The Viking Issue 3

X GAMES

UNIQUE SPORTS

TWO SIDES TO CATOCTIN A CONTROVERSY IN PURCELLVILLE

PLAY HARD, PRAY HARD A NEW CHAPTER OF FCA

Junior Sam Adams, senior Carmine Mancini and junior Winfield Wilson join the Park View dancers in the International Day assembly. The assembly incorporated four different sessions, including the dancers, an informational session about the trip to Jamaica, a speech by two students about their experiences in Italy and a presentation by four foreign exchange students. Photo/Ainsley Sierzega

viking

the

cover photo/Tierra Dongieux

Newsmagazine Staff 2012-2013

Editors-in-Chief Rachel Boisjolie Melissa Fairfax

Managing Editors Gaelyn Foster Charles Lyons

Business Manager Sheridan Suminski

Promotional Manager Meagan Solano

Layout Editor Leigh George

Photo Editor Tierra Dongieux

Online Editors Lauren Pak Charlotte Tuohy

Writers, Photographers, Business and Promotional Staff Kelly Ashley, Jennifer Colantonio, Katherine Hall-Wurst, Brianna Jennings, Courtney Morgan, Maddie Rice, Ainsley Sierzega, Rachel Snyder, Jo Trombadore

Letter from the

Editors

Adviser Paige Cox Dear Vikings, With winter break just around the corner, the holidays are everywhere!

We hope that everyone enjoyed the winter spirit week; we definitely loved seeing all of the creative outfits!

We hope that you enjoy this issue; we feel like we changed things up a bit. We have some great photographers this year and are excited to showcase their skills by incorporating some full-page photo spreads. A special shout-out to the Environmental Club members who took part in an official The Viking

photoshoot before Thanksgiving for our environmental story!

As always, our staff strived to maintain an unbiased stance in all of our articles. If you feel that you were represented unfairly, please speak to one of The Viking staff members or our adviser, Paige Cox, in room 135. This room is also always open for any comments or suggestions you have about the issue. We always love hearing feedback!

Feedback is also appreciated on our newly redesigned online newsmagazine! The online paper is

a great way for you to let your voice be heard: we have polls for you to answer and the option is always open for you to comment on any of the articles we post! Go online to the site at www.thevikingnews.com to take a look at all of the extended print articles, sports pictures and updates!

Lastly, we hope that everyone has a safe and exciting winter break!

Thanks!

Rachel Boisjolie and Melissa Fairfax, Editors-in-Chief

the

ONTENT

viking Loudoun Valley High School Newsmagazine . 340 N. Maple Ave., Purcellville, VA 20132

SPORTS// 1/X Games

FEATURE// 3/Gutenson’s Garden

IN-DEPTH// 5/Two Sides to Catoctin

NEWS// 9/Play Hard, Pray Hard 11/In Tune 13/Affirmative Action

EDITORIAL// 15/Remember the Traditions

1/SPORTS

s e

Xm a G

Bikes, sabres and skis become commonplace for these students as they pursue unique and challenging sports.

Riding since he was seven, senior Hunter Holt rides nearly every weekend in the summer but “rips” as much as he can outside of that. He got started in motocross when his dad bought him “one of the gnarliest factory bikes on the market at the time,” a PW80, for Christmas. Holt has continued ripping ever since, moving up in the world of motocross. He will race in an area qualifier in March; he will then move on to a regional race, and if he makes it past that, he will race in a national competition.

“It’s the only thing I know how to do. It feels more natural to me than walking...I will never quit riding unless my body makes me.”

See www.thevikingnews.com for pictures and a story on Mixed Martial Artist Austin McCuistion!

SPORTS/2

It’s cold, but it doesn’t get to him. He’s hidden beneath layers of clothing and equipment; the adrenaline is all that is on his mind. He skis down the slope, squatting down into each turn, through slalom after slalom, racing against other skiers and against time itself. He is sophomore Andrew McAlister. He is a competitive skier, and in a series of multiple different runs, he wins the second place title in a Southern Alpine Racing Association race—a big achievement.

However, he works hard for these titles, often leaving on Fridays right after school for a two-and-a-half-hour trip to Bryce Resort, where he trains all weekend before traveling back home for a week of school. On weekends when he races instead of training, especially in January through February, his schedule becomes even more hectic, sometimes leaving Thursday, coming back Tuesday and then leaving early again the next week. However, McCalister is used to it; he has been skiing since he was three when his parents, who skied in college, took him to try it out. He loved it.

