The Viking / Issue VI / Spring 2016

Loudoun Valley High School / Purcellville, VA / Spring 2016

viking the

The New

Canvas

Every tattoo, like every person, has a unique story to tell.

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Above / Senior Abby McDonough and junior Noah Wade act out one of the many intense and dramatic scenes of this year’s drama production of “The Three Musketeers.” (photo / Tyler Valentine) Cover / Senior Philip Akin displays his surreal rose tattoo on his forearm. World renowned artist Seth Holmes gave Akin the tattoo. (cover photo / Sacha Gragg)

Newsmagazine Staff 2015-2016

Editors-in-Chief Managing Editor Advertising Photo Editor Multimedia Claire Deaver Emma Rodriguez Editor Manager Sacha Gragg McKenna Holtz Sacha Gragg Carina Bucci Helen Sternberg

Online Editors Emily Baer Chris Cerne

Online Managing Editor Sean Webster

Writers, Photographers, Business and Promotional Staff Emily Baer, Carina Bucci, Christopher Cerne, Nicholas Cerne, Olivia de Stanley, Cassandra Good, Griffin Hunt, Alexandra Krens, Benjamin Manning, Christopher Morgan, Carleigh Rahn, Helen Sternberg, Zachary Stevenson, Madison Stiles, Tyler Valentine, Sean Webster, Rachel Weinstein Adviser Paige Cox thevikingnews.com | Twitter: @lvhsviking | Instagram: lvhsviking | Snapchat: lvhsviking Finally, The Viking is lucky Dear Vikings, by covering a variety of topics, enough to have a faculty and The Viking is a completely ranging from serious political student body overwhelmingly student-run and student-funded controversies to pop culture supportive of our newsmagazine. newsmagazine, meaning that our events. This issue focuses on Thank you for your readership staff is responsible for everything much of the arts culture in the and your feedback. you see printed, unless otherwise community. credited. All interviews will be If you are unhappy with this Your editors, fairly represented, and we keep edition, please stop by room Claire Deaver, McKenna Holtz audio files for reference. Our goal 135 or comment on our social is to serve you, the student body, media. We welcome all responses. and Helen Sternberg

Letter from the Editors

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CONTENTS Spring 2016

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String Theory

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Ahead of the Competition

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Senior Teddy Froelich balances his passions for math and science with music as he graduates high school.

As the school year comes to a close, spring sports teams continue to train hard and compete fiercely.

A New Canvas Seven students share the stories behind each of their meaningful tattoos.

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Crossing Limits

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Night of the Arts

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Code or Culture

Teens manage to participate in Crossfit training, despite the extreme time commitment and strenuous exercises.

AP art students recount their experiences at the Loudoun Night of the Arts Cluster Show.

Computer science is one of the fastest growing careers, but allowing students to take coding classes instead of a foreign language could be detrimental.

Senior Rachel Carlson serves the ball over the net in their match against Loudoun County. Although this specific match was not a victory, the team is three and four for the season. (photo / Tyler Valentine)

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Q&A: Teddy Froelich

String Theory

Throughout his high school career, senior Teddy Froelich believed that math and science were his callings. However, a change of heart revealed what his true passion was all along: music.

By Sean Webster What made you decide to go to college for your music?

Do you like math and science for the same reasons that you like music?

It’s actually pretty funny because I went through my freshman, sophomore and junior years thinking [that] I was going to major in engineering or some science or math because I go to the Academy of Science. So I really thought I was going to do that because I’m pretty good at it and I really enjoyed it. Coming towards the end of junior year, I assessed my life again and I realized that most of my free time was filled with playing the violin, and I didn’t realize that I was having a lot of fun in high school and I thought it was because of the math and science and stuff. But I realized that it was actually because of the violin. That’s when I realized that I liked violin so much.

I guess you could find some similarities.

Especially in elementary school with math.

