The Viking / Issue III / January 2018

THE

IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE With movements like #MeToo and TimesUp, women are finding their voices and we’re listening.

VIKING Loudoun Valley High School / Purcellville, VA / JANUARY 2018

Above / Swimming towards the finish, junior Sean Conway races in the 500 meter freestyle on January 6. Conway went on to win the race by a large margin, defeating competitors from Riverside. (photo / Caleigh Marsh)

Cover / It’s time for a change. With movements like #MeToo and TimesUp, women are finding their voices and we’re listening. (photo / Madison Stiles)

THE

VIKING Newsmagazine Staff 2017-2018

Editors-in-Chief Carleigh Rahn Griffin Hunt

Copy Editor Zach Stevenson

Online Editors Kerry Webster Brianna Henriquez

Sports Editor Claire Slook

Photo Editors Olivia deStanley Madison Stiles

Ads Managers Sadie Grant Grace Jennings Lauren Madey Madison McIntosh

Writers, Photographers, Business and Promotional Staff Max Breitenthaler, Colin Bunn, Beau Buzzelli, Heather Feconda, Erika Gesell, Riley Green, Jordan Iwerks, Ben Keane, Ella Krug, Gillian Krug, Bailey Kuhn, Casey Marrin, Caleigh Marsh, Mary Peterson, Noelle Saine, Jared Sanders, Ella Serafin, Logan Stup, Christina Thornton Adviser Paige Cox thevikingnews.com | Twitter: @lvhsviking | Instagram: lvhsviking | Snapchat: lvhsviking

Letter from the Editors

Dear Vikings, The Viking is a completely student-run and studentfunded newsmagazine, meaning that our staff is responsible for everything you see printed, unless otherwise credited. All interviews are fairly represented, and audio files are kept for reference.

Throughout the school year, our goal is to serve the student body by covering a variety of topics, ranging from serious political controversies to pop culture events.

Finally, the Viking is lucky enough to have a faculty and student body overwhelmingly supportive

of our newsmagazine. Thank you for your readership and your feedback.

Thanks, Carleigh Rahn and Griffin Hunt Editors-in-Chief

CONTENTS JANUARY 2018

4

ALLIES AND ADVOCATES

5

LOUDOUN’S LIVING ROOM

7 it’s time.

9

PRISM leaders discuss their involvement in the club and promote wellness in the LGBTQ community.

Ask any student where they get their caffeine fix, and the comfy couches and relaxing atmosphere of Market Street Coffee will come to mind.

FEEL GOOD Essential oils lead the revolution in healthy living. Kayleigh Lockhart, an avid user and major advocate of essential oils, tells of her journey to an organic lifestyle.

IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE With movements like #MeToo and TimesUp, women are finding their voices and we’re listening.

12

SPRING INTO ACTION

13

HOPE, HELP AND STRENGTH

15

PUBLIC EDUCATION

The gymnastics team came out of the gate strong, winning their first meet of the season.

Sophomore Grace Hawk told us about their victory.

The We’re All Human Club finds strength within themselves and spreads the message of hope to others.

Reimagining public school as a core institution in the framework of American democracy.

Right / Junior Robby Adams drives to the hoop for a lay-up in the boys varsity basketball game on January 3. The team defeated the visiting Raiders 88-41. / (photo / Gillian Krug)

ALLIES AND

ADVOCATES PRISM leaders discuss their involvement in the club and promote wellness in the LGBTQ community.

BY BRIANNA HENRIQUEZ It’s 3:58 PM on a Monday. Some students make their way to the library for a club meeting or more importantly, an escape from the draining day to day schedule. For most, this is more than just a check on their to do list: it’s their safe haven.

Many students feel marginalized in the community because of their sexual orientation or gender expression. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students don’t always have a safe place to feel welcome. Because of this, a number of support groups have started within schools to create outlets for these students. This club fosters an open environment for the LGBTQ students and allies, in addition to students who are not LGBTQ themselves but support the community.

Senior Ethan Rodriguez is the president of this club and continues to reach out to the community.

