sentinelthe south lakes Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 • Volume 28 • Issue 3

Cyberbullying Lady Seahawks beat HornetsAs technology becomes

more accessible, online harrassment has become an increasing concern.page 6

Varsity girls basketball beat the Herndon Hornets 46-33, but the boys lose 59-51.page 14

News 2-3 Op/Ed 4-5 Focus 6 Centerspread 8-9 Student Life 10-12 Sports 13-15 Trends 16

Book shopping booted in Reston

The ultimate reading experience?

by Kaitlin Welkereditor

In early 2013 Barnes and Noble will close up shop, leaving Reston with no store to buy new books. It is no question that bookstores nationwide have taken a hit as technology has taken over readers’ worlds with devices such as the Kindle and Nook. However, this is not the reason for Barnes and Noble’s departure from Reston. According to an interview with the Reston Patch, David Deason, Vice President of Development at Barnes and Noble, said the company does not want to leave and even offered to pay more to stay. “We tried extremely hard to come to an agreement with the property owner to extend the lease at our Reston location,” Deason said. “But despite our offering significant additional rent, the property owner was unwilling to agree to an extension. We regret that we will be closing this location at the end of February 2013.” This has created mixed reactions with Restonians as some find bookstores necessary to society, while others see the usefulness starting to diminish. “It’s going to be really sad that we don’t have a bookstore,” librarian Linda Franz said. “It’s always a good place to go. It’s a good place to meet, it’s a good place to have coffee and I know my kids used to love to go. I think it’s very sad and very short-sided.” “I’m okay with Barnes and Noble closing,” senior Hayden Hall said. “It’s expensive and I can get much cheaper [books] on Amazon. I’ve gone many times only to learn that the books I want aren’t in stock and I have to order them [through the store] and wait for them to come in.” Online sites such as Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com create a new market for book selling. Ordering online comes with an additional cost of shipping and printed books are already more costly than eBooks. Some struggle to find further worth in printed copies. “Due to Kindles and other electronic or online

reading devices, the use of actual books are less important and a waste of resources,” Hall said. “The world is evolving and becoming more electronic and hard copy books are less important. People should invest in a Kindle.” However, there are those such as Frantz who still believe in a more traditional approach. “I think it’s going to be very different for families because there are still lots of people who like to have a paper book to read,” Frantz said. “Particularly I think there are students who still highlight in their books and put tabs on them and things like that. A lot of people like to go to bookstores to browse and look at different books and find different things. Online books are wonderful but you still sometimes like to see things.” “I feel like people spend so much time looking at screens,” assistant manager of Reston’s Used Book Shop Julie Lehman said. “Books are a wonderful departure from that: you can smell, touch, look, and soak up the atmosphere. A book is more like a friend and I hope they don’t go extinct.” The only other bookstore locally is Reston’s Used Book Shop at Lake Anne. This means that after Barnes and Noble shuts down there will be nowhere to buy new books. Lehman is sad Barnes and Noble is closing, but believes it will be good for smaller bookstores like Reston’s. “I’m optimistic,” Lehman said. “It can only help, I think people want a place they can go to read and browse and there will always be a market for that. It’s sad that they’re closing but it’s potentially good for us and other independent book stores.” Although opinions vary, many agree Barnes and Noble will be missed. “Every time I go to Barnes and Noble, what I love is that you’ll see a mom or a dad sitting in the children’s section reading with their kids,” receptionist Liz Knapp said. “It’s the kind of thing you can’t duplicate in any other kind of store. You can’t do it at home because there’s something about the bookstore that is overwhelming to kids and gives them a love of reading.”

News Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 Page 2

NewsBriefs

Alumni panel discussion to be held todayStudents are invited to a panel discussion featuring returning college students during Learning Seminar 8. Six graduates from the Class of 2012 will speak about their first semesters in college.

ESOL teacher awarded national certificationESOL teacher Brian Crosson received certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards. Crosson is one of five FCPS teachers to receive the national recognition this year after completing an 18-month candicacy program.

January blitz math sessions scheduledStudents retaking Algebra I or Algebra II SOL tests can attend blitz learning sessions Jan. 7 and 8 respectively. Both sessions run from 7:30-10:30 a.m. and will be followed by a brunch and SOL tests in the afternoon.

Chipotle eyes January openingThe new location of the popular Mexican restaurant is tentatively scheduled to open Jan. 22 at South Lakes Shopping Center. This is the restaurant’s third location in Reston.

RA to donate money to turf field effortThe Reston Association voted to donate $50,000 to help build synthetic turf fields at South Lakes. RA pledged to donate $100,000 last year but rescinded the offer.

Gar-Field HS to host IB-MA College FairThe 2013 IB-MA College Fair will be held Saturday, April 20 at Gar-Field HS. This is a free event fro all sophomores and juniors at IB-MA member schools. See IB coordinator Marie Turner for details.

Apple FCU Scholarships availableApple Federal Credit Union will offer 30, $4,000 scholarships to seniors with a 2.8 or above GPA, members of AFCU, and will either attend a two-year or four-year university, enrolled in the NOVA Pathways program, work at a student-run Apple FCU branch, or participate in a future teacher program. Application deadline is Jan. 15, 2013. Go to AFCUFoundation.org or call 571-321-1800 for details.

Two state senators draft bill that could alter state law on texting and drivingBill would toughen penalties for caught distracted drivers

PHOTO BY RACHEL ROGERS

by Alexa Amsteropinion editor

The Virginia General Assembly wants to crack down on texting and driving with laws stricter than those currently enforced by state policemen. The current law prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from texting and driving. It also makes texting and driving a secondary offense for those of age, meaning a police officer cannot stop a vehicle solely to give a texting and driving citation. The current misdemeanor offense incurs a $20 fine the first time an incident of that nature occurs and $50 fine for any subsequent offenses. The new law, drafted by state delegates Ben Cline, a Republican from Rockbridge County, and Scott Surovell, a Democrat from Fairfax County, would toughen the law on texting and driving, similar to crackdowns in Maryland and Washington, D.C., both of which already banned the act. “You need to be able to keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel,” Cline said in a press conference with Surovell Dec. 5. The law, if passed by the General Assembly, would give police officers the authority to stop drivers who are texting and driving and issue them a more serious punishment for the infraction, which would be considered reckless driving. The punishment could include up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Cline referenced in the conference that although he supported the existing law that labels texting and driving as a secondary level when it was passed in 2009, the situation has escalated.

“Anecdotally, we’ve seen from law enforcement that it’s not being followed by a large segment of the population due to the low fines and the fact that it [texting and driving] is a secondary offense,” Cline said. Surovell championed this law after a 2011 incident in Fairfax County left a college student dead at the

hands of a driver named Jason Pope, who was texting. Surovell represented the college student’s family in court. The judge of the case ended up acquitting the driver, citing that there was insufficient evidence that the driver’s texting caused a lack of attention to the road even though it was confirmed that Pope opened a text message moments before he crashed his vehicle. This sort of incident is the kind that Surovell wishes to avoid.

“I hope that if this legislation is enacted that people will have a greater understanding of just how dangerous texting while driving can be,” Surovell said. While the Virginia law would affect all drivers, there is a growing national concern about teen drivers’ habits behind the wheel.

According to a recent Pew Research Center survey of 800 students up to the age of 17, 50 percent of those who have cell phones admitted to texting while driving. The survey also revealed that 48 percent of those surveyed said that they have been a passenger in a vehicle where the driver was texting and driving. “There should be stricter laws because it’s really dangerous and kids already have a small attention

span,” senior Zach Smith said. Specifically in Virginia, a research study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute reported that drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be involved in a car crash. Some students admit that they are guilty of texting and driving, sometimes resulting in petrifying consequences. “I rear-ended someone when I was texting and driving,” senior Aerin Raguso said. “It was pretty scary. Now I only text at stoplights.” Although a driver technically would not be texting and driving simultaneously since the car is stopped at a light, under the new law, the driver can still be held accountable for texting and driving because the only safe way to operate a phone behind the wheel is when the car is off and the key is not in the ignition. Although many students express support for the law’s revision there is uncertainty about the effectiveness of the aforementioned law. “I always swerve when I text and drive, so it’s definitely a problem,” junior Brooke Dempster said. “But I don’t think that the cops will catch more people by making it a first offense.” The dissent with the law also extends to loopholes the law creates. The revised law only declares that texting and driving is illegal, but the law does not specify how drivers who send emails or go on the Internet can be punished. Nevertheless, the law strives to deter drivers, at all ages, from creating detrimental habits such as texting and driving. “A combination of the two [texting and driving] has proven to be deadly for many in Virginia and across the country,” Cline said. “We need to send the message to young people, and all adults, who are behind the wheel that [phones] need to stay in your pocket while you’re behind the wheel.”

“I hope that if this legislation is enacted that people will have a greater understanding of just how dangerous texting while driving can be.”

