The Viking / Issue IV / February 2017

the

viking Loudoun Valley High School / Purcellville, VA / February 2017

WE ARE THE WORLD International students and teachers tell their stories.

Cover / Senior Ushindi Namegabe, born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, left his war-torn country while he was a child. (photo / Madison Stiles)

Above / Freshman Nick Nappi pins his opponent at the wrestling team’s home meet on December 13, 2016. (photo / Gillian Krug)

THE

VIKING Newsmagazine Staff 2016-2017

Editors-in-Chief Chris Cerne Ben Manning Sean Webster

Online Editors Carleigh Rahn Zach Stevenson

Online Managing Editor Griffin Hunt

Photo Editors Olivia de Stanley Madison Stiles

Multimedia Editor Tyler Valentine

Writers, Photographers, Business and Promotional Staff Tito Alcazar, Jacob Coleman, Heather Feconda, Sadie Grant, Brianna Henriquez, Jordan Iwerks, Grace Jennings, Ben Keane, Alexandra Krens, Gillian Krug, Lauren Madey, Caleigh Marsh, Madison McIntosh, Jared Sanders, Ella Serafin, Claire Slook, Madison Stiles, Charlotte Twetten, Kerry Webster Adviser Paige Cox thevikingnews.com | Twitter: @lvhsviking | Instagram: lvhsviking | Snapchat: lvhsviking

Letter from the Editors 2

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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

February 2017

are kept for reference.

In this school year, our goal is to serve the student body by covering a dirverse array of topics, ranging from winter sports to our wide variety of clubs.

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

overwhelmingly supportive of our newsmagazine. Thank you for your readership and your extensive feedback.

Thanks, Chris Cerne, Ben Manning, and Sean Webster Editors-in-Chief

CONTENTS February 2017

4

The Discrimination Debate

5

Another Lens

7

We Are the World

Calls for expanding the LCPS employee nondiscrimination policy escalated a routine meeting into a battleground.

Senior Anna Rizvi discusses her challenges and experiences with growing up Muslim in Loudoun County in a new documentary.

International students and teachers recount their journeys to America and share how nationality and culture shape their identity.

10

On Trial

11

Cartoon Culture

13

Eye on the Ball

14

Tossed In Translation

16

Hitting the Slopes

17

The Universal Language

19

More Than Your Vote

The Model Judiciary club is an excellent way for students to practice law without having a degree.

Cartooning club seeks to bring together artists, and to foster a atmosphere in which everyone can help each other develop.

The boys’ basketball team hopes their renewed skill and determination will lead them down the road to states.

The foreign language department hosted an annual dodgeball tournament during the club rotation on January 13.

While some choose to partake in winter sports for leisure, others turn their passion into something much greater.

This romantic season, take our quiz to figure out what your love language is.

Casting a ballot is only the first step, real and lasting change requires much more.

Right / Senior Thomas Millman represents the French Club in the annual foreign language dodgeball tournament on January 13. (photo / Tyler Valentine)

February 2017

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The Discrimination

Debate

Calls for expanding the LCPS employee nondiscrimination policy escalated a routine school board meeting into a battleground for one of the nation’s most divisive issues. By Jacob Coleman

O

n December 13th, Lovettsville resident Kris Consaul felt moved to publicly speak for the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in the protected classes of LCPS’ antiharassment policy.

“I strongly feel that each of us with any level of privilege...should do what we can to protect those with less,” Consaul said.

In this case, those at-risk are staff and faculty working for Loudoun County Public Schools who identify as LGBTQ. Consaul and other proponents claim the policy expansion would give these individuals both personal security in the school environment and provide a protocol to address incidents of harassment that does not currently exist.

Currently, there is no official redress for members of these communities. According to its nondiscrimination statement, the Loudoun County School Board “is committed to equity in its educational programs,” and the list of protected classes is extensive, including “race, ancestry, color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, marital status, age, religion, national origin, [and] disability or genetic information.” However, the board has never mentioned LGBTQ individuals specifically.

Opponents cite an issue of jurisdiction.

A common argument is that the board simply does not have the authority to extend protected classes to include the queer community. In a statement released in 2015, Virginia Attorney General Mark Warner asserted that adding sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes was within the purview of local school boards, but there is still ample disagreement. In December’s meeting, 4

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February 2017

Loudoun County residents show their support for an employee nondiscrimination policy at a January school board meeting.

