EDITORIALS
FEATURES
FOCUS
ENTERTAINMENT
SPORTS
Outdoor lunch should be allowed. — See page 4
Wild turkeys pose safety hazards around Burke Lake. — See page 7
Take a look at the dangers of distracted driving. — See pages 8-9
Find out if “Deathly Hallows” lives up to the hype. — See page 11
New coaches get hired and take over fall programs. — See page 15
Valor Dictus James W. Robinson Secondary School 5035 Sideburn road, Fairfax, VA 22032
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Volume 40 Issue 3
Bravely speaking to the Robinson community
valordictus.com
YouCan use YouTube now
Drama opens fall season
BY KAITLIN MACKIE Editor-in-Chief
The drama department held their fall production “Summer Brave” Nov. 18, 19, and 20. Photos clockwwise from upper left-hand corner: 1) Seniors Fabiolla Brennecke and Caitlin Viccora as Rosemary Sidney and Flo Owens. 2) Brennecke and junior TJ Albertson as Howard Bevans. 3) Junior Kyle Lynch as Hal Carter. 4) Costumes line the backstage closet. Infographic by Kaitlin Mackie and Tim Ferrell Photos by Jacob Beil
After years of teacher requests, FCPS removed our school’s filter on YouTube.com. Administrators did not know the site would be unblocked, subschool 11 principal Michael Mukai said. Mukai suspects the county may have seen the quantity of teacher requests to use YouTube and chose to remove the filter from the school, rather than specific classes. According a survey conducted through surveymonkey.com of 102 teachers here, 53.5 percent of teachers were unaware YouTube was unblocked. 81 percent plan to use it as an instructional tool now, and 97 percent would like to keep YouTube unblocked for use as an instructional tool. Mukai said the administration will likely choose to keep the site unblocked, Mukai said. “97 percent, it’s hard to argue with that,” Mukai said. He said if the administration hears of cases of students misusing YouTube, the site will be blocked again.
Junior Noor Siddiqui said her IB Psychology teacher Barbara Caley uses the site to show videos that enhance the lessons. In contrast, senior Michael Cable said he does not use the site with his classmates “unless we’re goofing off.” Ten anonymous feedback replies on the survey expressed these concerns. “If it is educationally sound, fine. If not, let’s not just entertain our students. There is so much to learn and so little time,” one reply said. English 9 teacher Shauntel Sibley said in her response that she supports the decision because YouTube contains a wealth of valuable videos for teaching and learning. Anonymous feedback from the survey contains 14 statements in which teachers give testaments similar to Sibley’s. One reply said, “I feel as if we just emerged from a cave!” Regardless of whether students use the site for learning or for slacking, the decision to unblock YouTube grants students at least one thing: “It gives students more freedom to use the web,” Siddiqui said.
DECA promotes ‘Love Your Skin’ event BY LINDSAY WEBB
is $5. Attendees may enter for free with a clothing donation which will help those who can’t afford to cover up in the sun. Junior Lauren Petrocci and sophomore DECA members Megan Gallogly, Lauren Petrocci and Rebecca Kugler Rebecca Kugler, also project directors, are planning the “Love Your Skin Ben- want to raise awareness of not only skin cancer, but efit Concert” also to teach in partnership students how with the Ashto prevent ley Fister Cole Test your knowledge of skin cancer. the disease, Foundation to Check out your answers on page 2. they said. raise student In keepawareness of 1.) 40 percent of pediatric True or False melanoma cases affect ing with the the dangers of girls aged 10-19. benefit conskin cancer. cert theme, “This event 2.) Melanoma is the second True or False the event is really immost common cancer for ages 15-29. will feature portant to me students perbecause my 3.) One out of five Americans True or False will develop skin cancer in the forming mudad died of course of a lifetime. sical acts, and melanoma skin in between cancer, and I Graphic by Katherine Dempsey and Kaitlin Mackie Information from skincancer.org each perforwant to show mance a spepeople that it cial guest will really is a big deal,” junior project director Megan Gal- speak on the topic. The speakers will vary from doctors, skin cancer survivors, and logly said. The concert will occur in Russell The- family members of those who have died of ater Dec. 6 at 6:30 p.m., and admission skin cancer. Staff Writer
Skin Cancer Quiz
Melanoma develops from sun exposure when a person is young and from severe sunburn. Its effects reappear as skin cancer later in life, Gallogly said. “Our goal is to get teens aware of what skin cancer is and how to prevent it,” Gallogly said. Petrocci believes students think the disease only comes from fake tanning, she said, but students can also get sunburn in the winter because the sun is so much stronger when it reflects off the snow. “We hope to spread information like that to help people prevent over-exposure in the sun,” Petrocci said. According to its website, the Ashley Fister Cole Foundation raises money to fund both melanoma research and skin cancer support groups and to raise awareness of the disease. Gallogly and Petrocci said DECA will work with the foundation to help it reach out to teens. Petrocci said, “Most other skin cancer foundations are only targeting adults, and it’s a big issue with teens, so it’s our goal to spread prevention awareness throughout Robinson.”
Lindsay Webb
Sophomore Halai Karim plays the guitar at auditions for the skin cancer benefit concert. It will take place in Russell Theater Dec. 6 and will accept clothing donations.
2
Valor Dictus November 24, 2010 Guest Passes
New visitor policy brings advanced, more secure system Visitors are now required to obtain photo identification before entering our school at the front office. “Visitors put their driver’s license in the machine and it prints out the passes with the pictures on them, it is better at tracking people,” Security Specialist Sandy Corbin said. “The current system is defective, so we are getting a new one.” New visitors also are now required to state the purpose as to why they are visiting, and what their destination is in the school. According to Corbin, the old system required too much man-power. “This new system helps with security when running correctly, and involves more of a streamline check-in then the old system did,” Corbin said. According to Principal Dan Meier, this system of check-in is more advanced and “state of the art” then the old system.
—IAN CRIMAN
PTSA Booksale
Organization holds only public fundraising
event of the year
PTSA held its used book sale in Davala Hall on Nov 11, 12 and 13. This is the group’s only public event for fundraising so it has a large impact on the group. “The money we make from this determines the activities we can provide,” PTSA president Suzanne Tsacomis said. “The only other money source we receive is the dues from members of the PTSA.” Community members donated some books to the sale, while others were left over from previous years. The group also takes some of the left over books to wholesale book sellers, who buy used books in order to still get profit, Tsacomis said.
—STEPHEN CHESTERMAN Staff writer Hailey Metzger contributed to this article.
Upcoming Events
Nov. 24
— Two hour early release for Thanksgiving break. Students released at 12:10 p.m. No school on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 25 and 26.
PTSA program raises awareness of student drug use BY IAN CRIMAN Staff Writer
P.R.O.T.E.C.T. [parents reaching out to educate communities together], a recent program that was sponsored by the Robinson PTSA and held in Davala Hall, highlighted the main problems with drug use involving FCPS students. Its purpose was to raise awareness of drug use to both students and parents, according to Student Assistance Program Specialist Sam Wagner. “I think it’s important to host events like this to have the school community hear first-hand accounts of the realities of substance abuse,” said PTSA president Suzanne Tsacourmis. Warning signs that one should spot when seeing problems with substance abuse was one of the topics discussed. “I generally do these talks to let people know that they are not alone with what they are going through,” Richter said. “We hope that there’s that person in the audience that has questions answered and is encouraged by the meeting.” This meeting differed from the Bong Show Oct. 14, because students were allowed to attend. P.R.O.T.E.C.T featured a panel of families with children involved in substance abuse. Also, the meeting had information
Dec. 1
Dec.13
— High school guitar concert 7 p.m.-9 p.m. in Russell Theatre. The ensemble performs for parents and students.
Quiz Answers
Check your answers from the Skin Cancer quiz on page 1. 1.) False—90% of pediatric melanoma cases affect girls aged 10-19.