“

You feel good on a run...you go blank, just do it, it’s the adrenaline of going down.

”

Placing her sabre at the ready and her hand either out to the side or behind her back in the customary fashion, junior Kimberly Heskett begins fencing against her opponent. Her mask hides her face and her jacket, equipped with a chest plate, protects her from injury. For four years now, Heskett has taken fencing classes at Ida Lee with a few other students, gaining skill and knowledge of the sport along the way. She began fencing when she and her mother were looking for a sport for her to try; she enjoyed it and decided to stick with it. Now, her Monday evenings are taken up by the sport traditionally associated with the familiar ‘En garde!’

“

You don’t have to be super strong, you just have to be quick and have balance...in most sports, guys have the advantage over girls, but in fencing, it’s completely equal.

”

Recently turned pro, senior Ian Turner is a downhill mountain bike racer. To become a pro, he earned enough points by winning races in order to move up through the other three levels: three, two, one and then pro. Racing primarily in the summer, twice a week at least, Turner became interested in the sport when he began working at the local bike shop, Trail’s End. Since then, he became immersed in the sport, racing against the clock for the fastest time, overtaking obstacles like rocks and jumps on his way. article/Melissa Fairfax photos/Melissa Fairfax and courtesy of Hunter Holt, Ian Turner, Andrew McAlister and Lucas Bayus photography layout/Meagan Solano

“

When you find the flow of a trail, it feels like the first time you rode a bike without training wheels, but faster...grab a bike, let’s ride.

”

3/FEATURE

GUTENSON’S garden I

n early September, Andrew Gutenson took a walk around the school. As he did, he came across an abandoned garden. Now, over a month later, the garden is fully renovated.

Renovating the garden provided valuable experience for his future plans as he hopes to seek a career in either landscaping or greenhouse work. His studies at Monroe Technology Center have also prepared him for this type of work, earning him a two-year certificate in horticulture and landscape design.

“I took two years at Monroe to study environmental plant sciences and biotech, and I passed the greenhouse operator’s test,” Gutenson said. “So now I’m a certified greenhouse operator.”

The Environmental Plant Science course at Monroe teaches students plant physiology and morphology as well as plant reproduction and production, genetic engineering, floriculture, environmentally responsible landscape design and sustainability, greenhouse systems, management, urban forestry and natural resource management.

In the Biotechnology course, students learn how biotechnology can be used to increase plant production, end world hunger, improve the global crop economy,

promote sustainable plant development and preserve a natural environment.

Students are able to conduct lab work in an actual greenhouse.

Gutenson has used the skills learned in these programs to jumpstart a career while providing a wonderful addition to the school.

The Memorial Garden, as it is now being called, is complete but will soon contain an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible picnic table. Now students in wheelchairs will be able to easily access and enjoy the garden as well.

Gutenson is funded through donations from various school groups and was able to purchase many of the plants that he used in the garden through the Monroe Technical Center. He also created a PowerPoint about the garden and presented it to the Partners Club.

Andrew Gutenson represents a style of academics that is rigorous and career-focused. He is a certified greenhouse operator, a landscaping genius and a huge asset to the school. article/Jo Trombadore photos/Lauren Pak, courtesy of Michelle Bumgarner layout/Rachel Boisjolie

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5/IN-DEPTH

IN-DEPTH/6

two sides to

Catoctin A recent proposal for an affordable housing development in Purcellville triggers passionate reactions.

7/IN-DEPTH

There was a time in Loudoun County’s recent history when the Purcellville Gateway Shopping Center and the homes next to Blue Ridge Middle School were nothing more than pastures which sat on the outskirts of town.

Modern developments like these quickly moved into small towns in Northern Virginia, making Loudoun County America’s fifth fastest growing county in 2010.

While Eastern Loudoun County embraced the changes, forming urbanized centers such as Sterling and Ashburn, for the past three decades life in Western Loudoun has been subject to one major question: does development unseat the unique character of the small towns of Western Loudoun?

The latest development striking up controversy in Purcellville is a proposed housing project to be built on Hirst Road next to Catoctin Creek by S.L. Nusbaum Realty Company. Accordingly called “Catoctin Creek Apartments,” the project will be located approximately 1300 feet west of the Hirst and Maple intersection. The development will consist of 176 units in seven three-story buildings with 422 parking spaces, a clubhouse and a pool. The site will cover roughly 20 acres and will be provided with a public sewer and water system.