Delegate Dave LaRock of Virginia’s 33rd District, which encompasses Western Loudoun, raised the concerns of several former Virginia Attorney Generals and a former State Supreme Court Member that local school boards should not add these classes due to a lack of jurisdiction. LaRock and supporters think that protected classes can only be valid when created at the state level, and for LCPS to act otherwise invites a costly court battle.

LCPS queer-identifying students and parents with queer-identifying children in the school system spoke at length throughout both meetings.

“I simply seek acknowldgement that those who treat us differently based on who and how we love are in the wrong,” Dominion senior Sneha Sudhakar said.

The meetings were focused around employee policy, but community members see the proposed change as a way to make the first inroads into creating an environment that is a safer place for LGBTQ identifying students as well.

“In Loudoun County, student policy often follows what is set for teachers and staff. And therefore, if we get protected classes included for employees...shortly thereafter those should be extended to the students,” Consaul said.

The proposed policy change comes amidst a time of intense debate centered around the rights of transgender students to use preferred bathrooms and locker rooms.

Paralleling the national conversation, this issue was raised at both meetings. Attendees from Fairfax County, which already has official LGBTQ protections cemented in place, strongly recommended that Loudoun

not follow suit, arguing that expanding protections would invite incidents of assault by those pretending to be transgender.

Connie Rice, a transgender resident of Loudoun County who spoke at both meetings, sees fears over transgender bathroom use as unfounded.

“Trans people are the most murdered, discriminated against, attacked group on the planet,” she said. “We’re just having to defend our right to exist.”

A final possibility considered by the board was to remove all categories entirely, crafting a general, all-encompassing nondiscrimination policy. However, attendees felt that while well-intentioned, this would be counterproductive to the goal of an egalitarian school environment.

“The protected classes are there...to provide recourse to the people who are in the various groups,” Consaul said. “It’s fairly well-documented that if you are subject to harassment you are less likely to report it if there is no specific policy in place that shows you have a way to redress the situation.”

Although the board ultimately voted against expanding the policy at its January meeting, citing the need to hear verdicts on several critical court cases, the fight to include equal language for LGBTQ students and staff continues.

“Labels are often called divisive,” Sudhakar said. “But we live in a world that sees labels, and any policy must reflect the society it exists in.” layout / Ben Manning photo / Jacob Coleman

Left / Seniors Lizzie Bunce (left) and Anna Rizvi (right). Lizzie worked alongside senior Sam Hinton during the production of the film, serving as film editor.

Top Right / Anna Rizvi speaks candidly about her experience as a Muslim Pakistani student in Loudoun County during her interview with Bunce and Hinton.

Bottom Right / Rizvi and senior Natalie Emery share lunch in the school library. Throughout the documentary, Rizvi emphasizes that she is no different from most teenagers.

another

LENS I n a world of untold stories, a duo of student filmmakers shed light on the life of a local teenager. Seniors Lizzie Bunce and Sam Hinton sat down with senior Anna Rizvi as she recounted her experiences as a Muslim student in rural Virginia. At a time when the cinematic community in Hollywood discusses diversity in film, Hinton’s and Bunce’s work warns of, in the words of author Chimamanda Adichie, the danger of the single story.

“I definitely was excited because now is the right time to get my story out there,” Rizvi said.

The development of the film began as a project for Bunce’s and Hinton’s application to New York University. When deciding which topic to cover, they settled upon making a documentary about Rizvi. They reached out to her in October of last year, and finished production of the film in December.

“Anna recently told me about everything, how she literally lives a double life, and I thought that was really cool, so I thought maybe I could show that to other people because a lot of people don’t know that,” Bunce said.

In their short film White Walls, seniors Lizzie Bunce and Sam Hinton document the life of senior Anna Rizvi as she discusses growing up Muslim in Loudoun County.

By Sean Webster

The style of the documentary followed a conventional Q&A with clips from some of Rizvi’s home videos, showing her spending time with her family at home or in mosque and hanging out with her friends.

