2011-2012 Issue 7 by The Watchdog

the

watchdog westfield high school, chantilly va. 20151 volume 12, issue 7; march 23, 2012

news, 1

inside: Virginia Run teacher’s house catches fire. Students help out and send prayers; see 3 opinion, 7

arts and entertainment, 15

Competition Runs Low in Elections Class and SGA Election Candidates

All class and SGA elections will be held on April 18 and 19 in social studies classes. Here is a snapshot of the highest contested races. See a complete list of candidates at westfieldstudentmedia.com

Andrew Kim, 11 Class 2013 President Candidate

Michelle Emerson, 11 Class 2013 President Candidate

Experience: President Freshman, Sophomore and Junior year Why to vote for Kim: “I know how to work with the other officers. My past experience allows me to know what will and will not work. I know what our classmates want and I make it happen.”

Experience: None Why to vote for Emerson: “I’m really focused on addressing concerns the student body has and trying to make a difference. The problems we talk about get ignored.”

Hallie Vardeman, 11 SGA Secretary Candidate

Courtney Huling, 11 SGA Secretary Candidate

Experience: SGA freshman, sophomore and junior year Platform: “I’ll be organized, help other SGA officers, help bring more school spirit and make the school a good environment.”

Experience: SGA freshman, sophomore and junior year, JV basketball captain sophomore year Platform: “I am very responsible and organized and I have a lot of good ideas for next year.” Photos by Kelsey Stanton

As class and SGA elections near, many candidates find themselves unopposed in their specific position. “People are afraid to lose or do not want to run because the same people have had these positions before. They are sticking to the status quo,” Andrew Kim, 11, said. Kim is running for Class of 2013 president. He is the only candidate opposed for the Class of 2013 elections. Kim is running against classmate, Michelle Emerson, 11. “I’m not really nervous [because Kim] ran unopposed last year. I think it will be fun and a challenge for me,” Emerson said. Despite Kim’s past experience he will try his best to ensure that he will win the election. “I never underestimate anyone no matter what experience. I am taking this election very seriously,” Kim said. Most SGA candidates are also running unopposed. “It is more exciting

when a lot of people run; it seems more official,” Diane Underwood, SGA sponsor, said. Katie Manning, 11, will be the SGA president, Caroline Cook, 11, will be vice president, and Simone Bello, 10, will be treasurer for the 2012-2013 school year as all of them are running unopposed. Hallie Vardeman, 11, and Courtney Huling, 11, are both running for SGA secretary and are the only students competing against each other in the SGA category. “Hallie is a tough competitor but I think I can do it,” Huling said. However, the Class of 2014 has experienced a lot of interest in the elections with multiple people running in each category offered. “I think so many people are running in the Class of 2014 because they want to get involved with our class. They want to direct and lead us,” Ashley Little, 10, Class of 2014 president and a candidate, said. - Melinda Heim

sports, 19

read on

bulldogs

Locker Thefts Increase Students experienced an increase in thefts in the locker rooms during school hours; see 2 YOLO, Not an Excuse You Only Live Once, popular saying has become an excuse for failure; see 9 Gold and Silver Key Winners announced Art students submitted artwork and results were released; see 17 Baseball Looks to Reclaim Glory Bulldogs have worked to earn a record winning season; see 19

PTSA Launches Changes, Lacks Budget, Membership

Westfield High School 4700 Stonecroft Blvd. Chantilly, VA 20151

Return Service Requested

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. Postage Paid Centreville, VA Permit No. 6278

PTSA is overcoming problems with their budget and lack of members. Their goal is for the administration to communicate with parents. “The PTSA meets with Mr. Thomas on a regular basis through monthly meetings. We try to help students and parents in any way that we can,”

PTSA President, Mary Coleman, said. This year, the PTSA took a different approach in the way they get the word out about joining the team. Instead of each family receiving a packet with all the information about the PTSA, everything was done over the Internet. “There were links from the school webpage instead of getting a package with typed information about joining the PTSA. We found that many folks didn’t join because they didn’t have that piece of paper in front of them,” Coleman said. The PTSA gets a good portion of their budget from any donations that are submitted by parents throughout the year. “If we don’t get enough donations, then we don’t have the funds for the things we need to do, such as honor roll certificates and bumper stickers,”

Coleman said. Each May, the PTSA comes up with a budget for the upcoming year and puts together a plan. “We sit down and figure out how much we need for all the programs we run. If we don’t bring in enough funds at the beginning of the year, then we’ve got to go back to that budget and we’ve got to start making cuts,” Coleman said. The electronic opening was not the only cause of the PTSA’s budget issues. “I think our overall economy is also having an effect. Folks have to decide how to best spend their funds, as things like gas prices continue to rise,” Coleman said. Some students aren’t very knowledgeable about the PTSA. “Honestly, I am not too informed because they are not bringing that much awareness to the students,” Ghazal Azizzada, 11, said. The PTSA has been

Student Poll Do you think it’s more convenient to receive information by mail or by looking it up online? 33% think it’s easier by mail

67% think it’s easier by internet

Watchdog Poll of 300 Westfield Students Graphics by Melinda Heim

using new techniques to further inform parents about joining the organization. “This year we sent reminder emails to parents who joined in the past and did not join this year, made announcements during football games and placed a full page ad in

the Watchdog,” Coleman said. As the PTSA is beginning the planning stages for next year, they will discuss the impact of the electronic opening with the school administration and/or possible strategies for next year. “I believe we need to

communicate and remind parents how important the PTSA is to the Westfield community. Our goal is to have more parents, teachers and students join the PTSA as we all benefit from the PTSA programs,” Coleman said. -Emily Dzubak

news

2 volume 12, issue 7

Locker Thefts Cause Increased Security

The locker room has become a major problem for students who keep their bags and valuables somewhere during classes or after school practices. An alarming number of break-ins have occurred resulting in stolen or lost property. “A total of 24 reported thefts in the locker room as of now this year, and only three cases have been recovered or resolved,” Ray Clements, head of Safety and Security, said. This issue prompted the “Like it? Lock it. Or just don’t bring it,” signs hanging in and around the locker rooms. “We [the gym teachers] find things left out in the girls’ locker room pretty frequently. The girls will come to us claiming their things have been ‘stolen’ when they really just forgot to put them away,” Sharlean Grinups, PE department chair, said. When students report stolen or lost items, it’s important to give as much detail as possible. “Phones have been turned in and we have no

idea whose they are. When I get a vague report I can’t get back to people. I can only go on what I’m told; the more information I know the better chance of recovering it. Write down the serial number of your cell phone in the report so we can identify a returned phone as yours,” Clements said. To prevent any possible theft, gym teachers have been conducting locker room checks during the first five minutes of class. “The locker room checks have prevented a lot of the problems that would usually occur. The precautions are tedious and take away from class time but they do help,” Grinups said. Initially they were successful, now however, the issue is no longer with a lack of responsibility but with the culprits. This time, the items in question are not left out or carelessly left in unlocked lockers. In these cases, multiple possessions are being removed from locked lockers. The boys’ locker room

Photo by Anne Culbertson

In the locker room an iPhone is left out despite the recent increase in thefts during school. has had multiple breakins. A phone, iPods, a wallet, and clothes have all been stolen after school. “Some of the lockers look like they’ve been twisted at the bottom. Whoever is stealing things is forcing the bottom half of the locker open and taking the things inside.

At least five lacrosse players have had things stolen. I’ve had clothes stolen,” Kyle Petrillo, 9, said. During practices, students who don’t have cars to put their things in must use lockers to avoid leaving their belongings out. “I don’t always have somewhere else to put my

things, but I don’t want to leave my stuff there if it’s just going to get stolen,” Matt Keim, 11, said. Students need to learn how to protect their belongings to prevent them from being stolen or lost in every area of the school, especially the cafeteria and locker rooms.

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“The two most common areas are the cafeteria and the locker room, when people leave their stuff unattended. The three drives for theft are want, need and opportunity. Opportunity is the only factor you can control,” Clements said. - Reagan Warrington

news

march 23, 2012

Students Lend Hand to Family in Need After a disastrous house fire, the Virginia Run community gave help to a neighboring family. The house, home to a Virginia Run Elementary School math teacher, Kay Chodoronek, was virtually destroyed, with damages estimated around $750,000. Fire trucks rushed to the scene on Feb. 27, alarming neighbors of the incident. Students and neighbors witnessed the fire firsthand. “I saw the fire start. There was a motorcycle accident outside my house and my dad and I went out to help. The street was blocked and we couldn’t get out, then 16 fire trucks went by and a HAZMAT team,” Amanda Sontra, 11, said. Firefighters from four different stations responded to the fire. “My mom told me what happened, but I think I saw the fire first,” Thomas Lazor, 11, said. The firefighters took

newsbriefs Class of 2014 Spirit Wear Order forms for spirit wear are in Subschool IV, R123, or in history classes. Forms are due by April 23 to room R123. Parents for Safe Teen Driving The next PSTD meeting will be April 17 in the auditorium at 7 p.m.

Photo by Anne Culbertson

Kay Chodoroneck’s, Virginia Run Elementary School math teacher, home is undergoing repairs which will cost around $750,00 after her house caught fire in February. around 40 minutes to extinguish the fire, but the house could not be saved. Both the attic and second floor were completely destroyed. “I was driving in the

neighborhood and saw the smoke. When I got home I could see the flames over the trees,” Ally Engelbrecht, 10, said. Not only was the Chodoronek home dam-

aged, but two of the family’s pets ran off during the fire. Fortunately, both have since been found and are safe. The family made it out safely, as well.

“I felt really bad, I just hoped, when I found out, that she was okay, the family was safe, and that they all got out okay,” Truc Vo, 11, said. - Madeleine Bloxam

Westfield Literary Society The next literary society meeting will be on March 26 in room D106. The first book that will be read will be decided then. Edge Club Edge Club will meet on March 26 in room R106.

Mantelli First AMC Qualifier, Advances to AIME Rounds Harlan Mantelli, 12, was the first student in the school’s history to qualify in the American Mathematics Competition (AMC). “I was not expecting to do very well on the test, so I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that my scores qualified me for the next round,” Mantelli said. Many students were asked by their current math teachers to attempt the test, but Mantelli was the only one that was able to proceed to the next qualifying round. Mantelli opted not to do any preparation for the contest. “I didn’t study, I just wanted to go in and see how it was. I actually forgot about what day it was at first. This time I got a 108,” Mantelli said. The score Mantelli received has qualified him for the next round, the American Invitational Mathematics Examination (AIME). The AIME is an intermediate test between the AMC and the national contest, the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad, USAMO. This test has a higher difficulty level than the AMC does and lasts for 3 hours with 15 integer answers.

Facts about the AMC 12 Math Competition • Available for students under nineteen and half years of age • 25 questions • 75 minutes • Must attain a score of 100 out of 150 in order to advance to the next round • Must be in high school “The AIME is much harder and is really important because it qualifies you for the national competition, the USAMO. One of my friends took the AIME and got a really low score. So I was going to prepare for the AIME using the online study tools, but I am chronically lazy,” Mantelli said. Despite the lack of preparation, Mantelli felt that he did well on the AIME, which was conducted on March 15. “The AIME, which was on the Ides of March, was not as difficult as I had expected,” Mantelli said. Mantelli’s scores could

end up being high enough to qualify him to the USAMO, which lasts for two days, and includes 6 questions and a 9 hour proof/essay assessment. “If I qualified for the USAMO, I would be severely disappointed in the performance of the rest of the world. I feel like I got 5 or 6 right at most, which is nowhere near the top 98 percentile that usually qualifies. Those that should be participating on the global stage have already donated their lives to the study of math, not lazy kids like me,” Mantelli said. - Julianne Abruzzo

news

4 volume 12, issue 7

Girls Fitness Encourages Health Girls Personal Fitness Class has been available for students for the past two years. The class consists of exercises such as zumba, pilates and stepaerobics, which allows students to stay fit and healthy. “I started the class two years ago when a student came up to me and asked why we don’t do more girl activities in gym class. A light bulb went off in my head and I thought I could start a class that would meet the needs of students who don’t play sports or who no longer have gym class available to them after tenth grade,” Sharlean Grinups, PE department chair, said. The class is not only used as time for fitness, but also a time to make new friends and build confidence and self-esteem. “We talk a lot about self-esteem building in the class. Girls show up on the first day with baggy sweatshirts but by the end of the year their self confidence goes through the roof. That’s my fa-