- Scott Surovell, Virginia state senator

by David Freemannews editor

Retired South County Secondary School Principal Dale Rumberger will serve as interim principal when Kim Retzer takes her maternity leave starting Jan. 22. Rumberger’s education career began in 1976. He was a teacher for nine years, after which he became special projects teacher, and director

PHOTO COURTESY OF FAIRFAX COUNTY GOVERNMENT ARCHIVES

of student activities at Thomas Jefferson High School for Technology. During those nine years, Rumberger twice served as director of the Summer Institute for the Arts for FCPS. After leaving Thomas Jefferson, Rumberger became a sub school principal at Hayfield in 1990, supervising mathematics and science. In 1995 Rumberger became

principal at Chantilly, serving there until 1999. He then became principal of Westfield. Rumberger finished his career in 2008 as a full-time principal at South County. He worked there for four years. After retiring, Rumberger has served as interim director of student activities at Thomas Jefferson, interim principal at Bailey’s Elementary School for Arts and Sciences, facilitator/consultant for Education Specifications in Facilities Services, and consultant/facilitator on Virtual Learning. “I’m excited to welcome Mr. Rumberger,” Retzer said. “I asked for someone with experience as a high school principal. I think his years of experience will provide us with a different outlook and maybe even give us some new ideas.” In a news release by FCPS announcing Rumberger’s winning of Principal of the Year in 2007, Rumberger is described as “a catalyst for new ideas, a supporter, an ambassador, an educator, a director, a producer, a decision maker, a social worker, a creator, a fiscal manager, and a visionary.” Rumberger hopes that when he steps in as interim principal he will continue to keep the great reputation and maybe even raise it. “From my experience, I hope to provide a different outlook, not necessarily better, but different,”

Interim principal for Retzer named

Dale Rumberger receives the 2007 Principal of the Year plaque during his tenure as South County principal. Rumberger will become the interim principal during Principal Kim Retzer’s leave of absence in late January.

Silver Line expects late 2013 opening

by Matt Dopsovicstaff writer

We have all seen it, just off the bridge, standing in the middle of the highway. It is coming, and it is nearing completion. For the first time ever Reston will be directly connected to the MetroRail system, and to the District of Colombia. As of right now, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority reports that there are no delays in completion, and the Silver Line will open as scheduled. Problems will inevitably arise with the increase of traffic, both pedestrian and car traffic to the area. “The Silver Line of Metro is expected to open the Reston Station in late 2013 to much anticipation,” Reston Association President Ken Knueven said. WMATA is working closely with Reston Association to enable a smooth transition to the Reston area. “As a community, we want to be as prepared as we can be in terms of planning for the influx of people, potential jobs, and, of course, traffic,” Knueven said. “For several years, our board has been working closely to ensure that we are advocating for our residents in these areas.”

News Volume 28, Issue 3 Page 3

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Reactions shared to Newtown shooting

Members of the audience hug while waiting for the arrival of President Barack Obama at an interfaith vigil on Sunday, December 16, 2012, for the victims of the South Hook Elementary shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. (Stephen Dunn/Hartford Courant/MCT)

by Emily Lipscomb and Sara Bolanos

special issues editor andbusiness manager

The Dec. 14 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut has stunned many throughout the world, much accredited to the age of the victims. In a speech held during a vigil in Newtown Dec. 16, President Obama emphasized that changes are needed to prevent this type of shooting from happening again. It is expected that the government will deal with the issues of gun control and mental health. Schools throughout America will focus on improving safety in schools. The following responses come from questions concerning school safety, whether or not teachers should have weapons at schools, assault weapons, and the importance of mental health as an issue. Students are encouraged to pro-vide their responses online at www.southlakessentinel.com. Use the comment section found with this article. “There should be a ban of carrying weaponry because if you want to rely on defense, let the military handle that.”

- Veronica Dolich, junior “Should schools change current safety measures? Not really, but metal dectectors might be a good idea.”

- Julia Persing, freshman “I think that it is important to remember that we all have a responsibility to help one another be

safe. Custodians, students, teachers, and administrators must help protect our environment either by telling the main office that someone came in from the parking lot. We all play an important part in prevention and protection.”

- Carlos Sanchez, senior “The government should not ban assault rifles or any guns because the right to bear arms is an impor-tant right to have in the event of an incompetent or otherwise unfit government needed to be overthrown. It is important for people here in America to be able to defend themselves against their

own government. However, areas prone to crime should be restricted to firearms.”

- Josh Rice, freshman “I think the government should ban assault weapons because if they are banned then the chances of any sort of crime or shooting will be decreased. Banning assault weapons is the best way to protect people.

- Sophia Hamidy, junior “I think teachers should be able to have a gun or other weapon in case of a problem.”

- Natalie McCrea, freshman “Teachers should be permitted to have a defense weapon to be used

only in a lockdown situation. Teach-ers should have to go through a specialized training in order to have the weapon.”

- Connor Matthes, sophomore “Administrators or teachers should not have any kind of defense weapon….Increase security by bringing two or three policemen with defense weapons so teachers do not need any kind of defense weapon.”

- Harpinder Singh, freshman “Current safety measures need to be changed. Schools in America should all have extra administrators and police patrolling the halls. We

as students have the right to feel safe in our learning environment.”

- Alison Murphy, freshman “I think that we should focus on mental health issues. If we focus more on this issue then the amount of murders in this world will probably decrease.

- Marci Flores, freshman “In America, there are so many illegal guns. People keep guns in their possession without having a license for it. So even if we ban the possession of guns, bad people will find a way to get guns. If criminals have guns, but the good citizens of America don’t, they have no way to defend themselves from them. This is why I think that people should be allowed to have a gun to defend themselves.”

- Mario Gonar, freshman“I do not think that most people who are mentally ill are a threat to schools. Frankly, I find such a statement offensive. The tragedy that occurred is devastating, but I think the problem occurred because no one reached out to treat his con-dition. Also, I think the media is to blame because he may have simply committed suicide in his home, but instead he decided to do something that would be remembered.”

- Sydney Seed, senior“I think they should create a ban on assault weapons because even though there still may be illegal guns on the streets, most mass shootings have been done with legally registered weapons. A ban on assault weapons could save many lives.

- Maddie Planton, sophomore

Op/Ed Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 Page 4

11400 South Lakes Drive Reston, VA 20191 (703) 715-4617

fax: (703) 715-4597www.southlakessentinel.com

slsentinel@yahoo.com

EditorKaitlin Welker

Print editorEdgeri Hudlin

Online editorRachel Rogers

Special editions editorEmily Lipscomb

News editorsDavid Freeman

Gargie Nagarkar (online)

Opinion editorAlexa Amster

Features editor Charlotte Smith

Sports editorsHaley Vaughn

Mark Bouwmeester (online)

Student life editorGrace Erard

Weekly Wall editorSachi Jain

Multimedia editorSami Saab

Photo editorViviana Del Toro

Staff artistKit Allgaier

Staff writersNiki May, Matt Dopsovic,

Zainab Qamar, Jessie Kreson, Kevin Gluck, Sarah Wood

AdviserPhil Dignan

The South Lakes Sentinel is an open forum publication serving the South Lakes High School community. The Sentinel solicits letters to the editor online. Letters must be signed. The editorial board reserves the right to edit such letters for grammar, usage, clarity, punctuation, and length. The Sentinel will publish no material, including advertising, that is obscene, libelous, or has a clear potential for disruption of the school routine, as has generally been determined by law. The Sentinel staff will make every effort to avoid conflicts of interest, to be fair and balanced in reporting, and to reflect the diverse population of South Lakes High School. The content of The Sentinel is determined by the editorial board. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the faculty advisor, administration of South Lakes High School, or Fairfax County Public Schools. The Sentinel is a member of the following scholastic organizations:

The Sentinel is printed by Silver Communications.

The South Lakes

Sentinel

SEAHAWK TALKTwo Virginia state senators have drafted a bill revising the current law on texting and driving that currently labels the crime as a secondary offense. The new law would label texting and driving as reckless driving, thus giving policemen the authority to pull someone over just for texting and driving. Should the state of Virginia adopt stricter regulations on texting and driving?

“I think they should [change the law] because [when] I am sitting in the car with my mom the whole time and I always see people text driving and all the time they almost hit us.”

- Madison Carrens, 9

“Yes, because it is a huge cause of death and I know I lot of people that do text and drive and it is really bad. And I think that if stricter text and drive regulations were in place, people would think twice before doing it.”

- Sequoia Carrillo, 10

“I drive all the time and I think it’s really scary when I see someone texting and driving. I do think we need stricter texting regulations. However, I don’t think the law should be changed for making phone calls.”

- Jack Nicol, 11

“Personally I think that texting and driving should be illegal cause its distracting you from the road. If you’re talking on the phone you still have your eyes on the road so I think that should be okay.”

- Aidan Murphy, 12

FROM THE BOARD

A new year typically means positive change, but a recent announcement will lead to a tragic change to the community of Reston in 2013.

As an International Baccalaureate school, South Lakes utilizes many tools which contribute to an innovative learning experience. Particularly, books are resources necessary for success. Barnes & Noble has enriched the town of Reston for years. But, in early 2013, the Reston’s most valuable bookstore will close and be replaced by The Container Store. That leaves no bookstore that can provide new books to the Reston community. We must save this valuable resource. It is crucial to our school, but more than just our students. Our teachers, our town, and our community rely on Barnes & Noble. The next closest bookstore that sells new novels is the Barnes & Noble in Tyson’s Corner, over twenty minutes from its Reston location. That location is inconvenient for us Restonians who are used to the convenience of stopping by a neighboring location and picking up books. We must save this incredible and welcoming store, which is more than just a store. It is a gathering of all varieties of people who are avid readers and share an interest in books. Sometimes it is difficult to remember that Barnes & Noble is a widespread corporation because the Reston location has such a personal atmosphere. It is difficult to imagine a reality without such a positive store with an inclusive and welcoming environment. It also outrages us that Barnes & Noble

wishes to stay but is being forced out by the leasers of Spectrum Shopping Center. We must advocate for Barnes & Noble’s Reston survival. Our town depends on its vast wealth of resources. We encourage everyone to sign the “Save the Reston Barnes & Noble” petition. We cannot thrive without a source of new knowledge. This is not to say that we do not appreciate used bookstores, particularly the Reston’s Used Book Shop

in Lake Anne Shopping Center. Used bookstores, as well as libraries, serve an important purpose, but in an intellectual society such as Reston, how can a community logically rely on only used materials? Although both are open seven days a week, their hours are more limited than those of Barnes & Noble. Additionally, used bookstores do not have the vast selection that a large-scale bookstore like Barnes & Noble has.

