The Viking / Issue VI / May 2015

the

viking Loudoun Valley High School / Purcellville, VA / Issue VI / May 2015

all in a day’s work A look at students who carry on Western Loudoun’s farming tradition.

VIKING

THE

Juniors Natalie Retaleato and Mar Keane make their way down the field towards the Park View goal. The team beat Park View 18-0 on April 20. (photo / Brianna Jennings) (cover photo illustration / 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, Nicholas Cerne, Olivia deStanley, Cassandra Good, Griffin Hunt, Alexandra Krens, Benjamin Manning, Christopher Morgan, Gonzo Ocampo, Carleigh Rahn, Dalton Smolens, Helen Sternberg, Zachary Stevenson, Madison Stiles, Tyler Valentine, Sean Webster, Rachel Weinstein Adviser Paige Cox

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. While we are mindful of what our student body wants, we

thevikingnews.com | Twitter: @lvhsviking | Instagram: lvhsviking are serious about our work.

Our goal is to serve the community around us by covering a variety of topics from pop culture to political controversies to local events. If there is something you want us to cover, ask us.

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

With seniors on staff leaving for college this fall, this is our last time working on an issue of The Viking. Throughout the years, different parts of the school granted us a variety of experiences and opportunities.

Our staff formed a unique friend group over the years. Our advisor provided us support, motivation and insight for projects and everyday life.

The hours we invested in each issue made the work seem tedious

at times; however, the time we spent here will be cherished and missed. No class or test made us feel as prepared to begin our new adventures than being a part of the publications staff. We thank you for your readership and the supoort of the entire school.

Thanks, Brianna Jennings Henry Webster Editors-in-Chief

CONTENTS May 2015

4

The Expressionists

5

Community Cares

6

Setting Their Aim

8

Disappearing Act

The National Art Honor Society showcased the hard work of student artists.

Students intiate their own volunteer programs and projects.

Clubs compete at nationals after success in states.

A highlight of students who continue the Loudoun farming tradition.

Home the 10 Bringing Gold

Science students win awards at the regional science fair.

11 Loco for LoCo

Students explain their reasons for loving Loudoun County.

12 Rips, Hits and Kicks

A look at the spring sports season and their hopes for post-season.

14 LV Generations

Family traditions carry through, the school as students follow in their parents footsteps.

15 The Dating Game

After the stressful process of college applications and acceptances, seniors now face finding a roommate.

16 From the Farmer

Farmers’ markets offer a unique experience in addition to fresh, locally grown food.

Smaller is 18 Editorial: Smarter

The importance of small schools must not be overlooked.

19 Off to the Races

Senior Michael Wagstaff rides alongside aggressive competition at a local horse race.

Senior Darius Degree shoots a layup during the Senior-Faculty basketball game on Friday, March 27. The teachers won by only three points after the game abruptly stopped with a little less than a minute left to play.

Left / Senior Caroline McKinney’s “All Dogs go to Heaven” in uatercolor and colored pencil.

Top Right / A young African girl inspired senior Abby Lockhart’s painting “Janielle,” which is one of her senior pieces.

Bottom Left / Comic books evoked the ideas for senior Emily King’s piece “Lichtenstein over Gentileschi.”

Bottom Right / Senior Kailey Liverman’s “Hunting Dog” painted with acrylic on scratch board.

THE WORD

“We’ve tried a lot of new things that I haven’t done before, like we painted on newspaper and wood.”

- Junior Adam Urbina

“I was able to put myself into the painting. The idea was to put your childhood fears into the painting.”

-Junior Suzy Janney

“The most rewarding part of art is when we finish a great work then we all, as a class, present it and talk about it.”

-Junior Dasha Berringer

THE EXPRESSIONISTS The National Art Honor Society showcases the efforts of student artists. By Emily Baer While athletes’ achievements are acknowledged on the playing field, student artists often lack an obvious showcase. The National Art Honor Society offers one way to share their work. On Saturday, April 11, the art department hosted a county-wide art show of students’ best work from the school year.

“The National Art Honor Society has taken a big leap forward this year,” art teacher Matthew Herbert said.

This year, the honor society has volunteered in both the school and the community through participating in face-painting fundraisers and creating the backgrounds for Shrek the Musical. The society provides an arena for growth and learning.

Along with the growth of the honor society, art classes provide an outlet for different forms of expression and challenge students to explore new art forms.

