sentinel the south lakes Friday Oct. 19, 2012 • Volume 28 • Issue 1 Girl power Swinging for Obama Over the years women have become more influential in politics. Women’s rights are put to the test during the upcoming election. Virginia aims to influence this year’s election. Class of 2013 heavily favors the incumbent. Principal Kim Retzer enjoys a moment with juniors Olivia Wolfe, Logan Nasr, and seniors Lisi Mueller and Alex Dilldine during Sprit Week’s International Day in the cafeteria. Retzer, once a student, teacher, and assistant principal at South Lakes, now serves as principal. by Kaitlin Welker editor S he walked the very same halls, learned in the very same classrooms, and even took physical education in the same gym. Kim Retzer has been a Seahawk since she graduated in 1989. Now, she leads Seahawk Nation as principal. Five years after graduating, Retzer became a special education teacher and eventually an assistant principal at South Lakes. After the 2010-11 school year, Retzer left the Seahawk family to gain Advanced Placement experience as an assistant principal at Westfield. “I’ve watched the school as a student and how Reston has changed and ultimately South Lakes change,” Retzer said. “There has always been a strong sense of community – it doesn’t matter if it was 1985, the spirit of South Lakes hasn’t changed.” After the retirement of former principal Bruce Butler, Retzer made her return as the new principal. “When Mr. Butler left, he left some pretty big shoes to fill,” senior Carson Gillions said. “I think that Mrs. Retzer is the only person who could fill those shoes.” “She knows how things are done here and knows how to make the school year the best it can be,” sophomore Simran Dhungel said. Home again News 2-4 Op-Ed 6-7 Focus 8 Centerspread 10-11 Student Life 12-13 Trends 14 Entertainment 15 Sports 16-19 PHOTO BY MADDY TATE “She has strong Seahawk pride which is something that is important to lead a really proud school like South Lakes. Everybody knew Mr. Butler and he always made a point to walk around and talk to students. I’m interested to see how Mrs. Retzer interacts with everyone.” Retzer agrees this is her biggest challenge. “I try to pick tables where I don’t know the students,” Retzer said. “It is important to build relationships and I admire Mr. Butler for doing such a good job at that. I want students to know that if there is a problem they can come to me.” But getting to know every student is not her only challenge. As class sizes continue to rise, difficulties range from not enough parking passes to lack of space for trailers. “There are some day to day South Lakes welcomes Seahawk alumna Kim Retzer as princi pal Principal Retzer Timeline 1989 Graduated from South Lakes 1989-90 Attended Boston College 1990-1993 Finished bachelor degree at GMU 1994-1997 Masters of education earned from GMU 1994-2001 Taught special education at South Lakes 2001-2005 Worked at County Central Office 2005 Assistant principal at South Lakes 2006 Earned “education specialist” from UVA 2011-12 Assistant principal at Westfield 2012 Hired as principal at South Lakes challenges: trying to balance lunches, class sizes, and teachers sharing rooms,” Retzer said. “We’re just really having to think about how to do things now that we’re of 2,300 plus and projected to keep growing.” Despite the many obstacles she is faced with, Retzer keeps a positive attitude. “Every challenge is a great opportunity,” Retzer said. “I feel very prepared for this position and I love coming to work everyday. It’s an exciting time to be principal here, I think I learn something new every day.” I didn’t want to be principal just anywhere,” Retzer said. “This is like a second home to me. Quite honestly, [serving as principal] is an opportunity to give back to a school that had such a big impact on who I am today.” Retzer graduated in 1989. She went on to Boston College, but transferred after her freshman year, finishing her schooling at George Mason University, graduating in 1997 with her Master’s of Education.
Girl power Swinging for ObamaOver the years women have
become more influential in politics. Women’s rights are put to the test during the upcoming election.
Virginia aims to influence this year’s election. Class of 2013 heavily favors the incumbent.
Principal Kim Retzer enjoys a moment with juniors Olivia Wolfe, Logan Nasr, and seniors Lisi Mueller and Alex Dilldine during Sprit Week’s International Day in the cafeteria. Retzer, once a student, teacher, and assistant principal at South Lakes, now serves as principal.
by Kaitlin Welkereditor
She walked the very same halls, learned in the very same classrooms, and even
took physical education in the same gym. Kim Retzer has been a Seahawk since she graduated in 1989. Now, she leads Seahawk Nation as principal. Five years after graduating, Retzer became a special education teacher and eventually an assistant principal at South Lakes. After the 2010-11 school year, Retzer left the Seahawk family to gain Advanced Placement experience as an assistant principal at Westfield. “I’ve watched the school as a student and how Reston has changed and ultimately South Lakes change,” Retzer said. “There has always been a strong sense of
community – it doesn’t matter if it was 1985, the spirit of South Lakes hasn’t changed.” After the retirement of former principal Bruce Butler, Retzer made her return as the new principal. “When Mr. Butler left, he left some pretty big shoes to fill,” senior Carson Gillions said. “I think that Mrs. Retzer is the only person who
could fill those shoes.” “She knows how things are done here and knows how to make the school year the best it can be,” sophomore Simran Dhungel said.
Home again
News 2-4 Op-Ed 6-7 Focus 8 Centerspread 10-11 Student Life 12-13 Trends 14 Entertainment 15 Sports 16-19
PHOTO BY MADDY TATE
“She has strong Seahawk pride which is something that is important to lead a really proud school like South Lakes. Everybody knew Mr. Butler and he always made a point to walk around and talk to students. I’m interested to see how Mrs. Retzer interacts with everyone.” Retzer agrees this is her biggest challenge.
“I try to pick tables where I don’t know the students,” Retzer said. “It is important to build relationships and I admire Mr. Butler for doing such a good job at that. I want students to know that if there is a problem they can come to me.” But getting to know every student is not her only
challenge. As class sizes continue to rise, difficulties range from not enough parking passes to lack of space for trailers. “There are some day to day
South Lakes welcomes Seahawk alumna Kim Retzer as principal
Principal Retzer Timeline
1989 Graduated from South Lakes1989-90 Attended Boston College1990-1993 Finished bachelor degree at GMU1994-1997 Masters of education earned from GMU1994-2001 Taught special education at South Lakes2001-2005 Worked at County Central Office2005 Assistant principal at South Lakes2006 Earned “education specialist” from UVA2011-12 Assistant principal at Westfield2012 Hired as principal at South Lakes
challenges: trying to balance lunches, class sizes, and teachers sharing rooms,” Retzer said. “We’re just really having to think about how to do things now that we’re of 2,300 plus and projected to keep growing.” Despite the many obstacles she is faced with, Retzer keeps a positive attitude. “Every challenge is a great opportunity,” Retzer said. “I feel very prepared for this position and I love coming to work everyday. It’s an exciting time to be principal here, I think I learn something new every day.” I didn’t want to be principal just anywhere,” Retzer said. “This is like a second home to me. Quite honestly, [serving as principal] is an opportunity to give back to a school that had such a big impact on who I am today.”
Retzer graduated in 1989. She went on to Boston College, but transferred after her freshman year, finishing her schooling at George Mason University, graduating in 1997 with her Master’s of Education.
News Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 Page 2
by Gargie Nagarkaronline news editor
Junior year is a critical year for students to do well, especially regarding college acceptance. Jed Appelrouth of Appelrouth Tutoring spoke to parents and students about the college process Oct. 16 in the little theater. Appelrouth began by highlighting the differences between the SAT and ACT. The SAT tests students on how they respond when confronted with new information. “There is material on the SAT that lives nowhere else in the world,” Appelrouth said. “It lives only on the SAT by design.” The ACT is much more straightforward and focuses on whether students have retained what they were exposed to in high school. There is also a greater emphasis on speed. Appelrouth calculated that each student has only 52.5 seconds per question. “I took five of [the ACT] last year and I couldn’t finish any of the science sections myself and I was very humbled by it,” Appelrouth said. Appelrouth also discredited the misconception that the ACT is a “soft option.” “Every school in the country that your kids want to go to will take
332News
14 college rep visits scheduled
this weekThe Career Center will host the following college representatives from today until Wednesday:
TodayMiddlebury College, 11 a.m.
Monday, Oct. 22Meredith College, 8 a.m.Radford, 9 a.m.Univ. of Tennessee, 9:45 a.m.William and Mary, 10:30 a.m. (lecture hall)Ithaca College, 11:30 a.m.Florida State Univ., 12 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 23Colorado State, 8:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 24Univ. of Maryland- Baltimore County, 8 a.m.Christopher Newport Univ., 9 a.m.Eugene Lang New School, 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 31Marymount, 8 a.m.Univ. of Richmond, 9:45 a.m.Univ. of South Carolina, 12 p.m.
More visist are scheduled for the following weeks. See the career center for details. Students should get a pass a day in advance to visit a college representative.
BU scholarship opportunityBoston University is offering a four-year scholarship as part of its trustee scholarship competition. See more details at bu.edu/admission/trustee.
Preview PurdueLearn more about the academic programs, admission process, and available financial aid at Purdue during a representative visit at Tyson Pimmit Library in Falls Church, Oct. 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Pathways offers transfer to GMUSeniors are eligible to join the Pathways to the Baccalaureate, a Northern Virginia Community College that offers transfer to George Mason in as little as one year. The program offers information on college transition, financial assistance, and information on the application process. Go to www.nvcc.edu/pathways for details.
Find out more about college and career planning in Room 332. See scheduled dates at www.southlakessentinel.com.