“I am not really the demographic most associated with marginalized factions of society. I care a lot about the rights of the LGBT community,” Rodriguez said, “It’s fun to do something and feel like you’re helping.”

According to the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) 2015 National Kris Frank, Anastazia Corbett, and School Jonathan May dancing during a Climate PRISM meeting.

Survey, 46.9% of LGBTQ students a couple of new really good mental health reported little to no staff intervention in resources this year, so I try to make sure I’m homophobic remarks at school. To combat directing situations over there,” Rodriguez that, librarian Diana Morris said. stepped forward and became the The big focus new sponsor of PRISM to give this year in the these students confidence in club is wellness of who they are. the students. One “Four or five years ago the of the new staff previous sponsor stepped members, Michael down and they were looking Skvarch, has taken for someone to take his the initiative to place because otherwise they promote positivity.

Michael Skvarch and senior Ethan wouldn’t be a club,” Morris said, Rodriguez discuss upcoming events at a “We come together and “I’ve always been a big advocate PRISM meeting. we essentially spend a lot for social justice and I feel like of time getting to know the LGBTQ each other,” said Skvarch, I’ve always been a big community “We’ve talked a lot about advocate for social justice is probably the school theme of health the most at and wellness. One of the and I feel like the LGBTQ risk among things we’ve decided to community is probably the the student do is a song share where most at risk among the population everyone brings in their student population in terms in terms favorite piece of music.” of suicide, depression, and of suicide, Both members of the depression, LGBTQ community and bullying.” and bullying.” allies are fighting for DIANA MORRIS Morris has equality. PRISM club brought the school social worker to one of brings together students who are working to their club meetings to do a ensure social justice. presentation.

“To me, it’s a safe space. It’s a place where PRISM works to promote students and teachers can get together and have suicide awareness and conversations about topics related to day-to-day mental health. According life within the LGBTQ community, but also to Rodriguez they have beyond that, like in community outreach as implemented numerous well,” Skvarch said. mental health resources this year.

“I really just try to help Photo / Olivia deStanley the people I can and facilitate. We got Layout / Carleigh Rahn

“

Why Everyone Loves Loudoun’s Living Room

BY NOELLE SAINE AND HEATHER FECONDA “It’s a cozy change of scenery and a friendly hangout environment right in the middle of town.”

KELLY KMETZ JUNIOR

“The background noise helps me focus on my work, and the caffeine boost is always nice.”

CHASE DAWSON SENIOR

“There is no rush or obligation to finish your food and leave, so it’s great for hanging out with a friend.”

KATIE AKIN JUNIOR

A

sk any student where they get their caffeine fix, and the comfy couches and relaxing atmosphere of Market Street Coffee will come to mind.

Market Street has created a unique identity for itself, one distinct from the steaming drinks most coffee shops are known for. The aesthetic lights and welcoming staff have become a second home for many students. The Market Street environment welcomes students, and encourages them to stay a while as they study or catch up with friends year round. layout / Carleigh Rahn photo / Gillian Krug

Cinnabon S ale See you every Wednesday before school and during PRIME in the mixing bowl!

We will be visiting homerooms, too.

$2 EACH

Follow The Viking @lvhsviking Check out The Viking online news site e

thevikingnews.com

The Beginners’ Guide to Essential Oils LAVENDER

FEEL

Lavender relieves anxiety, depression, as well as skin problems.

‘It’s basically the Hail Mary of oils and every oil user ever has lavender,” Lockhart said.

MELALEUCA Used mostly for hair and skin care, Melalucia has disinfecting properties that kill bacteria and viruses. “It’s basically tea tree oil for short,” Lockhart said.

GOOD Essential oils lead the revolution in healthy living.

Kayleigh Lockhart, an avid user and major advocate of essential oils, tells of her journey to an organic life style.

BY BRIANNA HENRIQUEZ

PEPPERMINT “Before every calculus test, my friends and I would rub peppermint all over our necks. It’s so great for focus and helps you concentrate,” Lockhart said. While peppermint keeps you focused, it also helps with headaches and digestion.