Forcing the store to leave will create a major void in our community and the fact that The Container Store will take Barnes & Noble’s place is puzzling. There is already a plethora of retailers in the area that sell containers. We do not need to contain our lives as much as we need to enrich our lives. Knowledge should overwhelmingly supplant plastic. They are rich in knowledge and the thought of having to do without such valuable resources disgusts us. We shudder to think of how our Reston community would function without an accessible bookstore. Please sign the petition and save our Barnes & Noble at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/save-the-reston-barnes-nobles/.

GUEST COMMENTARYCarson Gillions

SGA Executive Council

BOARD POLL

Save Barnes & Noble for sake of entire Reston community

Students: do not resort to vandalism

Is it necessary for Reston to have a bookstore that sells new books?

“We must save this valuable resource. It is crucial to our school, but more than just our students. Our teachers, our town, and our community rely on Barnes & Noble.”

Based on 76 students polled.Yes No

75% 25%

There is nothing more surprising than hearing that your rival high school has been vandalized by your own peers. I, along with many other Seahawks, went through this same shock Saturday night when I found out that Herndon High School’s rock and sign had been vandalized with blue spray paint saying “SL” and “South Lakes” respectively. I felt ashamed and shocked on behalf of the entire school and community, but I do not think I truly understood the magnitude of the situation until I woke up the next morning to find out that Herndon had retaliated. While lazily scrolling through Instagram Sunday morning, my eye caught a picture of our South Lakes sign vandalized with black spray paint with “H Town.” I did not know how to feel. I was confused, hurt, angry, but also sympathetic, because I knew how Herndon must have felt. It is sad to see your school, which you have never felt anything but pride for, defaced. My fellow SGA Executive Council member and friend Lisi Mueller called me just moments later to tell me what had happened, though I already knew. We agreed that we had to do something about it. We had to show Herndon who is really on top. That’s how we ended up an hour later at South Lakes with a bottle of paint thinner, 62 clean towels, and two bottles of graffiti remover. We had mutually agreed that the spray paint was both hurtful to us and our school’s staff. Whose responsibility would it be to clean off the spray paint? Certainly this responsibility should not fall on the custodians. So we spent an hour and a half scrubbing and scraping at the stone surface until we deemed the sign presentable again. Graffiti is not a laughing matter. It is mean, hurtful, and, most importantly, illegal. I am writing this in hopes that we can call a cease fire between the schools. There is nothing wrong with a little rivalry, but keep it classy, and keep it clean, Seahawks.

Op/Ed Volume 28, Issue 3 Page 5

CALL OUTby Kaitlin Welker

editor

on the edgeby Edgeri Hudlin

print editor

COMMENTARY

by Alexa Amsteropinion editor

T eachers have adopted a new alert system, known as Remind 101, which allows for more

open communication between teachers and their students. By subscribing to Remind 101 teachers are provided an independent number which they can use to send texts to their students. Once students subscribe, they receive alerts as often as their teacher provides them. This free notification system ensures more contact between students and their teachers as the alerts are sent to the devices which majority of students spend most of their time on: their cellphones. Remind 101 was started by self-proclaimed techies and brothers Brett and David Kopf while Brett was a student at Michigan State University. “When I was a student I had no way to manage my classes,” Brett Kopf said. “I was reallyoverwhelmed with all the exams, quizzes, and assignments and at the same time I received a text on my phone and voila. We then spoke to hundreds of teachers and found out they didn’t have a safe, efficient way to communicate and we’ve worked hand in hand with them to help us develop the product.” This service the Kopf brothers have created greatly improves communication. It is free and ensures privacy as teachers never receive their students’ phone numbers and vice versa. “The problem we solve is making it safe and easy for teachers to communicate with students and parents, mostly after school,” Kopf said. “So, at the core, teachers had really important information to convey ‘don’t forget to study,’ ‘exam changed,’ ‘parents, permissions slips due tonight,’ and they had no way to communicate that information effectively. So, it’s not an issue necessarily. It’s that there is no efficient, safe way for them to communicate information. We allow them to do that.”

Teachers like English teacher Daina Lieberman and business teacher Susan Brownsword have started utilizing this service, which is accessible as an app for iPhones as well as on the Android market. “My son, who goes here and never checks Blackboard, told me that Ms. Lieberman started doing it and I thought it was a wonderful idea,” Brownsword said. “Then, Mr. Crouse showed it to us at a meeting.” The average teenager also sends more than 3,000 texts per month, equating to more than six texts per hour. Most teenagers also spend nearly every waking hour on their phone. While texting is the most common communication technique on phones, the old “king” in electronic communication, the email, has declined in use. Only twelve percent

of teenagers check their email on the phone. Therefore, the cellphone is a more reliable communication device than other leading devices like email and physically writing assignments down, even though such options are still available in this age of technology. Although teachers still use email updates, a lot of students do not check their emails frequently enough to obtain the necessary updates in a timely manner. “[Students] don’t check email,” Brownsword said. “They don’t check Blackboard. But, students always have their phones.” These reminders enable students to retain information about upcoming deadlines, without being bombarded with messages. “I also love it because, since it only allows up to 140 characters like a text message, it forces you to give the most relevant info,” Brownsword said. “Most students can’t handle and don’t bother with lengthy emails.” Another reason Brownsword

supports the use of Remind 101 is for its ability to maintain privacy, which is different from social media outlets such as Twitter or Facebook. “Remind 101 is totally anonymous,” Brownsword said. “I don’t know your number, and you don’t know mine. Twitter or Facebook pages or groups are nerve racking for teachers.” This service should be expanded for use in more classes to accommodate for the “techie” teenager demographic, which survives on technology. IB Career Certificate student and junior Zack McIntyre appreciates the notifications he receives for his extra interactive class Approaches to Learning. “Because ATL is online, [Remind 101] keeps me informed so I know information since we aren’t meeting

on a regular basis,” McIntyre said. “Without them, I might not know when to check Blackboard.” The proliferation of the service does not aim to supplant the Blackboard portal or email notifications, nor should it be considered a substitute for Blackboard. A text message cannot send

an attachment of an assignment nor go in great depth about the impending assignment. Blackboard is still necessary for student achievement and updated information. Students cannot solely rely on text messages which are purposely weekly scheduled, not constant and daily reminders about typical assignments. Also, it is important that the service remains optional for students with the choice to unsubscribe if they feel that Remind 101 is not as trustworthy as Blackboard. “We as teachers still need to be sure we keep up on Blackboard,” Brownsword said. “In every class, I still have eight to 10 who aren’t subscribed to the feed so I still have to update Blackboard and send email alerts.” Both students and teachers benefit from the use of such technology. Students can get live alerts without being overwhelmed with superfluous information and teachers can develop more effective communications with their pupils.

Texting service fosters more effective communication for teachers, pupils

“When I was a student I had no way to manage my classes. I was really overwhelmed with all the exams, quizzes, tests, and assignments and at the same time I received a text on my phone and voila.”

- Brett Kopf, co-founder of Remind 101

Send a short letter to the editor expressing your opinions to our email address slsentinel@yahoo.com

Access our website on your phone using our QR Code or visit www.southlakessentinel.com to respond

to these stories in the comments section.

Seahawks: share your say

Trends come and go but it seems that in the past decade they have changed faster than ever. “Back in the day” there were not that many different kinds of styles. When you think of the 1980’s, you think neon windbreakers, Converses and off the shoulder sweatshirts. When you think 1970’s you think afros, bell bottoms, lava lamps, tie-dye, go-go boots, and those John Lennon style glasses. And when you think of the 1950’s you think diners, poodle skirts, and something along the lines of “Grease Lightning.” Nowadays there are conservatives, Goths, preps, bohemians, and many, many more. So, what will our generation be remembered for? The hipsters? I sure hope not. Of all the trends that I have lived through, this might be one of my least favorites. I mean, I love mustaches, beanies, and lense-less 3D glasses just as much as the next girl, but seriously, when is this phase going to end? It is not even about fashion anymore. It is a whole new attitude toward society. “I knew this before it was cool”

and “I knew that before it was cool.” Congratulations. Big deal: you listened to a band “before it was cool.” What do you want, a cupcake? Oh, but wait, cupcakes are so prevailing, so never mind. Would you like a soy chai latte with a double shot of chai no whip? Since when is everyone in competition to listen to bands no one has heard of or a hit song before it is, well, a hit? Just enjoy things like everyone else without spending so much energy being arrogant. Maybe their fedoras are too small or their scarves are on too tight, but I do not feel alone when I express my confusion. According to this new mindset, if I am a liberal, I am passive and if you are conservative you are ignorant. Vegetarians are softies and meat lovers are cruel. Confidence is arrogance and the lack thereof is self-pity. I just cannot get over the irony of the entire idea of hipsters. Their whole deal is not being mainstream. Yet, being a hipster is so mainstream. Make up your minds people.

Hipsters: I mustache you to please calm down

I am simply appalled. As gas prices decline, the price of SL cookies has to go up? 50 cents for a mound of mediocrity? I demand an explanation. Our school is infested with an army of wretched, unethical “Twitter investigative journalists.” I have had numerous run-ins with these paparazzi smartphone-wielding rodents with their twiddling thumbs on their touchscreens. “OMG Edgeri, what you just said was hilarious, I’m gonna tweet that!” I am speaking on the behalf of the numerous students who are subjected, daily, to “iHarassment.” This is not to exclude any Blackberry or Nokia users who enlisted in this harassment force as they serve on the front lines with their Apple comrades with just as much resilience. You see, the issue lies in the principle of these criminals’ actions. The “twits” snatch it from the personal and private grips of another and post on their precious Twitters. Is it not the purpose of Twitter to publish one’s own thoughts and share these with those who so choose to follow one? Additionally, in my situation and I am sure others as well, I am not even a part of the Twitter terrorist organization.