College Fair/Night scheduled for Oct. 21-22 at Fair Oaks Mall, Hayfield Secondary
by Alexa Amsteropinion editor
Optimal opportunities come to the Fairfax County area during College Fair and College Night for high school students considering college after graduation. The College Fair will be held at Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax on Sunday, Oct. 21 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Approximately 400 universities from around the world will be in attendance at the College Fair, and over 10,000 high school students and parents expected to show. When circling through each of the school’s booths, College Fair/ College Night Liaison Marian Kendrick urges attendees to broaden their choices in schools and look at ones they might not have heard of or know very little about. “We highly recommend that students come to these events to talk with the college representatives concerning what these colleges and universities have to offer,” Kendrick said. “In addition to talking with representatives from schools that students are familiar with, we suggest that they talk with representatives from colleges that they may not have heard about to find the best fit for themselves.” An admissions ticket is required for the College Fair in the form of a flier, which is available on the FCPS website. College Night will be held at Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria on Oct. 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. The night will feature nine workshops involving the college admissions process, standardized testing, financial aid, and writing admissions essays. For those interested in college
athletics, there is a workshop addressing the differences in student life when one is a college athlete. Although both events differ slightly, Kendrick stated that both are essential for a student considering college. “Each event includes an open fair format, where students and parents can meet with college representatives from across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia,” Kendrick said. In order to get the most out of a conversation with a college representative, Kendrick suggests asking questions regarding how the school would be a personal fit rather than focusing on trivial questions that can be answered on university websites. For students that cannot attend either event, there are other opportunities to help with the college planning process. “Besides attending College Fair or College Night, we can’t stress the importance of meeting with college representatives that come to individual schools,” Kendrick said. “While the fair format presents an opportunity to talk with representatives, attending college visits at your high school allows you to meet the representative who may be reading your admissions application.” More information on college visits can be found in the Career Center. Kendrick also stressed the importance of starting to research colleges early, even if one is not heading off to college for another few years. “It is never too early to start the college search process,” Kendrick said. “Hopefully students won’t wait until their senior year to start
researching colleges and universities.” Students who decide to attend College Night or College Fair are allowed to pre-register online through the Technology Resource Corp., a service which allows a student to receive a personal barcode that college representatives can use to obtain the student’s personal information. Kendrick encouraged students to obtain a personal barcode, for the sake of convenience. “Students can print out a barcode
that they should bring with them the night of the event so that interested schools can scan their information,” Kendrick said. “This way, the student will not have to fill our an information card at the event as all their data will be send to the college or university automatically after the fair.” Pre-registration is highly recommended for both events. To pre-register and to receive the personal barcode, visit http://www.fcpscollegefairs.com/Registration/EventSelectForState?stateName=All.
Guest speaker provides insight on college process for sophomore and junior parents
either the SAT or the ACT without prejudice,” Appelrouth said. More and more colleges are “super scoring.” In other words, they only take the best scores from each section of the SAT or ACT into consideration. Appelrouth then moved on to other factors of college acceptance. Other than the SAT or ACT scores, colleges put much focus on grades. Colleges want to see a strong GPA and grades trending upwards, most importantly in core classes. Appelrouth advised students to drop out of excess clubs and extracurricular activities.
Colleges are not interested in students who sample a little bit of everything. Instead, they want students who have a hook, who do extracurricular activites that are valued in the school. Applying early decision, early action, or regular is also an important choice for students to make. “You get an advantage applying early and they’re a little softer on you,” Appelrouth said. “Kids who would not get in regular, get in early.” The chance of acceptance increases by 300 percent just by applying
early. “Early decision can heal the sick, but it can’t wake the dead,” Appelrouth said. Basically, colleges will not accept students with terrible grades and test scores because they applied early. Another important point for students to know is that not everyone is on even footing when applying to college. “There’s something very real, recently at Yale, called the Asian Penalty,” Appelrouth said. “There’s so many strong, high performing Asians students, you have to do better to be on the same playing field. It was a hundred points on average on the SAT.” Female students are also at a slight disadvantage. “It’s the same thing even gender wise,” Appelrouth said. “There are more high performing, high GPA, high test score females. So guess what? It’s a little harder for the females than the males.” College visits are a good way to score points. Every time a student contacts or visits a college, they keep track of it. “If they’re local and you didn’t actually go and do a college visit and didn’t drive those 30 miles, that’s going to really hurt you,” Appelrouth said. “The main thing is show up, show interest, and get involved with them.”
“There is material on the SAT that lives nowhere else in the world. It lives only on the SAT by design.”
- Jed Appelrouth, Appelrouth
TutoringPHOTO BY GARGIE NAGARKAR
News Volume 28, Issue 1 Page 3
by David Freemannews editor
Last year, South Lakes had approximately 2,150 students. After the Class of 2012 left and the freshmen class enrolled, the school currently about 2,325 students. This increase of students has resulted in many changes within the school community. One of the most evident modifications has been the increase of learning cottages, also known as trailers, from five to 15 cottages. “The trailers have been a necessary addition to the school,” Principal Kim Retzer said. “I don’t believe that we could physically schedule the student’s classes without them.” Though the trailers are viewed as essential to keep down class sizes, not every student is adjusting well to the additional cottages. “The trailers have really made it hard for me to reach some of my classes and be successful in them,” junior Conor McBride said. “I am most often late to my classes that are in the trailers. I believe that the addition of the 10 new trailers have a big problem.” Just as students are not happy with the additions, teachers have expressed their concerns as well.
“Now that I have to teach in the trailers full time, it has created many more problems with my teachings with my students,” history teacher Eirik Harteis said. “I have found difficulty with the temperature of the trailer, water leaking in the trailer, and with the acoustics of the room. I often have difficulties hearing some of my students or my students hearing me.” Even with the many setbacks of the learning cottages, Retzer believes that with some industrial improvements, the trailers will provide an adequate learning space. “I believe that after some improvements to the trailers, such as gutters and some wiring issues, that we will provide an equal teaching and learning environment to both the teachers inside and outside,” said Retzer. With improvements to be made and students still adjusting to outdoor travels for class, Retzer believes that these trailers will provide a prominent learning environment. “I believe that with some small improvements and some getting used to the trailers will provide the same excellent learning environment as we do inside the main building of the school,” said Retzer.
Trailer ParkOvercrowding in classrooms results in installment of more trailers
PHOTO BY DAVID FREEMAN
During the 2011-2012 school year, five trailers were added to our campus to keep class sizes down to a comfortable number. As class sizes continue to grow, ten new trailers have been installed around the school.
New policy allows for PED use during schoolStudents, teachers show support for adopted policy
by Sachi JainWeekly Wall editor
Along with a new principal, teachers, and a trailers, this year opened with a new school-wide personal electronic device policy. The policy seems to be well recieved thus far. The policy allows students to use their electronic devices in designated areas around the school, determined by a three zone system. The red zone indicates zero tolerance of electronic device use. Yellow zones permit only specified use of electronic devices during teacher instruction. Green zones allow appropriate device usage at any time. Red zones are located in areas such as the hallway, while yellow zones usually include classrooms. The primary green zone is in the cafeteria. This PED policy was first initiated last year under Principal Bruce Butler, deriving from external county desire. Principal Kim Retzer wanted to continue pursuing enactment of the policy. “There is a small push from the school board to use electronics in a constructive way,” said Retzer. “It is important to have the kids use electronic devices in a productive and effective way, and I think this system does that.” South Lakes was not the first school to implement such a policy. It used other FCPS schools’ policies as inspiration. The red-yellow-green system was originally implemented by James Madison High School in Vienna. After much reported
success, was later adopted by other schools. Success with this PED policy is not only felt by the Warhawks at Madison, but by the Seahawk administration as well. “I think it’s pretty awesome,” junior Valentina Golac said. “It’s helpful because we don’t have to worry about taking out computers and making a mess. It’s no longer a hassle.” While students see only the efficacy of the policy, teachers find it both easy to teach with and as a motivational tool for students. “I like that I have the ability to use that as a reward for hard work,” IB English teacher Jennifer Ashburn said. “I like how it no longer has to be a fight with students who think they deserve to have their phones out. It is also nice because we have such limited computer access and have the ability to ask students to take out their phones and look up its definition.” Though this policy brings a certain ease to the administration, it carries a threat of mixing the cyber and school worlds to potentially create risky situations. Cyber-bullying has always been a concern for all school districts. Every night students bring school home with them as they converse and share about life on the Internet. This new policy, however, makes phones and Internet-accessible devices more readily available than before, making it easier for students to do this conversing not just at home, but at school. Even with all the possible ramifications, Retzer still has faith in the policy. “Cyber-bullying is a big issue,” Retzer said. “By being proactive about it and letting kids use their phones in a set time, I hope kids realize that this is a privilege. We set the rules and guidelines on the PED policy firmly, so I feel good about it. Nothing has happened so far, so I think as long as people keep this in mind we’ll be fine.”
News Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 Page 4
by Grace Erardstudent life editor
Seniors Kelsey Ericksen, Dara Kharabi, Adrienne Nims, Reuben Levy-Myers and Scott Reid were recently named 2013 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. According to a National Merit Scholarship Corporation press release, they are among 229 students in Fairfax County and 16,000 students nationwide who will compete for 8,300 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million. This pool represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of semifinalists from South Lakes is higher this year than it has been in the past. Last year Manavi Bhagwat from the Class of 2012 was the only semifinalist. Semifinalist status is typically determined based on PSAT scores. However, certain students, including Kharabi, Levy-Myers and Reid, earned the honor in an unconventional manner. “I took the PSAT last year and I got a 228, which is a fairly good score,” Kharabi said. “The school did not send my score to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation though, nor did they send the scores of anyone else who was taking the test in the classroom that I was in. This was because the person who was in charge of sending the scores thought that we were all seniors, which, in fact, we weren’t. As a result, we had to take the SAT instead and report those scores to the corporation.” Levy-Myers sees the mistake as a happy accident since it worked out in his favor. “My dad wants me to write a thank-you note to the teacher responsible for the mess-up,” Levy-Myers said. Regardless of what scores they submitted, the majority of the semifinalists found that taking practice tests was the most effective study method. “It’s kind of like running,” Kharabi said. “You can’t just get up and run a marathon. You have to run one mile, then two miles, and work your way up. For me, it’s less about learning the material and more about becoming accustomed to taking the test.” Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to earn finalist standing. These include demonstrating high academic performance and submitting an application with a recommendation from their high school principal. Students will learn if they advanced to the finalist level of competition in February. Beginning in March, they will find out if they have been selected to receive a Merit Scholarship award. “Earning a National Merit Scholarship would definitely be exciting and it would make the college process a bit easier,” Reid said.
