News
Entertainment
OPINION
FEATURE
DIVERSIONS
SPORTS
BLACK FRIDAY SGA hosts food drive PG 2
Greyson Chance PG 7
Centreville vs. Westfield PG 3
A Christmas Carol PG 4
Black Friday Chaos PG 6
Regional Champs PG 8
CENTREVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
SENTINEL december 2011, volume 21, issue 3
Coward Clinches Regional Finals
Connor Coward (12) seals victory with blocked field goal.
By Phil Christophe On November 26th, 2011 Wildcat Nation marched into Westfield’s stadium by doing the “I believe” chant sending a message early to their top rival. An estimated 10,000 fans were packed into the stadium. The bleachers were filled 30 minutes prior to the game. “I have never seen anything like that before in my life. All the fans have been spirited, positive, and sportsmanlike the entire season. Looking up into that whiteout made the atmosphere phenomenal for our guys and I will remember the moment forever,”Coach Haddock commented. The Northern Virginia Division 6 Championship was about to be settled between the Centreville Wildcats and the Westfield Bulldogs. Haddock told his players before the game, “You guys are going to be in a great environment with a great opportunity. This is our time and we deserve this game.” On their opening drive, Westfield’s quarterback Matt Pisarcik completed a 29 yard touchdown pass to receiver Quentin Basil. Later in the game, seniors Chase Walter and Connor Coward zoned in and stopped Basil from his success. After a quick turnover from a fumble recovery, Centreville
answered with a 20-yard field goal by Jared Rondeau and the score was 7-3 Bulldogs with 4:34 remaining in the first quarter. After two Manny Smith touchdowns and another 36 yd field goal, the Wildcats went into halftime with a 20-10 lead. This was the same amount the Wildcats were up in the first meeting against Westfield, but many players in the Wildcats locker room felt it would be different this time. Going into halftime, “I told the kids even though we are up 10 points we were up 10 points last game against Westfield during the regular season. If we could handle the adversity then we would win the fight,” said Haddock. The Wildcat’s had not won a game against Westfield since 2001, Westfield’s first year of varsity sports. The team had played a great first half, but knew there was still work to be done. “We need to keep our lead and not stop playing our game,” Connor Coward (12) thought as he headed into the locker room for halftime. Early in the fourth quarter, Mitch Ferrick scooted into the end zone to give the Wildcats a huge 27-10 lead. Centreville fans were confident that victory was near, but soon realized the victory would not be easy. Westfield running back Kendell Anderson would quickly add a touchdown for Westfield that narrowed the score to 27-17. After
(Photo Credit/Jonathan Newton)
Centreville was forced to punt, Anderson took the punt all the way to the Wildcat one yard line. Pisarcik snuck into the end zone on the next play to make the score 27-24 Centreville. After a Wildcat punt, Westfield was driving down the field threatening to take the lead, but Ken Ekanem (12) made a crucial sack on 3rd down, putting the Bulldogs out of field goal range and forcing them to punt. With two minutes remaining the Bulldogs again drove down the field, slowly getting into field goal territory. Brett Martin (12) broke up a 3rd down pass conversion forcing the Bulldogs into a field goal attempt with 1:04 remaining in the fourth quarter. Centreville fans were in disbelief as it seemed the game was over early in fourth quarter, but had now become a nail-biter. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt more pressure in my life. I felt as if I was out there on the line. I’m pretty sure I had about 4 heart attacks in that span of time, which felt like eternity,” said fan Texas Williams (12). Westfield kicker Matt Delaney lined up for the potential game tying field goal. After the ball was snapped, senior Connor Coward exploded off the line and did the unimaginable: he blocked the kick and ensured victory for Centreville. “I felt good. It didn’t really hit me what had happened until I got back into the huddle,” Coward said. Fans stormed the field and the
team was presented the Northern Region Championship trophy. “I had never rushed a field in my entire life and I feel that rushing the field is an overrated thing. You should only rush the field if the win is that unbelievable and important. When Centreville beats Westfield for the first time in 10 years, that is a perfect reason to rush the field. I loved it,” said fan Tyler Grills (12). Centreville players have finally lifted this heavy weight off their chests. “Unbelievable moment,” said Chase Walter (12). “This, honestly, is the number one moment in my high school career. It’s a major subcategory of just this entire football season in general but it was the one moment, if I forget all others, that I will remember of high school,” said fan Bailey Munson (12). 10 years after their state title and the first victory of Westfield, Centreville has finally done it again, this time under Coach Haddock. “The kids set a goal of what they wanted last year and the motivation in the off season, in the weight room, and on the track is what made the difference. All little things add up to big things,” Haddock said. He later added, “there are a lot of people who had a part in this. I’ve learned from coaches over the years and embraced what they told me. The players did all the work and executed throughout the season.”