So, please, explain to me why my own original statements are being pasted on these pages. If on any given day, more like every day, I am simply saturated with brilliance, to the point where I am drooling it, what gives these cyber pests the right to collect this golden substance in a bucket and smear it on their site? As you can see I have many questions that are sure to never be answered. When people violate others and post things that they say or do on their Twitters, they are practicing flagrant plagiarism. Did I give you permission to plaster my earlier statements up on your worthless Internet venting forum? We victims of this terror must stand up and form our own anti-terror community. In the words of George W. Bush, “we refuse to negotiate with terrorists.” If you know you are about to say something that might be swiped out of your mouth and placed on a Twitter, pause, say it, and then yell “don’t you dare post that on Twitter or I will get the anti-terror agency on you.” By the New Year, we will have lawyers. Let us take a stand, Twitter victims.

iHarassment: time to tackle Twitter troubles

Focus Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 Page 6

by Grace Erardstudent life editor

Spanish teacher Marly Fullerton aspired to become a doctor while she

was growing up in Puerto Rico. However, she ended up on a very different career path that took her from the Special Forces to South Lakes. Fullerton graduated from high school when she was 15 years old and enrolled in college. Her goal was to become a doctor by the time she was 22, but she became very ill during her second year of college and was unable to continue her studies. Although she received treatment, she did not return to school. Meanwhile, her brother joined the military and her cousin also wanted to enlist. She accompanied her cousin, who planned to take the aptitude test, used to screen people for military service, and was encouraged to try it as well. “I passed the test with flying colors and was offered an ROTC scholarship,” Fullerton said. “I decided to take them up on their offer and came to the United States to study at Kansas State University. After that, I decided to join the military because I liked the ROTC.” Fullerton chose to go on active duty. “I went into military intelligence,” Fullerton said. “Because of my Spanish background, they trained me to listen in on conversations. I also went to the Army Airborne School.” Fullerton served with the Army 313 Military Intelligence Battalion and later decided to continue her education. “They paid for my graduate school, and I became a Foreign Area Officer when I did my specialization in Latin American studies,” Fullerton said. She was attached to the Seventh Special Forces Group, which was stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina and operated in Latin America. “I was their resource person for cultural and geographical information,” Fullerton said. “Part of my job was to teach Spanish to them and get them ready for their missions.” Fullerton traveled with Special Forces as an intermediary. “I went to the countries with the commander and some of the enlisted personnel as a liaison,” Fullerton said. “I gave them briefings and, if necessary, went with them in the beginning to make sure that everything was taken care of.” With Fullerton’s help, they conducted combat operations, training, and host nation support. “They worked with and trained other militaries,” Fullerton said. “What a lot of people don’t

realize, though, is that the military forces do a lot of community service in foreign countries as well. They would go to places like Honduras and take care of the population. For instance, they built schools and roads.” Fullerton also found love through the Army. “I met my husband while I was in the military,” Fullerton said. “He was a Navy Seal and he went to the JFK Language School, which I was the director of. We got married and had a baby.” Fullerton and her husband soon realized that raising a daughter while they were both in the military was not feasible. “My husband was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia and he was deployed a lot,” Fullerton said. “My daughter was with me in Fort Bragg, and by the time she was four, she started saying that she wanted her daddy closer. That’s when I decided to get out.”

Fullerton and her husband decided that one of them needed to leave the military for their daughter’s sake and that she should be the one to do it. “With my educational background, it was easier for me to find a job than it would have been for my husband because he was very specialized,” Fullerton said. Fullerton considered going back to school and becoming a physician’s assistant, but in the meantime she decided to work as a substitute teacher. “They needed a teacher right away so they gave me a long-term sub position,” Fullerton said. “The principal said that all I needed to do was take classes and then take a test to become a fulltime teacher. I decided to take the test without taking classes first to see what areas I needed to focus on. I scored 798/800 on the Spanish part and passed the second part

Spanish teacher Marly Fullerton is one of nine teachers featured in The Things I Carried exhibitdedicated to teachers who have served in the military as well as former Seahawks who lost their lives in the service of our country. The following are current teachers who have served in the United States Military: 1. Spanish teacher Marly Fullerton (Army) 2. History teacher Alex Turner (Navy) 3. Special education teacher Bob Smith (Army) 4. JROTC Major Joseph Schuler (Army) 5. Special education teacher Michael Agunsday (Army) 6. Special education teacher Tom Green (Army) 7. School Resource Officer Scott Bacon (Navy) 8. Special education teacher Eric Johnson (Army) 9. English teacher Ruth Mohr (Navy). The exhibit is located on the second floor near the Career Center and Lecture Hall.

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of the test, so they gave me my license.” Fullerton had mixed feelings about receiving a teacher’s license without taking classes. “It bothered me because I couldn’t believe that I was given a teacher’s license without ever taking any classes,” Fullerton said. “I decided to take classes anyway. At that time, my daughter had proven to be gifted, so I went back to school to get a degree in gifted education. That’s my second master’s degree.” Even with a master’s degree in gifted education, Fullerton still felt the need to prove to herself that she was a good teacher. This motivated her to pursue National Board Certification in the first year it was offered for foreign language teachers. Not only was she one of the 98 out of 311 people to pass the assessment in the United States, and seven in Virginia, she was also the highest

scorer in the nation. “That’s what I needed to give me the confidence to realize that I was actually a good teacher,” Fullerton said. “It also gave me the opportunity to tour many places nationwide and help with the National Board Certification process.” A tragic twist of fate led Fullerton to leave her previous job and travel to Reston in 2004. “My husband passed away in 2004,” Fullerton said. “I left everything that I was doing because I couldn’t stay in the same place.” Before his death, Fullerton’s husband took a position with the CIA. They had planned to move here so that he could work in Langley. They had visited the area and looked at Thomas Jefferson High School, where Fullerton was encouraged to take a teaching position. However, she did not get a good impression of the school. “I saw the grey building and metal sculptures and I got a cold impression from TJ,” Fullerton said. “I also noticed that there wasn’t a lot of interaction between the kids when they came out of the school. It was very individualized, and the kids were all carrying huge backpacks and looking at the ground.” She got a much more favorable impression of South Lakes when she accidentally came across it later that year. “When my husband passed away, I was very depressed and I just got in my car and started driving,” Fullerton said. “I ended up at the Reston Sheraton where we had stayed when we had come to visit, and I decided to explore Reston. Somehow, I took a wrong turn and ended up at the school. The warm orangey color of the building, the blooming trees, and the laughter of the kids walking out of the building gave a good impression.” She went into the building and discussed a vacant Spanish teaching position with Aimee Monticchio, who was the assitant principal for foreign languages, and Realista Rodriguez, who was the principal at the time. “It turns out that the day before, their foreign language department chair had resigned and she happened to be one of the seven people who did the National Board Certification with me,” Fullerton said. “It just so happens that the woman who left had similar qualifications, so they wanted to hire me on the spot.” Fullerton accepted their offer, and has been teaching here ever since. “The kids were wonderful,” Fullerton said. “I don’t think I could have made it through 2004 if it wasn’t for the students I had that year. It’s been a great experience and it’s just what I needed.”

Defending our country, educating our childrenSpanish teacher Marly Fullerton shares story of transition from military life to public educator

98

by Charlotte Smithfeatures editor

In a generation in whichtechnology has opened opportunities for

communication, a consequential concern has come to emerge- cyberbullying. A prevalent form of victimization experienced by one in three teens, cyberbullying can happen at any time or in any place by using technology to harass, threaten, target, or embarrass another person. “Cyberbullying is a significant issue that we as administrators face in the building,” assistant principal Chad Lehman said in a recent press conference with the Sentinel staff. “I think it is a pretty significant issue that students face as well.” The Virginia Department of Education defines cyberbullying as “using information and communication from technologies…to support deliberate, hostile behavior intended to harm others.” Whether it is via status updates, pictures, or messages, cyberbullies utilize social networking sites, email, chat rooms, instant messaging, or text messaging in order to spread negative information about others. This includes sending “mean, vulgar, or threatening” messages or images, intentionally excluding someone from an online group, and posting private information about another person. In Virginia, sending these threatening messages is

categorized as a class six felony. “Cyberbullying is a big issue when it happens,” guidance counselor Tracey Albert said. “Students no longer feel comfortable in school because of something that happened online.” “When you don’t feel comfortable in the building, it affects your ability to learn, which is the whole point of you being here,” Lehman said. “Our number one priority as administrators is to maintain a secure environment that is conducive to learning. If that’s not in place, the rest of the stuff

falls apart.” According to ABC News, 160,000 students stay home from school every day due to of fear of bullying. “After I was cyberbullied, I felt overwhelmingly insecure and violated,” senior Lucas Slover said, after a photo misrepresenting a certain situation circulated the Internet during the school day. The psychological and emotional outcomes of cyberbullying are similar to real-life bullying outcomes, leading victims to substance abuse, carry a weapon, depression, and consider or even attempt suicide. Research conducted by Yale

University estimates that bully victims are two to nine more times likely to commit suicide than non-victims. In reality there is no escape from cyberbullying. School ends at 2:10 p.m., while the phone and Internet are always available. “The best thing kids can do is talk to an adult,” head of security Brian Elliott said. However, 90 percent of victims will not inform a parent or trusted adult of their abuse. “Unfortunately, it has become more acceptable to talk about

people online,” Albert said. But, the use of electronic means for the purpose of bullying, harassment, and intimidation does have legal ramifications. “There is a code section that now covers computer harassment,” school resource officer Scott Bacon said. “It’s

a class one misdemeanor in Virginia that covers specific threats against other people over electronic devices. So there is a legal component as well as a school component.” The Board of Education of Virginia upholds standards consistent with state, federal, and case laws for school board policies on “the use of electronic means for purposes of bullying, harassment, and intimidation.” “Counselors are working hard on lessons to teach students about cyberbullying,” Lehman said. “Despite those efforts we still see it. It needs to come to the student leadership to stop it.”