Five seniors named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists
by Sami Saabmultimedia editor
The decision to replace Rewards and Remediation with a Teacher Advisory period evoked mixed reactions from both students and staff. Students of all grades have reacted differently towards the new system, which instates a separate class known as eleventh period, commonly called Teacher Advisory. The basic premise of this class is that one teacher will serve as an adviser for a group of randomly selected students, who will meet with their class once every Seahawk Seminar cycle. The teacher is there to help students with any struggles they face both inside and outside of the classroom. It also provides an wopportunity for students in class to bond with each other and learn new skills, as students of all grade levels are mixed into one class. “Advisory period is new and we are evaluating the various ways we can use that time,” Principal Kim
Retzer said. “I’m a strong believer that positive relationships among students and staff, and students and students, are key to a successful high school experience.” Teachers additionally expressed
support for the new system. “I like it,” math teacher David Chase said. “It gives the kids a chance to bond over a four-year period and get to know kids they would normally never meet.” Students also expressed their enjoyment of the extra time that eleventh period allows. “I really enjoy the period,” sophomore Ceasar Howe said. “It gives me time to think and catch up on work.” Sophomore Andrew Creekmore agrees. “I feel that in my Teacher Advisory period, that, to date, we have not done very much, but this class can
grow to be something more that can help with my education,” Creekmore said. However, reception towards this new period has not been completely positive.
“I think it’s stupid and a waste of time that I feel like we can use for more productive things,” senior Blaine Bossie said. Other students agree, claiming that Teacher Advisory could be better used for more productive means. “It’s boring, and wastes
my very valuable educational time,” sophomore Nathan Stone said.
Freshman Loobi Samman shares a similar opinion. “It’s a good place to get your work done, but there’s really nothing
“I really enjoy the period. It gives me time to think and to catch up on work.”
- Ceasar Howe, sophomore
“I think it’s stupid and a waste of time that I feel like we can use for more productive things.”
- Blaine Bossie, senior
special about it,” Samman said. “In my terms, there’s nothing really needed for the period other than getting homework done.” Even some teachers would like to see changes made. “I think for advisory, it would be nice to have some of my students in there, or from the grade level, so that after doing PBIS, I can help them do topics that I know, or know through the grade level team,” math teacher Kathryn Pfahl said. “But it’s also nice to know the other faces of the older kids, and their names and stuff, but there is not much I can help with.” Despite the concerns of students and teachers, Retzer still supports the program and would like the remind
students that the Teacher Advisory period is still being evaluated, much like R & R was last year. “If students
have feedback on advisory period, I encourage them to talk with Mr. Washington, or their grade level administrator,” Retzer said.
Support, resistance arise followingenactment of Teacher Advisory period
by David Freemannews editor
Bruce Butler worked in Fairfax County Public Schools for 31 years, but the 14 years he spent at South Lakes as principal and as an assistant principal are considered to be some of his most impressive. Throughout those 14 years, Butler was often caught working on the landscape and beauty of the campus. Butler would wear shorts and a gardening hat while spreading grass seed, watering the lawn, and pulling weeds from school gardens. To honor Butler’s unwavering commitment to the school and the surrounding Reston community, the PTSA will organize several school landscaping projects to beautify campus grounds. These landscaping projects, headed by former PTSA President Elizabeth Vandenburg, work in collaboration with Hidden Lane Landscaping and Design. “We just thought after all the work Mr. Butler has put into the school this would be a nice way to remember all the work that he has done,” Peter Murray of Hidden Lane Landscaping and Design said. “Mr. Butler really showed a huge commitment to the school. He really treated the school as his own and was really keen on helping out the students, faculty, and
PTSA plans lanscaping project to honor former Principal Bruce Butler’s service
community.” The association has raised over three thousand dollars, in addition to donations by Hidden Lane Landscaping and Design to fund the memorial garden. “FCPS has virtually no budget for yard maintenance,” Vandenburg said. “This year they don’t provide
much.” To plan for the project, the PTSA has reestablished a Landscaping Committee to develop a short-term and long-term working plan for this project. Along with developing a working plan, the landscaping committee
encourages students, alumni, parents, and community members to become involved. Many Seahawk community members responded well to the prospect. “I think this project is a great idea,” junior John Mangal said. “Of the two years I had Mr. Butler as
principal, his commitment to the school was very evident. I really think [the garden] is a great way to honor his work to the school and community.” Vandenburg, Murray and his staff from Hidden Lane Landscaping and Design will begin their work on
the project this Saturday from 8-12 p.m. by beginning stage 1 of the landscaping project. They encourage students, alumni, parents, and community members to volunteer their time and help out with stage 1 of the project. CAS and NHS hours will be given to students who show up to
volunteer. Donations will also be accepted. “Stage 1 will mostly consist of a little bit of maintenance,” Murray said. “We will be organizing the garden beds, edging, mulching, and pruning.” After completing stage 1, Vandenburg and Hidden Lane intend to plant crate myrtle trees and prepare their work for the garden on the stadium side. The date for stage 2 of this project has yet to be announced. Excitement grows for many who worked with Butler during his years as principal. “I think this project is an excellent idea,”
main office receptionist Liz Knapp said. “Nothing was too small for Bruce to show how much of a
family we are at South Lakes. I miss seeing Mr. Butler out there with his milk carton watering his plants so I’m glad someone else is carrying on the tradition of carrying and commitment.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF ELIZABETH VANDENBURG
The Parent Teacher Student Association organized several school landscaping projects to increase campus appeal, including a memorial garden for former Principal Bruce Butler. Butler participates in some yard work near the stadium.
Sowing seeds of service
Op/Ed Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 Page 6
11400 South Lakes Drive Reston, VA 20191 (703) 715-4617
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 TALKThis year, Seahawk Seminar includes a new “eleventh period” called Teacher Advisory, where students from all grades are assigned to one teacher with the purpose of developing better study skills and promoting positive behavior. Those pursuing the IB Career-Related Certificate (IBCC) utilize the time to meet with their instructors. What is your opinion of the new addition to Seahawk Seminar?
“I like it because I can meet new people, and there are upperclassmen. It also provides helpful information.”
- Lauren Cohen, 9
“I don’t know anyone in my Teacher Advisory. The lessons are not useful and I wish we were just allowed to do homework.”
- Augusta Durham, 10
“I use the time for the IBCC. It makes it easier to complete the class online when we collaborate during that time.”
- Conor McBride, 11
“I like the idea, but it needs to be better implemented. I think it should happen more often and they should mix up classes.- Alessandro Gaiarin,12
FROM THE BOARD
S tarting this year, the administration implemented a new policy regarding the use of personal electronic devices, also known as PEDs, such as
phones, tablets, and laptops in the classroom. The new procedure allows students to use various technologies during classroom instruction if the teacher permits it by displaying a yellow sign. However, if the sign is red, the same rules from previous years apply and students must abide by the no technology rule. In addition to expanded use in teaching activities, students are now authorized to use cell phones during lunch in the cafeteria. Although these guidelines match the FCPS vision of incorporating 21st Century technology into the classroom, there are valid concerns regarding equal access. The expansion of technological use allows more academic opportunities to incorporate real world situations into learning. This vision is now a reality at South Lakes because of the endless opportunities that technology provides. Teachers finally accept that technology is an instrument and can tailor their lesson plans to incorporate high-tech tools. This new policy also benefits students because it alleviates the urge to sneak phones under desks or in backpacks. Learners now utilize smartphones to Google terms or check Blackboard for other activities or materials that supplement teacher instruction. The policy has also led to a reduction in the number of phones confiscated by teachers and administrators, since
there are opportunities to utilize them during classroom instruction. Unfortunately, the implementations of a new policy come with inevitable issues. More lenient restrictions on electronic devices certainly benefit those who have access to smartphones and other portable technology, but put those without these gadgets at a disadvantage. Reston and South Lakes are home to people of
multiple demographics and socio-economic situations. This means that not everyone has access to the same technology. Those who do not have access miss out on classroom activities that are dependent on the use of devices with internet access. We appreciate the administration’s consideration of advanced technology as a tool, and not just a nuisance that distracts students. However, attention must be given to those who cannot afford or obtain
smartphones or other devices during the school day. It is unrealistic for the school to purchase every single student a device. Taking such a measure is simply unreasonable and costly for the school. What would happen if a device breaks? Would the student be held accountable or would it that responsibility fall on the school itself? An optimal solution would be for courses to refrain from basing activities off PEDs. The policy should be a privilege used by students during lunches and other open periods, but during regular class time Internet access should be obtained by way of school equipment such as netbooks and laptops. This encourages the inclusion, rather than exclusion, of students in classroom activities.
GUEST COMMENTARYAbby Studen
SGA executive council
BOARD POLL
New electronic devices policy inadvertently excludes students without Internet access
Thank you for a Spirit Week to remember
Has the new PED policy improved classroom activities?
“Althought these guidelines match the FCPS vision of incorporating 21st Century technology into the classroom, there are valid concerns regarding equal access.”
Based on 197 students polled.Yes No
90% 10%
As most of you know, homecoming at South Lakes is the biggest time of the year. From the Powder Puff games to the homecoming dance, there is something to look forward to every day of the week. Something that most students do not think about is who is in charge of all the homecoming activities leading up to the dance. The answer is the leadership class. Our five biggest jobs are to run powderpuff, homecoming court, the pep rally, the parade, and spirit days. Our goal is to make sure everyone is having fun and participating. It is tough to find a good balance between continuing traditions and starting new ones. There were many changes made this year, but the most popular addition to our Spirit Week was the barbeque that was held before the Powder Puff games. Taste of South Lakes began at 5 p.m. and received donations from BRB, Ledo’s pizza, and the Buffalo Wing Factory. Hundreds of students and faculty members were served a free delicious dinner. The hardest part of homecoming week is trying to organize the spirit days with as little controversy as possible. The hardest day is always Class Color Day. Last year Class Color Day was fun for the students, but not for the staff. Because of this, the rules and regulations for Class Color Day were a lot stricter. One of our biggest struggles as a leadership class was figuring out how each class could decorate its subschool while ensuring that the messes that occurred in previous years wouldn’t reoccur this year. Ironically, Class Color Day was one of our biggest successes. The amount of class spirit was phenomenal. The underclassmen really challenged the seniors. The faculty was extremely happy with the fact that there was little to no trash left-over in the sub schools and the parking lots. Thank you to everyone for your amazing cooperation and participation last week. We demonstrated true Seahawk spirit and made South Lakes proud.