My brother is two years older than me, so he’s a sophomore [right now]; he goes to NOVA. I would always go to him to teach me extra math because he was a math wiz in elementary school. He would always be teaching me things that he was learning like two years [ahead] my grade level. That was so much fun for me. I love the fact that there were no limits to what you could learn and what people could teach you, and I guess that applies to violin because you can teach violin; you can keep getting better and better with more practice and so there is no real limit. There is no curriculum that you have to follow and stay along with everyone else. If you want to go above and beyond, you can go ahead.

What was your most memorable and rewarding experience with music?

The Virginia Governor’s School for Visual and Performing Arts. I went there for violin.

It’s basically a month-long camp that you apply for your sophomore and junior years and you go over the summer. It’s four weeks long. It was at Radford for the Visual and Performing Arts. You stay. . .in the dorms and stuff. It’s a great college experience and everything. You basically spend the whole time hanging out with friends and doing an intensive music study program.

“There is no curriculum that you have to follow and stay along with everyone else. If you want to go above and beyond, you can go ahead.”

Did that experience convince you to make music the centerpiece of your future?

It definitely did because during my junior year, I wasn’t really confident in my music playing skills because I [thought], “This is a really late decision. What if I’m not good enough?” I’m really behind. I’ve taken lessons for three years but the average person majoring in music has taken lessons for at least 10 by now. I’m actually pretty far behind and. . .only eight violinists make it into this state-wide program and so I was like, “I probably won’t be able to make it,” [but] then I did make it. That was a big confidence booster, showing that I actually could do it.

Why do you enjoy math and science?

I’m a big thinker. I like logic. I’ve always liked logic puzzles, figuring things out by yourself, which is why my favorite science is physics. It’s all variable manipulation. It’s basically like a huge puzzle or mystery, and it really interests me.

What is your ideal career in the music industry?

The music industry is a really complicated world. When I graduate, at least, I want to start out teaching private lessons to kids, basically freelancing like what I do now. I play for weddings and…farmer’s markets.

Whatever I can do to get tips and stuff.

In my future, after I graduate college. . . other than teaching private lessons, my ideal career would be teaching violin at a college level and playing [in] professional orchestras, like the Richmond Philharmonic.

layout / McKenna Holtz and Sean Webster photo / Sacha Gragg 4

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Ahead of the

Competition As the year comes to a close, spring sports teams continue to train hard and compete fiercely. By Claire Deaver and Carleigh Rahn

Senior TJ Holdredge fires the ball at a Loudoun County batter. The team beat Loudoun County on April 1 with a final score of 9-6.

Senior Parrish Alto catches the ball and prepares to charge down the field in their scrimmage against Forest Park. The team won 5-4.

BASEBALL

GIRLS’ LACROSSE

Finishing last season as state runner-ups, the baseball team has pressure to prove they are just as capable of making it to the state championships. The team still has returning ace, senior Justin Ager who has committed to Yale University, as well as seniors Trey McDyre and Hunter Gore who both committed to Division I Liberty University. With a large amount of returning players, the odds are in their favor.

“This season is different from past seasons because we have 12 returning seniors from last year’s team, keeping a strong bond within the team,” senior Connor Reed said.

This season, the girls’ varsity lacrosse team is working towards winning states, keeping in mind the team’s strengths. For many, this will be their last chance to play for high school.

“This season is special because we have so many seniors on our team, so this season is the last one for a majority of our team,” senior Erin Johnston said. “It feels a lot different knowing that our first game was our last first high school game ever.”

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Senior Taylor Thackaberry strikes the ball on March 28. The team faced off with Loudoun County at home with a final score of 1-8.

GIRLS’ TENNIS Although the girls’ tennis team ranges from freshmen to seniors, the group still holds a tight bond. It’s sophomore Mckenna Magoffin’s second year on the team, and the part she values the most is the feeling of community.

“I just love being able to do something I love with my friends,” Magoffin said. “It’s been really awesome to be able to have this community of people who like doing what you like doing.”

