the bell rang and students began their R3 Flex period, news began to spread of the destruction of the World Trade Center, and some teachers scrambled to turn on their televisions to see for themselves if the dreadful rumors were true. Many teachers were unable to hook up the televisions or the rooms they taught in didn’t have TVs. Math teacher Judy Werbel attempted to look up the news on the Internet because she does not have a television, but could not access the web.

“I tried to find out about the “Teachers” con’t on p. 4

what the nation's newspapers reported

Billings Gazette Billings, Mont.

Times Union Albany, N.Y.

Greeley Tribune Greeley, Colo.

The Times Northwest Ind.

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Security will come with sacrifices

by Andrew Satten Editorials Editor

The catastrophic attack on our nation, its citizens, and our principles has forever changed the landscape of our lives. A balance must be found in which civil liberties and freedoms for which our nation stands for are not obliterated, while infringements on our rights and way of life must be sustained to ensure security.

The mean by which this attack was accomplished, air travel, will have to have its security policies completely revamped. As in other countries, such as Israel, the government needs to assume the task of regulating and instituting tougher security measures. Clearly, the present system is broken, and we must implement some of the procedures used by the Israeli airline El Al which has never had a plane hijacked- an astonishing accomplishment considering the tension in that region. Armed anonymous federal agents need to be a fixture on American planes. If every school in the country can afford to have a police officer, every plane in America needs to have one as well.

Secondly, our intelligence agencies must monitor terrorist threats more closely. Many government agencies were aware of the terrorist cells that resided within our country, but, for fear of violating civil liberties, did not monitor and profile these organizations as closely as necessary. From this point forward,

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Wednesday, September 19, 2001

The 411 on Air Travel

The openness of our country has now become a weakness.

DELAYS AND CANCELLATIONS

Heightened security is causing numerous flights to be postponed and cancelled BE PREPARED TO BE SEARCHED

Airport officials are searching a greater volume of passenger bags, as well as extensive questioning NO CURBSIDE CHECK-IN

Check-in must be conducted in the main terminal E-TICKETS

Most airlines are requiring passengers to present their itinerary or E-Ticket receipt PHOTO IDENTIFICATION

Passengers must carry a photo identification with them at all times BAGGAGE MATCHING

Under this policy, every piece of baggage must be matched to a passenger on board AIRPORT CLOSINGS

Reagan National is indefinitely close due to its proximity to the white house

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

At 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 11, a hijacked American Airlines Boeing 767 crashes into the first of the World Trade Center’s twin towers. Twenty minutes later, the second jet crashes into the south tower. Less than an hour and half later, both towers would collapse under the pressure of extreme heat.

our intelligence agencies must reserve the right to scrutinize certain groups more closely than others, infringing on some of our rights of citizenship. This does not mean that only Muslim groups will be targeted; any group that acts in a suspicious nature should be overseen and investigated without hesitation.

Our search and seizure rights will be

drastically changed. Metal detectors will need to be installed in public gathering places such as malls and stadiums. Our international borders, especially with Canada, will have to regulate peoples’ movements into and out of our country more closely. No longer should travelers be able to arrive at the airport ten minutes before their

Harassment unfounded and un-American

by Aminah Kakeh Staff Writer

Thousands of tears, moans of sorrow, and shudders of regret have overtaken our nation in wake of the recent tragedy that occurred Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Many Muslims have suffered additional grief in the aftermath of this tragedy because of their faith.

Rasha Dahab, a senior here at Annandale, experienced verbal abuse in the aftermath of this tragedy. She said, “My sister and I were driving near Alexandria and some people were standing on the median waiting to cross and when we passed them, they were shouting profanities Kakeh at us.” Both Rasha and her sister wear head scarves. Mosques in Northern Virginia and around the nation have been shut down due to threatening phone calls.

According to Nine Eyewitness News, the Adams Center in Herndon, Virginia was vandalized last Wednesday with profane language written on the

inner walls of the center. Hazim Barakat, owner of the Old Town Islamic Book Store, said that two bricks were thrown through the window of the store last Tuesday night, one wrapped with a note saying, “Death to Arab murders”, according to the Washington Post.

Many of these incidents are a result of the lack of understanding some Americans have about Muslims and their faith. The nation has misconceived these acts of violence as being characteristic of Muslims when in reality such acts of terrorism are severely condemned. We see our mothers being harassed, cars being shook at stop lights, and we ask ourselves, why? In school we walk through the halls sensing the tension and apprehension our fellow students feel towards us.