Op/Ed Volume 28, Issue 1 Page 7
Autocorrect: do you know that “so” is a word?
CALL OUTby Kaitlin Welker
editor
on the edgeby Edgeri Hudlin
print editor
Beep beep, coming through!
COMMENTARY
by Alexa Amsteropinion editor
A dministrators continue to look into the possibility of a late Wednesday start.
The extra time in the morning would be allotted for teacher collaboration. It would begin at 7:20 a.m. and would be an excellent opportunity for teachers and students to prepare for upcoming classes. This option should be seriously pursued. A survey of teachers conducted last year revealed that satisfaction was lower than the average level of teacher contentment in Fairfax County. Assistant principal Chad Lehman then created this late Wednesday start proposal, which was well-received by the PTSA at one of its meetings last May. This late start would ensure that teachers have the necessary time to maximize teaching content. This would also reduce teacher conflicts after school, so teachers could be more accessible to students seeking additional help not during the class period. “Teachers are required to work in collaboration with members of their instructional teams,” Principal Kim Retzer said. “When we create the class schedules we try to give teachers of the same courses the same planning periods to give them this time to meet. However, we can’t accommodate for every group of teachers, so this collaboration time would allow for departments to have meetings and give important announcements.” Throughout the discussions of the possible bell schedule change, Retzer sees both sides. “I understand completely the benefits of the late start from the teacher’s perspective,” Retzer said. “However, I’m not sure how effective this time would be from the student perspective.” Many students applaud the
proposal, believing it will make a difference in completing homework at a reasonable hour, as opposed to staying up in the wee hours of the night. “We would have time to study and get extra homework done,” freshman Lindsey Lozoskie said. “Instead of staying up really late the night before, we can do it in the morning.” Although it is ideal in theory, there are a few uncertainties that could derail the prospect. During teacher collaboration, students who ride the bus would still arrive according to the regular schedule, while those who drive would be allowed to arrive fifty minutes later. Some are concerned
that students would use the freedom unwisely. “Those who take the bus and arrive early will have to sit and do nothing during that time,” sophomore Polly Lynch said. “Also, many will use it as an opportunity to get in trouble at or around the school.” Retzer shares Lynch’s concerns. “If 600 or so students ride the bus and come to school at 7:00 or 7:10 a.m., then the only places that they could stay would be the cafeteria and library,” Retzer said. “Who would supervise them? That responsibility would fall onto security and the administration.” To eradicate this problem, students could be assigned to a specific area where attendance would be taken, perhaps similar to the recently enacted teacher advisory period. Nonetheless, students who support the idea of a late start think that attendance would increase for the first block.
“Wednesday is the middle of the week, so students are worn out at that point,” junior Mackenzie Evans said. “Attendance would be higher for first and second period classes if students were allowed extra sleep.” Retzer worries about attendance rates. “I’m worried that students will take the day off because they think a shortened day is pointless,” Retzer said. “We plan to look at other FCPS schools that use this schedule and their attendance rates and see if there is a trend in absences or tardies.” Though this is a valid concern, attendance to the first blocks of the day might still increase since there would be more time for students to rest. Students would not feel as
fatigued. This extra hour would make a difference in the concentration and focus of students during first and second period. The administration must also address the issue of classes. On green days the best way to shorten the day
is to remove Seahawk Seminar. As for blue days, when four 90-minute classes occur, how would the schedule change? “For both blue and green days the sequence of classes would not change,” Retzer said. “The schedule would be shortened on blue days and green days. Green days would have a smaller Seahawk Seminar.” Even with these quandaries, the idea of a late Wednesday start makes sense. The extra time would benefit both students, who would feel more refreshed in the typically most tiring part of the week, and teachers, who would be able to prepare for their upcoming lessons and maximize their time with their fellow group members. The system has been effective in six other county schools of varying populations. The late Wednesday start would serve in accomplishing its main mission of creating a foundation for academic excellence.
Late Wednesday start would facilitate both teachers and students alike
FCPS schools with late Wednesday starts
*Chantilly has a late Friday start
Annandale High SchoolCollaboration Time: 7:20-8:15 a.m.
“I understand completely the benefits of the late start from the teacher’s perspective. However, I’m not sure how effective this time would be from the student perspective.”
- Principal Kim Retzer
Chantilly High School*Collaboration Time: 7:10-7:50 a.m.
Marshall High SchoolCollaboration Time: 7:20-8:20 a.m.
Mount Vernon High SchoolCollaboration Time: 7:20-8:22 a.m.
Oakton High SchoolCollaboration Time: 7:10-7:50 a.m.
West Springfield High SchoolCollaboration Time: 7:10-7:50 a.m.
Send a short letter to the editor expressing your opinions to our email address [email protected]
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
As I sit here and write my first editorial of the year, I realize how much we underestimate a tool we use every day. Whether it is spell check, autocorrect, or whatever other system your smart phone or device provides, we are completely spoiled by our programmed word correctors. I have not decided exactly where I stand on the issue of autocorrect. And yes, I realize that this is a perfect example of a first world problem. But how can something so helpful be so annoying? We rely on these programs every day and do not even notice it. For example, in the past 102 or so words I just typed, Microsoft Word’s autocorrect informed me that “everyday” needed to be changed to “every day,” and that I incorrectly used three commas. It is the small things like that we take for granted. I cannot even imagine writing my college essays without any form of spell check, it would literally be a disaster waiting to happen. To all those seniors out there, can I get an Amen? Of course, no unconscious device can be perfect.
Occasionally, said program makes mistakes and the outcomes are amusing. I am sure many of you are familiar with the multitude of anti-autocorrect websites that post humorous screenshots of autocorrects gone wrong. So “LOL” to autocorrect changing completely appropriate sentences into random innuendos that do not make any sense. But although spell check can be very helpful and entertaining, it can also be incredibly frustrating. Someone tell me why the iPhone’s autocorrect does not recognize “so” as a word. It is a word. It is definitely a word. You can Google it. Go ahead, Google it. Yet when you text it Apple, likes to play with you and change it to “do.” Why? And on the extremely rare scenario when I feel like using derogatory language in my text messages, it does not help to calm me down when my phone is convinced I am trying to say “duck” or other language I will not get into. But I really should not be complaining. I would hate to get tagged by @firstworldproblems.
It has come to my knowledge that some readers in my vast audience think they have figured out my top secret “on the edge formula.” “He starts by saying something unrelated to his article and then he rants like a maniac about a completely different topic, and his only objective in his writing is to stir trouble.” These allegations are absurdly false and should be condemned as defamation. Each of my writing pieces discusses one uncontroversial issue from start to finish. Now that I have addressed these absurdities, I think I will proceed to launch into a completely different topic. These maze-like hallways of our beloved campus are much too rowdy for the likes of a senior citizen as I, and I say this on the behalf of my wary senior classmates. We sunset-year drifters must endure “Eight Minute Mayhem” every time the wretched bell rings. This is the riot that takes place in the hallways in between classes. The staircases are seldom without an overly dramatic obscenely demonstrative snogging obsessed couple, and the hallways are without order. Freshmen plant their puny bodies in wall formations menacingly blocking access to physics classrooms, and, in general, students clutter intersections seeing nothing wrong with stopping in the
middle of the stairs or hallways to plan Friday night’s “tea time.” South Lakes needs a new spirit day called “Single File Line Day.” We could line up in our classrooms when the bell rings, and be escorted by our teachers to our next classes. It would be a day of pleasant remembrance, of earlier more peaceful days. The issue is actually quite simple. Allow me to illustrate. When drivers cruise down Reston Parkway, they do not decide to drive into oncoming traffic to wave to a passing driver. Or, a pedestrian does not saunter out into the center of a busy street and then act surprised when a large truck ends his or her days. That is unless he or she had a naughty beverage beforehand. Many have suggested that we cannot make our hallways neat when there are so many of us, but I disagree. I was on I-95 during a Memorial Day rush, and apart from the occasional belligerent truck driver, there was order. So, for the sake of spontaneity I will actually present a legitimate solution to this problem. The administrators must install traffic lights in all passageways, have crossing guards at busy intersections, post speed limits around the campus, ticket violators, and detain all kissing brutes. Above all, us elderly folk gotta make it to class in one piece.
Focus Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 Page 8
by Charlotte Smithfeatures editor
The global presence of women in politics and society has grown over the past few decades, as women achieve more acceptance throughout the world. Take a look at the most recent Olympic Games in London, where for the first time in history each participating country brought female athletes. Or recall the 2008 presidential election, when nominee John McCain chose Sarah Palin as his candidate for vice president and Senator Hillary Clinton came close to earning the Democratic
“When will there be a
nomination. During her campaign speech at the Republican National Convention, Ann Romney said that it is women who “have to work a little harder to make everything right,” elaborating that it is women who “hold this country together.” Historically, women have not been seen as equal to men. Many women, today, still see the need to struggle for women’s rights. “I’m not sure if men really understand this,” Romney said. “But I don’t think there is a woman in America who really expects her life to be easy.” While advocates attempt to overcome discrimination against women, these cultural precedents have created barriers which have prevented women from earning equal pay to men, especially in the past. “Barack’s grandmother started out as a secretary at a community bank, and she moved quickly up the ranks. But like so many women, she hit a glass ceiling,” Michelle Obama said during her campaign speech at the Democratic National Convention. “For years, men no more qualified than she was – men she had actually trained – were promoted up the ladder ahead of her, earning more and more money while Barack’s family continued to scrape by.” Hunter Mill school board representative Pat Hynes shares a similar story about her understanding of women in the workplace. “In my experience, for the most part, people in my generation and younger generations understand that men and women should have
equal opportunities,” said Hynes. “This wasn’t the case for the generation before me. When I was working on Wall Street, it was much harder for the women only a few years older than me to get ahead than it was for me. However, globally, and in other parts of this country, you will not find the same acceptance. But today, most women work and some are the only breadwinners in the household. Equal opportunity and equal pay for women are important for both women and whole communities.” While the role of women in society has progressed in the past several decades, there is concern that women’s health rights will regress, especially in regard to Planned Parenthood. “We are very concerned about the current situation,” Planned Parenthood executive assistant Adrienne Sehreicer said. “Planned Parenthood is crucial to today’s society. Nationwide we see literally millions of patients. One in five women in her lifetime will come to Planned Parenthood for services.” As the place of women in politics and society is still developing, one of the most influential ladies in history’s presence is also developing: The First Lady. The president’s wife is appearing on the cover of People magazine, not solely as a social icon, but as an intelligent, powerful, and relatable role model. “The President’s wife tends to inspire the women of America,” senior Kenzie Hughes said. “The First Lady should be a positive motivator and give hope to citizens.” But how influential are these ladies on their husband’s decisions? Some of the most pressing health matters affect women, such as abortion and
birth control. Yet, men are still the majority voice of the country. “I think women’s issues are more important in this election than previous years that I can recall,” Hynes said. “Some issues, like birth control, are battles which should have been put to bed years ago. I think that this election has jolted women awake to the fact that some of these battles have not been won, and that how they vote this year is very important.” Throughout their campaign speeches, both Romney and Obama do not strongly express their political opinions on public policy but instead talk of their support and faith in their husbands. Thus, the question remains, when will there be a First Man? “I am very hopeful of the future in this country,” Hynes said. “Having been a classroom teacher for the past nine years in Fairfax County, I have seen how successful in education and ambitious the young women in this area are. Women are largely underrepresented in both the public and private sector- I hope this changes with your generation.”