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1. Sophomore Tressa Kagarise pitches the ball to a Loudoun County player on April 1. The team defeated Loudoun County 4-2.

2. Junior Josh Urban launches back the ball to his opponent from Millbrook High School.

Moving up to the 4A district may be seen as a hindrance or obstacle to some teams, but after a record last season, the players plan on doing just as well as they did in 3A. 3. Sophomore Sam Allen races across the field during the varsity lacrosse game against Culpepper on March 16.

4. Sophomore Maddie Blackwell sprints to prepare for her triple jump in hopes to get the longest jump possible. The track meet hosted Woodgrove on April 13.

5. Sophomore Matt Hutchison kicks the ball at the goal at their game against Rock Ridge on April 15.

6. Sophomore Ally Major charges down the field during a scrimmage against Woodgrove on March 11. The team was able to learn to work together without the pressure of an actual game.

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layout / Claire Deaver and McKenna Holtz photos / Tyler Valentine, Sacha Gragg, Rachel Weinstein and courtesy of Leah Coles and Megan Gannaway

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Canvas the

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By McKenna Holtz and Helen Sternberg

In the past 15 years, tattoos have risen in popularity by 23 percent in the 18-34 year-old demographic, making them a common sight in high schools. Students undergo the long and expensive process to be able to carry a piece of artwork around with them, and often find deep meaning in their ink.

“[MY TATTOO IS] HEADPHONES WITH A RECORD inside of it because I love music and there are wavelengths of my heartbeat inside it, indicating that music is my love and my passion. I wanted to get a tattoo only if it had meaning to me, and if it didn’t have meaning to me, I wasn’t going to get one at all.”

“I THINK [TATTOOS ARE] ANOTHER FORM OF ART, just on your body. It’s another way to express your creativity. [On my tattoo] my zodiac sign represents myself and the outline of the world represents me wanting to travel. [I chose sea turtles because] I want to be a marine biologist when I’m older.”

Alyssa Lopez, senior

Rock Hale, junior

“THIS PAST SUMMER I WENT TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC and I saw a lot of people get saved by finding Jesus and I thought [the phrase] ‘Jesus saves’ just fit me. I got it on my wrist because I wanted people to see it and I got it in Hebrew because it is the original Bible language and because I wanted people to ask me what it means so it could be a conversation starter of telling about Jesus.”

Geneva Hamilton, senior MSPRING 2016

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“THE VERY FIRST TATTOO I EVER GOT was on December 28 of my junior year [when] I was 17. It is a dove and rose on the left side of my chest with a banner intertwined throughout and within the banner reads, “Live Your Dash.” I have always followed this motto and stuck with it because, on your grave stone, you have the day you were born, the day you died, and a dash in the middle; that dash represents your entire life.

I have the last two sentences of the Bible across my ribs wrapping around to my back. I got this not just because I am religious, but [also] because I felt that it was the most important part of the Bible. It reads: ‘The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with All God’s People.

Amen. Revelations 22:21.’ You have read and learned about everything, now it is on you to live your life how you so choose.

The third tattoo I have is on my left shoulder. I drew a cross with a treble clef intertwined throughout. I got this one done for my mother’s mom. She cannot move around a lot and has never seen me in sports or anything academic, so when I go over to her house, I [play] her favorite songs on the piano for her and that makes her very happy.

My fourth and most recent tattoo was done by world famous tattoo artist, Seth Holmes. I went to him because his surrealism art is impeccable and it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I got the rose on my forearm because that is his signature tattoo. It was anticipated to take seven to nine hours but it ended up taking five and a half.”

Philip Akin, senior

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“I HAVE A RENDITION OF THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN holding a severed head. I’m related to the Grimm brothers.

I like the story of the [headless horseman].

I don’t believe all tattoos have to have a meaning. I think you can just get a tattoo because you like it. I felt like if you were going to get a tattoo, people should be able to see it. Obviously it’s for you, but it’s great to have other people come up to me and ask me about it.”

