T H E O F F I C I A L N E W S P A P E R O F O A K T O N H I G H S C H O O L VOL.7 | ISSUE 1 | SEPT. 2013

INSIDE

CHANGE O V E RT I M E

OpinionSeniors should have different options for their schedules

SpotlightStudents embrace their siblings’ company for the last year of their high school career

snailmailfrom the editors

outlook staff adviserElizabeth Fortenberry

Welcome back cougars! We’re so excited to be able to return to Oakton for a new school year and with it an outstanding new group of Outlook staffers. Seeing as this is the first issue of the

2013-2014 school year, we thought we would start off fresh. We are excited to announce we have a new design, new staffers, new editors, and a new advisor. Lots of changes, yeah? Well changes are happening all over Oakton and not only in the Outlook. Change over time is the new thing, haven’t you heard? But before we can show you how much change is happening around you, we would like to formally introduce ourselves.

Alana Peters is a true Aurora. Her unchangeable nature is exactly the point. She is pure, innocent, and good no matter what obstacles she faces. Her ability to control any situation makes her a great leader and her motivation to meet every deadline makes her unstoppable. No amount of hiding in athletic clothes can change her nobility and goodness. She holds steadfastly to one dream: a perfect issue, and never strays from achieving it. Although she might drowse off every once in a while, it doesn’t take much to wake her up: give her some pizza and a Prince Phillip on the side and she will be just fine!

What about Carly Stonehouse? Her intelligence and non-conformity makes her a perfect Belle. Her talents lie within the arts: she has an eye for design and can craft masterpieces in minutes. But do not let this intimidate you. Just like Belle, she has a warm heart and all the energy in the world to help anyone who needs it. Although she is always on the move you can usually find her with a good book or wandering where her curiosity takes her. Her organized personality and “people-person” character makes her a great leader and an idol to all who look up to her!

We are excited to be able to continue the legacy the editors-n-chief left last year, and further contribute to the Oakton Outlook. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter (@Oakton_Outlook )and Instagram (@oaktonoutlook ) to stay updated on all things Oakton.

Editorial Policy: The Outlook is an open forum for student expression. Unsigned editorials reflect the collective opinion of the Outlook staff. Signed editorials represent the opinion of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Outlook or Oakton High School. Reader opinions are important to the Outlook and contributions are welcome. Make your voice heard by sending us a line about what’s on your mind. Letters to the editor may be sent via email to carly.stonehouse.oaktonoutlook@gmail.com or dropped off in Mrs. Fortenberry’s box in the main office or in room 135. The Outlook reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and content provided the meaning remains unchanged.

touchdown editor

copy editor

business manager

showtime editor

newsworthy editor alex driscoll

spotlight editor

indepth editor

viewpoint editors

online editor

carly stonehousealana peters

editors in chief

torri marquis

katie xenos

photo editor

laura murphy

reina datta

alex xenos

jennifer prosser

erin preaskorn

sunni bean

anee nguyen

veda bhatia

maggie campbell

jenna colturi

morgan cooper

courtney do

staff writers

jacque groskaufmanis

christiana meyers

sam rutzick

sonaj senior

regards,Carly StonehouseAlana Peters

cover photo by alana petersstudent body: 2138circulation: 1250

2 | snailmail | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3

VOL.54 | ISSUE 1 | SEPT. 2013 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3 | Contents| 3

5newsworthy Oakton scrambles to make necessary roof repairs for the upcoming school year.

14

7touchdown

Football season starts off right with a win against Madison for the 6th year in a row.

7

14showtime Students enjoy the time off by spend-ing time with their friends at some of the top concerts of the summer.

12indepth

Changes taking place all over Oakton: students will be introduced to new privelages

spotlight

6 Can you feel the love today? Student couples harness their inner Disney prince and princess

5

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Memorable MomentsSee what fellow students have to say about everything happening this month in Oakton

34 | recurring | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3

“Shirtless time in the locker room is the best.” – Giovanni Morrobel | 9

“Rappers need vegetables too.” – Ava Shafiei | 11

“It is forbidden to drop students off at the corner in front of the school. It is a clot in the arteries of transportation.” – Matthew Choi | 12