However, some scenes showcase the unique aspects of growing up Muslim in western Loudoun, whether it’s having to change into more modest clothing for your relatives or hearing the derisive “terrorist” remark from a classmate.

“I basically was asked a bunch of questions that lead to me giving an overall summary of the past 18 years of my life. It was almost about growing up in Hamilton and Purcellville and Western Loudoun as a Pakistani American who is also a Muslim, being one of the few growing up here that’s not white or Christian,” Rizvi said.

Throughout the film, Rizvi describes navigating this dynamic while trying to find her own place in the local community. She seeks to demonstrate how her experience is not merely about being a member of a minority group, but being representative of one as well.

“I feel like there’s this pressure on me to be the best because I’m one of the few

that’s representing my [community] in this area, so I feel like if I mess up or do something wrong, it’s kinda like I’m giving a bad name to all Pakistanis or all Muslims,” Rizvi said.

As Hinton devoted more time to producing the documentary, she realized that experiences like these are what she wanted to cover as a filmmaker. She concluded that diverse and unexpected stories were ones that she wanted to shine a spotlight on. To her, they characterize why filmmaking is important: it can expose people to ideas and experiences they never considered.

“The thing about filmmaking is you can’t make something just for the sake of making it look pretty or making it look cool,” Hinton said. “You have to have a purpose behind making it; otherwise, it’s just not going to come together and it’s not going to have a true effect on people.”

layout / Sean Webster photos / Courtesy of Lizzie Bunce, Sam Hinton and Tyler Valentine February 2017

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February 2017

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We Are The

WORLD International students and teachers recount their journeys to America and share how nationality and culture shape their identity.

By Carleigh Rahn, Zach Stevenson and Brianna Henriquez

E

very day, television channels tell heart-wrenching stories of war-torn countries and refugee crises. Here, enveloped in wealth and opportunity, it is easy to believe that these events are far away and impossible to address. However, the local community is more global than we think.

America has always emphasized the melting-pot narrative: migrants come for freedom, and as they meld that freedom with their national and cultural heritage they give the American stew a new and distinct avor. Foreign-born students and teachers at Valley are representative of all migrants in their effort to carve out a place in America while remaining true to the traditions of their countries of origin.

Left / Senior Ferdous Ali, decked out in Viking Apparel, emigrated from Afghanistan in 2014. In order to escape a war-torn home, Ali and his family decided to come to America. (photo / Madison Stiles)

WHAT AMERICA MEANS Earth science and special education teacher Violet Dube came to the United States to further her education in 1999.

Dube was a teacher in her native Zimbabwe, but she chose to leave because of its underfunded special education programs, a cause that she cared for deeply.

When she arrived, Dube found that, contrary to her expectations, America was a land of opportunity for everyone, not just natural-born citizens. Dube says that the significance of America in her life can be boiled down to one word: freedom.

“You can branch off and say freedom or this or of that or that or that, but just the word freedom on its own [characterizes America],” Dube said. “Your voice is heard as a person. You’re free to voice your concern and it’s heard. You are free to say something and to be a group, you’re free to just live, you know that whole freedom to just be alive and have support from these structures America provides.”

Along with his brothers and father, senior Ferdous Ali emigrated from Afghanistan in 2014. Surrounded by his many cousins, Ali feels blessed to live in America.

“In my country, there is war. You can’t go to school, you can’t work, you just can’t do anything,” Ali said.

Similar to Dube, Ali felt welcomed when he came to America. Ali said it was a hard transition, but with the help of others, it became easier.

“The first day of school, it was hard I didn’t know English,” Ali said. “Some students helped me, helped me find my class. But in Afghanistan, no one [helps] you.”

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO Political instability and ethnic conflicts have plagued the country and region for decades.

More than three million refugees are scattered across Africa, Europe and the United States.

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February 2017

Senior Ushindi Namegabe wears a Dashiki, a tunic that has West African origins. After facing the consequences of war, Namegabe and his family fled to America.

FINDING A NEW HOME In some countries, political instability, resulting in war and terror forces families to flee their homes in order to survive. The violence in Uganda forced senior Ushindi Namegabe and his family to leave theirs.