First Man?”2012 political season gives women reasonto ponder future of women’s rights
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1110
by Kaitlin Welker and Charlotte Smith
editor and features editor
In this 2012 presidential election, Virginia’s 13 electoral votes could be the deciding factor in determining who will occupy the White House this January. Virginia, having one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, and one of the most vigorous economies, is newly classified as a swing state. This title refers to Virginia as a state in which voters are likely to swing from one political party to another, important in determining the outcome of the election. In 2008, incumbent President Barack Obama became the first Democratic presidential candidate to win the state in 44 years. What changed for this formerly conservative state? According to National Public Radio, Obama said he won Virginia because of the substantially large amount of minorities and white college graduates within the state, as
well as a sharp decline in the number of the white working class, who are “particularly unfriendly to Democrats.” Radio, television, and mails are awash with campaign advertisements and partisan testimonials. This avid campaigning is especially prominent in Northern Virginia, where one-third of the state’s voters reside. Fairfax County has always had been influ-ential on the political scale, but some say it could make the differ-ence between winning and losing. “I think it’s an exciting time to be a registered voter in Virginia,” political science student Carson Gillions said. “I think it’s going to be a close call because everyone I talk to has a different side. I’m not sure who to support because I really don’t agree with either of them.” However, in a poll of 266 teachers on whom they were leaning toward giving
their vote, 73 percent chose Obama. “I am going to be voting for Barack Obama because I feel like Romney has absolutely no idea what he is doing,” math teacher Adam Smith said. “He is too wishy-washy and he is very vague on his plans for office. It seems like he just wants to kick out the guy who is not white. For a lot of
republicans lately, it has become a matter of race rather than ability.” Students like junior Laura Ferraro disagree. “Many Obama supporters are in favor of social equality,” Ferraro said. “If there was social equality it would be nice, but the economy is what matters the most right now. The economy is currently more important than social issues.
Obama hasn’t done anything about it. Romney will be able to better handle the problem.” Complementing the teacher poll, 266 seniors were polled. Of the 46 that are eligible to actually vote, 32 said they were going to vote for Obama. Although the results are clearly in favor of Obama, there are still some who are
unsure of where they stand. “I am unde-cided because I need to do some more research and get a further under-
standing of how the candidates stand on certain issues like education, getting the economy back on track, and some foreign policy issues,” history teacher Howard Krasilovsky said. “I was impressed with Mitt Romney [during the debate]. I felt like he was well-spoken and really went at Obama. I feel like Obama has some improvements that need to be made as far as his
“If I could vote I would vote for Barack Obama. When Obama started in office he had to deal with the mess left by the Bush administration... I don’t think that Obama is the perfect candidate but I think he is the best choice of the two remaining candidates.”
- Brent Sullivan, sophomore
124 teachers were polled on who they would vote for in the election.
13 said they were undecided
1 said they will not vote
3 said for another candidate
16 said for Mitt Romney
91 said for Barack Obama
266 seniors were polled on who they would vote for.
26 said they were undecided
21 said they would not vote
1 said for Gary Johnson
29 said for Mitt Romney
189 said for Barack Obama
speaking abilities for the next debate.” Performing an online search shows how important Virginia is this year. “Presidential polls Virginia” is the third option when “presidential polls” is Google searched. People are very interested to see which way the state will lean in the election. With a moderately conservative history, it is surprising that Virginia still favors the Democrat. It is possible this is because of lack of support for previous Republicans who served in office. “If I could vote I would vote for Barack Obama,” sophomore Brent Sullivan said. “When Obama started in office, he had to deal with the mess left by the Bush administration, and he tried to get the economy back on track in addition to maintaining two wars overseas. I think that it was a smart move on his part to pull out of Iraq, but he then reinforced the war in Afghanistan. I don’t think that Obama is the perfect candidate, but I think he is the best choice of the two remaining candidates.”
Students, faculty both convincingly support Obama
Seahawks Swing
Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 Page 12
FBLA FBLA will have its next meeting Monday, Oct. 22. Club members will discuss competitions and plan for their upcoming candy bar fundraiser. Afterwards, they will walk to the National FBLA Headquarters in Reston.
NHS National Honor Society members met for the first time this year Oct. 10. During the meeting, officers and faculty members presented new information to members and went over policy changes. Among the most notable changes is that sophomores can no longer be inducted into NHS. The society is now exclusive for juniors and seniors. A respresentative from the Reston Association also spoke to students about volunteer opportunities.
Freshmen Nicolas Chopivsky and John Hughes and sophomores Sneha Kuchipudi, Brentan Walter, and Katherine Wolfe display the medals they won ia team marketing competitions at the State Fair. Chopivsky, Hughes, Kuchipudi, and Walter all earned first place and Wolfe and her partner sophmore Virginia Bulger finished second..
DEBATE TEAM Debate had a strong showing at a tournament Oct. 12. Partners Andrew Kropp-Sullivan and Reuben Levy-Meyers won all four of their rounds and placed fourth in varsity public forum debate. They also qualified for the Metro Finals tournament. Junior Grace Erard’s 3-1 record and high number of speaker points earned her a spot in varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debate Metro Finals. Sophomore Amar Singhsd also received a bid to Metro Finals for his 4-0 record and third place finish in junior varsity Lincoln-Douglas debate.
MARCHING BAND Marching Band will perform at two competitions this Saturday, one at Liberty High School and another at Parkview High School . Senior clarinet player Ashley Turner is optimistic about the upcoming competitions. “Performing at two events on the same day will be stressful, but we’ll manage,” Turner said. “Everyone has been working really hard, and I think we’ll do well.”
FCA Fellowship of Christian Athletes is fundraising to help the Feed-a-Child campaign. The club will sell t-shirts for $15 from Oct. 22-26. Proceeds will go towards providing food security for children in Sierra Leone.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DARLENA RICKS
Juniors Dylan Reiser and Stephanie Huard play the marimba during halftime at a football game against Stone Bridge. Marching Band will play the same songs at its competitions this weekend.
PHOTO BY VIVIANA DEL TORO DECA members went on a field trip to the Virginia State Fair for DECA/Marketing Day, Oct. 5. During the day, students enjoyed a unique marketing field experience focused on promotions, target marketing, sales, and customer service. Several students also competed in marketing events and earned medals.
1. Which member of the administration has practiced martial arts for twelve years?
2. Which junior recently transferred to South Lakes from Oakton in order to participate in the IB Program?
3. Which senior has two clubbed thumbs?
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.
by Jakob Weizmanstaff writer
Some people call him Walter F. Mondale. Others call him Walt. But to his great nephew, freshman Louie Boyum, he is known as Uncle Fritz. Mondale was the 42nd vice president under Jimmy Carter. He is famous for his quote, “Where’s the Beef,” which he stated during his campaign for President in 1984 in which he lost to Ronald Reagan. Boyum said that Mondale was also an ambassador to Japan in the 1990’s and that his mom and Uncle Fritz were invited to Akio Toyoda’s birthday party. Toyoda is the owner and president of Toyota. In the eyes of Boyum, hisrelationship with Mondale is something to be proud of. “He is a great man, and I respect him dearly,” said Boyum. However, Boyum does not get to spend time with Mondale very often. “We always get a chance to talk on the phone every now and then,” Boyum said. “I barely get to see him
because he lives in Minnesota.” The last time Boyum reunited with his great uncle him was three years ago at the premiere of the documentary on his life, titled “Fritz,” in Washington D.C. Boyum’s mother, Lucy Mondale, embraces the connection between her son and her uncle. She says that they make the most of the time they have together. “When they see each other, I really notice how much they have in common and how much they connect with each other,” Mondale said. Boyum and Mondale share a love of the show “Monty Python” and the Minnesota Vikings. They also both attend church. Although Boyum is very proud of his great uncle, he does not plan to follow in his footsteps. “Politics just isn’t my thing,” Boyum said. “He is one of the two people in our family to enter a political career actually.” His uncle, Ted Mondale, is also a former Minnesota senator. Boyum’s mother, Lucy
Mondale, shares the same view as her son. “I hope not, because politics is a very risky business,” said Mondale. Boyum hopes to have a great four years at South Lakes and visit his
Freshman claims heritage to former Vice President Walter F. Mondale
CLUB CORNER
NAME THAT
SEAHAWK
ANSWERS
DECA celebrates DECA/Marketing Day at Virginia State Fair, Oct. 5
Student Life
POW/MIA Advocates Club continues to promote awareness of lost troops
Uncle Fritz more often. For right now, Boyum is going to focus on school and nothing else, just like his great uncle did with his career in politics.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BOYUM FAMILY
Freshman Louie Boyum visits with his great uncle, former Vice President Walter F. Mondale, following a presentation Mondale made at George Washington University. Boyum and Mondale maintain a good relationship, despite the distance between their residences.
