The Viking / Issue III / November 2014

THE

VIKING Loudoun Valley High School / Purcellville, VA / Issue III / November 2014

Claiming Your Identity Senior Gonzo Ocampo takes a look at the different backgrounds and experiences that make up the Hispanic community.

VIKING

THE

The Valley drumline performed during the Homecoming pep rally, using trashcans rather than typical drums for their performance. photo / Elizabeth Sikora cover photo / Elizabeth Sikora

Newsmagazine Staff 2014-2015

Editors-in-Chief Brianna Jennings Henry Webster

Senior Managing Editor Emma Rodriguez

Managing Editor Leila Francis

Advertising Multimedia Editor Manager Sacha Gragg Jennifer Colantonio

Design Editor Elizabeth Sikora

Online Editors Claire Deaver McKenna Holtz

Writers, Photographers, Business and Promotional Staff Emily Baer, Carina Bucci, Christopher Cerne, Cassandra Good, Alexandra Krens, Benjamin Manning, Gonzo Ocampo, Dalton Smolens, Helen Sternberg, Tyler Valentine, Sean Webster, Rachel Weinstein

Letter

from the

Editors

Dear Vikings, The Viking is a completely student-run and student-funded newsmagazine, meaning that our staff is responsible for everything you see printed, unless otherwise credited. Our adviser, Ms. Cox, guides us through the process, but

Adviser Paige Cox thevikingnews.com | Twitter: @lvhsviking | Instagram: lvhsviking ultimately everything is produced and crafted by our student staff.

If there is something you want us to cover, let us know! Our goal is to serve the community around us, knowing what you all are interested in reading will help us reach this goal.

We are serious about our work and hope to bring national, global and local issues to light. However, we are also concerned about giving you, the student body, entertaining content each issue.

We do not tamper with interviews; the words you give us during an interview are what you will see printed unless you tell us otherwise. Our interviews are backed up via audio files, and we promise to never intentionally place your quotes out of context.

This issue explores different cultures within the school as well as extracurricular activities, business reviews and globally discussed topics.

Check out our online

newspaper, twitter and Instagram for current news coverage with articles, photos and videos.

If you want an advertisment please contact our advertising manager Jennifer Colantonio at jnnfrcolantonio@gmail.com. We hope you enjoy this issue of The Viking.

Thanks, Brianna Jennings Henry Webster Editors-in-Chief

CONTENTS November 2014

4

Music Madness

5

Ebola

6

What to Know about GMOs

8

Coffee Conundrum

10

Claiming Your Identity

12

LVSI Mu Alpha Theta

An investigation into band, chorus and orchestra.

Everything you need to know about the epidemic.

An investigation into the controversial genetically modified organisms.

Where’s the best coffee in Purcellville?

Gonzo Ocampo describes the experience of Hispanic students.

13 Prince of Purcellville

Darius Fraser: Son of the mayor of Purcellville, dancing king, comedy cult member and acclaimed actor.

14 Breaking Stereotypes

Despite popular belief, alcohol consumption among teens has gone down in recent years.

16

What to Watch

18

You Wouldn’t Say...

19

Powderpuff Power

Many students are looking for television shows to watch on Netflix. Here are a few choices to warm up the winter months.

Slurs against race, gender, sexuality and religion are not socially acceptable. Neither are slurs against mental disabilities.

On November 5, the senior Powderpuff team played against Woodgrove.

Senior Elijah Cooper prepares to tackle a member of the Culpeper County team during the first playoff game. The Vikings won 20-14. photo / Elizabeth Sikora

Music Update Band Together by Leila Francis

The band, including wind, jazz and percussion ensembles and the symphonic marching bands, consistently offers a culture entirely its own to students. The bonds between band members are obvious as they can be found completing homework, walking the hallways and preparing for games—all together.

“It was really nice because this was my first year at Valley, and I got to know people, so I actually had friends in my classes,” senior Michaela Bennett said.

Unity is an integral part of the band’s identity, and members seek to include everyone. In addition to this unique culture, band offers countless opportunities for musical expression, always one-upping their previous performances and finding new, creative pieces to perform.

“I’ve been learning a lot of fun music, and we have a cool percussion piece called ‘Me Tarzan’ and it’s all body percussion,” Bennett said.