Deena Razik, a senior here at Annandale, was another victim.

She said that while drinking coffee in a neighborhood Starbucks, a woman recognized that around her neck she wore a chain with the Arabic name “Allah” which is translated to God in English. Upon seeing this the woman came to her straight in the face and said, “death to you all.”

In the wake of the tragedy, CNN, along with The Mustafa Center next to Bradlick

Makin’the Gr ade

KATIE CLARK

Local mosques, like this one at the corner of Bradlick Shopping Center, have had to prove their disconnection with last Tuesday’s terrorists attacks. Many Muslim centers, including an Alexandria book store, have suffered a racist backlash in the aftermath of the attacks.

Shopping center, held a blood drive this past weekend in an effort to help the less fortunate, a function that many AHS Muslim students attended.

People within Palestine are donating their blood to help Americans despite the fact that every year America grants the state of Israel billions of dollars worth of missiles and military might to ward off the Muslims within Palestine. However, when these tormented people witnessed such a tragedy they put aside the reality of their own

A A B F

In reaction to the tragedy of Sept. 11, Americans have responded with donations of food, medical supplies and even blood.

Many events have been postponed in order to facilitate the recovery effort and assist those in need.

Courageous Passengers Avert Devastation

e

It is believed that a number of passengers aboard United Flight 93 foiled terrorists’ attempts to crash the commercial airliner into the Washington, D.C. area. Passenger Jeremy Glick called his wife on a cell phone pledging to fight to the end.

AHS Administration The administration’s response to this tragedy was slow at first, but by the afternoon an announcement was made to inform students of the happenings. In the following days, Principal Clausen delivered a compelling speech and order was restored. See the back page for the complete interview.

Muslim-Americans face backlash A number of hate crimes have been directed toward Muslim-Americans as mosques and personal property have been vandalized.

The hate crimes have gone as far as murder, as an Indian-immigrant was gunned down in Arizona.

situations and helped America, thus, displaying true Islamic values and morals. Muslims within the AHS student body continually ask one another why is it we as a religious group must be labeled as the terrorists when a few made a wrong decision?

This was not an act of holy war, this was a political statement which has been issued by a few people, why must we all suffer the consequence?

Islam, as a religious faith, has been misunderstood throughout this country. In Islam it is

the Annandale High School 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, Virginia 22003

Americans Respond

ditorials

flight leaves. Airport officials will have to conduct almost a small scale investigation of each passenger, as well as carefully examining the contents of baggage.

American attitudes which previously centered around time and money will have to be altered. This is a delicate concept. The policies we institute must be sufficient to provide protection, but cannot be so onerous that they eradicate the freedoms in our system, the ultimate goal of these terrorism attacks. Further, if excessive measures are put in place, over the long run they will not endure.

Legal rights and the court system should also be altered. A long and tedious legal solution will not be tolerated concerning terrorist prosecutions, as Americans seek immediate action regarding this tense matter. Long, drawn out ordeals, such as Timothy McVeigh’s legal process, are a thing of the past.

A new global policy must be instituted to ensure security within our borders. The elusive enemy must be identified through the help of foreign governments and a massive intelligence undertaking. We must systematically dismantle the interlocking cells of terrorism, and then focus on improving the lives of citizens of the Middle East to stop the problem at its source. This is a daunting task, but must be undertaken because it is only a matter of time before these groups gain access to weapons of mass destruction and biological warfare.

The openness of our country has now become a weakness, but by making adjustments we will be stronger than ever.

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 Entertainment Editors

Gallup Award Quill and Scroll International Honor Society 2000-2001

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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

forbidden to kill the elderly, women, children, or destroy nature when at war. Therefore, the acts committed last Tuesday should in no way be affiliated with our faith. Innocent people die every day; however, no one should blame an entire people for what a few of the same nationality or religion did, no matter how horrific. We cannot blame an entire people for what happened. In reality, our true enemy as a nation is hatred; nothing less could have fueled such a tragedy.

(703) 642-4229 email: ahsablast@aol.com website: www.fpcs.k12.va.us/ AnnandaleHS/ABlast/2001 fax: 642-4197

Atomic Athletics Editors Arts Editors Weekend Editors On-line Editors

Kristie Moore Rebecca Kraushaar Abby Segall John Bernhardt Caroline Friedman Monica Price Leah Selim Ryan Teichler

Business/ Circulation Manager 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, Shin-Hyung Ahn, Kyle Smeallie, Lauren Sterlacci, Morgan McEvilly, Mohammad Edris Qarghah, Laura Hollowell Principal Don Clausen Adviser Alan Weintraut

Trophy Class Virginia High School League 1999-2000

All American National Scholastic Press Association 2000-2001

The A-Blast is an award winning, tri-weekly 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, 2001.

by Sam Molavi Staff Writer

Catastrophe struck the country last Tuesday as terrorists attacked the heart of America.