by Grace Erardstudent life editor
Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Advocates Club, sponsored by special education teacher Bob Smith, has big plans for the school year. The club is the first POW/MIA chapter in any high school across the nation. “In all the years since wars such as the Vietnam War have been over, we haven’t had the opportunity to find all the bodies,” Smith said. “Lately, [other countries] are allowing more teams to go in, but the amount of people lobbying Congress to keep the funding going is diminishing. Eventually, we would like POW/MIA to be in high schools across the country so that generations coming up will be committed to it through-out their entire life.” Smith believes that returning bodies to their rightful place brings
solace to their loved ones. “It brings peace of mind to the families,” Smith said. “I was at a convention and I met a 94 year old woman whose son’s body had just been recovered and was being sent back over for burial. She was just elated, and you could see the joy in her eyes as she said ‘I got my son back after all these years.’” The cause is also personal to him as a result of his military back-ground. Smith was a sergeant in the United States Army and he served in Vietnam for 19 months. He lost two friends in the war whose names are now on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial. “One guy who I played cards with in high school was shot in the leg and they were going to ship him back home,” Smith said. “He had his immediate surgery in Vietnam, but while he was there another guy came in and started cleaning his weapon. It
had a round in it that discharged and killed my friend. Despite my best efforts, it took nine days for the body to get to his family and he had to have a glass covering on the casket.” In honor of soldiers, club members presented a proposal to the Fairfax County School Board last year. “We went to the school board and asked that the POW/MIA flag rise with the American flag at least seven days a week, once a year, in every Fairfax County Public School,” POW/MIA club president Manaal Siddiqui said. “This is important because these people deserve recognition. They fight for our coun-try, so we have a responsibility to fight for and remember them “ The issue has not been resolved yet, but Smith expects a decision to be announced soon. While they were waiting last year, club members engaged in many other activities. Club officers spoke before a crown on Veterans Day about their feelings
regarding POW/MIA at the Falls Church Veterans Day Memorial.Siddiqui and club founder alum Chris Sheppard also attended the annual banquet for POW/MIA families. They received an award of appreciation from the families. Additionally, representatives from the club spoke before veterans’ organizations about getting financial support from them and received a $500 donation from the Falls Church Veterans Council. The group hopes to build on the momentum they gained in the past. Its next step is sponsoring its first annual Remembrance Banquet Nov. 9 from 6-8 p.m. in the Lecture Hall. Staff from the National League of POW/MIA Families and representatives from the Department of Defense will give a presentation. Families are also invited to share their stories. “It’s time to serve those that serve for us,” Siddiqui said.
Student Life Volume 28, Issue 1 Page 13
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Homecoming hooplahHomecoming 2012 began with Opposite Day and concluded with the Saturday nightHomecoming Dance. The Class of 2013 won this year’s Spirit Stick and seniors Alex Yi and Becky Oswalt were named Homecoming king
and queen. Check out more homcoming coverage, including photo galleries and videos, at www.southlakessentinel.com. (Photos by Viviana Del Toro)
(Above) Junior Diana Mazid dodges senior Gladys Ugarte during the Powder Puff game. (Right) Senior Becky Oswalt learns that she is the 2013 Homecoming Queen. (Below left) Seniors perform their class chant. (Below right) Dance team gets a roar from the senior section at the end of their routine during the pep rally.
&
Trends Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 Page 14
by Kevin Gluckstaff writer
Fantasy Football is now a billion dollar business with over 24 million participants. For those not familiar with Fantasy Football, a group of partakers create a ‘league’ – usually consisting of their friends – where they become ‘owners’ in the league and draft 16 NFL players in order to create their own teams. Some really take the fantasy draft seriously. “Every year I fly to Detroit for the weekend to draft my team,” biology teacher Bill Ferzoco said. The winner is the league participant who accumulates the most points based on their players’ performances. For instance, a running back that runs for over 100 yards and scores a touchdown will score more points for his owner than a running back that runs for half the
distance and fumbles the ball. “It takes a strong draft and a lot of attention to what is going on over the course of the season to do well in Fantasy Football,” math teacher Zachary Carter said. All leagues follow a general set-up of drafting players from various teams, relying on their performance to do well in the league. However, some leagues require owners to gamble money on the success of their team, creating a money pool where the winner takes the jackpot. “I am not surprised Fantasy Football is as popular as it is,” sophomore Leon Fomil said. “It is pretty easy to play and very addicting.”
Many participants enjoy creating and customizing their own league with a group of friends. “I created a league on ESPN’s website with my friends last year
that I reopened again this year,” junior Spencer Smith said. “All of us pitch-in ten dollars before the draft and then the winner gets the jackpot.” Some people feel that Fantasy Football’s popularity stems from the
Fantasy Football Fever
1. Drew Brees2. Alfred Morris3. LeSean McCoy
- Josh Forrest, junior
Students and teachers immerse themselves in various fantasy football leagues
“It takes a strong draft and a lot of attention to what is going on over the course of the season to do well in Fantasy Football.”
- Zach Carter, math teacher
1. Peyton Manning2. Trent Richardson3. Calvin Johnson
- Howard Krasilovsky, history teacher
1. Jamaal Charles2. Michael Vick3. Reggie Wayne
- Spencer Smith, junior
connections between the owner and his imaginary NFL players. “I think Fantasy Football is popular because playing makes you feel like the players on your team
owe you something, which in turn makes you feel like you are part of the game,” Smith said. History teacher Howard Krasilovsky plays Fantasy Football to maintain connections and enjoys his victories, as well as trash talking that comes with it.
“It’s a great way to keep in touch with college friends,” Krasilovsky said. “It is also fun to demolish Mrs. West’s team every time I play her.” While some are passionate about Fantasy Football, some will give up well before the season ends.
“I always think I get a good player lineup from the draft,” junior Greg Mayo said. “Shortly after I realize how bad it is, I change my team’s name to ‘Fantasy Football is Stupid,’ and then never check it again.” Critics may say that Fantasy Football is merely a game of luck, where a lucky draft can be followed by a lucky season. “One year I won my league’s championship despite not checking my team’s status a single time,” Mayo said. Nevertheless, it does not seem that Fantasy Football’s fame will die down anytime soon. “I think that the popularity of Fantasy Football is directly related to the popularity of football itself,” Krasilovsky said. “As long as football stays popular, which it will, so will fantasy football.”
Who are the top three players on your Fantasy Football roster?
Dye hard dip- dyers flaunt their multi-colored hair
PHOTO COURTESY OF ELLIE FIALK
by Charlotte Smithfeatures editor
As a teenager surrounded by a sea of students with variations of red, blonde, brown, or black hair, some strive for individuality among their peers. Lately, instead of coloring their entire head of hair, students have been dyeing solely the ends of their hair. The style has gone nationwide as stars including Dakota Fanning, Drew Barrymore, and Miley Cyrus recently donned their two-toned locks on the red carpet. This trend, known as the “dip-dye” technique, allows students to experience a multitude of hair colors without the worry of over-grown roots. The technique ranges from the use of professional hair dye, available for purchase at any drug store, to Kool-Aid and a blow dryer. Senior Myra Richardson decided to try the dip-dyeing method, although she could not
decide on the color. “A part of me wanted to dye it lighter, but another part of me wanted it darker,” Richardson said. “I ended up dip-dyeing the bottom half of my hair darker and the top half lighter. I’m really happy with the way it turned out.” While some dyers strive for an ombre look, where a darker color fades into a lighter one or vice versa, others dye their ends bold colors, such as pink or purple. Sophomore Victoria Rice, a natural brunette, uses her red tips as a form of self-expression. “I randomly decided to dye my hair a week before school started,” Rice said. “It makes me standout from the crowd and look different from the rest of my peers.” Some veteran hair-dyers have also been experimenting with the dip-dye style. “I really wanted my hair to be a different color than I dyed it before,” sophomore Savannah Gilkes said. “I would always dye it darker. I wanted a bright color this time, so I dyed my ends pink.” Dip-dyed tips have increased in popularity among students. Junior Ellie Fialk shows off her ombre locks.