True 3.) True 2.)
www.skincancer.org
about drug testing and screening and surveys. “I think sometimes some people might not know bad things related to drugs are happening so it seems a lot more real hearing it from Ian Criman parents that Student Assistance Program Specialist Sam Wagner informs had kids that had problems parents of the signs of drug use and actions parents can take with substance at the P.RO.T.E.C.T. meeting in Davala Hall Nov. 8. abuse,” sophomore Emily Jordan said. stopping drug use is the actions people Jordan also said she thought it was take with the awareness they have.” good to go to meetings like P.R.O.T.E.C.T. According to a 2009 Fairfax County because attendees learn a lot about the student survey released Oct. 29, teen problems with substance abuse. marijuana use has risen 26 percent since “It is important to make people aware 2005. of drug use and the harms of drug use, School Resource Officer John Watkins but only having awareness is not enough,” said, “I think that the purpose of this said Deforest Rathbone, Chairman of the meeting is to inform parents and stuNational Institute of Citizen Anti-drug dents that substance abuse can happen Policy. “The most important aspect of to anyone.”
New RAISE policy implemented:
Teachers follow schedule to sign up failing students BY BAILEY HAASE Staff Writer
Teachers are now required to follow a schedule to sign up students for RAISE who are failing any of their four core classes – math, science, English and social studies, said Karen McLean, RAISE committee member and IB Chemistry teacher. “If [a student] has a D or an F in my class, I am required to sign up students for RAISE,” McLean said. “I also sign up students if they have make up work they need to do.” Teachers will sign students up on assigned
days for each subject; on blue Wednesdays, students failing social studies are signed up for their social studies classes. On blue Thursdays, students are signed up for their math class. On gold Wednesdays, students are signed up for their science class. On gold Thursdays, English teachers will sign up students for their class. “If a student is failing one of the core classes, they are required to sign up for RAISE for the class they are failing on the assigned day every other week for academic help,” said Rick Mondloch, the subschool 9 principal. Now that it is mandatory for teachers to sign failing students up, the staff hopes that students
‘Not on Tobacco’ group ends one-third of student addictions BY NIKKI ROBINSON
— PTSA’s annual “Saturday Night in the Suburbs” at 7 p.m. A student panel discusses drinking and partying in high school.
News
Staff Writer
Student Assistance Program Specialist Sam Wagner and guidance counselor Tami Marcheski started Not on Tobacco, the smoking support group, three years ago. The smoking support group is an organization that helps students break their habit of smoking. The America Lung Association started NOT to bring awareness to schools around the nation about how nicotine is dangerous. The ALA started funding the program when Marcheski and Wagner first started the program, up until this year. Now the Robinson Coalition funds the group, but the program is still part of The ALA. “We had to go through training before we started the program,” Marcheski said. “A lady from the American Lung Association came down and spent three to four hours training us, going over statistics how to cover the pro-
gram and many other things that we needed to know.” In the past years the group has started out with 10 students, but by the time the group is finished for the year they have on average five to seven students, said Wagner. The group meets every week for eight to 10 weeks until the course is complete. Most of the students who attend are juniors or seniors, Wagner said. Approximately one-third of the students who are in the program end up quitting completely and about six to eight cut down on the amount of cigarettes that they smoke a day said Marcheski. “Usually by the second half of the year or half way through the first part of the year students start to bail out on the group, because they are not serious about quitting or they do not want to put the effort into quitting,” Wagner said. According to Marcheski the group is ben-
will go to their necessary courses. Few students sign themselves up, said McLean. “I think what is going to happen now that we’re focusing on students who are failing the quarter is students will start to show up and try and actually remedy their grades, since they are failing the quarter. Hopefully the older students will start signing themselves up, and be more responsible about it,” Mondloch said. The policy’s goal is to give some sort of structure to students, so they know which teacher to go to and when, said Mondloch. It also lets students know when teachers are available to help.
What you need to know
about smoking Worldwide, one in five teens age 13 to 15 smoke cigarettes. Half of all long-term smokers will die a tobacco-related death. Every eight seconds, a human life is lost to tobacco use somewhere in the world. That translates to approximately 5 million deaths annually. Information provided by About.com
eficial to students around the school who have an addiction and want to quit smoking. “I hope that students take advantage of a group like this,” Marcheski said, “especially since we do have a program that helps students with an addiction.”
Editorials
Valor Dictus November 24, 2010 Volume 40 Issue 3 Bravely speaking to the Robinson Community 3
Aaron Berner - Editorials Editor
Valor Dictus
ABOUT US Valor Dictus is a student-run newspaper that serves the Robinson community. All bylined articles, editorials, columns and letters are the expression of the writer and not necessarily that of the staff or the adviser. Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the staff. ADVERTISEMENT POLICY Email letters to Valor_dictus@yahoo.com. Acceptance of an ad is not an endorsement of the product or services of the advertisers. Information concerning policies and advertising can be obtained by calling (703) 426-2285 or emailing Valor_dictus@yahoo.com EDITORIAL POLICY Valor Dictus welcomes student opinion as an open forum. All opinion pieces must be e-mailed to valor_dictus@yahoo.com. Letters or columns must be signed. That is, they must contain a name, and a title All content received by the paper is subject to editing. Letters must be around 100-200 words. Guest columns must be 500 words or less. Valor Dictus reserves the right to withold the publication of letters and guest submissions. 2010-2011 Staff:
Sharon Corish
RAISE making progress Current schedule helps failing students staff editorial RAISE is showing positive growth with its new attention toward fulfilling its initial goal: to help failing students. Each department has set aside RAISE days for struggling students. For example, if a student is failing science, he will report to his science teacher on gold Wednesdays. Last year’s RAISE system lacked the systematic method required to get struggling students into a classroom. Now that teachers are required to sign up failing students on certain days, these students will get to the classes in which they need improvement.
The new method is also beneficial because if a student is failing more than one class, there are no scheduling conflicts with other teachers; nor are there scheduling conflicts with department meetings. The decision to extend RAISE to 45 minutes instead of last year’s 30 minutes is another feature that helps all students, particularly the struggling ones. Struggling students have more time to work with their teachers and get help understanding lessons. Although RAISE is only twice a week this year, it is the quality of the time rather than quantity that matters. Of course, there is still room for improvement. There should be a uniform method
for teachers to inform students they have signed them up and a system in place to ensure students go to that class than another. Just because a student sees his teacher has signed him up does not mean that he will go to that class. Often times failing students are not proactive, so they may not even check. Similar to the way four unexcused tardies yields a Saturday detention, there should be a punishment for failing students who do not go to their classroom on the assigned date. The new system will be reevaluated in a few months, according to Karen McLean, RAISE committee member. So far, the system seems to be taking steps toward RAISE-ing struggling students’ grades.