With culture and creativity, band provides a renowned experience to its members.

Senior Lelia Busch performs at the Veterans Day assembly. The assembly is one of many events planned for the orchestra in the upcoming year.

Orchestra Outlook

by Helen Sternberg

The band plays at the homecoming pep rally. The band performs at many events central to school spirit and culture.

High Note by Helen Sternberg

The chorus is planning an eventful year and the students are very excited for the up-and-coming year.

“We are singing more jazz and contemporary music, but we will keep singing the classics and foreign language pieces,” senior Sarah Midolo said.

“The type of music may not be changing a lot, but the group’s songs are getting harder to sing and more complex each year.

“I look forward to learn new challenging music and spend time with some of my best friends,” junior Meegan Hall said.

The chorus will be having two concerts, a winter concert in December and a spring concert in April. The groups will also be performing at the Veterans Day program.

“My favorite part about chorus is the absolute family feeling. Everyone trusts one another and all of us are extremely close. It’s that closeness that creates a unified sound and allows us to perform and sing advanced music,” Midolo said.

4 THEVIKINGNEWS.COM NOVEMBER 2014

The orchestra department has exciting plans for the current school year. One such plan is a field trip to Baltimore in November; the students will be visiting the Baltimore aquarium and listening to one of the five national orchestras perform.

“We’re going to see the Baltimore Philharmonic which is [one of ] the best ones in the world,” senior Alexa Gracias said.

All three orchestras will be performing in a December concert. The songs range from classic concertos to more modern pieces with upbeat tunes.

In addition, the chamber orchestra performed in the Veterans Day program.

“We’re playing lots of patriotic repertoire, and it should be a lot of fun,” Gracias said.

Students are also excited to be part of the program. The school orchestra has proven to be a major part of Valley’s music program.

“I’m really excited to be playing harder music with more experienced people, [and] I think people in this orchestra want to be here and want to play,” freshman Natalie Morris said. photos / Sacha Gragg and Elizabeth Sikora layout / Emma Rodriguez

EBOLA

By Sean Webster

“I’ve heard students make off-handed jokes when someone sneezes, like, ‘Oh careful, they might have Ebola.’”

ORIGIN The disease orginated in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan in 1976. The total casualties between the two countries amounted to 431 people.

The most recent outbreak is the largest one ever recorded in terms of scope and fatality.

Transmission The only way someone can contract Ebola is through direct contact with bodily fluids of an infected person. These fluids include, but are not limited to, sweat and saliva. Ebola is not airborne and cannot be spread through water or food.

13,703 CASES

of Ebola recorded so far during the 2014 West African outbreak.

TREATMENT No FDA-approved vaccine or medicine is available for Ebola.

Symptoms of Ebola are treated as they appear. The following basic interventions, when used early, can significantly improve the chances of survival:

Number of Casualties from Past Outbreaks

Providing IV and balancing electrolytes

Maintaining oxygen and blood pressure

Rumors

HUMOR Many social media outlets feature numerous posts and “memes” poking fun at the disease.

Also, some teens have made humorous remarks when discussion of the disease arises. “I’ve heard students make off-handed jokes when someone sneezes, like, ‘Oh careful, they might have Ebola,’” English teacher Rebecca Walter said.

Outlandish rumors claim that the entire state of Texas is infected with Ebola and that some Ebola-infected corpses have risen from the dead.

Treating other infections if they occur

layout / Brianna Jennings and Sean Webster NOVEMBER 2014

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5

What to know about

GMOs

In North America, over 80 percent of the food we eat contains GMOs, but less than half of Loudoun Valley students know what a GMO is or what foods contain it. With studies showing possibilities of being able to feed the whole world or to cause cancer, the use of GMOs in food spark a controversy in students.

By Elizabeth Sikora

A GMO is a genetically modified organism, usually a plant that has a foreign gene in it, typically from a bacteria but potentially from a higher form of life. For example, some researchers are trying to insert salmon genes into tomatoes for a redder, juicier tomato. Everything from locally grown corn to ice cream is likely to contain GMOs.