News
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Students Help the Hungry in Goblin Gallop By Mac Cassells On Oct. 28 and 31, over 700 Centreville students enrolled in SGA or P.E participated in the Goblin Gallop on the Centreville track in order to raise money and awareness for hunger in our community. Students donated 601 pounds of food, which equals 601 meals for those who are less fortunate. Students began collecting several weeks prior to the event. The two main organizers of this event were SGA leader Denby Banbury and PE teacher Erin. Martino. Banbury and Martino stressed giving back and how the economic problems have led to more people going hungry. “We wanted to do more this year than just collecting at Thanksgiving and the holidays,” said Banbury. Senior SGA board member Josh Dungo added, “In the tough economic times we are currently in, it feels good to give back to people in need.”
Dungo ran in the gallop three times because he is in SGA in two periods as well as advanced P.E. “It was a good workout and it felt like my work went to something,” he said. “It also shows how Centreville cares about what is going on across the country and that students want to help out.” Students in SGA and P.E were encouraged to donate cans as a part of the initiative with the organization Food for Others. This group helps individuals and families who cannot afford to put food on the table by distributing free food to the hungry of Northern Virginia as well as serving as a channel for people to volunteer services to help neighbors in need. “It shows that Centreville has a giving attitude and enjoys giving back,” said Banbury, regarding how participation in the event reflects on Centreville. Banbury also added that next year she hopes to make the event school-wide, instead of just SGA and P.E classes.
Mrs. Banbury(left) and others mingle with Congressmen Frank Wolf (right). (Photo Credit/Food for Others)
Students Named National Semi-Finalists
Dec. 2, 2011
Food Drive Benefits Needy in Metrpolitan Area By Ryan Henson The annual Food Drive sponsored by Capital area food bank helps out people who are in need of food in the metropolitan area. “Capital area food bank is the largest non-profit hunger and nutrition source in the D.C metropolitan area,” Maggie Dulkerian said. Every year SGA helps collect cans that are sent to Capital Area and then distributed throughout D.C. to help fight hunger. Capital Area is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1980 on Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday. They annually give out nearly 30 million pounds of food to around half a million people. Their donations
Christmas Tree Sales! The annual Christmas Tree sales are beginning the week of Thanksgiving and running through the week of Christmas. All benefits will go to help paying for new turf fields.
Hours:
Thurs-Friday 5:30-8:30p.m. Sat-Sunday 10:00-6:00 p.m.
Prices: 5-6ft- $55 6-7 ft- $60 7-9ft- $65
Opinion
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You Just Never Know Who Could be Watching
By Matt Darling
For years now, Centreville high school and other Fairfax County public schools have been utilizing security cameras to maintain the safety of the school and its students. Unfortunately, they have also been using them to check up on students who have been leaving the school unexpectedly. Using them this way violates the privacy rights of students. Currently we are being videotaped as we enter and exit a place that most of us are forced by law to attend. Such surveillance is without our consent and in some cases our knowledge. Many students such as Senior Cailey Powell weren’t aware that the cameras were being used in that way. “I can’t believe the adminis-
tration has been doing that. It doesn’t seem right,” said Powell. Under other circumstances people have to sign extensive waivers to be videotaped legally or at least have informed consent of the security procedures and apparatuses. Senior Drew Peterson stated, “I didn’t even know if those cameras were active or not because no one ever told me.” Many Centreville students are equally unaware of the cameras’ functionality and some have had to find out the hard way that they do in fact work. Cutting class is wrong and individuals need to be punished for doing so; however, the administration must find an alternative way to effectively curb this problem without transgressing on the rights of students.
Photo of one of the cameras surrounding Centreville. (Photo Credit/ Phillip Christophe)
Lacking a Lengthy Lunch : Should Cafeteria Policies be Changed? By Jesse McCormack
Food Drive boxes located in the SGA room. (Photo Credit/ Phil Christophe)
Help Make a Care Package for our Troops!! You can help by donating: -beef jerkey, slim jims -chips: doritos, pringles, corn, potato -trailmix; popycock, popcorn, butter, coffee -fruit and nuts -canned soups, cup o’noodles -chicken, tuna -powdered drink mix -gum, lifesavers, candy -squeeze tube chapstick -eye drops -q-tips -body wipes -baby powder, foot powder (no aersosls) By Mac Cassells
Alaina Forte, Maria Lee, Chantelle Tait, and Keegan Collins. (Photo Credit / Philip Christophe)
help to cripple the hunger rate in the metropolitan area which is about 25%, or around 640,000 people; 200,000 of which are children. It is committed to helping the hungry who can’t provide for themselves because of the current state of the economy. Capital Area facilitates multiple programs throughout the year which benefit the needy. The food drive is a great and easy way to help the community. Some teachers even offer extra credit for being a good citizen by helping out. CVHS has proven that it is willing to help, as SGA has already collected around 1000 cans.