To what extent do you think this year’s RAISE system helps struggling students? “It does if the student uses it wisely. The teacher has more time to help you and retake quizzes.” —Christine Shaffrath, French “A lot. They come in, they get help, they get caught up. It’s great that it’s part of the school day schedule.” —Julie Grunwald, science
“I like the system this year and the longer period. Students are more likely to come to RAISE than after school. ” —Edna Patterson, science “I think it would help them more if they come every day, like last year. I don’t like the change in schedule.“ —Jennifer Diglio, art
what the
faculty
photos and interviews by Maggie Haynes
“It has the potential to help students to a great extent, however I don’t feel struggling students are making attempts to get help.” —Hernan Ruiz, social studies “Clearly, signing up a student with an F helps us give one-onone instruction. But with just two days a week, there’s not enough time.” —Nancy Schenck, Spanish
is saying
Editor-In-Chief: Kaitlin Mackie Managing Editor: Katherine Dempsey Production Editor: Tim Ferrell Business Managers: Lauren Duffy Kate Rozelsky Online Editor: Tyler Walter Editorials Editor: Aaron Berner Focus Editors: Thomas Friestad Tim White Features Editors: Yae Ji Cha Kate Monick
Entertainment Editor: Shelby Gee Back Page Editor: Andrew Miller Page 2, 3, 15 Editor: Mollie Berner Photography Editor: Jacob Beil Staff Writers: Suki Adhikari Chase Bailey Jack Connors Sharon Corish Ian Criman Jason Focarino Bailey Haase Maggie Haynes Hailey Metzger Nikki Robinson Lindsay Webb Adviser: Stephanie Axelrod
CORRECTIONS: From Oct. 27 Issue
—Gerry Connolly’s campaign manager James Walkinshaw’s name was misspelled, page 1 —Senior Taryn Hayes’s name was misspelled, page 3 —The MTV show is called “If You Really Knew Me,” page 5 —Freshman Robbie Hall was in picture 4, page 10 —Senior Kiley Johnson took picture 7, page 10 —The Varsity Cheerleading coach is Jocelyn Baptiste, page 15
The Valor Dictus accepts all corrections from prior issues. Please submit to room 503 or e-mail to Valor_Dictus@yahoo.com
4
Editorials
Valor Dictus November 24, 2010
Lunch should be allowed outside of cafeteria
YAE JI CHA Hungry students rush to the cafeteria as the bell rings, already creating long queues for food. It wasn’t too long ago that students could be found scattered all over campus. Students should no longer be confined within cafeteria walls to eat lunch and should have the freedom to eat anywhere out on campus.
Allowing students to eat outside of the cafeteria is not only something students would enjoy but would also make the cafeteria less crowded and less noisy. This in turn could make announcements easier to hear and decrease the workload for cafeteria workers. Students had been allowed to roam all over school grounds during lunch time but that came to an end in 2004. This was due to students’ inefficiency to clean up after themselves which in turn made labor more difficult for the custodial staff and also created a bad impression of Robinson. Students were also not staying in the school’s vicinity, leaving school grounds without permission. Had there been an emergency
where a student was needed, the administration would not know where the student was. There is also no convenient location to have students eat lunch, such as a courtyard. Student reaction to the removal of this privilege was strongly negative and an attitudinal shift took place. This was seen through complaints and an incident in which Principal Dan Meier was booed at the pep rally that year. Despite what happened the first time this privilege was allowed, eating lunch outside of the cafeteria could make a comeback with cooperation and communication between the student body and the administration. Students should fully understand the signifi-
Touching Bases not having desired effect
TIM WHITE On Nov. 11 every year, parents and teachers meet briefly for a conference on their child’s learning. Despite this meeting, the interaction between parent and teacher is too short. Touching Bases is the yearly meeting between parents and teachers. Each teacher is assigned a location to meet with the parents of their students. For three hours, parents find the teacher of their child and briefly talk to him or her about the issues their child faces. The meetings between parents and teachers are too brief. At about
two minutes per teacher, a parent cannot possibly learn everything the child could do in order to improve their grade. Due to this short time, teachers usually summarize quickly about how the child could improve. The message of Touching Bases may not be getting across as well. The meetings usually end in a simple scolding from parents or a little nudge to perform to a higher standard. The parents who normally attend are the parents of students on the verge of A’s, while the parents of students earning D’s and F’s are more frequently absent. This event must change in the future. The first and foremost could be to change the event. Giving students the whole day off would be the first alternative; however FCPS policy requires students to attend school on Veterans Day. The administration needs to lengthen the amount of time for Touching Bases. School could start
at normal time and students could be let out at 10:20 or 11:20. This would allow teachers and parents more time to talk. Touching Bases could extend further into the afternoon, allowing teachers and parents more time to converse with one another The opposing argument suggests Touching Bases does not need to be changed. The current set up allows students to sleep in and parents three hours to meet with teachers. Teachers and parents need and deserve more time to converse with one another. Next year, while we honor our veterans, let Touching Bases be more of a meeting between teacher and parent, not a simple introduction.
Erroneous ban on hats and hoods should be lifted THOMAS FRIESTAD Many students know of nothing cozier than wearing a hooded sweatshirt to school on a winter morning, to shield their neck from the wind. Some also enjoy sporting a baseball cap to support their favorite team. But an unfortunate number of students have had administrators in the halls unfairly confiscate their sweatshirts and hats. Their confiscated item is taken to a cardboard box in the student’s subschool, where the student is forced to dig it out after school. Perhaps he was unaware of the rules, or maybe he simply forgot them be-
cause they have become blurred. No matter the reason, because the rule banning hoods and hats is misguided, and creates more problems than it fixes, it should be eliminated. The SR&R booklet states students may not wear hoods, hats or other similar apparel, due to possible gang symbolization in our large school, or because of the opportunities for distraction they offer to irresponsible students. Even with thousands of students, it is blatant which students are wearing gang symbols, or are wearing a hood to disguise their headphones or classroom nap, versus those keeping warm in the freezing school building or promoting a team. Students are neither strutting around promoting gangs wearing Red Sox or Yankees caps, nor are the students deep asleep or listening to music in class students difficult to
weed out. That said, although the rule banning these item should be lifted, the choice to wear one should remain a privilege, not a right. The misbehaving students should still have their item confiscated. The current policy also loses validity when administrators allow students to wear hoods and hats after school. This contradicts the original purpose of the rule, because gang activity is more of an issue after school than during the school day. A fair comparison would be a law forcing drivers to wear their seatbelts at all times, except when they are on the highway. Students should voice their opinions about how hoods and hats do not disrupt the school environment, and try to make a change to this flawed policy.
cance of cleaning after themselves and not leaving trash around the campus. The school has had to let go ten custodial positions over the course of six years and placing more labor to the remaining custodial staff would detrimental to the current staff situation. Administration could enforce a zero tolerance policy on litterers and more trash cans should be strategically placed around the campus. With the issue of students leaving school grounds, this would have to be solely a student body effort to keep each other in check to maintain the administration’s trust in its student body. Supplying more security around the vicinity is out of question seeing as how there isn’t money to
hire custodial staff, no less security guards. However, winning over the administration would only be half the battle; expecting parents to not have a say is unreasonable as they hold the school accountable for knowing where their children are during the school day. A possible method to mitigating parent opposition is having a night dedicated to students presenting in a professional manner the reasons for this privilege and how rules would play out. Students are completely capable of obtaining not only this privilege but other freedoms as long as they are willing to put in the effort for a long haul.
Where the money goes...
from FCPS Cell Phone Towers
60%
40%
FCPS recieves only $1,000 of the $2,500 per month the cell phone carriers pay for rent
85%
15%
Robinson recieves only 15% of the money FCPS recieves, or $150 per month—The other $850 goes to FCPS for other purposes
Graphic by Aaron Berner Information compiled from fcps.edu
Cell tower takes unnecessary risk
AARON BERNER Cell phone towers are quite prevalent in students’ daily lives, even if they don’t realize it. The middle light tower behind the home bleachers at Coffey Stadium actually doubles as a Verizon Wireless cell tower. The installation of towers such as these, which release a constant barrage of possibly harmful radio waves, shows FCPS is more concerned about revenue than the safety of students and faculty With the increase in cellular activity in recent years, cell phone carriers need to put more cell towers closer to where they are being used, such as schools. But, there are places other than schools which could more safely accomplish this. There are currently over 20 towers installed at FCPS high schools, with plans in place to install five more at other middle and high schools, according to the FCPS website. There isn’t sufficient evidence to say that prolonged exposure to radio waves from cell phone towers causes cancer, or any other health problems
for that matter, according to the FCC website. Still, the installation of these towers sends the wrong message to students. By installing these towers, FCPS sends the message that it cares more about revenue than the possible concerns of the people who actually have to be around these towers on a day-to-day basis. Cell phone carriers pay $2,500 per month as rent for each tower, according to the FCPS Monopole Fact Sheet on the FCPS website. However, only 40 percent of that money goes to FCPS, and only 15 percent of that goes to the school that houses the tower. This means that our school only collects $150 per month from the tower. Compared to the total amount of money spent by our school, this is almost nothing. The Monopole Fact Sheet also states, “FCPS would never make a business decision that would create a safety or health problem for staff and students.” For such a small amount of money, and the lack of clear, widely accepted scientific knowledge on the subject, it is irresponsible for FCPS to install cell towers on school campuses. Students and teachers deserve to be shown more clear scientific studies showing that there are no safety risks whatsoever before more of these possibly harmful structures are built.
