The VIking - November 2018

the

viking

Loudoun Valley High School / Purcellville, VA /November 2018 / Vol. 57/ Issue 2

The Juul Generation Advertised for adults as a healthier alternative to smoking, in the hands of teenagers vaping can result in dangerous addiction

Friends of The Viking Students of Loudoun Valley High School have been producing The Viking for over 40 years. The Viking is run by a staff of students and distributed through the school and surrounding community. It is a free publication that is supported by local advertisers and patrons from local families. Your support helps us with equipment, software, printing fees, and distribution costs.

The Viking Patron ADS:

Print Name: ​___________________________________________________________________________ Date:​________________________

Phone Number:​______________________________________

Check #​_________________​ (​Payable to LVHS Viking​) Cash ​______________________________ Home Address: _______________________________________________________________________

Circle one of the following: White ($50)

|

Green ($75)

|

Gold ($100)

Want to help support The Viking? Mail this page to 340 N. Maple Ave, Purcellville, VA 20132 and we will print your name in each issue and mail it to your house!

Follow us on social media...

@lvhsviking

Check us out online…

thevikingnews.com 2

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

NOVEMBER 2018

CONTENTS BUZZ

COMMUNITY

OPINION

4

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

5

Viking Highlights

6

Up in Smoke

7

Cha-Ching

8

Juuling

Opinions vary regarding decision to attend homecoming dance.

Seniors surprise fans with close win at annual powderpuff game.

Those affected by the building of an insultation plant in Jefferson County are mobilizing to resist it.

A rise in prices of streetwear brands like Champion and Fila makes students think twice.

Vaping has been advertised as a healthier alternative to smoking for adults, but in the hands of teens it is becoming dangerously addictive.

10

Packing Light

12

Where is the Love?

14

College Checklist

An emergence of mental health resources brings this wide-spread issue to the forefront.

As social media use increases, there becomes a decline in positivity. What do we do about it?

A to-do list of how to prepare for college.

Gabrielle Aziz serves the ball in a game against Riverside on senior night. photo / Casey Marrin layout / Gillian Krug NOVEMBER 2018

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

3

BUZZ

SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO? Students hold varying opinions regarding their decisions to go to the Homecoming dance

BY ALLY DUNKLEBERGER Since the turn of the 20th century, Homecoming has become an American high school tradition. However, opinions vary on whether or not to attend the actual dance.

One of the primary motivations for going, is finding the right person or group of people to go with. Some students may decide not to go because those in their friend group don’t want to.

“If one of my friends wanted to go, I would be really interested in going. All the events seem really fun,” junior Noah Ackerman said.

“My friends didn’t want to go because they are embarrassed to dance, and they didn’t want to sit around and do nothing.”

For other students, the everyday bustle of life means they’re simply unable to attend. These barriers are often jobs, volunteer work, sports, religious commitments or homework.

“Saturdays for me are really busy because I go to church all the way in Maryland, which is the main reason why I don’t consider going to the dance,” senior Doug Mejia said. “If it were offered on another day of the week, I would probably consider going.”

Prior experience can also influence the decision-making process for students.

Corinne Neaveill, Tanner Michone, Carly Campbell, James Schooling, Abby Parkinson, Wyatt Buckley, Emma Pickering, and Luke Gilboy.

4

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

NOVEMBER 2018

“I went last year as a freshman and I had a really good time,” sophomore Mackenzie Shore said. “That’s why I’m going this year—because it was fun.”

Each year, a different crowd of students attends Homecoming, bringing with it different opinions. But there are some practices that never go out of style. These include a scrumptious dinner beforehand, choosing a show-stopping outfit and taking photos with friends.

“I would say that picking out the dress to wear is my favorite part of Homecoming or getting dinner beforehand,” senior Anise Soza said. “I’m

Megan Mercuro, Jasmine Nayyar, Jaclynne Gallman, Chloe Wakfield, Lilly Gable, and Gabby Frank.

looking forward to a different experience with a fresh vibe and the new people that are going to be there because the people who go switch every year.”

However, even if a student’s experience was wonderful, some students were critical.