The proposed development is an affordable housing project. Like lowincome housing, affordable housing requires apartment applicants to fall within a certain income range to ensure that no unqualified applicant takes advantage of the reasonably priced flats. However, affordable housing is different in that if residents who fell within the income range when they applied rise above the threshold income, they will not be ejected. For this reason, Senior Leasing Agent Mark Fontaine of Renaud Consulting, a representative of S.L. Nusbaum Realty, believes that this affordable living opportunity will be a great benefit for the residents of Purcellville.

“The most direct way that the town of Purcellville and the citizens can benefit from the project is that there’s finally going to be a place in Purcellville where people like teachers, firefighters, police officers, can live in the town,” Fontaine said. “They’re intricate parts of our community, yet they don’t have the ability to live here because of the cost. This will give them an opportunity.”

Additionally, Fontaine expects that the project will bring in revenue to the town via costs from increased tap fees for sewage and water. This is not an insignificant consideration, since raising revenue is a concern to most of the community.

While benefits like these may encourage community growth in Purcellville, some town residents are concerned about the detriments this development may cause. Environmental Science teacher Liam McGranaghan and the Environmental Club that he sponsors are extremely concerned with the impact that housing projects will have on the valuable forested area of Purcellville that contributes to the small town’s character. Though the plans only propose development of a shrubby, new-growth woodland area, the affordable housing would be built right next to the old-growth forest and Catoctin Creek. This would disturb the wildlife in the old-growth area and reduce the natural environment available for residents of Purcellville to enjoy. Also, once the forested area is reduced, it is impossible to restore the natural environment.

“This is a really sensitive ecological area,” senior Adam Stevenson, a prominent member of the Environmental Club, said. “These are some really old, really nice trees, and it’s the last tract of old-growth in Purcellville. It’s really important that we preserve it and do as much as we can to protect it.

Building these dense development neighborhoods is going to introduce a lot of problems.”

Another environmental factor to consider is the larger effect of Catoctin Creek Apartments. The project is to be built on 100-year-old flood plains of major bodies of water, and pollution from the establishment could impact more than just Purcellville’s surroundings. What may seem like a small disservice to a local creek actually has a greater effect on the environment, as Environmental Club member senior Kelsey Bledsoe explained.

“This entire area is [made up of] the Potomac River flood plains and the Chesapeake Bay flood plains,” Bledsoe said. “So anything we do, though people may not see that it has a big impact on the Chesapeake Bay, it does. All these little developments in this area all go back to the Bay.” Many town residents are equally concerned about the demographic change that may occur. Karen Jimmerson has been a resident of Purcellville for a year and a half and disapproves of the project entirely. Jimmerson has three daughters who attend school in Loudoun; they moved from Leesburg so they could experience a smaller, quieter environment at school and at home. She fears that new developments will cause an influx of people who would change town demographics and cause school redistricting. Jimmerson and many other residents involved in the school system want to avoid a repeat of the redistricting that occurred three years ago, which moved many local teenagers to the newly built Woodgrove High School.

“I moved here to get away from the extreme density that seems to prevail in Northern Virginia and to be in a community where you know your neighbor and you enjoy your surroundings,” Jimmerson said. “Once we are over-developed, Purcellville will look and be no different than every other town and city in Northern Virginia. What will set us apart as a destination to live and visit?”

As supporters for and petitioners against the apartment proposal form their arguments, solidified sentiments are launched at Purcellville Mayor Bob Lazaro.

Lazaro has received several letters of complaints and reports that “residents have expressed concerns regarding the proposal.”

However, some residents have gone into hyper-reaction mode, as the public announcement of future plans for a Purcellville hotel and Dunkin Donuts stirs up more controversy. The mention of these two proposals spurred rumors about a Super Walmart moving to Purcellville. Though this rumor is erroneous, Lazaro is concerned that residents’ reaction to developments like Catoctin Creek Apartments may change the small, friendly character of the town.

“In the nearly nine years I have served in office, neither Walmart nor a representative of the company has ever approached me,” Lazaro said. “For folks to deliberately mislead their neighbors does a disservice to their neighbors, our community and the Town as a whole.”