“Our number one priority as administrators is to maintain a secure environment that is conducive to learning. If that’s not in place, the rest of the stuff falls apart.”

- Chad Lehman, assistant principal

Cyberbullying concerns increase as schools embrace mobile technology

Bullies gone

viral

Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 Page 10

1. Which senior was accepted to Yale University early decision?

3.Which senior was named a 2013 YoungArts honorable mention award winner?

2. Which sophomore creates and sells tomahawk axes at gun shows?

How well do you know your fellow Seahawks? Find out by taking this trivia challenge.

Answers to the above questions can be found in the “Name That Seahawk” section of the online Sentinel.

Scan the QRU code on your

phone for immediate access.

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ANSWERS

Student Life

QUIDDITCH CLUB The Quidditch club was not approved by Fairfax County. According to sophomore Samuel Nicol, the county believes that the sport is too dangerous. Nicol says that club leaders plan to pursue other options.

Speech and debate competitors and coaches pose before their rounds begin at the mega tournament hosted by Robinson High School Saturday. Six students placed in individual events and two public forum teams placed.

YOUNG REPUBLICANS CLUB

The Young Republicans Club was recently formed by sophomores Alla Cartwright and Amar Singh. According to Singh, the purpose of the club is to discuss the conservative ideology. “By creating our club, we hope to promote conservative ideals,” Singh said. “The majority of students at our school claim to be Republican or Democrat, but our goal is to teach them what that really means.” Cartwright also hopes to prepare students to participate in the political process. “We want to educate the youth of our school about political issues because most people will be voting in the next election,” Cartwright said. The club will meet once a month under the supervision of club sponsor Nadine Hetman. Close to 35 students attended the first meeting, but Cartwright hopes to see continued growth.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHERYL FINLEY

Nearly 50 South Lakes students competed in the mega speech and debate tournament at Robinson Saturday. Juniors Grace Erard and Nojan Hajiabassi both went undefeated in varsity Lincoln Douglas debate. Erard earned fifth place and Hajiabassi earned sixth. Freshmen Kiran Hampton and Wasay Mehdi placed fifth in novice public forum debate. Sophomore Philip Katz and junior Arnim Jain earned sixth place. Four students placed in speech events as well. Junior Antonia Nagle was third in impromptu speaking and sophomore Brentan Walter was fourth. In oral interpretation, junior Annie Goll earned sixth place and senior Sydney Seed earned fourth.

CLUB CORNER Speech and Debate team competes over weekend

DECA The South Lakes DECA chapter participated in the DECA/NIKE “Reuse-A-Shoe” project. DECA students collected a variety of shoes during the month of December until today. Some of the collected shoes will be recycled and turned into playgrounds and tracks in underserved communities. The remaining shoes will be donated to children in those communities.

FBLA FBLA conducted a drive for items needed at VCU Medical Center and gift cards for families at the center.

BEST BUDDIES Best Buddies had its December chapter meeting in the cafeteria afterschool Monday. During the meeting, students decorated cookies. Afterwards, they spread holiday cheer throughout the building. Club members went to classrooms and sang Christmas carols for students and faculty.

Best Buddies members sing Christmas carols to faculty members in the main office. The club celebrated the holidays during its December chapter meeting afterschool Monday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIE LUKEHART

by Grace Erardstudent life editor

Herndon Principal William Bates will wear South Lakes spirit wear for a week as a penalty for his school’s loss in a canned food drive competition run by the two schools’ leadership programs. Seahawks collected a total of 1,300 cans for Fairfax County bus drivers, beating Herndon by 481 cans. According to the FCPS Human Resources Department, the donated cans will be stocked and available for bus drivers in need year-round. This is important because school bus drivers are typically employed part-time during the school year,

Yes we ‘can’South Lakes defeats Herndon in food drive competition

PHOTO BY VIVIANA DEL TOROHerndon Principal William Bates shows off his new Seahawk apparel. Bates was expected to wear South Lakes spirit wear for the remainder of the week following South Lakes’ victory in a canned food drive competition organized by both schools’ leadership programs to benefit FCPS bus drivers.

meaning that they do not receive a consistent salary. Senior Lisi Mueller devised the idea. “We hadn’t done a food drive as a leadership class yet, and we really wanted to give back to the community,” Mueller said. “Our teachers told us about the FCPS food drive for our bus drivers and that they weren’t getting a lot of donations. We thought that a competition would be a good way to get more students involved and increase donations.” Mueller contacted her friend Ellie Shelton, a senior SGA member at Herndon, and the two of them worked together to implement the

contest. “Lisi Mueller and I have known each other all of high school and she happened to know I was in SGA at Herndon and she brought up the idea to me,” Shelton said. “She’s definitely the one who made this all happen. Through our relationship, we had phone calls and emails made between our schools’ SGA sponsors.” Once they had the sponsors on board, principals needed to agree on the consequence for losing. According to Mueller, Retzer thought the spirit wear punishment was a fun idea. Bates was more reluctant. “It was extremely hard to convince

Mr. Bates to do it,” Shelton said. “He loves Herndon so much. I don’t think he’s ever even worn blue and green to school. He’s determined to win, so that has played a major role in not just getting Herndon students involved, but also the faculty and families. His optimism encourages our participation.” Shelton hopes that the food drive competition will become an annual event. “Hopefully this can become part of the rivalry tradition because it speaks volumes about the leadership in the two high schools,” Shelton said. “I love that we can use our rivalry to benefit the Herndon and Reston community.”

Student Life Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 Page 11

by Charlotte Smith features editor and Niki May

staff writer

Sophomore Virginia Bulger cherished the few days in early December 2011 she spent with her dad. Together, they strung lights, hung ornaments, and set up the Christmas tree in anticipation of the upcoming holidays. But Virginia’s dad would not be there on Christmas morning to open presents with her. Instead, he left two weeks earlier on an assignment in Afghanistan. “We experienced a lot of holidays without my dad,” Virginia Bulger said. Five years ago, army major Pat Bulger returned from an assignment in Kosovo, a region in southeastern Europe. Shortly thereafter, he left for Afghanistan, where he trained older men who could no longer fight to use Microsoft Office so they weren’t forced to retire. Although they were not in fear of his life, the distance had an impact on the all-girl family’s morale. “My dad is the man of the house. He means a lot to me and my family,” Virginia Bulger said. “When he’s gone it’s the worst time of my life. There’s this feeling missing when your dad is not there.” Approximately a year ago, Pat Bulger returned home to his family. “I am very relieved and happy to be home this year,” Pat Bulger said.

Pat Bulger was recently promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and now will only have to travel once a month. Senior Robert Cunliffe, whose mother works in military logistics, has also experienced the absence of

a loved one during the holidays. “It was sad not having my mom home for the holidays,” Cunliffe said. The winter holidays are a time known for uniting family. However,

Military families feel absence with parents deployed during holiday season

Christmas for country

students with parents in the military often feel an unmistakable void due to the absence of a parent. Freshman Siria Aparicio’s father’s return home for the holidays is still undetermined.

“My father has missed many holidays, especially around Christmas time,” said Aparicio. “It was upsetting.” Aparicio dealt with the aspect of fear while her father was away in the past, putting

more of an emphasis on the tension of him being absent. “It worried us when he didn’t call and we were always scared,” Aparicio said. “Family is meant to be together during the holidays.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF VIRGINIA BULGER

Sophomore Virginia Bulger and her family pose during Thanksgiving. Bulger had to spend many holidays without her father, who was often deployed.

“When he’s gone it’s the worst time of my life. There’s this feeling missing when your dad is not there.”

- Virginia Bulger, sophomore

by Gargie Nagarkar staff writer

According to the Fairfax County Public Schools website, the number of students taking IB exams has increased by 13.8 percent, while the percentage of students receiving scores of four or more has decreased slightly. Students offer different explanations as to why the percentage of passing scores has decreased. Senior IB Diploma Candidate Sachi Koulgi has a couple ideas. “I think that sometimes people do not pass their exams because there is a lack of motivation, especially in seniors,” Koulgi said. “By the time you take your exams, you already are in college and know where you are going. Also, colleges do not give much college credit for IB scores. Most of the good colleges only give credit if you get a six or seven on an HL exam, which is extremely difficult to get.” Alumna Sanica Bendre, who graduated in 2012, believes that a variety of factors contributed to her inability to pass all of her IB exams. “I didn’t pass all my exams,” Bendre said. “It’s because I didn’t study much and some of the tests didn’t even count as credits for college. IAs were also due around IB exam time.” Despite the concern, counselor and IB specialist Kari Olsen remains upbeat. “I think it’s a very positive sign that more and more students are taking [IB exams] because they’re learning throughout the class the strategies they can use

in their life after high school,” Olsen said. The increase in students taking IB exams is a result of a countrywide emphasis on challenging students by offering them more rigorous classes. Olsen believes that more students should take IB courses, even if they may not pass the exams. “As a school district, the whole county has that goal for both IB and AP classes, to increase the number of students taking them because they find statistically students that take those higher level classes do succeed more in the future,” Olsen said. “Even if they don’t score well on the tests, they are learning the routines, they’re learning the study skills, they’re learning all the things that, in those higher level class-es, will help you in college.” The secret to success, according to most students, is emphasis on studying, “I think the reason that I passed was because I started studying in March and made study groups with a bunch of my friends,” Koulgi said, “I studied at least once every week and looked at a bunch of practice exams with my study group.” “I took the IB ab initio exam for French and I did pass,” senior Sadie Belt said. “I would say studying one on one with my teacher helped a lot and doing multiple practice exams orworksheets. I had practice exams to work on for the weeks leading up to the exam and I stayed after school to practice a couple times a week for the last couple weeks before the exam.”