The process of going through the rubble piece by piece and looking for the men and women victims of the terrorist attack on America is a demanding and lengthy process. Firefighters and policemen in the New York and Washington D.C. areas have been working nonstop since the attack, trying to identify the victim’s bodies and are struggling to begin the clean up effort.

Accounting for all the dead could pose a challenge, leaving the family members of the victims searching for any sign of their loved ones.

Yet, through all the pain of this horrific event, this enduring country has united into one, and many

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Students lend a helping hand

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ost of all they I have gone to give blood on Tuesday night and on Wednesday morning and on both occasions the waits have been over five hours long. This just shows that how much the community has come together and how much concern we have about the victims and their families.

Molly Sherman

senior

disheartened Americans feel like they have to do something to help with the recovery process. AHS students and the surrounding community have come together to mourn for those who perished in last Tuesdays attack and are trying to find anything to do to assist with the relief effort.

American flags, waving in the homes and car antennas of the Annandale community are a symbol of strength and unity in the United States. Even the workers who continue to clear the rubble have draped an enormous flag over the damaged section of the Pentagon.

BY SEAN SULLIVAN

AHS Students went to the Pentagon to help in the efforts to find people stuck under the rubble. The many volunteered their time for the sake of the country.

Blood Drives have opened up all over the country because the need for blood is so great.

“I have gone to give blood on Tuesday night and on Wednesday morning and on both occasions the waits have been over five hours long,” said senior Molly Sherman. “This just shows that how much the community has come together and how much concern we have about the victims and their families.”

Various donation drives have been established right here in the community to raise money for the victims and the firefighters who are involved in the disaster.

The Atoms varsity field hockey team has come together and started a donation for the firefighters and workers who have put in a countless amount of hours trying to clean the debris. The girls promoted their drive on Thursday and Friday in every one of their classes and

by Friday afternoon they had raised over $1,500 in donations.

“I’m really proud of all the girls on the team and it

is so touching that so many of the students at Annandale made donations to a great cause,” said senior Natalie Parcell.

On Saturday, one of the most productive fund raisers was a series of car washes in the Annandale area. Cherrie Welch, a mother of three Annandale students, arranged the car washes to raise money for the American Red Cross.

“The public’s response the car washes was incredible,” said Welch. “I felt helpless and wanted to do something to help the rescuers so i decided that a car wash would prompt the most support.”

The four car washes in the area brought in over $10,000 and even drew the attention of local radio stations and newscasts.

“I feel that the turnout among the students at Annandale was extraordinary,” said Welch. “Even if they did not come to get their car washed, many students honked or waved at the ‘Wash America’ signs and gave generous donations.”

To show or not to show? Teachers decide Teachers debate allowing students to watch terrorist attack coverage

Wednesday, September 19, 2001

Number of Excused All-Day Absences for September 11, 2001 at AHS:

34 Number of All-Day Absences for September 13, 2001 at AHS:

38

How do you think the US should respond to the terrorist attacks?

“Teachers” from pg. 1 news, but I couldn’t hook up the Internet on my computer,” said Werbel. “I really wanted the students to know about this because it’s so important, and it’s going to affect everyone in the country—they need to see it.”

English teacher Pam Feil remembered fellow teachers Mark Cascio and Bill Maglisceau rushing to her room to tell her the news “because they knew I’m a New Yorker,” said Feil.

She didn’t have a television in her room, so she ran to Niki Holmes’ room across the hall to watch the news on her T.V. “I was in such shock at the news that I don’t even remember what I did at first,” said Feil. “It was completely unbelievable.”

Other teachers chose not to allow their students to watch the coverage of the terrifying events. Math teacher Billington Carol Rychlik turned the news off during her class “because my students were visibly upset . . . some had parents in the Pentagon,” said Rychlik.

When she had a class in which students were handling the news more soundly, Rychlik once again turned on the T.V., but she decided “this [was] too heart wrenching for me to continue teaching.”

“. . .my students were visibly upset . . . some had parents in the Pentagon,

I think we should go to war and do the same thing they did to us.

Carlos Varela senior

—Carol Rychlik Math Teacher

SHANT SHAHRIGIAN

Joseph Valentino’s class watches closely as the story unfolds during Tuesday’s terrorist attacks.