Photos by Molly Burns

(left) Vivian Cardona, 11, curls in to a ball to stretch during her personal fitness class. (right) Chelsea Alvarado, 11, follows a video with her class while stretching her hamstring muscle. vorite part of the class, I get to see the changes in the girls throughout the year,” Grinups said. Jada Pullen, 11, is currently enrolled in the Girls Personal Fitness Class and has already seen changes in herself. “I took the class because I wanted to stay fit during the school year and through the class I was able to lose weight,

become stronger and run faster. I have learned a lot of new types of exercises that I didn’t know were available for women and I got to meet a lot of new people and become friends with them,” Pullen said. Vivian Panameno, 11, also decided to take the class this year and is now more active and aware of the many exercises avail-

able to her that she can pursue throughout her life. “My favorite part of the class was learning the different exercises. We got to do zumba dance, yoga and pilates. I also like that we get to hang out and talk with our friends every class period,” Panameno said. The class not only helps students stay active

and healthy during the school year, but also gives them the information they need to continue to stay fit after they leave the class. “The class benefits the students because it gives them knowledge and options of all the activities they can do when they leave Westfield so they can stay fit for the rest of their lives,” Grinups said. - Brigid Hamilton

Club Intensity Returns

A second Club Intensity will be held on April 13 in response the previously successful event in January. The second Club Intensity will be sponsored by the Class of 2013. “[The Class of 2013] needs a fundraiser and Club Intensity has proves successful in the past,” Kelly Duncan, 11, Class of 2013 secretary said. The planning is still in process but a general idea has been talked about. “We’re gonna keep it mostly the same. Students like it because its not as formal as Homecoming and it is pretty cheap,” Duncan said. Some students are looking forward to having another night of fun including those who could not go the first time. “I did not go to the first Club Intensity so I am really excited to see what it’s like,” Amanda Nelson, 10, said. - Kiki Laux

Concussions Interrupt School Work

Hepler Follows Dream

Mild traumatic brain injury, or a concussion ,can result in serious physical, cognitive, emotional and sleep related problems which could last from several minutes to days, weeks, months or even longer in some cases. Concussions can occur with any accidents like a fall, hit to the head while playing a sport or any direct or indirect forces to the head. Jennifer Kim, 12, suffered from a serious concussion in a car accident. “My friend and I were going to Fast Food Central to get breakfast before school earlier in January and we rear ended the car in front of us,” Kim said. Kim initially had lost consciousness after hitting the front windshield of the car, and not knowing the possible consequences of mistreated concussion, she returned to school like she normally would when she gained her consciousness a few minutes after the accident had occurred. “I did go home early that day with a minor headache, but it took about two weeks before the symptoms became severe. I later found out

James Hepler, criminal justice teacher, has always believed his calling was working as a deacon at his church and after 14 years of working with St. Timothy’s, his wish came true. “I decided to be a deacon in the first place because I felt like I was called to take on the challenge. It is a long five year process and I have attended classes every other Saturday. I’ve served at my church for the last 14 years and I felt like it was time to take it to the next level,” Hepler said. Hepler now manages having two jobs during the school year. “Mr. Hepler has done a really good job at teaching criminal justice; he really does a great job,” Zach Theodore, 12, said. Hepler manages to balance both his job as a criminal justice teacher as well as working with his church on a regular basis. “It is not that different balancing working with the church and my job as a criminal justice teacher; I am very active in the church at all times. Time is an issue sometimes; there’s not much of it really. I’m normally at the church before school and

Signs of a Concussion • Sadness

What to do if you think you may have a concussion • Contact health care professional

• Irritability • Difficultly concentrating • Headaches

• Possibility of going to the hospital overnight • CT scan to see the effects of the concussion

• Nervousness • Anxiousness • Fuzzy/ Blurry vision cdc.gov

that my body was starting to shut down slowly during this period of time afterwards” Kim said. One of Kim’s teachers, Steve Panoff, the band director, recommended her to see the athletic trainers before her symptoms of a possible concussion were too late to be treated. “After taking the concussion diagnostics test, ImPACT, my mom and I went to the Fairfax Inova Hospital. The doctors prescribed me different

medications and strongly advised me to stay home to fully focus on the recovery process,” Kim said. Kim spent the month of February recovering at home and returned to school in March after meeting with her teachers and counselor to make arrangements in her class schedule to accommodate the time missed. “I could only take the minimum requirement classes for graduation which were English and

cdc.gov

Government,” Kim said. Kim still has mixed feeling over the results of the accident and how it has affected her senior year. “Some people say I’m lucky since I only have to take two classes my senior year, but I feel like I’m missing out on senior year, and I actually would prefer to attend full time school because staying home is not the most exciting thing in the world,” Kim said. - Kevin Chung

then I go back during the afternoon,” Hepler said Being active in the church for so long does have its advantages and rewards throughout time spent. “The best part about being able to be a deacon at my church is its very fulfilling, I absolutely love it. I definitely do feel a lot closer to God. Being a deacon just gives me a better chance to interact,” Hepler said. Along with Helper’s work outside of school his hard work and dedication to his love of this job has a positive effect on his students. “It shows he’s really dedicated to his job as a teacher and his work with his church,” Amanda Hackney, 11, said. With all of Helper’s work he does both inside and outside the school students have been very supportive of what their teacher does. “It takes a lot of time and effort on his part to be a teacher and to work with this church for as long as he has. He really shows a lot of commitment to what he does; he does for the community,” Theodore said. - Kelly McCormick

news

march 23, 2012

Students Embark Upon Lenten Season Lent, giving up something on Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday, means different things to different people, and therefore is interpreted differently. “It means, that since Jesus suffered for 40 days and nights, we should show our thanks to him by also giving up something,” Leah Mulholland, 11, said. Lent provides for a creative outlet and is open for students to express their thanks in all kinds of ways. “I am giving up shoes for lent. It was a little weird at first but I got used to it. My feet got really callused after a while,” Peter Bouveron, 12, said. Students sacrifice different items for different reasons and go about following through in many ways. “I don’t really like shoes that much and I thought it would be cool to give up. I went to Target and bought a cheap pair of shoes then cut the

Photo by Cortney Mecimore

Leah Mulholland, 11, peels an orange during Bulldog Block as a part of her lenten promise of eating healthy. Mulholland has incorporated healthier food options and has avoided junk food. bottom out,” Bouveron said. Not everyone went to such extremes, some stayed simple with more common ideas. “I decided to give up Twitter for lent because I use it a lot and it’s some-

Westfield Student Media BULLDOG PATRONS Sarah Hall Norton, Mass.

Chris & Gina Hamilton Centreville, Va. John & Wanda Heim Centreville, Va. Dick & Mary Jo O’Brien Springfield, Va. John & Patricia O’Rourke Buffton, S.C. Linda Sue & Doug Wever Centreville, Va.

GOLD PATRONS

Mr. & Mrs. John Dempsey Daufuskic Island, S.C. John S. Ehreth, D.D.S. Manassas, Va. Kristine Schmidt & Vincent Puleo Brooklyn, N.Y.

SILVER PATRONS Ron & Jeanne Garant Arlington, Va.

Chuck & Carol Gibson Centreville, Va. Peggy Sander Ashburn, Va.

BRONZE PATRONS Cynthia Chin Houston, Texas

Onalee J. Dalaba Franklin, Pa. Patrick & Janet Day Centreville, Va. Celia DeBiase Holly Springs, N.C.

times a distraction. I wanted to see how life was different without Twitter and give thanks to God,” Jake D’Ercole, 10, said. Some students have decided to take on the ultimate challenge: junk food.

Would like to thank its generous patrons

Barbara Dempsey Yucca Valley, Calif.

Mary Kay & Bill Laux Centreville, Va.

Diane Dumas Centreville, Va.

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Laux Forestport, N.Y.

The Garant Family Chantilly, Va.

Susan Nye Centreville, Va.

Geraldine McGlinchey Brooklyn, N.Y.

Jenny O’Brien Herndon, Va.

The UPS Store San Angelo, Texas

Abigail Orme Oviedo, Fla.

Edward W. Morris Springfield, Va.

Darlene Porter Rockville, Md.

Joseph A. Pierson Sterling, Va.

Gerald R. Porter Ormond Beach, Fla.

BLACK PATRONS

Marcia Pryor Flat Rock, N.C.

Beth Bachism York, Pa.

Debra M. Best Herndon, Va. Jacqueline Bloxam Alexandria, Va.

Jody Record Portsmouth, N.H.

D.R. Roessler Stone Ridge, Va.

Richard & Bernadette Cornell Auburn, N.Y.

Penny J. Sander & Rufus B. Seder Arlington, Mass.

Paul A. Harris, CLU, ChFC Ft. Myers, Fla.

Judy Sturm Herndon, Va.

Jim & Peg Farrington Auburn, N.Y.

FRIENDS OF WSM

Barbara Fay Herndon, Va. Bob & Kate Johnson Burke, Va. In Honor of Korean War Veterans State College, Pa. Mrs. Ruth Kubs Rutherford, N.J.

David, Tammy, Taylre & Grace Perkins Auburn, N.Y. Abigail & Enna Roney Chantilly, Va.

“I am giving up junk food. I eat a lot of junk food and lent has motivated me to eat healthier. It has been really hard, especially when going to Fast Food Central with friends and am not able to eat,” Mulholland said.

In addition to many students sacrificing something for Lent, their families also participated. “My dad gave up fast food, my mom gave up pasta and my sister gave up candy. Our whole family is participating in Lent

this year,” D’Ercole said. For D’Ercole, Lent has strengthened his relation with his church. “I go to church every Sunday with my family. I go to the CPC, Centreville Presbyterian Church’s, youth group. I enjoy it because my friends go there and it is a lot of fun,” D’Ercole said, Although many follow this tradition, not everyone believes in faith and the church and participated in Lent. “I was not raised religiously. I have friends who tried to get me to come to church but I’ve never latched on. It’s tough to believe if you weren’t raised believing,” Aidan Quartana, 11, said. Lent is such a widely known event most people have an opinion about it, even if they do not participate. “If religious people are getting something from the experience, it’s fine. Everyone has the freedom to choose what is best for them,” Quartana said. - Kiki Laux

Congratulations To The Guardian Yearbook who received its second consecutive Silver Crown award from Columbia Scholastic Press Association. This is its third Crown award. To Mike Sander, 10, for winning the 2012 VHSL Basketball Feature Writing Contest. To Jazz Band for placing 2nd place for Big Band Division at the Chantilly Jazz Festival. Jazz combo won 3rd place in the Combo Division.

Good Luck Debate Team at States • Jessica Starkey, 11- Regional Champion, State Qualifier • Pritika Tiwari, 11- 2nd Place, State Qualifier • Shrey Kapadia, 11- 7th Place, State Qualifier

Cheryl Laux Trimbach Clifton Park, N.Y.

• Omid Khaksarfard, 11- 10th Place, State Qualifier

Ken & Sue Utterback Centreville, Va.

• Sahaja Yerramsetti, 10- 13th place

Bulldog, Gold and Silver patrons receive a copy of the Watchdog each month. If you would like to support our journalism program please contact the Business Office at 703.488.6476 or e-mail watchdog@fcps.edu

news

6 volume 12, issue 7

Confusion Over Class Dues Sparks Interest Class dues of $100 are required for every senior in order to walk at graduation and receive a cap and gown. Also, all outstanding fines must be paid to avoid the withholding of a cap and gown, and all dues must be paid before seniors can buy a prom ticket, receive their yearbook and graduation tickets. “The dues are $100. Some students pay over the four years, but most pay in their junior and senior year,” Pat Morris,

subschool IV administrator, said. Senior class vice president, Corrine Holland, 12, wants seniors to wise up and pay their dues before its too late. “Dues go to anything senior class related so they’re for you. It’s for graduation, prom and anything else the seniors raise funds for. To find out if you have paid the dues, go to subschool IV,” Holland said. The dues not only cover graduation expenses,

but also include the rental of the Patriot Center and other programs and senior activities. “My mom paid mine all freshman year so we wouldn’t have to worry about it for the rest of high school. They never really told us where the money goes, though,” Amy Howell, 12, said. Howell is not the only senior unaware of what dues go towards. “I paid a couple weeks ago. [I have] no idea where the money goes,

though,” Tyler Gregory, 12, said. Although some students do not know what the money pays for, others have a basic knowledge. “I know I have to go to subschool IV and turn in my money for graduation and other senior activities,” Alborz Shirmohammadit, 12, said. Juniors and seniors recently received a notice in the mail reminding them to pay their dues if they have not already paid. “I haven’t paid yet and

I don’t remember getting anything in the mail. I don’t really know how to pay,” Judith Reyes, 12, said. Seniors should make sure to pay their dues as soon as possible and underclassmen are encouraged to get a jump start on paying their dues as well in order for all graduation preparations to go smoothly. “If you see a senior, remind them to pay their dues,” Morris said. - Samantha Drew

What do class dues pay for? •

Cap and Gown

•

Graduation

•

Prom

•

Patriot Center Rent

•

Senior Barbecue

Bark it Up

Do you think class dues are worth it?

Colby Dezelick, 12 “Of course, I think the grad ceremony and all night grad party is worth any amount of money.”