Dec, 2, 2011
Centreville senior students Keegan Collins, Alaina Forte, Maria Lee, and Chantelle Tait were recently named named semi-finalists for the 2010 National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Known to many as the PSAT, these students were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation
for their high achievement on the 2010 test. About 16,000 students out of the 1.5 million who took the test were named finalists. The PSAT is a national test that freshmen, sophomores, and juniors take for a few hours on one school day in October. The test prepares underclassmen for the SAT that is taken by most students in their junior or senior year.
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25 minutes. It’s a short period of time. Maybe enough time to do your homework -- for one class. Perhaps it is enough time to compete in a 2k race. One thing is certain: it is not enough time to eat lunch. 25 minutes is an absurdly short amount of time to allocate students for lunch. The day starts at 7:25 and ends at 2:10, and all we get for break (other than CATS time, which, according to the administration is reserved time for schoolwork) is a measly 25 minute period? Sounds more like prison than a place for learning. Even if someone were to arrive with
their own bag lunch exactly on time, and sit down and start eating shortly after the time started, it would still be far too short. The worst part is that the majority of students do not bring their lunch; they buy it from the school. The problem with this? It leads to extraordinarily long lunch lines. For some people (especially those on the third floor, because it takes longer for them to get down to the cafeteria) it can take them several minutes just to get to
the lunch line, and once they’re in the line, another 15+ minutes passes just to get their lunch, pay, and sit down. That means that the majority of time, the only free time the administration has allowed, is spent waiting in line just to get lunch and sit down. “ T h e worst part is definitely the lines because if you don’t get to the cafeteria quickly, than you have to wait forever to get your lunch and before you know it, they’re telling you
morning. But lets be real, we pushed them around. That game was lost because of the three most unfortunate plays I have ever seen. This isn’t the first time that the Wildcats
have lost to Westfield on the last play; the ball just never bounces our way. At the start of overtime I was bombarded by the image of Evan Roysters game win-
“I can almost never finish because they don’t give us enough time.” -Sai Thota
to clean up and leave. I’m a big guy and I get a lot to eat but I can almost never finish it because they don’t give us enough time,” said Evan Fuller (12). Fellow senior Sai Thota added, “They should make lunch longer because it’s definitely not long enough now.” An average dinner time is about hour. Though that time is probably what we should get, a 45 minute lunch is a much more reasonable compromise. Maybe, for a change, the administration should start treating us like human beings and not just as students.
Another Loss to Westfield in the Regular Season
By Joe Dell (11/18) We all know that Centreville failed to finish ahead of Westfield, marking a decade of defeat against the Bulldogs. Why does this year feel so different? Is it because many people feel that Centreville was negatively impacted by the lack of two important defensive and special team players? Manny dominated the game with 166 yards. On a play that Westfield clearly read, rather than take a loss of yards, Manny stiff-armed the defender in the face and turned up field. There was no stopping him. Apparently the coaches agreed because Mitch was only called on six times. Kendell Anderson, on the other hand, had trouble getting back to the line. Was this sense of comfort that many fans and some players feel created because Manny ran over the defense, or was it because the Bulldogs struggled to give any sort of legitimate offensive effort? Whatever the reason, nobody really seems to worried about our performance. Dont get me wrong, I’m sure the post game locker room was emotional, and the players were crushed for a few days. Coach Haddock probably ran the team hard Saturday Editor-In-Chief: Mac Cassells Business & Advertising Manager: Courtney Burke Section Editors: Courtney Burke (Feature) Nashmin Behrouzi (Diversions) Ryan Henson (News) Joe Dell (Op-Ed) Phil Christophe (Sports) Layout Editors: Phil Christophe Courtney Burke Nashmin Behrouzi Pallavi Saini
SENTINEL
(Photo Credit /Washington Post)
ning interception of Drew Dudzik. The Fairfax game was exactly what most of us thought it was going to be: destruction. The Rebel fans didn’t even make the trip (but hey, 15 minutes on 29 is quite a voyage, huh?) The players were filled with confidence beforehand. “It’s definitetly not going to be easy, but hopefully we can get some of our starters out by the fourth quarter,” said defensive end Ken Ekanem (12) Lake Braddock is next, but let’s be real. The first time we played them they threw almost 50 passes and scored only 8 points…and that was at their house. Everyone’s thinking about Westfield. Not the players, because Haddock seems to have them disciplined like professionals. “Yeah, the Westfield loss is in the back of our heads, but our focus is unquestionably beating Lake Braddock,” said Mitch Ferrick (12) The players are taking it one game at a time; the fans can’t wait for another shot to beat the Bulldogs. We are the better team and frankly, im getting sick of watching them steal games from us year after year. Since sixth grade I have watched the Bulldogs slip by us-It ends this year in the playoffs.