Many teachers turned on their TVs for the historic event.

Computer science teacher Marion Billington chose not to show the news to his students during his class because despite the terrible events, he believed that the class should proceed. When inquired by students why he was not allowing them to watch the scenes on T.V., he responded that “our primary mission is education; I had a lesson planned.”

Which brings up a legitimate point—although terrible events were taking place in major civilian and military locations, life must continue and one must remain focused upon the task at hand.

Some believe exceptions should be made. “When it’s a collective disaster such as this one, we can’t just turn a blind eye,” said Weintraut.

They should attack, because, not just for attacking sake, but for punishment; it can’t go unpunished.

Katie Burton junior

Fairfax County schools react to tragedy Jessica Reyes and Shin Anh Entertainment Editor and Staff Writer

On Sept. 11, America’s nightmare came true when terrorists gruesome attacks were made on the United States. Hijacked planes crashed with the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon and Pennsylvania.

Many students were beginning their school day when these attacks took place. Soon enough the would hear the devastating news that would make them not only confused, but frightened.

Within an hour of the first plane crash students in area schools were talking about the incidents. Some found out through the news when

i

liked the way he handled the whole thing…he [Clausen] sounded like he meant it when he said that ‘there’s been a tragedy’ …and he was showing emotion throughout. I was just proud of him.

Maame Boateng

senior

their teachers turned on the television or the radio and for those who were not allowed to watch the news or listen to the radio found out through word of mouth.

Students at AHS were devastated and were hit with a feeling of disbelief. How could anything like this happen?

“I thought it was a movie, I really did,” said senior Karen Siles, who was told by a friend after R3 flex while walking through the halls.

For others, the idea that

airplanes purposely flew into buildings did not register.

“It took me a while to fully comprehend the tragedy of all that’s happened,” said junior Dianne Eclar, whose teacher let students go to the next room to watch T.V. “I was really surprised . . . I didn’t believe it,” said senior Saul Cruz who heard about the WTC from classmates.” They told me that a plane had flown into the Pentagon and so that made me feel more surprised because it was a lot closer.”

Two and a half hours after the crashes Principal Donald Clausen made an announcement on the PA explaining what had happened and later on notified the student body that activities would be canceled.

“I liked the way he handled the whole thing . . . he sounded like he meant it when he said that ‘there’s been a tragedy,” said SGA president Maame Boateng. “I saw his face after he said that . . . I saw him after school . . . and he was showing emotion through out. I was just proud of him.”

In Thomas Jefferson HS students also reacted in devastation. The SGA president Ted Gudmundsen described students as “pretty horrified’ and “[showing] visible shock when they heard about the Pentagon.” Around 9:30 a.m.

Principal Elizabeth Lodal came on the PA to announce the events that students were already watching.

Through out the day she came on a few more times to give updates. After the announcement was made the school became a “free-for-all.” The school became very lenient about letting students leave and allowing them to watch T.V for new developments.

I think we should do what is necessary, nothing more nothing less.

Katie Payne sophomore

SEAN SULLIVAN

Flowers left by a tree create a makeshift memorial off I-395 near the Pentagon.

Falls Church HS Principal Vera Blake said, “Our students were outraged, but calmly. Most of all they were hurt and disappointed.”

Through out students were either seeing or hearing about the tragedy.

And shortly after the incidents students were informed over the PA. Towards the end of the day a ten minute wrap up video was shown to the school about what had been going on the news.

“We’re waiting to see who still has family . . . we’re all trying to do our best to contact loved ones, at least I am,” said Vera.

According to Hayfield’s Principal Glynn Bates, Hayfield’s students didn’t react much differently.

“My students reacted in shock, fear, anger and real confusion. There

was emotional reactions and there’s still a lot of frustration,” said Bates.

The school was informed of these incidents during lunches, but the Principal decided to wait until after all lunches to not get students worked up during their break.

“Personally, I had mixed feelings.

I felt the pain in the pit of my stomach . . . it makes no sense, but I have faith in the U.S. . . . as citizens we have to make sure we do our part, and be strong and help each other out,” said Bates.

The student body was informed various times and counselors were going around classes monitoring and making sure that students were dealing with the news well. Hayfield plans on having some sort of memorial.

Bomb all of Afghanistan until they get the terrorist attackers of America.