Julianne Abruzzo Anand Adhikari Emma Afferton Lakshay Akula Andrew Alberter Andrew Allen David Amin Tae Hoon An James Anderson Hayley Anderson Laura Anhalt Usman Anwar Zara Asif Anurag Avadhuta John Aversa Mariam Azim Narges Azimi Jacqueline Bae Natalie Balderston Julianne Ballschneider Joseph Ballschneider Bethany Baron Melanie Baron Amanda Bartoe Aaron Bartoe Dylan Barton Devansh Bawa Frances Beard Jasmine Benbei John Bentley Autumn Berry Jonathan Bidinger Philip Bodor Nichole Bonzano Jasmine Bowen Joseph Brooke Courtney Brown Emily Brubaker Mitchell Buckley Amanda Cameron Brett Campbell Nicholas Cardozo Shannon Casey paid advertisement

Amanda Phung, 12 “Well, I think they’re necessary if we want a good prom and graduation.”

Chaz Coffin, 12

Emma Foley ,12

Nick Burroughs, 12

“No, because if someone is going to throw me a party I shouldn’t have to pay.”

“Yes, I think they’re worth it so we can have a better prom or graduation ceremony.”

“I think yes if they actually go to useful seniors events, which I think they do.” photos by Kelsey Stanton and Christina Beiene

Congratulations 2nd Quarter Summa Cum Laude Students Shannon Casey Kathryn Castro Joseph Castro Karis Cha Jasmine Cha Jenny Chau Corey Chen Su Kyung Chi Won Bin Cho Masie Chong Taylor Christie Pil Ju Chun Courtney Cleveland Abigael Collins Elizabeth Coo Daniel Coo Katelyn Cooke Lauren Correia Amanda Cruley Isabel Davila Brigid Deely Troy Dennis Valeria Diaz Vivian Diep Adriana DiVecchia Megan Dobbins Annie Dou Rachel Dougherty Sean Douglass Delaney Dreyer Elizabeth Dunford Melissa Eging Hannah Ehreth Serena Emanuel Michaela Estes Rachel Ewalt Faraz Farzad Mary Feeley Caylor Feeley Karina Frank Katherine Freix Morgan Fuentes Michael Garcia

Margaret Gardner Mary Garifo Elena Gavrila Roshni Gill Owen Glowacki Mariz Gobrial Jessica Gold Chelsea Granados Marisa Grayson Prateek Gupta Kovid Gurrala Ananthavel Gurusamy Jennifer Haigler Anne Halterman Waqas Hamid Ashley Hamilton Robin Han Ryan Harpe John Harvey Zachary Haubach Lauren Hayden Sonia He Melinda Heim Trace Hernandez Ateeya Hessami Taiybah Hessami Sierra Higinbotham Haley Hollen Jessica Honig Elise Hoover Monica Horinko Emili Hu Chunbo Huang Emily Hunt Jonnie Jean Hurst Shareef Hussam Aamna Ikram Shalisa James Tiffany Javid Sukyung Jeong Ha Eun Jeong Daniel Johnson Katherine Johnson

Cameron Joiner Samuel Jugus Sophie Jurgensen Viswaja Kaja Rhiannon Kalbskopf Erin Kang Hyo Kang Senthil Kannan Shrey Kapadia Emre Karaman Victoria Karl Lidiya Kasseya Sean Keane Timothy Kearney Sarah Kearsley Matthew Keim Benjamin Kendrick Mariam Khan Priya Khanna Amana Khokhar Andrew Kim Jennifer Kim Elissa Kim Connor Kirkham Vladislav Kiselev Christopher Knowlan Kevin Kong Alexander Krall Pooja Krishnan Corinne Kuge Amanda Kwieraga Noelle Kwieraga Andrew H. Kwon Andrew Y. Kwon McCreagh Lackman Luisa Josephine Lacsamana Briana Lanigan Jaclyn Lasky Nora Lazo Flores Jennie Le Tri Le Jae Sun Lee

Esther Lee Joshua Lesser Bethany Lesser Samuel Lim Sarah Lim Samuel Lin Alicia Loebl John Lowrey Travis Lu Hezhi Lu Jason Ma Zahra Mahbub Aneesh Malhotra Michaela Martin Grace Martin Abigail Martin Grace Martin Meredith Martinez Marissa McGill Maggie McInturff Cortney Mecimore Colvin Miklovic Sung Kyeung Min James Miquelon Omeed Miremadi Maggie Mitchell Kento Miyamae Jiu Moon Esther Moon Seung Yoon Moon Scott Morrisette Tyler Morson Kirsten Moser Alexander Moses Leah Mulholland Nithya Murali Hani Mustafa Apoorva Nadipalli Benjamin Nelms Wilke Nelson Darby Nelson Tahirah Newkirk Dominique Ngo

Anthony Nguyen Kaylyn Nguyen Carrie Nye John Nicholas O’Connell Danial Okhovvat Gilani Sarah Olijar Elise Orloff Kayla O’Sullivan Caroline Otroba Megan Owens Tolunimi Oyeleye John Pace Supriya Pandeti Sankar Raju Alberto Pardo Felix Park Jinyoung Park Prithvi Parvataneni Nikita Patel Anne Perkins Kristofer Perry Kyle Petrillo Amanda Phung Matthew Pisarcik Bryan Pitt Aleksandra Pozor Jessica Preston Rebecca Pryor Steven Qu Ovik Quddus Kerry Quinn Namra Qureshi Dashiell Radosti Deepika Ranjit James Rathjen Nathaniel Rathjen Rohan Raval Radha Ray Brendan Raymond Michaela Reardon Sumana Reddy

Meghan Reilly Katelyn Reimer Nicholas Render Katelyn Rennyson Laura Ricciardi Brooke Roberson Israel Rodriguez Alexandra Root Daniel Rosales Jessica Royal Caitlin Rudy Melissa Ryan Olivia Ryder Sara Sacher Swathi Deo Sambatha Matthew Sander Michael Sander Aditya Sapre Rishabh Saraswat Erica Schmidt Erin Schulte Cameron Schultz Taylor Schwenke Michael Scruggs Hayley Seal Samuel Seldowitz Rachel Seldowitz Layne Setash Emma Shankle Sveena Sharma Christopher Shen Eric Shiao Nabila Shinwari Sohum Shirgaonkar Rachel Shirley Emma Sieber Brian Smith Ye Rin Son Patricia Monica Soriano Laurel Spiegelthal Anirwin Sridhar Jessica Starkey

Jennifer Steinhilber Alyssa Stewart Victoria Stulii Ryan Szymanski Lily Takahashi Wesley Tarro Armon Tawakalzada Ming Xian Tay Joseph Tenney Khyra Thomas Pritika Tiwari Wayne Tran Iordan Trenkov Anand Tripathi Hope Trujillo Rahul Tuladhar Tejo Sravani Tunuguntla Erika Turflinger Uday Varkhedkar Thanh-Truc Vo Anh-Thu Vo Rupali Vohra Ryan Vosburgh Thomas Vu Hannah Wallis Benjamin Wang Scott Wardinski Cathleen Watkins Thomas Weston Clair Wiltse Matthew Winesett Sarah Worthington Michelle Ya Diul Sai Srujana Yadlapalli Elise Yang Christopher Yang Alissa Yoder Stanley Yoon Austin Yu Xiru Zhu

From the PTSA

editorial the

watchdog Westfield High School 4700 Stonecroft Blvd. Chantilly, VA 20120

Principal: Mr. Tim Thomas Journalism Business Office: (703) 488-6476 School Main Office: (703) 488-6300 Fax Number: (703) 488-6428

watchdog@fcps.edu

Editors-in-Chief Ashley Hamilton Kerry Quinn Managing Editor Michaela Reardon Copy Editors Christina Beiene Samantha Drew Jessica Starkey News Editor Melinda Heim Opinion Editor Becca Pryor Doubletruck Editor Jennifer Steinhilber Arts & Entertainment Editors Kayleen Bell Emily Sharpe Sports Editors Dylan Brown Luke O’Roark Tatum Roessler Photo Editor Anne Culbertson Photo Staff Cortney Mecimore Kelsey Stanton

Staff Writers Julianne Abruzzo Heather Berry Ashleigh Bielen Madeleine Bloxam Kevin Chung Jenny Cox Patrick Deegan Emily Dzubak Meghan Garant Mary Anna Garifo Maddie Gray Jared Gruber Brigid Hamilton Kiki Laux Kelly McCormick Matt O’Brien Angela Pathammavong Anita Pathammavong Mike Sander Parul Sanjiv Romeo Sarmiento Sherrie Shanks Natalie Sharpe Nick Thayer Reagan Warrington

Business Manager Jennifer Byrne Cartoonist Jack Elliott

Adviser: Mr. Anthony Whitten Printer: Silver Communications

Editorial Policy The Watchdog is published monthly and is an open forum for student and faculty expression at Westfield High School. It is established to disseminate news, ideas, and opinions on matters of interest, importance, and concern to the community. The Watchdog will publish no material that is libelous, obscene, or has a clear potential for disruption of the school routine, as has generally been determined by law. The Watchdog staff makes every effort to avoid conflicts of interest, to be fair and balanced in reporting, and to reflect the diverse population. The Watchdog solicits letters to the editor. Letters must be signed. The Watchdog reserves the right to edit such letters for grammar, usage, clarity, punctuation, and length. The Watchdog reserves the right to refuse advertising for reasons of appropriateness, as determined by the editorial board. The content of the Watchdog is determined by the editorial board. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the faculty adviser, administration of Westfield High School, or Fairfax County Public Schools.

Staff Editorial

his is the last time we will sit and stare at a computer screen, trying to figure out how to start our editorial and fighting over who has to type. That was what this whole week was about for us. The last time we started class, the last time we got Moe’s, the list goes on. But this is just the first of many goodbyes. In a few short months, we’ll be receiving our diplomas, wearing our Quill & Scroll chords. Ask any senior how many days are left until graduation and they will respond without hesitation. The reality is everyone is excited to get out of Westfield, but what else

march 23, 2012

A Time for Goodbyes are we leaving behind? Clubs, sports, activities and everything else that made waking up at 6:00 a.m. and doings loads of homework worth it. For us, that’s newspaper. Everyone has their own story of their time at Westfield. We’ve had the pleasure of telling these stories for three years. Three years of dealing with slow computers, InDesign, moving stories back and forth and having to fill that one last line when you’ve already written every possible word you can think of. Three years of laughing until we cry, gaining five pounds from deadline dinners and spending time with the coolest people in the school.

Photo by Molly Burns

It’s hard to imagine a time when C109 won’t be there to store all of our stuff, take a breather or just find a friendly face on a rough day. The thing about end-

ings is they are an opportunity for new beginnings. The paper will live on in more than capable hands and we are so excited to see the direction it takes. Even though our time

here is ending, the memories, good and bad, will always be with us. Now it’s time for us to say goodnight, Watchdog. Our paper has officially gone to bed.

Beneficial Relationships With Teachers Injustice in Our Country

s a scared freshman I never really had the desire to know my teachers on a personal level. To me, they came to school in the morning, graded my papers during school, and disappeared as soon as the bell struck 2:05. I felt, as an underclassman, teachers often were patronizing me constantly and never made the effort to see more beyond my age. Some teachers I have had passed out endless worksheets and barricaded themselves behind their desk for the rest of class, leaving all of us sitting in awkward silence. It seemed like they were giving us a bunch of busy work just to keep us occupied. Granted, I never went the extra mile to socialize with my teachers for anything other than my needs regarding my education. Before my junior year I was told that my junior year was the most important year, not only for grades, but also because

at least one of my teachers from that year would be responsible for writing my college recommendation. I know besides my GPA and extra curricular activities the teacher recommendation is one of the most crucial aspects of the college application. So then, I began to raise my hand more in class and talk to my teachers about the coursework in their classes. Getting to know my teachers more have made attending their class a more enjoyable experience. Their classes did not seem so boring and monotonous to me anymore because I felt like I knew them and that they cared about me. As the year has gone on I began to talk to most of my teachers more often than I have in the past. Whether it’s a short conversation or just saying hey in the hallways during school hours. For example, this year when I was choosing my classes for next year my

teachers did not just recommend me based on my grades but also my work ethic and dedication. For the first time, I felt like I was more than just another grade in their long list of students. Whenever I am talking to my teachers about a school related topic or something more personal I know they can give me an honest and trustworthy opinion. I can go to my teachers for almost anything now that I have a more personal connection with them. I find my teachers as role models and not just as babysitters during school hours. I understand some students don’t want to talk to their teachers more than they have to, but I feel they are missing out on a great experience. Some students may feel intimidated by their teachers, but I know I can come to my teachers for problems I’m having in class and prospects regarding my future. - Melinda Heim

hile Kony is slowly starting to lose its importance in the minds of Americans, on Feb 26, 17 year old junior Trayvon Martin left his father’s house to get snacks from the convenience store in Sanford, FL. According to news reports, a neighborhood watch volunteer, George Zimmerman, noticed Martin and became suspicious. Zimmerman called 911 and the emergency dispatchers told Zimmerman not to pursue the suspect. As Martin walked back to his father’s house with an Arizona Ice Tea and a bag of skittles, Zimmerman approached Martin and questioned him which was followed by an altercation. Through recently released 911 calls from residents, the sounds of Martin’s voice is evident as he cries for help before a gunshot silences Martin. When police officials arrived, Zimmerman stated that he acted in self defense to a man who looked