Advertising Policy
Sentinel, a student written and edited publication of Centreville High School, 2011-2012 STAFF serves the CVHS community. We accept all advertising relevant to the students, Staff Writers: Nashmin Behrouzi, Courtney Burke, Mac Cassells, Philip Christophe, Matt Darling, Joe Dell, Elaine Edwards, Candie He, Ryan Henson, Erika Hubbard, Soo Lim, Jesse McCormack, Pallavi Saini, Erin Shin Advisor: Kathleen Willmann
parents, and CVHS staff. We reserve the right to decline any advertising deemed in violation of the Students Rights and Responsibilities or inappropriate for a school setting. All comments or complaints should be addressed to the editorial staff.
Letters to the Editor
The objective of Sentinel’s Staff is to provide a student forum where information is provided and voices can be heard. Our mission is to provide the student body of Centreville High School an honest and accurate paper produced by the students, for the students. Our editorials represent the opinions of Sentinel’s editors and always promote the opportunity for critique and response. Our opinion pieces reflect the view of the writer and the writer only, and are not printed to offend. This is a publication that maintains high standards and proper ethical conduct. All letters to the editor must be typed and signed. They can be dropped off at room 116 or placed in Mrs. Willmann’s mailbox. We reserve the right to edit the responses. CVHSnews@gmail.com
4 Feature Teacher Spotlight: Swadek Celebrates Freedom dec. 2, 2011
by erika hubbard
While most Centreville students are celebrating over good first quarter grades and recent victories from the varsity football team, 9th grade English teacher Rania Swadek is enjoying her new ability to talk on the phone with Libyan family members freely. Born in Benghazi, Libya, a city on the country’s north coast, Swadek and her family have been battling the dictatorship of Muammar Gaddafi during his 42 year rule. The tyrant was captured by French and U.S. forces after an 8-month struggle, led by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) last month and died soon after. Swadek, along with millions of other Libyans, is rejoicing over her country’s new-found freedom. Swadek left Libya and came to the United States in 1984 with her parents and siblings. Her father visited Libya for the first time in 28 years in September and October as well as her brotherin-law, 45, who left the country when he was 19. “I first heard the news of Gaddafi’s death right after first period one school day,” said Swadek. “Ms. Filsinger came in and told me, and I was in disbelief. Of course I immediately turned on the news and began calling all my relatives. They had been trying to contact me but my cell phone was turned off in school!” That day, Swadek visited the White House, where about 100 other Libyans gathered outside and
celebrated. “Everyone was so happy and saying ‘Thank you United States’ and ‘Thank you NATO!’” Gaddafi’s death has greatly impacted Swadek and her husband, who was born in Tripoli, the capital of Libya. “We are able to do so many things now,” said Swadek. “Before, we had to watch what we say on the phone.” She also described how Libyans used to come here to the United States for political reasons, waiting for the rebellion against the oppressive dictatorship to settle down. “Now there’s nothing keeping them here,” claimed Swadek. In regards to the new democratic government being established, Swadek is very supportive. The current prime minister is a U.S.educated engineering professor who was chosen to be their leader during the critical postwar period. “I think everyone is supporting the new government and being very patient,” said Swadek. “The country Ms. Swadek teaching her 7th period English class. (photo/Phil Christophe) is undergoing radical changes from a dictatorship to a democracy, and the process is completely new. Libya is literally being built from scratch.” change society and educate others. “I about my culture.” Swadek started Swadek also noted that so far the initially wanted to work for the Unit- teaching at Centreville in 2000. For her whole life, Swadek has sufprime minister and other leaders have ed Nations, but got into teaching and stuck with it,” said Swadek. “I can still fered from the effects of Gaddafi’s rule, been true to their word and have made make a difference this way, especially even as a U.S. resident. Now, with this due on all their promises. as an Arab. Most people are surprised great burden lifted off of her and her As a regular and honors English when they hear that I don’t have an acfamily, she can live peacefully and celteacher for 9th grade, Swadek feels she cent. I am helping other people learn ebrate her home country. is following through with her desire to
feature
dec. 2, 2011
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Centreville Wildcats, Northern Region Champs!! 1
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(Photo Credit/Jonathan Newton)
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Theater Centreville Presents “A Christmas Carol” by courtney burke The ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future visited Centreville with the theater’s production of the Charles Dickens’s classic, “A Christmas Carol,” directed by drama teacher Mike Hudson. With rehearsals beginning in early September, a cast and crew of 80 have been busy studying lines, promoting
the play, building the set, and prepping for opening night. Daniel Lindgren (11)played Ebenezer Scrooge, the greedy old man who is visited by the three ghosts played by Connor Mitchell (10) (Christmas Past), Emily Dwornik (12) (Christmas Present), and Sara Emsley (12) (Christmas Future). The ghosts teach him the value of generosity and kindness,
Left to Right: Sara Emsely, Emily Dwornik, Connor Mitchell, Anthony Ingargiola (Photo Credit/Courtney Burke)