Features
Valor Dictus November 24, 2010 Volume 40 Issue 3 Bravely speaking to the Robinson Community 5
Yae Ji Cha - Features Editor
Kate Monick - Features Editor
Mystery artists: Juniors Ryan Carr and Christopher Kasbarian display artwork in the E-wing staircases, leaving their identities unknown to viewers BY HAILEY METZGER Staff Writer
Junior Ryan Carr displays his instrument of creativity.
Carr drafts a new art piece.
Adrenaline. It rushes through junior Ryan Carr’s veins as he stands on the staircase railing by the E-wing, putting his artwork up on the overhang by the blue hallway. Carr said the adrenaline rush is his favorite part of hanging his pictures on the walls. Junior Chris Kasbarian hangs his artwork up as well, working with Carr. They started putting pictures up at the beginning of the year. Subschool 11 principal Michael Mukai said he has taken down two pictures, which were inappropriate and covered exit signs; and also it violates the school policy that signs have to be approved before they go up. “We lost 13 custodians this year, and it makes their jobs harder to have to clean up after things like this,” Mukai said. “The boys putting up their artwork affects everyone, not just the students.” Mukai said he thinks there should be a place somewhere in the school for students to hang up their art-
work that does not burden the custodians or break any rules. Art teacher Jennifer Diglio said she doesn’t think it is hurting the walls and she has had students put installation artwork up before. “They are not spraypainting the walls and covering things with graffitti; that is not art, that is destruction of property,” Diglio said. Technical Support Specialist Derek Knizner commented on the style of their artwork. Carr said he draws mostly pictures no one would think of, he describes as random and icy. “I think it is interesting that they draw characters and little monsters that don’t have certain meaning to them; and how it looks similar to graffiti like pieces,” Knizner said. “It is their form of tagging and they found a venue on expressing themselves which is really cool.” Along with that, Diglio said they put the pictures some place where they can express themselves and not have it taken, that is why they are hanging it in such an odd location. “They work as a team, drawing the pictures and hanging them up,” Diglio said.
Carr prepares his piece for display.
Doyle guides students with applications JASON FOCARINO Staff Writer
Behind the tall windows of the Career Center, Eileen Doyle, Career Center Specialist, suggests potential colleges to a student. Countless college banners on the walls of the silent room. Doyle proceeds to help another student complete a college application and work on his resume. After that, Doyle researches summer programs for a teacher. “I never thought I would be back in a high school it’s strange,” Doyle said. Doyle grew up in Arlington, Va. and attended Bishop O’Connell high school. She went on to
major in business administration at the College of Mount St. Vincent in the Bronx, NY. She began working in accounting, but soon realized it was not for her. “I didn’t like it as much because I wasn’t working with people. When I went on to work in Human Resources, I loved it,” Doyle said. She loves working with high school aged students, she said, so she began to volunteer with career counseling, and took a position at the district office of Fairfax County. After, she volunteered at our career center a few times, Doyle became Career Center Specialist
three years ago. “I love this job, but the hardest thing is helping with a student’s stress level. I hate having to see a student stressed out,” she said. Despite the stress of applying to colleges, Doyle said she always tries her best to assist students with items such as college applications, resumes and SAT registration. Along with being in charge of the Career Center, Doyle is also part of our school’s counseling team and is the chair of the Scholarship Committee. Working with people is one of her favorite things, Doyle said, and her job lets her interact with many students now.
“There are about 100 college visits between Labor Day and break, but I love them,” she said. There isn’t a lot of time outside of school, Doyle said, with her job and family. “I do colleges 24/7, and I have kids as well,” she said. Doyle believes that students should explore all possibilities for future careers, she said, even if a student is not sure what career they want to pursue. She said, “It’s ok if you don’t know what to do. Some 30-year-olds don’t even know what they want to do. Why should a 17-year old?”
Carr stands on the railing of the E-wing staircase to place his art piece on the wall.
Carr said it is cool having someone working with him because they can get more artwork put out and combine their imaginations. “They feed off of each other with ideas and suggestions,” Diglio said. “I think it is awesome and fun for other students too.” Diglio said she has encouraged them to hang their artwork up, and even helped them with the little details such as which tape to use so the pictures stay up longer. “What they are doing is spontaneous and they are excited about making new artwork which makes me excited as their art teacher,” Diglio said. One of Kasbarian’s favorite parts is being there when people are asking their friends about who put them up or how they got up there, and they have no idea it was him, he said. They draw new pictures and put up fresh artwork once a week normally, Kasbarian said. “It makes me so excited when they put up new ones,” junior CiCi Onyekwere said. “School is the same every day, and they are using it as an opportunity to express themselves which changes things up.”
Carr’s final drawings hang on the wall. Photos by Hailey Metzger
Jason Focarino
Doyle updates the Career Center whiteboard to inform students of upcoming college visits.
6
Valor Dictus November 24, 2010
Our goal is to provide an excellent orthodontic service in a very professional and caring enviornment
Specialist in Orthodontics KEVIN McGRATH, D.D.S., M.S., P.C.
Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics 2968 B Chain Bridge Road Oakton, VA 22124
703-938-1900
Call today for a complimentary initial orthodontic examination Conveniently located next door to Oakton Elementary School.
www.oaktonbraces.com
Features
F0 0 D Corner Bakery We sampled numerous desserts at the Corner Bakery Cafe in Fairfax. Read on what to eat and what to avoid at the cafe.
Valor Dictus November 24, 2010
7
Top pick: Monster Cookie
Rating scale: 10: Could eat it every day! 8: Would order it again 6: Worth a trip back 4: Avoid, avoid, avoid!
Location: 11776 Fair Oaks Shopping Center, Suite B216, Fairfax, VA 22033 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
8 a.m. 6 p.m.
7 a.m. 9 p.m.
7 a.m. 9 p.m.
Whoopie Pie
Wednesday Thursday 7 a.m. 9 p.m.
7 a.m. 9 p.m.
Friday 7 a.m. 9 p.m.
Scale of 1-10: 7 Taste: The pie is sweet, with a creamy vanilla frosting inside. The first few bites were great, but after a while the taste became too decadent. Prices: $1.59
Saturday 7 a.m. 9 p.m.