“Instead of the DJ ultimately choosing the music, I wish the school offered a survey for the students before Homecoming to request songs they want to hear during the dance,” junior Stephan Kallivokas. said.

In addition, some students feel that having more water and food can allow students to take a break from dancing and relax with their date or friends.

“Something I would change would be having SCA offer more organized events during homecoming,” senior Corinne Neaveill said.

“You see a lot of people standing on the side awkwardly and if there were organized events besides only having the photo booth, it can bring more people together. Some organized events could be pulling in some games that gym class offers, like bowling or ping pong.”

Homecoming, no doubt is an absolutely excellent way to gather friends and dates together in one setting to connect with one another at an annual occasion. The most current homecoming devotees share a jubilant experience that has kicked off the first semester of their school year in a positive manner.

“I enjoyed this year’s homecoming immensely because I got to go with my amazing friends and we ate good food prior to attending,” senior Jasmine Nayyar said. “We were able to take perfectly timed pictures, as the sun was setting on the skyline. What I really love about the event is it brought us all together as friends to talk, dance, and goof off.”

photos/courtesy of Corinne Neaveill and Chloe Wakefield layout/Kerry Webster

Seniors Robby Adams and Jacob Hunter motivate and coach the girls. photo/Caleigh Marsh

Senior Emmy Donlon charges through the juniors, searching for an opening to score. photo/Caleigh Marsh

VIKING HIGHLIGHTS Powderpuff Edition This week’s sports news puts a spotlight on the annual game

BY CALEIGH MARSH AND GILLIAN KRUG

Senior Quinn McCann carries water on a clipboard for the players and coaches. photo/Elizabeth Pickering

Zach Franco tears the junior shirt at the end of the halftime show. photo/Caleigh Marsh

Junior Meghan Sheehan tosses the ball while the seniors bombard her, attempting to pull a flag. photo/Caleigh Marsh Layout/Caleigh Marsh NOVEMBER 2018

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

5

COMMUNITY

Up In Smoke Those affected by the building of an insultation plant in Jefferson County are mobilizing to resist it

BY ABBY KEANE AND KERRY WEBSTER Rockwool Insulation plans to build a factory in Jefferson County, West Virginia, causing an uproar of voices in West Virginia and Virginia alike, stemming from the concern that the new plant will omit pollutants. Residents, including some teachers at Valley, are fighting it.

While the company claims the product itself is eco friendly, the process of creating it may cause environmental damage.

“They actually melt [rock] and spin it into glass,”environmental teacher Liam McGranahan said. “The microns are small and the particles are smaller and that can be a hazard.”

The proposed location is within close range to a handful of schools in neighborhoods, which is an additional cause for concern in the community.

“I think one of the things that is a huge red flag for me is that this plant is located within two miles of four different schools,” government teacher Alex Orton said. “There is a school directly across the street. There’s a daycare about a quarter mile away. There is a middle school and high school.”

Most of West Virginia has been engulfed by companies building factories. Jefferson County was one of the last preserved locations that is now being plagued by the building of Rockwool.

“I think the Rockwool insulation plant is a really bad idea because we already have so much pollution in West Virginia, where there are many points of pollution spots from fossil fuels like coal,” senior and Green Team president Katie Akin said. “Adding another factory that’s going to omit tons and tons of pollution into the air— obviously we shouldn’t do that.”

The Rockwell Insulation Plant isn’t just going to affect Jefferson County but will affect the surrounding West Virginia counties and Loudoun County because of the way the wind blows.

“The models are showing so far that this plume will go all the way from Ranson, West Virginia to Leesburg,” Orton said.“That is to the heart of Loudoun County right so it totally affects [us] financially, health, all of the above.”

One of the large concerns for Loudoun County is that it will affect its agritourism and, specifically, the wine industry, which is a large photo/Wikimedia Commons layout/Kerry Webster 6

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

NOVEMBER 2018

part of Loudoun County’s economy.

“If smoke or soot comes out, that’s a problem,” McGranahan said. “If it did, of course, it would blow into Loudoun County because the prevailing winds go from The northwest to the southeast and come across a river into Loudoun County, which could affect the wine industry.”