With the application for Catoctin Creek Apartments proceeding, a full public process for this project, including public hearings from both the Planning Commission and Town Council, is scheduled for January of 2013. Now, it is up to the people of Purcellville to decide whether Western Loudoun will follow the lead of Eastern Loudoun in growth and development or whether it will retain its small, rural character. article/Gaelyn Foster photos/Tierra Dongieux, Melissa Fairfax layout/Rachel Boisjolie, Leigh George

IN-DEPTH/8

these “Building dense development neighborhoods is going to introduce a lot of problems.

”

-Adam Stevenson

Seniors Kelsey Bledsoe and Adam Stevenson pose in the Catoctin Creek wooded area across from the school.

Staff photographers planned the photoshoot with the two environmental club members and met on Saturday, November 17. The photographers asked Bledsoe and Stevenson to write what they felt strongly about in regards to the development plans on white boards. The end result was a collection of photographs showcasing the seniors’ emotions on the topic as well as the nature of the wooded area.

9/NEWS

PLAY HARD

PRAY HARD Before school on October 17, a group of 60 students congregated in the auxiliary gym to bond with other Christian athletes and share in common beliefs.

This was their first meeting as the new chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). This nationwide organization allows students, even those who are not involved with athletics, to pledge their time and effort into collaborating with a group of people who share a similar faith.

“The FCA huddle [meeting] is just something to carry with you for the day that God is always with you,” junior FCA leader Courtney Dietrich said.

FCA is the largest Christian sports organization in America and reaches out to students in both the collegiate and high school level to support their faith in Christ. In addition to its support in schools, they also direct outreach camps, clinics and volunteer work in communities.

“FCA is a support group for athletes and promotes sportsmanship. Beyond that, FCA also offers support and activities for coaches and their families,” FCA teacher mentor and varsity boys soccer coach Scott Hackett said.

“It is a group that unites students, who are already Christians, in one place, to celebrate their faith together.”

-Scott Hackett

The extracurricular group strives to get the word out in every way possible to make the student body aware of its meetings. Through announcements and social media sites including Facebook and Twitter, FCA keeps its members and potential members informed about upcoming events.

As a new chapter, the FCA works to communicate the basic idea of the program across during its huddles every other week.

“At our meetings, we try to get the group going through the Bible and really getting into the Gospel,” freshman FCA leader TJ Holdredge said. “Our main purpose at our meetings is to get everyone plugged into Christianity.”

However, with the reemergence of the new chapter, Hackett wants to make it clear that freedom of religion is important to everyone.

“I think freedom of religion is a good thing

as long as all religions are discussed equally. It’s important to remember that FCA isn’t a group that meets to push Christianity,” Hackett said. “Instead, it is a group that unites students, who are already Christians, in one place, to celebrate their faith together.”

However, many students, such as sophomore Lakshya Kaushal, practice religions other than Christianity. Kaushal, who practices Hinduism, is not offended or against the development of the new Christian Athlete group.

“Not many people at our school are the same religion as me. I would like to have one but I don’t think many people would join,” Kaushal said. “I honestly think I would be the only one.”

Regardless of personal religious affiliation, students wish for universal tolerance.

“I see no problem with the Christian Athlete group as long as no other groups are prohibited from creating such a beliefs group,” senior James Holland said.

According to Principal Susan Ross, FCA has been active on and off at the school for the eight years she has administered the school.

“FCA has been around as an extracurricular activity most of the years I have been here,” Ross said. “The thing many people don’t understand is a club happens during school while an extracurricular group meets outside school hours. FCA is an extracurricular activity.”

Other groups that fit the “extracurricular” title include the Gay-Straight Alliance, ice hockey, field hockey and groups not tied with the school’s curriculum.

“As long as [a religious group] meets all the guidelines, like FCA does, I would support them as an extracurricular activity,” Ross said.

The specific requirements, Ross explained, were fairly simple. They require the name of the organization, purpose, meeting times and places and a teacher mentor sign-off.

After only a few meetings, FCA members are enthusiastic about its current success. In addition to Christian ideals, the leadership team and members are eager to represent the school’s traditional values in this coming year.

“The number of students didn’t surprise me as much as the commitment that the student athletes showed in participating,” Hackett said. “Like all members of the Valley student body, they really embrace the school as a family.” article/Brianna Jennings photos/Tierra Dongieux layout/Rachel Boisjolie, Lauren Pak

NEWS/10

11/NEWS

IN TUNE Freshman MaryKate Crawford plays the harp during the annual Veterans Day assembly. She began playing the harp in second grade; she was “hooked” after going to a concert and seeing another harpist. “The harp is a very complex instrument,” Crawford said. “[The harp] has a lot of parts that you have to become familiar with...such as the pedals. If the pedals are in the wrong position, the wrong sound will be produced, even if you play the right note.” Photo/Maddie Rice

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13/NEWS

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION A policy aimed at countering discrimination against minorities and women, especially in employment and education.