Scale of 1-10: 8.5 Taste: The cookie is soft but crisp around the edges. A generous amount of M&M’s are sprinkled across the top of the cookie and the chocolate is melted. This makes it a sweet treat for your mouth. Prices: $1.49
Cream Cheese Brownie
Scale of 1-10: 5 Taste: The brownie is large and very filling but is bland. It is hard to distinguish the taste difference between the chocolate and cream cheese. The excessive amount of cream cheese made us tire of the brownie quickly. Prices: $2.39
Photos by Kate Monick. Graphic by Yae Ji Cha and Kate Monick. Information compiled by Yae Ji Cha, Jason Focarino, and Kate Monick
Turkeys give thanks for home in Burke Lake Park BY MAGGIE HAYNES Staff Writer
Students on Bus 30 gasp as they witness five wild turkeys scamper across the road in a single line from Burke Lake Park into nearby trees bordering the intersection of Burke Lake Road and Missionary Street. According to bus 30 driver Steve Page, the turkeys could possibly pose a threat to students who live near wood areas and wait at bus stops in the mornings. The wild birds could also pose a risk to drivers, especially young and inexperienced ones. “If I leave my pets unattended, then they might run after the turkeys, there is always the possibility of danger,” sophomore Simeon Nguyen said. The turkeys live in Burke Lake Park and in the woods across from the park. “When I saw them, I thought ‘Oh, Thanksgiving is coming’ and I’ve seen them before from the bus windows last
year and the year before that,” freshman Charlie Phillips said. “I wasn’t as shocked as everyone else was.” According to National Geographic, wild turkeys can grow up to four feet tall and live for three to four years. They can be found in grassland and swamp areas. They roost on tree branches. Females can lay from 7 to 24 eggs a year. “When I first saw the turkeys, I thought ‘Something is seriously wrong with this picture, ‘they are so out of place, I mean, you don’t see them running around in public,” Nguyen said. “It shock since it was my first time seeing them.” According to National Geographic, wild turkeys have been spotted suburban areas and even in Manhattan. Wild turkeys were first domesticated by Native Americans. In the 1500s, early Spanish explorers took the birds back to Europe, and the birds’ descendents were brought back to America with later settlers. “Gee, I was surprised to see them since
BAND WANTED to entertain 300-400 guests January date to be determined
Steel or Island-Themed Music Free food and publicity Compensation to be negotiated
Contact Jacob Beil for more information
703-323-8790 jbeil@cox.net
Wild turkeys roam behind peoples’ homes and retreat back into the forest. These turkeys have been spotted all around Burke since mid October.
seeing wild turkeys are rare, especially just outside the city since turkeys live in rural areas,” Page said. “That’s the beauty of it, usually you have to look for turkeys, but this time they were right under my nose.”
Maggie Haynes
8
Focus
Valor Dictus November 24, 2010
BY THOMAS FRIESTAD Focus Editor
Stopped at a red light, a student driver begins texting his friend about the latest school news. The glow of the green streelight flashes across his LCD cell phone screen before he can finish his message. The student takes his eyes off the road to complete his text as he drives. This scenario is far from uncommon for many teenagers. “I think that many kids don’t understand the serious implications of distracted driving,” senior Julia Green said. “Because of that, they text and eat while driving because they think they can get away with it.” Senior Daniel Litman does not always pay full attention while driving, he said. “I constantly drive while blaring music from the radio,” he said. All students drive while distracted in some way or another, he added. “Some students are distracted by something physical, like a burger, while other kids just drive when they’re angry or sad about something. It’s a distraction either way.”
Green uses her cell phone when she drives, although she is aware of the risks involved, she said. “I’ll call my friend at a red light to tell them I’m on my way to their house,” Green said. “It’s just more convenient for me that way.” Math teacher Julia Hiles tries to avoid these risk factors when she is behind the wheel, she said. “I don’t drive distracted, because from what I’ve seen from drivers in Northern Virginia, the ones who make foolish mistakes are the ones who were not paying attention,” Hiles said. Before he came to our school, Student Resource Officer J. B. Watkins used to pull over drivers who were not focusing on the road and who created a hazard for other drivers, he said. “Distracted driving is absolutely a problem, because there are not a lot of experienced [student] drivers here,” Watkins said. “It is bad no matter if you are an adult or a student. Be sure to think of the consequences before you drive distracted.”
Distracted While Driving
Valor Dictus October 29, 2010
9
for these alternatives instead GO
STOPdriving distracted • Texting or calling behind the wheel • Eating and driving
• Grooming yourself in the rear view mirror • Talking to passengers in the car
• Wait to answer texts and calls until later. In emergencies, pull over to answer calls. • Stop and eat at the restaurant, or wait until you arrive at your destination. • Apply make-up or shave before leaving home. • Limit your number of passengers, or only drive with friends who will not distract you.
Graphic by Thomas Friestad Information from J. D. Holder
Why Do Students Drive Distracted? Seniors and juniors were asked anonymously the reasons why they drive distracted.
I think I can get away with it It’s second nature when someone is talking to you It’s safe to answer your phone when you’re stopped at a light I smoke out the window I have to make plans with friends on the go I’m afraid that a female driver will hit my car when I’m on the road When people message me, I feel obligated to not keep them waiting My parents call me when I’m driving and get angry if I ignore them Because I’m a good multitasker Graphic by Thomas Friestad and Tim White
Q & A with Officer J. B. Watkins Photo by Tim Ferrell Photo by Hailey Metzger and Tim White
“
What were the laws before texting while driving was banned?
Before the law, an officer could not pull a driver over for texting behind the wheel. However, he could pull them over for failing to pay full time and attention to driving. If you’re texting, calling a friend, eating or changing the radio behind the wheel, you’re not paying full time and attention.
Driving while using a phone is by far the most dangerous form of distracted driving. Students have grown up with their phones, so they don’t have a grasp on the risks involved. If you drive while sidetracked by texting, you are more likely to get in an accident than if you are drunk. I tell my students not to put themselves in a situation where so much is at risk, just to send a message. Believe me, it can wait. Drivers’ Ed Teacher
Photo by Hailey Metzger
The SRO Officer elaborates on the new distracted driving rules regarding phone use and how they will affect student drivers.
J. D.
Holder
Interview Conducted by Tim White
”
What are the current laws?
It is illegal for students under 18 to use the phone for any reason while driving. Although it is not advised, students over 18 can still talk on the phone. We can still pull them over for failing to pay full time and attention, though. The new law is just more specific by penalizing texting drivers.
What are the police doing to enforce laws?
Photos by Lindsay Webb
We’re still giving people tickets for not focusing on the road in front of them. It’s as simple as looking through the window, noticing what they’re doing, and pulling them over. Not many students know about the full time and attention law, so the county is making a big deal about it to promote awareness and safe driving. Graphic by Thomas Friestad
10
Features
Valor Dictus November 24, 2010
Students on YouTube: Users advertise business, inform others on causes, upload school projects, express and explore talents Students with YouTube accounts Browse | Upload BY BAILEY HAASE AND NIKKI ROBINSON Staff Writers
Profile Name: Matt Javelosa ................................................................................... Channel Views:12,311 ................................................................................... Total Upload Views: 60,054 ................................................................................... Style: Acoustic ................................................................................... Age: 16 ................................................................................... Joined: January 20, 2009 ................................................................................... Subscribers: 405 ................................................................................... About Me: Music is Love! ................................................................................... Website: http://www.youtube.com/user/F1L1P1N0PR1D3 ................................................................................... Information compiled by Bailey Haase and Nikki Robinson. Graphic by Kate Monick.
Sophomore Matthew Javelosa sits in front of his keyboard and microphone as his YouTube video begins. He begins to play the guitar and sing a cover of “Just The Way You Are” by the popular artist Bruno Mars. “I upload videos of me singing, covers of different kinds of songs but I usually cover popular music, because it is what I am good at,” said Javelosa. This helps his peers recognize his talent, he said. Javelosa has been uploading videos for almost two years and has received over 60,000 total views, he said. “I think some students upload videos to YouTube as a hobby and because they think it is fun, and others do it so they can get their name out there, and have a chance to get noticed by someone important,” said Javelosa. Freshman Ryne Daegele said uploading videos to YouTube helps him to explore his talents. Over the years that he has been uploading videos to YouTube, his editing skills have improved,
said brother Mason Daegele. ing videos for three years. “I think YouTube is a fun way “Whenever I needed to sell to express yourself to others,” a horse I would upload a video Daegele said. “You can experi- telling about the horse that I ment with what you’re good at was selling,” she said. and share it with the world.” Several YouTube celebrities Many people upload videos such as Shane Dawson, Brittani as a hobby. Others may upload Louise Taylor, and the fictional videos for enjoyment or if they character Fred played by Lucas have a school project that will be Cruikshank have gained fame by viewed through posting videos YouTube. on YouTube. YouTube “After is not just for seeing many people who people do“After seeing many people want to become ing covers and doing covers and singing on well-known. It singing on is also a place Youtube, I figured I should YouTube, I figfor business or give it a shot.” ured I should even for some give it a shot,” Matt students school Sophomore Javelosa said Javelosa. “I work, such as a want to get my PowerPoint for name out there History or Engso people will lish. know about my music.” “I used to upload videos when YouTube also helps students I was selling horses,” Padgett grow in their talent, said Javelosaid, “I also used it to upload sa. YouTube is a way to gain exschool projects.” perience. Padgett started using You“I think uploading videos Tube because it was easier to helps a lot with getting experisend people the links of her vid- ence,” said Javelosa, “I’m able to eos instead of putting her videos try different things and be crein an email. She has been upload- ative with my music.”