Entertainment Volume 28, Issue 1 Page 15
Fan base for “Borderlands” grows with new arrivalby Sami Saab
staff writer
“Borderlands” was a game that followed four adventurers searching the ruined planet of Pandora for a rumored alien Vault. The game was truly innovative, with unique and eye-catching cell-shaded graphics and an engine that randomly generates creatures, weapons, and loot throughout the game world. Unfortunately, issues like horrible co-op connectivity, a feeling of isolation in the world, very similar desert environments, and only one available vehicle caused “Borderlands 1” to receive criticism. When “Borderlands 2” was announced, not much information was released. But trailers, interviews, and announcements trickled in, exciting fans and non-fans alike. The highly-anticipated game appeared truly fantastic. On Sept. 18, Gearbox, the game’s developer, released the game with rave reviews and an applauding fan base. “Borderlands 2” opens with a unique introduction describing events that occurred after “Borderlands 1” ended. After opening the Vault, the Hunters discovered that instead of riches and treasures, the vault held only a giant alien tentacle monster that had to be killed. Vault Hunters were unhappy, so they decided to split up, convinced that the Vault held no treasures. But they were wrong. After opening the Vault, Eridium, a valuable and powerful alien element, began to emerge across all of Pandora, attracting adventurers and bandits of all kinds. However, it also attracted the Hyperion Corporation, whose army of highly advanced robots swept across Pandora, killing everything in their path. But in its quest for wealth, Hyperion uncovered evidence of an even greater vault. The story begins with four new Vault Hunters, on a quest to beat Hyperion to the prize and claim the riches for themselves. These four new Vault Hunters of “Borderlands 2” are similar to the four original Vault Hunters of “Borderlands 1,” yet unique in their own ways. Axton, the Commando, wields the powerful Sabre turret, a device capable of single handedly clearing an entire room full of hostiles. Maya, a Siren, is an alien from another dimension. Sirens have
unique abilities, and Maya can isolate a single enemy in mid-air for a few seconds for an easy kill. Salvador, the Gunzerker, possesses the power to dual-wield two weapons. Zero, the Assassin, can turn invisible while creating a self-hologram to distract his enemies. While invisible, he can sneak up behind enemies and melee them, with a 600% damage boost. These new adventurers are all introduced through a beautiful opening cutscene. “Borderlands 1” is famous for its opening cutscene, but this one undoubtedly tops it. Unfortunately, after the opening, the game’s only flaw reveals itself- an hour long tutorial mission. Thankfully, once the tutorial ends, “Borderlands 2” really gets the ball rolling. Beginning with the usual fun and challenging missions from the first game, the second installment features several hilarious missions and dialogue. After a few humorous episodes, the character reaches Sanctuary, the last bastion of resistance against Hyperion. Once arriving in Sanctuary, it becomes clear just how great “Borderlands 2” is. All the hand-holding is gone, leaving the player alone, which means things get a lot more fun. But while looking around Sanctuary, it is obvious that Gearbox fixed issues from the first game. Sanctuary has every lovable character from “Borderlands 1” conveniently in one place. The town alone has more people in it than all of “Borderlands 1” did, giving the game a lively and active feel. The “Borderlands 2” biggest im-provement over “Borderlands 1” is the modified loot generating machine. The machine in “Borderlands 2” surpasses that of “Borderlands 1” so much that even the developers had to invent a new number to communicate the amount of guns in the game, an absolutely crazy amount. The game includes sniper rifles with two-foot long machetes on the bottom, shotguns that shoot fireballs, shotguns with robots inside that talk as you shoot things, and a sniper rifle with bursts of fire. The possibilities are endless. Some guns shoot lightning. Others shoot fire. Some even shoot corrosive acid. Can “Call of Duty” do that? Didn’t think so.
Local Halloween haunted houses and trails Terrorville
Where: Pev’s Paintball Park39853 New RoadAldie, VAWhen: Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 28Featuring:Half-mile Walk of TerrorZombie Paintball ShootZombie Laser Tag ShootZombie RumbleOutdoor movie theater and bonfire
Cox Farms Fields of FearWhere: Cox Farms15621 Braddock RoadCenterville, VAWhen: Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 37:30-11 p.m.Featuring:CornightmareDark-Side hayrideGiant slide by torchlightFiregrounds* not recommended for children under 13 *
Shocktober at Paxton ManorWhere: Paxton Manor601 Catoctin Circle NELeesburg, VAWhen: Fridays,Saturdays, and Sundays through Oct. 287-10 p.m.Featuring:Extremely scary and interactive haunted tour through Paxton ManorGhostly encounters and live music* not recommended for children under 13 *
Randy Stephenson illustration of ghost eating Halloween candy. The Wichita Eagle 1995
Fred Matamoros color illustration of pumpkins. The News Tribune (Taco-ma, Wash.) 2008
Sports Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 Page 16
Varsity football expects strong finishDespite current 2-5 record, playoff berth possible
PHOTO BY VIVIANA DEL TORO
Senior quarterback Rashaan Jones shows dejection after the homecoming game loss to Madison. South Lakes led with under one minute remaining before Madison running back Mitchell Goddard scored a 1-yard touchdown run to give the Warhawks a 38-35 win.
by Viviana Del Torophoto editor
In a complete reversal from the previous week’s 5-0 loss to McLean, varsity football scored five touchdowns against Madison during last Friday’s homecoming game. Both teams exchanged the lead eight times with Madison winning the game with a touchdown run with less than one minute remaining in the game, 38-35. With about two minutes left in the game, senior quarterback Rashaan Jones scored on a 11-yard touchdown run to give South Lakes a 35-31 lead. Madison closed out the scoring with a one yard run by senior quarterback Mitchell Goddard. Despite the loss, South Lakes enjoyed its biggest offensive night of the season against Madison, who improved to 6-1 on the season. The Seahawks dropped to 2-5. Head coach Marvin Wooten explained why his team performed offensively while not scoring or giving up a touchdown against McLean. “It’s all on whom we play,” Wooten said. “We play some teams that relay a lot on defense and not so much on offensive, and we play some teams that are explosive on offense, and giving up the big play on defense. That’s just a week to week thing.” Against a tough Madison team, South Lakes nearly pulled off the upset. “Against McLean we didn’t put up any points,” Wooten said. “We had a lot of kids that were out and this week against Madison we really tried to coach up our mistakes, and we got a few kids back for that game. I thought we saw a little change and we had extra motivation for being a homecoming game.” Although varsity football lost its
last two football games, they feel that the season still can be a success. “Right now the spirit is good, despite the close losses,” Wooten said. “This year we are more competitive, and I think that confidence is going to roll until the end of the season and carry over into next season as well because we do have a lot of kids coming back for next year as well.” Players agree with Wooten’s perspective. “This year is a lot better than last year in terms of leadership,” junior offensive guard and defense tackle Marc Harrison said. “Last year we had only two captains. This year we have four and we have an important role. We lead by example and our leadership. Along with the new coaches, this is giving our team a better overall feeling and vibe. More leadership means better spirit.” Harrison, one of the four captains, feels that South Lakes could even make the playoffs this year. “Everyone knows the effort we put in,” said Harrison. “We don’t let our record get in the way of our feelings and vibes. We know we have to win these next few games. We can win these last three games to end 5-5 and potentially put ourselves in a playoff situation.” Tonight is probably the biggest challenge remaining for varsity football. They travel to play Langley who is 3-4. The Seahawks conclude the season with Marshall and Thomas Jefferson at home. Marshall is 0-7 and Thomas Jefferson is 3-4. “The expectations for the kids still go up, play hard, put in a lot of effort, enthusiasm. Three games that I think we could win and I feel that if we do win we can still make the playoff and have a post season so the expectations are to play hard and do the best that we can.”
Harrison is already looking toward the future. “This year is a lot better than last year,” said Harrison. “We’re losing a few of our seniors like Rashaan and Zac [Parker], but for the most part everyone is returning next year. The spirit we have this year will carry into next year. The end of this season is the beginning of next season, so having success to conclude the season would really boost our morale.” Jones leads the team in passing with 687 yards and 275 yards rushing. Parker leads in scoring with 8 touchdowns on 687 yards receiving. Junior Alex Woodward leads the defense with 72 total this season.
Varsity basketball looks to overcome last year’s district tourney lossesby Mark Bouwmeester
online sports editor
Although winter sports have yet to begin, basketball is working hard to prepare for the upcoming season. Varsity boys basketball looks to bounce back after being upset by Thomas Jefferson early in the playoffs last year, and aims to use that loss to finish this season with a better result. Despite the early exit from the postseason, optimism for the upcoming season is high. “I think varsity will do pretty well,” sophomore center Ryan Sharifi said. “It will be a bit of a rebuilding year since we lost eight seniors. We should be able to bounce back from the early playoff loss last year, and we should finish high in the district, and hopefully win the district tournament.” Boys basketball has worked out since the end of last season holding daily open gyms, conditioning workouts and morning practices.
The coaching staff has been preparing as well, with head coach Andrew Duggan entering his third season, and JV head coach Shannon Byrnes and his assistant Evan Millar entering their second season. Freshmen coaches James Parnham and Daniel Cincinnati will start their
second seasons of coaching after replacing Byrnes and Millar. “I really am looking forward to this season,” Duggan said. “While we lost a lot of kids last year, I do like our kids coming up. Our two
seniors, Evan Keys and Junior Ebott, have done a really good job this off-season and are going to play key roles for us. Our younger kids such as Clayton O’Neill and Brandon Kamga have put in a lot of good work and made a lot of improvements. We are looking for
those four, who are our captains, to do a lot of good things for us.” Despite adjustments in the roster, expectations have not changed. “Our goal is the same no matter what the year is,” Duggan said. “Our
goal is still to win the district tournament, and I feel as if we have a good group of kids that can do that for us. It will be tough because Langley and Fairfax are tough teams, but I really like how our team has played over the summer, into the fall, and in the team camp we attended a
few weeks ago. I feel as though we can compete for that district title as we should here at South Lakes.” On the other side of the court, the varsity girls team looks to repeat last
“Our goal is still to win the district tournament, and I feel as if we have a good group of kids that can do that for us. It will be tough because Langley and Fairfax are tough teams, but I really like how our team has played over the summer, into the fall, and in the team camp we attended a few weeks ago.”
- Andrew Duggan, varsity boys basketball coach
year’s season in which they made it all the way to the quarterfinals of the regional tournament. The girls are confident that the upcoming season will bring much success. “I think this season is going to be great,” sophomore guard Angie McCarthy said. “There are some roster changes from last year that I think are going to bring a spark to this team and send us far into the playoffs.” Junior guard Caitlin Jensen agrees. “The varsity season should be good,” Jensen said. “We have a lot of returning players and losing in the district championships is more motivation. I think that we can use that motivation and win districts this year.” The girls have also prepared during the offseason to ensure that this season will be as successful as the last. The girls will be led once again by head coach Christy Winters-Scott.
Stone BridgeMadisonFairfaxMcLeanLangleyThomas JeffersonSouth LakesMarshall
5-04-05-13-23-33-42-50-7
#9#52#99#157#97#178#169#326
AAA Liberty District Overall Record and State Ranking (MaxPreps.com)
Remaining GamesOct. 19 @ Langley, 7:30 p.m.Oct. 26 vs. Marshall, 7:30 p.m.Nov. 2 vs. Thomas Jefferson, 7:30 p.m.