“I can’t wait to meet Kevin Frautschi’s girl-friend.” – Connor Fagan | 12

“My lunch box is heavier than my backpack.” – Julia Capobianco | 11

“I got a fish. He’s turning black though.” – Amanda Gore | 10

“You ain’t gonna tan in the shade.” – Bradley Chapman | 10

“I have no idea how I am getting home today.” – Carson Parker-Kepchar | 9

“That’s an infraction.”– Savannah Eldridge | 12

“Waffles with raspberry wonton soup. I know it’s awe-some.” – Kylie Cropper | 12

“I like when good things happen to me. But I wait two weeks to tell anyone because I like to use the word ‘fortnight.’” – Julia Brown | 12

“Wait what? We had homework?!”– Kristen Peters | 9

“U.O.E.N.O” – Billy Petrakes | 12

2 As of the 2013-2014 school year, math teacher Malcolm Lee has taken over the leadership classes in addition to his normal duties. However, he will not be making any drastic changes to the leadership program.

“This year I’m going to show the kids more examples of [real world] leaders,” said Lee. “I want to take a class trip to see [activists] from the Civil Rights movement.”

Thus far, he has fully embraced his role as the new head of school pep. Lee has al-ready expressed his intent to increase the sadly lacking school spirit in Oakton .

“My students have already started coming up with spirit days for Homecoming week.” Lee said. “We also have the Homecoming theme picked out, which is going to be Candy Land. We’re very excited.”

So what do leadership students think of their new teacher?“There’s more structure under Mr. Lee,” said Alex Morgan, junior. “He sets rules

down for everyone, you do what [he says].”Overall, the response to Lee’s arrival has been positive, and the leadership classes are

excited for a productive year.

1 After several summers of work, the repairs on the school’s roof and bathrooms have been com-

pleted. Four years ago, Fairfax Country Public Schools found that according to the standards laid down by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Oakton did not meet the requirements that the ADA speci-fied. FCPS focused primarily on the bath-rooms and redesigned them to be larger and provide enough room for wheelchairs.

Regarding the roof, Oakton was offered two choices: get the repairs done in one year, or get it done in three, working only during the summer. The second option was chosen as it would be less disruptive to the students and school life would be able to continue as normal.

According to assistant principal Chip Comstock, Principal Dr. John Banbury is currently talking with FCPS authorities for a complete renovation of the school that could happen in as early as 2017. Improve-ments include larger classrooms and new common facilities

“After the renovations, Oakton is going to look a lot different, but hopefully students and faculty will be able to have pride in the building” said Pat Full, director of student activities.

With luck, these future renovations can make our school even better than it is now.

3 “I guess my fondest memories of Jeanine usually revolve around our differ-ences of opinion on outer space. Jeanine never was a fan and I would always try to remind her that everything in the environment started out as space

dust. Needless to say, Jeanine would start to sway me toward her way of thinking cause she had a great grasp of the smaller stuff that made things tick...she knew the right little things to say, she knew the singular moments to step forward and protect what she held dear, and she always put the most important small things first...her family, herself, and her friends.

It brings me comfort knowing that Jeanine is now able to look over all those smaller important things without the stress of the physical realm, but I do look forward to hav-ing these conversations about space with her again someday and maybe, just maybe, she will let me be right about how important the universe and stars are now that she is among them on a completely different level.

I am saddest to lose a friend, but I know that I would never have been a teacher who can appreciate the little things unless I had Jeanine as a colleague and a friend in my life.” -Sean Greeney

newsworthy| A quick overview of the past month and a brief look at

upcoming school events. Be sure to check oaktonoutlook.com

for more newsworthy stories

sunni bean

alex driscoll courtesy of abigail giordano

Science teacher Sean Greeney reflects on the late Jeanine Musgrove

21 3

Leaderships legacy: Malcolm Lee takes overBuilding a new oakton

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3 | newsworthy| 5

Senior Miles Lindsey is in his fourth year at Oakton, but this school year will be different from all his others.