Allergies distract teacher and class from learning BY SHARON CORISH Staff Writer
Junior Matthew Roof snatches a tissue and blows his nose. Then he blows again. Tissue after tissue, sneeze after sneeze. The never ending cycle ends in a chapped nose and frustration. Between congestion and countless tissues, some students with allergies find their symptoms distracting toward the learning process. For several in this group, congestion and a runny nose are the worst parts of the allergy experience. Senior Benjamin Snyder said congestion is uncomfortable and makes it difficult for him to concentrate when he is continuously blowing his nose during class. “It makes it hard to focus when I’m constantly trying to keep my nasal passages clear,” senior Benjamin Snyder said. For some students with allergies, the symptoms are irritating, and this hinders their ability to focus on that difficult math problem or take valuable notes because of a swelling, throbbing nose. Senior Nicole Eaton said headaches brought on by seasonal allergies also
Her congestion and a runny nose distract her during class. She takes Zyrtec for her sneez- makes her want to just stay home and ing and sinus infections, she said, but be “lazy”, she added. Allergies affect students not only congestion headaches still prevent her from paying full attention. She said the during the school day but when they headaches make her think about the participate in their extracurricular acpain and she is not able to concentrate tivities. Senior Benjamin Snyder said he on her work. Her allergy symptoms are some- finds congestion bothersome when he is trying to times so severe complete his that she must stay classwork and home from school, take part in aftershe said, which school activities causes her to fall “It makes it hard to focus such as crew. behind in class. Sophomore S o p h o m o r e when I’m constantly trying to Madeline Lewis keep my nasal passages clear” Sarah Ostertag said she dislikes said the medicahaving to contions she takes to Benjamin stantly cough improve her symp- senior Snyder and sneeze when toms also affect her burdened by her ability to focus on allergies. learning. “My allergies When she is troubled with congestion and has a make me feel sick and tired and they’re runny nose, she said, she takes Clari- really annoying,” she said. Lewis said when she and her tin, which often “drugs her up” and makes her drowsy. This can cause friends are dealing with the issue, they problems in class, because she may be like to spend time together and distoo sleepy to focus on her work, which cuss it together as a group. Lewis said, “It’s like a bonding exforces her to miss important informaperience.” tion.
“
Create Account | Sign In
“
”
=
3 students
Number of students with allergies:
Distracting Factor of Allergies (1 least distracting, 10 most distracting):
”
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Photo illustration by Kate Monick
120 students were polled during all three lunches from Nov. 11-12. Information compiled by Sharon Corish. Graphic by Yae Ji Cha.
Entertainment Valor Dictus November 24, 2010 Volume 40 Issue 3 Bravely speaking to the Robinson Community 11
Shelby Gee - Entertainment Editor
The magical ending begins with ‘...Hallows’ BY KAITLIN MACKIE Editor-In-Chief “What are the names of the founders of the houses of Hogwarts?” the leader of the Harry Potter trivia competition said, standing in the front of the theater on opening night like our very own Professor McGonagall. Wands shot up like luminous spells all around, movie goers quite enthused and ready to respond. “Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff,” the Hermione Granger impersonator said. “Correct!” the leader said. The audience, full of knowledgeable Harry Potter fans, was impressed. Thus began the midnight premiere of “Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows” at Fairfax Corner in Fairfax, Va. The crowd’s energy buzzed through the air like hundreds of golden snitches and many Potterheads donned costumes. Their outfits ranged from the cookie-cutter Hogwarts stu-
dent in a white button down, cape and tie, to Lavender Brown, one of Ron Weasley’s ex-girlfriends, with a lavender bandana. No costume had the same quality as the acting in the film, which was an overall success. Harry, Ron and Hermione have left Hogwarts in search of Voldemort’s Horcruxes. Horcruxes are bits of Voldemort’s soul in tangible objects he has hidden in order to live forever. The tone of the film matches the somber subject matter, and does not dawdle in the hormone-induced love frenzy that permeated the plot of “Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince“. In fact, the movie is largely void of laughs. Rupert Grint, who plays beloved redhead Ron Weasley,delivered a few moments of comic relief with his stellar comedic timing. However, the innerturmoil of Harry, played by Daniel Radcliffe, diverted attention from Weasley’s wisecracks. Radcliffe effectively plays a more mature Potter, who is undergoing strife in his quest to defeat Voldemort.
Photo reprinted courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures
Emma Watson and Daniel Radcliffe return to their roles of Hermione Granger and Harry Potter respectively for the first installment of the last chapter of the series. In this film Harry, Hermione and Ron, played by Rupert Grint, take off on one last adventure to take down Voldemort. Emma Watson, who plays Hermione, has also grown as an actress in this film. The scene where she erases herself from the memory of her parents is one of the most poignant moments in the film. The acting is one of the best features of this film, and though fans did not leave with laughs they left with silent nods of approval and some tears. Tears aside, several shrieks
An Overview of the Series as a Whole: 2001
2002
“The Sorcerer’s Stone”
“Chamber of Secrets”
Grossed: $317,557,891
Grossed: $261,970,615
2003
2004
2005
were heard throughout the theater when the basilisk popped out its fangy head. The special effects of this film are mostly limited to a few moments, such as the basilisk incidents. This is a smart choice, because the special effects complement rather than make up the content of the film. The beginning of the end of the Harry Potter movies is a satisfying adventure that left Potterheads
The eight-part film series, based on the books by J. K. Rowling, has brought in over $1.7 billion so far.
“The Prizoner of Azkaban”
“The Goblet of Fire”
Grossed: $249,358,727
Grossed: $290,013,036
2006
2007
“Order of the Phoenix”
2008
Grossed: $292,004,738
content. David Yates, director of the film, avoided any Stupify spells and earned an Outstanding on the N.E.W.T. (Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test) for this one. MPAA Rating:
Length:
PG-13 for “intense action violence, frightening images and brief sensuality” 146 minutes
Information compiled by Shelby Gee from IMDB
2009
2010/2011 “Deathly Hallows”
“Half-Blood Prince”
Grossed: $301,959,197
Part 1: Nov. 16, 2010 Part 2: July 15, 2011
Something to Blog About > What is Tumblr? “Millions of people sharing the things they do, find, love, think, or create” according to the website. >Learn the Lingo: “Tumbling” is the form of blogging used on Tumblr, which is much faster than regular blogging. “Reblogging” is a way to spread a blog post across thousands of other blogs with just one click. “Photosets” are the name for photo albums.
>Features: There are hundreds of themes to choose from, including the option for users to make their own theme, the ability to
update their Tumblr on the go using an iPhone or other mobile device, the option to create a new post straight from their email, custom domain names, and privacy options so that they can select exactly who sees what they post. Users can post text, high-resolution photos, quotes, links, dialogues, audio, video, slideshows and more. Users can also automatically tweet or publish a post to Facebook straight from Tumblr.
>Fast Facts: Tumblr was founded in 2007, and now has almost 10 million members world wide.