The idea of GMOs emerged in the 1900s when American biologist Norman Borlaug created a type of wheat through selective breeding resulting in more edible kernels rather than the usual, long inedible stems. This gave farmers more grain per acre, and companies began to investigate modification of genes to yield more food.

Senior Logan Potts, whose family has owned Dogwood farm for generations and has been shipping milk since 1932, uses GMOs on his corn to increase the harvest and resist weeds.

“We use this because it can produce more feed for our cows without having extra land. Because we have no room to expand our farm, we have to find other ways to produce more feed,” Potts said.

By the year 2050, it is estimated that the world’s population will reach a plateau around 9 billion. By planting more of the world’s arable land with GMO products, it would offer an alternative way to boost crop production without using environmentally harmful pesticides or taking up more land. Researchers have found that with the use of GMOs, the world can produce enough food for each person to receive three square meals a day.

With the ability to end world hunger, GMOs sound like the quick fix to one of the world’s biggest problems. GMO crops have been adopted by 28 different

countries and are planted on 11 percent of the world’s plantable land, including half the cropland in the United States. Since their creation in the 1990s, Americans have been consuming GMOs for nearly two decades. However, in Europe and Africa there is argument over the safety of consumption and environmental effects that have generally banned the use of GMO crops. This movement is now spreading to the United States, notably the youth and concerned mothers.

Critics view GMOs as a risky move because of the lack of reliable studies done on their effects.

With threats of allergic reaction, abnormal tumor growth and intestinal damage, some people try to avoid foods with GMOs because independent studies on rats showed all these effects at exponential rates.

“Sometimes, a modification to an organism can have unforeseen effects on the environment and consumers. For example, at one point, tomatoes were on the market which had been modified to no longer produce polygalacturonase, the substance that primarily causes tomatoes to rot. These tomatoes therefore lasted much longer than natural tomatoes. However, it was later found that this change had caused them to become cancer-causing, and it was taken off the market,” senior Ian Gallagher, who genetically modifies organisms at AOS as an independent project, said.

Americans put the safety of their food into the hands of the FDA to approve and disapprove what they eat. However, many of these companies have a large influence over the studies they show to the

6 THEVIKINGNEWS.COM NOVEMBER 2014

FDA, as many of them are funded by the agrochemical companies.

“The protocols are not nearly stringent enough and favor the industrial giants. In fact, those same giants have written the majority of the rules used by the USDA,” Environmental Science teacher Liam McGranaghan said.

These agricultural companies that manufacture the GMOs own the patents for both the seeds and herbicides farmers use,

“GMOs have the potential to bring many benefits. However, they also have the potential to inflict serious harm.”

-Ian Gallagher locking farmers in a never-ending cycle of buying these seeds and chemicals.

Although farming with GMOs may create enough food to feed the entire world, industrialized food might need a little more research before it can become the hero of hunger.

“GMOs have the potential to bring many benefits. They can make farming more efficient and productive. However, they also have the potential to inflict serious harm. Overall, I think that GMOs are a good thing, as long as they are heavily regulated,” Gallagher said. layout / Elizabeth Sikora photo / Elizabeth Sikora sources / Huffington Post, Organic Consumers Association, Non-GMO Project, National Public Radio

9 billion The number of people we could feed with GMO use in crops.

Over 40

The number of countries that ban or significantly restrict the use of GMOs in food.

NOVEMBER 2014

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

7

COFFEE CONUNDRUM

Coffee is an integral part of teenage culture and hometown coffee shops provide a welcoming atmosphere for students to study and relax.

By Claire Deaver

Loco Joes

Bicycles & Coffee

Popularly known for having a big red coffee cup seen along Main Street, Loco Joes is a fairly recent addition to Purcellville. Compared to Market Street, Loco Joes has a much cleaner finish with more lighting and lighter colored walls, but still captures the warm coffee shop feel. The business supports several local businesses by selling their products such as bagels, pastries, soups and mugs. Loco Joes also hosts a farmers market outside their building every Saturday morning from 9 a.m.-1 p.m, supporting local vendors, who sell everything from homemade soaps to organic fruits and vegetables.