This is because he gets to share his last hurrah as a cougar with his younger brother, freshman Elias Lindsey. “I like having an older sibling [at

Oakton] because he walks me through it and makes it easier,” Elias said. Miles, joking around with Elias, had something else to say about the situation. “I dislike [being at the same school] because he might tell my parents something that I don’t want them to know.” Just like any other siblings, the Lindsey brothers have their similarities and differences. They are both competitive athletes, but they differ from each other when it comes to their personali-ties. “I think he’s more outgoing and I’m more quiet and self-re-served,” Miles said. “But we dress similar and we both have the same interests in sports.”Both brothers replied “indoor track” at the same time after con-sidering what moments they were excited to share together.

courtesy of lacy mccleskey

Some people tell them that they look exactly alike, while other people tell them that they don’t

even look related. Nevertheless, senior Lacy McCleskey and her sister, fresh-man Caroline McCleskey, are as close as sisters come and are excited to be in

high school together.“I actually really like her,” Lacy said. “So it’s good because we

get to spend more time together.” One of the things the two sisters are most excited to experi-

ence together this year is swim team. This will be Lacy’s fourth year and Caroline’s first. “I’m looking forward to sharing swim team and the things

they do, like pasta dinners,” Caroline said. Lacy’s one piece of advice for Caroline has nothing to do

with school work or sports, but with the crowded Oakton hallways. “She told me to learn how to shove people,” Caroline said,

causing Lacy to laugh. “She’s too timid in the hallways,” Lacy said. “She waits and

you can’t get anywhere if you do that.”

spotlight|Big sib, little sibFreshmen join their senior siblings for a year together in high school

torri marquistouchdown editor

Caroline and Lacy McCleskey Elias and Miles Lindseycourtesy of miles lindsey

6 | spotlight | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3

From homecoming dates to forever and always, these are the Disney couples of Oakton

They’ve found their Prince Charming

Beauty & the Beast

Sarah Heier & Connor FaganSH: “He looks so big and scary, but he’s actually just a big sweetheart.”

Snow White &

Prince Charming

Bridget Carroll & Colin RicheyCR: “Our best date? One time we went to see Django.”BC: “No, we went row boating at Burke Lake.”

Pocahantus

& John Smith

Jia Rodgers & Gray LiddellFRIEND TAYLOR MANLEY: “They’re so cute. Their love is like the colors of the wind.”

Jasmine & Aladdin

RD: “We like to go on picnics; we’ll just pick a random field for the day or night.”

Aurora & Prince Phillip

BM: “Our couple spot? Prob-ably Narnia.”

Ariel & Eric

Danielle Smith & Jack ChapmanDS: “We love going to the beach together, we’ve been twice. We both love the water. It’s our favorite place.”

jennifer prosserspotlight editormorgan cooperstaff writer

photos by jennifer prosser

courtesy of lacy mccleskey

Mulan & Shang

CY: “One time we went roller-blading together in California; it was so cute.”

Cinderella

& Prince Charming

KV: “He loves to surprise me; he’ll drop by and bring me flowers or food. He’s just charming like that.”

Katie Veltman & Dale Good

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Caitlin Yee & Chris Suh Riva Dhamala & Chris GrahamLindsey Shields & Brian McDaid

touchdown|

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3 | touchdown| 7

Many people think that ID clinics for soccer are just like regular camps, when actually

there are some major differences. The most apparent difference between soccer camps and ID Clinics is that ID Clinics are a great way for soccer players inter-ested to play at a collegiate level to get recruited.

“These ID Clinics are so important because this is the time for me to think about college and think if I can play in this college or not,” said sophomore Tess Sapone.

The college tracking process usually starts around the players’ freshman year of high school lasting typically until the player commits in their junior/senior year. Although ID Clinics are important for the coaches to see the player in a more personal setting, they also offer an impor-tant chance for the player.

“It’s a chance for me to get a feel for the school and program,” said sophomore Sam Weaver. “Just like the coaches are getting a feel for whether or not I could play there, I’m also getting a feel for the school.”

Although ID Clinics are vitally im-portant in the college tracking process for soccer players, there are ID Clinics for just about every sport. However, ID Clinics are not the only way to commit to a college. Danielle Palmucci, senior, is committed to play lacrosse at William and Mary

“I was not committed to play at William and Mary by attending their camps. They saw me play in my games and that is how they became interested in me,” Palmucci said.

No matter what sport, the college track-ing process is a long road to the finish line.

Hanson hustles down the field to get the ball in a club game, which she does in addition to attend-ing camps. “Knowing how important these clinics are to me getting recruited, I feel a lot of pressure to perform my best,” Hanson said. “Walking up and seeing all the other girls and the clinic in gen-eral can be very nerve wrecking. But as soon as I start playing, the pressure sort of melts away and I feel in my element and just play and work to the best of my abilities.”