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised in Uganda, Namegabe and his family made the difficult choice to finally come to the United States. During wartime, when Namegabe was a young child, his mother was sexually assaulted by three

stationed soldiers. When his father tried to protect her, the soldiers took him away and killed him. “[My family] had to run to Uganda to see if we will be safe there, that’s when I became a refugee. Now me and my family made it here [to the] USA, the land of opportunities,” Namegabe said. “I thank God each and every day [that] I’m still alive.

Not so many make it out alive and I pray nothing but peace upon Congo and other countries that are going through horrible

EL SALVADOR

AFGHANISTAN

A civil war broke out between leftwing guerrillas and government forces that lasted for 12 years.

Over 70,000 were killed and 500,000 were forced to leave the country.

The Taliban and its predecessors have been battling Soviet later U.S.backed forces since 1979.

Around three million Afghans are currently refugees with many living in Iran and Pakistan.

stuff people don’t deserve.” that America has allowed her to fulfill her Like Ali, Namegabe says that the dreams without asking her to give up too educational opportunities in America much in exchange, and she thinks that her are much greater than those in his home experience is one that is common to most country. immigrants.

“What I have “I’m deeply grounded seen here is school and the way I was when is free which I thank God each and every I was back home I feel I is very good day [that] I’m still alive. Not am still the same thing,” opportunity for a Dube said. “As long as so many make it out alive. you have your goals and lot of kids to get USHINDI NAMAGABE education. Back at you have them shaped home, school was the way you want, the very, very expensive as much as I wanted to American culture allows you to live those go to school so bad, I couldn’t because of in your own way. There’s no one way to get school fees,” Namegabe said. where you want in this country.”

Junior Zulma Hernandez also feels MAINTAINING CONNECTIONS connected to her home country. Her Every nation, and even every region parents were the first generation to leave within a nation, has its own distinct culture.

El Salvador, making Zulma the first in her Coming to America doesn’t erase those family to be born in America. Even in a cultural influences. news country, Hernandez was raised with El Even as she embraced her adopted Salvadoran traditions, specifically spicy food country, Violet Dube found ways to and a tight-knit family. continually connect with her heritage and “In Hispanic communities, the kids live roots in Zimbabwe. Conversations with with their families until they get married, her family are conducted using a mix of they can have a job and everything, but until English and Ndebele (a Zulu dialect), and they are married they live with their families. she has found ways to make African foods I’m going to live with my parents. I can’t using American ingredients. Dube says even imagine living far away,” Hernandez

“

Junior Zulma Hernandez sports a jersey representing El Salvador’s national soccer team. Hernandez’s family fled El Salvador in the 1980’s amidst a brutal civil war.

said.

Despite many misconceptions Hernandez faces, she is proud to be El Salvadorian.

Being raised in Loudoun County doesn’t strip Hernandez of her identity and culture.

“When people ask me, I always say I’m El Salvadoran. I don’t say I’m American,” Hernandez said. “Then a lot of people say ‘You’re white! You [were] born here! You’re American!’ No, I’m not. I’m El Salvadoran.”

RAISING AWARENESS Having grown up in the English Language Learners program, (ELL) Hernandez knows what it’s like to feel a little different. Though she has since aged out of ELL, Hernandez still feels a sense of responsibility to the program and the students still learning.

“People try to help the ELL kids. Some ELL kids want to drop out of school because they just don’t get it and they need help,” Hernandez said. “There are American kids that don’t want to help the Latinos, and it’s not bullying, it’s just ignoring them. That really [makes the ELL kids feel] down. They need motivation.”

This problem inspired Spanish and ELL teacher Sandra Curtis to create the International Club, a place where ELL students and native English speakers can connect. Curtis wants to encourage students to get involved and become aware of the different cultures and nationalities present at Valley.

“The purpose of the International Club is to showcase the different cultures in our community and in our school with the intention of strengthening relationships and promoting acceptance of diversity,” Curtis said.

The International Club unites the ELL program with students interested in global studies, creating a group that recognizes and celebrates diversity. By incorporating the perspective of the ELL students, the club hopes to expand their vision and hone their purpose. The ELL population has more than tripled since 2004, and now includes over 2000 students.