Number of IB test takers up, scores decrease

Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 Page 12 Student Life

GAME REVIEW

‘Legendary’ not quite legendary

by Sami Saabmultimedia editor

Released in 2008, “Legendary” follows the adventures of career criminal Charles Deckard, who is hired to steal Pandora’s Box from a museum but accidently opens it in the process. The opening of Pandora’s Box unleashes misfortune on the world in the form of the ancient creatures from Greek mythology, including Golems, Minotaurs, Werewolves, and even the Kraken. After the Box is unleashed, Deckard spends some of his time in New York City, where massive half eagle- half lion flying Griffons pick up cars with their talons and hurl them at desperate NYPD officers defending the city. Golems also march through the city’s streets, destroying everything in their paths, while absorbing car and building debris via a magnetic field to become 30 story monsters. Later, Deckard finds himself in London, where the Kraken rips down Big Ben and attacks the British Parliament. The inventive and fascinating ways that these ancient creatures interact with the modern world is what sets this “Legendary” apart from the repetitive processions of assembly line products that pass as today’s

action games. Yet, despite its stunning and creative atmosphere, “Legendary” contains many flaws. The shooting is unexciting and generic, the graphics are dark and muddy, and the environments are tedious and repetitive. The sound effects are weak, the cut scenes are atrocious in quality, and the game is only six hours long. The story does not engage the audience at all- lacking character development, plot twists, and mystery. Additionally, the multiplayer mode could not be reviewed due to a lack of other players online, which does not say much about its popularity. Yet despite its flaws, “Legendary” seeks to defy the norm in a sea of generic “Call of Duty” rip-offs. It is a solid attempt at something exceptional and innovative, boasting an astoundingly terrifying atmosphere unlike any ever attempted before. Produced by Spark Unlimited, “Legendary” is compatible with Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC, and is a solid six hours of entertainment worth its five dollar price tag. Although “Legendary” may not live up to its title, it is certainly an experience of mythological proportions.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEGENDARYTHEGAME.COM

by Kevin Gluckstaff writer

Humanity Plus is a new club founded by senior Nikhil Delahaye that serves to inspire students to engage in the medical field. “I started it [Humanity Plus] the summer before my senior year, so right before this year,” Delahaye said. “The main reason I created it is because I noticed there is a significant shortage of doctors in the medical industry and I wanted to make something where I could help inspire people to pursue a medical career. A lot of my peers think that they can’t afford medical schools, or that it’s impossible [to get in], and I wanted to raise questions and have an environment for intellectual thought.” Humanity Plus club meetings center on a group discussion that concerns an aspect of the medical industry.

“Humanity Plus is a group of people getting together talking about medical concerns, the future of medicine, where it can go, and what ethical issues may arise from the extreme medical adaptations that are

starting to become prevalent,” advisor Antony Sharp said. “Really it’s a discussion group for people that are interested in medicine, and certainly for those students who are interested in a career of medicine

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELIZABETH VANDENBURG

Seniors Nicole Rappaport, Abby Studen, Becky Oswalt, and Tatevik Markayan brainstorm an app to promote female participation in democracy during the “codeathon” hosted at the White House Dec. 17.

by Alexa Amsteropinion editor

Seniors Nicole Rappaprt, Abby Studen, Becky Oswalt, and Tatevik Markayan traveled to the White House Dec. 17 to participate in a “codeathon” sponsored by the White House Council on Women and Girls. The “codeathon” paired more than thirty girls from Metropolitan area middle and high schools with professional developers and

challenged them to generate an app that encourages girls to become political leaders. The event featured experts who spoke about the challenges female leaders contend with when running for public office. The Equal Futures Partnership, initiated by United States President Barack Obama in 2011, created the app challenge. At least a dozen countries also plan to participate in this task.

Seniors attend conference at White House stressing female participation in democracy

New club encourages students to consider careers, ethical concerns in the field of medicine

where these sort of things will be the questions that arise when they become doctors. Members of Humanity Plus delve into ethical issues that accompany medical technology as it continues to

advance. “What would happen if we could have artificial limbs that are better than the limbs we have now?” Sharp said. “Would it be ethical for someone to deliberately take

someone’s arm off and put a prosthetic one in that’s better than the original one? The club isn’t all about ethical issues, however, that is a big part of what we do.” Humanity Plus plans on forming

future connections with different clubs such as Model United Nations and Debate. “Recently we’ve been reaching out to other clubs, and we are currently organizing a mock MUN

“The main reason I created [Humanity Plus] is because I noticed there is a significant shortage of doctors in the medical industry and I wanted to make something where I could help inspire people to pursue a medical career.”

- Nikhil Delahaye, senior

[Model United Nations] conference.” Delahaye said. “We’ll do topics like human augmentation, now and in the future. It would be a joint effort by Model United Nations and Humanity Plus. We’re also planning on a merger with Debate as well where we’ll have Humanity Plus topics in a mock debate conference.” The club also serves to support the community. “There’s something called the H-Plus Initiative, which is an outreach program where we go to other schools to tutor kids in science and inspire them to become doctors,” Delahaye said. Furthermore, this club plans to go to Johns Hopkins in order to listen to a talk by Dr. Ben Carson [a neurosurgeon and the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital] and maybe get some hands-on work at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

The group of four focused on creating an app that would connect girls to female role models. Rappaport, who aspires to one day run for political office, enjoyed the event. “It was inspiring hearing from White House staffers and other professionals who are so passionate about making changes to help girls participate [in politics],” Rappaport said in a press release.

by Jessie Kresonstaff writer

Sophomore Noni Shemenski won the school-wide Poetry Out Loud contest, which freshman and sophomore English students traditionally participate in. Shemenski’s recitation of “The Larger” by Joanie Mackowski impressed the judges. “I thought that Noni was amazing,” English teacher Margaret Ludlam said. “She was one of the last people to perform and by then I thought I had my mind made up about the winner. Then I saw her, and I was blown out of the water. The fact that an underclassman beat out experienced upperclassmen amazed me.” Shemenski practiced her poem a multiple times a day to prepare for her piece. “It was easy to memorize because I do theater and speech, so it is not hard for me to memorize things,” Shemenski said. “After you read your poem over a few times, you can interpret its meaning and it kind of comes naturally.” Freshman Alec Brown won his class competition and advanced to the school-wide round. Like Shemenski, he put a lot of effort into making his performance

memorable. “My poem was the ‘Arrow and the Song’ by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow,” Brown said. “It is about a guy who shot an arrow and sang a song about it. I acted it out and I rehearsed it a lot of times at my house so it was easy to memorize. I don’t really care much about poetry but since I won that was cool.” To have a Poetry Out Loud performance worthy of recognition, Ludlam suggests including hand gestures and actions that enhance and focus the audience’s attention on the words of the poem. “A good Poetry Out Loud performance is one that draws attention to the words and not the performer,” Ludlam said. “It pulls you into the poetry and makes you see it, feel it, and hear it. So its expressive reading that might have gesture or two but too much gesturing can contract from the experience.” Shemenski will compete in the regional competition in Arlington at the Signature Theatre Feb. 22. If Shemenski makes it through the regional contest, she will advance to the state Poetry Out Loud competition to be held in Richmond at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre March 14.

Shemenski wins Poetry Out Loud with ‘The Larger’

Sports Volume 28, Issue 3

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Page 13

Katz, Severin plan to play at D-III colleges

by David Freeman news editor

and Kaitlin Welkereditor

An opportunity to play college sports is one desired by most athletes, however only a small portion of college students are given this chance. Seniors Dylan Katz and Mary Severin were recently given the opportunity to play sports at a collegiate level. Katz received offers from the University of Mary Washington, Division III, and Loyola University of Maryland, Division I. He committed to Mary Washington. “I’m excited to be able to go to college and I’m ready to start playing,” Katz said. Katz has been playing soccer since he was four years old, and since then has fallen in love with the sport. He has played many years of club soccer, competed in the Virginia state cup seven times, and even had the opportunity to play in Europe with the Olympic Development Program. Katz was selected to play varsity as a freshman and has played with the team ever since. Katz believes that much of this opportunity is due to his consistency and confidence on the field. “I’ve been told I’m very consistent, being that it’s very rare for me to have a bad game,” Katz said. “I have also been told that much of my success comes from my confidence on the ball.” Senior Elvin Arbaiza has played soccer with Katz for many years. “Dylan is always willing to work hard,” Arbaiza said. “Dylan has a great field view and on the ball skills.” Katz’s mother Gina Katz feels that this opportunity to compete at a high level while getting an education will offer Katz balance of sport and school.

“This is a great opportunity for Dylan,” Gina Katz said. “Mary Washington offers Dylan really the best of both worlds, offering both a great education and an opportunity to play soccer.” Katz agrees that this is a great opportunity. “I’m very grateful for this opportunity,” Katz said. “Soccer is my love and this opportunity allows me to continue my education while keeping my passion for soccer.” Katz is not the only one with a passion for sports. Severin plays varsity volleyball, basketball and softball, but has made basketball the most significant sport in her life. She has been playing since she was eight years old and is the captain of the varsity team. She has led her team to a 7-1 record, with a big win against Herndon on Dec. 18, 46-33. In the fall of 2013, Severin will attend Shenandoah University as a student athlete. “They found me,” Severin said. “I went to a showcase in Maryland and they sent me stuff in the mail saying they wanted me to play for their team.” Shenandoah was not her only offer. “I had other schools that were looking at me and making offers,” Severin said. “Even though I had other options, once I met the coach [at Shenandoah] it was a definite yes. I really like Coach Calhoun. I’ve met some of the players and they’re really cool.” Being a student athlete serves as a challenge, but as a tri-athlete for the past four years, Severin is used to balancing school work and sports. “It’s going to be a lot of work but I’m ready for that challenge,” Severin said. “Next year it will be more difficult because it’s college, but I’ve been doing it for four years I’m really excited. I’m only going to be a freshman so I’m expecting to work hard and get a spot starting or coming in from the bench. I feel I will be a good asset to the team.”