Information compiled by Shelby Gee and Sharon Corish. Graphic by Shelby Gee
12 Student musicians consider their plans for college
Entertainment
Valor Dictus November 24, 2010
BY MAGGIE HAYNES Staff Writer
Senior Nick Bock strums some notes on his guitar as he contemplates his future after high school. “I am planning on majoring in Jazz Studies Music Performance in college on my instrument, the guitar,” Bock said, “I am planning to study at George Mason University.” According to Career Center specialist Eileen Doyle, about 15 to 20 students actually go on to college and take classes, this also includes music education, music performance and theatre. “It’s really sad how so few students actually study music in college, even though it is one of their passions. I try to tell my students that anything is possible if they try hard and are determined,” said guidance counselor Tami Marcheski said.
Marcheski studied music in high school and comes from a musical family, she said, but she went on to college to get her teaching certification. “It seems like music is a very competitive field, and students, performance wise, feel like they aren’t cut out for it,” Marcheski said, “I do know what it’s like not to do music in college, because I decided to go after my teaching certificate instead of music.” Senior Brian Uosseph plays guitar and is teaching himself to play the keyboard. He plans to minor in music in college. “I love music because of the vast amount of emotion someone can take out of a song,” Uosseph said, “The best part is that it’s always different for two people, they could listen to the same song, but get something different out of it.” Junior Elena Shuart, a chorus student, said she also
wishes to pursue music once she graduates. “I have plans to do choir in college, but I don’t know where I am going yet. Even outside college I hope to get involved in some singing programs,” junior Elana Shuart said. Junior Jose Justiniano played the fiddler in 2009’s “Fiddler on the Roof “and just recently played in the Senior Regional Orchestra. He plans on attending Virginia Tech and will be majoring in Engineering and minoring in Musical Performance. “I love how people respond to music. It’s one of the main reasons why I love music so much,” Justiniano said. “If students are passionate about [music], then they should follow it,” said Doyle. “Even if they don’t make a career out of it, it can just be a side interest. But they should just keep with it no matter what.”
Curtain Call: BY SHELBY GEE
Entertainment Editor
Freshman Hannah Sikora played the lovable neighbor Ms. Potts in the fall drama, “Summer Brave.” Sikora describes her character as “…a positive, cheerful, loving person with a passion for life and making baked goods.” Sikora is no stranger to the school
stage, having played Ms. Hannigan in last winter’s performance of “Annie” and an orphan in 2009’s “Oliver.” Following Friday night’s performance of “Summer Brave” Sikora answered some questions about the play, her acting, and her initial reactions to her debut high school performance.
Jacob Beil
Sikora gets into character as Helen Potts. Sikora said she was similar to her character in some respects, but thought she had much less life experience.
Leah Scheunemann
Senior Will Taube plays the standing bass at Coffeehouse. Coffehouse was a showcase for student musicians’ in Davala Hall on Oct. 16. The school sponsored event featured musicians from every grade showing off their musical skills on their instruments or by singing their own songs.
A question and answer with freshman actress Hannah Sikora about ‘Summer Brave’ and more. Before ‘Summer Brave’
sort of become like a family and you become very close.” Q: When you are on stage what specific emotions are running through your head? A: “Weird things come into my mind when I’m on stage that usually don’t have anything to do with what I’m doing. I try to really stay in the moment and get into her mind and what she would do in the situation. “
Q: When did you first get started acting and performing? A: “I started dancing when I was 2 and I did drama camps when I was little.” Q: How did you feel going into your first performance in a high school play? A: “I was really excited and it was very surreal because when I was little I watched all the high school plays and thought it was really cool what they were doing.” After ‘Summer Brave’ Q: After you get off During ‘Summer Brave’ stage what kinds of Q: What is your favor- emotions are running ite memory from your through your head? time working on “Sum- A: “Usually after I’m off stage for some reason I mer Brave?” A: “Probably being back- mentally block out what I stage with the cast because just did, so I don’t really when you’re in a cast you remember how I did and
it comes back to me in bits and pieces.” Q:What do you aspire to do with acting in the future? A: “I would love to get into a good acting program in college and possibly do this professionally.”
Jacob Beil
Sikora played Potts, an old maid who took care of her elderly mother.
Entertainment
Valor Dictus November 24, 2010
Plugged In:
Teachers share the top 10 most played songs on their iPods
” ience Swing c S , g r y aabo err wb shley F
A
“Do n Did ’t Leave o
Hom
“Pocketful of Su nshine” Natasha Beding field
ou” of Y
ing ink “ Th Perry y Kat
e”
10
1
ra ay “St ldpl Co
2
3
9
4
8 w” “Lo Rida l Fo
7
6 “O
5
Sa ne S ra w Ba eet rei Lo lle s ve”
ce” r Fa a e k “Po y Gag Lad
“Breathe” Anna Nalick
Lin
Any t “Ren hing fro m t” so und the trac k
“Bottle It Up” Sara Ba reilles
p Sto n’t o D y “ rne Jou
Ro
“Iko I Nay ko An ” Dixi e Cu ps
“Tom Dooley” Kingston Trio
f Ira do a l l a eB ash “ Th nny C h Jo
es” Hay
B
10
1
In ds en i r F ot s” e G lace oks v ’ “I w P Bro Lo rth Ga
2
Gr maz ac ing e”
8
4
in’”
7
m fro me et” e Th bar “Ca
oss Imp e “ Th cha n Ma
4
8 6 “A
2
3
ng er” Lo “A cemb y De ldpla Co
3
7
” dy bo e om on e S Le “Us gs of Kin
6
5 “Li Ma ke a do Pra nn ye r” a
e” ntin sta ng n o “K ethi Som porate Cor “Man In the Mirror” Michael Jackson
“Holida y from Real” Jack’s M annequ in
m” rea
D ible
9
ife” Kn e th tra ack na “M nk Si Fra
10
1
” ne “O U2
9
v elie
stor y
ffin, Hi bert Co
h
, Englis
a erragn T y a s d
“Haven’t Met Yo u Yet” Michael Buble
ce” an om a R d g “Ba y Ga d a L
13
5
“Don’t Take Your Gun to Town” Johnny Cash
“ The Ga m Kenny R bler” ogers
Photos by Sharon Corish, Graphic by Shelby Gee
14
Valor Dictus November 24, 2010
Stern Orthodontics Richard K. Stern, D.D.S., P.C. Specialist in Orthodontics for Adults and Children 5213-B Lyngate Court Burke, VA 22015
14245-P Centreville Square Centreville, VA 20121
(703) 425-2494
(703) 830-9444
www.sternorthodontics.com
Historic Clifton
Sports
Valor Dictus November 24, 2010 Volume 40 Issue 3 Bravely speaking to the Robinson Community 15
Mollie Berner - Page 2 & 15 Editor
Andrew Miller - Back Page Editor
Crew 5k run
Early morning run brings community together Sophomore and crew team member Alyssa Randell pulls on her socks and sneakers early in the morning Nov. 20. Preparing for a long run, Randell steps up to the starting line with hundreds of other competitors. Randell takes a deep breath, and prepares to run the five kilometers she is about to race. Our school’s crew team hosts the annual Round Robinson Run, a 5-kilometer race Nov. 20. Runners were required to be here by 8:30 in the morning. “I haven’t raced in a long time, and I’m happy to get volunteer points for participating,” Randell said. Randell said the run not only gave her a chance to support the team, but also helped her prepare for crew. This year marks the second year organized on the run for Cyndy Arndt, Co-Coordinator of the event. Arndt said this year marks the fifteenth or sixteenth year the run has occurred. “The run really helps with fundraising, and it gets the community together,” Arndt said. The amount of work Arndt and other coordinators put into the run is large, she said. Fundraising, sponsoring and publicizing were all part of the process, Arndt said, and planning began during the summer. Arndt said she really appreciated all the work the community put into the event. Arndt said, “It gives the students and rowers an appreciation for the parent involvement.”
—JASON FOCARINO
Upcoming Events basketball Nov. 27 — Boys scrimmage at Bishop
Ireton. Times to be announced. Come see the first scrimmage of the season.
the Coaches Nov. 29 — “Meet Night” in Russell
Theatre, 7 p.m. Parents are welcome to see the new coaches of the winter sports season.