Errors and Omissions: from Feb. 17 issue • The photo of Nick Lehmen, 12, wrestling is from a scrimmage, not regionals, page 19

the

watchdog westfield high school, chantilly va. 20151

Check Out The New Watchdog Website! www.westfieldstudentmedia.com/watchdog

like he was up to no good. Zimmerman was set free with no arrest. He wasn’t taken in for questioning because the police assumed there was no probable cause to go against Zimmerman’s statement. I am appalled at this case, but honestly I’m not surprised. Racism is still present in the United States of America. If the script would’ve been flipped Trayvon Martin would have been arrested on the spot no questions asked. What has America come to? Our ancestors have fought for us as African Americans to be better, and even though there are a few exceptions; most of us are, but what does that prove? When the Sanford Police let Zimmerman go this has told me that no matter what I accomplish I can be shot and killed simply because of the color of my skin and it’s okay. To this very hour Zimmerman is still a free man. - Submitted by Taylor Young, 12

opinion

8 volume 12, issue 7

Judgemental Attitudes Restrict Opportunities

am an average, middle class white girl. I work hard in school, but there is no escaping the fact that I am just an average student of average intelligence with average athletic abilities. I’m not going to get a sports scholarship or an academic scholarship or a minority achievement scholarship to college; I’m never going to have anything handed to me in life, because apparently that’s what’s assumed to happen for most girls who look like me. Let’s face it; the quota for average girls like me was filled a long time ago, and I don’t foresee a shortage of white girls anytime soon. What I don’t understand is why everyone assumes any different of me because of how I look. If you don’t know me, which you most likely don’t, I’m average height, average weight. The only thing extraordinary about me is my bright blonde hair, which not only helps someone pick me out of a crowd but also helps me acquire cute nicknames and stereotypes. I’m a dumb blonde, a child. For example, when doing a group project

Illustration by Jack Elliott

in class, I’m automatically the dumb one in the group. Initially assigned the least amount of work in the group, I quickly counterattack this motion and take complete control over the project, to the dumbfounding of my fellow group members. I may look like I’m incapable of getting serious, but when it comes to getting the work done I know what I’m doing. Alas, this is simply the burden that comes with my appearance, and it’s something that

I’ve learned to live with. There’s an even simpler solution to my problems, dye my blonde locks, start dressing differently, talk less. But why should I change the way I look and act? Why should anyone? The day I come to school with dark hair will be the day I lose everything I stand for and the same goes for anyone else who’s ever wanted to change the way they look for someone else. I don’t need other people judging me based on the way I look, I’m hard

Student Poll

Do stereotypes about your race or gender affect the way you think about yourself?

Sometimes 23%

Most of the time 9%

Rarely 29%

All the time 9%

Never 30%

Watchdog Poll of 300 Students

enough on myself as it is. Teenagers as a whole need to stop with the judging. We honestly have no idea what makes a person who they are or what happens behind closed doors. I’m not saying I’m not a prime offender, I am just a teenage girl, but at least I recognize the error of my ways and make a conscious effort to reform my thoughts. Generalization is wrong in general. Just because some blondes are dumb, doesn’t mean they’re all dumb. Just

because some Asians are smart, doesn’t mean they all are. People should be judged by their character, not their appearance. Nobody should want to change the way they look to fit other people’s perceptions or expectations. The way I look does not define me. My appearance is simply a by-product of genetics and fate. Just because some white girls were born lucky enough to have wealthy families or with an abnormally high IQ does

not mean that I was fortunate enough to acquire the same fate; honestly I’d be surprised if more than a handful of people were that fortunate. I’m not saying my average life is harder than anyone else’s or demeaning anyone else’s life struggle, all I’m advocating for is a little slack. No, my life is not an episode of My Super Sweet 16, but it’s also not an episode of Teen Mom. It’s more like True Life; I Have White Girl Problems. - Samantha Drew

Old English Dictionary. Throughout time, the “r-word” has evolved to describe and categorize intellectually disabled individuals and now has become synonymous with the words stupid, unwanted and dumb. As a collective whole, we have warped the connotation of the “r-word” through our colloquial slang and such trivialization of the word “retarded” has become a commonplace norm. From a young age I have stood in firm protest of using the word “retarded” and I guarantee you will never hear that eightletter word cross my lips. Ever. As I have grown older, my contempt for the colloquial use of the “rword” has grown stronger. The elementary school I attended had a program for intellectually disabled students; I had the opportunity from a young age to help these students with daily tasks such as walking through the lunch line, picking up toys, or helping with a math equation as well as playing alongside them at recess every day.

Once I was able to get to know the individual behind the word, the connotation of the word changed completely and I could never fathom calling any of these students, friends and fellow human beings retarded. Using the word retarded, either in reference to a person with a mental disability or to express discontent is simply unnecessary. If just a few more students had bothered to read that little green paper handed out to them maybe people would be less ignorant to the hurt the word retarded can cause. People need to realize the weight of their words and stop being so ignorant to the effect their words can have. Next time you get a bad grade on a test or dislike something, think of all the pain you could be causing someone and simply use another word. Anyone with a mental or physical disability is just as much of a person as you or I and they deserve the upmost respect and dignity. - Jessica Starkey

A Sea of Little Green Squares

sea of crumpled little green squares stretched practically from “C” hallway to Kingdom Come. March 7 was National Spread the Word to End the Word day. Members of Best Buddies greeted students that morning, handing out little green squares of paper advocating for the extinction of the word retarded. Most students either ungraciously snatched the papers out of extended hands or pretended not to see the paper and kept trudging down the hall. I was seeing green, so to speak, as I ventured on down the hall; everywhere I looked there were little green squares littering the ground and overflowing trash cans. Most students had not even bothered to read the paper before tossing it out. I myself have a huge issue with people using the “r-word” and there is no quicker way to lose my respect than to use that word, in any sense of the meaning. The word retarded used to mean a “slowing down, diminution, or hindrance” according to the

opinion

march 23, 2012

With Teenage Age Comes Great Responsibility

ole models can be anyone, from a famous celebrity to a sibling or even a parent. Growing up with an older sister who was in high school while I was in elementary school, I always admired high school students and revered them as cool kids that I hoped I could be like when I grew older. As I have grown up, however, I have come to the realization that many high school students do not fit the ideal character that I thought everyone

Illustration by Jack Elliott

grew up to be like. Many students loudly use foul language in public and are disrespectful to authority figures, mainly teachers and parents. Also, many things that are posted publicly on social media websites such as Twitter and Facebook are crude and come across as unintelligent and idiotic. This behavior doesn’t go unnoticed either. Small children in the grocery store are bound to hear the crass words coming out of your mouth. Whether you realize it or

not, we, high school students, are many of these kid’s role models and influence them with every word that comes out of our mouths and each decision we make. The Peer Mediation Class I am enrolled in gives me the unique opportunity to visit various elementary schools and be a mentor and friend to a specific child at each school. The bonds and friendships I have formed with my buddies is indescribable. These elemen-

tary school kids look up to me and I am sure this applies to all mentors and mentees in the class. Whether it is what I am wearing, if I am chewing gum or not, or even how I decide to wear my hair that day, these children notice and take in everything about me. I serve as a role model to someone who may not have another positive influence in their life. This is a big responsibility and I have chosen not to take it lightly. I

don’t want to be a negative influence for my peer buddies or in any way convey the idea that breaking the rules is okay. Yet, in public and even in our own hallways many students dress and act in a way that would never be seen as a positive influence to future generations. As a high school student, I look up to all college students and people who are just entering the work force right out of college, but that doesn’t mean that people aren’t

looking up to me too. Many highschoolers seem to think that as we grow up, the cycle of becoming a role model does not repeat itself. It’s time to shape up. Realize all the actions you make can influence those who will follow in your footsteps. Being a role model is not something that you choose to be, but something you should take advantage of to influence younger generations for a better tomorrow. -Becca Pryor

Bark It Loving Learning, Not Your Stereotypical Student Up I

happen to think being a nerd is cool. True, we almost always get labeled as the weird ones, and if we aren’t drop dead gorgeous, anybody other What do you than a teacher can’t be enjoy about bothered to look twice at learning? us. Luckily, I must have some sort of exterior merit, because it seems people are in fact inclined to talk to me. But the point still stands, nerds and geeks have been type-cast as outsiders and for the most Kate Venuto, 11 part, I don’t think it makes “Learning helps preany sense. pare me for when I am Yes, you have your saan adult because then vants. The ones who excel I can have intellectual at a single subject but for conversations." the most part lack the social skills that high school relationships thrive on. On the whole however, nerds are pretty cool. You can actually have an intelligent conversation with Tanashia Southerland, 10 us, and most of the jokes “I like learning about we tell really do make math and new ways to sense when you stop to think about it. use it in everyday life.” That’s actually the number one reason why I enjoy being such a geek. We enjoy thinking. Stimulation in our brains is an exciting thing, and the dizzyingly complex Timmy Pierce, 12 way our brain works only “Expanding my knowl- helps to make it that much edge on things I don’t more fantastic. know." My brain can make connections to ideas long since passed and maybe Photos by Cortney Mecimore

even cook up some new ones, and I’m enthralled by the idea that all that is possible within such a small part of our body. So when I see people who obviously hold no merit to the idea of a high school education, I’m a little disappointed. I’m your stereotypical geek. I wear nerd glasses, have a penchant for sci-fi and an inherent interest in quantum mechanics. Hell, suspenders are a wardrobe staple for me. But it runs deeper than that. The idea of wanting to learn and use as much information as possible is simply part of my genetic identity. In fact, I’m pretty sure it’s part of everybody’s. Isn’t that where the compulsory need to be right comes from? It’s to prove that we know more than the other person and that we can successfully use that information to become the better and smarter being. So I’m confused on how people can make blatantly ignorant remarks on how ridiculous the notion of higher education is, then turn around and tell their friends how stupid they are for some comment basically of the same nature. The entire situation is a paradox. We

Illustration by Jack Elliott

don’t want to learn, but we want to know more than others. At first I thought people just didn’t like the idea of having to work to achieve intelligence. It makes sense. Humans are generally lackadaisical beings, Americans in particular get the short end of the stick on work ethic. Then I remembered that old saying ‘getting there is half the fun.’ Now I’m back at square one; puzzled by the oxymoron that is the human condition. We enjoy the journey, but only if it comes with ease, which in turn makes it not

much of a trip. And I’m not saying that nerds are classified exclusively by taped over glasses and an urkel-esque fashion sense, I’ve seen plenty of hipsters and fashionistas alike making the grade. But I do think to be a true nerd, whatever style you rock, it needs to come from more than an honor roll certificate. Most people I see who spend their time buried in textbooks and conversion charts are only that way because the college they’re trying for demands it, not because it’s what they want to be do-

ing. They think they’re so exceptionally nerdy, but really they’re just great students. I may not completely understand why we are the way we are. I may never figure out what makes some people more inclined to learn than others; why we’ve let the stereotype extend so far as to think that anyone with a GPA above 3.0 are nerds. It might turn out to be one of life’s great unsolvable mysteries. But I can promise one thing: I’ll never stop striving to find out. - Meghan Garant

10 volume 12, issue 7

opinion

“YOLO” Not an Excuse For Regular Recklessness

ou only live once. As teenagers, we are supposed to be adventurous. We are expected to make wrong decisions- and often times we do. Teens want to experiment while they are young and without serious responsibilities. That way, when they fall, standing back up is not a heavy burden.YOLO is a phrase coined by rap artist Drake in his song The Motto. Unfortunately, the potential motivator had almost all positive interpretation stripped from it by pop culture. Too often than not, YOLO is utilized as a goto excuse, as often seen on Twitter where its popularity expanded. “Going to get so wasted tonight! #YOLO.” It makes sense that teens want to enjoy their adolescence. What does not make sense is choosing YOLO to support their mischievous decisions when its influence to make good decisions

could be so much stronger. For example, while YOLO may be an excuse for sneaking out at three in the morning, it is not a very good excuse. On the other hand, realizing that you only have one shot to live your life successfully is not just an excuse, but extremely motivating. At least it has the potential to be. Recognizing, of course, that “success” is a subjective term depending entirely on what you view it to be. We can probably come to a general consensus that being successful in most ways means being happy. Long term happiness, however, is not easy to come by without hard work. It is difficult to plan for long term happiness when we are terrified to miss out on anything fun along the way. This is where YOLO comes in. Too often than not, teens take the easy way out of problems because immediate gratification is valued more than long

term gratification. We do not usually realize that immediate gratification is not really happiness, it is just satisfaction. We should want to be happy, not just satisfied. “Scored a 2000 on my SAT since I studied my butt off this year! #YOLO.” In other words, YOLO should be used to promote true happiness and true success, as very few things do in the modern age. YOLO should not be yet another excuse to make bad choices that only hold us back in the long run. Teenagers are going to make bad choices. That is an inevitable part of learning. Do not attempt to justify mistakes with YOLO. Honestly, it is a tad pathetic. Although you are trying to justify it, you are really just degrading its potential, and promoting the instant gratification. Instant gratification does not need to be praised, it is already