“People are shocked at how quickly [the students] have grown in the year,” Herbert said. “It’s phenomenal to see how far these kids have come from simple block and color.”

This year, Art 3 students incorporated their childhood fears into surrealist paintings. The project focused on self-expression rather than strict assignment guidelines.

“It’s really fun to see such a small idea change into a really great piece of work,” junior Dasha Berringer said.

The art teachers mentor the students and advise them on improving their artwork, but they challenge the artists to branch out from their preferred mediums.

“It is very independent. You will go to the teacher for advice, but it becomes more about you doing the art work,” junior Suzy Janney said.

For many students, art is worthwhile despite the emmense amount of time and effort required.

“It’s harder than any art that I have taken. It takes a lot of time, but in the end it’s rewarding,” Berringer said. photos / courtesy of Caroline McKinney, Elizabeth Sikora layout / Brianna Jennings

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community

cares Reading Buddies

Senior Alexa Gracias started a reading program at Emerick Elementary that helps students pass their comprehension reading quizzes.

“My favorite part was when the elementary students started to truly enjoy reading.” -Senior Alexa Gracias

Students bring programs and intiate their own projects within the school to better the community.

By Chris Cerne

“I feel like it’s part of your job to give back to your community and try to not live in isolation.”

-Katie Weems

Bags for Benches Junior Lizzie Manero found a program that recycles plastic bags into a park bench. Students have brought in bags for the project.

“Starting the program allowed an outlet for recycling plastic, which is often wasted.”

- Junior Lizzie Manero

Soles for Souls Senior Noah Mussmon brought the international program Soles 4 Souls to the school this year.

“The shoes are distributed to people who don’t have them and are given to women starting microbusinesses.”

-Senior Noah Mussmon

490 lbs 300+

The Stats

plastic bags collected

why should you?

pairs of shoes collected this year college

did you know?

Stress-relieving

hormones

such as Oxytocin are activated when volunteering.

73% of top businesses would hire a volunteer over a non-volunteer.

how to get involved There are programs in the county to get teens involved in community service, such as Claude Moore Community Builders, Loudoun Do Something Now, and Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Teen Volunteer Program. Visit the school career center or the career center webpage for current, local volunteer listings.

applications

scholarship applications

national honor society points

job opportunities

photos / Elizabeth Sikora layout / Chris Cerne, Brianna Jennings, Elizabeth Sikora MAY 2015

THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

5

Setting Their

Aim

Clubs compete in challenging national competitions, also reaching success at the state level.

Up for Debate

by Leila Francis

Proud after their success at states, Sarah McAllister, Eileen Dunn, Steve Varmecky, Lakshya Kaushal and Max McNerney travelled to Orlando, Florida for the national DECA competition in late April.

DECAde of Success

by Ben Manning

For the seventh time in 10 years, DECA sent members to the International Career Development Conference. This year, four members attended the national competition which took place in Orlando, Florida, from April 24-30.

“We had a great group,” Stephen Varmecky said.

Junior Max McNerney and senior Lakshya Kaushal won first place in Entrepreneurship Growing Your Business at the state competition. Also placing in their respective categories at the state level were juniors Sarah McAllister and Eileen Dunn. McAllister placed third in Business Finance and Dunn placed third in Principles of Hospitality.

On March 7, junior Elizabeth Manero competed in the debate metro-finals and qualifed for nationals in Lincoln-Douglass debate, for the first time in Valley’s history.

“It’s pretty liberating because I’m the one setting the trends at this point, so it’s not as much pressure to live up to anyone else’s experience,” Manero said, Nationals will be held May 2224 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and Manero is looking forward to the experience.

“I want to break even with wins and losses, because I’ve never done it before,” Manero said.

In addition, the debate team as a whole qualified for states, which took place April 25, and brought home the state title for the second year in a row.

All the Drama

by Tyler Valentine

Brendan Wagner and Roxi Smith command the stage in the drama production Shrek the Musical. The play took place on the weekends of April 10-17, drawing large crowds each night.

Competing in the annual conference of the Virginia Theatre Association, the drama department traveled to Norfolk, Virginia in October to perform their oneact play, The Trial of Ygor, where they become state champions. They then participated in the Southeastern Theatre Conference, a national competition with members from 10 other states, in March.

“It’s just a really great department; we have a lot of fun together and I think that reflects in our shows,” sophomore Darius Fraser said. “Because we have such a great bond outside of productions, I think that shows on stage.”