Dec. 1
— Girls and boys basketball first games of the season. Girls at Yorktown at 7:45 p.m., boys at Woodson, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 3
— Boys and girls swim and dive team faces off Westfield at Cub Run from 6:30-9:30 p.m. for the first meet of the season.
By the numbers Spotlighting varsity football’s team statistics
305 points scored this season 119 points given up this season 20 touchdowns scored by senior running back Jared Velasquez
241 receiving yards by junior wide receiver Patrick Baker
Statistics as of Nov. 20
—MOLLIE BERNER
Bailey Haase
Junior Kaitlyn Holzhauer stretches at gymnastics tryouts in the gym Nov. 18. Holzhauer and fellow gymnast junior Shannon Picard participate in cheerleading as well to prepare them for their gymnastics season.
Gymnasts use cheerleading as preparation for upcoming season BY TIM WHITE Focus Editor
Junior Shannon Picard poses on the balance beam, determined to maintain perfect form. She participates in cheerleading during the fall but switches to gymnastics for the winter season. Tumbling during cheerleading prepares her for the floor routine in gymnastics, she said. The two sports use different parts of the body for different events. Picard, who has participated in gymnastics since she was four, said gymnasts use her arm strength for the uneven bars,
but for the balance beam she uses her legs. Cheerleading coach Jocelyn Baptiste, who has competed in both gymnastics and cheerleading, said gymnastics is more of an individual sport. Cheerleading, though, is a team sport which requires the effort of every member. The two sports also consist of different events. The four events in gymnastics are the uneven bars, floor, balance beam and vault, said gymnastics coach Megan Smiley. Cheerleading, though, has only one event—the team routine.
“Cheerleading is a little crazy when we cheer and do stunts,” Picard said. “Gymnastics is more calm and smooth with the different events.” Picard said she favors each sport equally. “They really are different,” Picard said. “I can’t decide which one I enjoy most because they are so different.” Junior Kaitlyn Holzhauer also participates in both cheerleading and gymnastics. She has been a gymnast for twelve years, but was not a cheerleader in ninth grade. She said she joined because she thought it would be a
good experience. Baptiste said with the recent cut of winter cheer, she thought more cheerleaders may be drawn to gymnastics in the future, but that has not been the case. Baptiste agreed that cheerleading helps gymnasts condition for gymnastics. “All our [cheer] competitions are in the fall,” Baptiste said. “Gymnastics is a very hard sport to learn if you have not been a gymnast before.” The first gymnastics meet is approaching and the cheerleading season has concluded. Dec. 7 is the team’s first meet.
Athletic department welcomes new coaches BY CHASE BAILEY Staff Writer
The athletic department welcomed three new coaches this fall—field hockey coach Jennifer DePoto, cross country coach Kimbery Coffield, and golf coach Tom Lizardo. Some are found within the athletic department’s past and current coaches; this being the case for Coffield. She had been the assistant coach for Jeremy Workman but had the opportunity to become the head coach this year as Workman was not returning for another year. She said she is happy to be coaching at a higher level this year and providing the runners with a coach they knew already. “I thought it would be a nice transition for the athletes,” Coffield said. “We worked hard to keep a lot of the training similar to years past to try to keep things as consistent as possible.” Coffield said she knew a number of kids on the team this season and knew how much talent and potential they had. In contrast to Coffield, others are found
through out-of-school advertisements. Director of Student Activities Marty Riddle and Assistant Director of Student Activities Jeff Ferrell are in charge of the process. “Call for Coaches” is the advertisement that runs in the Fairfax County newsletter. This letter is the prime source for the student activity staff to find coaches, Ferrell said. Lizardo said he found a coach opening on the FCPS website and then sent his resume to Riddle. “When appointing a coach, I am looking for a people person who works well with parents and the players,” Riddle said. “I also look for enthusiasm and passion for the sport in which they wish to coach.” A coach’s performance is not a large factor when hiring and firing a coach, Ferrell said. The coaches need to be a positive role model for the kids and need to carry themselves in a professional manner under any circumstances. Ferrell said, “It is not always about wins and losses. The hiring of a coach relies on the values and ethics that they teach or present to their players.”
Photo reprinted with permission from Yvonne Landis
New field hockey coach Jennifer DePoto cheers on her players at the West Springfield game Sept. 16. DePoto was one of three coaches to join our athletic department this fall.
16
Sports
Valor Dictus November 24, 2010
Team Record Football Volleyball Field Hockey
9-3 15-8 3-14
The conclusion of the fall season brings three district titles and regional berths to several teams.
Individual Honors
The football team ended its season with a 23-24 loss to Lake Braddock in the Northern Region semi-final.
1st Team All-District
Susie Murach— Volleyball Tiffany Connatser— Volleyball Ally Robins— Field Hockey Megan Gallogly— Field Hockey Jill Pearson— Coach of the Year
2nd Team All- District Chance Rye— Volleyball Kelsey Patel— Volleyball
Team Championships District Champions: Football Volleyball Boys Cross Country
Honorable Mention Elena Patel
1st Team All- Region Susie Murach— District & Region MVP Jill Pearson— Regional Coach of the Year
2nd Team All-Region
Tiffany Connatser— District Tournament MVP * Football individual honors were not available as of Nov. 22
Left: Senior center Zach Sheldon cries after the final offensive snap ended in a fumble. Right: Junior manager Heidi Akello mourns the end of a very emotional loss. All photos by Jacob Beil
Wrestling looks for strong return Wrestling Spotlight after placing second in states BY TYLER WALTER Online Editor
Eyes locked on his opponent, senior wrestler Shon Topper strives to pin down his teammate during practice. His goal is to build upon the team’s second place finish at last year’s state competition. Last season’s outcome was discouraging, he said, because the team included many experienced wrestlers who had great potential. “We were capable of winning states with the team we had,” Topper said. “There was a great mix of talented upperclassmen and underclassmen on the Photo reprinted with permission from Yvonne Landis team.” Last winter’s season was Junior Brooks Martino wrestles his opponent during a match against Herndon last year. The highlighted by winning the wrestling team beat Herndon and are hoping to continue that success this winter. district meet, as well as a second place finish in both the regional and not the team’s main focus. The team holds win each and every competition. much potential to achieve a state title, he “We need to go into each meet with the state competitions. Topper said he believes the shortfalls from added. Moreso, the focus is bonding as a team right mindset,” Topper said. “Doing that will get us into the right attitude to win meets this last season’s regional and state tournaments and having a good time. “We need to continue having a positive season, and it should carry over in the district, are motivation for the team this season. “Everyone has been putting forth the ef- attitude, and train hard every day,” Hazard regional and state tournaments.” The team’s opening meet is at Skyline High fort during the off-season,” Topper said. “We said. “If we continue this we have the potenhave a lot of talented and motivated wrestlers tial to be one of the best teams in the nation.” School in Front Royal Dec. 4. Topper said he also believes the team is caHazard said, “If we’re constant with the coming into this season.” Head coach Bryan Hazard said while win- pable of performing well this winter, but suc- way we act—have a constant mantra—we ning the state title is an important goal, it is cess starts with having a constant mentality to can control what happens.”
Lindsay Webb
Dallas Smith
Meet Dallas Smith, the 2010 State Runner-Up and Regional Champion
Class: Sophomore Wrestling for: 12 years Why he started: “My dad got me started. He used to wrestle,” Smith said. Weight class in 2010: 103 lbs Weight class in 2011: 112 lbs Outlook on 2011 season: “I’m pretty sure we’ll do well this year. We should have a couple of state champs and I hope to win states,” Smith said. Team Chemistry: “The team is fun. It’s fun to hang around and it’s fun after you win big. If it’s a big match, you feel like you’ve been working hard and you accomplished something,” Smith said. Information compiled by Chase Bailey and Lindsay Webb