Oakton athletes get seen at college ID clinics

Scoring your way to collegecourtesy of sarah hanson

christiana meyersstaff writer

There were several differences in this year’s annual rivalry game against Madison (formerly the Outback Bowl): it was the first Friday of school, it was played on the new

turf and it was renamed the Glory Days Grill Bowl. But none of that mattered to the Cougars. They only had two things on their mind: bounce back from a tough loss the week before to TC Williams and beat Madison. They did just that. The resounding 42-7 win featured touchdowns from four different players and from all sides of the ball.

Senior Alek Shultz sparked the offense with 238 rushing yards and a touchdown on Oakton’s first drive of the second half. New to Oakton from football power-house DeMatha, he has taken quickly to the Oakton system and experience.

“I didn’t get to play against TC, so it was pretty cool to play my first game for Oakton at the Glory Bowl,” Shultz said. “I liked the atmosphere of the game, the hype, the students, and the rivalry.”

The game started tight, with both teams scoreless on their first drives. But senior running back Bobby Lam opened it up on a two yard touchdown catch from senior quarterback Michael Fi-carra. After a missed extra point, Oakton stood ahead 6-0. Their next drive started with a big return by senior Cory Harris to the Madison 35 yard line, and culminated in a twenty yard touch-down pass to sophomore wide receiver Jarrett Bacon. Oakton

went for the two-point conversion and Ficarra ran it in to make it a 14-0 lead, and it stayed that way going into half.

Any chance of Madison coming back after halftime ended with senior Eric South’s 98 yard kickoff return.

“I knew I wanted the ball,” South said. “I called it, and as soon as I started going I saw the hole and hit it. The feeling got better

and better with every step, by the time I got to the end zone it felt like I was in a dream.”

Oakton’s dream kept rolling as Shultz scored on the next drive, Bacon iced the game with another 34 yard touchdown catch and Lam got a 45 yard pick six.

“It was a really good game to see how we are going to be this season, how we are going to respond to adversity,” South said. “We proved a lot of people wrong.

As a team, we played really well and with a lot of ferocity.”

The Cougars are fighting to defend the region title despite a big loss of offensive

production in last year’s senior class. But they have time to keep working, seeing West Springfield and Woodson, before going into tough conference play against Chantilly and then Centrev-ille.

“Every year we have the same goal,” South said. “Win every game.”

Cougars down the Warhawks once againOakton beat Madison 42-7 in the annual rivalry game

jennifer prosserfeature editor

Shultz cuts around a line of Madison defenders. “I want us to win the region again,” Shultz said. “We have a lot of potential. We can compete with all of the teams in our conference and in our region.”

caitlin skinner

Future athletic trainer in training

Marleigh Hall, senior, is an aid in the school’s athletic training office. Ever since her first trip to the training room as a

freshman, Hall has been curious about the profession of athletic training.“I’ve been going [to the trainers] since freshman

year because I get hurt a lot, so I am always in there,” said Hall. “So I talked to [Paul] Rupp about athletic training and he said I could always help out.”Although Hall isn’t allowed to tend to any extreme

injuries, she does volunteer her off-season from var-sity softball helping out where she can in the training room.“I’m not allowed to do too much stuff, but I just

shadow the trainer after school every day. In the training room I do stuff like filling up the coolers and I do small things like bandages,” Hall said. “I usually stay during football practice and monitor that then

clean up and go home.”This volunteer opportunity has allowed Hall to plan

for her potential college career, and be around the sports that she loves. “I really like sports medicine and watching sports.

This is what I want to major in at college so I just want to see where it takes me.”

alana peterscarly stonehouseeditors in chief

Sports medicine is more than a hobby... it’s a career

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3 | indepth | 1110 | indepth | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3

Name: Ellis Heijst

Grade: SeniorChanges: “I’d say I’m more outgoing then I was before, if that’s possible. I’m definitely more respectful. [Freshman year] I did football and lacrosse. Now I do rugby, student government, and soccer. I work a lot now too, which made me more respectful and mature.”

Regrets: “One thing I would have done differently is I would probably have put a lot more effort into freshman year, that’s my biggest regret.”

Advice: “Put yourself out there, get involved, meet new people. It definitely doesn’t hurt to.”