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Front: Isabella Tucker, Ariel Santikarma Center: Sarah Ruscetella, Kacey Hyatt, Morgan Rose, Elizabeth Manero, Blake Hesson, Ian Gallagher, Noah Mussmon.

Back: Sam Burridge, Keefer Ellis, Noah Goshorn, Caleb Spink, Megan Kennedy.

photos / courtesy of Amy Berringer, Jessica McCann, Max McNerney layout / Leila Francis, Emma Rodriguez

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MAY 2015

LIKE US

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7

DISAPPEARING ACT

With a growing residential and business sector, the amount of students who live on farms has declined, taking away from the roots of Western Loudoun: agriculture. By Brianna Jennings

Students from other Loudoun County schools have typically thought of Loudoun Valley as the “farm school.” It is true that there are more farms in the western portion of the county where students from Loudoun Valley and Woodgrove live; however, the amount of students who live on farms and raise animals has decreased since this stereotype originated due to the transformation from an agricultural economy to business and residential developments.

While the community fights to keep the open space and agrarian heritage it loves, the lifestyle of a farmer may prove to be a bigger task than it receives credit for. The students who still farm experience different things than the typical Loudoun County teenager, including difficult schedules to more responsibilities.

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Michael Krepich, the World Language chair, has been at Valley since 1980 and has seen the transformation of the student body along with community.

“When I lived in Hamilton and ran in the rescue squad there was a fellow who saw the change coming and moved his farm to Oklahoma, and now a lot of my students live where his farm used to be,” Krepich said.

One of the students who continues farming is senior Logan Potts. Potts’s family owns the well-known Longwood Farm along Lincoln Road. The Potts family established Longwood Farm in 1754, and the exact farm that is there today has been in existence since 1897. The Potts family has the only remaining dairy farm in Loudoun County, which is a significant change from the 400 that were in existence in the 1960s.

“This is for the worse because when people don’t have a direct connection to the farms and farmers that grow their food, they forget where it comes from and the work people do to grow that food,” Potts said.

A family farm requires children to take on adult chores at a young age.

“When I was younger, and I was just starting my own herd out, I went and named all of my cows after candy,” Potts said. “For our cows, the first letter of their name is a person’s last name, so that can help us keep track of the cow families.

Now, most of my cows are named after food, like I have a Razzberry, Rolos, Relish, Rollup and Ring-pop.”

By keeping track of whose herd and family a cow is a part of, it allows the farmers to avoid inbreeding as well as keep track of any hereditary problems within the

Left / Sophomore Brad Douglas feeds a baby cow at his farm Douglas Dale.

Douglas lives on a farm called Little Ridge Farm, which primarily raises goats.

Middle Top / A sheep and goat from Douglas Dale devour hay. Douglas Dale has been in existence for over 100 years.

Middle bottom / One of the newborn calves at Logan Potts’ farm, Longwood Farm. Longwood Farm is the last dairy farm in Loudoun County.

Right / Senior Logan Potts plays with a young bull, which is the only male on the farm. Longwood Farm is locally known for its donkey, Jonathan, in addition to its cows.

herd. This allows for learning experiences others do not get so early in life.

Early mornings and more responsibilites than their peers make their lives different than most teenagers. Sophomore Brad Douglas lives on Little Ridge Farm. While his specific home was built in the last 20 years, his grandparents’ farm, Douglas Dale, has been in existence for at least 100 years. Douglas spends time before school,

days off; the summer and Saturdays are spent working instead of being able to do whatever you want.”

Despite the struggles that come with living on a farm there are also perks such as being able to play with baby animals, spending time alone with the animals each day and enjoying some of the similar, relaxing things life has to offer. “[Farming] gives me an opportunity

“[The decrease in farms] is for the worse because when people don’t have a direct connection to the farms and farmers that grow their food, they forget where it comes from and the work people do to grow that food.” - Logan Potts

after school and much of his other free time working with his livestock.

“I wake up usually around 6:30 on average because I feed before I leave for school,” Douglas said. “My life is different from my peers because to have the land to farm, you have to live really far from town and so I don’t get to hang out much. It is a never-ending chore, so there are no vacation

most people don’t have, and I am able to learn and experience different memories and life lessons that most people don’t get,” Potts said. photos / Brianna Jennings, Elizabeth Sikora layout / Brianna Jennings

MAY 2015

farm facts

400+

Loudoun dairy farms in 1960

1

Loudoun dairy farm in 2015

2%

of the U.S. population is farm and ranch families

16 cents

out of every dollar spent on food goes to farmers and ranchers THEVIKINGNEWS.COM

9

Bringing Home the...