ON GUARD Called On Guard for it’s protective qualities, this oil supports the body’s natural defense system. “On Guard is an immune booster. It helps with colds, sore throat and even the flu,” Lockhart said.

CLARY SAGE “I typically use it every few days for stress, I also use it to help me to sleep,” Lockhart said. Clary sage is also a great helper to ease PMS cramps.

S

enior Kayleigh Lockhart’s friends can tell she is coming down the hallway simply by the soothing scent of peppermint that precedes her. It isn’t a freshly opened pack of gum, nor a new perfume. It’s her trademark: essential oils.

Lockhart isn’t the only one using these oils. She’s part of a trend that is sweeping the organic health world.

Some people who use essential oils are proponents of an all-natural lifestyle: free of medications, store-bought cleaning agents and synthetic beauty products. The efficacy of essential oils depends on the knowledge and drive of the user.

Lockhart uses essential oils to alleviate some of her high school stress. She changed her eating habits at the same time she began utilizing essential oils. She noticed that the oils were most effective when paired with a healthy diet.

“I love oils because they enable my body to function properly, on its own.

Medications manipulate your body and cause all sorts of problems—there are literally no side effects with oils,” Lockhart said.

These oils are expensive and a membership to the specific brand, doTERRA, is $25 a month. There are ways to purchase the oils without having a membership, but that route is expensive. Kayleigh and her family share a membership, and don’t find the prices discouraging because the whole family uses them.

“People complain about the cost of organic living and oils, but illness will always be more expensive than the pursuit of good health. The greatest medicine of all is to teach people not to use it; by using oils I am celebrating my body and its purpose to heal and grow,” Lockhart said.

The oils are most beneficial when used consistently, and in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle. Though an all-organic or extremely healthy diet isn’t necessary to reap the benefits of essential oils, it is recommended.

“I keep oils with me 100% of the time no matter where I am,” Lockhart said, “Because I know I’ll always have a use for them.”

layout / Brianna Henriquez and Carleigh Rahn photo / Madiosn Stiles

Hardware - Custom & Stock Millwork 121 N. Bailey Lane, Purcellville 540-338-1840

It’s time for a With movements like #MeToo and TimesUp, women are finding their voices and we’re listening.

change.

BY CLAIRE SLOOK AND KERRY WEBSTER

F

or junior Ithar Hassan, it was Matt Lauer. For English teacher Patricia Kelly, it was Garrison Keillor.

Everyone had a moment when the surge of sexual harassment allegations hit home.

The headlines are inescapable, weaving their way through every news outlet and into the lives of every citizen. TV and magazine headlines such as “Harvey Weinstein Is My Monster Too” and “Harvey Weinstein Paid Off Sexual Harassment Accusers for Decades” brought the sexual harassment epidemic to the surface.

As high schoolers, it feels challenging to prepare for our futures in college and the workplace. We assumed our future employers and male coworkers would act professionally, but how are we supposed to feel after understanding the scope of widespread gender discrimination in the “real world?”

The horror stories of sexual harassment in college campuses have a large presence in our understanding of college life. It’s a hard concept to grasp given that college is on the horizon.

“As soon as [my older sister] went to college, my parents sent her with pepper spray, a [self-defense ring] and a taser as well. It’s really bad in campus environments,” junior Sorcha Lambe said.

THE BEGINNING For decades, women have endured tiresome discrimination and unwanted sexual advances in order to simply provide for themselves and their families. Some have had to leave their field altogether, resulting in a lack of females in powerful

Less than 1% of sexual harassment perpetrators will end up in prison. (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN))

positions. Sexual harassment is responsible for movies never made, art that was never seen, startups that were never funded and voices that were never heard.

The term “sexual harassment” efficiently combines sex discrimination, unwanted sexual advances and verbal and physical harassment. The term is now part of the public lexicon, but was coined only 42 years ago by a group of activists from Cornell University.

The first sexual harassment case reached the Supreme Court in 1986. In a unanimous decision, the court ruled that sexual harassment was, in fact, a form of discrimination. Practices like giving female employees smaller bonuses or taking credit for their work were no longer permitted.