This budding business is unique in that, in addition to coffee, they are a full service bicycle shop. Some of their services include renting and repairing bikes and selling athletic attire. The bicycle area takes up a majority of the store, but one small corner is set aside to make coffee. The shop is a great place for bikers to stop in halfway through their trips on the trail to socialize and take a short break. Although the sitting area is smaller than places like Market Street and Loco Joes, it’s more practical for its double use as a bike store and coffee shop.

Starbucks

Market Street

Probably the best known provider for coffee in Purcellville, this business offers various elaborate types of coffee such as sea salt caramel frappuccinos or gingerbread lattees. Starbucks differs from Market Street and Loco Joes in that it’s a national chain. Based on coffee, Starbucks lacks in quality.

Most of the drinks are very sweet, satisfying most teenagers’ taste buds, but they also have a very high sugar and fat content. Starbucks is located in Harris Teeter, providing a very small area for the business. Therefore, there is usually a long line, making the wait extensive. A new Starbucks is in the process of being constructed in the Harris Teeter shopping center featuring a drive thru, an important facet for many customers.

After a stressful school day, Market Street provides a place to hang out with a warm vibe given by its red walls, comfy couches and dimmed lighting.

Many students have study groups here as they sip on their different flavored drinks. On weekends, Market Street often has local musicians perform, drawing big crowds that are even sometimes out the door. Seniors Ian Gallagher and Grant Frazier, junior Josh Poncin and sophomore Ted Gallegos are among some of the past performers at the shop. In addition to coffee, Market Street offers pastries, soups, gelato and some breakfast foods.

8 THEVIKINGNEWS.COM NOVEMBER 2014

layout / Claire Deaver and McKenna Holtz photo / Claire Deaver and McKenna Holtz

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NOVEMBER 2014

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

9

Claiming Your

Identity

I hear it time and time again. “So… you’re Mexican, right?” My bronze skin and fluency in Spanish deceive the minds of my colleagues. I ponder whether it is legitimate ignorance or simply lack of conversational effort.

Through past experiences, I’ve seen a generalization of Hispanic people, including myself. I’ve frequently heard students referred to as “Mexicans” and slang terms directed towards Latin-American students.

Of course it is not a negative thing to belong to the Mexican nationality, but when someone isn’t from that country, it’s the same thing as calling a Canadian an American. The ignorance may seem innocent initially, and while it may be taken lightly by some, for others it is a sign of disrespect.

These types of situations affected me, especially in a time when I was trying to

Senior Gonzo Ocampo shares his journey of learning to embrace his Hispanic background and takes a look at the different backgrounds and experiences that make up the Hispanic community.

define my identity. When I was younger, I often felt nervous or even scared to display my race to others. At times, I was even embarrassed to speak Spanish in front of anyone. I didn’t want people to find out I was Hispanic.

We all know, in a predominately white community, stereotypes and racism still occur, sourcing from both a lack of understanding and a closed off mentality about different cultures. This type of behavior makes it difficult for any minority student to feel truly comfortable.

Nonetheless, as I got older I began to grow beyond this fear and take pride in my background. I began to feel that my Hispanic culture was a large part of me that I had not been appreciating.

Being raised in Northern Virginia by two native Peruvian parents, I come from a completely different background than most

10 THEVIKINGNEWS.COM NOVEMBER 2014

of my peers. Even though I am bilingual and my parents lived most of their lives in another hemisphere, the fusion of the two widely different cultures has a positive effect. While I teach my friends and peers about my culture, I learn and assimilate into theirs, keeping our relationships reciprocal.

I have changed a lot in the last four years. Now that I have a budding sense of comfort, I find it easier to share my background. What I once thought was a weakness developed into a strength and a part of me that is interesting.

CHALLENGES In my experiences, I began to notice the broad spectrum of students that represent Hispanic culture. There are students that come from all over South and Central

America. The person sitting next to you in biology class may be from somewhere you are not remotely familiar with. Their story can be fascinating and may have the power to change your outlook on the world.

It is almost impossible to tell a student’s ethnic background or the struggles they may face by looking at them. Some students within the school can barely speak English, some students moved to the United States only a few months ago, some students may still be struggling with the immigration process. Many Hispanic students must deal with difficult issues while also trying to assimilate into a new culture.

In the process of writing this article, I realized how tough it is for those immigrating to the United States. Not only is it difficult considering the language barrier and the cultural obscurity, but leaving a comfortable life and all of your family and friends behind can be extremely overwhelming.