The toxins will not only affect agriculture but also general tourist attractions that many find so quintessential to Loudoun County.

“All of these toxins that come up from the smokestack are going to go directly down Route 9,” Orton said.

“There’s a huge amount of tourism that happens in Loudoun County on Route 9, whether that’s wineries, breweries, hiking, biking, all of that sort of thing.”

The concern over the hypothesized pollution is so widespread that the residents of Jefferson County are starting to take action to resist the building of the plant.

“The entire community has kind of come together for participating in county commission meetings, board of education meetings, flooding out into the streets, rallies and that sort of thing” Orton said. People from both sides of the political spectrum are fighting the building of the plant because it is not a partisan issue, but an issue of health for their families and

communities. Those who don’t typically participate in activism are are starting to take initiative to protect their home.

“The most inspiring thing has just been seeing the community come together in a way that I don’t think has happened in a very long time and seeing this joint effort of trying to make the place that you call home better than you left it,” Orton said.

Cha Ching A rise in prices of streetwear brands like Champion and Fila makes students think twice

BY KERRY WEBSTER

There’s a new style that’s becoming more and more popular among millenials, characterized by a retro feel and graphic prints. It mostly consists of brightly colored sweatshirts, t-shirts with interesting designs and chunky, old-school tennis shoes.

The most prominent brands that have pioneered this callback to the 80’s and 90’s are Fila and Champion. The collections these brands have recently released appeal to students because of their distinct and unmatched color choice.

“Just from being very artsy, I find that these brands are cool and unique and they come out with a lot of daring and bold colors,” senior Hailey Walcott said. “I’m a very big fan of that.”

Others may prefer the style for its practicality and versatility.

“There are some days where that style can be nice if I don’t feel like putting together a real outfit or if I want something more comfortable,” junior Kyra Holland said.

Despite this spike in interest, there’s been some backlash directed towards these brands for inflating their prices after being popularized by Urban Outfitters and Pacsun. Before this, they were sold at more accessible stores like Walmart and Target.

“I think it’s unfair because people shouldn’t

have to spend that much money on the same items they were spending before at Walmart,” senior Akere Simms said. “It wouldn’t make sense buying something that expensive when you could’ve just gotten it cheaper before.”

Some even find their styles reminiscent of those at secondhand shops.

“I think [the inflation of prices] is kind of

“

...being able to buy a $80 Champion hoodie or $140 Adidas tracksuit is like a status symbol and a replacement for actual style...

producing large amount of styles with athletic logos on them, which people then buy because being able to buy a $80 Champion hoodie or $140 Adidas tracksuit is like a status symbol and a replacement for actual style.”

While inconvenient to many, this increase in prices might just be a result of supply and demand and the rising popularity of vintagelooking clothes.

“I think with the recent millennial throwback trend that they take a lot of retro styles,” Walcott said. “With these brands being so well known and popular through the times, they’re using this marketing stunt as an advantage to up prices.”

Kyra Holland dumb because you can get the same thing at a thrift store for cheap,” junior Sam Sandner said.

Part of the allure, though, could be the steep prices for those who are brand-name shoppers just looking to show off certain logos.

“I think there are a lot of people who are drawn that style because it takes very little effort or originality,” Holland said. “Urban Outfitters definitely takes advantage of that by just

photo/Gillian Krug layout/Kerry Webster NOVEMBER 2018

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

7

The JUUL Generation E-Cigarettes tip the adolescent demographic back into the era of underage smoking

I

BY SAHANA ARUMANI

n the dynamic world of teenage trends, one of the main actors in the limelight is the JUUL. Discreet, sleek and contemporary, JUULs have an unprecedented appeal to high school students that’s resulted in a commonly used vernacular: JUULing.

However, many students aren’t aware that JUULing is a deceptively harmful action which can pull teens into a lifelong struggle of addiction. To overcome this recently proclaimed epidemic, faculty, administrators and the student body are formulating plans and making decisions to keep teenagers afloat in the nationwide wave of underage smoking.