Jenna Wade freshman

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4 TIMELINE OF EVENTS ON 9/11/01 8:45- PLANE CRASHES IN TO SOUTH TOWER OF WORLD TRADE CENTER 9:03- ANOTHER PLANE CRASHES INTO THE NORTH TOWER OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER

Students, faculty share personal stories Rob Payne Staff Writer

Sophomore’s mother among the 125 missing after the Pentagon attack.

Many AHS students and faculty affected by recent tragedy.

9:31- PRESIDENT BUSH DECLARES CRASHES ACTS OF TERRORISM 9:40- FAA CANCELS ALL FLIGHTS 9:41- PLANE CRASHES INTO THE PENTAGON

While the emotional and psychological toll is still yet to be evaluated, to one student here at AHS this tragedy has forever changed her life. Sophomore Angel Scott’s mother is among the people unaccounted for at the Pentagon. Scott declined to comment.

Advanced Placement Government teacher Dr. Fred Zuniga helped out a neighbor who experienced the tragedy first hand. “Everyone I know is doing something to help. By donating blood and helping out at local relief sites. I think the Field Hockey Team’s fund raising drive to help the families of the firefighters who died in New York is one of the most wonderful things that students in this school have done.

Something that really touches me about the tragedies is the heroism of the firefighters in New York City” said Zuniga. “Those men and women rushed to the aid of the people in the World Trade Center. They ignored the danger to themselves and selflessly thought only of helping others. When they rushed to the aid those people they did not care about their race, religion, or political belief they went only to help and lost their lives in the service of others. They are true hero’s and represent all that is

JENNY BEAM

Laura Maylett, 9, and her sister Jennifer, 11, light candles during the Candle Lighting Festival in the Annandale community.

good in America. I think perhaps that they may be this generations ‘Band of Brothers’.”

Senior Matt Bickert’s next door neighbors, Robert Riis Plogher III and his wife Vandra Cooper Plogher were lost in the plane that crashed into the Pentagon.

Bickert said that he was very close to his neighbors and they had just been married a month ago. They were en route to Hawaii

for their honeymoon. “The whole neighborhood came together. We held a candle light vigil in front of their house Tuesday night.

We all remembered the good times we had with the Ploghers and laid flowers and lit candles at their house. During the vigil Vandra Plogher’s two daughters, sister and mother arrived at the house. It was a very emotional moment for everyone” said Bickert. “When I first heard that my neighbors were on the plane that crashed into the Pentagon, I was shocked. I remember my dad came downstairs, I was watching the CNN coverage of the attacks and he told me what had happened. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.”

When asked about how students at AHS are dealing with the terrorist attacks and the aftermath, psychology teacher Scott Hambrick said that “It is impressive students at AHS are handling this national crisis so well. They understand not to target their anger on the wrong people. I see tolerance and acceptance and a general respect of each other. It’s hard to understand how some people have so much hatred. There is no explanation for it. One thing that has become apparent to me is that in my lifetime I have never seen so much patriotism and national unity.”

Fairfax County activities resume after attack

9:50- SOUTH TOWER OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER COLLAPSES

“Activities”, from p. 1 playing during a national tragedy. I think everyone needs a break from their regular lifestyle to reflect upon what happened Tuesday.” Although disappointed about not being able to play, many athletes thought that the VHSL made the right decision. “It’s important to honor those who died, and mourn for them,” said varsity football player Noah Crowley.

Schools are allowed to resume scheduled events starting Monday, September 17. However, each school determines individually, based on their situation is activities are to resume. All high schools in Fairfax County won’t begin play until Wednesday because Jews will be celebrating Rosh Hashanah on Monday and Tuesday. Fairfax County principals and athletic directors are asking the Virginia High School League to extend the AAA Northern Region regular one season, so teams will be able to make up missed games.

Football coaches from the region held a meeting last Wednesday to agree on a proposal for making up games.

While the country is trying to return to normal, so is Annandale. Despite the events that occurred, Annandale will be back on the regular schedule this week.

10:10- HIJACKED PLANE ALLEGEDLY INTENDED FOR THE CAPITOL, WHITE HOUSE, OR CAMP DAVID, CRASH LANDS IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA 10:29- NORTH TOWER OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER COLLAPSES

ANDREW SATTEN

The bleachers were empty as a result of VHSL’s cancellation of all athletic competitions. All events will resume today.

Effort to “Wash America” starts at AHS Funds, from pg. 1

CHERRIE WELCH

from USA Today and The Washington Post. “I never imagined this. I’m completely overwhelmed,” said Welch.