“We’re growing and we’re receiving more students from different countries so the need is definitely there,” Curtis said. “So not only the school, but the community is aware of all the different cultures living here and how diversity can really enrich the community.” photos / Madison Stiles layout / Carleigh Rahn and Ben Manning February 2017

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Left / Both of the prosecution and defense teams joined forces to finish up their questions on the Wednesday before the trial. Top Right / On January 28, the prosecution team gave the defendant a 25-year sentence. Pictured from left to right are Junior Kelly Wood, Junior David Huffman, Judge David Oblon and Senior Jackson Krug. Bottom Right / Senior David Tunder, defense attorney, questions a prosecution witness from South County High School during the trial.

ON TRIAL T

he Model Judiciary club went to the Fairfax Courthouse on January 28 to experience its second ever mock trial.

While the trials are merely simulated, the Loudoun Valley lawyers are as composed and professional as licensed attorneys.

The club was introduced to Loudoun County by Stone Bridge High School several years ago, being the only Model Judiciary club in Loudoun County at the time. Inspired by the lack of Model Judiciary teams in Loudoun County, and his desire to study law, senior Kolby Williams decided to found the Model Judiciary club last year.

“Law had always been an interest of mine,” Williams said. “I thought starting Model Judiciary here would be a good opportunity for me and other students.”

Each year, Model Judiciary teams across Northern Virginia receive a case that previously went through the Virginia court system, with key information changed. In this year’s mock trial, the defendant John Diamond was charged by the Commonwealth of Virginia with first degree murder. The club has two teams, with each team having a defense and prosecution counterpart. The club doesn’t just consist of young lawyers—it also consists of students playing witnesses and jury members.

“In [this] trial, I’m the defendant accused 10

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The Model Judiciary club is an excellent way for students to practice law without having a degree. By Tito Alcazar

of murdering my girlfriend,” Williams said.

“I’ll be taking the stand for direct questions and cross-examination.”

Members of the club have worked diligently, meeting every Wednesday after school to perfect their opening and closing arguments and the questions for the witnesses. But the lawyers must not only be aware about their side of the case; they must be prepared to object to the other side’s questions.

“If you can defend an issue from either side, prosecution or defense, then you really understand it,” Williams said.

Practicing Leesburg defense attorney Tom Rock coaches Model Judiciary and he uses his law experience to help give both teams clever tricks to stumble the opposing lawyers and witnesses. On January 28, the club met at Fairfax Courthouse for the trial. Each one of the trials occurred in a courtroom presided over by a licensed judge.

“Not all attorneys get to be in a courtroom, so it’s great to have a genuine courtroom experience,” Williams said.

Both the defense and prosecution teams were successful in their trials. Although met with fairly competitive Fairfax prosecution teams (Centreville High School and South County High School), one Loudoun Valley defense team managed to receive the verdict of not guilty from the jury, while the other

defense team reduced the prosecution’s 1st degree recommendation to eight years of second-degree murder. Both Valley prosecution teams were also victorious with second-degree sentences, giving the defendant a lengthy 25 years and 40 years in jail.

After the murder trial, Model Judiciary plans to send some of its members to Williamsburg for the state level trial.

“That case has a completely different fact pattern and it determines if we advance to the national level trial,” junior Mackenzie Forno said. During the January 28 trial, Forno played the role of a defense attorney.

Ultimately, Model Judiciary reaches far beyond a simple trial. It teaches important skills and allows for a holistic way of approaching issues.

“I think many people only look at things from their perspective,” Williams said.

“Even if you don’t want to be a lawyer, the skills Model Judiciary teaches you: critical thinking, public speaking, and grasping multiple points of view, are helpful in a wide range of careers.”

layout / Chris Cerne photos / Ella Serafin, Chris Cerne and Ben Manning

Cartoon

Culture

Cartooning club brings together artists and different styles, fostering an atmosphere where everyone perfects their craft. By Alexandra Krens

Left / Senior Emily Scott, leader of the cartooning club, practices her cartooning skills by sketching figures of different shapes and sizes. Right / Depicted is a piece of artwork Scott produced as a junior with the theme of fairy tales in a modern context. This is an example of the types of cartooning done in the club.

C

artooning isn’t just an artstyle, it’s a lifestyle. Ranging from traditionally drawn comic books to digitally designed manga (a Japanese style of art, typically found in graphic novels), cartoons serve a crucial role in the lives of artists and our culture.