Upon speaking with four students who have just moved to the United States from Latin-American countries, I got the opportunity to learn more about their different experiences.

Senior Sergio Rodriguez, who moved

from Bolivia only four months ago, said that gallina (a Peruvian cuisine) while watching moving to the United States was refreshing Aaron Rodgers and the Packers play on TV. because it made him feel like he is able to This is one of the many examples of how my share cultures. He feels that gradually, he is American culture has rubbed off on the rest fitting in and getting accustomed to the way of my family. of life here in the United States.

Junior Kris Crickenberger said, “Food Other students shared similar is something that really unites Hispanic experiences. Although there is an evident families together. The food itself is language and social barrier, essentially, they something very unique. My favorite dish thought it was exciting being able to learn called ceviche: it’s cut-up fish cooked in lime more about another culture. juice.”

Sophomore Manuel Jimenez moved Crickenberger also explains, “Family is from Mexico to the United States in 2012. the biggest benefit of being Hispanic. With He said that in his old school in Mexico, so many uncles, aunts and cousins, it’s hard there were only 35 students in his entire to ever feel alone. Holidays are the best grade. It’s hard to imagine such a difference, time, because no matter what, family comes but this is only one of the changes Jimenez first while we get together and celebrate.” must face.

Similarly, senior Oscar Ayala shared These struggles his favorite not only apply to parts of being some immigrated Hispanic: students, but also to “You get to a large portion of the experience Hispanic population two vastly at the school. different Some students said cultures, speak they have trouble two languages, assimilating into eat great, the social realm. exotic foods But non-Hispanic and, most students could importantly, -Zulma Hernandez learn so much from still experience minority students many while making minority students feel more friendships. It helps me get along with integrated and welcome. basically anybody from anywhere.”

Freshman Rene Rodriguez had this To add to that, freshman Zulma to say about the matter: “I think everyone Hernandez said, “The best part of being fits in because in America, everyone is an Hispanic is knowing my background, where immigrant; we all come from a different I stand. Some people don’t really know too place.” much about their heritage. I am proud to I have dealt with similar hardships in say I’m a Salvadoran.” the past and I feel that most Hispanics have The aspects Crickenberger, Ayala as well, but Rodriguez has a great point—we and Hernandez shared are a common really are all immigrants. Because of this, pattern between almost all Latin-American I think it’s important to find interests and countries and can bring students together. similarities among all of us.

At the end of the day, school is just another environment for students to learn. The variety of cultures adds to the CULTURAL PRIDE wealth and diversity of Loudoun Valley.

While some students live with a mélange While Hispanics deal with hardships of cultures and others are completely and difficulty, they also find that belonging accustomed to the American lifestyle, both to such a rich culture is a blessing. Food, can learn and broaden their outlooks on the pride and the bond of family are central to rest of the world.

Hispanic culture. My family and I abide by this standard. On a typical Sunday photos / Elizabeth Sikora afternoon spent with my family, we have a layout / Elizabeth Sikora bunch of friends over and scarf down ají de

“Some people don’t really know too much about their heritage. I am proud to say I’m a Salvadoran.”

NOVEMBER 2014

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Loudoun Valley Service Initiative While some students simply see club days as another study hall, others spend it in a club dedicated to serving the community.

BY EMILY BAER For many, activity period offers a time to scramble to finish homework assignments that are due first block or chat with friends. Others use Friday activity periods to serve in the community. One of the clubs emerging in popularity among students is Loudoun Valley Service Initiative (LVSI). “[LVSI] offers students who would otherwise be too busy or uninformed an opportunity to be involved. I also like that you have to have a certain number of points to stay in the club, because it means that only people who seriously want to participate can come to the meetings,” sophomore and member Cameron Fischer said.

Activities include the annual cystic fibrosis talent show, the Sleep-In for the homeless, the hygiene drive and food drives.

“The Sleep-In experience is a unique experience because you’re spending an extended period of time in the school building,” LVSI sponsor Heather Olis said. “I get to hang out with students in a

Andrew Lohr, Robert Fairfax, Meg McAnally and Sara Nelson pose with the LVSI poster at Vikingfest.

different way. It’s fun and it’s for a good cause.”