Kimberly Benenson teaches AP and Honors US Virginia history. Last year she was a long term sub-stitute Lake Braddock High School for one semes-ter, where she taught AP and Honors government. Benenson is excited to be here for her first full year of teaching. “The students here are fabulous, and I’m getting to know them well,” said Benenson.Her favorite thing about teaching is when her students become passionate about what they are learning. For example, after learning more about Williamsburg she urges students to go back again, in order to get a new outlook.“It’s a completely different experience for them, and they come back loving it,” Benenson said.Benenson’s best piece of advice to students is, “Aca-demically, budget your time. Make sure you get everything done, but still enjoy life.” Benenson has many escapes to enjoy her life, such as reading, cooking, and scuba diving. She has gone to many scuba diving hotspots, including the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Central America. “No matter how much you travel, it’s never enough,” said Benenson.Benenson’s last comment is that she is always here, and loves talking to students, so students should take advantage of that and go to her at any time.

Erik Douglas, now a Physics teacher, has previously taught math at Robert E. Lee High School for one year. Although adjusting to a new school can be challenging, Douglas is used to adapting. Overall, this is Douglas’ third year teaching. Before Robert E. Lee, he subbed for three quarters and was a long-term sub for the last quarter. Douglas’ favorite part about teach-ing is that he gets to talk about something he is passionate about all of the time.“He’s really nice, and enjoys helping his stu-dents,” said Grace Shamlian, junior.If Douglas wasn’t a teacher he would do re-search on physics, or possibly urban planning. Another fun fact about Douglas is that he went to Thomas Jefferson High School, before going to Dartmouth.Mr. Douglas’s best advice to students would be to listen to their teachers for their knowledge and wisdom.

Erik Douglas

Welcome to the neighborhood

Kimberly Benenson

The forever changing Cougar Time is once again be-ing upgraded with something new called Cougars in Good Standing (CGS).“Last year during Cougar Time everyone was sent to a classroom,” said Assistant Principal Kannapell. “This year we’ve started Cougars in Good Standing.” This program serves as a sort of substitute for Cou-gar Times; it gives students the option of going to the cafeteria and relaxing with friends rather than being sent to a classroom.“Cougars in Good Standing will provide students with a place to do group work, study with friends, and just chill out and relax,” Kannapell said. Keep in mind there are obligations to uphold to be a CGS. Students must have a C or higher in all of their classes and cannot be involved with any disciplinary actions during that quarter. Only three unexcused

tardies and one unexcused absence are acceptable. Students who do not meet the standards of being a CGS will stick to the normal Cougar Time routine until the next interim.“We hope that it will be a nice incentive for kids to do what they are supposed to,” Kannapell said. CGS will also encourage students to keep their stu-dent I.D. card with them during the school day.“A sticker will go on the back of a student I.D. card and which will allow [students] to go to the cafeteria during Cougar Time,” Kannapell said. Cougars in Good Standing (CGS) will go into effect shortly after interims are sent. Letters regarding whether a student is qualified to be given this privilege will be mailed home and given to Advi-sory teachers.

Drumroll please ...

#TransformationTuesdaySenior Ellis Heijst reflects on his high school experience, and how he has changed since his freshman year.

This year we are honored to be joined by several new additions to the teaching staff.

Introducing a new privledge for focused, hard working students

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reina datta indepth editor

courtney do staff writer

erin preaskorn copy editor

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3 | opinion| 1312 |opinion| S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3

viewpoint Oakton students share their opinions on controversial topics at Oakton and in our community

A choice for seniorsSeniors should have different options for their schedules

For the first time, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will be allowing seniors to opt out of their first class of the day if they have met gradu-

ation requirements. The announcement made by FCPS states:“For 2013-14, seniors who are on track for graduation

and do not need their first class of the day to graduate may elect to drop up to two first period classes. Both the parent or guardian and the high school principal must give written permission to seniors who wish to use this option. Seniors who wish to drop their first period class(es) should contact their high school counselor to complete the appropriate permission form.” A form is provided on fcps.edu for those who are

interested. The school board is in an ongoing discus-sion about later start times for all students and will most likely be pushing back the start time in the next few years. This important policy implementation was something

that was long overdue and should not change even when they do change the start time. If seniors have taken all the necessary classes, why should they not have the option of dropping a class or two? This is espe-

cially true for students who are taking several challeng-ing classes. Students are sometimes overwhelmed from the amount of work they have and their grades drop because of this. Many people end up taking the easi-est class they can find to fill in that last vacancy in their schedule anyway. In some circumstances, dropping a class can be the right decision. With this being said, seniors should be cautious about

dropping classes. Colleges want to see students chal-lenging themselves. Every AP class a student takes makes them that much more competitive. Understand that some schools may interpret opting out of first classes as “taking it easy.” Unless you know that you will be accepted

into your top choice for college or you feel that your grade will suffer, you are better off keeping all of your classes. At the very least, you can become a teacher’s assistant. Even if the class is not impressive, it is better than nothing. The bottom line is seniors should have the option to drop one or two classes. Although in most cases it is not wise, it may benefit some students and it should be their decision to make. Seniors are at a point in their lives in which they can make their own deci-sions.