Upcoming Events
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December 3 - State Semi-Final Football at Hermitage HS (1:30)
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December 6-Girls varsity basketball versus Yorktown (7:45)
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December 3- Swim and Dive meet against Chantilly at Cub Run (6:30)
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December 3-Indoor Track race at Episcopal against McLean and South County(TBD)
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December 2 and 3-Wrestling Ray Oliver Invitational at Owings Mill, Maryland(TBD)
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December 9-Boys Varsity basketball at Yorktown (7:45)
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December 9-Swim and Dive meet at Lee District against Robinson (6:30)
not just during the holiday season but throughout the entire year by showing him disturbing moments from his past, present, and future. Scrooge is forced to change his ways to avoid a lonely death like his partner, Jacob Marley, played by Anthony Ingargiola (12), and to save Tiny Tim, played by Drake Randolph (7) from Liberty MS. With such a large cast and crew for this production, the cast members have several little ways to help bring everyone together. “We do a lot of tongue twisters as warm ups, we place funny posters backstage, and we have Blitz Day when we go out and advertise for our show,” said Dwornik. They also have a secret preshow ritual but that is considered confidential and has yet to be disclosed. There are many seniors in this production and most if not all of them have participated in several other performances in Theater Centreville and have had large roles in those productions as well. In comparison to previous shows, both Battle and Dwornik agree that this production “is definitely the biggest one we have ever been a part of.” Dwornik added, “This show is also much more technical.” Three
seniors plan on continuing their participation in theater in college. Battle and Dwornik plan on majoring in it in some area, and Emsley plans on joining a theater club. As for the set, most of it was built by the two tech classes. The cast and crew help out by painting the set and adding the finishing touches. Technical Stage Manager Colin Mehaffey (12) controlled all the many sets from scenes at Marley’s grave, Scrooges’ office and bedroom, the town and of course places from Scrooge’s past, present, and future. The techs were also in control of the lighting and effects such as the smoke used to signify the presence of a ghost or death in some manner, such as the grave sites. Being a part of this production was an enjoyable experience for several members of the cast. “My favorite part has been meeting the new freshman and underclassmen,” said Dwornik. Lindgren also enjoyed meeting the younger students with their new talents as well as just being a part of a “large cast show.” On an overall note, Sydney Battle (10) who played Mrs. Crachit, said her favorite part was “seeing the whole show come together.”
Photo Captions
1. Seniors Chris Simpson leads the fan section along with John Bowden and Megan Easterday. 2. Woodberry student Tyler Grills (12) goes banannas during Centreville’s white out avalanche. 3. Manny Smith (12) shows off his colorful mohawk. 4. The offense lines up at the goal line. 5. Mitch Ferrick (12) scores on a touchdown run. 6. Ferrick hands the ball off to Smith. 7. Centreville tries to hold on with less than four minutes remaining in the game. 8. Coach Haddock addresses the team and the fans after the win. 9. Coach Haddock and the team celebrate with the Northern Region Championship trophy.
(All other photos/Kathleen Willmann)
Football seniors from left to right: Sean Dyer, Marcus Hillian, J.B Mitchell, Jay Cowen, Matt Vlissides, Connor Culleiton, Damani Frazier, Zack Sikora, David Chenevey, Ken Ekanem, Mitch Ferrick, Connor Coward, Bret Fite, Matt Seabrook, Coach Haddock, Greg Fields, Nathan Milton, Carlos Morrobel, Chase Walter, Ryan Sepulveda, Christian Davis, Manny Smith, Mark Behne, Brett Martin, Jared Rondeau. See football story on page 8. (Photo credit/ Sarah Shea)
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DIVERSIONS
dec. 2, 2011
Noosh & Polly’s Corner
Black Friday Frenzy: Crazy as Last Year? BY Nashmin Behrouzi & Pallavi Saini
Black Friday, A name that originated in Philadelphia, where it was used to describe the heavy and disruptive pedestrian and vehicle traffic which would occur on the day after Thanksgiving, is now one of the craziest, most crowded shopping days of the year. Shoppers do things such as camping out the night before black Friday outside of their favorite store to have first dibs on sale items the minute the store opens, to saving up all year long to spend it all on this one special day. But why? What exactly is the reason for this day’s frenzy? Undoubtedly it’s the amount of sales and savings shoppers will grip from this one day in particular. Many believe that this day is the best for getting all holiday shopping done due to the sales and discounts. Also, it happens to be right after Thanksgiving and right before Christmas. But is all the chaos worth the hype? Not necessarily, because “Black Friday ads are often inaccurate or misleading. Last year, we jeered several retailers for advertising discounts that we just couldn't find,” said the staff at dealnews.com. Whether people are satisfied with the deals they encounter on Black Friday or not, the obscurity people face that day can no doubt be a