WINTER SPORTS UPDATE

PHOTO BY VIVIANA DEL TOROSophomore Kyra Stosch performs on the balance beam during a gymnastics meet hosted by South Lakes Dec. 17. The team placed second overall in the meet. Gymnastics competes next at Oakton Jan. 8, 6:30 p.m.

GYMNASTICS

SWIM AND DIVE

PHOTO BY VIVIANA DEL TOROSenior Rachel Berman swims the 100-meter breastroke during a meet versus Thomas Jefferson, Dec. 14. Girls lost 187-127 and the boys swim and dive lost the meet 216-96. Both the boys and girls have 1-3 records. Sophomores Sabrina Groves and Natalie Obando have already achieved region qualifications. The next meet is against Madison at Spring Hill Jan.4 at 6:00 p.m.

INDOOR TRACK

WRESTLING

Boys and girls indoor track teams placed first and second respectively at the 47-team Ed Bowie Invitational on Dec. 15. In event order, medalists include junior Abby Reinhold in the 800-meter run with a 2:29.11 time finish, sophomores Augusta Durham and Devin Nieusma in the 1,600-meter run with times of 5:30.89 and 5:30.96 respectively, freshman Monica Lannen in the 3,200-meter run with a time of 12:28.90, junior Aya Abdelhalim in the 55-meter hurdles with a time of 9.17, the girls 4x800-meter relay of juniors Grace Gillen and Abby Reinhold and sophomores Erin Bidwell and Claire Nieusma with a time of 10:11.15, and sophomore Ozioma Chinaka in the pole vault with a height of 7-06.00.

For the boys, senior Zach Parker medaled in the 300-meter dash with a time of 36.91, senior Ashkan Mohammadi in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:03.65, seniors Michael McHugh and Ashkan Mohammadi in the 1,600-meter run with times of 4:33.13 and 4:33.90 respectively, the boys 4x200-meter relay of seniors Makis Greaux, Rashaan Jones, Zac Parker and junior Aeron Thai with a time of 1:33.70, the boys 4x400-meter relay of seniors Jorge Noboa, Michael McHugh and juniors Daniel Johnson and Michael Kerr with a time of 3:38.62, sophomore Christian Vagonis in the pole vault with a height of 9-00.00, and senior Rashaan Jones in the long jump with a distance of 6.31 meters.

PHOTO BY VIVIANA DEL TOROSenior Kevin Argueta and freshman Zachary Niewoehner prepare for the meet at South County Dec. 19. Wrestling has an upcoming meet at Paul VI Dec. 22, 9 a.m.

Sports Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 Page 14

from the

by Emily Lipscombspecial editions editor

lip

Perhaps the most outspoken player in the NFL, Chris Kluwe has once again stirred up some much needed controversy not only about social issues, but also about the fundamental equality of the sports we know and love. Kluwe is a punter for the Minnesota Vikings known for speaking his mind and advocating for issues such as gay marriage. On Dec. 9, Kluwe covered a league-wide patch on his jersey celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Pro Football Hall of Fame with a post-it note held down with athletic tape reading, “Vote Ray Guy” for all to see. Guy, the first and only punter to be selected during the first round of the draft in 1973, is a former Raider who was selected to the AFC Pro Bowl team seven times and chosen to be the punter on the NFL’s 75th anniversary team in 1994. In Kluwe’s opinion, Ray Guy should be the player inducted into Canton, seeing as no special teams player has ever been inducted, and his record is hard to dispute. The league fined Kluwe five thousand dollars for his “uniform violation” during the game. Kluwe knew he was going to take a fine and possibly get fired for his public stunt, but he could not support an organization that “does not recognize punters” as an important part of the sport. Though I highly doubt this miniature rebellion from Kluwe will change the Hall of Fame’s mind, he brings up a point that is not addressed nearly as much as it needs to be. We see it in sports across the board: players performing exceptionally in unappreciated positions not getting the recognition they deserve. Not only does it demean their aspect of the game, it also discourages children from participating in what is perceived as the inferior second rate positions. How many times in gym class did you whine about having to play defense, or worse, goalie? I know I did. We wanted to be the one to make the big plays. We wanted to be the one to score. But when you think about it, these major league teams would not be anywhere with a terrible defense, would they? Quoting Dave Thorson, “offense sells the tickets, but defense wins the championships.” I doubt there is a truer statement when it comes to the success of any team. Putting points on the board is no doubt important, but if your defense is non-existent there is nothing stopping the other team from doing the same. I find it unfortunate that these athletes who excel are simply deemed “doing their job” and only acknowledged when a mistake is made. If it were a perfect world, the Pro Football Hall of Fame would take the point Kluwe made at face value and vote in the much deserving Ray Guy. Until we learn to recognize who are arguably the most valuable players, we are disserving both the game and ourselves. But please, do not fret too much. I hear ignorance is bliss.

Punt us in the right direction

PHOTO BY VIVIANA DEL TOROVarsity girls basketball coach Christy Winters Scott addresses her team during a timeout in the third quarter after Herndon closes in on a Seahawks lead. South Lakes pulled away in the fourth quarter, winning 46-33 and improving its record to 7-1, extending its winning streak to six games.

Varsity girls basketball defeats Herndon 46-33; boys varsity falls short 59-51

by Charlotte Smith features editor

and Haley Vaughnsports editor

Juniors Caitlin Jensen and Abby Rendle scored 15 and 11 points respectively to lead girls varsity basketball to a 46-33 victory over rival Herndon on Dec. 18. The girls led throughout the game with strong defense as Herndon turned the ball over 33 times. The Lady Seahawks set a goal to limit Herndon’s free throw attempts to less than 10. The Hornets only made four free throw attempts. “The key was free throws and defense,” head coach Christy Winters Scott said. “We played smart and took care of the ball, especially down the stretch.” Seahawks outscored Herndon 12-6 in the fourth quarter, extending their lead comfortably. It took a while for the Seahawks to get started. “We hustled a lot,” junior Chauntell Dunbar said. “During the end of the first quarter, we got frustrated and lost the ball a couple of times. Coach Scott called a time out and we got back in the game.” The girls improved with a 7-1 record. “We are striving to win the district title,” Scott said. “It’s great to win at home.” Herndon dropped to a record of 2-5 overall. “Both teams battled really hard,” Herndon team captain, senior Mayumi Shill said. “Some calls did not go our way, but we kept playing with heart.”

Even with the early season success, varsity girls look to build upon it. “We did a lot of positive things, but there is still stuff we need to improve on,” Rendle said. The Seahawks host Thomas Jefferson tonight at 7:30 p.m. In the nightcap, boys varsity started with a layup from senior forward Kelly Aghayere and eventually built a 9-2 lead, but Herndon rallied to take the lead 12-11 at the end of the quarter and never trailed again, winning 59-51. South Lakes closed to within five points with 1:14 remaining in the game. They would not score again, however, as Herndon went three for six from the free throw line to close out the scoring. South Lakes kept the game exciting, especially with play from senior guard Evan Keys and sophomore guard Brandon Kamga. Keys lead a comeback in the second half, scoring four three-pointers, and head coach Andrew Duggan said that Kamga’s improvement showed against Herndon. “Obviously, we are disappointed in losing,” Duggan said. “That’s bothersome to the group and frustrating as a coach. But I love the work habit [of the team]. We’ll be very successful if we show up like that all the time.” Players came out of the game optismistic about the rest of the season. “I think we have completed a lot,” junior guard Clayton O’Neill said. “This game gave us a good spark to play very good basketball.” “Last year, we had a lot of great

individual players,” Keys said. “This year, we have a better team. We have to get used to playing together, but as the season goes by, we will be

PHOTO BY VIVIANA DEL TOROSophomore guard Brandon Kamga shoots and scores over the Herndon defender in the first quarter. Varsity basketball lost to the Hornets 59-51.

very competitive.” Varsity boys will bring a 2-5 record at Thomas Jefferson tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Basketball UpdateVarsity Girls is currently 7-1 going into tonight’s game versus Thomas Jefferson and will participate in the IAABO Tournament at Prince George Community College (MD) Dec. 26-28.

JV girls defeated Herndon 58-29 on Dec. 17 to improve to 4-1 on the season. Fresh-man girls dropped to 3-2 following its loss to Herndon 35-33. JV and freshman play Thomas Jefferson tonight.

Varsity boys brings a 2-5 record into tonight’s road game at Thomas Jefferson. They will travel to Pinecrest HS in North Carolina Dec. 27-29 for tournament play. JV boys are 2-2 following its 55-53 loss to Herndon on Dec. 17. Freshman boys improved to 2-2 after its 61-37 win over Herndon. Freshman play Thomas Jefferson tonight at 4 p.m., followed by JV at 5:45 p.m. and varsity at 7:30 p.m.