Senior Emily Scott noticed a deficiency of illustration in the art class curriculums, and so she decided to start the club.

“In the regular art classes, you learn realism, and realistic style, and more classical things, but cartooning is frowned upon, so we don’t learn anything about it,” Scott said, “It seemed like a good idea to have someplace where people who were interested in that specifically can look at how to take a realistic person and then turn them into a cartoon.”

Scott asked senior Deryn Young to help her run the club, and they now lead meetings during A rotation and Thursdays after school.

The club’s after school meetings start with a seminar, followed by time to draw and discuss their new ideas. Scott and

Young began teaching the fundamentals, but they hope to expand to more specific topics.

“Before club ends [for the year], we want to get into a few lessons on digital art,” Young said.

Young began doing digital art at the age of 12, and hopes to impart some of her knowledge on the matter to the club.

“I can point out a lot of things, and save people a lot of time, based off of all the years I just spent messing around and learning things on my own,” Young said.

The duo felt somewhat disappointed that they only started the club in their senior year. Regardless, they remain hopeful about its future.

“I hope to come back and maybe sit in on a club meeting,” Scott said. “The club will constantly be shifting and changing, because of all the styles coming in.”

Bringing all of those different perspectives together was a crucial element of Scott and Young’s vision, and they believe it is the club’s greatest strength.

“If we had a club of people who just

liked to draw Mickey Mouse and Disney cartoons … it wouldn’t be as interesting, as diverse,” Young said. “I think that’s what keeps the club interesting.”

Scott and Young see cartooning as a dying art, and hope that this club can be a unified force that helps keep it alive.

“I love cartooning, Gravity Falls, Steven Universe, Star vs. the Forces of Evil, those are all [part of] the last stand of 2D animation” Young said. “I’d like to bring back 2D films. To me, they represent a time that was good.”

The club encourages all artists, both members and those who have yet to join, to stick with their art, no matter their style or skill level. Junior Erica Widdifield encourages perseverance in the effort towards one’s artistic goals.

“Don’t stop drawing, even if it’s little weird doodles,” Widdifield said.

layout / Chris Cerne photos / Tyler Valentine February 2017

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YOUR YEAR

Y(O U R) BOOK

BUY TODAY jostensyearbooks.com

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In a January 17th game against Rock Ridge, junior Jordan Miller races past defenders down the middle of the court. Maintaining their winning streak, the boys’ basketball team won by a whopping 39 points.

Eye On the Ball The boys’ basketball team hopes their renewed skill and determination will lead them down the road to states.

By Claire Slook

A

fter last year’s crushing two point loss in the state quarterfinal, the boys’ basketball team is ready for redemption.

Coach Chad Dawson and the team have high expectations for the postseason and have been working for the state title since last year.

The team was 18-1 as of January 27, and Dawson feels confident in their ability to win a state championship.

“The expectation of this year’s team is very high because they’re coming off 26-1 with 11 of our top 12 kids back,” Dawson said.

Losing three seniors has had little effect on the team’s performance. Junior Matthew Traub says the team is stronger this season because they have had an extra year to play together. Additionally, the team trained and conditioned throughout the offseason to better prepare themselves for a competitive year.

Despite last year’s playoff defeat, junior Jordan Miller thinks the team has what it takes to win a state title.

“We have better chemistry than last year,” Miller said.

Each player is required to keep the team’s spirits up and motivate their teammates, making all efforts to ensure a successful postseason.

The team’s deeper personal connection

has benefited them during competition.

“It’s like a family. We spend basically all hours with each other,” Traub said.

Off of the court, the team spends much of their time together in dinners and outings. The teammates are clearly comfortable with each other. One player gifted Woodgrove spirit wear during their secret Santa exchange as a prank.

This year, the coaches and players are emphasizing mental preparation just as much as physical preparation.

“Great teams understand that it’s more mental than physical and we’re trying to enhance that part of our game,” Dawson said.

The attention also motivates the team.

Hearing what others say about their capabilities, the team uses their reputation to create a name for this 2016-2017 lineup.

With six seniors this year, the team is making the most out of their unique athleticism before they graduate.

Above all, the team’s confidence is the key to their success.