Before news of the terrorist attacks had arrived, the choral department was planning on holding a car wash last Saturday at the Little River Mobil gas station.

Chorus teacher Carleen Dixon was planning on canceling the fund raiser when informed that all extracurricular activities were to be postponed. However, Welch suggested that the chorus continue as planned, but instead participate under the banner of what she called “Wash America” and donate proceeds to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

Today, Virginia Representative Tom Davis will introduce a “Wash America” bill to the House of Representatives which stipulates that the next three weekends be nationally designated for cash washes like the one which took

place in Annandale last weekend.

“It’s taken a life of its own,” said Welch. Indeed it has: a website, washamerica.org, has just been created, and at least six car washes, many orchestrated by AHS groups, are to take place this weekend. The Red Cross has opened a special account which will accept proceeds from the car washes. The first confirmed car wash is to be put on by cheerleaders at Meadow’s Farms from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday.

It was “a very uplifting day after a traumatic week,” said Dixon.

“Finally we could do something.”

Though garnering less publicity, there has been another fund raiser for relief orchestrated within AHS. Varsity field hockey players seniors Allison Sanders and Natalie Parcell wanted to aid rescue workers and suggested that their team collect donations during school. “It’s a great cause. I’m glad that we’re helping,” said Sanders.

Last week, the athletes collected $1,500, which went to the Interna-

COURTESY CARLEEN DIXON

AHS’s choral department held a car wash on Saturday to raise funds for Red Cross as part of the “Wash America” program.

tional Firefighters Association, and the money was designated to go to the children of fire fighters.

Collection of donations has continued from its inception last week, and will continue until an ofyet undetermined date.

“We have a very caring Annandale High School community,” said head coach Cindy Hook. “I’m really

impressed with the energy of all of our students,” she added.

The athletes are distinguished by wearing red, white and blue badges and accept donations during and after the school day.

Those interested in participating in the Wash America campaign can visit the web site or speak to Dixon or Welch.

A member of the Muslim Student Association cries at last week’s Friday Prayer meeting. The meeting, which took place on September 14, was the first since the terrorist attack on America. The primary suspect in the national investigation into the attack is Osama bin Laden, a radical adherent to the Islamic faith.

Once news of the terrorist attacks arrived, concerned parents—many related to Pentagon employees— rushed to pick their students up from school.

Here, parents and their children congregate outside of the Attendance Office. Students were allowed to leave class in order to call a relative during this hour of urgency.

SHANT SHAHRIGIAN

LINDA FAIRALL

aBlast

The Muslims Student Association prays for peace

Concern strikes the Attendance Office

the

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Wednesday, September 19, 2001

Principal Clausen’s Wednesday address to the school

“Good morning, this is Mr. Clausen. The past two days have been perhaps two of the darkest days in history of the United States. The terrorist attacks have impacted everyone us of to varying degrees. Each of us has been changed by these events and the way we go about business and our daily lives will certainly be changed.

“We face deep and profound questions of what is this attack on America will do to us as a nation. The terrorists have offered us a stark view of the world they would create, where the remedy to every human grievance and injustice is a resort to the random and cowardly violence of revenge even against the most innocent. Having taken thousands of our lives, attacked our national symbols, forced our political leaders to flee their chambers of governance, disrupted our work and families, and struck fear into our hearts, the terrorists must feel victorious.

“But we can deny them their victory by refusing to submit to a world created in their image. Terrorism inflicts not only death and destruction but also emotional oppression to further its aims. We must not allow this terror to drive us away from the people we are called to be. We assert the vision of community, tolerance, compassion, justice, and sacredness of human life, which lies at the heart of all our traditions. America must be a safe place for all our citizens in

all their diversity. It is especially important that our citizens who share national origins, ethnicity, or religion with whoever attacked us are, themselves, be protected among us.

“It is important during these days as we remember the many victims that we allow our government to decide how best to respond. It is up to us at Annandale High School as a microcosm of the world to demonstrate, indeed to be shining examples to the world, of how people from many backgrounds, cultures, and countries can work and play together peacefully and cooperatively. It is up to us to demonstrate the value of all human life and the value of living in peaceful and supportive coexistence. It is not a time for us to place blame or guilt on any single group or individual. We need to show the world how important it is to build understanding among people, people who may start thinking they have absolutely nothing in common, learn otherwise, and are completely changed. How lucky we are to have such rich life experiences.

“It is time for us to get back to the business of school and education as best as we can. But before we get back to work for the day please let us pause in silence and lift up many victims of the attack this past Tuesday. Join in a moment of silence.”