Work hard, play harder
Sports Volume 28, Issue 1 Page 17
For More Information: Kenny Burrowes, Teen Program Director • 703-476-4500
Join Reston Community CenteR foR a tRip to
Athletic dream becomes reality for DainkehNiki May
staff writer
Senior Suli Dainkeh traveled to Holland, Belgium, and Germany during a European Training Camp to participate in four international-friendly matches for the United States’ Under-18 Men's National Soccer Team. “I went on the national team trip to represent and play for my country,” Dainkeh said. “It was an amazing experience for me to improve my soccer skills while experiencing other cultures.” The national team participated in a training camp and challenged other nation's teams in their homelands, including two teams from Holland. Dainkeh’s team kicked off the camp challenging Feyenoord Academy, a joint academy of professional soccer clubs Feyenoord and Excelsior located in
Rotterdam, Holland, defeating them 2-0. The second game played was also a success for the national team, as they defeated Germany’s Borussia Dortmund 1-0. The US national team earned a 4-2 win against the Netherlands, a previously undefeated team, in Grosebeek, Holland. “It was an amazing feeling to beat one of the best teams in the world,” Dainkeh said. “I am really proud of this accomplishment.” In the final match of the European Training Camp, the national team fell to Club Brugge, Belgium’s Under-19 club, 3-1. Dainkeh was part of D.C United Academy for two years after playing for the Academy's Under-15/16 team in 2010. He was named to the East Conference’s Under-15/16 Academy Best XI team. As reported in a Sept. 6 Reston Patch story, Dainkeh started 27 games for the Academy team. Although Dainkeh has had plenty of experience with D.C United and national
teams, he is looking forward to playing soccer at the college level. Dainkeh was recruited by 15 NCAA Division I colleges, including University of Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia. Dainkeh verbally committed to the University of Maryland during his junior year at South Lakes. His decision was impacted by how close the school is to his home. “When I went to University of Maryland it just felt right,” Dainkeh said. “I loved the coaches and the school, plus the college is academically right for me.” With all the experiences Dainkeh has had through his soccer career, he considers the national team’s camp the greatest. “Being selected to play was the biggest accomplishment of my soccer career so far,” said Dainkeh. “It was amazing for me.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRAVIS CLARK
Shake your pom pomsCheerleading and dance add to spirited pep rallyThe homecoming pep rally crowd enjoyed spirited performances by the cheerleading and dance squad. Dance squad performed to a remix of “Ready or Not” by Bridget Mendler, “Clique” by Kanye West, and “Don’t Wake Me Up” by Chris Brown, while cheerleaders performed a competition quality stunt routine. Cheerleading will host districts at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24. The next dance team performance will be during the football game against Marshall, Oct. 26.
(Left) Junior Sarah Davidson is the centerpiece of the cheerleading stunt during the pep rally. (Right) Dance team member senior Erin Flattery performs solo. (Photos by Viviana Del Toro)
Sports Friday, Oct. 19, 2012 Page 18
CHEERLEADING With 23 athletes, the squad traveled to Fairfax for the Rebel Rally, Oct. 1 and placed second in the Varsity Division. The Liberty District Semifinals were also held at Fairfax, Oct. 17. District finals will be at South Lakes, Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. Regional semifinals will be at Fairfax, Oct. 27.
FALL SPORTS UPDATE
FOOTBALL Varsity football has a 2-5 record going into tonight’s game at Langley. Season highlight is the 21-7 win over Herndon for Baron Cameron Bowl Sept. 7. Varsity football’s other win came agaisnt Louisa County 27-21, Sept. 28. Varsity will host Marshall, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. Regular season concludes against Thomas Jefferson, Nov. 2. JV and freshmen football both had 2-3 records going into yesterday’s games agaisnt Langley. Both teams will play at Marshall, Oct. 25. Freshmen play at 5:45 p.m. and JV will play at 7:30 p.m.
CROSS COUNTRY Freshman Monica Lannen leads the girls team with a 19:45.96 minute 5,000 Meter Run and senior Ashkan Mohammadi lead the boys team with a 16:31.29 time. Both teams have placed in the top ten during multiple meets including the girls second place finish and the boys fourth place finish at the Hagan Stone XC Invitational. Teams are gearing up for the Liberty District Championship meet at Burke Lake Park, Oct. 24. The Northen Region Championship will occur at Burke Lake Park, Nov. 1.
FIELD HOCKEY The team finished with an 11-7 regular season record with leadership on the sidelines from second-year coach, Jessica Dowd. Seniors Lisi Mueller, Emily Lemoine, and Melissa Westfall lead the team on the field. The team fell to Marshall 1-0 in double over time in its first game of districts. Season highlights included the team’s 1-0 win versus Herndon, beating them for the first time in seven years.
GIRLS GOLF Four members of the golf team qualified for regionals, Oct. 17. Seniors Eugenia Witherow and Katie Heatherly, junior Paige Coatney, and sophomores Gina Valentino and Cheyenne Keeter competed in the match. None advanced to states. A season highlight was Witherow’s first place finish at the first annual Liberty District Tournament. The girls finished with a 3-2 record.
DANCE TEAM The 13-girl dance team has been working on hip hop routines under new coach Anna Headen. Seniors Jacqueline Angel, Rachel Ravencraft, and Erin Flattery will hold tryouts for the winter team over Thanksgiving break.
from the
by Emily Lipscombco-managing editor
lip
For any of you freshman or new kiddos to the school, I am sure you took notice of the amount of school spirit during homecoming week. While every class has an unwavering pride for our school, we all know that our true loyalty lies in the representation of our class- all hail 2013- and ultimately, spirit week highlights the pride we hold in our class rather than our unity as a school. I would never try to put down
spirit our class has in any way, shape, or form. I have said it once and I will stick by it: you are an idiot to not partic-ipate in spirit week, a flat out, bone-headed idiot. However, above all atrocities
one could commit against spirit week, to me the biggest one is a lack of participation or apprecia-tion for Powder Puff. Powder Puff football, a game
set specifically for the seniors to play the juniors and sophomores to play the freshmen, is a tradi-tion here at South Lakes. It has been, and hopefully will always be, an event that many girls look forward to since the beginning of school, despite a good chunk of participants being clueless about the sport. The purpose of the game is
to bond classes with each other while keeping a good-natured spirit towards the losing team. In fact, since The Class of
2013 were freshmen, there has only been one unsportsmanlike call on our class, unfortunately on me, but I believe that shows just how well Powder Puff works. Our awesome coaches, Mr.
Krasilovsky and Mr. Carter, with a variation of female coaches including this year’s Mrs. Evans, promoted good sportsmanship more than anything thing else- besides winning that is- and taught us to become better players. So the fact of the matter is, no
matter what sport you are play-ing, and regardless if it is for one game or a season, athletic ability isn not what defines an athlete. Good players and bad players
are simply differentiated by the heart of every good participant who values respect for not only thereself, but more importantly the athletes around them. The thing to keep in mind is
that in sports, or school, or even in life, that’s the way to play the game.
VOLLEYBALL The varsity team had a 12-8 regular season record as of Oct. 16. District semifinals will occur Oct. 29- Nov 1 at Stone Bridge. As of Oct. 16 JV Volleyball had a 6-4 record while the freshmen’s record was 9-1. In their match against Fairfax Oct. 15, JV lost 2-1 while freshmen won 2-1. Volleyball travels to Madison Tuesday, Oct. 23.
Coaches are encouraged to send game results and stats to [email protected].
Fall sports show improvement from seasons of the past
by Edgeri Hudlinprint editor
During the 2009 season, varsity field hockey won three games. Last season, they won five. This year, field hockey finished the season with an 11-8 record. It is field hockey’s best finish in recent years. This is indicative of the overall performance of fall sports at South Lakes. Volleyball, for example, won 15 matches last season and looks to equal or better that record this season. Volleyball suffered through a losing season in 2010. Last year, boys cross country placed third in districts while the girls placed sixth. This year, both are favorites to win districts, scheduled for Oct. 24. This year, girls golf five of the six team members qualified for regionals. Senior golfer Eugenia Witherow won the first annual Liberty District Tournament. Consistency in team growth, intensity of effort, and leadership tend to attribute to this increased success. “It was definitely the motivation and dedication of our coaches and the fact that our team is like a family, and we really wanted to do well this season and change our reputation,” field hockey junior midfielder Olivia Wolfe said. Some did not depend on experi-enced seniors to reach success. “Considering that we lost a lot of really good runners, we are still doing very well,” senior cross coun-try runner Jason Valenzuela said. “We have a lot of good freshmen that came in.” Cross country runners increased their level of preparation for this season, having two practices a day over the summer compared to just one a day the previous year. “Our endurance has improved and we can get through the pain,” freshman Charlie Hoffman said. “We do more mile repeats now.” Fall teams have built momentum at a gradual rate during the past several years “I’m proud of my team and I think we have a really bright future for the rest of the season,” senior captain Annemarie Bresson said. “I have been on varsity for four years and from our first year our record was like 4-10 which is disgusting, but now we are already 12-8 so it’s already one of the better seasons
of the team. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and we still have a shot at the playoffs, so we can definitely do it based on the rest of our season as long as we just keep up the good work.”
(Above) At the field hockey game against Wakefield, junior Lauren Horlacher and coach Nadine Hetman eat oranges during half time. Varsity field hockey enjoyed a winning season, finishing with a 12-8 record. (Below) Senior outside hitter Chloe Traylor prepares to block a hit during a match agaisnt Washington-Lee Sept. 24.
PHOTOS BY VIVIANA DEL TORO
Defining a good athlete
COED GOLF The coed eight member team finished the season with a 0-7 record. Their closest match was against Mc-Lean, 182-167, at Reston National, Aug. 29.
we’ve had, and I think we can go really far.” Coming out of a bad season and attempting to reap success is some-thing that many fall teams faced. However, varsity football continues to rebuild following its 2010 season where they finished 8-4, winning its first round playoff game and defeating Herndon in eight years. Last year football slogged through a 1-9 season. So far this year, they have won two games with 3 left in the schedule. “Last year, there were eight starting sophomores and we’re all bigger and faster now that we’re juniors,” junior defensive lineman Alex Woodward said. Woodward’s teammates share this view. “The team has become more disciplined since last year and more mature. We’ve grown as a team,” senior captain Jake Andrich said. “We’re more experienced because the team was so young, we were sophomores and everything, so then this year everyone’s older now and we’re more mature and they’ve
gained more experience. “ Even though football faces another losing season they still see this season as a great improvement. “It’s a privilege to be the captain of the team,” Andrich said. “ I’m proud
Sports Volume 28, Issue 1 Page 19
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