Involved in various sports and other activities, each member brings different ideas and projects to the organization.

“I volunteered for three hours at the kids’ games in Barktoberfest. I loved it because of the feeling of involvement and the opportunity to meet new people,” junior Jules Simpson said.

Olis has found over the years that students are not always aware of how satisfying it is to help others until they become involved.

“My way of thinking is, I’m capable and blessed with so many things so if I have things to give, then I should,” Olis said. photo / courtesy of Loudoun Valley SCA layout / Brianna Jennings

Mu Alpha Theta Senior Roxi Smith seeks to improve Mu Alpha Theta, making it a core aspect of math education as well as bringing a more fun feeling to math.

BY CLAIRE DEAVER Pi day, a celebrated occasion across the math field, takes place on March 14 every year, which follows the digits of the mathematical value, pi. Their new president, senior Roxi Smith, is ecstatic for the new year and is full of fresh ideas. On September 25, Mu Alpha Theta started a program called Theta Thursdays in room 106 where students can come in to get math help for all different levels from members of the club starting at 8:15. The program has been successful and has helped several students.

“I want it to be fun and not pressured,” Smith said. “Also, it’s good for students whose teachers don’t come in in the morning.”

Since the activity has started, students have appreciated the help and the club has received decent turn out each week.

“I think Theta Thursdays are a good tool for learning,” senior Dillon Richardson said. “Students can get help from other students and work in groups.”

Another new addition to the club is the Mu Alpha Theta market which they plan to have once a month. Smith wants to sell 12 THEVIKINGNEWS.COM NOVEMBER 2014

Roxi Smith works with students seeking help in math during the club’s weekly Theta Thursday.

sweat bands, school supplies, snacks, temporary tattoos and other items. Another goal for the club is to have a pie-eating contest during lunch periods and a pie-throwing contest involving two math teachers to raise money for the club. Lastly, during the week of Pi Day, the club wants to have a spirit week with different days to dress up like “mathletes.”

“I just want to make math fun and interesting and helpful,” Smith said. photo / Elizabeth Sikora layout / Brianna Jennings

Q & A:

Mayor Kwasi Fraser, Darius’s father, on running for mayor and plans for the town during his term.

What made you decide to run for mayor?

I was motivated to run from my commitment to my own family, my love of our wonderful community, my passion for open government and my experience in organizing, working with people and successfully leading large endeavors.

Darius Fraser poses for a shot in the black box. Along with the dance team on the football field at half time and the casts on the auditorium stage, the Comedy Cult in the black box is one of the many groups in which Fraser participates.

Prince of Purcellville

BY HENRY WEBSTER

In the eyes of the school, sophomore Darius Fraser is associated with confidence and a magnanimous personality—you can’t help but love him. With a father elected as the first African-American mayor of Purcellville and himself often dubbed the “Prince of Purcellville,” the Fraser family is now referred to as the first family of Purcellville.

Kwasi Fraser was officially sworn in on July 1, 2014 as the town mayor of Purcellville.

Fraser has been a town resident for eight years and is originally from Guyana.

“He knows how to operate a business, and he feels that the town is like a business,” Darius said. “And he believes that if we operate correctly, the town can be successful.”

Adding his own flair to the family, Darius, with his widely recognized charisma, involves himself in many aspects of the school, participating in SCA, Comedy Cult, drama and the dance team. Between his knack for comedic acting and his impressive mastery of facial expressions, there is rarely a moment in which Darius is not entertaining the student body.

“I was a little hesitant to join [the dance team] last year,” Darius said. “But I gave it a shot and it’s honestly been a blast.” photos / Rachel Weinstein layout / Henry Webster

“At Valley there is a place for everyone.

It’s a great place for continuing doing things that you love, as well as finding new hobbies.”

NOVEMBER 2014

What was it like running for mayor?

Running for mayor tested me physically, mentally and spiritually. Going door to door was physically challenging at times, but the determination to meet and listen to our neighbors’ concerns and ideas kept me going.

I had to dedicate many hours to become knowledgeable of the town’s financials, the issues, the comprehensive plan and the strategic vision.

What are your visions for the town?