Wearing the guise of a USB drive, the JUUL pod remains hidden to the untrained eye. This furtive quality, sophomore Izabela Ayazi suspects, is what allows it to surpass the other e-cigarette products stocking retail shops.

“They think they can get away with hiding it,” Ayazi said.

JUULs also free students of the stigma of smoking combustible cigarettes by producing an untraceable billow of vapor and no lingering odor.

“Cigarettes leave a trail of smoke, while vapes just dissolve,” sophomore Abhirami Sankaran said.

Another element of human psychology, herd mentality, can usurp any good or rational judgement. The act of JUULing lights the fire of defiance teens think they need to be “cool” and fit in with certain friend groups.

“Teenagers are in a rebelling phase,” junior Shreya Arun said. “So anything they’re not supposed to do, they do.”

Parallel to the thrill factor is also an escape route to a place where the deadlines, projects and extracurriculars fall away. Stress is a familiar foe to high school students, causing some to turn to nicotine devices to gain peace of mind.

“If you’re doing illegal things to relax, then you probably need help,” Arun said.“There are other ways to relax.”

While the process of JUULing itself

8

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

NOVEMBER 2018

may emulate a sense of tranquility, that feeling is only a visitor. That phase of concentration, elation and relaxation is one that many keep going back for.

Yet this casual desire is actually the early phase of nicotine dependency.

According to the Truth Initiative, 63% teens accept the fallacy that they are just inhaling innocent fruity vapor, yet most JUUL pods contain 59 milligrams of nicotine for every milliliter of e-liquid.

Contrary to the nicotine in traditional cigarettes, JUUL utilizes nicotine salts which are absorbed into the body effortlessly, therefore eliminating the discomfort in the lungs and throat caused by a regular cigarette.

However, the addictive qualities of nicotine are merely the gatekeepers to a whole realm of health effects associated with repeated use of a JUUL. According to the National Institute of Health, diacetyl, a chemical used in the customizable flavorings available, can easily penetrate users lungs and cause severe respiratory and lung infections, such as acute-onset bronchiolitis.

Hard metals such as tin, nickel and lead have also been found in JUULs along with a carcinogenic chemical that, according to Mark Rubenstein, a researcher at San Francisco’s Tobacco Control Center, was found mainly in fruit-flavored JUULs The reigning evil is the slippery slope of addiction JUULing promotes. Dr. Joseph Mercola states that there is a 2 to 7 times increase in the chance that people who JUUL will also try combustible cigarettes, which drags another suitcase of health concerns along with it.

Also, since a teenager’s prefrontal cortex, which controls emotions, impulses and decision-making skills is still developing, teens are increasingly prone to not only nicotine addiction, but other notorious drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine.

A pioneer of anti-JUULing efforts at Valley, assistant principal Bill Gulgert

is working closely with the PTO to commence a schoolwide movement against JUULing.

“Students thankfully came up and said they had seen some things in the restrooms,” Gulgert said. “So when we got that knowledge from the kids, we started increasing our visibility.”

The increased visibility mission started with daily patrols to the places where JUULing is concentrated. With this newfound surveillance, even people completely innocent of JUULing stopped congregating in bathrooms and hallways.

“There’s probably about 15 of us right now who are actively walking the halls and checking in bathrooms,” Gulgert said. “With all of us doing such an activity, the amount of people who were even hanging out there is less.”

After realizing that deterrence is key, the PTO is holding meetings to invest in solutions equipped with technology including sensors and text alerts.

“We have found some devices that the PTO can help fund,” Gulgert said.

“They are texting monitors, so when these devices get knowledge or recognition of vaping or JUULing, it actually sends a text to whoever is on that plan.”

Outside the bounds of school, math teacher Jason Dutton feels that community outreach is necessary to address the problem on a larger scale.

“We should partner with the doctor’s office, the sheriff’s office, the local board of supervisors,” Dutton said, “and really try to get stakeholders from everywhere and come up with a plan before it gets too big.”

Apart from adults and school officials giving credence to the problem of JUULing in schools, students possess ideas that can maximize the positive impact on their peers.