opening as early as 12:00 a.m. or remaining open overnight on Thanksgiving Day and beginning sales prices at midnight. Many people are discouraged to go out that day due to the bizarre behavior of other shoppers and large crowds waiting outside hours before store doors open. “I definitely will not be out shopping, I think it’s insane,” said Danny Jackson (12). Some, however, are prepared for it. “Yes, I am planning to go shopping on Black Friday; I usually haven’t gone in the past, but I’ve heard some great things so I have high expectations. I also plan to wake up really early,” said Faby Argandona (12). Some shoppers even enjoy the frenzy. “I don’t mind the crowds I think it’s actually really exciting,” said Katie Steinbach (11). One woman reportedly used pepper spray during this years Black Friday, on at least 20 customers – some of whom were children – to keep them away from the discounted electronics she planned to buy, reported Mainstreet.com Whether you support the hype or not, Black Friday is no doubt one hectic day and who knows? Maybe all the Teenagers Line up outside the Elite Boardshop at Fair Oaks Mall early Friday craziness is worth the savings on holiday gifts for loved ones. Morning. (Photo Credit/centrevillepatch.com)
dangerous one. A incident in 2008 was reported by Newsday.com that a crowd of approximately 2,000 shoppers in Valley Stream, NY waited outside for the 5:00 a.m. opening of the local Wal-Mart. As opening time approached, the doors were opened, the crowd pushed forward, breaking the door down, and
trampling a 34-year-old employee to death. This is only one of many reported violent attacks that have occurred in the past Black Fridays. Although this day is not actually a national holiday, many employers give their employees the day off, increasing the number of potential shoppers. Black Friday hours may include
dec. 2, 2011
On October 18, Paul Baumgartner (9) and Grace Hinton (9) received the Character Male Athlete of the Year and Character Female Athlete of the Year Awards in a ceremony presented by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Baumgartner and Hinton participate in SYA soccer and were nominated for this award based on their modeling of the basic good character traits such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. The Southwestern Youth Association nominated both of them. Hinton was nominated for her work ethic, respectful and polite manner, as well as her willingness to help with equipment whenever needed. She is always ready to help when needed as seen in her service she does for her community. “I always try to be friendly to everyone, help out when needed, and pick up any trash that I see lying around,” said Hinton. She also helps out by vol-
Paul Baumgartner and Grace Hinton receiving their awards along with Lynne Saltsman, a parent and team manager of the SYA U-15 Screamer travel soccer team, and Andrew Ide, the coach of the SYA Dark Green Kids United. (Photo Credit/ Grace Hinton)
unteering at a summer camp she attends in Colorado. On receiving the award Grace was “very shocked” when she first learned about it. “It was very nice and generous of the county to recognize me.” She would like to thank all of her past coaches and her parents for this honor. “My parents are the ones who got me into soccer and they have done so much like transporting me to and from all my games.” Baumgartner was nominated for his great sportsmanship, and the positive influence he has not only had on his teammates but on the parents as well and for his constant encouragement of everyone. He also previously won the “Character Counts” awards for SYA travel soccer.He also helps out in the community by umpiring little league baseball. Receiving this award “feels kind of cool. It will also look great on college resumes, which is always good.” Paul would also like to thank his parents and all his past coaches helping him win his award.
Rebecca Vinter Places 18th in the State Congratulations to Rebecca Vinter for placing 18th in Cross Country States with a time of 18:23 in her 5k race. Vinter also placed 4th in the district and 11th in the region. She is the first female athlete from Centreville to attend states since 2006.
Entertainment
Choir Sings Against Hate at Kennedy Center By Elaine Edwards
This November, the AntiDefamation League hosted its annual concert in Washington DC’s Kennedy Center. It is a celebration of those who have upheld the League’s mission of combating racism, prejudice, and intolerance through their acts of love and courage, and at the same time, a memorial for those who have been wounded in the fight to uphold these ideals. Many heroes against hate took the stage and spoke out against the injustices seen all around them, and this year, members of the Centreville High School Choir Department and ensembles from several other Virginia schools once again had the privilege of standing by their sides. The ADL choir consisted of the top
performing groups from Centreville, Langley, West Potomac, and James Madison schools, who made the trip to the capital on Monday evening to take part in the event through song.
“The National Symphony Orchestra conductor Emil de Cou called and told me about the concert. He invited my select choir to sing, and told me that I would need to organize other schools to join as well.” The collective group was part of a musical tribute interspersed with stories of those who demonstrated a deep commitment to the ideals of a better world, many of whom have suffered in pursuit of them – a courageous policewoman, an advocate of gay rights, integrators of racially divided school systems, and those murdered in terrorist attacks brought on by ignorance and fear.
Greyson Chance: Next Justin Beiber?
By Pallavi Saini It was very exciting to receive a package from Moxie a couple of weeks ago, because the package contained Greyson Chance’s new CD. To be perfectly honest, it was a bit disappointing: Oh great, another 14 year old, who can’t sing. What is he even singing about? Opening up the CD and actually listening to it was a pleasant surprise: it was actually pretty good.