The Staff Editorial is the official opinion of the Oakton Outlook

alana peters

Homecoming Has Out Done Its Shelf LifeMaggie Campbellstaff writer

Homecoming is considered to be one of the biggest social events of the year as expressed in movies focused on the romantic aspect of

high school. When it comes to real life though, it has started to lose its hype. A good portion of student’s plans for homecoming are either “definitely not” or “probably”. This makes sense due to asking, the opinion of the theme, and the anxiety of the perfect outfit. All that stress would disappear if we got rid of Homecom-ing. The unnecessary stress so early in the year would no longer be an issue. Even though there are some students that think Homecoming sounds fun, there are some that have already expressed that they will not attend homecoming because they have better things to do. Let’s take a step back and figure out what Home-coming’s purpose really is.Homecoming has been a social event since the early

19th century and flourished in the 1920’s. The original reason it was created was to connect alumni and the current student body for a stronger school pride. This may have been true back then, but now that purpose is irrelevant. Homecoming is now more of the kick-off social event of the year. Yes, homecoming may be a val-id excuse to ask out that one person you have watched from afar, but what if that person cannot attend? Many students have had other commitments the night

of the dance, most commonly band or sports. For instance, sophomore Emily Gedzelman couldn’t attend Homecoming last year due to a cross-country meet. Freshman Megan Jenkins planned to attend Homecom-ing this year, then found she will not be able to due to a hockey game in Cleveland, Ohio. Maris Thorton, who came to Oakton near the middle of last year, was not able to attend any Homecoming dances at her old school due to band commitments on the same night.For those who do attend they all have a common com-

plaint. “Barely anybody really dances, all people do is talk

with the exception of some upper-classman who con-gregated in the middle and grind,” said Julien Ward. “There was barely any food and on the sidelines they had water and some lemonade. That was it. The reason I attended was because it was a social event and I thought it would be fun but it just bored me.” This complaint is a prime example of how students

have started to notice that Homecoming has truly lost its touch.The students that have not yet attended still have hope

that Homecoming will be a fun experience. “I think [Homecoming] is a good thing to do with

friends and I would like to attend because I think it would be a good way to celebrate the school year,” Thornton said.“I do think a good reason not to go though is if you do not like to dress up or dance.” Freshmen have the opportunity to experience home-

coming for the first time this year. “I am planning to attend homecoming with a group of

my friends, because an upper-class man told me it was really fun and that I should attend if I get the chance,” said freshman Caroline Kirk . Students who believe that Homecoming is outdated

have looked into alternatives. For instance a group of students have created their own event called Anti-Homecoming. Their idea of Anti-Homecoming is dressing up and creating a dance party or playing laser tag. Students have expressed that they would go to a

school dance but Homecoming is so early in the year that it doesn’t leave much time for students to get to know each other. Instead Oakton should host a winter ball or maybe a costume dance.Homecoming may seem like it belongs in the cycle of

high school social events but it is time to mix things up a bit. There are students who do find enjoyment in Homecoming but there are also students who feel the exact opposite. It may finally be time for Homecoming to have its last dance.

Does homecoming have an expiration date?

audrey atchley

14 | showtime | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3

showtime|Phoenix - Merriweather Pavillion, May 11

“It was okay, it got boring, but the end was an explosion of strobe lights.” - Dane Viar, 11co

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site

Firefly Music Festival - Dover, Dela-ware, June 21-23

“Very friendly environment, really crowded though, there were like 50,000 people. It was a good time.” - Viar

8123 - 9:30 Club, July 6

“It was a lot of rock and roll, it was fun!” - Gillian Townsend, 11

F.U.N - Mer-riweather Post Pavillion, July 20“It was F.U.N.” - Townsend

Jonas Brothers - Jiffy Lube Live, July 29

“I liked it because Joe Jonas was five feet away, and because I love to jam.” - Elizabeth Malone, 9