79

Au Gold

196.97

Students awarded for their excellence at the regional science fair look back at the inspiration for their experiments. Seven students won awards, including three who were recognized multiple times. By Helen Sternberg

S

ome students go above and beyond for the first time, was not all about the I was pretty happy with how I did do. I in the field of science, and recently, history and the English, but just loved the did well. I was competing against a lot of have won awards for their dedication. science. We spent the entire year doing Academy of Science kids, which is always At the regional science fair this year, seven all kinds of experiments and just really extremely hard,” Wolfe said.

Valley students attended and won numerous expanding on what we had learned and Another participant, senior Anna awards. Students brought projects ranging what we knew,” Wolfe said.

Broskevitch, attended the fair with her in fields from biochemistry to environment. experiment on the relationship between the All three girls plan on entering into the Senior Samantha Iliff collected seven science, technology, engineering and math virus malaria and sickle cells. While she did different awards and honorable mentions (STEM) field of research after college. Both not find the connection she was looking for, while she attended the fair.

Broskevitch still won the second place award Wolfe and Broskevitch aspire to be doctors “The title [of the project] was The and Iliff will be majoring in computational in Biochemistry.

Effect of statistics and marine biology where she “I chose [the experiment] “I had a fifth grade teacher because I went to Belize on Coliphage would like to do research in the future. who... just loved the T4r+ on the “I’m really interested in science. I a mission trip… a couple Decontamination science. We spent the think it’s cool how it explains everything summers ago and they were of Streams and how it explains other areas as well,” entire year doing all kinds of really concerned about malaria infected with E. Broskevitch said. down there. It really affects the experiments.” coli,” Iliff said. lives of people in third world -Gabrielle Wolfe “A phage is like a countries,” Broskevitch said. photo / Suzanne Lohr virus, it attacks and kills cells to reproduce, Although their accomplishments at the layout / Emma Rodriguez, Helen Sternberg but they’re different because phages only kill fair have only spanned the past few years, specific bacteria. The purpose of my project all the contenders was to see if phages can be used in the found their environment to kill E. coli in streams.” love for science Iliff found that the chemical Coliphage early on. Iliff T4r+ can be used to treat the water, winning and Broskevitch her awards from organizations such as Keep enjoy the fact Loudoun Beautiful and the Federal Water that science Quality Association. can give factual Senior Gabrielle Wolfe also attended explanations for the fair looking for a chance to show the their questions, judges all the hard work she put into but Wolfe has a her investigation, which sought to find more personal alternative therapies to combat antibiotic reason for finding resistant organisms. a passion for Wolfe received three awards for her science. work in microbiology, two of which she “I had received from Virginia dental organizations. a fifth grade Anna Broskevitch (left) and Gabrielle Wolfe (right) present their award-winning science fair “I didn’t really know what to expect. teacher who, projects to the judges. The two won a multitude of awards at the fair.

10 THEVIKINGNEWS.COM MAY 2015

Loco for

LoCo

Students share what they like most about growing up in Western Loudoun County.

By McKenna Holtz

Western Loudoun is a good place to grow up in because of the small towns, and it’s easy to meet people.There’s countless youth programs to get involved in.There’s something for everyone to get involved in.”

- senior Max Mullen

“There are always things going on, whether it is local baseball and football games or a new opening restaurant. The local high school rivalries are also a fun part of going to Valley.”

“There are different types of people and places. I personally grew up on a farm in Lovettsville and got to see the countryside and then I got to go to Purcellville and saw totally different things. Basically you can see everything in Western Loudoun: farms, animals and cities.”

- sophomore Josh Urban

- junior Hunter Gore

“What’s unique about growing up in Western Loudoun is the ability to live on a large amount of land. It doesn’t feel cramped like other areas of Loudoun. I love the small town feel.”

- sophomore Marissa Stark

The Jungle cheers during a football game on September 19. The energy in the Jungle is a draw to many teens in the area.

“Living in Western Loudoun is very unique because we have an opportunity to hike on many different local trails, visit historical sites and shop locally.”