Caleb Putman, senior

“MY MOM AND I HAVE ALWAYS said ‘I love you to the moon and back,’ so that’s represented by the moon and then I’m adopted from Russia, and that’s something that I can’t change.

So I decided to get that one.”

Maggie Lanaghan, senior

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Crossing Limits

By Carleigh Rahn

Although Crossfit training proves to be one of the most strenuous and taxing activities, high schoolers still manage to participate and believe that it is well worth the time commitment.

Freshman Reese Goodlin lifts a barbell as part of one of his many Crossfit programs. Goodlin goes to sessions before and after school and practice.

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fter running a mile, cranking out 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 squats and then running another mile, most people would be more than exhausted. But to these Crossfitters, it’s another fun workout. This particular routine is called the Murph. Every year on Memorial Day, the Crossfit community takes part in this especially challenging workout.

Students participate in Crossfit all throughout the year. This fitness program is an Olympic-style training program that helps people become stronger and more physically fit.

Numerous students find Crossfit helpful in many ways.

Junior Anna Cheskiewicz started going to Catoctin Crossfit 10 months ago and hasn’t stopped since. Even with playing basketball and softball, Cheskiewicz still makes time for Crossfit.

“Since I’m in sports at school I don’t really do the workouts, I just lift. [In the offseason] though, we do some pretty hard workouts,” Cheskiewicz said.

Catoctin Crossfit’s gym is filled with medicine balls, bands and all sorts of weights. Each session is filled with a combination of all the tools, and Crossfit never repeats workouts.

“All the workouts are pretty tough, but usually the one’s with a lot of burpees are the hardest. My favorite movements are probably backsquats and cleans,” Cheskiewicz said.

Freshman Riley Green also participates in Crossfit.

A year ago, Green started the program to get in shape and still is part of it today. The greatest benefit to Green is how it helps him stay in shape.

“It gives me something to do when I’m not in sports, but the biggest reason is definitely just to keep in shape. It gets my speed, strength and cardio better,” Green said.

In addition to building strength, Crossfit can offer other benefits.

“Physically it does make me stronger and quicker, but personally it gives me a lot of confidence and new goals to reach,” Cheskiewicz said.

Freshman Reese Goodlin agrees. Goodlin has been an active

Crossfitter since February of 2014. Proving his dedication, Goodlin goes to Crossfit before school and baseball practice after.

“It’s rough, but well worth it,” Goodlin said. “I am really tired by the end of the day, but I feel great because I got a lot of work in.”

To many students, one of the greatest aspects of the whole program is the comradery. With limited machines in the gym, not everyone can work out at once. This brings the opportunity to encourage others. “[Some people] off to the side that are waiting for their turn are cheering you on saying ‘Go! Go! Go!’” Goodlin said. “Then when you’re done, you stay and cheer them on. It’s almost like team bonding.”

Cheskiewicz believes there is more than just cheering.

“Our coaches and everyone are really encouraging. I’ve actually become really good friends with the people at my gym,” Cheskiewicz said.

Even though Crossfit seems to be especially exhausting and rigorous, it proves worthwhile in the long run. “[Crossfit] is really demanding,” Gooldin said. “It’s physically and mentally challenging, but it is really, really good workout.” layout / Helen Sternberg photos / Sacha Gragg

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Night of

the Arts Senior Grace Jinnah works on her oil painting called “All Washed Up.” This piece was on display at the Loudoun Night of the Arts Cluster Show on April 9. “[The painting] focuses on the struggles of adolescence and the expectactions that ensue,” Jinnah said.

Like many other students, art is a huge part of Jinnah’s life. In addition to class time in AP Art, she works on her paintings outside of school.

“I spend all day working on my art, mostly painting,” Jinnah said. “I know I won’t ever be able to let go of creating because it’s what I’m passionate about and you should always stand up for things you’re passionate about.”