Confessions of a Teenage Manager

irl team managers for boy sports are stamped with the stereotype that they are promiscuous and just in it for the boys. What most people don’t know is the amount of work that goes into taking care of a sports team; it’s not just filling water bottles and flirting with the players. At lacrosse, I take stats for games, fill water bottles, sanitize everything religiously to keep the team healthy, run errands for the coaches, and most importantly, bake and buy snacks. These duties are not often recognized as a necessary contribution, but they are pertinent to the flow and attitude of the team. Now some may say I take the job too seriously, but it pays off knowing that the team appreciates me, although that

mind set is not necessarily shared by the rest of the students in our school. My goal for high school is to change the view on managers from a boy crazed girl to a helpful and necessary part of the team. We are unappreciated and not highly viewed by students of Westfield. Many people think that the only reason to be a manager is to get attention from the players, but my motto is ‘I do it for the team, not the boys.’ Managers are like extreme babysitters for a pack of 60 wild boys. Our job is to know where everything is at all times and to make sure everything is running smoothly. Dealing with demanding coaches and sassy players just comes with the territory. The bare minimum isn’t acceptable; managers must exceed ex-

pectations and do the unexpected. Managing also requires full dedication to the team. Our community doesn’t understand how much effort and time actually goes into managing a sport. With improved sanitary standards, it’s time consuming to clean the bottles and jugs after every practice. We’re the first ones to get to the field and the last ones to leave. This trend of no appreciation continues in all aspects of life. The people behind the scenes break their backs working long hours while they get little to no recognition from the general public. Remember, the movie magic could not happen without the all of the little guys at the bottom of the food chain running errands. - Jenny Cox

Illustration by Jack Elliott

praised enough through fast technology and instant contact with anyone. We do not make bad decisions because we only live once. No one wants to suffer consequences that come from those decisions. We make bad decisions because we do not

know any better – at least not yet. If we truly knew everything at our age, there would be no need for YOLO. There would be no need to justify anything. YOLO is just another way to mask naïveté, when really, there are very few people, especially in

our age group, who are not naïve in some way. Honesty with yourself and your actions is the best method to live without regret. Suddenly, YOLO becomes a celebration, not an excuse. You only live once. - Submitted by Sarah Schweit

Art of the Issue Masie Chong, 12, submitted her artwork to the Watchdog editorial staff.

“I took this picture at sunset to capture the dramatic lighting. I usually take pictures on impulse and enjoy editing pictures to create different effects as well.” Illustration by Jack Elliott

march 23, 2012

12 volume 12, issue 7

march 23, 2012

After the academic leadership suspension of a number of highly involved student leaders for a Honor Code violation, the Watchdog offers an in depth look at the Honor Code

stablished four years ago, the Honor Code arose out of a need to reaffirm the core value of integrity in the character education initiative, Westfield PRIDE. “You are responsible for doing your own work. It’s personal integrity and meaning you should want to do your own work. It takes effort so you should take pride in your work and come by it with honesty,” Virginia Muller, Subschool V administrator, said. Three years ago honor code underwent drastic reconstruction in order to focus more on education rather than just the enforcement of consequences. “It used to be more disciplinary, like SR&R consequences. [The changes] also affect students academically. Students who take their academics seriously have more

Student Reflection: Colleen Wilson, Class of 2010

My senior year of high school I was one of the Editors-in-Chief of the Watchdog, an AP student and had been accepted to attend George Mason University in the fall. Everything was great until January of 2010, when I received an honor code violation after an incident in my AP English Literature and Composition class. The honor code system was brand new at the time, and I was forced through the program that had very little prior implementation. Even before I was found guilty of violating the code, I was forcibly removed from Editor-in-Chief in-

Do you think the policies of the new honor code are justified?

Graphics and Design by Jennifer Steinhilber

the installment of the honor council encouraged fairness when students received an honor code violation. The honor council is a voluntary group of teachers that rotate listening to student cases regarding their honor code violation. They then make an informed decision after hearing both sides of the story. Seniors such as Grace Martin,12, believe that the change in violation consequences are too harsh. “I’ve never had an honor code violation but I didn’t agree with the new policy once it was enacted. I thought it was overly strict and had unreasonable terms that could mess up a person’s college assets for one little infraction,” Martin said. Austin Yu, 12, offered a contrasting opinion. “I think [the changes] have

Violation: Changing an incorrect answer on a test, quiz, or other assignment after the assignment has been turned in or graded.

Stop or go; What is a Violation?

Bark It Up

Following the Rules of the Road, Navigating the Honor Code

on the line. It went from three steps to two steps eliminating the warning so the consequences will be taken seriously. The consequences also needed to more accurately reflect those of college and the work force,” Nikki Warren, English teacher and chairman of the honor council, said. Students held in higher positions regarding clubs and honor societies are put on a 90 day probationary period on the first offense and are stripped of their position for their second. “People that have leadership positions should be a model for other students and sometimes if they are in leadership positions they have more to lose. When you are in a position like this you are held to higher expectations,” Muller said. In addition to the concept change,

destroyed our school’s integrity. Personally, I think the honor code is too lenient because in the real world people don’t get extra chances if you go cheat. In college you get kicked out immediately. There is a reason why teachers strongly focus on a works cited page and MLA format. I appreciate the improvement from a few years ago but they need to get more realistic with students who are almost legal adults,” Yu said. The implemented changes have shown the fluctuating amount violations amongst students. “The first year after we changed the honor code there was an increase of violations and the second and third were a decrease from the first. I think the Westfield culture is more aware of [the honor code] now than they used to be,” Warren said. -Christina Beiene

Acceptable: Asking about the difficulty of a test without asking about the content that was on it.

Second Offense: • Student and parent conference with the principal or principal’s designee. • Student will be expelled and ineligible from any honor societies, editorships, academic leadership positions, and any class/SGA offices for the rest of high school. • Any further violations can result in in-school suspension, out of school suspension, and recommendation for expulsion.

Daniel Imm, 11

Violation: Sabotaging another students work or assignment in any way.

Acceptable: Tutoring a student by helping them learn how to work through a homework assignment by giving examples.

Violation: Forging a parent’s signature on a form or note.

definitely. I requested a hearing to voice my opinion on the unreasonable process, though it was pointless. I recognize that I made a mistake, but I feel that I paid a price that was far too harsh for my infraction. The point of an honor code should be to teach. In my circumstance, there was no way for me to improve my situation after I was accused. My senior year was ruined, I lost my position on the paper and my reputation with many peers and teachers. I understand that the code has been altered so that guilty charges are punished by a 90 day suspension

Emily Tobin,10

“I think they’re good but a little strict.”

Makhaila Smallwood,10

Jarid Bowen,9 “No the first offense is way too strict.”

“I think the consequences are fine because it’s the right amound of punishment.”

Rachel Moore,9

Oakton High School • The maximum consequence is on the third or higher violation, whereas at Westfield it is on the second or higher. • There are no suspensions from Student Advisory Council, Student Government, or a leadership class until the second offense. • There are no expulsions from honor societies until the second offense. • Coaches and sponsors of any extracurricular activities are notified on the second and any more offenses, whereas the coaches are not at Westfield. • Students have to go to one day of Saturday School after their second offense. Information from www.fcps.edu/OaktonHS

from any leadership positions, which I am pleased to hear. If a student is caught making a bad decision then punishment is indeed in order. However, my experience with the honor code cost me over half of my senior year and even threatened my college acceptance. Things ended up working out great for me, I’m now a successful sophomore at George Mason University. I learned a lot from my experience with the Honor Council, and I hope it continues to adapt with student experience and involvement as Westfield grows as a school.

“I think they’re okay because they are harsh enough to make you not [commit a violation] again.”

Differences in the Concorde District Violation: Using a cell phone or other unauthorized device at any point in time during a quiz or test .

“I think its really strict for the first offense.”

“I think it’s okay but it’s more toward the side of being harsh.”

Honor Code Violation Consequences First Offense: • Assignment will receive a zero. • Violation will appear on students’ disciplinary record. • Any class/SGA office, editorship, or other academic leadership position will be suspended for 90 days. • The student must re-learn the honor code and reflect on the incident with a principal’s designee within two weeks of the violation. • Could jeopardize eligibility for future acceptance into honor societies, class/SGA office, editorship, and or other academic leadership positions. • Parents are notified.

Centreville High School • The maximum consequence is on the third or higher violation, whereas at Westfield it is on the second or higher. • After their first violation, they can redo their assignment for 50 percent credit and do not take a zero until the second offense. • Honor society and other leadership memberships are not affected until the second offense. • Students must attend Saturday school and complete community service hours at the school for their second and third offenses. • On a student’s second offense the student has to meet with an administrator and sign a behavioral contract that outlines consequences if they commit another violation. • On their third offense, a student will not be allowed to receive any letters of recommendation from any faculty member in the school. • Students must write an apology letter to their teacher for each first, second, and third offense. Information from www.fcps.edu/CentrevilleHS

John Hwang,11 Photos by Cortney Mecimore

A Teacher’s Perspective: Linus Downes, AP US Government The Westfield Honor Code should be kept intact and consequences strengthened. Parents and students sign the code and understand the consequences. Parents have the responsibility to teach and exemplify honor, integrity and character and schools should reinforce these societal norms and expectations. Students should be accountable for their actions and the honor code ensures this. Everyone understands exactly what is expected and the just consequences of compromising their honor and integrity. Regarding removal from office and membership - Students join and are appointed/elected to positions because they are presumed to have great character and who should set an example of integrity. These people have voluntarily applied for these organizations, run for these high offices and editorships, and accepted these positions. With great power and leadership comes the responsibility to set an ethical example. It is fitting that if such people cheat,

they lose their memberships, appointments and offices. This preserves the reputations of these organizations. Some current first-offense consequences are too lenient. Instead of being recommended for removal from honor societies, students should be dismissed for a first offense. Instead of being suspended from class/Student Government Association office, editorship and/or other academic leadership positions for 90 days, students should be dismissed and be ineligible for all honor societies, editorships, academic leadership positions and class/SGA offices for the remainder of their academic careers at Westfield. All freshmen should be given a 45 minute class by administrators, the first week of school, on the honor code, and the consequences for violating the code, with video/power point examples of violations: plagiarism, cheating, misrepresentation/lying, stealing, and prohibited use of technology. All transfer students should also be given this class.

14 volume 12, issue 7

arts&entertainment television American Idol ratings

drop due to new talent seeking shows; see 16

What

volume 12, issue 7

movies The Lorax conveys

internet Pinterest grows fan

an important message for children and adults; see 17

base, takes away from other internet crazes; see 18

Wear When the Weather Gets Warm - Emily Sharpe

“It makes me feel like a grandma. Old people are great inspiration!”

Photos by Anne Culbertson

Featured: “It’s a good transition outfit. It shows off my personal style,” Robin Iritz, 11, said.

• Loose plum and flower colored blazer • Simple muted, powder blue short sleeve shirt “I like to wear it all the way up my arm. I wear jewelry because it makes me feel fancy.”

“It’s really soft. Gap makes the best shirts.”

• Khaki capris with a rolled cuff • Plum colored platform Tstrap heels • Elaborate silver bangle bracelet

“Khakis are a fun alternative to jeans.”

“Platforms remind me of the ‘70s; it’s fun. I like to wear that style a lot.”

Heet Squad Becomes Heated Over ‘Stuff Westfield Guys Say’ Video Even after controversial calls in football games and heartbreaking losses for both schools, the Westfield-Centreville rivalry continues on through cyberspace. Centreville girls got together to make videos called “Stuff Westfield Guys Say,” but nothing was taken to heart. This sarcastic video poked fun at the students . “I thought the videos were pretty funny. They did a good job demonstrating how some people talk here. It’s fun to have people make videos of you because you know they are thinking about you,” Austin Redman, 12, said. Even before the girls posted the video to Facebook, they gave a few students a warning about what they were going to do. “All of my friends are cool with the Centreville girls who made the video. My ex-girlfriend gave me a heads up they were going to use my sweatshirt for a video,” Redman said.