“I think we should have a short presentation about the health effects, why we shouldn’t do it,” Ayazi said. “Really explain to the teenagers because we are naive and gullible and follow the herd.” photo/Casey Marrin layout/Brianna Henriquez

A JUUL delivers nicotine One JUUL cartridge contains the of nicotine as a pack of cigarettes

same amount 7 out of 10

teens are exposed to e-cigarette advertisement

2.7 times faster than a combustible cigarette

JUUL contains benzene, an organic compound found in

car exhaust

Vaping e-cigarettes results in

immune suppression

and a decrease in immune-related genes

NOVEMBER 2018

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

9

Packing

Light

A recent emergence of resources brings the widespread mental health issue to the forefront

BY SAHANA ARUMANI

A

M

ccording to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 20% of adolescents suffer from a mental health condition. Countless teenagers, sheltered by the walls of high school, carry invisible burdens everywhere they go.

To lighten this seemingly inescapable load, community-based and personal resources are emerging in high schools nationwide.

Valley’s PEER organization is a messenger of the importance of mental health and a giver of hope to the student body. To broadcast widely, PEER conducts events where everyone’s attention is captured at once.

“One of the biggest ones is the We’re All Human walk which has been going on for a while,” junior Ayesha Paracha said. “It’s to make people aware of their mental health needs.”

While the walk, meant to provide reassurance to students, is a recurring success, new events are materializing as a result of insights from other schools and the student body.

“We have started doing Wellness Wednesdays every other week, and there’s going to be a little session in the back of the counselor’s office called the Wellness Room,” Paracha said. “One of the things that we’re trying to push for is to

10

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

NOVEMBER 2018

have different seminars having to do with mental health in that room.”

Apart from the Wellness Room, there is an upcoming PEER event called the Trusted Adult Campaign which aims to direct students to pillars of support, such as members of faculty and administration.

“Basically, it’s going to be like posters or pictures with the names of people that you can trust around Valley,” Paracha said. “We’re going to put that up so people know who they can go to.”

This uprising in mental health resources, Paracha speculates, is because before, people didn’t know that there were safe havens where people would listen and connect them with the community and their family. To combat that notion of loneliness, they are revealing a myriad of opportunities. However, there are other reasons that the adolescent demographic demands heightening mental health attention.

“I’m seeing a lack of resilience from this generation,” counselor Charles Smith said. “Life will throw a few things in your path, and you will

stumble, but they have a really hard time coping with that.”

Smith said he feels the origin of this crippling quality is that teenagers are constantly plagued by an onslaught of self-imposed academic pressures. This could be a result of the growing competition for higher education in an especially competitive county, which has been taken into account when tailoring a stress-minimizing environment.

“There is a natural fear of the unknown that I’m sure causes some anxiety,” Smith said. “But we’ve changed the structure of our department so there’s now a junior counselor and a senior counselor to help students make that transition a little more comfortable and a little less stressful.”

Social media also causes pressure as it successfully infultrates the most vulnerable age group.

While sites like Snapchat and Instagram can be used for communication and staying connected, they also open the door for cyber-bullying, privacy violations, self-esteem issues and unrealistic standards.

Members of PEER (Positive Experiences in Educational Relationships)

“I’m finding that with technology, the cell phone seems to be controlling the students rather than the students controlling the technology, and it bothers me,” Smith said.

School psychologist Pamela Lindo started working full-time at Valley this year and said many students come to her deeply impacted by social media. She finds the detrimental aspect stems from carefully suspended moments in time which mislead teenagers onto a path of self-doubt and diminished self-esteem.

“It presents a false narrative that everyone has these perfect lives,” she said.

However, despite the pressures and technologies of our current society, Lindo finds the students aren’t oblivious to the importance of mental health. Since working here, she has noticed a familial connection among students and the community.

“I’ve noticed are that the kids here are really

“If people could just become more aware of their strengths then they could develop better coping skills and feel better about them themselves.”

concerned about other kids, and that the tight family connection in this community is amazing,” Lindo said.

Aside from the multitude of external opportunities for students to nourish their mental health, the internal battle remains subjective. Being mindful is the cornerstone of Lindo’s many mental health campaigns, specifically Mindfulness Thursdays, during which students can withdraw from the world and introspect.