“Western Loudoun is a unique place to live and grow up because of the proximity to so many different places. While Bears Den is a great way to keep in touch with nature, the nation’s capital is only one hour away.”

-junior Mary Elaine Boland

- sophomore Emily Hubbard

Loudoun County is home to many different landscapes. Bears Den is a popular hiking trail and senic view for teens.

The Washington Monument stands, glowing, in the night. Approximately an hour away from the nation’s capital, students get the best of both worlds.

photo / courtesy of Megan Gannaway, McKenna Holtz, Brianna Jennings layout / McKenna Holtz

MAY 2015

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11

Rips, Hits and Kicks

Players look back as spring teams wrap up a successful season.

By Gonzo Ocampo and Dalton Smolens

Race to States

As the season opened, the varsity boys’ lacross team faced Battlefield High school and displayed quite the performance, winning the game 12-8. Although they started strong, they then faced three difficult opponents, including Stonebridge High School, Albermarle High School and Georgetown Prep, which all concluded in Valley losses. However, with exceptional performances by seniors Sully Warner, John Skinner and Evan Klipple and outstanding defensive performances by junior Jordan Elam and senior Nick Steen in the cage, the team has what it takes to bring the competition and end their season well.

Facing off against St. Xavier, senior Jeremy Kipple clears the ball down the field during their home game on April 11.

Sticking With It

The varsity girls’ lacrosse team faced adversity after losing 13 players from last year. After losing their first game, the team went on to win two games against Fauquier and Albermarle.

Their defensive effort led to an easy win against John Champe, afterwards facing the Loudoun County Raiders, a game with tremendous impact on their season. The tight score On April 20, freshman Jill Weems races past defenders at throughout the entire game Parkview. resulted in a Valley win 1210. With offensive threats like juniors Mar Keane and Parrish Alto and a great save percentage in the cage by senior Haley Shuford, the girls hope to make a deep playoff run just as they did last year.

12 THEVIKINGNEWS.COM MAY 2015

A League of Their Own

As the varsity boys’ baseball team kicks off their season as one of the top teams in the state, big expectations are upon them. After last year’s amazing run to the state title, the boys still have a powerhouse of a team even with the graduation of multiple seniors.

Entering the season, In the second inning of the April 11t victory against Broad the boys’ team has three Run, junior Justin Ager hurls the ball towards home plate.

Division One commits and one junior college commit. Seniors Sam Urban and Jack Degroat have committed to play at Liberty University, senior Neil Leming committed to Fredericksburg Community College and junior Justin Ager committed to Yale. The Vikings look forward to defending their state championship this year in 3A.

Sophomore Brenda Garcia evades defenders in the varsity girls’ home soccer game against Broad Run High School on March 17.

Sophomore Mackenzie Fisher winds up for a pitch to varsity softball catcher sophomore Brooke CassadaMaple during a practice.

Junior Ashley White returns a hit, preparing for the upcoming varsity girls’ home tennis match.

Sophomore Sean Lohr goes for the shot during the boys’ varsity home tennis match against Skyline on March 18.

Seniors Ben Canan and Ian Gallager warm up before the varsity boys’ soccer game at Woodgrove on March 24.

Lining up alongside his opponents, freshman Noah Gallagher prepares for the starting pistol in the home track and field meet on April 15. photo / courtesy of Leah Coles, Brianna Jennings, Elizabeth Sikora, Rachel Weinstein layout / Alexandra Krens, Emma Rodriguez MAY 2015

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13

Family Tradition

For the students whose relatives are Valley alumni, intergenerational ties strenghthen their connections to the school as education becomes a family affair.

By Claire Deaver, Brianna Jennings, Helen Sternberg and Sean Webster 1. Kopf Crew

Sophomore Grace Kopf sports her stepfather’s varsity jacket.

Her stepfather and her mother attended Valley together in 1992. “My step-dad and mom were high school sweethearts,” Kopf said. “It is cool to be able to say I go to the same school my parents met at.”

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2. Poirier Pride

Senior Alex Poirier shares her mother’s picture in the 1981 yearbook. “There are a lot of teachers that she had either as teachers or were students with her. It’s just interesting to connect to teachers on a different level than just teacher and student,”Poirier said. “She put her mark on the school and then I’m working to do the same. I could have done that completely separate from her, it’s just interesting to have that tie beyond the regular.”