“Now more than ever we know we’re capable,” Traub said.

layout / Ben Manning photo / Madison Stiles February 2017

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Tossed In Translation During the annual foreign language dodgeball game on January 13, senior Sofie Saunier evades an opponent’s throw.

German Club emerged victorious, while Saunier and the rest of the French Club finished fourth. layout / Sean Webster photo / Tyler Valentine

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February 2017

Literary Magazine Submissions include: Poetry Short Stories Creative NonďŹ ction Essays

Photography Paintings Drawings Other Artwork

To submit to the Literary Magazine, contact Ms. Hildbold in room 124 or see Ms. Kincaid in room 305.

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

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February 2017

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Senior Dani McAlister competes in a slalom event, where she uses the cross-block technique to knock over a gate. Slalom, a skiing discipline where the poles are spaced closely together, requires quicker and shorter turns and is more technique-based.

Hitting the Slopes While some choose to partake in winter sports for leisure, others turn their passion into something much greater. By Chris Cerne and Heather Feconda

F

or many students, nothing beats the rush of excitement and adrenaline from skiing down a mountain. But while some travel across the country to skiing resorts for vacation, others choose to amplify their passion by racing in local competitions or to teach the next generation of skiers.

Two students, senior Dani McAlister and sophomore Erin Reynolds, are well-aware of how to shred the powder-covered slopes.

Learning how to ski is the easy part, but it takes some time to perfect form.

“The hardest part about skiing is learning all these new ways to use your legs to benefit the way your body flows while skiing,” Reynolds said.

Because of the various techniques required in skiing, it can take many years for skiers to become a master. Thus, it helps to learn skiing at an early age, like learning how to ride a bike.

“I learned to ski when I was three or four,” McAlister said. “In the last three years, I got a lot better and more competitive.”

McAlister picked up her interest in winter sports from her brother (a recent Loudoun Valley graduate), Andrew, who 16

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also skis competitively. Skiing hasn’t always been her favorite winter sport, however.

When she was younger, McAlister enjoyed snowboarding, but lost her technique after neglecting the sport for one season.

Fortunately, McAlister eventually found her love for skiing.

“I went back the next season, and tried to snowboard and I was just not good at it,” McAlister said. “When I was fourteen or fifteen [skiing] just clicked.”

Many students are unfamiliar with the variety of disciplines associated with skiing.

McAlister is currently part of the Southern Alpine Racing Association, where she competes in both slalom and giant slalom races. Both of these disciplines involve skiing at a high speed between poles or gates. On December 26, it was her first time skiing slalom the entire season, and she placed third. On January 8th, McAlister placed second. She participated in both of these events at her home mountain, Bryce Resort.

“Slalom is my favorite because that’s more technique based,” McAlister said.

“Giant slalom is a lot more based on speed, and not so much technique because the gates are further apart.”

But to race down a mountain is not without its dangers, as with any other sport.

McAlister claims that while she hasn’t had any particularly bad falls, some of her friends have been less lucky.

“I have had a few friends who have torn their ACLs,” McAlister said. “I am a little nervous for that this year.”

Reynolds is equally passionate about skiing. She takes her interest to the next level by becoming a ski instructor for children to teach the next generation of skiers.

“Teaching kids is hard, but I enjoy it,” Reynolds said. “They listen to you, rather than adults, because of your age.”

While she does not ski competitively, Reynolds still enjoys the rush of adrenaline from hitting the slopes.

“I’m nervous and excited to ski because the nervousness comes from not knowing when you could catch an edge and fall,” Reynolds said. “The excitement comes from going fast, but also [from] being in control.”

layout / Chris Cerne photo / Courtesy of Richard Wyly

The Universal Language Valentine’s Day can be stressful, expensive and daunting. In his best-selling book The Five Love Languages, author Gary Chapman gives us guidance on how to navigate the romantic season.

According to Chapman, humans tend to give love in the way they wish to receive it. These “love languages” fall into five different categories. By Charlotte Twetten

Physical Touch

In times of trouble, those who are touchoriented take a pat on the shoulder or a hug as a sign that they are supported and strengthened by those who love them. When talking doesn’t come easily, physical affection, like a picture, can be worth a thousand words.