Hinton, Baumgartner Receive Character Awards by courtney burke
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(Photo Credit/Moxie.com)
In 2010, Chance’s brother posted him singing “Paparazzi” by Lady Gaga, since then this pint-sized artist has had many opportunities.
3. The Walking Dead (Sunday, Nov. 27 9 PM on AMC)
Truthfully speaking his voice is amazing for a 14-year-old, but his songs not so much. They talk about things that this 17-year-old couldn’t relate too. His single “Unfriend You” seems kind of immature. The song is about how he likes a girl but finds her with other guys so he “unfriends” her on whatever social networking site he was on. As a high school senior, that’s considered very immature; however, it seems that’s what 14-year-olds do.
has.”
Katie Eichenberger (12) added, “It helped us understand the extent of how bad bullying is, and how it must be stopped here.” The ADL states that their objective is to, “secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens alike, and to put an end forever to unjust and unfair discrimination against and ridicule of any sect or body of citizens.” The combined efforts of the schools and their choirs have had a hand in that, and perhaps that is the most important thing of all. “I feel like if we’re given a gift,” said Babcock, “it is our duty to use it for the benefit of others, and our gift is singing. When we use our gifts, we can touch others in unique ways.” The Centreville Choir had the opportunity to speak out against something that deeply troubles our society, and even worms its way into
What New TV Episodes Will Students Watch
By Candie He Get ready for Thanksgiving Break and some of your favorite shows coming out with amazing new episodes.
“Tower Heist” Features Stiller, Murphy
and mystery of Fairy Tales just may be real. If you want something new to watch don’t miss out on Once Upon a Time!
1. The Big Bang Theory (Thursday, Nov. 24, 8 pm on CBS) 2. American Horror Story (Wednesday, Nov. 23, 10 pm on FX)
4. Dexter (Sunday, Nov. 20, 9 PM on ET/PT) 5. Supernatural (Friday, Nov. 25, 9 pm on CW) 6. The Vampire Diaries (Thursday, Nov. 24, 8 pm on CW) 7. Once Upon a Time (Sunday, Nov. 20, 8 pm on ABC) This brand new show centers on a woman, with a troubled past who is drawn into a small town in Maine where the magic (Photo Credit/ IMDB.com)
Movies Coming Out in Decem-
millions that Shaw has and bring it back to his employees. “Tower Heist might nonetheless become a footnote in the history of cinema,” The New Yorker stated. Tower Heist is now in theaters.
“Tower Heist,” an action-packed, joke-filled movie takes place in New York City, mainly at The Tower, an apartment complex owned by Arthur Shaw who is played by Alan Alda. After learning that the tower staffers who entrusted Shaw with their retirement funds are about to lose their life earnings, Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller), the manager or The Tower, convinces a group of Tower employees that Shaw has stashed a million dollars somewhere in his penthouse, and that it’s theirs for the taking if they can just get past The Tower’s top-notch security. With simple-minded Charlie (Casey Affleck), under-educated engineer Enrique (Michael Peña), safecracking maid Odessa (Gabourey Sidibe) and former resident Mr. Fitzhugh (Matthew Broderick) to back him up, Josh recruits the crafty thief, Slide (Eddie Murphy), to help get their money back. Josh decides he must fix this sticky situation by stealing the
Students were certainly impacted. Says Tasmia Moulvi (12), “I felt really special and honored being there, in the presence of people who have had such a big impact on the world.” Katie Rouleau (12) said. “From a performance standpoint, you could see the immediate effect on the audience – how powerful an impact music really
At 14 years old, Greyson Chance has accomplished more than some musicians only dream of. He’s had two North American tours, performed at the White House, been on many talk shows, and finally released his album “Hold On ‘Till The Night.” “For his age, he’s pretty good, maybe even better than Justin Beiber,” said Mariah Bloomfield (11).
He has a very powerful voice and
By Erin Shin The workers at Central Park condominium plot to steal back their pensions from the thieving billionaire who is about to get away with the ultimate crime in this heist comedy starring Ben Stiller and Eddie Murphy.
But Centreville was able to take its own stand. “This is a huge honor for Centreville, as well as the students,” says Lynne Babcock, Centreville’s Choir Department Head. “The experience of singing in concert with an internationally renowned symphony and conductor is not one that many choirs get. Just getting to stand back and see all of them singing in that venue – it’s thrilling! But more than that, I hope the powerful stories about victims of racism or champions against it has a lifelong impact on my students.”