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3. Francis Frenzy

Senior Tagg Francis exhibits his dad’s football letterman’s jacket from 1988. Francis has had all together 14 relatives attend Valley throughout the generations.“[Valley] feels like home, like it’s where we’re supposed to be,” Francis said.

“People like what’s familiar; they like to have reputations, they feel most at home when they know what to expect. And most people, I think, are proud of their heritage.”

4. Cheskiewicz Clan

Sophomore Anna Cheskiewicz displays her mom’s basketball spirit wear from 1983.

Cheskiewicz and her family have made their way through the halls of Valley for years, including her parents, aunts and uncles. “My parents really wanted me to go to Valley and keep the tradition going,” Cheskiewicz said.

“It’s cool to carry on the tradition.”

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5. Lockhart Legacy

Junior Adam Lockhart waits for a pitch during a varsity baseball game. His father, Mike Lockhart (inset picture), played baseball for the school in the 1980’s.

Both of Lockhart’s parents attended Valley; Lockhart carries on the tradition of his family through baseball.

“My father had a very successful athletic career here at Valley and having his legacy pushes me to be just as photo / courtesy of Adam Lockhart and Vera Thomas, Brianna Jennings, Elizabeth Sikora layout / Claire Deaver, Brianna Jennings

the

DATING GAME Students survived college admissions only to face even higher stakes as they pick through profiles and pictures for their future roommates, whose dirty laundry will be scattered across their floors for the next year. By Henry Webster

S

pringtime offers of admission entail an inevitable, painful experience for high school seniors: the roommate search.

When admitted students accept their offer of admission, their next move is to find and choose a roommate. Students can’t help but feel awkward as social media profiles, in which others try to list their best characteristics, make the search feel like swiping through Tinder.

“Finding a roommate through Facebook is pretty awkward at first because it basically feels like online dating,” senior Dani Bunce said.

While social media provides little insight into a person’s true personality, it is also an outlet for some to share too much.

One high school student recently included in a post the fact that their parents own a house in a nudist colony and that they were in search of a roommate comfortable with frequent nudity. The confidence is admirable, but their success in finding a roommate with such a description is less than certain.

Although one may not want to room

for finding a roommate early evokes a fear with the nudist, they may be forced to in some that they may prematurely make a weigh the nudist against the generic person decision. who “likes to watch Netflix and balance “I felt rushed trying to find a roommate their social life with their studies.”

“It’s funny that everyone puts Netflix as just because of housing preference,” senior one of their interests when they’re describing Ryan Tashiro said.

Even though some think social media themselves,” senior Noah Mussmon eases the roommate said. “They feel search, searching that it’s such an for a roommate will important part of “Finding a roommate be a “lottery” for their personality through Facebook is as long as we live. that they have to The unpredictable disclose whether or pretty awkward at first not they have an because it basically feels nature of finding a roommate creates account.” like online dating.” roommate stories Usually that may be a part students take their - Dani Bunce of college culture time finding a forever. roommate to ensure the person they will “Having an uncomfortable roommate be spending a whole academic year with is experience at least once in college is almost compatible. Rooming with someone who obligatory,” senior Will Finn said. “It’s a shares similar interests and hobbies makes social lesson everyone has to have.” the experience much easier. Unfortunately, some colleges have deadlines for finding a roommate and/or provide housing photo / courtesy of MT92 via Creative preference for people who find their Commons roommate earlier than others. The incentive layout / Leila Francis, Henry Webster MAY 2015

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15

From the Farmer

Farmers’ markets offer patrons a unique experience in addition to fresh, locally grown food.

By Emma Rodriguez Smiling farmers talking with customers and the smell of fresh apples warming in wooden crates – this is the experience of the local farmers’ market, a trademark of Western Loudoun.

“My favorite thing about farmers’ markets is the sense of community,” junior Taylor Thackaberry said.

The weekly ritual of visiting the local farmers’ market allows customers to ask questions about what they’re eating.

“It’s not necessarily healthier, it’s

“I think everybody should support the local community before they support big business,” -senior Charlie Collins

just that you can trust it more because you know where it came from, and you know who grew it. Food in the grocery store came from across the world or across the country, so you don’t necessarily know what they did to it,” senior and former farmers’ market worker Charlie Collins said.

Local food is also believed by many to be healthier. Michael Pollan, author and food guru, states that the less processed the food is, the healthier.

“Don’t eat anything incapable of rotting,” Pollan advised.