Passenger - 9:30 Club, August 17“It’s the type of music that made everyone feel con-nected, a sense of togetherness. The close quarters made it more personal.” - HaileyDoughetry, 12

anee nguyenshowtime editor

Summertime Madness

“Summer Slaughter was the ultimate range of heavy metal experience that a modern up to date metal fan can have in a 7 to 8 hour concert.” - Thomas Hinds, 12

Courtesy of FUN site

courtesy of JoBro site

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Summer Slaughter Concert - Filmore Con-cert Center, Aug. 3

Your warm weather guide to all the summer concerts

courtesy of filmore center

courtesy of 8123

“It was pretty rock and roll.” - Emma Savino, 11

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3 | showtime| 15

Viewers worldwide are given a dose of exceitmement, controversy, and an unfiltered performance upon watching the 2013 VMAs

Justin Timberlake performing with his old band members, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, Joey Fatone, and Lance Bass at the 2013 Video Music Awards.

MTV Video Music Awards continue a tradition of eccentricity

It’s a little early in the year for were-wolves, vampires and spirits to make their appearance, but “Mortal Instru-

ments: City of Bones” opened to raving reviews from fans of the three-part book series. The movie begins with a glimpse into the life of Clary Fray, played by vampy, girl-next-door Lily Collins. Fray is celebrating her birthday the way any average teen would: dinner, dancing, and of course, witnessing a murder. The scenes quickly change from average chick flick to leather-clad, supernatural, monster movie madness as Fray is thrown into the night-marish realm known as the Downworld. “Mortal Instruments” starts out like most recent fantasy films, but the magic and mystery in this movie make it anything but ordinary.The characters in this movie are mostly decked out in full fight gear and head-to-toe weaponry, but this isn’t just an edge of your seat action film, there’s plenty of eye candy and romance. Jace (Jamie Camp-

bell Bower), the mysterious love interest, cuts away from the film’s many moments

of edge-of-your-seat action by appearing through clouds of smoke with perfectly tossed blonde locks. Robert Sheehan plays the a-dork-able best friend, Simon, who

finds himself struggling for the attention of his longtime best friend, Clary, against the other-worldly Jace.Fans of the movie were captivated by the angels, demons, witches and wizards in Mortal Instruments, but critics didn’t quite seem to be under the same spell. The book series has done quite well since its release in 2007; it was even number eight on the 2009 New York Times Bestseller List, but for some, the movie was lacking. Granted after the mega-series “Twilight’s” era of taking over the box office, another movie about a love triangle set in a world hidden within our own seems redundant. How-ever, unlike “Twilight,” the romance in “Mortal Instruments” takes a backseat to the action packed plot. Twist ending and all, “Mortal Instruments: City of Bones” is a spellbinding time at the theatre and an enchanting change from the current magic-based teen fiction genre.

Mortal Instruments: City of Bones The black magic blockbuster marks the beginning of Fall at the box office

sonaj williams-seniorstaff writer

Since 1984, the MTV Music Video Awards (VMAs) have represented a golden pedestal on which it has

placed some of the world’s finest artists of all time. Viewers like to tune in to watch performances from celebrities and the

distribution of awards. From Kayne West interrupting Taylor Swift’s glory to Britney Spears performance when she could barely keep up with the song, the VMA’s have a collection of shocking moments. It’s an am-plified version of other award shows in that

it’s delightfully un-censored. Basically, anything goes at the VMAs. This year the red carpet was laid on August 25, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. This year’s VMAs had several highlights that evening. Lady Gaga opened with her new song “Applause” which blew the crowd away in a miraculous come-back performance. Katy Perry closed the show by belting her new breakout song “Roar” for the first time live on stage.Justin Timberlake won the Michael

Jackson Video Vanguard award and he also performed a 15 minute mash up of all his famous solo songs on his last 3 albums, followed by some help from his old friends, ‘N SYNC. Millions watched as Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke performed a duet of their individual songs “We Can’t Stop” and “Blurred Lines.” This performance received an abundance of controversial attention from celebrity audience members. The VMAs are not known to disappoint in terms of eccentricity and musical content, and the 2013 show was certainly no excep-tion.

veda bhatiastaff writer

jacque groskaufmanisstaff writer

courtesy of yahoo.com

photo courtesy of MTV official site