The videos, though directed towards the school as a whole, were primarily aimed at a group of seniors, commonly known as the “heet squad.” The girls made specific shout outs towards Wade Arduini, 12. Though taken as a joke amongst most students, some members of the “heet squad” said they still may have a response in the future. “We don’t have anything planned at the moment, but you never know, the heet squad might have something up their sleeve,” Jimmy Wruk, 12, said. Although the video included direct insults toward Arduini, he knew all the girls in the video so he took no offense to it. “My first reaction to the video was I thought it was funny; I’m not sure if I’ll have a response yet,” Arduini said. The members of the “heet squad” may have thought that the video was funny, but other students

thought it was a less than satisfactory performance. “I saw the video the first day it came out, and all they did was talk about how kids at our school talk different. The kids should not take any offense because it was a harmless video that means absolutely nothing,” Joey Esposito, 12, said. Because the students from both schools are friends, the Centreville girls who made the video invited Westfield students to join them in a possible sequel. “They wanted my group of friends to make a second video with them, but I doubt that will ever happen,” Redman said. The “heet squad” is not offended by the videos at all, and are looking at the bright side of the situation. “No offense was taken at all; I personally thought it was awesome. I know the girls who did it, and hey, haters are going to hate,” Wruk said. - Nick Thayer

Lord Covers Popular Songs

For the past two years Quinton Lord, 12, has released several covers and remixes of popular songs in pursuit of a future singing career. “I’ve been singing ever since I was young, then one day I just decided to do it; I went out, bought a mike and it just went from there,” Lord said. At first Lord found it tough to sing and produce songs. He started by posting his versions of songs on to his YouTube channel for others to listen to. After Lord received positive feedback he started to become more ambitious in his song choices. “I was surprised at how musically talented he was. Over the years [since he first started making songs] it’s showing how much he’s developed. It’s amazing how much he and his music have changed,” Julius Rosa, 12, said. Soon after, he posted his first full music video, a remix to the popular

Nicki Minaj song, “Moment 4 Life.” “I just wanted to put my own spin on that song. I really tried to make it my own and just kind of show people what I’m about,” Lord said. Lord has quickly built a positive reputation amongst his peers, with several of his recently released songs achieving great popularity. “My favorite song of his is his most recent one, ‘Drank in My Cup.’ He’s already one of my favorite artists and I think he sounds like Chris Brown. I think that anyone who hasn’t listened to him yet is missing out,” Zach Elcano, 12, said. Arguably the most popular of his posts has been “Twerk City,” another one of his remixes, performed with Rosa and Christian Mbualungu, 12, based off the song, “Rack City.” “Quinton is a very talented, upcoming producer. He knows what effects to put on songs to

make them flow,” Rosa said. While he has not begun to produce his own original music, Lord thinks he could begin to make his own songs sometime in the near future. He has begun to plan the release of a mix tape with all his current songs on it. “Once I can start to find my own original beats, I’m going to try and start making my own. It’s difficult because the area is lacking in producers but I’ve started to look. I’m also planning on releasing a mix tape sometime soon,” Lord said. While not sure what the future holds in regards to a singing career, Lord knows he will always enjoy the experience of making music. “I’m just going to keep on doing music because I like it. I have a definite passion for it and I’m just going to see where it takes me down the road,” Lord said. -Patrick Deegan

a&e

16 volume 12, issue 7

American Idol Falls to Competition American Idol, in its eleventh season, has experienced the lowest ratings since the iconic singing competition premiered 12 years ago. In the past three seasons, the judging panel has gone through drastic changes including the exit of the famous “mean” judge Simon Cowell and his counterpart Paula Abdul. The current panel, in their second season, includes long time veteran judge Randy Jackson, pop singer and actor Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler. American Idol was originally the only big singing competition but with the addition of The Voice and The X-Factor, competition has risen and American Idol has had trouble keeping up. Cowell departed from American Idol so he could bring his UK hit, The X-Factor, to the United States. To add to the betrayal, Cowell invited former Idol judge Abdul.

americanidol.com

The X-Factor allows group auditions and solo acts with no age limit. Each judge is assigned a category to mentor and works with contestants to pick songs, staging and wardrobe. While The X-Factor stole judges from American Idol, The Voice has stolen a large portion of the Idol fan base. The Voice’s new spin on the traditional singing competition increased the show’s popularity, leading to a decline in Idol fans.

Instead of judges like the X-Factor, The Voice has a panel of coaches including Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine. The coaches also have a famous consultant to help contestants before they battle. One of the most famous consultants is Kelly Clarkson, first season American Idol winner. Clarkson, turning on her Idol past, says The Voice offers a better format for singers to succeed. When

Editor’s Picks Spring has finally set in and the temperature has quickly shot up, leaving little time for people to adjust. In order to keep cool, spend the weekend relaxing and enjoying a couple local activities such as watching a highly anticipated movie, dining at a new restaurant or taking a tour around D.C. With these few ideas the only thing that could go wrong is a possible spring shower. - Kayleen Bell, Emily Sharpe After reading the books I was excited to see the movie. It didn’t disappoint and even had quotes directly from the book. thehungergamesmovie.com

Although Clyde’s is not a new restaurant I love going there because they have the best milkshakes. I always get the Nutella milkshake. It’s to die for. clydes.com

The D.C. Duck tour is really relaxing both on water and on land. It is a totally different of view of DC than I’ve ever seen before. dcducks.com

To read our review of the highly anticipated Hunger Games movie visit our website. www.westfieldstudentmedia.com/watchdog

the new judges came to American Idol, producers tried to answer complaints that good contestants get voted off the show earlier than other competitors by adding in a “judges save.” Whether or not American Idol can increase their viewership while The Voice is gaining popularity is hard to tell. If Idol producers wish to continue to be the most successful competition, they are going to have to make some major changes. - Maddie Gray

Project X Portrays Out of Control House Party Project X follows the story of three seniors who decide to throw a birthday bash to make a name for themselves at their school. Thomas, the birthday boy, played by Thomas Mann, and his crush and childhood friend, Kirby, played by Bliss Blanton, host the obscure party. Thomas’ two best friends Costa, played by Oliver Cooper, and JB, played by Jonathan Daniel Brown, planned and executed the extreme house party. The film was loosely inspired by a house party thrown by Corey Worthington from Melbourne, Australia. Worthington, then only 16 when he posted about his party on MySpace, attracted over 500 teens. For the main characters, the day started off as a typical day, but appeared to be just another Hollywood inter-

pretation of “high school life.” The seniors looked at least 20, the jocks bullied the “losers,” and the popular girls looked like super models. Everything was out of control and hundreds of people had arrived; Thomas, being responsible for the house and the car didn’t know what to do. The opening was purposely filmed with a shaky camera but nevertheless made viewers dizzy. To achieve the desired affect, producers shot most of the movie footage using cellphone and flip cameras. Through the use of raw footage from real parties, viewers felt like they were a part of it all. Although Project X is an exaggerated version of a house party it made $26.9 million overall. - Angela Pathammavong

And the

a&e

Regional Gabe Alhussain,11- Sculpture, Occupied Olivia Bodor, 12- Painting, Variance Painting, Legacy Drawing, Windows Lauren Capik, 12- Digital Art, Guardian’s Change Masie Chong, 12- Photography, Megan Photography Portfolio Anne Culbertson, 12- Photography Portfolio Mika Lin, 12- Design, Advertisement Art Portfolio Ksenia Muzyka, 11- Design, Airplane Mary Philmlee, 12- Sculpture, Up In the Air Amelia Tawakalzada, 12- Painting, Plague in My Mind

Award Goes to...

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards honor students for their dedication to the arts. The nationwide awards date back to 1923, and have honored people such as Andy Warhol and Truman Capote. The organization recognizes and honors a diverse group of categories such as

Gold Key Winners

march 23, 2012

digital art, photography, drawing, ceramics, mixed media and many more. Several students have spent the entire year compiling pieces of artwork to submit in hopes of winning a scholarship. Twenty-one students from the school earned recognition, the most in Fairfax County.

Silver Key Winners National

Certificate of Merit Regional

Masie Chong, 12- Photography Portfolio Regional

Amanda Bartoe, 11- Drawing Olivia Bodor, 12- Art Portfolio Carlos (Paco) Gallegos, 12- Design

Molly Burns, 12- Photography, Empowerment Masie Chong, 12- Photography, Ghost Elizabeth Dunford, 11- Painting, Allies and Enemies Luisa Lacsamana, 11- Digital Art, Sky Is Womb and She is the Moon Sunghoon Lee, 12- Art Portfolio, Table

Jennifer Kim, 11- Drawing Sunghoon Lee, 12- Drawing Ma Joelle Lingat, 12- Photography Mary Philmlee, 12- Art Portfolio Maybelle Quiroz, 12- Drawing Duncan Somers, 12- Photography Photography Portfolio

Ma Joelle Lingat, 12- Photography Portfolio Lucia Rodriguez, 12- Photography, Mi Papá

For more about Masie Chong’s national award and to view award winning pieces of art, visit our website. www.westfieldstudentmedia.com/watchdog

The Lorax Incorporates Environmental Concern The Lorax, based on the book by Dr. Seuss, is a whimsical remake that draws attention to the importance of protecting the environment. The movie expands on the original movie in which the Once-ler tells a boy the tale of how he cut down all the trees. In the most recent version of The Lorax, the boy, Ted, is played by Zac Efron. The storyline continues as he goes on a mission to find a tree in order to impress an older girl named Audrey, played by Taylor Swift. What he finds instead is a dark secret in the town. The Lorax, played by Danny Devito, arrives when the first tree is cut down and is there to “speak for the trees.” The message behind the movie, the importance

of saving the planet before it is too late, is one everyone should hear. The producers changed the Once-ler from a halfhuman-half-creature, into a full human so there is no scapegoat for human

activity degrading the environment. The producers’ goal was to reveal what tragedies would ensue if overproduction and overconsumption continues. Even though the Once-

theloraxmovie.com

ler’s change to full human was necessary, some other changes to the original classic Dr. Suess’ books were unnecessary and resulted in the loss of some of the magic that made the books so incredible.

The love story between Ted and Audrey almost over-shadowed the importance of protecting the environment. To bring more attention to the message and the movie, the producers brought in notables such as Devito, Efron, Betty White, Swift and Ed Helms. The incorporation of music scenes made the movie more childish and killed the intensity of the message. However, these scenes also did a good job of making the movie unpredictable with such a famous plot by breaking up the plot with random songs. Although Swift is a singing phenomenon, the movie did not have any solos where she could shine. It would have been nice

if producers had given her a larger singing role in the film so that her fans would not be so disappointed. The combination of action, love and furry characters made The Lorax a film for all ages. The animation for the film was bright and colorful, in contrast to the original version. The makers of the movie kept with the original style of drawings Dr. Seuss books are known for. The movie dominated the box office and surpassed the expectations, making around $122 million. The opening day was Dr. Seuss’ 108th birthday anniversary. The movie leaves viewers thinking about their actions and impact on the environment. - Mary Anna Garifo

a&e Very Pinterest-ing

18 volume 12, issue 7

The latest social media craze, Pinterest, is unlike any other type of network. Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr allow users to interact with friends, meet new ones and post random statuses and photos. Pinterest allows users to pin pictures on to an online pin board to draw inspiration for different projects. Pinners have the ability to post photos of any subject on categorized or general boards for others to view.

really popular “onIt’sthegotten app store. It is one of the top downloaded apps,

”

Katie O’Brien, 9, said.

There are also different categories you can see pins under, such as women’s apparel, photography, DIY & Crafts, Food & Drinks, fitness, home décor and several others. Over the past few months the site’s popularity has escalated and has even made appearances on other social media websites such as Facebook. - Ashleigh Bielen

“I like to go on Pinterest because it helps me plan my future wedding. Also, I get really cute hair ideas,” Julissa Flores, 12, said. “It’s more interesting [than Facebook or Twitter] because I can look up what interest me. I like all the healthy recipes,” Victoria Karl, 11, said.

“I like how everyone posts ideas for different crafts, it gives me ideas to make things, write, and paint,” Zoe Hawryluk, 9, said.

“I’ve made a couple of the recipes and cooking stuff. My mom used to ban me from going on twitter [too much] now its pinterest,” Lauren Borst, 10, said.

You are able to share “different pictures and

ideas. There are so many things to get ideas from, Cheryl Lozano, 10, said.