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo 12/21 Drama Thriller Mission: ImpossibleGhost Protocol 12/21 Action
Photo Credit/Universal Stu-
New Year’s Eve 12/9 Romance Shame 12/2 Drama
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows 12/16 Mystery The Darkest Hour 12/25 Horror
8
sports
Dec. 2, 2011
Wildcats Finish Regular Season 9-1
teams brackets.” Some fans see this as the next 2000 season all over again. With so many seniors leaving next year, Varsity Coach Chris Haddock will have to do his best filling in the spots. Many players on the team leaving next year believe many good seasons are ahead for the Wildcats.“I think Coach has built a good foundation of players. The freshmen team is really strong this year and should be able to step it up in the future,” said Martin (12). Senior Chase Walter said, “I don’t think they will be like this next year, but will be strong in 2 years.” With many seniors being recruited to schools for college football, it certainly is going to be hard to fill in the open spaces. Manny Smith, another star player whom younger players look up to, said, “I think we will be fine with the talent levels below us. The sophomore class and freshmen class are sick. I see the good old days coming back of winning seasons.” The underclassmen have lots of pressure being placed on them after two strong seasons. Some kids such as Coward (12) have “Committed to JMU for soccer.” Others like Ekanem haven’t chosen their college yet, but plan to soon. Walter (12) told us, “I plan on enlisting in the military. I want to get completely tatted up before I leave.” Smith (12) said, “I’m thinking about wrestling to keep in shape. I might decide to work out on my own though. I’m getting a couple college looks but need to do work on school first.” “I think we have a really good chance in the play-offs this year,” said senior Mitch Ferrick.
BY Phil Christophe
Since 2008, many seniors on the varsity football team have been thinking about one common goal: to make it to States by their senior year. It is now the month where champions are built and declared and the Centreville Wildcats are only a few games away until States. Other teams in the conference have faded and have been upset in November such as the Chantilly Chargers, but for Centreville, the dream still continues. The team is taking their playoff run one day at time. “We are practicing plays repeatedly. We don’t hit as much but we are making our plays more crisp and finetuned,” said Brett Martin (12). With one loss on the season, many players still saw it as a success as individuals and as a whole. “Yeah, I feel that our season was good. We played a lot better this year with a harder schedule compared to last year,” said Martin (12). “I feel it was a success. We lost only 1 game, but we are now only focused on states. I wish we were more versatile as a team. We finished 9-1, and we still have 4 more games left to play,” said Manny Smith (12). The Centreville Wildcats defeated Lake Braddock 21-18 after Smith led the team with three touchdowns. Connor Coward (12) said, “We are going to States,” exuding the kind of confidence a team needs when going through the play-offs. “I think we are very good this year and should be able to go to States,” star player Ken Ekanem (12)added. “Our side of the brackets a little easier compared to other
by soo lim
Football The Centreville football team had an extremely good season leading the fall sports off to a great start. They ended the season with a 9-1 record with a
Top Photo: Quaterback Mitch Ferrick leads the Wildcats in a drive down the field. (Photo Credit/ David Chenevey) Bottom Photo: The Wildcats huddle in the middle of the field breaking down in a chant after the game. (Photo Credit/ David Chenevey.)
tough loss against the Westfield Bulldogs in overtime. “We improved a lot from last year and even though we didn’t win by too much but we worked hard and did our best,” said Manny Smith (12). The team will be facing Westfield High School in the Regional Finals. “I think we will get to the state championships this year and do pretty good,” said Smith.
Field Hockey
The field hockey team ended its season with a 3-13 record. “Our records don’t show how much we improved. We worked hard, got better, and learned lots of new skills. We were a whole difCheerleading team competes at Districts. ferent team by the end of the season,” (Photo Credit/Soo Lim)
said Devin Kelly (10). Though the field hockey team had a rough season, they won their district game against Robinson and made it to the semi-finals against Oakton. Although they had lost to Oakton in the semi-finals, they were still qualified to regionals against Lake Braddock. The girls played a tough and strong game but lost in regionals to Lake Braddock. The field hockey team was very supportive of each other and never gave up.
Cheerleading
The cheerleading team made great strides their season. Placing 3rd in the district qualifying for regionals. The girls performed hard and gave it their all. “We are really proud of how far we came because no one expected us to make it this far. We did the best we could and that is all that matters because we gave it our all,” said Avery Rocke (10). The team finished 6th in the region and were extremely proud.
They hit almost every stunt and were very clean in their routine. The team worked very hard and practiced their routine multiple times every day.
Volleyball
The volleyball team completed their season with an 11-17 record while working to be contitioned making it to regionals. “Our season was like a roller coaster. We won a lot in the beginning and started to begin a losing streak. After a serious talk, we pulled things together and did pretty well in districts,” said Grace Simmons (11). The volleyball team defeated the Westfield Bulldogs in an amazing game which determined their seed in districts. The team defeated the Robinson Rams in the first round of districts but lost against the Chantilly Chargers in the second round of districts. After qualifying for regionals after beating Robinson, the volleyball team lost to Woodson in the first round of regionals, but were satisfied with their end result.