There are more than 8,000 farmers’ markets worldwide, representing an estimated 50,000 farmers, according to the Department of Agriculture.

“If you talk to the vendors enough, they tell you all about the things that make farmers’ market food way better than normal food,” Thackaberry said. “We have some family friends that work at farmers’ markets and we can spend hours talking to them about the pigs they raise.”

Patrons also support a local business.

“So many local people get involved to help the community come together,” Collins said. “I think everybody should support the local community before they support big business.”

16 THEVIKINGNEWS.COM MAY 2015

photo / Elizabeth Sikora layout / Brianna Jennings, Emma Rodriguez

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17

Off to the Races

Horse racing is a sport for adrenaline junkies, and steeplechase takes it to a whole new level. Point-to-Point racing is a form of steeplechase racing sometimes for money, but often purely for the love of the sport, in the case of senior Michael Wagstaff.

“I love the thrill like the adrenaline rush, and I love working with the animals too,” Wagstaff said.

Steeplechase is not only physically demanding, but requires mental discipline, an aspect that Wagstaff has become accustomed to.

“When riding a race you’re pretty much one hundred percent focused on the race, you’re not thinking about too much else,” Wagstaff said. “You’re thinking about the horses around you and the other riders and the horse you’re sitting on.”

Wagstaff trains before school every morning, adjusting his school schedule around it. Wagstaff has a late arrival to school, similar to an early release, allowing him to arrive at 11 a.m.

“I get to the barn at 5:15 and I ride until 11,” Wagstaff said.

Although balancing riding and school is difficult and places heavy demands on Wagstaff’s schedule, he continues to enjoy it and plans to keep racing a significant part of his life in the future.

“I’m going to try to keep riding through college and keep riding races,” Wagstaff said. photo / Olivia deStanley article / Olivia deStanley, Leila Francis layout / Elizabeth Sikora

Top / Wagstaff races along side other competitors at the Point-to-Point event April 25.

Bottom / Wagstaff rides past on the back of his horse, Daylight Streaker.

18 THEVIKINGNEWS.COM MAY 2015

EDITORIAL

Smarter Smaller is

With the growing population, the importance of small elementary schools is often overlooked. Keeping these schools open is a neglected necessity.

S

maller communities place value on individual attention to assist and benefit education. One key concept that proponents push is the presence of small elementary schools. The general understanding of a small elementary school is 200 or fewer students. Therefore, Banneker Elementary, Hamilton Elementary and Lincoln Elementary all fall under that category at 157, 173 and 135 attendees.

The general thinking behind supporters of large schools is that it costs more to run a small elementary school, leading to a debate last year when the school board proposed closing smaller Western Loudoun schools during a budget cut, eventually ruling to keep them open following an outcry from parents. Although preserved for the moment, schools will most likely not survive another budget cut, but when so much of students’ future depends on their education, especially early in their development, is giving a little more money too much to ask?

With fewer students, teachers are more able to get to know students on a more personal level and better learn their strengths and weaknesses. According to Science Daily, 10 percent of the population are affected by a learning disability, approximately two or three children per classroom. When a teacher is able to give students more attention, learning disabilities can be detected at an earlier stage, whereas in a larger school, learning disabilities could be easily neglected, hindering students’ education for a longer period of time.

Small class size is usually linked to a small school. With a reduced class population, teachers are less likely to become overwhelmed by the amount of young children. This is especially evident in elementary school at a time when the students are less disciplined and beginning to learn acceptable public behavior. Therefore, the pupils are more likely to have a positive teaching environment ideal for learning. There are also more chances to have one-on-one time and a greater chance of a beneficial student-teacher relationship.

One important aspect of attending school is extracurricular activities. For younger children, these activities can be the one thing that excites or motivates them to go to school. In a study done by the National Center for Education Statistics, it was found that students who partake in have a “15 percent higher classroom attendance rate than students who are not involved.” A smaller student population allows more opportunities for students to get involved, which is especially important in earlier years to help develop social skills. Therefore, a student who wants to join, for example, kickball club, does not have to be denied due to the absence of slots. Lastly, small schools are known for their tight-knit communities. Having a large school makes this difficult to achieve. Whether it’s a joyous occasion or a somber incident, close student bodies rely on each other to experience and work through events. photo / Claire Deaver and Brianna Jennings layout / Claire Deaver, Emma Rodriguez, and Elizabeth Sikora MAY 2015

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