At the forefront of the sexual harassment movement was Anita Hill, a federal employee who had worked under Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas at both the United States Department of Education and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). When called to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee, she accused her former boss of sexual harassment, drawing national attention and garnering significant press.

Despite weeks of persistence, Hill’s accusations were vehemently denied.

Thomas serves as a Supreme Court Justice to this day.

Hill’s willingness to come forward, despite risking public humiliation and reflexive disbelief of her claims, gave voice to everyday women.The publicity surrounding Hill’s testimony led to a 73 percent surge in sexual harassment claims filed with the EEOC. Since then, the

number of allegations has continued to increase.

71% of women who experience

54% of people have experienced sexual harassment at work, 79%

sexual harassment do not report it. (Huffington Post).

CLOSER TO HOME Today’s major headlines document the experiences of women in Hollywood, Wall Street and Congress. However, there is another layer to the conversation, one that reveals the underlying sexism in every woman’s life—a layer that resonates with women from Purcellville.

Some girls recognize gender inequality in the classroom environment and in their daily lives.

Junior Bella Burgess, who is active in “Girl Up Club,” has taken a particular interest in how the allegations against powerful men can relate to female students at Loudoun Valley.

“There are instances in high school, we see them every single day. It comes with language-- what people say and what people do.” Burgess said. “When girls are good at math or science, it’s always been sort of a shocking thing.”

The dress code has long been a source of student complaints. However, it has recently come under scrutiny for being particularly punitive towards females. The idea seems to be to deter the male gaze by regulating what female students wear. The blame is put on women rather than men. The Violence Prevention Program Manager at Loudoun Abused Women’s Shelter, Ms. Kalyn Mace-Guilloux, provided insight into how attitudes toward the dress code have shifted.

“When I was in school the girls knew that the dress code was sexist, but we didn’t say anything. Your generation is like

being women. (AWARE)

‘hey wait a second, this is sexist,’” Macethink all of those groups have a powerful Guilloux said. potential [to make a difference].” MaceThis type of approach is also common Guilloux said. in the world of sexting. Young girls are This outpouring of graphic and told to never send inappropriate pictures sickening allegations raises an important of themselves because it will come back question: how can this generation be better? to haunt them.

Some believe “ [We need to] remind other They’re also more that attacking frequently punished guys, and everyone, that taking the root of the for sending explicit advantage of people is not an problem is the pictures. However, intrinsic part of being a man,” best way to adolescent boys are start. seldom discouraged junior Nick Tortora said. “[PEER from requesting group nude photos. According to the New York and I] are having a lot of really deep Times, boys are nearly four times as likely to conversations, beyond the obvious like pressure girls for nude images of themselves ‘it’s happening. Let’s talk about why it’s as girls are to pressure boys for the same happening,” Mace-Guilloux said. “I don’t thing. just come into students and say ‘don’t hit’ or ‘don’t rape.’ We have to get beyond the THE CURRENT CONVERSATION surface of the iceberg.”

Although most people recognize that Others believe that redefining sexism is pervasive in schools, workplaces, masculinity is a possible solution. and conversation, junior Ithar Hassan “It’s important to understand how you’re feels that the recognition of gender communicating with people,” junior Nick discrimination has been down-played Tortora said. “ [We need to] remind other because she is a minority. guys, and everyone, that taking advantage “To some people, being a Muslim female of people is not an intrinsic part of being doesn’t make sense. The stereotype we a man.” have to be submissive to a male figure is In our community, there’s a lot of something individuals think I stand for,” emphasis on what women can do to Hassan said. “It makes it easier for them prevent abuse. Sometimes the culpability to throw in a sly comment not expecting a of the abuser is overlooked. In Nairobi, reaction.”

Kenya, they’re working to find an answer Minorities are a significant part of the to this complex and multifaceted problem. conversation to combat sexism and sexual Lee Paiva, CEO and Founder of No Means harassment. Race discrimination is a crucial No Worldwide, started a program called aspect of the conversation.