”

Photos by Molly Burns and Anne Culbertson

Journey Brings Different Online Experience Journey is not a perfect game, but created by Thatgamecompany, the small team from Arizona creates a game that brings fans of video games a fantastic online game. Unlike other games on the market like the first person shooter Call of Duty and the overly repetitive Madden series, Journey brings something new and refreshing. Instead of killing and challenging other players across the nation on Playstation Network, Journey makes players work together to reach a common goal. The game’s plot is ridiculously simple, as players will control an unnamed adventurer as he or she will try to reach a mountain’s peak. The character’s ambition and goal is unclear, and the player will never find out why this innocent, red-caped hero is walking and flying a million miles just to climb this mountain. Players should not get too wrapped up in the story but the beautiful design and easy, addicting gameplay should keep the player hooked for a couple of hours. As players roam the different levels, they will meet players who look exactly the same and have the same exact goal. There is no dialogue; one of the biggest challenges

Thatgamecompany.com

the game holds is getting two players that don’t know each other to work together to solve puzzles scattered around the vast world. Players will cross deserts, sunken and lost cities and blizzard mountain tops with each other, with only simple head nods to communicate. The graphics are cartoonish with a mixture of realism as players will get captivated by the amount of detail is in the game. Everything from grains of sand to textures in carpet are shown, but still contain a childish feel to it, giving out a different feel. The developers out do

themselves, as the game with the price of only $15 but worth the price of a regular $60 game. The only complaint that may arise is that the game is relatively short and can probably beaten within two to three hours. With such a short story to tell, of course replay ability is relatively low, but for a $15 game, it’s absolutely superb. Even though the video game probably will not become a major blockbuster game like the Halo or the Uncharted series’, Journey should definitely be picked up and played by any fan of the adventure video game genre. -Luke O’Roark

sports

volume 12, issue 7

softball line-up looks to bring

success within the Concorde District; see 20

girls’ lacrosse starts season winning two games in a row; see 21

boys’ lacrosse faces early season obstacles in a path to success; see 22

Baseball Looks to Improve From Last Season

Photos by Anne Culbertson

(above) Ryan Wittman, 11, swings at plate in a 7-5 loss to Woodbridge. (below) Wade Arduini, 12, pitches in a 7-5 loss to the Woodson Cavaliers.

he baseball team is seeking to learn and improve this season, after last season ended with a loss in the regional tournament. Despite going 16-7 in the regular season, the baseball team could not keep the streak alive through the playoffs, a problem they’ve been suffering with for the last couple years. “We ended the season last year in the region tournament running into an undefeated buzz saw, South County. We hated to end the season that way. It left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth,” head coach, Chuck Welch, said. The disheartening end

to last season provided the team with extra motivation to work harder in offseason in order to achieve success later in the season. “Last year we didn’t live up to our potential and we were disappointed by the result of the season. We are working on getting our fundamentals down before we jump into this season,” Ryan Vosburgh, 12, said. Players prepared physically with Welch’s Ironman workouts, as well as mentally in order to be ready for the start. “Our goal every off season is to become stronger and better athletes. We prepare as best as we

can through hard work and play one pitch at a time. If you have done all of your homework, things take care of themselves,” Welch said. The team has seven returning seniors who now have to fill different roles in their final season playing at Westfield. “As seniors, we need to be the ones to lead our team to victory,” Vosburgh said. The team began their season by scrimmaging Lake Braddock, Stone Bridge and Madison, which helped the players evaluate their game. “All of the scrimmages showed us that we need to all be on the same page and communicate more. If we can do that, we will be fine,” Captain Kyle Corwin, 12, said. The season started off on the wrong foot, as the first game against the Woodbridge Vikings resulted in a 7-5 loss. “I thought that we played well, but we need to improve our heart as a team and play better defensively,” Wade Arduini, 12, said. The close score provided a source of disappointment for the team. “We feel like we could

have won the game and that’s worse, but we have to learn from our mistakes and come back stronger,” Ryan Wittman, 11, said. The loss gave the team a chance to see what aspects of the game caused them problems. “Woodbridge has a couple of very good hitters that we had trouble with. Our defense had a couple miscues that hurt us a couple of times as well,” Welch said. The team bounced back against the Loudoun Valley Vikings in their second game, winning by a score of 9-4. “The season is all about getting and playing better, and we definitely played better as a team to get our first win of the season,” Vosburgh said. The Loudoun Valley game gave the team an opportunity to make the lessons learned from the Woodbridge game into practice. “Against Loudoun Valley, our goal was to be more aggressive at the plate and we were, having several extra base hits and two home runs. We played great defense throughout the game as well,” Welch said. -Mike Sander

Boys’ 4x400 and 4x800 Win States, Place Fifth in Nation The Boys’ Indoor Track team was confident about its upcoming races at states, as it won the district and region for the first time since 2007. “Running in states was really exciting to think about, but as the date got closer I got much more anxious and nervous,” Brenden Wallace, 9, said. With states only a week after the regional tournament, the team’s practice changed during that week toward team bonding rather than conditioning. “Practice was much less physically challenging, and we focused more on getting in the right mindset to compete in states,” Troy Sevachko, 11, said. At the state tournament held in Richmond, Va. the boys 4x800 team of Max Chambers, 11, Nathan Kiley, 11, Jef-

frey Edmondson, 11, and Tyrone Walker, 12, won first place in the state with a time of 7:53.75, beating second place Oakton by a mere .76 seconds. The boys 4x400 team, composed of Chambers, Kiley, Walker, and Sevachko also won first place in the state with a time of 3:23.76, edging out Annandale by .95 seconds. Kiley earned third place in the 500 m dash at the meet. Others that competed at states were Lia Sumner, 12, and Anthony Richardson, 11, in the shot put, Wallace in the 500 m dash, Justin Little, 12, in the high and triple jump, and the boys 4x200 relay team, composed of Alex Krall, 12, Alex Moses, 10, Kendall Anderson, 12, and Walker. “I wasn’t really surprised that both relays won, but I was proud and excited for them. I saw

them race all season and I knew they had a good chance to win first,” head coach Kelly Deegan said. The two first place performances by the relay teams qualified the team for the Nationals meet held in Newport News, New York. “I was at a loss for words when I heard we were going to nationals. It has been an awesome experience this season and it was a great opportunity,” Steven Mitchell, 12, said. The team’s relays set themselves up to high standards after their first place performances at states. “We were looking forwards towards nationals and we wanted to place high in both relays,” Sevachko said. At the national tournament the 4x800 team won fifth place and set a new school record with a

time of 7:45.51. Wallace competed in the Freshman 400 meter run, earning third place with a time of 52.39. The 4x400 team also competed, but fell short of their goals, earning eleventh place with a time of 3:23.66. “The relay did run faster than at states, but the scheduling of the meet the day before had us up late watching the 4x800, and that threw us off and affected our race time,” Deegan said. After their third place performance in states and their fifth place finish in Nationals, the team is optimistic about this upcoming Outdoor Track season. “I think the team can improve two more places in states for Outdoor, and we can definitely work hard to do well in future post-seasons,” Chambers said. -Jared Gruber

Photo courtesy of Ed Lull

Tyrone Walker, 12, received the baton from fellow runner Nathan Kiley, 11, during the state tournament in Richmond, Virginia. The boys’ 4x400 and 4x800 placed first in both categories.

sports

20 volume 12, issue 7

Softball Starters Contribute Leadership, Teamwork After losing six seniors last year and a state run, softball has replenished its starting line-up winning its first game against South County 4-2. Many players are returning to varsity, such as Meghan Heinecke, Kayleen Megan Heniecke, 11, left field, pitcher: Heinecke serves two positions for the lady bulldogs, as a pitcher and a left fielder. Heinecke alternates with fellow pitcher Keona Gaines, 11. Heinecke understands the importance of game knowledge on the field, especially as a pitcher. “Pitchers need to be well put together and always have their head in the game,” Heinecke said. Heinecke usually focuses on pitching during practice. “We throw long disKeona Gaines, 11, third base, pitcher: Gaines, like Heinecke, plays two positions for the Bulldogs: pitcher and third base. Team members recognize Gaines’ vocal impact on the team, on the pitching mound, and on third base. “Keona is very loud and is constantly communicating with everyone on field. She sets the tone for the game,” Lexi Sco-

Kayleen Bell, 12

ville, 1 2 said. In addiJackie tion to communication, emotions are important on feld. “If the pitchers are flustered, everyone else will be too,” Carrie Otroba, 12, said.

Kathleen Watkins, 10

Anne Marie Galati, 10

Given,11

Carrie Otroba, 12 Keona Gaines, 11

Lexi Scoville, 12

the importance of on-field communication to keep the game progressing, as well as constantly working as a team by deciding what plays are appropriate to call in situations. “The catcher and pitcher have to work well together or else the game won’t flow smoothly. We have to be in constant communication and put in a lot of teamwork, or else things will not go the way we want,” Heinecke said.

everyone elses, it takes the fun out of March Madness. In several classes, we also pick the winners of each round and my fellow students walk around bragging about how nobody can beat Syracuse, when last year they were rooting for Ohio State, and the year before, they were rooting for Florida. I personally can not see how rooting for the number one seed every single tournament can make it fun to watch. Along with the bandwagoners taking over March Madness, another big concept of the whole tournament is the upset aspect. Almost everyone watching the tournament is rarely watching it to watch basketball, but to watch the teams that barely made the tournament beat the great schools like Duke and Michigan.

field. Bell has risen to the position of center fielder, and her leadership plays a key role for her teammates in the outfield. “As center field Kayleen controls the outfield. She directs everyone, and steps up as a leader,” Heinecke said.

Caitlyn Rudy, 11

March Madness Turns Everyone into a Fan As the countdown to March Madness got closer and closer, you could start noticing that somehow a person that has no affiliation with a school would be the biggest fan. Bandwagoners have been around since the beginning of time, but in the 2012 NCAA tournament, kids that have lived in Northern Virginia their whole life are suddenly Kentucky or Syracuse fans. It would be one thing for a person to root for the underdog team, such as VCU or GMU a couple years back, but for a person to come out and say that they are an Ohio fan and that they have always been an Ohio fan is kind of ridiculous. March Madness for me is without a doubt my favorite time of the year and when people go around bragging that “their team” is better than

Kayleen Bell,12, center field: In the outfield, the center fielder is often the leader and helps with ball control in the o u t -

tances, with weighted balls to increase our strength, and we practice different game like scenarios to prepare for games,” Heinecke said.

Meaghan Heinecke, 11

Lexi Scoville, 12, catcher: Scoville is the returning starting catcher and has been a varsity member for four years. Scoville is the play maker, calling the appropriate plays and pitching calls based on the game situation. “As catcher I have to have a lot of game sense, and constantly be aware during games,” Scoville said. Scoville and the pitchers recognize

Bell, Keona Gaines, Lexi Scoville, Carrie Otroba, and Jackie Given. New sophomores and juniors have filled in the field positions once held by last year’s seniors.

It shows that any team can win and hard work definitely does pay off. One of the most famous upsetting teams is VCU and their secret is all the hard practice that they put in before the tournament. The coach made the team run one on one full court games as soon as practice finished up. It clearly showed at the end of the game when they were playing a number five seed and they were at full strength compared to Wichita State, who was too tired to compete. The upsets are by far the biggest part of March Madness and as soon as an underdog wins, there will always be those few that claim they were always a fan. It will always exist and bandwagoners with out a doubt take away from the fun of rooting for the home team when it comes to the tournament. -Dylan Brown

Carrie Otroba,12, first base: Returning varsity, and starting first basemen, Otroba has a large role on the team “As first baseman, I have to be able to catch all throws. I am the last resort for my team during plays and they have to put a lot of trust in my

abilities to make a play,” Otroba said. “Carrie is always optimistic and a strong hitter during games,” Scoville said Otroba hopes to accomplish the same feats as last year. “I hope to go undefeated in the district and region, and hopefully go to states,” Otroba said.

-Tatum Roessler

Graphics by Michaela Reardon

this month’s

scoreboard 3/2

3/16

3/20

Basketball ends season in state quarterfinal lost to Henrico 56-52

Boys’ Lacrosse fell to the Battefield Bobcats 11-9 in the Bulldog Invitational

Boys’ Lacrosse overcomes Dominon 7-5 at home

3/12

3/19

3/21

Softball pulls a victory over South County 4-2, the first home win of season

Girls Lacrosse 1-0 after defeating Loudoun Valley 18-5 in their first game of the season

Boys Soccer succumbs to the Langley Saxons ending in a 3-0 loss

3/15

3/19

3/21

Girls Soccer ties 1-1 with Woodson in the ladies’ home opener

Baseball defeats Loudoun Valley High 9-4 to start season at 1-1

Girls Soccer ties Langley 1-1, the ladies improve to a 0-0-2 record

sports

march 23, 2012

Casey Helps, Mentors Teammate After Injury The varsity soccer team this year has brought in many new players. Katie Roberts, 10, is a new keeper for the varsity team as she did not play last year because of an ACL injury in September. “Varsity is good, I like the coach and I am looking forward to learning from Shannon,” Roberts said. Roberts has been a keeper since she was 10 years old and looks to improve this year from current starting keeper Shannon Casey, 12. “The players on varsity are older and more experienced, I am hoping they can show me a lot of new skills,” Roberts said. Casey is the main keeper for varsity and has been on the team since her freshman year. “We focus on different things at the practices; I make sure to correct any mistakes she makes,” Casey said. Casey has helped Rob-

erts accommodate to the varsity level and has brought a sisterly bond to the two. “I try to help Katie improve but I really just want to make her a better player and make sure she is part of the team,” Casey said. The senior keeper finds potential not only in Roberts, but also the freshmen who are new to the team. “I like [the team] a lot we have a great group of girls, the freshman are good payers and everyone is sweet. We have the ideal team in every way possible,” Casey said. Roberts and Casey are trying to focus on Robert’s keeper technique more in practice. “We work a lot at practice on finishing. The whole team works hard everyday to try and improve individually and as a team,” Roberts said. Casey hopes to see Roberts as the start for the