IN THE NEWS

A

bigail Fisher dreamed of attending the University of Texas at Austin. She had a 3.59 GPA, was in the top 12 percent of her class, volunteered and played in the orchestra. A policy at the university was to accept any student

in the top 10 percent, regardless of race. Although she missed the cut, she had worked hard throughout high school. Fisher was denied. In 2009, Fisher started a lawsuit that would make its way to the Supreme Court, blaming her denial on the affirmative

action policy of the University of Texas. Its policy is one of many across the country which ensures that minorities are not discriminated against in universities’ admissions.

The case reached the Supreme Court in October; as the trial is underway,

affirmative action is now being debated nationwide. article/Charlotte Tuohy layout/Charlotte Tuohy photos/Creative Commons

THE NATIONAL DEBATE Supporters Say Affirmative Action: •

Creates equality for minorities after centuries of discrimination.

•

Is important to help maintain diversity in universities, the military and other programs and organizations.

•

Helps break down racial barriers.

•

Reflects an integrated society.

Critics Say Affirmative Action: •

Violates the 14th Amendment which guarantees equal protection for everyone under law.

•

Violates the 1964 Civil Rights Act which makes it illegal to discriminate on the basis of race or gender.

•

Facilitates the belief that minorities need assistance in order to succeed.

Source/Issues & Controversies On File: Update: Affirmative Action

THE NUMBERS Source/Pew Research Center, www.dosomething.org

Since the 1980s, minority enrollment has increased by

57%

According to CollegeBoard, the University of Virginia says they consider racial/ethnic status as in the admissions process

very important

Between 1981 and 2001, the number of degrees given to Native Americans rose by

152%

Affirmative action has been banned in

California, Washington & Michigan

60%

of people support affirmative action to better the education and employment of minorities

46%

support affirmative action as a main factor in employment or admissions

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15/EDITORIAL

remember the traditions E

ach year, holiday stress exponentially builds for high school students.

charity: true friends and family will value your presence over any item you could

Midterm exams loom ahead as a constant distraction and reminder

buy for them.

that winter break must come to an end. For seniors especially, many

If nothing else, remember this: the little things go a long way. The

of whom occupy their winter breaks completing long, tedious college

overlooked holiday traditions that can easily be taken for granted now will in

applications, the holiday stress has never been more significant.

When teens can scarcely open Facebook or turn on the television without

retrospect hold importance. If one values the little things, spending time with loved ones watching holiday movies while drinking hot chocolate by a warm fire,

being harassed by holiday advertisements, it comes as no surprise that society

the stress of the holidays will begin to fade.

demands that people spend excessive amounts on gifts and seasonal items.

article/Staff

People have grown to expect the annual ritual of giving and receiving presents, and it is easy to become caught up in spending frivolously to please others. Yet, gifts and money are not what matters in the season of giving and

photo/Melissa Fairfax layout/Rachel Boisjolie

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viking viewpoint 1.

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1. Sophomores Levi Parker and Muka Nyamuhindu perform their rap on International Day in order to drum up support for the Jamaica trip.

2. The Jungle cheers on the Vikes during the Woodgrove varsity football game on November 2.

3. Junior Sam Arter, one of the three mascots, cheers on the team at the first home basketball game of the season. Freshman Hunter Gore and junior Troy Taylor also rotate through as the mascot.

4. Sophomore SaQuan Payne plays hard, falling during the first home basketball game of the season against Park View.

5. Senior Matthew Weinstein talks into the walkietalkie as Assistant Principal Sam Gross during the annual Senior Teach Day. 6. Senior Jovon Miller prepares for a shot during his first home basketball game of the season, helping the team win 92-35.

7. Seniors Alex Canan and Blake Southerland get ready for the next play in the annual Teachers vs Seniors volleyball game, where the teams tied with one set each.

8. Junior Jordan Procter, senior Chad Fletcher and senior Neill Frazier run off the field during the Woodgrove football game.

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photos/Melissa Fairfax, Maddie Rice, Ainsley Sierzega layout/Rachel Boisjolie