IMpower. IMpower teaches girls from ages “It’s important to talk about it in all 10 to 20 about helpful self defense tactics, different races, ethnicities, religions. I while teaching young boys how to stay

Victims of sexual assault are 3 times more likely to suffer from depression. (RAINN)

For every woman with a position in the US government, there are approximately 5 men.

(World Bank)

away from gender stereotypes and how to intervene if they witness a sexual assault.

Among the 180,000 participants in the program, rape and assault has decreased by 50 percent.

While self-defense programs are available for women in the US, the closest thing that men have to this is learning the definition of sexual harassment in health class.

“I personally have not been educated much on the topic,” Tortora said. “I’ve educated myself, but I haven’t learned about it in school.”

Lambe adds her perspective on the issue, agreeing with Tortora that education about sexual harassment has generally not been extended to males.

“There needs to be more education about it,” Lambe said. “There really is no one teaching young boys that it’s not okay.”

Obviously, these conversations are uncomfortable. Discussions around sexual harassment have been taboo for years.

No one wants to accept that their favorite celebrity, artist or congressman has used their power to take advantage of those below them. However, when people push past the discomfort, something remarkable is happening. Women are finally comfortable speaking up, and their stories are being taken seriously. This is a pivotal moment that will hopefully change the stigma of reporting harassment in schools, workplaces and everywhere in between.

The number of women CEO’s at Fortune 500 companies is at 4%. (Catalyst) layout / Kerry Webster and Carleigh Rahn photo / Madison Stiles

Spring into Action The gymnastics team started off their season strong winning their first meet of the season. We interviewed sophomore Grace Hawk about their victory. BY GRIFFIN HUNT

Grace Hawk performs her vault routine at their December 7th home meet. The team went on to win the meet with a score of 134.175.

9 years of Experience Hawk has nine years ears of gymnastic experience ence

What’s going through your head?

“I think about my routine, just going through every movement and that I shouldn’t be stressed out”.

The Perfect Vault Gymnasts must accelerate down the runway, and then spring off of the springboard onto the vault.

Then they must push off keeping their arms fully extended and toes pointed. While in the air they must maintain proper form and controlled movement. Finally they must stick the landing, the slightest movement could result in points being deducted. All this occurs in a matter of seconds.

layout / Griffin Hunt photo / Olivia deStanley

We’re All Human members from left to right (top) Nate Marshall, Christian Ortmann, Joanna Jainarine, Toris Wright (bottom) Jack Garbe, Ayesha Paracha, Noah Peterson and Shannon McNerney hold wedges of the Sources of Strength wheel, representing different resources we all can call on during times of trouble.

Hope, Help and Strength The We’re All Human Club finds strength within themselves and spreads the message of hope to others.

BY CARLEIGH RAHN B Hope. Help. Strength. The Ho three th grou grounding words for Sources Sour So urce Of Strength’s mission. ur This Th national program created to spread positivity and suicide awareness has found a home in Purcellville. After a day of training and lessons about the program, the We’re All Human club works to promote just that: hope, help and strength.

Unlike other suicide prevention programs, Sources of Strength doesn’t just react to crises, it seeks to avoid them entirely. The program reaches into every corner of life and encourages people to leverage their unique sources of strength.

After conducting numerous research studies, the program decided on eight main resources people turn to for support: positive friends, family support, mentors, healthy activities, spirituality, generosity, medical access and mental health.

They then created an eightwedged wheel, with each wedge symbolizing one category.

When members of We’re All Human attended training

on November 14, they learned about the wheel and how to educate students on the web of resources available to them.

“It has made me reflect on myself and even on others.

There are [parts of the wheel] that I need to work on, and other parts I know other people need to work on too,” junior Toris Wright said. “Because even though we all have similar lives, [the wheel] is different for everyone.”

The wheel is an anchor for many club members, allowing them to recognize the best ways to cope and what internal resources they have at their disposal. But that doesn’t mean they don’t look to others for strength too. Wright uses the wheel to identify who she can lean on.

“I called on mentors a lot during my sophomore year.

Mr. Burcak had true intentions of keeping [my] mental health number one priority,” Wright said. “I didn’t care about my mental health a lot, I’d usually put my head down, but he made

me go out into the hall and find an area to relax.”