As promised to the citizens of Purcellville, we will increase transparency and place our citizens first, we will ensure future growth and value preservation is approached in an assessed and managed fashion through the lens of our comprehensive plan, we will take measured steps to increase operational efficiency and pursue new revenue opportunities and we will reduce our debt, tax burden and utility fees to ensure our citizens keep more of their hard earned dollars and support of local businesses.

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Breaking Stereotypes There is often a perception that Americans, and especially American youth, use alcohol destructively. However, in recent years, teen drinking nationally and in Virginia has been on the decline, showing a shift in teen alcohol culture.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, nationally, teen drinking recently dropped from 17.6 percent in 2002 to 11.6 percent in 2013. Virginia and the county have also seen a decline in the number of teens drinking.

“Being in an affluent county, [a decrease in teen drinking] coincides with the national trends,” Amy Iliffe, the Loudoun Valley Substance Abuse Specialist, said. “There is not one single reason teen drinking is on the decline; there has been an increase in marijuana use and a decrease in alcohol use among teens. This displays that when something is perceived as less harmful, as marijuana is, it

14 THEVIKINGNEWS.COM NOVEMBER 2014

Contrary to popular indicate a decline in resulting from a vari factors. By Brianna

is abused more. Alcohol is seen as more harmful than marijuana, which could be one reason [teen alcohol use] is declining.”

Perhaps because of the programs and actions warning of alcohol dangers, the numbers of alcohol-caused incidents have been on the downfall. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the number of teens from age 15-20 convicted of DUI in Virginia decreased from 2,209 to 1,391 from 2007-2011.

“There is a lot more awareness on the destructiveness of alcohol,” a recent graduate, who wishes to remain anonymous, said.

“Also, by trying to protect against the dangers of underage drinking, there are more disciplinary actions taken by police and adults, leading to kids not [drinking] as much because of the detrimental things it could do to their futures, whether it be on their permanent record or if it takes someone’s life.”

The Statistics

Teen drinking declines in the nation and across the state.

Virginia Underage Drinking and Crash Statistic from 2007-2011

belief, recent studies teen drinking, ety of contributing Jennings

source / Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

National Survey Comparing Teen Drinking from 2002-2013

Various cultures view alcohol and its consumption differently.

According to the Social Issues Research Centre, alcohol-related problems are associated with specific cultural factors, relating to beliefs, attitudes, norms and expectancies about drinking. Generally, societies with positive beliefs about alcohol experience significantly fewer alcohol-related problems; negative or inconsistent beliefs and expectancies are associated with higher levels of alcohol-related problems.

According to Iliffe, it is hard to say for sure that disciplinary actions and informational programs have led to this decline, but they could definitely be factors along with changing cultural norms. photo / Elizabeth Sikora layout / Brianna Jennings

source / Department of Health and Human Services

NOVEMBER 2014

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15

What to Watch Comedies

Intense

Not For Parents

These shows will give you your daily dose of humor as well as a much needed respite from the family chaos of Thanksgiving break.

If somehow the drama in school isn’t enough for you, turn to these shows for edge-of-your-seat action and excitement.

How ‘bout Knope Legen...Dary

“Say My Name”

“Miss me?”

Just Plain Creepy

Scandalous

A government worker deals with bureaucracy and gets into wacky misadventures along the way. Saturday Night Live star Amy Poehler plays Leslie Knope and brings humor to the seemingly boring town of Pawnee, Indiana.

Normally, it wouldn’t be possible to make a sitcom out of the stories their father shares. A particular father named Ted recounts hilarious tales to his children of his exploits leading up to meeting their mother.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you would know that you should be watching Breaking Bad. Plus it will give you a new respect for chemistry teachers.

A modern take on the classics by Arthur Conan Doyle, get ready for a plot so convoluted that you’ll be asking yourself: what are Holmes and Watson doing now? The entertainment, however, pulls you right back into the show.

With the horrifying plotlines in each season, American Horror Story will make you check the closet, check under the bed, sleep with the lights on and still watch the next episode.

Having an affair with the president isn’t a big deal right? In this show Olivia Pope’s relationship with the president takes a backseat while she helps her clients deal with their own “scandals.”

Hello Wisconsin!