Photo by Molly Burns

Keeper Shannon Casey, 12, looks for an outlet pass during a 1-1 tie against Woodson. Casey has helped back up goalie Katie Roberts, 10, recover from her ACL injury and keep up with the team. next couple of seasons, as Casey wants her skills to rub off on Roberts. “[The players are] really nice and have lots

Girls’ Lacrosse Starts the Season With Early Wins, Young Roster Starting the season with a record of 2-1, girls’ lacrosse looks to dominate the Concorde District with a young, fast paced team this season. “All of the underclassmen on the team bring something to the team. [Upperclassmen] give every one of them a chance on the team. We know they’ll work hard this year, and help us out,” Kelly Duncan, 11, said. The girls’ won two games in a row as they beat Battlefield 14-7 and went on to dominate Loudoun Valley, 18-5 as Molly O’Sullivan, 10 and team captain Katie Manning, 11 combined for a total of 13 goals. So far this season, the girls’ have scored on average 15 points per game and have only given up an average of eight points per game. “We’re just going to use the wins to start the season off on the right foot and begin the season with a bang,” Manning said. Manning has been on the varsity program since her freshman year, as her face offs and leadership will be vital for the team’s success this season. “I just try to get everyone pumped up before the game. I really care for the

team and the sport and I just hope every one holds the same passion as I do,” Manning said. The team consists of seven players that are underclassmen, with sophomores M. O’Sullivan, Kayla O’Sullivan Meghan Heick, Katelyn Rennyson, Grace Horgan, Lindsay Slover, and freshman Paige Esposito. Esposito has been playing lacrosse with some of the sophomores since childhood. “It’s kind of cool to be the youngest on the team, because I know everyone on the team supports me,” Esposito said. Slover, goalie for the team, was brought up to varsity last season against Oakton. She became the second half starter for the team and looks to continue to help the team at the position. “I know how varsity is now that I’ve experienced it from last season. I love the team and going from JV to varsity, I’ve learned how fast the game is,” Slover said. Head coach, Katie Ruch, has set up offensive and defensive schemes to help the underclassmen called “motion” to create space and movement without the ball. “She has a lot of new

plays for us that we’re not used to, but with the talent on this team we should be able to get it down and perfect it,” Manning said. Most of the girls on the team are familiar with one another, as more than half the roster is filled with girls that were on the state qualifying field hockey team earlier this fall. “Majority of the team is already familiar with each other and since we had field hockey already, most of us know each other’s work ethic and how to play together,” Duncan said. The girls are using hard work and persistence to help them prepare for the rest of the season, as the team will travel to Virginia Beach for a tournament over spring break. “The competition will be good, as it will be nice to play teams outside of our district. Anytime you travel [as a team], its a good opportunity to get to know each other, as I’m sure the trip will help them bond on and off the field,” coach Ruch said. The team will go on to play Stone Bridge on Mar. 24 and South County on Mar. 26 and look to continue their winning ways against the outer conference teams. -Luke O’Roark

of potential and it’s nice to have an actual backup goalie,” Casey said. The girls’ soccer team have stumbled out of the

gate so far this season, posting a 0-2-2 record. “We have some pieces of the puzzle to work on and put together, but

we are very talented and I think we will surprise some people,” head coach Kristina Williams said. - Natalie Sharpe

22 volume 12, issue 7

sports

Boys’ Lacrosse Faces Difficulties, Obstacles As the clocked ticked down on the final seconds of the last game of the 2011 season, the boys varsity lacrosse team watched as the chances of a playoff birth slipped away before their eyes with a 7-7 record. This year, the team returns with new weapons, and a more experienced and overall skilled lacrosse team. “We have brought in a new coaching staff, and new captains. We also got some new orders of equipment, and it makes us feel unitized, and when we feel like a team we play like a team,” Cody Grimes, 11, said. The team utilizes the underclassmen and gained a new mindset for the rest of the season, with the “win everyday” motto to help them get farther than they did in the 2011 season. The players are not the only factors that would lead to success in the upcoming season. head coach Phil Polizzotti has

had a strong effect on the teams mindset. “He made us wear sweats all the way up to our first game, and we had so much testing that at times it got pretty annoying. With him, it is basically just his way or the highway,” Joey Esposito, 12, said. The high tension between the coach and players has also had an effect on the practices. The team has found new hope however, with the seniors stepping up

and leading the team. Senior captains Mo Katz, Michael Garcia, have been the major leaders on the team, boosting confidence and the overall skill of the team as a whole. “I think the senior class as a whole is really talented, and the underclassmen definitely respect us. A couple of guys have stepped up this year, especially the captains, and that is the difference between this year and last year,” Mo Katz, 12, said. -Dylan Brown

Photos by Molly Burns

(left) Erik Skahn, 12, makes contact with an O’Connell player on his way to the goal. (right) Alston Cocke, 11, evades a defender and makes a move towards the goal in the Bulldogs first victory against O’Connell.

New Boys’ Soccer Team Brings Success

Photo by Anne Culbertson

Sergio Arzubiaga, 12, dribbles the ball up field against Freedom. Arzubiaga would go on to head in the game winning goal, leading Westfield to victory, 3-2. “Stone Bridge was a nder the leadership of the field. of new head coach “We have a very good great learning experiNeil Rae, boys soccer team all-around; we have ence for us and gave us a looks to improve upon all the right pieces in place chance to work out all the last year’s finish. This and we are all very con- little things in our game,” year’s squad has six re- fident we can succeed,” Rae said. Rae and his staff wantturning starters and many Rich White VI, 12 said. underclassmen with the This is White’s first ed to give the newer playhope of making a run to season on varsity, playing ers some playing time and the playoffs. center defender and is the gain some very early experience “The team as a whole boy’s defensive captain. “It wasn’t the outcome is very competitive, es“Defense is a strong pecially the seniors since point for this team we we wanted but it was a it’s our last shot at a title. have a great group of guys great opportunity for the We are always challeng- we can rotate in and out younger guys to get out ing each other to become I have the utmost con- there and show us what better and hopefully it fidence in our defense,” they got, and we will need them in the long run,” leaves a lasting impression Rae said. on some of the younger Rae is confident in his Drew Wiltsie, 11 said. This is Wiltsie’s third guys,” Avi Bose, 12, said. defense even after early There is a similar feel- losses to Stone Bridge and season with the team and first as a starter at midfield ing on the defensive side Woodson.

“We are very talented we just need to work out early season issues and miscommunications so we can give ourselves opportunities,” Wiltsie said. The boys made the most of their opportunities in the first win of the season, a 3-2 victory up against Freedom. “We were very fired up to play at home support from the fans fueled the victory,” Bose said. The team got two early goals from A.J. Jenkins, 10, and Danny Sosa, 11. “Getting out to an early start was key and it felt even better to do it at home,” captain Sergio Arzubiaga, 12, said. Arzubiaga, scored the game winning goal, heading it in off a corner kick from Julius Rosa, 12. “Freedom was tough and it was a well deserved win for us,” Rohan Cutlip, 12 said. The boys hope to be more consistent moving forward. “Consistency is our biggest problem we need to approach every game like we did Freedom and we will be successful,” Bose said. -Matt O’Brien

Wrestling Team Takes Part in Saint Baldricks The varsity wrestling team rallied around a cause that hit close to home, as nine team members raised money from pledges, and shaved their head to raise money for local children suffering from cancer. “Gabe Ryan’s dad passed away of cancer, so it was a great cause for the team to get involved in,” Derek Arnold, 11, said. Ryan’s father passed away in 2007 of an undiagnosed type of cancer. The disease had grown so rapidly, that doctors were unable to identify the source of the disease. Ryan’s brother-in-law contacted the St. Baldrick’s coordinator, setting up the event, which was held on March 17 at Fast Eddy’s in Centreville. “My brother-in-law convinced me to do it, and I asked a lot of my wrestling friends to do it with me, and I was happy they did it. It was a cool bonding experience,” Ryan said. The team collected money from neighbors and friends at school for the cause. All of the donations went to a local child suffering from Neuroblastoma. Brett Campbell, 12, raised $250 from family, neighbors and friends. The cause is personal

to him as his grandmother and former wrestling coach, Ryan’s father, passed away from cancer. “I really wanted to help the cause and raise awareness of the disease. We got to meet the kid we sponsored, and cancer survivors, who made me realize how much perseverance everyone had, and you have to participate in things greater than yourself,” Campbell said. After the whole team recently bleached their hair blonde some team members had to adjust to having a closely shaven head. “Having no hair has been weird. I was so used to having a lot of hair on my head. I have gotten a lot of strange looks from people, and also lots of questions as to why I shaved my head,” Tyler Morson, 11, said. For some of the team members, the experience was difficult to endure, as they listened to stories of cancer survivors, and from families and relatives of those who lost someone to caner. “The entire experience made me think back to what my dad went through, and how all of these young kids are going through the same thing he dealt with,” Ryan said. -Tatum Roessler

sports

march 23, 2012

Crew Expands Team, Adds Freshman Rowers With the lack of girl rowers on the this year’s girls crew team, freshman Corinne Kuge and Alejandra Pena Sanchez were recruited, helping the team expand in rowers. This will bring a new positive attitude into this upcoming season with newly recruited members. “Although we have a few, they are really strong and going to become valuable assets to the team. I think we might have one of the strongest freshman boats in recent history. We even have one novice racing with varsity from the start of the season,” Darby Nelson, 12, said. Kuge and Pena Sanchez have never rowed or been part of the team and are looking forward to learning the ins and outs of the crew team. Kuge has already made an impact on the team, as she has been placed on the girls’ second team boat. “Even though she is new to the team, I think she is really going to help,” Erik Walters, 11, said.

Since the team’s season does not start until March 24, the new rowers have time to adapt to the erg sprints and rowing transitions. “We’ve been working out for a month now, and we’re working on how we’re going to set up on the water and how we’re going to start the race,” captain Sean Amico, 12, said. The experienced veteran rowers have welcomed the novice rowers to the team by providing a helping hand and comfort. “At the beginning of the season, it’s tough to get things started. You just have to let them know that it will get better. Races won’t be as bad once we start working out all the kinks,” Amico said. The team is looking to start the season on the right foot, as last season the boys’ first boat placed second in nationals. “We’ve been focusing on our starts a lot, and getting out ahead and such,” Walters said. -Luke O’Roark

Photo by Anne Culbertson

Laura Anhalt, 10, and team captain Darby Nelson, 12, practice rowing for crew. With the addition of freshman rowers, the captains have attempted to help them learn how to row correctly and efficiently. The crew season starts on March 24 as the team will take part in the Polar Bear Regatta at the Occoquan.

Dance Team Wins Nationals The dance team placed first place in nationals at Florida for the first time in school history, despite only being a club team for Westfield. The girls took a four day trip to Orlando, Fla. to compete and beat out 17 other teams inside their pom division to earn the prestigious award. “It was exciting. I know that’s very generic, but we accomplished our goal for the season. We’ve all been working hard all season to get it [first place],” head coach Cindy Kilmer, said. Team captains Katie Castro, 12, and Hannah Ehreth, 12, helped the team place first as they have been inside the program since their freshman year. “Me and Hannah have been on the program since freshman year and during practice we tried to help the team stay focus and since we were the only two that went to nationals our freshman year, we wanted to keep the team focused and prepared to win,” Castro said. Coach Kilmer prepared the girls for the

competition by just continuing the teams regular routines of practice two times a week and every Sunday. “We had a lot of extra Sunday practices, we also danced at girls’ and boys’ basketball games as a dance preparation,” Breana Hobbs, 11, said. Kilmer made the girls take initiative in their own product, as she pushed the girls to practice outside of school and at home to perfect their routine and dance techniques. “We still only practiced two times a week. They’re really responsible for going home and understanding the quick changes we made. We also went every Sunday to the [Westfield] gym, 9-12 in the morning to practice and get our routine down,” Kilmer said. The girls had a set back this season, as the team did not travel to camp over the summer. Camp is a team trip that the girls’ take every year to bond and learn brand new techniques for their dance routines. “At dance camp, we learn a bunch of new

routines and perform in front of a group of judges, and based on our performances we win ribbons. We did pretty well in previous years, but this year we didn’t attend,” Hobbs said. The national team consisted of 15 dancers and five of upperclassmen who all helped bring something different to the performance. “We [as team captains] tried to help the underclassmen stay sharp with their pom techniques and formation. There are two different elements to our dances and I tried to help keep the girls sharp,” Castro said. Despite winning nationals, the girls’ season is not over as they will advance onto the Universal Dance Association National competition later this spring season. “Our year long goal, this year, was to win nationals at the Contest of Champions, and now we’re looking to take the next step and win the nationals competition that is the end all to be all,” Kilmer said. -Luke O’Roark

24 volume 12, issue 7

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