“If people could just become more aware of their strengths, then they could develop better coping skills and feel better about themselves,” Lindo said.

Psychologist Pamela Lindo

photo/ Caleigh Marsh layout/ Brianna Henriquez NOVEMBER 2018

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

11

OPINION

Where Is the Love?

As social media becomes increasingly ubiquitous in the lives of young children and adolescents, there becomes a decline in the spread of positivity.

What do we do about it?

BY BRIANNA HENRIQUEZ According to the Park Nicollet Melrose Center, approximately 80% of women in the U.S. don’t like the way they look, and 34% of men are dissatisfied with their bodies. When someone looks at him or herself and thinks, “Wow, I wish I could look like that,” people automatically jump in to try and save the person’s integrity.

They give compliments that may not even be true.

Adding to any false flattery is the social media that we consume daily. There are millions of ads on TV and Instagram that give us examples of ways to manipulate the human body to turn it into an unrealistic figure. Undoubtedly, most of these people are celebrities who can afford to get plastic surgery and take medicine to supress their hunger.

Kim Kardashian is a celebrity famous for her presence on the show “Keeping Up With the Kardashians.” Unfortunately, she’s better known for her curves than being on the show. Men and women alike are in awe of her large butt and flat stomach, and she’s leveraged that for marketing purposes. Obviously, her curves are not real because who in the world can naturally look like that?

In May of 2018, Kardashian faced backlash

from fellow celebrities after advertising her idea of hunger-suppressing lollipops. Jameela Jamil was one of the most outspoken against Kardashian’s idea, calling her a “terrible and toxic influence on young girls.”

Jamil is not wrong in her response. In the U.S. alone, anorexia has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Young girls are the most affected. Over 50% of teen girls are already taking action to change the way they look. The more these young girls go to extremes like developing an eating disorder, the more it perpetuates the harmful cycle of seeing and pursuing an unrealistic body type.

It may be shocking to think that a celebrity would endorse such a disturbing and dangerous climate among young girls.

But it’s honestly believable. In our day and age, anything that can boost someone’s fame, whether obscene or positive, through their likes on Instagram or being the breaking news story on TV, is worth it to a celebrity.

All of these famous figures that society holds so highly are not gods. They’re real human beings that live and breathe just like us. I’m not going to say that all billionaires, artists or models promote a toxic culture or lifestyle—because they don’t—but I will say that the amount of truth

Approximately 80% of women in the U.S. don’t like the way they look, and 34% of men are dissatisfied with their bodies.

12

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

NOVEMBER 2018

that goes into a picture, video or TV show is slim to none.

There are very few women who can have naturally flat stomachs and huge rumps, pouty lips, or even oversized breasts. There are very few men who can have a six-pack and huge biceps and a perfectly chiseled face without having some type of surgery or working six days a week at the gym.

I give props to the women and men who eat healthily to make themselves stronger and clean their bodies of toxins. I give props to the women and men who go to the gym for a healthy amount of time and work to be physically fit human beings. I give props to the women and men who have real bodies that don’t fix their natural flaws with plastic.

Everything comes in moderation in life, and I think when teenagers fear missing out or they constantly worry about looking like a barbie doll, then we lose sight of what life really is. Life can only be lived once, and if you spend your time trying to look like Kim Kardashian—Bradley Cooper or Alexis Ren or anyone else—then stop because you’re beautiful the way you are. My advice? Work out to feel strong, healthily indulge in food, and slowly work on feeling fearless in your own skin. layout/ Brianna Henriquez photo/Creative Commons

A Generation Without Self Love How Body Image Threatens Our Confidence

Society's Beauty Ideals

Influences

Media

Family

of 10-14 year olds are actively dieting giving a head start for mental illness to develop. A negative body image can lead to depression, social anxiety, and eating disorders.

The negative comments from these influences then become internalized.

Peers

70%

Around 30%

Eating Disorders and Mental Illness

Body dissatisfaction Once kids become elementary schoolers

Between the ages of

2 and 4

children begin to be aware of their clothing and hair. They start the horrible habit of comparing themselves to others.

women of normal weight want to be thinner. This mind set becomes a catalyst for eating disorders that create an unhealthy lifestyle.