Sports Volume 28, Issue 3 Page 15

Ice hockey club aims for successful season

by Emily Lipscombspecial issues editor

The Ice Hockey Club has a 2-4 record after defeating Herndon 7-5 Dec. 7. The team is scheduled to play Madison tonight at Reston SkateQuest. “I think we will be able to win against Madison this weekend,” junior leading scorer Logan Nasr said. “We’re doing pretty well for a new sport.” The club, not recognized as a sport by the Virginia High School League, is a self-sponsored program that was initiated in 2008 by Amy Rubin, whose son Noah Rubin is now a senior on the team. “At first it was a very limited interest,” club sponsor John Issigonis said. “But it’s certainly taken off. We’ve been improving steadily every year as a growing program.” Contrary to the lockout of the NHL, ice hockey participation has grown exponentially across the nation. According to USAHockey.com there were 4,077 registered players in 1999 in Virginia. As of 2010 there were 7,251 players. “It’s not as popular as football or basketball, but more and more people are

becoming interested,” Nasr said. “Players have grown and gotten better because for most it is the only sport they play.” Ice hockey is traditionally viewed to be dominated by males, but is now grabbing attention among females. Junior Tasha Adams and freshman Dylann Nasr are both females on the roster for SLIHC. “It’s not bad being a girl on the team because the guys make sure I don’t get hurt,” Adams said. “They always stand up for me if I get hit.” Though perceived as a violent sport, the members involved insist the danger is overrated. “It’s no more dangerous than anything else,” Issigonis said. “If anything will have an impact on its ability to get recognized as a sport it would be the abysmal behavior of the fans.” Issigonis is referring to the fight in which bottles of urine were thrown between South Lakes and Herndon students after the game Dec. 7. “Students don’t normally act like that but when a few students think it’s cool to act like that, the behavior escalates,” Issigonis said. However, a few players express a different take on their fellow Seahawk. “I think the whole Herndon-South Lakes fight is kind of a tradition,” Nasr said. “The fans cheer us on and make it worth it.” Whether or not the current behavior will continue to be a strong presence, players believe that the program has a bright future. “It’s been going spectacular,” junior player Carter Shultz said. “We have a lot of talented seniors that will be missed but there is rising talent from the underclassmen.” Tonight’s home game is against the James Madison Warhawks and begins at 6:10 p.m. at the SkateQuest of Reston.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CARL NASRSenior Corey Baumgartner faces off in the Chantilly game Nov. 16. South Lakes lost 9-6.

Trends Friday, Dec. 21, 2012 Page 16

by Haley Vaughnsports editor

After the food-filled holiday season, many people make New Year’s resolutions to get in shape, eat healthier, and manage their time better. Many will also start running 5K races. Cross country and track and field runners are used to the training of a 5K race, but for the “regular” or the non-runner, training for a race can be more of a personal investment. Some may start running on New Year’s Day with the wrong mindset and the wrong equipment. For those wishing to start running with enjoyment and benefits, proper planning should be considered. Potomac River Running, a local running store chain with its most local location in the Reston Town Center, is available for running gear, training, and race series competitions, everything you need to prepare for 5Ks. “At PR we take a step back,” events and promotions coordinator Amy Sullivan said. “We go back to the basics in order to train correctly.” Shoes, the most basic running equipment, come in four basic categories: lightweight, neutral, stability, and motion control. “Runners are all different, some may need a stability shoe while others may need a minimalist shoe,” Sullivan said. “We hook runners up with shoes just for them to prevent injuries like shin splints or other knee and back problems.” PR assesses individuals by a Video Gait Analysis, which allows runners to get the most comfortable fit of shoe while also preventing injury. PR emphasizes proper planning and training for those wishing to run 5Ks. “PR is a triple threat with the stores, training programs, and our running series,” Sullivan said. PR has several distinct training programs, including speed, finisher first, and half marathon. “The best training program for a beginner walker or runner to get involved with would be Running 101,” Kelly Kavanaugh, PR Training Programs Burke location head coach, said. “Whether you are a walker trying to learn to run again, or someone who runs any speed from a 15 minute mile to an eight minute mile, this class is for you.” Classes meet twice during the week at a specific PR store location from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for an eight-week time period. Class sizes vary and are offered at multiple locations. “I coach the programs at the PR Burke store location,”

Kavanaugh said. “Coaches go over a different topic each week, along with running the workout that covers things such as hill running, form and technique, overall nutrition advice, stretching, and core work.” PR Training Program coaches offer a set of guidelines and overall nutrition advice. “All of the PR Training Program coaches are coach certified and usually very experienced runners and racers themselves,” Kavanaugh said. “We tend to give advice that can apply to the entire group and do not specify exact diet plans due to the fact that we have so many different types of people.” People are allowed to take classes multiple times. “Many people from my Burke class are repeaters and I have adults that have done the class four or five times,” Kavanaugh said. “The people become great friends, and the atmosphere becomes competitive, challenging, but also fun, as we support and push each other constantly.” Winter conditioning and speed as well as winter interval training replace Running 101 during the winter because of the early sunset. Most of these programs take place at a local track site that is close to a PR Store. “My class of Burke Winter Conditioning and Speed that I coach actually meets at Robinson High School on Sundays at 4-5 p.m.” Kavanaugh said. “These programs are designed to hit a slightly different topic, focusing on drills, technique and form, and overall strength to keep runners strong and fit in the cold of the winter months.” Other programs also include: Running 201, Distance Training Program, Cherry Blossom/Spring Mid Distance Program, Triathlon 101, Youth Track Program, and individualized training. “PR is really good at tailoring workouts for each person,” Sullivan said. “It is very ‘individualistic’ because we know it is hard to train every runner the same. Making each workout personal keeps runners motivated. Sometimes runners are motivated but quickly burn out because they train too much too soon. Training correctly keeps that high motivation last longer than the first two months. It really comes to just lacing up your shoes and just getting out there.”

5K ?Need a 2013 resolution? How about running a

New Year’s Day5K events

Sales associates Todd Wait and Jessica Collins demonstrate the Video Gait Analysis at the Potomac River Running Reston Town Center location. PR assesses individuals on the machine which allows runners to get the most comfortable fit of shoe while also preventing injury.

PHOTO BY HALEY VAUGHN

Lifetime Fitness Committment Day 5K

Fairfax 11 a.m.

Potomac River Running’sNew Year’s Day 5K

Reston 10 a.m.

Stafford YMCA Resolution Run 5KStafford 11 a.m.

Scott Waters,junior

Waters skipped the 5K races completely and began training for 8K races. He currently focuses on half marathons. “I encourage people to get into racing if they are into running,” Waters said. “It is really good for your health. It built my confidence back up, and I live healthier and follow a workout plan.” Waters considers his time slow-paced, but he is not in it for the competition. “Half marathons are more about the completion itself versus the time you finish with.”

5K runners: past and presentAnne Marie Bresson,

senior Bresson focuses mainly on 5K runs although she has competed in a half marathon. “I ran a half marathon and after that I decided that was the farthest I would run,” Bresson said. “I think I would run a half marathon again but not a full.” Although she considers herself secretly competitive, Bresson likes to run 5K races with her family. “My favorite part about racing is watching my nieces run because they try so hard and they always try to get better times.”

Emily Tuttle,English teacher

Tuttle decided to run 5K races on her own as her New Year’s resolution 15 years ago. “I started running on my own in 1997,” Tuttle said. “I have completed nine marathons since.” Tuttle finds running to provide a better feeling overall. “If I stop running, I become cranky. When I have so much time, which you think would be a good thing, it becomes time in which I am not running which makes me feel cranky.” Tuttle continues to run shorter races including a recent holiday 5K.

Although not fully analyzed, experts believe organic foods provides healthier optionsby Sachi Jain

Weekly Wall editor

Organic farming and the production of organic products is a relatively new practice which is receiving ambiguous reactions from consumers. Not only are the claimed health benefits from consuming organic foods not yet proven, but the price of an organic diet is more expensive than that of a regular one. The United States Department of Agriculture has defined organic foods as “products produced without excluded methods (e.g., genetic engineering), is produced per the national list of allowed substances, and overseen by USDA National Organic program.”

The decision between possible health benefits and an increased food expense has consumers torn. When faced with this decision, one must examine the benefits of organically grown products and whether they compensate for the margin of difference in price. A possible solution to the ambiguity is to choose which organic product is worth the purchase. “Any fruit or vegetable with a hard outer peel, like a banana or orange, is not worth the money,” culinary arts instructor chef Cynthia Stowers said. “Pesticides can’t get into these fruits and are supposedly safer. When it comes to dairy and meat products, I personally go organic. A lot of the time, farmers feed these animals

certain feed which makes them grow unnaturally fast. They have deformed bodies and often times big breasts with small legs.” Non-organic food is known to be associated with pesticides and added hormones. This unhealthy trend makes students and families fear what the continuation of consuming these products may mean. “Organic food benefits us not right now, but it’s better for us in the long run,” sophomore Emily Deker said. “My family feels as if all the chemicals in non-organic food is the cause of a lot of health problems in older people. It is a lot more expensive, but again, my family feels it’s worth it.” With many diseases and health

problems becoming more prevalent in society, not knowing the long term effects of hormones and artificial preservatives has potentially negative consequences. “There are so many causes for cancer these days, and we just don’t know what they are,” Stowers said. “They haven’t been using these chemicals for very long, so it is better to be safe than sorry.” Health implications aside, the world must be fed and “natural grazing” can be impractical. Along with a higher cost in production, organic food takes more time to develop and more land area. Some feel that the difference of cost between organic and non-organic foods is not feasible for the average American family.

“It depends on the person and their diet,” freshman Jordano Chilin said. “Say someone wants to lose weight and their new diet requires organic food, the expense would be worth it. But otherwise organic food is not worth it for everyday use, it may not be as healthy and it may not taste as fresh, but it is still food and the cheaper price must be recognized.” As the push for organic markets increases and establishes itself, more information about the true benefits of organic food consumption will be revealed. Now organic food has the general view of being beneficial to one’s health, but not necessarily required for everyday life.