Acts of Service

Perhaps the love-language least recognized is acts of service. These people do something useful to help you and are the first to recognize another person’s needs. They simply wish for people to show them the same help and devotion they often initiate. For these people, cleaning their car means more to them than buying a cupcake.

Quality Time

People with this love language just want your attention. These people receive and show love by sticking around, being loyal to those they love and chilling out. Whether its going to see a movie, taking walks together or simply being alone with one another, they will always enjoy staying by your side.

Gift Giving

Gift giving may be the first thing we think of when it comes to romance. Gift givers best recognize affection when it’s wrapped up with a bow on top. They love scoring presents for their friends almost as much as receiving them.

The most important part of the gift-giving message is the thought behind it.

Words of Affirmation

1: Words of Affirmation 2: Physical Touch 3: Quality Time 4: Acts of Service 5: Gift Giving

Words of affirmation is the love language of orators and poets. These people prefer positive feedback and are often accused of “fishing for compliments,” when in reality they are simply searching for support. However, these individuals do not always need splendid speeches about them in order to feel loved; simply saying thanks should do the trick.

layout / Sean Webster photos / Madison Stiles February 2017

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THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

February 2017

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More Than Your Vote

Casting a ballot is only the first step. Real and lasting change requires much more.

T

he 2016 election was the year of insurgent candidacies. The campaigns of Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump electrified large swaths of voters that had historically not been very involved in politics.

Yet, the inspiration and interest that these campaigns generated risks being wasted before it even has a chance to make a mark on the political process.

Traditionally, as the new president is sworn in, the public’s attention to and interest in politics is falls dramatically.

Presidential campaigns seem to be the only thing that the public takes notice of.

Meanwhile, midterm election turnout is the lowest it’s been in over half a century.

However, voter turnout is not the only problem with American political participation. In fact, voting is probably the most a majority of Americans involve themselves in the political process, and therein lies the problem. In the words of Thomas Jefferson, “We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.”

While this problem may be as old as America, it should not be one that continues to plague the country. With confidence in the government and democracy in general at concerningly low levels, (40 percent

of Americans said they have lost faith in Democracy according to a 2016 poll), the only way public confidence can be salvaged is if citizens do more than just vote. This can take numerous forms, and even if you’re short on time you can help.

“We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.”

Thomas Jefferson

Writing a letter or making a phone call about an issue you care about to your representatives can go a long way. This can help them get a sense of what their constituents feel about the issues and better advise their vote. It’s very important to express your displeasure with your representatives; they will reconsider even their most entrenched positions if they face a wave of phone calls from angry constituents. However, even if you already agree with their position it’s important they hear people that are in agreement and not just dissenters.

Local government like the Purcellville Town Council and Loudoun Board of Supervisors can enact the most visible

changes in day to day life, like approving a new shopping center or road that will make your commute easier. Attending these local meetings can empower the average citizen and let them take a more active role in the government.

Another effective way the average citizen can get involved is joining a protest or political movement. There are already encouraging signs; planned movements like the Women’s March and the March for Life have attracted hundreds of thousands of protesters and demonstrators, and drawn attention to their causes. In addition, spontaneous protests that have sprung up across the country in response to the recent executive actions have put government officials and lawmakers on notice.

Real change does not come from the ballot box. It comes from being active and standing up for what you believe. It only takes one person to start a movement. As the famous cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

layout / Ben Manning photo / Gillian Krug February 2017

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1 Catherine Slupe, a sophomore gymnast, performs her floor routine during the team’s home meet on January 11. (photo / Tyler Valentine)

2 Eyeing the hoop, sophomore Haley Pasqualone gets ready to shoot a free throw in the January 6 game versus Rockridge. (photo /Jared Sanders)

3 Swinging on the low bar, sophomore Grace Hawk competes on the uneven bars during the home gymnastics meet on January 11. (photo / Tyler Valentine)

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Senior Taylor Kamhong faces off against an opponent at the wrestling team’s home meet on December 13. (photo / Gillian Krug)

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Dribbling the ball down the court, sophomore Olivia Badura aids the girls’ basketball team in the 51-24 blowout victory versus Rockridge on January 6. (photo / Jared Sanders)

layout / Ben Manning & Olivia deStanley