By Claire Deaver

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left /AP art student senior Adam Urbina, won third place and was awarded $100 at the Loudoun Education Foundation Senior Art Show on April 1 at the National Conference Center for his piece “Blueberries for Mom.” He also won Best in Show at the Loudoun Night of the Arts Cluster Show. right / Senior Dasha Berringer’s piece “Reflective Candy” was also displayed at the the Loudoun Night of the Arts Cluster Show.

“The assignment was. . .to arrange and paint a self-made still life of candy on a mirror to bring in the challenge of reflections and how light and color portray a mood,” Berringer said.

EDITORIAL

Code or Culture Computer Science is becoming one of the fastest-growing careers in our nation, but allowing students to take coding classes instead of a foreign language could be detrimental.

There is no doubt that there is a disparity in the amount of high school computer science courses offered in the United States.

According to a report by Google, one out of four principals say that their schools don’t offer computer science. But the answer to this imbalance is not to require computer science as a foreign language; in fact, doing this may detriment the learning process.

Some states, including Texas and Kentucky have already tried introducing computer science to more students with a bill that allows computer science to be a foreign language credit. In late February, the Florida senate approved a similar proposal, whcih becomes effective in the 2018-2019 school year. A common mistake, however, is comparing a programming language to a real language. In fact, Amy Hirotaka, State Policy and Advocacy Manager of the nonprofit Code.org writes that “a typical computing language has a vocabulary of about 100 words, and the real work is learning how to put these words together to build a complex program.”

Students who opt to take computer science rather than a foreign language to receive that graduation credit are at a disadvantage. It is common knowledge that children who are fluent in multiple langauages, generally have higher cognitive skills than those who only know one language.

According to recent studies by Samantha Fan, Zoe Liberman, Boaz Keysar and Katherine Kinzler at the University of Chicago, children in a bilingual environment also have increased social skills.

Computer Science, while introducing a new way of thinking about science and mathematics, should not be viewed as a foreign language. It does not offer the same benefits that learning a foreign language does, and could ultimately hinder students’ abilities to have the same benefits of

“Interpreters and translator jobs are projected to grow at a yearly rate of 29 percent” -The Bureau of Labor Statistics cognitive thinking that students fluent in multiple languages do.

There is, however, extreme potential in the computer science field. The software development field is projected to increase by 17 percent throughout 2014-2024. These data are huge, and with the high salary and tremendous demand for computer science jobs, more and more students are looking at computer science as their future career.

In fact, two-thirds of parents believe that computer science should be required curriculum in high school. Parents are even encouraging their children to take computer science, with 80 percent of students in the Google survey believing that they will learn computer science in the future. With more of a demand for computer science specialists, the pay of these jobs will eventually decrease, as more students give up their foreign language for coding. Rather than forcing students to take computer science because it is a high-paying field, we SPRING 2016

should simply encourage students to do what they are passionate about.

One could make the argument that computer science is a booming career, but in the age of information, it is more important to focus on language and interpersonal skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, interpreters and translator jobs are projected to grow at a yearly rate of 29 percent. Meanwhile, jobs such as computer programming, which companies are outsourcing to countries like India are, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, projected to decline at a yearly rate of 8 percent. Careers such as software development, the creative minds behind programs are those that are on the incline at a yearly rate of 17 percent. This rate, while high, is in no comparison to the need of foreign language skills, which society needs more than ever with the rise of international conflicts.

Computer Programming is important.

Every school should make an effort to adopt computer science as an elective course. But when it becomes required, other important electives, such as a foreign language, are undermined. Instead of focusing on increasing the amount of computer scientists, we should focus our efforts on more pressing issues in the STEM fields. The fact that the computer science field is dominated by men is a troubling statistic; according to the United States Department of Commerce, women only comprise of 24 percent of STEM jobs. Instead of forcing computer science as a real language, let’s focus on the real problems in the field. layout / Christopher Cerne THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

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