TV on TV

Don’t Look Back

Helpful Felon

Behind Bars

Power Corrupts

We’ve all heard things about the crazy antics of actors and actresses—now imagine working with them. The performances by cast members such as Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan and Tina Fey create characters for the viewer to build false friendships with.

Awakening from a coma can be scary, especially if you’re surrounded by zombies.

Also, the average coma patient doesn’t have to deal with Rick Grimes’s gruesome and ethically challenging world. The Walking Dead is the first zombie apocalypse show worth watching.

An FBI most-wanted felon proposes a deal with the FBI in which he provides them with infromation to find highly dangerous criminals. Each episode explores a different, bizarre case ranging from felonies like murder to treason.

Everybody knows that preppy, corporate-types are made for prison.

Right? Especially when their ex-girlfriend is waiting with a band of fellow inmates. An absolute “do not watch with parents.”

A congressman climbs his way up the Washington food chain in an overly violent and cruel depiction of our nation’s politics. Watch Kevin Spacey in the Emmy award-winning Netflix original.

Perfect for the parents that won’t stop talking about how great the 70s were and the teens who want a series to mindlessly watch that entertains and amuses them.

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Awesome shows for binge watching.

However, watching them with your parents is ill-advised.

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EDITORIAL

You Wouldn’t Say...

You wouldn’t use derogatory slurs for gender, race, religion or sexuality, so why use the word “retard?”

W

alking through the halls of high school, the word “retard” and other derogatory slurs for intellectual disabilities can often be heard. The words “retard” and “retarded” have become accepted and commonly used to describe acts considered dumb or complaints about something. Students frequently use the terms “that’s retarded” or “you’re a retard” without pausing to think of what they are truly saying.

The word “retard” used to be the medical term for individuals with intellectual disabilities; however, it is no longer the correct term. Thus, the word needs to be eliminated from our vernacular.

There is no reason to use it. There are multiple slurs for different ethnicities, and when people use these terms, they are frowned upon and people take offense. In fact, when faculty members hear students use these words there is typically disciplinary action involved, but when they hear the word “retard” used, there are few to no repercussions.

Most do not idly stand by as someone is making a racial remark or joke; however, when people use the word “retarded,” it is funny and considered acceptable. But that is not the case. The word “retard” is just as offensive as any derogatory slur for any other group of people and should be treated as such. It is targeting a specific group and belittling and bullying them for something with which they were born. Most people feel that because they aren’t calling someone who has an intellectual disability “retarded” it is fine and it’s not hurting anyone’s feelings. This is the biggest misconception, because even using the word is offensive because it is making disabilities into a joke and not taking it as a serious matter.

People with intellectual disabilities are just that: people. They deserve to be treated as such and not made fun of for something they can’t control, and when the word “retarded” is used it humiliates them for something they can’t help. Some organizations are taking steps to ban the use of this degrading word. The best known is Spread the Word to End the Word, or R-Word. Through this organization, students can pledge to not use the word and educate people on why the word is not politically correct. As of November 17, the organization has 504,209 pledges, including some from this school. The Partner’s Club, a club that works towards creating a welcoming environment for all, has led this campaign at the school and has centered itself around the cause.

We have altered our society to accept those of different cultures and ethnicities, yet we are still ignorant of how we treat those with disabilities. In today’s world, people are uncomfortable around those with disabilities and do not know what to say to them or how to act around them. This fear has caused people to hide behind the word because it is easier to mock them instead of trying to understand them.

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photo / Rachel Weinstein layout / McKenna Holtz

Powder Power

On Wednesday, November 5, the senior Powderpuff team played Woodgrove’s Powderpuff team to raise money and awareness for mental health support.

The girls and coaches developed unique strategies such as doing jumping jacks to block field goals. The team narrowly lost 20-22 in the last few minutes of the game. “It was really cool to see both Woodgrove and Valley wearing yellow for suicide prevention awareness. Even though Woodgrove won in the end, we were all there supporting a good cause and the energy of the night was very uplifting,” senior Emily Anderson said. photo / Elizabeth Sikora layout / Elizabeth Sikora

Seniors Sammy Iliff and Bryanna McDonald reach for the ball thrown by junior and quarterback Emily Thompson.

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