Despite increased awareness of teen mental health issues, depression rates are still on the rise, and the stigma surrounding mental health still exists.

School social worker Ann Smith thinks Sources of Strength is beneficial because it starts new conversations about depression. She believes that Sources of Strength might be just enough to tip the scale, and end the stigma.

“I think young people hear enough sadness as it is,” Smith said.

“Instead of dealing with the aftermath or in the middle of crisis, we’re trying to prevent those crises. We’re changing the script from shock, sad[ness] and trauma to hope, strength and empowerment.”

layout / Carleigh Rahn photo / Jared Sanders

ATTORNEYS AT LAW www.websterbook.com

EDITORIAL

The Promise of Public Education Reimagining public school as a core institution in the framework of American democracy.

C

urrent Secretary of Education Betsy Devos is well-known for advocating against public schools in favor of private education options, especially charter schools. To make her case for such a change, Devos paints a dystopian picture of public education in America.

Both she and the president who appointed her are fond of saying that public schools are failing America’s children, and that public education is a dead end.

We as a staff have no issue with persons sincerely looking for ways to improve the education of the 50.7 million students currently attending public schools in the United States. We do take offense, however, at the narrative of decline, inefficiency, and ineptitude that politicians use to describe the state of public education. As proud recipients of a public education, we see the baselessness of these sweeping generalizations, even as we acknowledge the inequalities of opportunities and outcomes that do exist.

We are not victims of an antiquated model of mass education, one engineered to churn out assembly line workers. On the contrary, we routinely participate in mindexpanding conversations in English class, explore the laws of the universe in science

class, and analyze the events, inventions and persons that shaped the world in which we live in history class.

But despite the patent inaccuracy and unfairness of the current caricature of public education, that caricature has come to define the way we think and talk about the subject.

We, as a school and as individuals, need to recall the promise of public education, and reconsider what we’re really doing at school on a daily basis.

Going to public school means that we constantly interact with persons of different ethnic, economic, religious and ideological backgrounds, as well as widely ranging academic aptitudes and interests. This experience can be both empowering and humbling.

Bonnie Honig, professor of political science at Brown University, writes in her book Public Things: Democracy in Disrepair that public things are necessary in a democracy because they strip persons of “fantasies of omnipotence” and replace those fantasies with feelings of “responsibility, agency, and concern.”

Public things frustrate us because we cannot bend them to our will, and therein lies their value.

Going to public school is a form of political socialization. It bears out the truth of John Donne’s statement that “no man is an island”, that all of our destinies are intertwined. In that sense, public education helps to reconcile the tension, reflected in the differing ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, between liberty and equality, absolute freedom and obligation to the community.

We’re not saying that public school is perfect, or that there is not a place for alternative education options. What we are saying is that public education deserves a lot more respect than it is currently receiving.

We encourage students to questions the shibboleths of the privatization movement, and not accept at face-value terms like “market-based solutions” and “freedom to innovate”. As is usually the case, cliches are easy to remember and repeat, but they do little to move the discussion forward.

Public education is something we should all be proud of, an institution that binds us together as participants in a grand yet fragile experiment. photo / Creative Commons layout / Zach Stevenson

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VIKING VIEW 1

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Junior Jillian Franz leaps above the balance beam during a home gymnastics meet on December 7th. (photo / Olivia deStanley)

2 Seniors Celine Fink (13) and Samantha Jackson (32) share a laugh and a shoulder bump during pre-game introductions at the varsity girls basketball game on January 10th. (photo / Gillian Krug)

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Sophomore Jenna Haran chalks her hands in preparation for her uneven bar routine at a home gymnastics meet on December 7th. (photo / Caleigh Marsh)

4 Junior Haley Pasqualone drives past a Potomac Falls defender during a varsity girls basketball game on January 10th. (photo / Gillian Krug).

5 Senior Jordan Miller prepares to dunk the ball in the varsity boys basketball game on January 3rd. The Vikings defeated the visiting Loudoun County Raiders 88-41. (photo / Gillian Krug).

layout / Olivia deStanley