40% 25%

of girls

want to be thinner.

Project

EAT

Reported that 19% of high school girls reported chronic dieting and 57% engaged in some sort of unhealthy weight control behaviors.

of boys

want to be thinner.

How to Spread the Love!

Mindfulness of Media: Take a break from social media sometimes. Turn off the TV, your phone, and talk to someone!

Replace -/+: Whenever a negative thought comes in your mind about some else or yourself say three positive things.

Health: Eat healthy and yummy foods in good portions and don't forget to engage in regular, FUN, physical activities.

NOVEMBER 2018

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

13

OUR

EDITORIAL

C

ollege submissions frenzy is in full swing. All around, a mad rush of hopeful students are applying to desired schools. In truth, the process is hectic in every way imaginable. A million different things have to be completed between August and December.

At times, the list can feel overwhelming. For all those considering going to college in the future, here is a checklist of some important tasks to do on your journey.

USE THE TECH GET YOUR RECS Teacher recommendations are critical, so build good relationships with your core teachers. Although it is true that some colleges are not requiring teacher recommendations, the vast majority still do. Ask ahead of time to give your teacher time to write the best review of you possible. A shining recommendation is a definite boost to your chances of getting into a school you’ll truly enjoy.

REMEMBER YOUR DEADLINES Time moves quickly in the application process, which makes it important to use every minute, every second, as efficiently as possible. A deadline may be months away, yet time will soar by making procrastination ineffective in the end. Again, with so much to do and so little time, a last-second flurry of action cannot save you.

Photo: Caleigh Marsh and Jared Sanders Layout: Colin Bunn

14

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

NOVEMBER 2018

Students are provided with a wide range of resources. It is vital that you set up your Naviance account since it’s one of your lifelines during the process. Naviance allows you to set up college visits and send invites for your all-important teacher recommendations.

The Common Application is another online resource that you should utilize. With the Common App, a student can apply to multiple schools using the same core application. It is, undeniably, a life saver.

Get more information from your counselor or the Career Center, and check them out.

BUILD YOUR RESUME STARTING FRESHMAN YEAR Come out of the gate like a racehorse. Start your resume freshman year and don’t stop till your last application is sent.

Try a new club. Volunteer every chance you can.

Expand your horizons.

Extra-curricular activities can sometimes be just as impressive as a stellar GPA.

Above / Johny Kidd works on his Tech Ed project. (photo / Elle Pickering).

Cover photo illustration / Casey Marrin.

THE

VIKING Newsmagazine Staff 2018-2019

Editors-in-Chief Brianna Henriquez Kerry Webster

Online Editors Ben Keane Colin Bunn

Sports Editor Riley Green

Ads Managers Grace Jennings Lauren Madey

Photo Editors Gillian Krug Caleigh Marsh

Writers, Photographers, Business and Promotional Staff Bailey Kuhn, Elle Pickering, Garrett Hennessey, Marissa Del Borrello, Ella Krug, Erika Gessell, Casey Marrin, Allison Dunkleburg, Jared Sanders, Logan Stup, Abby Keane, Katherine Curtis, Kathleen Grupe, Sahana Arumani, Emelyn Schneider, Jennings Felt Adviser Shari Adwers, MJE 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, Brianna Henriquez Kerry Webster Editors-in-Chief

NOVEMBER 2018

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

15

Debbie Green Personal Chef

Member, American Personal Chef Association

No Thyme to Spear Fresh Healthy Meals Ready When You Are

203-800-6882 rdargreen@comcast.net www.nothymetospear.com

YOUR YEAR

Y(O U R) B O O K

Wine Dinner Thursday, November 15th 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Come check out our lunch specials everyday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

620 W. Main St. Purcellville, VA 20132

(540)-338-7072

Yearbook s for Sale Prices:

$80

until January 25

$85

after January 25

BUY TODAY jostensyearbooks.com

Personalization options end February 1

No names or Icons after this date.

160825

16

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

NOVEMBER 2018